Peoples Daily Newspaper, Friday, June 29, 2012

www.peoplesdaily-online.com

Vol. 8 No. 70

Friday, June 29, 2012

. . . putting the people first

Shaaban 9, 1433 AH

N150

Subsidy probe report: Police scuttle Abuja protest

By Nasir Muhammad, Etuka Sunday & Morufat Ojulari

A

rmed policemen yesterday in Abuja scuttled a protest organised by some civil society organisations (CSOs) to

demand quick implementation of the report of the House of Representatives ad-hoc Committee that probed the fuel subsidy regime in the country.

Following the revelations of the House ad-hoc committee

report, the CSOs resolved to stage a rally tagged End Impunity Now (EIN), in some parts of central Abuja against the high level of corruption in the country.

Specifically, the organisations had planned to converge at the

Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) headquarters for a brief rally from where they would march to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke,

to present a letter to him demanding the implementation of the report and prosecution of indicted officials and marketers.

The planned protest was scheduled to end at the Economic Contd on Page 2

Boko Haram

We’ll restore peace before Ramadan – Dasuki

By Lawal Sadiq Sanusi

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or the first time since the inception of the Jonathan administration in May 2010, a highly placed official of the government yesterday visited the most troubled spots in the North-eastern part of the country.

The newly appointed National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), visited Potiskum and Damaturu in Yobe state, to ascertain the security situation in the areas with a view to finding lasting solution to the intractable security challenges bedevilling them.

Col. Dasuki, while on his visit to the two beleaguered towns, assured of President Goodluck Jonathan’s commitment to restoration of peace in the areas and the country before the beginning of this year’s Ramadan Fast due in three weeks.

The visit, widely acknowledged by people in the Contd on Page 2

Reps begin probe of $620,00 bribery >> PAGE 4

Flood due to heavy dawn pour, yesterday at Ijegun, in Lagos.

Gunmen wipe out PDP chairman’s family in Jos >> PAGE 4

Photo: NAN

N300m fraud: PDP created Again, ICPC fails to state of insecurity arraign Ehindero –Al-makura >> PAGE 4

>> PAGE 5

PAGE 2

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

CONTENTS News

2-11

Editorial

12

Op.Ed

13

Letters

14

Opinion

15

Metro

16-17

Business

19-22

S/Exchange

23

S/Report

24

Religion

26

Feature

27

Newsxtra

29

Seized vessel not carrying crude, Naval Chief replies Reps

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

he Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ola Ibrahim Saad, yesterday, told members of the House of Representatives that seized MTVanessa earlier claimed to be carrying 8.5 million barrels of stolen crude oil has no crude on board.

The CNS, who appeared before the House Joint Committee investigating upsurge in illegal bunkering, said there was wrong media reportage of the seized ship.

The chairman of the committee, Muraina Ajibola had during the public hearing raised alarm that the ship contained 8.5m barrels of crude oil this made the committee to constitute a sub-committee to, within 72 hours investigate the claim.

In quick response, the Defence Headquarters issued new directives for owners of boats and barges oper-

ating in the coastal region of the country.

In addition, the Navy was directed to hand over the said ship to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for safekeeping.

"We don't want to hear that the content of the ship has disappeared," The naval chief disputed the claims of the Committee on the origin of the ship saying it was Belgian and not French.

He revealed that as part of the initiatives to curb illegal bunkering, all boats and barges plying Nigerian coastal waters must henceforth be registered with the Defence Headquarters (DHq). In addition, any boat or barge conveying crude oil must also be registered with an oil producing company.

He said: "Having discovered the magnitude of threat illegal bunkering is posing to our economy coupled with the fact that the agency of gov-

ernment that supposed to do certain things have refused to carry out their responsibilities, we de-

cided to take up the challenge towards curbing the menace of illegal bunkering.

Insecurity: Jonathan urges Customs to cooperate

By Abdulrahman Abdulaheem

P

resident Goodluck Jonathan has said rising national and regional security issues relating to the menace of terrorism, proliferation of light weapons, narcotics and smuggling call for critical cooperation between Customs administrations worldwide.

President Jonathan was delivering the keynote address at the 119th/120th Sessions of the Customs Cooperation Council/World Customs Organisation in Brussels, Belgium, yesterday.

With regard to the traditional enforcement role of the Customs, the President enjoined Customs administrations worldwide to strengthen themselves and ensure that their specific role is not only to guard against illegal activities but also to protect the integrity of global socio-economic systems.

The WCO Secretary-General, Mr. Kunio Mikuriya, expressed the council’s appreciation for the political support which President Jonathan had given to the Nigeria Customs, and the international body, adding that such support had enabled growth and development of Customs service.

We’ll restore peace before Ramadan – Dasuki Contd from Page 1

Police fires 2 superintendents, demotes DCP, 2 CSPs, Page 3

International 31-34 Strange World 35 Digest

36

Politics

37-40

Sports

41-47

Columnist

48

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

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areas as the first of its kind, raised the hope of both government functionaries and local inhabitants that something concrete would soon be done to end the protracted violence.

Peoples Daily learnt that the NSA had commiserated with the people of both towns on behalf of the federal government just as he held a private meeting with the Yobe state governor, Malam Ibrahim Gaidam, during his visit to the Government House in Damaturu.

Dasuki told newsmen at the Government House that he hoped the people would join hands with government to foster peaceful coexistence in the state, and called for intelligence gathering by the people to provide useful information, promising that every information received would be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.

Receiving the NSA, Governor Gaidam commended President Jonathan for taking wide ranging measures to tackle

insecurity in the state and other parts of the North, including the appointment of the new NSA to coordinate and advance efforts to restore peace and security.

“There is a clear change of strategy in the fight against insecurity as promised by Mr President. There is an indication that our hopes, pride and dignity as citizens of this great country would be restored”, Gaidam said.

He also commended the Joint Task Force (JTF) operating in the state for its unwavering effort at ensuring the safety and security of the people even as he noted that the current security challenges require more robust efforts to address.

The Yobe governor appealed to the federal government to deploy more troops to Yobe state.

“I wish to appeal for the deployment of more troops to the state to complement efforts of those on the ground and particularly deployment of full Joint Task Force comprising all security agencies so as to enable them tackle the security challenges more effectively”, Gaidam said.

Damaturu and Potiskum have witnessed some of the deadliest attacks by the Boko Haram sect in recent times.

Within last week, members of the Boko Haram engaged the JTF in fierce battles that lasted hours and saw scores killed from both sides.

Only last week Friday, President Jonathan sacked the Minister of Defence, Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed and the National Security Adviser, General Andrew Owoeye Azazi, for the obvious reason that the insurgents had devised their methods of attack and the federal government needed to also go with the dynamics of the time to be able to curb their actions.

He said in a televised media chat that, “relating to the changes we made where the minister of defence was removed, we have not named anyone yet because that one has to get to the Senate. We cannot announce any name because it is the Senate that has to clear him or her. So, we don’t announce until the Senate clears”.

However on the NSA’s

appointment, the President said, “But the NSA, which is a political adviser position, some other person has taken over.

“The interest of the terrorists is to destabilise the government. If they use one thing it doesn’t work, they want to use another thing”.

“So, you too will begin to change your personnel, change your style and change your strategy,” he said.

Another reason that President Jonathan said that ushered in the new NSA was, “ I also thought it was time some other hands come in to do things slightly different”.

Before the decision to effect the changes several voices of eminent personalities, like the Northern Elders Forum, the Christian Association of Nigeria, Northern Zone, had called for not only the change in guard of the minister of defence and the NSA, but also the service chiefs and overhaul of the entire security apparatus, who are seen to have been idling while the insecurity situation lingers.

Subsidy probe report: Police scuttle Abuja protest Contd from Page 1

and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters after the presentation of a similar letter to the agency’s Chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde.

However, as early as 6am yesterday a detachment of armed policemen led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) besieged the front of the NNPC Towers where the protest was expected to begin.

The policemen were aided by a handful of soldiers in aborting the rally.

Despite the action of the

security agents, however, the protesters still went ahead to express their disdain for the level of corruption most especially on the issue fuel subsidy.

Lamenting, one of the protesters, Tunde Aremu, said it was wrong for the Nigerian Police to send an armed detachment against unarmed Nigerians to stop them from expressing their rights.

“Nigerians have the right to protest; so it is wrong for armed police men to stand against unarmed Nigerians who are demanding that their country be

run in a better way,” he said.

Also speaking, the leader of the protesters, Jaye Gaskia who condemned the President’s seeming inaction, said it was not enough to dismiss the board of NNPC, saying that some of them were near their retirement periods. He added that the action would only make people that were corrupt to walk away from prosecution and go back home to enjoy the monies they have looted.

According to the CSOs, it was also wrong for President Jonathan to sack the top

management of the NNPC and leave behind the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, saying as the person whose office was responsible for supervision of the NNPC and other agencies indicted by the probe, she should have been the first to be sacked.

On his part, Rev. David Ugolor, “The only way the FG can send the right signal to the Nigerians and the international community is for us to end the culture of impunity.”

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

PAGE 3

Union Bank faces $2,653.090 guarantee scandal From Francis Iwuchukwu, Lagos

T

L-R: Yobe state Goveror, Malam Ibrahim Gaidam, with the new National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuki (Rtd), during the NSA’s visit to the governor, yesterday in Damaturu, the state capital.

he Court of Appeal sitting in Enugu, will determine a claim of $2,653,090 said to have been paid by Union Bank Plc to a third party in honour of a bank guarantee for a customer which the guarantor is insisting is a false claim.

Justices of the appellate court are also expected to rule on whether to agree with a lower court decision to wind up Resurrection Power Investment Company Limited, a customer of the bank.

Union Bank had commenced the winding up process at a Federal High Court sitting in Enugu following alleged inability of Resurrection Power Investment Company Limited to off-set its indebtedness to the bank.

The bank contends that having guaranteed the said sum by way of providing a performance bond, it made the said sum available to Shangai Trisum

Police fires 2 superintendents, demotes DCP, 2 CSPs

By Lambert Tyem

T

he Police Service Commission yesterday announced the dismissal of two Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs) and demotion of a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) and Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP).

The disciplinary measures also included 71 other officers.

The commission said the officers were dismissed and demoted for conducts believed to be unprofessional and against the tenets of the force.

Those dismissed include woman CSP Rebecca Okereke and ASP Gabriel Fakiyesi, while DCP

Peter B. Ogunyanwo, was demoted to the rank of an Assistant Commissioner of Police, and CSPs John S. Nwele and Chukwu Okafor to Superintendents of police.

The “71 disciplinary cases were considered by the Commission and various disciplinary measures ranging from reprimand to dismissal were awarded”.

According to Ferdinand Ekpe, spokesman of the commission, the decision was taken at the 27th Plenary Meeting of the commission in Abuja. He added that the approval was also given for the promotion of Mr. Sam A. Okaula from the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police to Deputy Commissioner of Police, as well as Mr. Geoffrey Okafor from the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police to Assistant Commissioner of Police based on the recommendation of the Inspector General of Police.

300 passengers escape death as train rams into vehicle From Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, Abeokuta

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ver 300 passengers on Wednesday night narrowly escaped death following a crash of a 12-coach Lagos-bound train with a Nissan Cabstar pick-up vehicle at OdoEran, Lafenwa area of Abeokuta,

By A’isha Biola Raji

T

he 11th floor of Radio House, the building housing the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Information, yesterday, witnessed a fire outbreak.

The incident which occurred at about 2: 45 in the afternoon on the floor housing the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria was quickly averted by men of the Fire Service

the Ogun state capital.

Our correspondent reports that the earlier collision with the pick-up vehicle served as a saving grace which prevented the train from plunging into a gully created by a flood which had washed away part of its track. The flood caused by the heavy downpour in the town had swept away the sand

under the rail track, thereby making it difficult for the train to pass.

The railway station sources informed that the crushing of the pick-up vehicle by the train at about 9.00am earlier on Wednesday had prevented the train from continuing its journey and thereby saved it from running

on the already swept away part of the track which could have caused it to derail.

However, as a result of the the incident, many of the more than 300 passengers on the Lagos-bound train said to be coming from Ilorin were stranded in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital.

Fire guts 11th floor of Radio House which also has its office close to the scene of the incident.

Our reporter who was at the scene gathered that fire outbreaks are a regular occurrence which staff of the establishment are accustomed to.

According to a staff of the Radio House who pleaded anonymity,

the fire was as a result of faulty electrical appliances in one of the offices.

Also, a fireman who also declined identification mentioned how they responded promptly to the call from the ministry especially as they are located close to the building. “We quickly arrived here

ready to put out the fire,” he said.

Our reporter however gathered that, no injury or casualty was recorded as all the staff were notified immediately the fire broke. Also, no official statement was issued as regards the cause of the incident or the level of damage incurred.

International Trading Company Limited, a customer of Resurrection Power Investment Company Limited, in compliance with details of an agreement.

However, represented by Chief Charles Uwensuyi-Edosomwan and Edwin Anikwem, Resurrection Power Investment Company Limited had challenged the decision of the lower court which directed that the company should be wound up owing to its inability to honour its debt obligation.

It is also the contention of Resurrection Power Investment Company Limited that following the dismissal of an application for summary judgment filed by Shangai Trisun International Trading Company Limited in suit LD/1313/08 by a Lagos High Court presided over by Justice Jumoke Pedro, Shangai Trisun International Trading Company Limited discontinued the suit even though the court had ordered that the matter proceed to trial immediately.

FG commends hajj commission over 2012 preparations

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

T

he Federal Government has commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria for its efforts to ensure that the 2012 hajj operations are hitch free.

This commendation was made

by Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, during the meeting called at his instance to review the 2011 Hajj operations to Saudi Arabia and the way forward, held at the State House, Abuja.

The Vice President noted with delight the measures the Commission was putting in place to ensure that it implements the recommendations of the Post Mortem Conference on the 2011 Hajj Operation with all stakeholders, of which the report had been submitted to President Jonathan.

He therefore charged them to make sure that all stakeholders particularly the state governments were carried along on preparations for the 2012 Hajj operations in the areas of pilgrims air lift, accommodation, movement, medical care, education, registration, screening, feeding and luggage issues. He stressed that the welfare of the pilgrims was paramount.

Ogbeh, Balarabe Musa, others charge Jonathan on insecurity, dialogue From Ayodele Samuel & Ojebola Matthew, Lagos

A

lhaji Balarabe Musa, Chief Audu Ogbe, Obong Victor Attah amongst others yesterday, led other leaders of thought under the aegis of the National Summit Group (NSG), to call on the Federal Government and particularly the security

agencies to ensure that the present menace posed by the Boko Haram insurgency is brought to an end lest it undermines the corporate existence of the country.

Other leaders including Arthur Nwakwo Prof. Pat Utomi, Ralph Obioha, John Nwodo, Alhaji Gambo Jimeta also described dialogue with Boko Haram insurgents as the only lasting

solution to the current security challenges in the nation.

Speaking in Lagos yesterday at the inaugural meeting of the steering committee, the chairman of the committee, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, said ‘dialogue with the sect and wide consultation and engagement of all stakeholders in the country will bring about an end to this unhappy state of

insecurity in our nation as it did in the Niger Delta region’.

He added that the national committee totally condemned the continued epidemic of murder, destruction of properties and killing of innocent Nigerians in their places of abode and worship by the Boko Haram sect.

“We call on government and particularly the security agencies

to ensure that the present menace posed by Boko Haram is brought to anend as expeditiously as possible, in order not to undermine the corporate existence of the country.

“Let them also be sincere, and go beyond paying lip-service, in decisively fighting corruption by persecuting all those who have been indicted in corruption related probes,” he stated.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

PAGE 4

Gunmen kill PDP ward chair, wife, child in Jos From Nankpah Bwakan, Jos

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nknown gunmen yesterday killed a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ward chairman, his wife and a child in a broad daylight attack at Gwarim in Rim village, Bachit District of Riyom local government area of Plateau state.

The ward chairman of Sharubutu ward, Hon. John Baren alongside his wife and child were killed at about 3:30pm when late Hon. Baren was riding home on a motorcycle.

An eyewitness said Baren was said to have been returning from the burial of one of his relations in Riyom town when the suspected assailants ambushed him alongside two of his family members in a thick forest and shot them dead.

Confirming the attack to newsmen, member representing Riyom constituency in the state House of Assembly, Hon. Daniel Dem, described the killing of the three family members including ward chairman of their party, and called on the Special Task Force (STF) to step up efforts and brings the culprits to book.

Dem urged the residents of the locality to be securityconscious and desist from any kind of reprisal.

NEXIM Bank to bankrolls production of sickle cell drug

By Abdulwahab Isa

T

he Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), yesterday signed a financing agreement with National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) for the production of Niprisan, a sickle cell anaemia drug, with a view to tackling the plight of patients suffering from sickle cell anaemia disorder.

The agreement, signed in Abuja, would enable NEXIM provide funds for the commercial production of the sickle cell drug which is to be made from four botanical species indigenous to Nigeria .

NEXIM Bank’s Managing Director, Robert Orya signed on behalf of the bank while the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Muhammad Pate and DirectorGeneral of NIPRD, Prof Karniyus Gamiel signed on behalf of the ministry and the institute respectively .

Orya described the signing as significant and strategic saying it had set the tone for the production of the drugs.

He said the partnership will help to ensure that the drug is not only consumed locally, but exported to other countries, adding that NEXIM was committed to the production of the drug to address the plight of those who suffered from sickle cell anaemia in the country and in other parts of the world.

From Ayodele Samuel and Ojebola Matthew, Lagos

T

he earlier forecasted 10 days Lagos heavy rain was proved right as the persistent raining in the state for days has caused the collapse of a house that killed one- Mr. Hammed Shotuminu and left three injured at Bariga area of Lagos.

According to a resident of the area, Mr. Kabiawu Babajide, the house at No. 2 Community Street, Bariga area collapsed after

House collapses, 1 killed, 3 injured as flood hits Lagos midnight yesterday.

According to him, four people were in the house when the incident happened.

He stated that the late Hammed died instantly while Mr. Biola Adesanya and the other two victims were rushed to an

undisclosed hospital.

“The building collapsed probably because it is old and deteriorated.

“Nevertheless, the rain was heavy. It was just a natural disaster, it is just unfortunate,” he added.

Residents in Lagos on Thursday witnessed an unusual heavy downpour that started on Wednesday night, causing massive floods in every parts of the city.

A number of houses including Lagos office of Peoples Daily newspaper and roads were submerged by the flood caused by the rain which lasted for several hours.

Sections of Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway were cut off on both sides by the flood, leading to a gridlock.

Alleged N557m fraud: Ehindero challenges ICPC’s lawyer

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

F

R-L: Former Inspector-General of Police, Mr Sunday Ehindero, discussing with his counsel, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), during the former IG'S arraignment over fraud, yesterday at the Federal High Court, in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

$620,000 bribery scam: Reps begin Lawan probe

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

he House of Representatives Committee on Ethics and Privileges yesterday commenced the probe of the $620,000 bribery allegation against the embattled former chairman of the Adhoc committee on fuel subsidy Rep Farouk Lawan. However, the committee is holding a closed door session as against the earlier promise to make the probe public.

Chairman of the committee, Hon Gambo Dan-Musa explained that the session would not be public in order not to jeopardise the investigation of other bodies involved. He also promised that Chief Femi Otedola would appear before the committee next Tuesday, (July 3, 2012).

Lawan allegedly collected $620,000 bribe from Otedola, chairman, Zenon Petroleum and Oil in order to influence the outcome of the subsidy probe report.

Dan-Musa, chairman, House Committee on Ethics and Privileges explained that Otedola and other stakeholders invited by the committee will appear on separate dates.

Lawan was appointed as the chairman of the Adhoc committee to investigate oil subsidy regime and monitor its utilisation and non-utilisation of the subsidy, following a series of demonstration which crippled movement and business and almost grounded the nation's economy in January 2012, following partial removal of fuel subsidy, for which the

House through a resolution had opposed.

In a related development, Adams Jagaba, chairman, Committee on Narcotics, Drugs and Anti-corruption has denied being invited by the police over the $620,000 bribe-for-clearance saga.

"I have never received any invitation from the police to that effect but I am surprised to be reading in some newspapers that I was invited and I refused to appear.

"To put the record straight, neither my office in the National Assembly, nor that in my constituency is in receipt of the said letter purportedly written to me by Farouk. In fact, I also saw it for the first time in the newspapers as published", the lawmaker argued.

4 pupils drown as flood ravages parts of Lafia From Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia

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our nursery school pupils of Living Foundation Nursery and Primary School, Tudun Kauri, Lafia, Nasarawa state, were drowned Wednesday, after a flood, caused by a heavy rainfall, destroyed a section of the perimeter fence guarding the school, turning the corrugated iron enclosure

serving as classroom into a swimming pool, drowning four out of the 265 pupils attending the school.

Headmistress of the school, Mrs. Theresa James confirmed to our reporter that a teacher in the school, Mrs. Elizabeth Obi, who fainted while attempting to save some of the children swept by flood and four other pupils hospitalised

at the Dalhatu Araf Specialists Hospital (DASH) have since been discharged.

The rain which started at about 9-45 am and lasting an hour, was said to have resulted into a flood which residents of Tudun Kauri, said exceeded previous floods in the area, destroying several houses and resulting in the death of the pupils.

ormer Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Sunday Ehindero, yesterday, challenged the appearance of the counsel representing the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Mr. Paul Bassey in the six-count charges preferred against him by the commission.

It would be recalled that the anti-graft body had the arraignment of the former police boss and his co-accused, Mr. John Obaniyi, a former commissioner of police in charge of Budget under Ehindero before an Abuja High Court botched, for failing to serve the charges personally on them.

Ehindero and his co-accused were slammed with a six-count charge bordering on alleged misappropriation of about N557 million meant for arms and ammunition while they held sway at the helm of affairs at the force.

When the matter came up yesterday, ICPC’s counsel told the court that he has an application seeking the leave of the court to amend the charges preferred against the accused persons and to deem same as been properly filed and served.

But, the counsel representing the former police boss, Chief Mike Ozekhome, while opposing the appearance of the Mr. Bassey for ICPC in the matter said the attempt to move the application was premature because he had raised some monumental and grave issues in his preliminary objection which need to be sorted out first.

According to the SAN, the preliminary objection dated June 6, 2012 challenged the competency of Mr. Bassey or any official of the ICPC from appearing to prosecute Ehindero as they have no such power to do so.

The court slated July 13, 2012 for the arraignment of the accused persons.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

PAGE 5

PDP created insecurity, says Al-makura From Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia

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overnor Umaru Tanko Almakura of Nasarawa state, yesterday, blamed the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for creating the prevailing state of insecurity in the country, stressing that, “the party has only succeeded in entrenching a culture of injustice and impunity”, which according to him, has brought untold hardship and suffering on

the people.

The governor stated this while addressing party supporters in Awe, headquarters of Awe local government area, on the occasion of kick starting the campaign programme of Alhaji Umaru Tanko Tunga, Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) candidate for the state assembly bye-election slated for July 7th.

He described the umbrella used as the symbol of the party as “a

cover for deception, with members excelling only in the art of deception and injustice.

He further observed that Nigerians would have fared better if the presidential candidate of the CPC, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, who every Nigerian could testify on his impeccable character, was elected the first time he aspired to lead the country in 1999.

While calling on the people to turn out in their numbers on the

election day and to massively vote the CPC candidate, the governor used the opportunity to warn disgruntled politicians whose stock-in-trade, is to instigate communal strife and cause division among people who hitherto, lived peacefully together.

Peoples Daily recalls that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Nasarawa, recently fixed July 7 as the date for the state assembly bye-election, following the demise of Alhaji Yakubu Faransa (PDP, Awe North).

3rd Mainland Bridge repairs: Lagos govt explains From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

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he Lagos state government has urged residents of the state to shun the misconceptions surrounding the planned repair on the Third Mainland Bridge which would commence from Sunday, July 1.

The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat who stated this at a joint press conference with the Ministry of Information and Strategy and Ministry of Transportation yesterday, said

that the bridge would not be closed during the repair work to ensure the safety of motorists.

Hamzat described as misleading and capable of causing unnecessary panic, the impression that the bridge would be closed during the period of repairs, stressing that the repair works would only be done on five expansion joints on the Oworonsoki end of the bridge and three expansion joints to the Island end of the bridge.

“The repair work is part of the maintenance culture our people

always yearn for and expected on the part of government. This maintenance will further give road users within this axis a smoother ride and longevity to the life span of the longest bridge in Africa”, stated the commissioner.

Giving insight to vehicular movement during the period, the Commissioner for Transportation, Comrade Kayode Opeifa, assured the citizens of free vehicular movement, adding that the officials of the State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, had strategized traffic

World Bank to invest N3bn to improve youth capacity in 9 states From Iliya Garba, Minna

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iger state Commissioner for Youth Development, Mrs. Victoria Jumai Jiya, said that the World Bank would invest over N3 billion in three programmes designed to improve the capacity of Nigerian youths in nine states of the federation.

The commissioner, who made this known yesterday at a press briefing in Government House Minna, said the programme tagged: Youth Empowerment and Social Operation Project (YES-O), would be supported by the states benefiting from the financial assistance of the World Bank,

Four ‘Operation Burst’ officers die in auto crash From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

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female army officer and three other personnel of the Oyo state security outfit code named “Operation Burst” yesterday lost their lives in a ghastly auto accident on UI-Sango Road in Ibadan, the state capital.

The incident, which involved an Operation Burst patrol van and a commercial vehicle, occurred in the early hours of Thursday. The driver of the patrol van was said to have lost control and veered off the road, hitting an electric pole and an on-coming vehicle.

However, four others officers, two civilians, one army officer and one policeman are currently receiving treatment at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

The state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, who visited the victims at the Emergency Ward of the hospital in company of top government officials, said government would foot their medical bills.

adding that the programme will span over five years and will be piloted in Niger, Kano and Cross River states.

She said that the assistance would be ‘performance based’ and that the Niger state government is already working out modalities for the implementation of the programme which will commence early next year.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Jiya revealed that as a result of the of the peaceful atmosphere existing in the state, the NYSC Headquarters in Abuja, has increased the number of youth corps members to be deployed to the state to over 3,000.

Niger to purchase additional 500 tones of fertiliser From Iliya Garba, Minna

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s a result of the shortfall in the allocation to the state by the Federal Government, the Niger state government is to purchase additional 5,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser to boost bumper harvest this planting season.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Mohammed Kpotu Abdullahi, who made this known yesterday in a chat with journalists, said that the consignment will complement the 14,500 metric tonnes allocated to the state by the Federal Government.

Abdullahi further disclosed that the state government would not follow the protocol of the Federal Government in the distribution of the farm input as most farmers in the state have no access to phones.

The commissioner maintained that the commodity will be distributed to all the 274 wards in the state through their various ward development project committees.

control measures that would ease vehicular movement on the bridge.

Opeifa maintained that the pains which the state citizens would experience during this period will be very minimal compared to that of 2008 when the same bridge underwent repairs.

He urged motorists plying the route to always tune to the Traffic Radio programme for timely update of traffic reports on and around the Third Mainland bridge.

Beware of impersonators, fraudsters, EFCC warns

By Lambert Tyem

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he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday raised an alarm over the activities of fraudsters using the name of ranking officials of the agency to obtain money from unsuspecting members of the public.

The commission said recent reports indicated that there have been reported cases of criminal gangs using the names of the commission’s Director of Operations, Mr. Olaolu Adegbite and its chairman; Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde to extort money from persons purported to have petitions pending before the commission.

According to Wilson Uwujaren, Acting Head, Media & Publicity of the commission, “EFCC wishes to remind the public that it is not the practice for officials of the commission to seek payment or other forms of gratification from anyone, whether he/she is under investigation or not.

“Consequently, members of the public are strongly advised to report any solicitation for bribes in any guise by persons claiming to be officials or fronts for officials of the commission to any of its offices in Abuja and across the zones or to the nearest police station.

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

Immigration denies 31,556 foreigners B entry into Nigeria

Bauchi govt sponsors 395 overseas to study medicine

From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

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he Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has disclosed that about 31,556 foreigners were denied entry into the country between January and May this year.

The NIS Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Joachim Olumba, who disclosed this in Abuja, added that the organisation refused the foreigners visas, following a Federal

Government order on the closure of borders.

It would be recalled that President Goodluck Jonathan had ordered the closure of some of the country's borders on December 31, 2011, when he declared a state of emergency in some local government areas in Northern Nigeria.

Olumba averred that 5,603 illegal immigrants were also repatriated from the country during

the period under review.

He said discussions were on between the Immigration Service and other relevant agencies to remove settlements around the country's borders.

"The aim is to build new communities for settlement so as to give the people a sense of belonging as their relocation is important to resolving the current security challenges in the country," he said.

auchi state government has sponsored 395 medical students to undergo various courses in medicine and paramedical both in Nigeria and abroad.

This was disclosed by the Commissioner of Heath, Dr. Sani Abubakar Malami, while speaking to newsmen in Bauchi yesterday.

He said out of these, 394 medical students 354 are enrolled in the country's institutions and 38 are studying in Egypt which includes 23 girls and 15 boys while there are admitted in other countries he did not disclose.

According to Malami, the gesture is part of government's effort to continue an aggressive policy of manpower development with a view to strengthening the human resources for health.

Kebbi NDLEA losses 2 officers, counsels 40 drug dependent persons From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

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he Kebbi state commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Mr. Olo Okon Okon, has said two of the agency's officers were killed by drug barons early this year.

Mr. Okon stated this while interacting with newsmen in his office shortly after this year's International Day against Drug Abuse and illicit Drug Trafficking.

He said the agency had succeeded in counseling over 40 drug dependent persons across the state.

According to him the command has continued to seize reasonable quantities of illicit drugs that include diazepam, hexol, ergometrin, lexotan, tutolin, and benylin which have become a huge threat to the teeming youths, risking their depressant and sedative consequences.

"We have had cause to provide counseling services to well over 40 drug dependent persons between January and June this year, with all of them testing positive to some of the aforementioned drugs", he declared.

Our nuclear ambition for peaceful purposes - Jonathan

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

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L-R: Head, Product Certification, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, (SON), Mr. Abiola Komolafe, representative of Managing Director, Abuja Market Management Limited, Mr. Ibrahim Yahaya-Joe, and Director, Administration and Human Capital of SON, Mr. Paul Angya, during market enlightenment for stakeholders by SON, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Sanitation Day: Ministry to inspect hotels, ports

By Mohammed Kandi

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he Minister of Environment, Mrs. Hadiza Ibrahim Mailafia, says the ministry would embark on regular inspection of major hotels, airports and sea ports intermittently to ensure that their facilities meet up with the standard required by health laws.

Declaring open the 2012 National Environmental Sanitation Day yesterday in Abuja with the theme "My Environment, My life: Sanitation My Duty",

By Maryam Garba Hassan

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he Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina, has said that economic empowerment is central to the achievement of political empowerment and institutional development as there can be no proper development that is not backed by an economic component.

Hajiya Zainab made the assertion yesterday in Abuja at a one-day consultative forum on economic empowerment for women in Nigeria, organised by the ministry in conjunction with United Nations Entity

resident Goodluck Jonathan has assured that Nigeria's desire to acquire nuclear technology is only for peaceful purposes.

The President stated this yesterday, in his address at the commissioning of the Researchers' Hostel and Conference Centre built by the National Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC), which held at the Nuclear Technology Centre, Sheda, Abuja.

The President who was

represented by Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, said "the acquisition and use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes is an important element in any nation's path towards economic, scientific and technological development. Apart from the generation of electricity, nuclear energy finds ready peaceful applications in agriculture and food security, human health and medicine, water resources management, industry and in basic and applied scientific research."

ABU gets new DVC Admin

By Maryam Garba Hassan

Mailafia noted that the inspection became necessary against the backdrop of dissatisfaction by environmental health officers, saying most facilities in those areas were worn out.

She called on states and local governments to improve the sanitary condition in their domains, saying "provision of sanitary facilities such as adequate water, public toilets, refuse disposal bays and proper drainage system in food centers, market and abattoirs to reduce chances of

contamination", is essential.

Also speaking, guest lecturer at the event, Dr. Obaseke Iweala called on the government to provide more capacity building, environmental awareness and health education for citizens across the country.

In his goodwill massage, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene expert of UNICEF Nigeria, Bisi Ageremi, stressed the need for proactive action on the environment so as to achieve healthy living among citizens.

he Senate of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria has elected Prof. Ibrahim Na Iya Sada as the institution's new Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Administration (DVC-Admin).

A statement signed by the media consultant to the Vice Chancellor, Malam Waziri Isa Gwantu, said the election which was presided over by the institution's Vice Chancellor Prof.

Abdullahi Mustapha, took place on the floor of the university's Senate,

for Gender Equity and Empowerment of Women, UN Women.

According to her, the forum is a collaborative effort to integrate the principles of gender equality into the macro-economic framework and national development planning initiatives in such a way that the issues of gender will play a prominent role in driving the reform agenda at all levels of government and has the potential of

positively positioning men and women to maximise the opportunities to accelerate the nation's economic advancement.

In his remarks, Mr. Dauda Toure, resident Coordinator of the forum, said "empowering women economically is an essential part of realising rights because they are agents of development and investing in them has a multiplier effect on productivity, efficiency and

sustained economic growth and longterm prosperity".

He however, observed that progress on women's economic empowerment has been slow and uneven across countries - particularly Africa, adding that there must be a concrete measures in trade agreements, policies and strategies and programmes to address the constraints women face in empowering themselves economically.

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Economy central to achieving political empowerment, says minister

where majority of the members were in attendance.

According to the statement, Prof. Sada takes over from Prof.

Idris Isa Funtua who successfully completed his two-term tenure of four years on Tuesday, 26th June, 2012.

The new DVC who hails from Danbatta local government area of Kano state, was born on the 16th of February, 1954 and was admitted into the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1974 where he obtained his LL.B (Hon) degree in 1978 and was called to the bar in 1979.

Prof. Ibrahim Na Iya Sada

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

PAGE 7

Wife murder: Suspect’s ill health stalls trial From Francis Iwuchukwu, Lagos

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he on-going trial of Akolade Arowolo who allegedly killed his wife ( a banker), Titilayo Omozoje Arowolo, in June last year could not go on yesterday before Justice Lateefa Okunnu of a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja due to Akolade’s ill health.

At the resumed hearing of the matter, Akolade’s counsel, Olanrewaju Ajanaku craved the court’s indulgence for an adjournment as his client

was sick, adding that he had informed the prosecution.

“We humbly crave an adjournment in the matter because the defendant is terribly ill and cannot stand the rigours of trial,” Ajanaku prayed the court.

When asked for their position, the prosecution led by the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution, Mrs. Olabisi Ogungbesan, stated that she had been informed of the development and they would not be opposing the application for adjournment.

It would be recalled that Arowolo had at the last sitting on Tuesday slumped in the dock while the trial was on, terminating proceedings that day.

Justice Okunnu consequently adjourned the matter till September 14, 2012 for continuation of trial.

31-year-old Akolade who is said to be a youth pastor is facing trial on a one-count charge of allegedly stabbing Titilayo to death at their residence located at 8, Akindeinde Street, Isolo, Lagos.

FG earmarks N2.2bn for Okere-Amekhian road

By Adeola Tukuru

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he Ministry of Works has awarded contract for the construction of the Ada to Okere and Ukoni to Amekhian road in Edo state, at the sum of N2.2billion.

The contract which consists of three sections totalling 14 kilometres, was awarded to Messrs

Arc Marine and Civil Contractors.

Signing the contract deeds, Minister of State for Works, Amb. Bashir Yuguda, enjoined the contractor to be faithful to the expected completion date of 14 months.

He further stated that when completed, “the road will boost economic activities and substantially improve the

movement of people, goods and services in Esanland.”

According to him, when completed, the road will considerably advance the opening up of oil prospecting activities in the area.

Yuguda called on the contractor to pay attention to the quality of work and conform to the requirements of the Due Process Office.

Institute honours Bida Poly Rector

By Joy Baba

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he Institute of S t r a t e g i c Management Nigeria (ISMN) has honoured the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger state, Engr.

Abdullahi Sule as its new patron.

Speaking during the conferment ceremony recently in Bida, the national president of the institute, Gen. Leo

Ajiborisha, rtd said the appointment of Engr.

Sule was based on his achievements and track record in strategic management in the institution and the nation at large.

“The Rector has done so well in coordinating the activities of the institution by preparing the students for key positions for both private and public sectors in the country”

Ajiborisha said.

Ajiborisha further commended the existing cordial relationship between the management, staff and students of the school, stressing that such relationship enhances effective learning.

In his acceptance speech, Sule said the award was a challenge for him to work harder in his service to the nation.

Edo to spend N200m on college From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin do state government is to s p e n d N200million to upgrade facilities at the state’s Institute of Continuing Education (ICE) in Benin City.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who disclosed this at the 40th anniversary celebration of the institute yesterday, said the money would be given to the institute in two tranches to spend in areas of critical need with the

E

first N100 million coming between September and October this year.

He noted that the school had realised and fulfilled the vision of its founding founder, Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, by turning out graduates who can hold their own in all spheres of human endeavour.

The Governor said in following the development footprints of the two-time governor of Midwest and Bendel states, he would accord the Institute the attention which he had

extended to other tertiary institutions in the state.

According to Comrade Oshiomhole, “the foundation for the development of this state was laid by Dr. Ogbemudia and I have the duty and privilege as governor of the state to build on that foundation.”

He congratulated the board, management, staff and students of the institute for the giant strides attained by the school in the last 40 years and urged them to work hard to sustain it.

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

L-R: Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Alhaji Abdulahi Dikko Inde, Secretary General of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), Mr. Kunio Mikuriya, President Goodluck Jonathan, and First Lady Patience Jonathan, after the opening of the WCO’s 119/ 120th sessions, yesterday in Brussels, Belgium.

Members of civil society organisations (CSOs) protesting over corruption in the oil sector, yesterday at the NNPC Towers, in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

L-R: Chairman/CEO, Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission, Dr. Franklin Erepamo Osaisai, Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, and Minister of Science and Technology, Professor Ita Okon Bassey, during commissioning of the reseachers’ hostel and conference centre, yesterday at the Nuclear Technology Centre, Sheda, in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Staff of the Federal Ministry of Information hanging out after they rushed out of their offices as a result of fire outbreak in one of the elevators at the Radio House, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

PAGE 10

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

Cement company offers scholarships to 500 students From Auwal Ahmad, Gombe with agency report

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he Ashaka Cement Company in Gombe State said it has awarded scholarships to 500 undergraduates studying in various universities nationwide.

The Chairman, Board of

Directors of the company, Alhaji Umar Kwairanga, made the announcement in Gombe when the board members paid a courtesy call on the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Shehu Abubakar.

He said the company gave 50 indigent students of Gombe State scholarship annually to alleviate their suffering.

According to him, the scholarship is steady, to encourage youths, particularly the less privileged.

He said that apart from the scholarships, the company had spent billions of naira in developing Maiganga Coal Mine as an alternative energy source for the company's production.

Kwairanga said the company

had also constructed more than 100 houses and relocated the people living in the communities around the coal mine to a safer place.

The chairman said that the company would increase its production, adding that share holders were willing to invest more in developing the company.

Responding, the emir described

the company as a charity organisation.

According to him, the company has contributed immensely to the development of Gombe State, adding that it made a lot of poor people to become millionaires.

Abubakar called on investors within and outside the country to invest in Gombe State. (NAN)

Sokoto gets additional special advisers

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L-R: Dr Samuel Ogbemudia, Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe, and Edo state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, during the 40th anniversary of the Institute of Continuing Education, yesterday Benin City.

Shortage of teachers hits Kogi secondary schools

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ogi state urgently requires additional 2,000 for effective teaching in its 238 public secondary schools, the acting Chairman of the State Teaching Service Commission, Alhaji Salu Aliu, said yesterday in Lokoja.

Aliu told newsmen that 3,000 teachers currently engaged in the schools were inadequate for quality teaching.

He said the situation had been compounded by the fact that many teachers would soon retire.

He blamed the predicament on the staff auditing exercise carried out by the state government in 2009 during which more than 2,000 secondary school teachers were “shown the way out of service.”

He said that the effect of the shortage was being felt badly in core subjects of mathematics, English language and the sciences.

He said a proposal to recruit teachers to fill the vacancies had been sent to Governor Idris Wada and appealed to the government to quickly accede to the request.

Aliu called on all stakeholders in the nation's education sector, especially the government, teachers and parents, to come together to rescue the sector from total collapse.

The chairman suggested that government should provide quality teaching equipment, adequate and qualified teachers, while parents should monitor their wards. (NAN)

Taraba disburses N222m to pensioners From Yusha’u Alhassan, Jalingo

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he Taraba state Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has disbursed over N222 million to living and deceased pensioners.

Special Adviser to Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suintai on Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bashir Marafa

stated this at the flag up of this year’s payment of gratuity and pension.

He said seventy two of the beneficiaries were alive while 114 were deceased.

Marafa explained that the disbursement of the pension was in line with Governor Suntai’s commitment to providing funds for the payment of pensioners.

He thanked the governor for his prompt response to the plight of the pensioners and asked the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the funds.

The permanent Secretary of the state local Government pension Board, Simon Agyu asked retirees in the state to exercise patience as government was committed to settling their entitlements.

okoto state Governor, Alhaji Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko has on Wednesday sworn in five new special advisers and charged them to justify their new position to the people of Sokoto.

The governor also told them to be more diligent and role off their sleeves for task ahead, and be honest while discharging their responsibilities.

Wamakko said he would not condone laxity and would not hesitate to show the way out to any non performing aide that failed to live up to expectation.

The governor said the impressive records of his stewardship and provision of infrastructural development in all nook and crannies of the state were largely made possible courtesy of the hard work and determination of his aides.

He however urged them to consider their appointments as a challenge and expressed hope that they would continue to give their best for the overall development of Sokoto state.

In a related development, six new boards and agencies have been inaugurated. Performing the ceremony at Government House in sokoto, Governor Wamakko said he had no doubt that the new members, as people of proven integrity and vast experiences in public services would channel their wealth of experience to reposition the Boards for effective service delivery.

The boards inaugurated included, Local Government Service Commission, Teachers Service Board, Local Government Staff Pension Board, Primary Teachers Pension Board and Universal Basic Education Board.

Sokoto govt distributes 60 cars to district heads

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overnor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto state, on Wednesday in Sokoto, distributed 60 Toyota cars bought at N267 million to district heads in the state.

Wamakko urged the traditional rulers to always monitor the movement and conduct of strangers in their domain to check the activities of suspicious characters.

He said that government would continue to appreciate the role being played by the district heads in promoting peaceful coexistence among the people.

The governor said the rulers were expected to monitor the activities of strangers and forward reports to appropriate authorities for the development of the state.

He said security matters

should not be left in the hands of security officers alone, hence the need for active participation of the district heads in mobilising people to offer intelligence reports.

Wamakko said the vehicles distributed to them were aimed at assisting them to carry out their duties.

He said it was the responsibility of government to recognise all segments of the society in implementing policies.

The governor announced that government had concluded arrangements to rehabilitate 20 palaces of district heads within the year.

He said efforts were being made to improve the remuneration of traditional rulers in line with current realities.

The governor called on the traditional rulers to continue to support government's programmes to meet the yearnings and aspiration of the people. (NAN)

Kogi NUJ wears new look

Comrade Alih Atabor was set to become a trailblazer for media centres in the country and ease the work of journalists in the state.

The elated NUJ chairman of the state, Alih Atabor, stated that he was very happy that this was happening during his own tenure, promising to be transparent, purposeful and ready to operate an open door policy in the discharge of his duty.

From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

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he Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Kogi state council has expended the sum of N3 million to give a face lift to the building that housed the state secretariat of the council.

Peoples Daily reliably gathered

in Lokoja yesterday, that the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to the governor, Mr Jacob Edih, saw the building as mundane, dilapidated and lacking quality to house journalists in the 21st century.

According to information available to our correspondent, the NUJ centre, Lokoja, led by

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

PAGE 11

Kebbi warns transition council chairmen against partisanship

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he Kebbi state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Rabiu Koko, has warned council transition chairmen in the state against partisan politics.

Koko told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday, that the chairmen were expected to pay attention to proper administration and provision of amenities.

“While the council transition chairmen were to hold office

until the council elections were concluded in September this year, they have been cautioned to pay less attention to partisan politics.”

He said the chairmen should ensure that the projects earlier approved for their areas were completed effectively because the PDP government is poised to improve living conditions in rural areas.

NAN reports that the State Independent Electoral Commission fixed council elections for Sept.

Pray for Nigeria in Makkah, Yuguda’s aide urges pilgrims From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

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he Special Adviser to the Bauchi state Governor on Hajj Affairs, Alhaji Sanusi Muhammad Sarkin Aska has called on all the intending pilgrims to pray for the country’s insecurity challenges in the holy land.

Sarkin Aska made the called yesterday, at the opening ceremony of a three days workshop and training organized by the state Pilgrims Welfare Board for the state intending pilgrims and local government Hajj officers in Bauchi.

According to him, seeking the Almighty God intervention is necessary especially given the high rate of insecurity confronting Nigeria.

The governor’s aide said that constant prayer is the only solution to the perpetual killings and bombings that have been occurring in many parts of the country, calling on all Nigerians to return to Allah through persistent prayers and supplications to bring to an end the unnecessary killings in the country.

He said the workshop was aimed at educating and enlightening the participants on how to carry out the hajj exercise accordingly even as he urged them

to pay special attention to what they will be taught during the training.

The special Adviser said the state government has concluded all arrangements to ensure hitch free hajj, saying that government was more concern with the comfort of the intending pilgrim’s right from Nigeria to the holy land.

He disclosed that already a befitting accommodation has been secured by the government of Malam Isa Yuguda to make all the intending pilgrims more comfortable to enable them perform their Hajj exercise without discomfort.

Flood submerged Cherubim and Seraphim Church after heavy rain on Wednesday night at Shokori/ Totoro Road in Abeokuta, Ogun state capital.

Police arrest 147 youths over Kaduna violence T

he Police in Kaduna state on Wednesday said they had arrested 147 youths for alleged involvement in reprisals in Kaduna.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Jinjiri Abubakar, who made the disclosure at a news conference in Kaduna, said the suspects were being investigated for possible prosecution.

The suspects were arrested in

connection with reprisals that followed bomb attacks on churches in Kaduna and Zaria on June 17.

The command also urged the public to ignore a video recording portraying security agents purportedly dumping a large consignment of bodies killed during the attacks in parts of the state.

“Residents of Kaduna State of course, know that the background of the video, the accent of the people

talking, the police vehicle and neem (Dogonyaro) trees have no bearing whatsoever to Kaduna state.

“Members of the public are therefore, advised to ignore it as it is nothing but the handiwork of enemies of peace,” Abubakar said.

He said the police and other law enforcement agencies were working to maintain law and order in the state. (NAN)

Bauchi warns against indiscriminate building From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

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he Bauchi state government has warned land owners against indiscriminate erection of building without approval from the State Development Board or appropriate authority.

The state Commissioner of Lands and Housing, Alhaji Aminu Hammayo disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the activities of his Ministry, saying that government was worried with the

way and manner some people use to erect building on reserve places without getting approval from the government.

According to him, “government finds it necessary to warn all those in the habit of erecting building indiscriminately and acquiring false ownership of land in the state”.

He noted that the state government will not fold it arm and look at how people engage in such misconduct and dubious attitude, “government will not hesitate to deal with such

characters” he said The commissioner stated that agreement between the owner of a land and the buyer is not enough to own a land but just a beginning process of acquiring a land up to the issuing of proper Certificate of Occupancy by the government.

“Some people used to sale lands to many people without following due process that will have warrant to the issuing of C of O and some people erect building along pipes line and government reserve places, the government has

accommodate some of them but those that erected buildings illegally must give way as we intend to have our master plan for the state reviewed,” he said.

He said contract has been awarded by the state government to capture all land and geographic information digitally aimed at eliminating instances of missing records. He said the ministry has the intention to create new layouts to meet the increasing demand for land arising out of improved living standard and increase population.

UCH seeks degree-awarding status for School of Nursing From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

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he University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Chief Medical Director of UCH, Professor Temitope Alonge, has called on the Federal Ministry of Health to upgrade the status of its School of Nursing (SONUCHI) to a degree-awarding institution.

Prof. Temitope Alonge made the call while addressing journalists on plans by the college to observe a week-long anniversary celebration which has as its theme, "UCH Ibadan Providing 60 years of excellent Nursing Education”.

Prof Alonge remarked that the School of Nursing has everything required including ICT and other infrastructural facilities to make it a degree-awarding institution, arguing that products of the School currently hold top positions in both healthcare delivery institution and other public organizations both within and outside Nigeria, competing effectively with their international contemporaries.

According to the CMD, products of the UCH's School of Nursing are widely exposed to latest discoveries in the medical world as the College has working

relationship with various international organizations, apart from being the first teaching hospital in the continent of Africa to be accredited in the area of robust Tele-medicine programme.

Prof. Alonge further justified the need to upgrade the UCH's School of Nursing to a degreeawarding institution, saying that academic exchange programmes have already been put in place in collaboration with the Telemedicine Unit of the College for the nursing students to enable them cross fertilize ideas with their contemporaries in similar institutions in Israel, United States

of America, England, among others.

While disclosing that the UCH School of Nursing which took off with only 12 students in July 1952 has so far produced over 5,000 nurses, midwives and other post-basic nursing professionals, the Chief Medical Director remarked that “the school has unequivocally remained on top of the ladder in the training of health care professionals in Nigeria.”

The CMD also spoke on the arrangements being made in conjunction with the Alumni of the School of Nursing to launch a N100million development fund to

further improve on the facilities of the school.

In the meantime, Prof.

Alonge told newsmen that as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebration, and in appreciation of the pioneering effort of Miss Louise M. Bell (MBE), the first Principal of SONUCHI, the management has resolved to rename the Block 1 of the School after her while the institution's big auditorium is also to be known as Omolola Alade Auditorium, in honour of the longest serving Principal of the school who served in that capacity for 28 years, that is, 1968 to 1992.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

PAGE 12

EDIT ORIAL EDITORIAL

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One jail break too many

he frequency and ease with which criminals are successfully breaking into jails to free their colleagues gives the impression that rather than professional security personnel, it may well be the members of the Boys Brigade that are in charge of security at Nigerian prisons. With hardly a month passing without a successful jail break, especially in the northern part of the country, it is difficult not to conclude that our jails are anything but the secure penitentiaries where those awaiting trial and convicted offenders, both sundry and hardened, are supposed to serve their terms uninterrupted.

The incidences have assumed a disturbing regularity this year, to the extent that in January, while decorating the then incoming Comptroller General of the Nigerian Prisons Service (NPS), Mr. Zakari Ohinoyi Ibrahim, the Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Patrick Moro directed the new Prisons boss to end the incidences of jail breaks in the country. The number of jail breaks from January to date, often with fatal consequences, is mind boggling.

On February 15, heavily armed men, numbering about 20, stormed the KotonKarfe Prison in Kogi state and freed 119 inmates. One day later, members of Jam'atul Ahlis Sunnah Lidda'awati Wal-Jihad, otherwise known as Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the attack. A month earlier, the sect had freed some of its captured members during a series of bombings on police stations in Kano. At about the same time, five inmates escaped from Port Harcourt prison without the benefit of external assistance.

And in their most daring prison assault yet, the Boko Haram sect last

week attacked and overwhelmed officials at the Damaturu prison on Gashua Road and freed as many as 40 of their members who were being detained there. Four people, including a prison official, lost their lives.

The June 24, 2012 daring and successful rescue mission is all the more mind boggling as it came less than a week after a violent futile attempt by tens of heavily armed Boko Haram militants to free some of their injured chieftains who were being

“

It is time we had an end to these jail breaks, whether or not there are hardened criminals among the escapees detained in a hospital undergoing treatment under tight security. The Joint Task Force (JTF) had engaged the militants in a fierce gunfight leading to the capture of a leading commander, a retired army private, Habib Bama.

Why security would be lax around the Damaturu prison at that very material time when every precautionary measure ought to have been taken to secure the area, especially given the daring antecedents of the insurgent group, is a question that only those in authority at both state and federal levels can best answer. Perhaps, the one explanation that readily comes to mind is the fact that, unlike in more civilized climes, in Nigeria,

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

officials are only quick to claim credit even where they are not deserving of it, but always unwilling to own up to mistakes even when the fault is glaringly theirs. And governments do not help matters either, as there is always a reluctance to wield the big stick against erring top officials who lack the courage to graciously bow out when they fail.

Which is not so elsewhere. Where leaders are held to account for their failure, such leaders strive to give a good account of themselves and where they fail, they do not wait to be booted out of office, they graciously call time on the job. When the Bali terrorist bombed a Mumbai hotel in India, the minister of defence and the police chief did not wait to be shown the gate by the government, they graciously resigned accepting the blame for the incident.

It is our belief that so long as our leaders will continue to live in denial of their fallibility, then the nation will continue to dearly pay for that refusal to muster the courage to do the right thing at the right time. The harvest of woes we are reaping, including the unending jail breaks, are the consequence of past leadership failure which was willfully denied. One of such denials is in the standard official refrain whenever there is a jail break; it is always that there are no hardened criminals among the escapees.

It is time we had an end to these jail breaks, whether or not there are hardened criminals among the escapees.

We demand that our jails be secured enough to withstand the assaults of the Boko Haram sect or any other criminal organisation, otherwise, sooner or later we will have convicted hardened criminals on the loose in the society to do as they please, again.

OUR PEOPLE

OUR VISION

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

By Muhammad Ajah

W

hatever happens in Nigeria, the military should never allow religious sentiments or extremism to infiltrate the barracks. They should never allow religion to play a decisive role in their operations. If that is allowed, then the country is finished.

This is not to discourage the freedom of religion among Nigerians. Though there has been a latent struggle of supremacy between Muslims and Christians in the security outfits, that tendency should not be displayed during operations for the interest of the entire nation.

Religion has been a destructive tool readily employed by extremists. Go to places of work, markets, schools, etc and you will find Nigerians mocking their fellow citizens. “These Boko Haram people”, is a refrain used to mock innocent Muslim faithfuls. Words such as “nyamiri” and “arne” should cease to be part of the lexicon in the barracks because they are used to jeer fellow citizens.

Many qualified citizens have been denied admission and recruitment into the security outfits in places where their religion is in the minority.

Most of the security problems in the country as of today have religious undertone. There is need to enforce enhanced moral instructions in the nation’s security. The military is a wellestablished institution that is well respected because of its level discipline and loyalty to constituted authority.

These Nigerians have proved patriotism and need not to preach religious bigotry amongst themselves.

They should, therefore, focus on effective and efficient enforcement of democratic governance for peace,

PAGE 13

Security challenge for Nigerian military stability and development of the country. They cannot afford to mortgage their togetherness, respect for law, discipline and national interest for religion.

During the recent crisis in Kaduna, some Muslims and Christians reportedly saved their counterparts without regards to religion. NEMA’s Search and Rescue teams received members of the Christian faithful who took refuge in some Muslim homes just as it evacuated some Muslims that were sheltered by their Christian neighbours. In Port Harcourt, followers of both religions marched against religious violence.

The highest echelon of government should practically display religious indifference in their dealings to move the country forward. By so doing, the insurgence by Boko Haram, kidnappings by the misled citizens, militancy, massive corruption and bribery scandals could be mitigated.

In his discourse number 346 titled, “The Christian Answer to Boko Haram”, Dr. Aliyu U. Tilde, held that the circle of cowardice among the Nigerian elites in facing the reality can continue forever except Nigerians find a way to cancel the negatives and arrive at a positive digit. The fact is that retaliation could only serve as a deterrent for a short while. It often produces a vicious cycle of violence. Christians in some communities carry out war crimes against Muslims. Boko Haram says it retaliates but

under the hidden tactic of bombings. Then Christians retaliate in areas they too think Muslims are weak. Both do it against innocent citizens, against places of worship, against God, all purportedly in the name of God. Christian leaders and opinion shapers have appealed to Muslim leaders to use their weight to restrain Boko Haram. But sincerely, which citizen would

The truth is that when it comes to violence, the answer lies with the law and nothing else. The law it is that can cancel those negatives. It is the instrument that stripped all citizens of the right to possess firearms. Muslims should, in the absence of any interest to bring the criminals that have been perpetrating crimes against them to justice locally, refer the matter to the International Court of Justice.

“

Most of the security problems in the country as of today have religious undertone. There is need to enforce enhanced moral instructions in the nation’s security. The military is a wellestablished institution that is well respected because of its level discipline and loyalty to constituted authority restrain any Nigerian that carries arms today? There is none.

In the same vein, I have heard many Berom leaders saying that their youths are beyond their control. When some chiefs of Niger Delta tried to stop its militants from terrorist activities in the mid-nineties, the youths accused them of complicity and murdered them.

Right now, Nigeria has a high deficit of willing martyrs among its leaders.

They must be prepared to walk the ladder to its top. Armed with hard evidence like the ones we mentioned earlier, it is inconceivable that they will not be offered justice there. So the question of their retaliation is cancelled, ab initio.

Christians on their part must also resort to the law and support it. They must ensure that the law enforcement agencies that they control have risen to the challenge. They must also be

patient with them until they succeed without complicating matters through retaliation. And Nigerians would remain together long after the guns of Boko Haram and those of Christian fanatics are put to silence.

Legislators in Akwa Ibom and Delta state Houses of Assembly have asked President Goodluck Jonathan to identify the sponsors of the Boko Haram sect and deal with them accordingly. In a resolution at a joint session of the Assemblies presided over by the Akwa Ibom Speaker, Rt. Hon. Samuel Ikon and his Delta State counterpart, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, the lawmakers said the call became necessary to protect the corporate existence of the country.

In her column of Wednesday, June 20, 2012, Hannatu Musawa, under a title “They don’t really care about us”, argued that towards the end of 2011, the presidency announced that he knew who the sponsors of the Boko Haram offensive were and that some were in government. “But till this day, we have not seen those people exposed and brought to full justice. Instead, the one man who the world has identified to have been instrumental in igniting the initial conflict with the original Boko Haram, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, appears to enjoy a sort of presidential protection”, she claimed.

Sharon Faliya Cham, in her article, “As the Church slept…The Trilogy”, expressed a Continued on page 15

Reprisals in Kaduna: One step forward, two steps backwards

By Adamu Yakubu

T

he reprisal and counter attacks by both Muslim and Christian youths in Kaduna state came about as a result of the Church bombings in Kaduna and Zaria last week.

Since then, the Government has been taking measures to contain the situation including the declaration of a 24 hour curfew throughout the state.

At times like this, there is always the need for soul searching although I agree attempts have always been made in this direction, but the question to ask; is why do these ugly incidences keep recurring despite all the efforts to contain them?

The standard template whenever these ugly incidences occur is to mobilize the security agencies, declare a curfew, carry

out enlightenment programs, call for prayers in Mosques and Churches, set up committees to investigate after which everything is abandoned – hence they keep reoccurring. This is why these same - same solutions fail to work.

There is no basis whatsoever in the two religions for all the killings, the reprisal attacks, burning of religious places of worship and personal properties.

The regular bombing of Churches and the burning of Mosques have become nauseating to the adherents of both religions, so also is the position of Boko Haram and its activities. The Sultan of Sokoto has denounced Boko Haram and their activities as un-Islamic, so also has Boko Haram drejected the Sultan as their intermediary in the talks with the Federal Government. The next step is to

team up and fight the perpetrators of these criminal activities since they don’t represent any of the true religions.

The fuel subsidy demonstrations last January saw the coming of Christian youth together to protect and support their Muslim counterparts while in prayers and vice versa. The occasion also showed Muslim youths with rosaries marching together with Christian youths holding the Cross.

Pictures of these incidences were all over the newspapers and social sites. We failed to take advantage of these opportunities to build up such bonding by erecting large bill boards in strategic places to keep us reminded that there is absolutely nothing wrong in Muslims and Christians coming together in unity. Instead,

politicians regale us with bill boards of themselves, political parties and their posts to talk about peace! There was no continuing program to sustain the peace they are talking about.

So far, all the preachings, sermons and discussion programs in my opinion are not reaching the appropriate target.

Today, anybody above 35 years irrespective of religion will not get himself involved in such dastardly acts of killings and burning of places of worship. The ages of those carrying out these abominable acts range between 20 to 30, and these are categorized into three groups – the illiterates and unemployed, those in school and those who have graduated with no jobs.

These groups of youths live in a world different from ours. They are not necessarily religious, do

not appreciate their parents’ societal values, in fact they see these values as antiquated. Our traditional rulers talking to them is a waste of time because of given the chance, they will stone them. Their means of communication are alien to us.

(Try reading your child’s text messages). Their lives are controlled by what they see in satellite and internet.

An example at this stage will perhaps explain what I mean.

Some youth at Ungwar Rimi/ Ungwar Kudu were throwing stones at each other during the curfew.

When the elders intervened, the youths replied that if the Palestines and Israelites could fight their wars through such method, there was no reason why Muslims and Christians in Nigeria should not adopt such methods.

Continued on page 14

PAGE 14

By Japhet Omojuwa

E

veryone remembers the words of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country,” but very few people remember the other things he said in that 1961 inaugural address.

More often than not, this Kennedy quotation is thrown at citizens by leaders who are either failing to do the right thing for the citizens or by those who want to blackmail citizens under the guise of patriotism. In that same address, President Kennedy said “If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich,” and also said “ask of us the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you.” There are reasons why these words matter; patriotism is neither free nor is it cheap.

Whether or not you know it or admit it, generally speaking, Americans are more patriotic than Nigerians. Now, do not start thinking that is because of what Kennedy said about not asking what your country can do for you bla bla bla, it is because of so much more. An average American knows, and expects that when the chips are down, his country would be there. An average American knows that the purpose and essence of government is to serve him or her, an average American knows that government of the people, by the people and for the people more often than not turns out to be the case in their country. An average American knows that the death of one American is of great concern to the government

By Leonard Karshima Shilgba, PhD

I

n my last essay on Anarchy in Nigeria, I laid the blame for insecurity in Nigeria at the door step of the political leadership in Nigeria, epitomized by President Goodluck Jonathan.

The federal government of Nigeria has huge resources at its disposal, which may be deployed to achieve great good or to inflict egregious injury on society.

Unfortunately for Nigerians, the latter is our recent experience.

What should be the natural response of people who have been offended by the state, broken by the state, and oppressed by the state, with no group of human rights lawyers in that state standing up in their defence? In May, 2009, in an essay entitled,

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

Two sides of a coin and patriotism in Nigeria and people of the United States. To critical times like that and know for our school children and cut the long story short, the that their families will be left alone teachers? What happens to an average American knows and and forgotten when they are gone. average family after the bread believes the state exists for him.

The act of patriotism in winner is gone? We need to Contrast these and the general citizens is essentially built change our ways, we need to be perception of what it is to be an overtime and it comes out of true to ourselves, if the government of American Nigeria as made citizen and up of Nigerians what it is to be do not see and a Nigerian realise that, citizen and Peoples Daily welcomes your letters, opinion articles, text what a country you’d easily see messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written gets out of its the reason for contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters - 150 citizens is what the gulf in words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your name and it has invested patriotism. I a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be addressed therein, we have used would never rise A m e r i c a to: beyond these because an dark tunnel. I do a v e r a g e The Editor, not swear, I only N i g e r i a n Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, speak of realities understands a 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja. of cause and description Email: let ters@peoplesdaily-online.com effect, sowing better when SMS: 07037756364 and reaping, of you use universal laws America. This is the same case with Sweden, with realities of what your country that cannot be changed by any England, with close neighbours indeed had done and could do for man or government no matter Ghana and indeed many countries you. Patriotism is free but it is how they wish or pray against where an average citizen always extremely expensive.

An it. Prayers do not change the looks as though she/he could die average Nigerian in principles of God. It was Plato who said “”The for his country. Google the benefits government wants to grab for that accrue to a fire man in him and his family. Everybody heaviest penalty for declining to America if he loses his life at the bids his/her time and looks to rule is to be ruled by someone point of duty, then Google that of grab all they possibly can if/ inferior to yourself,” and that the Nigerian police man who when they get the chance. The depicts the reality of our experiences the same fate. You grab-grab mentality comes from country today because when expect the police man to face the absence of not just patriotism Napoleon Bonaparte said “”In criminals in gun battles and be but that of a sense of community. politics, stupidity is not a committed to the government and What happens to the families of handicap,” he was looking at the make-up of an average Nigerian people they swore to defend but a poor man who dies on duty? they remember their families at What kind of insurance exists politician. We watch media

chats; we see this on display on national television.

Let me conclude with the words of Richelle Mead in Vampire Academy, “The greatest and most powerful revolutions often start very quietly, hidden in the shadows.

Remember that.”

Never forget that a time would come in our nation when the Nigerian would not only be proud of Nigeria because that is what he sees other citizens of the world do or because government is embarking on a “proudly Nigerian” campaign. Our pride would eventually come from knowing that we the people are the government, which we the people matter to the government that we the people of Nigeria can enjoy the respect of those we elect to office. That time, our presidents would not come from do-or-die processes, they will not shirk from debates, neither will they not give a damn about us, because they will see that the pool of patriotism of we the people could sweep them off even with the blood of their own guilt. That time would come, you can choose to believe or doubt it, I have chosen to live and prepare for it. That day will come like a thief in the night or like the rage of a sweeping tide.

We must make that time come!

J Japheth Omojuwa can be reached @omojuwa

“A nation in peril: Raising redemption leaders for Nigeria”, I wrote: “It is no more news that Nigeria is sliding quickly towards a hopeless future aided by waste, ignorance, lack of vision, and corruption. The general consensus is that this country lacks the quality leadership which drives national integration, growth, and development.

Many public commentators and analysts (including me) have written copiously about our common and

officers who perpetrated this injustice on them simply got a slap on the wrist, as they only got slight rank demotions. What rule of law!

All the while the Commander-inChief Yar’Adua kept an uncaring silence.

If you are a young military officer reading this, understand that you have no dependable Commander-in-Chief who serves to keep you safe and happy. Our nation is sliding away and needs rescuing.

WRITE TO US

Building informal leadership for Nigeria’s good (Part one) present danger and what the Nigerian leadership needs to do. The conclusion I can make is that we do not presently have a leadership which has the political will to implement the far-reaching changes that we have written about. Besides, our governments hold scant regard for public opinion.

The obvious question is how we can bring about the emergence of such leadership that ensures social and economic development.

Disturbing contemporary events:

Martial court-sentencing of 27 Nigerian soldiers On April 27, 2009, the Brig.Gen. Ishaya Bauka-led martial Court sentenced 27 former United Nations peacekeepers to life imprisonment for protesting the non-payment of their peacekeeping allowances. While those non-commissioned officers got this outrageous sentence for protesting injustice they received from the government which is supposed to appreciate and honor gallant service, the commissioned

Continued on page 15

Reprisals in Kaduna: One step forward, two steps backwards Continued from page 13

The point being made here is that for a lasting solution to peaceful existence in Kaduna and indeed Nigeria, we have to come down to the level of these dangerous groups of youths to:Sit with them, interact and socialize with them Teach them religious, moral and societal values like we have been taught by our parents Set up structures at the

ward levels which will provide them a platform to run their affairs, express themselves and give them an opportunity to elect their leaders to enhance qualitative leadership and followership Such platforms also will provided them the opportunity to design and participate in the security of their localities and enable them link up with the traditional rulers, local governments and eventually the

state governments Encourage them as follows – those who are illiterate should be encouraged and supported to go to school or empower them with skills to look after themselves, those in school should be provided with scholarship where needed while those who have graduated but without jobs should be empowered to set up small businesses.

Targeting and working with such groups should be on a

continuous basis over a period of say five years for a start. This program should be placed on a sound permanent structure outside the bureaucracy and empowered to implement, monitor and report on expected annual targets. Incidentally, can you imagine what could be achieved if half of what is being spent on security today is invested in this program?

Finally, we the elders, government officials and

political leaders are not showing good examples to these youths in view of the level of corruption in the system. Likewise at parental level where we have abandoned our parental responsibilities in pursuit of wealth which we don’t even need. May God help us!

Adamu Yakubu is the Executive Vice President of the Economic Support Foundation, Northern States. esfons@yahoo.com

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

PAGE 15

Why government should ensure the security of citizens (II)

By Kolawole Olaniyan, PhD

A

ccording to the Commission, “national security examines how the State protects the physical integrity of its citizens from external threats, such as invasion, terrorism, and violence. Individual security on the other hand can be looked at in two angles - public and private security. By public security, the law examines how the State protects the physical integrity of its citizens from abuse by official authorities, and by private security, the law examines how the State protects the physical integrity of its

citizens from abuse by other citizens (third parties or non-state actors).”

Regarding the right to life, this right is central both to the Constitution and the African Charter. It is a right that cannot be suspended even in case of war, public danger or other threats to the independence or security of the States Parties. As with other human rights, it is not sufficient for the government to abstain from infringing this right directly: the government must also adopt specific measures to actively protect and fulfil the right to life for everyone, regardless of their specific vulnerability or situation. A key

part of the government obligation is to ensure that no one is deprived of his or her life arbitrarily.

One way to comply with these positive obligations in the area of citizens’ security and safety would be for the government to monitor, evaluate, and improve the effectiveness of its law enforcement and security agencies. This will be an important first step for the President to start discharging his election promises.

In addition, the government must truly make security and safety of those who live in Nigeria a public policy priority by tackling the root cause of violence and crime, which is extreme poverty

and lack of opportunities and freedom for people to seek personal development and prosperity.

Victims of violence and crimes must have effective access to legal and health services, and should have access to an effective remedy, including reparation.

The government should also ensure that law enforcement and security agencies have the personnel and infrastructure to provide quality services without discrimination or distinction.

In implementing these steps, the government must also uphold the rule of law and respect for human rights in its law enforcement response to violence and crime in the country.

Preventing and combating violence and crime must not put security before human rights, which can lead to erosion of basic human rights and fundamental freedoms of the citizens.

Absent a serious political investment in public security with respect for all human rights, the government cannot secure effective protection of the right to life, liberty and security of the person. Indeed, true security requires full protection of all human rights for all.

Concluded Olaniyan is Legal Adviser, International Secretariat of Amnesty International, London

Building informal leadership for Nigeria’s good (Part one) Continued from page 14

Although President Yar’ Adua should have prevented the exploitation of the oil and gas resources in the Niger Delta, which has not been to the advantage of the local communities, [See section 17 (2) (d): ‘In furtherance of the state social order, exploitation of human or natural resources in any form whatsoever for reasons other than the good of the community shall be prevented’] , he has rather chosen to order the mass killing of Nigerian women and children in the Niger Delta and razing down of homes of Nigerians in the Niger Delta, purportedly to ‘eliminate militants’. If bombing and burning of houses on your streets by government security officers in order to ‘eliminate armed robbers’ is in agreement with your interpretation of the ‘rule of law’ then go on and hail President Yar’Adua. As a scholar and northerner like President Yar’Adua, I find it difficult to place the face of rationality on this heinous crime against humanity.

I cannot differentiate between this and the unequal response by the government of Sudan in 2003 when a group of black Sudanese citizens (The Sudan Peoples Liberation Army) attacked government infrastructure, seeking economic inclusion. The government of Sudan through aerial bombings encouraged the Arab militia, the Janjaweed foot soldiers, to attack and attack the black Sudanese ‘militants’ who had provoked government’s ‘holy anger’, resulting in over 6 million people who had been either dislocated or killed in the Darfur region and made refugees within

their country.”

President Yar’Adua’s government ignored voices of caution like mine and only a few months after, a violent military raid on the camps of the group that is called “Boko Haram” was authorized by President Yar’Adua; the leader of the group, Mohammed Yusuf was killed in an extrajudicial manner. The government did not order the arrest and prosecution of police officers that killed Mr. Yusuf in police custody, no human rights lawyers went to court to seek justice against extrajudicial murder of a Nigerian, no matter how vile he may be, and the group was highly provoked even as no man came to their rescue. Later that year, President Yar’Adua was taken out of Nigeria never to return to his office.

Injustice to one Nigerian is injustice to all Nigerians. When Nigerians, for whatever reasons, fail, refuse, and neglect to speak up and act out against any injustice being perpetrated against any group of Nigerians, this questions their humanity and threatens societal peace. We are all reaping the consequences of our collective selfishness, cowardice, duplicity and complicity by silence. Until perceptions of injustice are addressed by the resources available to government, violence in Nigeria shall only grow by degrees.

President Jonathan, who had scampered out of Nigeria immediately after the Kaduna bombings and reprisal attacks of Sunday, June 17, 2012, came back after his avoidable trip to Brazil to announce that “Boko Haram is faceless”. He had claimed that Boko Haram was in his

government, and yet, he now declares Boko Haram to be faceless.

He knows the camps of the group that were destroyed by the might of federal troops in 2009. The first step toward a show of goodwill is to order the re-building of the homes of members of the group, which were destroyed in the raid by federal forces. The original Boko Haram has a face; and government knows their ancestral homes. In the raid, women and children (Nigerian citizens) were also killed.

A compensation package should be worked out and paid to the original Boko Haram. In this regard, the talks between government and the Ahmed Datti-led team should be revived.

The new appointments in Nigeria’s security team announced recently by President Jonathan are only symbolic but not significant. What is significant is re-building of lost confidence in government and governance in Nigeria (governors also have a role to play here), re-building of bridges of communication that government agents have bombed, and justice. The crisis of bombings in Nigeria is not caused by ChristoIslamic tensions in Nigeria; it is caused by injustice and failure of government. From available reports, there are some government officials who are benefitting from the crisis, not least through the almost one trillion naira security vote in the 2012 budget, which vote was because of the “Boko Haram threat”.

Accordingly, they would stir up and try to sustain any amount of dissensions and bad blood in the shark-infested waters of religion.

During the fuel subsidy protests in January this year, were there

Security challenge for Nigerian military Continued from page 14

firm conviction that the problem bedeviling the church today in Nigeria is rooted in the church’s neglect of the first teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ in the book of Matthew chapter 5 verse 9 which says, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” She believes it has come to full display in Nigeria. “This Scripture is a loud call to the church to be a just and firm arbitrator on all matters of dispute on earth, be it

on the economy, education, land disputes, marriage, trade disputes and political disputes.

Cham asserts that he who sows love will reap love, and in the same manner he sows hostility will reap hostility. According to her, it is a divine law and there is no way God can shut His eyes and ears or take away His hands from the fulfillment of His own laws.

That is why the quest for peace, she said, is much more than prayers to God for peace, rather it should be worked for. “The

Bible says faith without works is dead. So praying for peace without working for peace is vain and dead; it becomes a mere exercise in futility. Christians in Nigeria are well known for praying for peace, but almost absent on the field of ensuring justice without which there cannot be peace.”

Muhammad Ajah, a writer, author, advocate of humanity and good governance, is based in Abuja. E-mail mobahawwah@yahoo.co.uk

cases of bombing in Nigeria? Have you pondered and asked why not?

During those protests, was there not camaraderie between Muslim and Christian brethren across the land? Certainly, there was.

Christians formed precautionary protection human shields or walls for their Muslim brethren when they prayed, and Muslims did the same for their Christian brethren.

Those were moving sights. Some people behind the scenes are working hard to confuse both Christians and Muslims in Northern Nigeria to exploit the hate and divisions they hope to sow. Both Muslims and Christians have lost loved ones in the crisis that is now threatening the existence of Nigeria.

Both are victims of collapse of governance in Nigeria, exacerbated by the generally visionless and unproductive northern governors. By the way, I am against the request by the Governors Forum for “intervention fund” to fight insecurity (“Boko Haram” menace) in Nigeria. What have they been using their “security votes” for? If there should be any “intervention fund” that should be directed at development projects to educate the people, provide them with shelter, water, health facilities, good roads and public transport system. This is the minimum the Nigerian people deserve for the billions of dollars their country earns every year.

Another theory is that the “Yar’Adua group” that lost power to the “Jonathan group” is working behind the scenes to sustain violence in Nigeria.

Probably, President Jonathan feels he would have contained “Boko Haram” if he brought in more of the elements of that group back into government. Nigerians have completely ignored or forgotten the bad blood that existed between the two political groups before the PDP primaries acrimony of 2010-2011. Where is the Kurfi group? Where is Turai Yar’Adua? What are they doing to make the Jonathan government succeed?

There is urgent need to build informal leadership across Nigeria. For instance, Muslim leaders and their Christian counterparts must discuss and form Inter-faith neighbourhood watches. Christian and Muslim

youth must form vanguards for peace in their neighbourhoods in order to protect innocent worshippers and atheists in their neighbourhoods. On Fridays Christian members of those groups must provide security at mosques, while Muslim members of the groups shall do the same for the Christian brethren on Sundays in their neighbourhoods. This shall mark the beginning of the blunting of this sharp knife that Nigerian politicians have used every so often to decapitate innocent Nigerians in order to achieve their selfish political ambitions.

Universities in Nigeria should lead forums of understanding between Nigerians in the towns where they are located. The American University of Nigeria has provided this leadership since the attacks on Christian worshippers in Yola this year.

Universities are meant to help provide solutions to society’s problems. University scholars should be thinkers and innovators.

President Jonathan should not again use the excuse of poor state of airports for failure to visit troubled spots in Nigeria. He is our president for now; and the growing distance between him and many Nigerians is dangerous. He must make efforts to visit Borno state, Bauchi state, and other crisis points in Nigeria.

He must first initiate reconstruction of the homes of the original “Boko Haram” members, order compensation to those identified family members (They are not faceless) from the huge defence budget, and work through informal leaderships. I propose that the chairman of the House Internal Security committee, Hon. Aliyu Gebi, Comrade Shehu Sani, and Ahmed Datti should be brought on board. He should not rely on second-hand information in tackling the “Boko Haram” crisis (The huge defence budget is too much an enticement for some government security chiefs to work and wish for a quick end to the crisis).

Leonard Karshima Shilgba is an Associate Professor of Mathematics with the American University of Nigeria and chair of the Middle Belt Alliance (www.middlebeltalliance.org) TEL: 08055024356 Email: shilgba@middlebeltalliance.org

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

Man accused of vandalising company machine

By Kerem Kurugh

A

A vehicle razed by fire recently in Life Camp.

Photo: Josephine Ella

FCTA augments UN counterpart fund to N1.2bn

By Josephine Ella

T

he Federal Capital T e r r i t o r y Administration (FCTA) has said that it will augment its counterpart funding from N1billion to N1.2billion in the 2012 partnership with the United Nation (UN) in various socio-economic programmes and human capacity development of the FCT. The Minister of FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed made this commitment yesterday, while signing the Memorandum of Understanding between the UN

and the FCTA on the 2012 FCT UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF). ”I wish to announce that for continued execution of projects as planned, the FCT Administration this year, has increased its counterpart funding from one billion naira last year to one billion, Two hundred Million Naira for the UNDAF World Bank and other s in this fiscal year”, he said.

According to him, the success of the UN partnership since 2009 covered four thematic areas has resulted in huge positive impact in the territory.

He revealed that 60

communities were empowered under the programmes with 10hectares-farm in each community across the 6 Areas Councils and the farms were supported with tractors assorted cements pick-up vans and improves seeds and extension services.

Furthermore, according to Mohammed, over 5,000 youths were gainfully employed and 204.8 tonnes of assorted grains were produced and 450 youths accessed micro credit loans, adding that the support from the United Nation also reached the security service in the territory as 12 police post, two in each of the Area Councils of the FCT

were constructed.

Speaking, Resident Coordinator of United Nations systems in Nigeria Mr. Daouda Toure, who signed the MoU on behalf of the United Nations systems said based on the past positive experience working together has encouraged the United Nation to seek further partnership with the FCT on the new pilot project under the UNDAF 111.

The Resident Coordinator, who assured of the UN counterpart fund of N1 billion encouraged the minister to keep up with commitment that would positively impact on the economy of the territory.

38-year-old man, Monday Eze of Jahi village has been arraigned at an Abuja Chief Magistrate’s Court for allegedly vandalising a machine belonging to a company.

The items stolen from the machine are kick starter, cable charger and brain box.

The accused, who was arraigned on a one-count charge of theft, the Police Prosecutor, Christopher Roko told the court was reported at the Utako police station by one Yakubu Ibrahim of Fawar Nigeria limited on June, 27 2012.

He was alleged to have connived with his friend, Tunde Olotu, in June, 27, 2012 to steal the items from the company house.

He explained that during police investigation, Olotu who is presently at the prison custody confessed that his friend Eze lured him into the crime.

He said that Eze took him into the company house and showed him the machine to steal the mentioned items because he was the former security guard of the company.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charged. In view of the plea, the prosecutor prayed the court to fix a date to hear the matter.

Magistrate Folashade Oyekan remanded the accused in prison custody. She adjourned the case to July, 11 2012 for hearing.

Trader arraigned for alleged theft of Blackberry phone

By Kerem Kurugh

Farmers chide FCTA, AMAC over fertilizer distribution

By Usman Shuaibu

F

armers in Filindabo, DeiDei in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have lambasted the FCT administration and the AMAC chairman, Hon. Micah Jiba over the recent distribution of fertilizers to farmers in the territory.

Some farmers in Filindabo

alleged that many farmers in the FCT did not have access to fertilizers to buy at their distribution centres.

One of the farmers, Malam Galadinma Pada alleged that fertilizers were being diverted to rich people instead of farmers.

Galadinma Pada, who spoke to Peoples Daily said up till now farmers in Filindabo village have not received fertilizers from the area council.

He said that the farmers only got one fertilizer from the Senator representing Federal Capital Territory, Senator Philip Aduda.

On his part, the Chief of Filindabo village, Malam Abubakar Danladi Zafiwo appealed to the FCT Administration and the leadership of AMAC to deem it necessary to give the fertilizers to the traditional rulers to distribute to farmers next year to avoid the

diversion of the product by the government officials While speaking on the state of social amenities in the area, the royal father begged the chairman of AMAC to build a standard hospital for the village.

He also called on the chairman to construct boreholes in the area to address the problems of potable drinking water faced by residents.

Court orders FCTA, four others out of landed property

By Josephine Ella

T

he Development Control Department of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has been restrained by an Abuja Chief Magistrate’s Court from interfering with a plot until the determination of a suit before the court.

Magistrate Ahmed Shuaibu ruled in an application for restraining order brought by the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command and Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Kamba against the Development Control and one Mr Anas Musa Sabi over Plot No 1750 Dape District in Abuja pending the determination of the case before the court.

Others restrained along with Development Control and Mr Sabi are: Barristers Arinze Kennedy, Kenneth Anakwe and Celestine Ighodalo.

Trouble started after the plot, which was earlier offered to Alhaji Kamba at the cost of N100 million for which he advanced the sum of N60 million, was later resold to Faash International Limited.

This forced Kamaba to report to the police who arrested and filed criminal charges against Sabi in the court.

An Abuja High Court presided

by Justice Folashade Ojo had earlier dismissed an application by Sabi seeking a declaration that his arrest and arraignment by the Police over the property transaction amounted to civil rights violation.

A

22-year-old trader, Suleiman Abdullahi has been arraigned at the Abuja Chief Magistrate’s Court for allegedly stealing a Blackberry phone value at N30, 000.00.

Police Prosecutor, Christopher Roko told the court that the case was reported at the utako police post by one Baballe Abdullahi of NEPA quarters in Abuja on June, 26 2012.

According to the prosecutor, the accused stole the blackberry phone from the complainant and during police investigation, four other stolen phones were recovered from him.

He also told the court that the accused confessed to the crime but refused to disclose the where about of the phone.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charged.

Magistrate Folashade Oyekan granted him bail in the sum of N100, 000.00 with two reliable sureties who must have a business worth N100, 000.00 and must reside within the jurisdiction of the court.

She adjourned the case to July, 11, 2012 for hearing

PAGE 18

Keke NAPEP rider charged for criminal breach of trust

By Kerem Kurugh

A

tricycle driver, Hamisu Mohammed facing a two count charge of criminal breach of trust and theft is expected to re- appeared before an Abuja Senior Magistrate’s’ Court on July 2, 2012.

One Maharazu Usman of Mega Wheels Limited in Gwarimpa Estate, had earlier on June 20, reported the suspect at Gwarimpa police station.

The Police Prosecutor, Corporal Idris Friday had told the court that Usman entrusted his tricycle to the accused for transportation business under an agreement that he would remit N15,000 to him on a weekly basis.

However, Mohammed failed to abide by the agreement and neither did he returned the tricycle, rather the accused claimed to have given the tricycle to one Halidu with no fixed address, who is now at large, to use for transportation business.

Idris further told the court that the accused told him that Hamisu ran away with the tricycle to an unknown destination, saying the offence was contrary to Sections 312 and 287 of the Penal Code.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.

In her ruling, the Chief Magistrate, Hajiya Habiba Bello, granted him bail in the sum of N100,000 with one surety in like sum, who must be living in a known and defined address within the jurisdiction of the court and adjourned the case to July 2, 2012 for further hearing.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

Immigration officers aid five to steal armoured cable A

n Abuja Senior Magistrate’s’Court has sentenced five persons to six months imprisonment each for stealing NITEL armoured cable.

They convicts, Abdullahi Abubakar, Musa Ismail, Salisu Usman, Auwal Musa and Usman Auwal, residents of Apo village in Abuja, were said to have been aided to carry out the crime by

some officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

The convicts were sentenced on a three-count charge of conspiracy, mischief and theft, contrary to the provisions of the Penal Code.

The Police Prosecutor, Abdullahi Adamu, told the court that the Divisional Police Headquarters in Wuse Zone 3, Abuja, received information

from the Nigeria Immigration Service through a handing-over letter NIS/CG/017/VOL1/35 against the convicts dated June 16.

Adamu said the convicts connived with some officers of the NIS (names withheld) and entered the underground tunnel with the intention of stealing the NITEL cable.

He said the convicts were

actually caught while trying to steal the cable, adding that they destroyed the cable when they cut it and tried to go away with it.

The convicts pleaded guilty to the charges.

The Magistrate, Hajiya Khadijah Mustapha, in her ruling, sentenced the convicts to six months’ imprisonment each with an option of fine of N5000 each. (NAN)

A fish seller in Kado fish market.

Photo: Josephine Ella

Court orders man to vacate rented apartment

A

Senior Magistrate’s Court in Gwagwalada, Abuja has ordered a tenant, Felix Odege, to vacate a self-contained apartment he occupies at Old Kutunku, Gwagwalada.

The Magistrate, Mr Mohammed Zubairu, ordered that Odege vacate the apartment before the second week of August and that the rent be paid on or before the end of July, 2012.

Odege is owing four months arrears of rent, amounting to N24,400.

The complainant, Mr Ogamaka Ikwuna, claimed the sum of N6,600 each month and N2,000 for the cost of the court process.

Ikwuna said the rent of the defendant expired in March and that two notices had been served him to quit the apartment but he refused.

Counsel to the complainant, Mr J. U. Oke had urged the court to help him recover his house and the rent for the four months pending when he would vacate the apartment.

Odege accepted all claims by the complainant and prayed the court to give him two months to get the money and another apartment.

“I need time to look for the money because I lost my father two days ago,’’ he said.

The court gave him a month and 10 days to pay the money and vacate the apartment or be forced to do so.

(NAN)

FCTA signs MoU for 150-seat call centre

By Josephine Ella

T

he Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Communication Technology for establishment of 150-seat call centre facility in the FCT for easy communication access between the government and the people.

The Minister of Communication Technology,

Mrs. Mobolaji Johnson said while signing the agreement that the project which would be sited in the Abuja Technology Village would be completed by 2013.

She maintained that the facility would provide amenities for all the ministries department and agencies would mark an important milestone on improving the egovernment initiative in the country.

In his remark, the FCT Minister, Senator Bala

Mohammed noted: “The call centre will make government more accessible to greater percent of Nigerians and would bring government closer to the people”.

Senator Mohammed said that the FCT call centre has already recorded some progressive impact with the feedback on governance that the administration has received from the people.

“Interestingly, FCT have been benefiting from the services of our own call centre

which they use to ask for services or to make complaints where those services are in short supply. Some callers actually commend us for excellent services. On our part, the call centre has helped us to respond quickly to distress calls and to provide services where needed,” he said.

He also emphasized the strategic importance of the technology village, saying, it has greater potentials of the FCT Science and Technology Park.

Bwari council pledges support for community sanitation

T

he Bwari Area Council said it will ensure adequate participation in the Village Community Sanitation Initiative flagged-off last week by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration to maintain a clean and healthy environment.

Head of Environmental Department of the council, Mr

Haruna Labaran made the commitment in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bwari.

Labaran described the initiative as laudable, adding that it would prevent the spread of diseases in the area.

“This initiative will enhance healthy living in the council and its environs and equally reduce

deaths caused by unhygienic practices by the people”, he said.

He said that the department would ensure that the initiative was imbibed by every resident and urged the community to cooperate with the task force on waste management.

He also urged residents of the council to imbibe good sanitation culture by not dumping refuse

into sewage pipes.

Labaran appealed to landlords to build toilets for tenants to prevent open defecation that could lead to the spread of diseases.

He warned that the environmental task force would sanction any resident found engaging in indiscriminate dumping of refuse. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

PAGE 17

Two young men eating roasted corn with relish, yesterday in Jabi, Abuja.

Scraps loaded in this truck pose a major threat to other road users, yesterday in Utako, Abuja. Traffic officers checking for vehicle particulars, yesterday in Area 3, Abuja.

Menial workers taking ride behind a truck, yesterday in Area 8, Abuja.

A middle-aged man pushing a cart to eke out living, yesterday in Utako, Abuja.

Photos: Justin Imo-owo

BUSINESS

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

Email: amunuimam@yahoo.co.uk

PAGE 19

INSIDE

- Pg 21

Ogbeh blasts FG over N3.2tr spent on agric imports

Mob: 08033644990

Ashaka Cement approves 40 kobo dividend for shareholders From Auwal Ahmad, Gombe

A

Sub-standard drugs being destroyed by NAFDAC officials recently.

Traders get 2-week ultimatum on sub-standard products

By Abdurahman Abduraheem

T

he Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), yesterday issued a two-week ultimatum to Nigerian traders to remove all fake and sub-standard products in markets across the country or face the wrath of the law.

The Director-General of SON, Dr. Joseph I. Odumodu handed down the warning at the enlightenment seminar organised for traders in the Neighourhood market, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja.

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

T

he Consumer Protection Council (CPC) has sanctioned a major departmental store in the country, Shoprite for displaying expired products in some of its outlets in Lagos.

The Council undertook a EXCHANGE RATES

CBN CFA • £ RIYAL $

BUYING 0.2758 193.4361 241.9849 41.3049 154.91

SELLING 0.2958 194.6848 243.547 41.5716 155.91

BUYING 210 250 40 156

SELLING 212 252 42 158

would constitute a waste on our scarce resources including foreign reserves must be removed from the market within the next two weeks.”

The DG warned that SON would not hesitate to invoke its authority to remove any substandard products found in markets, stores or warehouses and also prosecute those behind their production, importation, distribution and sales in the country.

Odumodu, who spoke through the Director, Human Capital Development of SON, Barrister

CPC sanctions Shoprite for displaying expired products surveillance and enforcement operation to the various outlets of Shoprite following an information which was recently circulated through the social media in Nigeria to the effect

that the well known departmental store harboured and sold expired and hazardous products capable of jeopardising the health and safety of Nigerian consumers.

According to CPC spokesman, Abiodun Obimuyiwa, the organisation, in the course of the surveillance and enforcement operation, discovered that the

Management Tip of the Day

26th June, 2012

PARALLEL RATES • £ RIYAL $

Odumodu, who disclosed that similar events took place simultaneously in major cities across the federation, said the organisation decided to approach the traders “as critical stakeholders in the Nigerian project.”

He urged the traders to imbibe the tenets of selfregulation by removing all those products that do not conform to standard specifications.”

He added that such products that “would not give value for money, endanger the lives and properties of consumers and that

Paul Angya, implored the traders to support the organisation in its efforts to improve the quality of lives of Nigerians through standards. ”We all at different times have lamented issues of building collapses, food poisoning, fire incidents in houses and markets, road accidents and such other sad incidents many of which are traceable to the marketing, sales and use of sub-standard products in our country, “ he stressed.

To check all these ugly incidents, the director general maintained that SON would pursue its “Zero-tolerance on substandard products initiative” launched early last year, to ensure that all sub-standard products are removed from Nigerian markets before the end of 2012.

shaka Cement Company Plc has approved 40 kobo dividend for shareholders on each ordinary share, following the improvement in the company’s profit after taxation.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors, Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga, who disclosed this in Gombe shortly after the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), said that the company’s gross turnover increased from N19.1 billion in 2010 to N20.7 billion in 2011.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Company Mr. Neeraj Akhoury said that the improvement in the company’s performance was due to the outcome of management focus on achieving significant improvement in the capacity utilisation of the plant.

His words: “Gradually, we are beginning to record improvement in reliability on key areas of the plant with positive impact on cement production. Ashaka has become a proud partner to its customers who have always demonstrated great commitment and affection to co-create a successful company”.

He explained that the support and encouragement received from the Board, coupled with the dedication hard work and diligence of staff and co-operation of other stakeholders was responsible for the positive result.

C

Make creativity a habit

reativity is an essential skill for navigating an increasingly complex world. And yet the path to innovative thinking can be surprisingly simple. To improve your own ingenuity, practice the following: 1 . Reduce stress, but not too much. Being overly relaxed

won’t get your creative juices flowing. Embrace an in-between emotional state, neither complacent nor stressed out.

2 . Get out of the office. Walk to work, take public transportation, wander about to see how real consumers behave and spend their time. If you never take the time to fill your

creative well, you’ll have nothing to contribute.

3 . Let your mind wander.

Studies show that day dreaming stimulates a unique mental state.

You’ll connect dots in new ways when you allow your mind to roam.

Source: Harvard Business Review

management of Shoprite displayed expired products and in-house packaged edible products without expiry dates, pointing out that the affected range of products included pastries, chicken, cheese, pepper, vegetables, and sea foods.

“The agency has subsequently removed all the affected products, stating that, given the seriousness of the offence and the dangers it posed to undiscerning consumers, punitive actions were being taken against the Shoprite, even though its management expressed deep regrets over the development, claiming it was a mistake.”

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

PAGE 20

COMPANY NEWS Nigeria, Turkey trade volume hits N206bn

T

he Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has said the trade volume between Nigeria and Turkey hit N206 billion ($1.3 billion) as at May this year.

‘Service sector key to economic growth’

R

esource Intermediaries Limited (RIL), one of the foremost outsourcing companies in Nigeria held an outsourcing expo in conjunction with Association of Outsourcing practitioners of Nigeria (AOPN), on Wednesday.

BOI partners Oyo in provision of hydro power plants

T

he Bank of Industry (BOI) is partnering the Oyo state government in the provision of small hydro power plants in Omi Adio and Arowomole in Ido and Ogbomoso-South Local Government Areas of the state respectively.

FG targets 600,000 metric tonnes increase on tubers, cereals - Adesina

A

kinwumi Adesina, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development has disclosed plans by the Federal Government to target 600,000 metric tonnes increase on tubers, cereals.

MultiChoice Nigeria, Copyright Society sign landmark deal From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

M

ultiChoice Nigeria on Wednesday signed a landmark Music Broadcasting Licence Agreement (MBLA) with the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) for licence to use Nigerian music in all its broadcast platforms in the country, in its effort to foster the growth of the entertainment industry in Nigeria.

The agreement will the voluntary undertaking by MultiChoice Nigeria to pay an agreed annual licence fee to the

Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) as rights for musical work exposed on DStv and ancillaryplatforms.

The payment is said to have followed weeks of mutual negotiation with COSON, which is the sole statutory collecting society in Nigeria recognised by the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC).

Speaking of the deal in Lagos, COSON Chairman, Mr. Tony Okoroji said, “It is a great thing.

It has been a long time coming.

MultiChoice has clearly shown that it is a responsible corporate organisation with genuine

T

Caverton diversifies to further strengthen business operations

C

averton Offshore Support Group (COSG) a wholly indigenous provider of marine, aviation and logistics support services to the Nigerian oil and gas sector, has approved a plan for further diversification of its business-lines, while also declaring a N268 million dividend for its shareholders for the 2011 financial year.

in Nigeria, affirming that corporate bodies must partner with relevantagencies to support and protect intellectual property in the country and to curb all forms of intellectual property crimes such as broadcast piracy which is currently bedeviling the broadcast industry in the country.

Yakubu assumes duty, vows to move NNPC forward

By Muhammad Nasir he newly-appointed Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Engr. Andrew Laah Yakubu has fully assumed duty with a pledge to surmount all challenges towards moving the Corporation forward.

Engr. Yakubu made this pledge while receiving the official mantle of leadership from the outgoing GMD, Engr. Austen Oniwon at a brief ceremony held in the NNPC Towers.

"We know the task is enormous, but nothing is impossible. We can't allow NNPC to stay where it is today. We'll work hard to improve on what is on ground. We are determined to reinforce NNPC's core values of transparency and accountability in the conduct of our business.

We'll remain collectively resolute and with God behind us,

T

we shall survive the storm," Engr Yakubu stated.

He congratulated Engr.

Oniwon for his tenure at the helm of NNPC affairs, describing their time and interactions together as "very productive and worthwhile."

He called for the support, cooperation and prayers of NNPC staff for the new management team. "As one big family, I'm confident that we shall all succeed in our quest to move this Corporation forward."

Earlier, Engr.

Austen Oniwon, who described his predecessor's appointment as "well-deserved", said he was confident that the caliber of individuals in the new Management team will help reposition NNPC to better tackle the challenges ahead. He charged him to remain focused on the core business of the Corporation which at the end of the day, would be the yardstick for evaluating his tenure.

Corrupt impact of deregulation

Expert slam Africa’s targeted at poor Nigerians - Don poor contribution to saying it was technological From Nankpah Bwakan, Jos advancement that made SIM internet he Chief Economist of the and traffic cheaper and Nigeria Labour Congress called stable price of the development (NLC) Prof. Peter Ozo-Eson

he President, Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), Raymond Akwule has decried the absence of Africa and Nigeria’s contributions in particular into the core Internet development.

concern for the protection of intellectual property in Nigeria.

Their partnership with us for the development of the music industry is commendable.”

Also, MultiChoice Nigeria’s Managing Director, Mr. John Ugbe said the company is committed to the promotion of the entertainment industry

T

yesterday disclosed that removal of subsidy on petroleum product by Federal Government was designed to transfer the impact of corruption on the Nigerians.

Speaking while delivering a paper titled “Deregulation of the downstream of the Nigerian oil sector” at the University of Jos alumni annual meeting said government was only interested to generating enough money to spend saying the governors mount pressure on the presidency to remove the subsidy simply because they would money to play around with.

He disagreed with the claim by government that deregulation of the telecommunication sector made SIM cards and call traffic cheap

petroleum product.

According to him, “ We need to realise that while diesel is the energy source of large firms, petroleum constitutes the main base of the energy requirements of the small scale firms and the huge informal sector...the proposed policy of price based on import-parity pricing will unleash chaos in the informal economy which is today the mainstay of the poor, the vulnerable and all those who cannot find gainful employment in the formal sector”.

Prof. Ozo-Eson said all Nigerians want from the Federal Government is to make the nation’s economy work and other sectors such as agriculture and steady power supply to boost the manufacturing industries in country work for the good of common man.

L-R: Former Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Engineer Austen Oniwon, handing over to the new GMD Engineer Andy Yakubu, on Wednesday at the NNPC Towers, in Abuja.

Audu Ogbeh lambasts FG over N3.2tr spent on importing agric products

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

F

ormer national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Audu Ogbeh has chided the Federal Government for paying lip service to the development of local farmers while encouraging the importation of agricultural products that can be produced at home and exported.

Ogbeh, who spoke in Abuja on Tuesday at the inauguration of three Agricultural Commodities Associations by the Ministry of Trade and Investment, noted that about $20 billion (about N3.2 trillion) is spent annually in the importation of agricultural products, which he said, is the major cause of unemployment in the country.

Ogbeh said: “$20 billion is being spent every year to import the agricultural products that can be produced here at cheaper cost if we encourage our farmers and give them the enabling environment and yet, we complain about unemployment.”

“Policy makers have to constantly meet with farmers to know what their problems are;

they have to meet with them periodically to find out if their policies have succeeded or not.

But what we have in Nigeria is a different case.”

Ogbeh, a known castro grower, who said he had been in farming since the age of 4, welcomed the inauguration of the three associations - National Shea Association of Nigeria (NASPAN), Kolanuts/ Bitter KolaAssociation of Marketers & Exporters of Nigeria and Castro Growers Processors & Marketers Association of Nigeria, adding that the future of the country depends on these kinds of associations.

Speaking while inaugurating the associations, the Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom promised the support of government to boost the processing and exportation of their products and “enhance the presence of our goods in the international market.”

The representatives of the three associations had earlier told journalists that government had abandoned the more productive areas of the economy while encouraging other areas with less potentials.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

PAGE 21

Features of the Nigerian Tax System (1)

The Executive Arm of Government encompasses the organs of Government at all levels, which are involved in the implementation and enforcement of tax laws. We have set out each organ's, role and responsibilities; 1.

By Muhammad Nasir

T

his section provides the fundamental features that taxes in the Nigerian tax system must exhibit.

Accordingly, any tax substantially violates these fundamental features should not be part of the tax system of Nigeria.

Simplicity, certainty and clarity Taxpayers should understand and trust the tax system, and this can only be achieved if Nigerian tax policy keeps all taxes simple, creates certainty through considerable restrictions on the need for discretionary judgments, and produces clarity by educating the public on the application of relevant tax laws.

It is therefore imperative that the Nigerian Tax should be simple,(making it easy to understand by all),certain(its laws and administration must be consistent)and clear(stakeholders must understand the basis of its imposition).

Low compliance cost To enable a high level of compliance, the economic costs of time required, and the expense which a taxpayer may incur during the procedures for compliance, shall be kept to the absolute minimum at all times.

Furthermore, taxpayers should be regarded as clients with the right to be treated respectfully.

The convenience of the taxpayer and minimal compliance cost should guide the design and implementation of every tax in Nigeria.

Low cost of Administration A key feature of a good tax system is that the cost of administration must be relatively low when compared to the benefits derived from its imposition.

There must therefore be a proper costbenefit analysis before the imposition of any taxes and the entire machinery of Tax administration in Nigeria should be efficient and costeffective.

Fairness Nigeria's tax system should be fair and as such observe the objectives of horizontal and vertical equity as mentioned above. Based on the foregoing, there must be overwhelming reasons for granting tax incentives and concessions to some preferred sectors over

others within the economy.

Otherwise incentives and concessions shall as much as possible be general and apply to all tax-payers.

Flexibility Taxes in Nigeria should be flexible enough to respond to changing circumstances.

Prevailing circumstances should also be considered before the introduction of new taxes or the review of existing ones.

Economic Efficiency The Nigerian tax system shall at all times strive to minimize the negative impact of taxes on economic efficiency by ensuring that the marginal propensity to save and invest.

Guiding Principles for Stakeholders-Roles, Responsibilities and Relationship between the Stakeholders Stakeholders are those persons/entities that contribute to and drive benefits from the country's tax system. This broad definition therefore includes every Nigerian citizen and resident, corporate entities, Government at all levels and government agencies as stakeholders in the country's tax administration. However, for the purpose of the National Tax Policy, certain groups have been identified as relevant stakeholders. It is therefore necessary to identify these relevant stakeholders before discussing the guiding principles, which would be applicable to them.

The relevant stakeholders in the Nigeria tax system can be broadly categorized into the following: (I) The Executive Arm (a) Presidency (b) Federal Executive Council in general and the Ministries of finance, Information and Education in Particular (c) National Economic Council (d) National Council of States (e) States Governors (f) State Executive Council in general and Commissioners of finance, Information and Education in particular (g) Local Government Chairman (h) Local Government Councils (II) Legislative Arm (a) National Assembly (b) State Houses of Assembly (III) Judiciary

FIRS Ag Chairman Alhaji Kabiru Mashi (IV) Tax Authorities (V) Joint Tax Board (VI) Tax Payers (VII) Professional Bodies, Tax Practitioners and Consultants As earlier stated, the National Tax Policy shall be guided by the provisions of Nigerian's Constitution in respect of all fiscal issues.

Accordingly the following shall be the guiding principles of the stakeholders in the Nigerian tax system: (I) Adherence to constitutional federalism and the Rule of law at all times; (II) strict adherence to constitutional provisions relating to fiscal matters; (III) adherence to the concept of Fiscal Federalism and separation of powers in relation to fiscal matters; (IV) Recognition and respect for the rights and powers of each level of Government in relation to collection and control of revenue within its jurisdiction; (V) strict adherence to the provisions of tax legislation in the administration of taxes; (VI) Commitment to the enforcement of tax laws in a legal and Constitutional manner; (VII) Commitment to the peaceful resolution of all disputes and respects for Judicial pronouncements on disputes submitted for adjudication; (VIII) Commitment to the creation and sustainable development of a stable, secure and workable tax system for

Nigeria; and (IX) Commitment to the unity, Development and Progress of one Nigeria, in the acknowledgement that the Tax System can be used as a major pivot for achieving National developmental Goals.

Further, there are certain universal principles which are necessary to ensure cordial interaction between stakeholders in the administration of taxes in Nigeria.

These principles include: 路affirmation and acknowledgment of the importance and contribution of all stakeholders in the administration of taxes in Nigeria; 路 provision of specific and general feedback by all stakeholders, in a proactive manner on issues and developments that are relevant to tax administration in Nigeria; 路 ensuring that the principle of good faith is observed by all stakeholders, especially between the taxpayer and tax authorities on one hand and the government and the authorities on the other; 路 Fairness in the treatment of all stakeholders by each other. This is particularly relevant in the allocation of resources and consideration of each party's viewpoints.

Having set out the general guiding principles for the stakeholders, their roles and responsibilities are as follows: The Executive Arm

Presidency The Presidency is the organ of Government that is responsible for initiating policy and implementation and enforcement of laws at the federal level. The Presidency also oversees the activities of Government agencies at the federal level. In this regard, the Presidency would be required to provide leadership and direction on all tax matters to the ministry of finance, the federal Inland Revenue generating agencies involved in tax administration in Nigeria.

The presidency shall provide necessary approvals (or assists in obtaining such approvals from relevant bodies), funding and be responsible for the appointment of competent personnel to head relevant agencies and also initiate the process of drafting tax legislation for enactment by the Legislature.

The Presidency would also be responsible for signing and implementing all International and Regional treaties entered into by Nigeria.

In addition to the above, the presidency shall be responsible for moderating the relationship between the different organs of Government and provide all the necessary tools for effective and efficient tax administration in Nigeria.

2. National Council of Sates The National Council of State (NCS) is created by the Nigerian Constitution and assigned the responsibility of advising the President on the exercise of his powers with respect to certain matters specified in the constitution.

While taxation or fiscal issues are not specifically listed in the Constitution as matters upon which the NCS can advise the President, the Constitution however provides that the NCS may advise the President on such matters as the President may direct. Accordingly, when required, the NCS shall provide relevant advice to the president on matters pertaining to tax and fiscal issues.

Given that the NCS is made up of distinguished and experienced persons such as former Presidents and Chief Justice of the federation, current state governors, the President of the senate and speaker of the National House of Assembly, it is expected that the NCS would provide deep and varied insight on matters upon, which it would be called to advice the President. (To be continued)

PAGE 22

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

Bauchi has resources to generate sustainable energy – Chairman, Nakura Energy Alhaji Ahmed Nakura is the chairman Nakura Energy in Bauchi state, the company that indicated interest in generating electricity through gas, which is thought to be abundantly located in the state.

In this interview with Ahmed Kaigama , he spoke on the need for little but sufficient resources to generate electricity and says Bauchi has sustainable energy resources to generate electricity without going overseas to seek for foreign companies. Excerpts:

N

igeria is problems

facing of

stable electricity which has crippled many businesses; How can this lingering problem be overcomed?

I believe that the political will power to improve and develop the existing infrastructure is key to addressing the problem.

Government, at the federal and state levels, should be actively involved in promoting the development of alternative energy resources to generate electricity outside of hydro-power.

Are you satisfied with the effort so far made by the government in solving the problem of electricity?

More can be done to improve electricity generation in Nigeria, to reduce our dependence on fuel and generators and boost the economic and social welfare of Nigerians at large. But it is a collective effort and we have to start from somewhere. Nakura Energy has set the ball in motion and we are calling on all stakeholders, including the government and the people, to rise up and play their parts.

State governments are making effort to get their Independent Power Plant (IPP) projects in place: Do you think this will be part of the solution to the problems?

T

he Independent Power Plant projects developed and implemented by state governments will boost the total electricity generation in the country. As the most populous and densely populated country in Africa, Nigeria’s current power output of less than 4,000MW is unacceptable.

And Independent Power Plant projects are a key way that this power output can be increased.

This is why Nakura Energy is proposing the development of the Kalomani IPP to the Bauchi

state government.

B

auchi State Government is in talks with three companies in its effort to establish IPP either through solar, energy and water; which one do you think is the cheapest and easiest?

In my opinion, hydroelectric generation is the oldest and cheapest form of commercial electricity generation.

It is this technology that currently services our national grid. However, even with our abundant hydro-resources, Nigeria continues to suffer from poor electricity generation.

Advancements in technology have made it possible to explore other more sustainable resources such as compressed natural gas (CNG), which is highly abundant in Bauchi

state, with about 33-100 billion of proven reserves. It is friendly to the environment and the steady electricity generated can be delivered to consumers at a very affordable rate.

How far have you gone in your discussions with the Bauchi state government over the IPP project?

I

am particularly interested in Bauchi state; first of all, because the state has great economic potential; I have faith in that potential. Bauchi state has the resources to generate sustainable energy in greater abundance than most other states in the North.

There is also a sentimental dimension to it. I am from Kano state, but I feel that for Bauchi state, like in Kano, we are basically the same people and Nakura Energy recently conducted a technical

“

We told them that oil exploration conducted by Shell Company revealed that Bauchi has gas in commercial quantity, which means Bauchi has the resources and we are going to use their resource to explore and generate 33 megawatts of electricity; we don’t want money from the state government, we only want their commitment.

Alhaji Ahmed Nakura presentation to the Bauchi state government in which the Deputy Governor and other relevant stakeholders expressed their confidence in our ability to deliver as well as their desire to support and be part of this task, the task of providing the much needed service to the citizens of Bauchi state and to serve as a model for successive replication in other states in the country.

that will benefit the Nigerian citizens at large.

Government should also muster the political will power to break free from unpatriotic interests and tilt towards the interests of the public. With a steady electricity supply, there will be little need for generators.

And this will be the beginning of Nigeria’s dominance on the world stage.

W

Are you satisfied with the way government is patronising indigenous companies?

e told them that oil e x p l o r a t i o n conducted by Shell Company revealed that Bauchi has gas in commercial quantity, which means Bauchi has the resources and we are going to use their resource to explore and generate 33 megawatts of electricity; we don’t want money from the state government, we only want their commitment.

Once government gives us their commitment we will do our best and the state and its neighboring states will get adequate supply of electricity.

What areas do you think government should focus in order to realise its objectives?

I

n terms of electricity generation, the government should focus on public-private sector partnerships as obtainable in our oil and gas industry.

Government should create favorable conditions for companies wishing to engage in similar projects and encourage foreign and local companies to work together. This will result in knowledge transfer, healthy competition and better services

More support and incentives should be given to indigenous companies to enable them actively participate in the rebuilding and remodeling of our electricity generation infrastructure.

There are tremendous opportunities to be harnessed in this industry and much room exist for our local organisations to participate.

A

ny advice Government, Nigerians?

to or

Government must decide and remain strongly committed to improving power generation in Nigeria. Every Nigerian has a right to safe and secure shelter, and a right to a legitimate means of livelihood and improving our electricity generation is key to ensuring that these rights are upheld.

The Nigerian people must unite against this age old challenge of poor electricity and call for change. When the people call, the government will respond.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

PAGE 24

PAGE 25

Chad: Tackling malnutrition amid increased food insecurity I

n the outskirts of Moussoro, the main town in the western Chad region of Bahr-elGhazal, mothers line up with their babies in the sweltering heat waiting to be screened for malnutrition. In another area in the region, women load their donkeys with millet and groundnut seeds - provided by aid agencies in anticipation of better rains this season.

“This is the planting season, I will plant the millet first and when rains come I will plant the other seeds,” Khadija Oche Youssuf, a mother of four, told IRIN in the northern village of Toumia, 60km from Moussoro. “We last harvested in September 2011 and the food finished; the harvest was not good because of the lack of rains and the locusts and birds.”

Before they started receiving food aid, Toumia residents coped by cutting down trees and selling firewood by the roadside in the already fragile and degraded environment.

“We were then going to Moussoro to buy food,” said Khadija, adding that the trip to Moussoro takes three days by donkey.

Bahr-el-Ghazal region is among the areas of Chad lying along the crisis-hit Sahelian belt, which stretches from Senegal to Chad. Like in the rest of the Sahel region, a mix of drought, poor rains and harvests as well as rising food prices have resulted in food insecurity and subsequent malnutrition.

At the main hospital in Moussoro, severely malnourished children with complications such as infections, diarrhoea and malaria, are attended to, having been referred from health centres further inland.

“I noticed that my baby was having diarrhoea and brought him to the hospital,” Fatuma*, an 18year-old mother of an 18month-old baby, told IRIN. After three days at Moussoro Hosiptal, the baby’s health is improving; at home the baby shared the family’s food

of the Sahel. “The situation in Salamat emphasizes that the global understanding of the nature and causes of the Sahel crisis - and our ability to predict its evolution - is far from easy,” he said.

Many of the high-risk children live in rural areas without access to medical care. When the rains start, reaching them will be harder. “Proper roads don’t exist or where they do, they become impassable due to mud or they cross a wadi that is a raging river in the rainy season,” he explained.

“It is tremendously rewarding to discharge a previously critically ill child from our programme as ‘cured’, but in the absence of adequate nutrition in the home and an improved food security situation in the community, the child remains at risk of falling back into illness later and eventually re-entering the programme.”

In May, at least 2.4 million people, mainly in Chad’s central agropastoral zones of Guera, Kanem, Bahr-el-Ghazal, Batha and Sila were classified as being in the “stressed” food insecurity phase, with the lean season having started two months earlier than usual. Under the “stressed” phase, household food consumption is reduced but minimally adequate without having to engage in irreversible coping strategies.

“A lot of animals have died especially sheep and goats. Some camels have also died,” Koisse Bichara, an auxiliary veterinary officer, told IRIN in Toumia. “Most of the other animals are far away and it

A UN peacekeeper speaks with women refugees in Chad

comprising mainly rice and maize meal.

Chad’s “embryonic” economy is among factors limiting the local diversity of food sources and income, notes USAID’s Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET), adding that sociocultural care practices and poor health systems are also to blame.

Fatuma told IRIN she

had first opted for her baby’s uvula (fleshy extension of the soft palate which hangs above the throat) to be cut by a traditional doctor, hoping this would improve the baby’s health, before taking the baby to hospital.

Moussoro Hospital does not have a full time doctor.

“We have eight nurses who have a heavy workload;

they take care of the severely malnourished children, prepare meals and take care of the sick [in the general wards],” Phillippe Tadjion, the medical coordinator, told IRIN, adding that there is a need for more staff.

But even with the best treatment, for some children it is too little, too late.

“Almost 5 percent will die of complications from malnutrition while in the [treatment] programme,” Richard Currie, a medical coordinator with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), told IRIN by email. “As you can imagine, the death rate for the thousands of children who do not have access to a therapeutic feeding programme is only going to

be considerably higher.”

MSF is addressing malnutrition primarily in the Sahel region of Chad but is also actively screening areas throughout the country for alarming rates of malnutrition. In one of its projects in the Salamat region, slightly south of the Sahel, “an area where one would otherwise expect adequate rainfall, an

adequate harvest, and an absence of malnutrition, the reality on the ground, however, is quite different,” Currie said.

In just one site in Salamat, MSF has admitted almost 4,000 severely malnourished children into its programmes in 2012 - in 2011 just over 5,100 children were admitted. “As the worst of

the ‘hunger gap’ approaches, we have over 50 critically ill malnourished children in our hospital at the moment,” he added.

According to Currie, there are a number of reasons why an otherwise ‘safe’ region might fall into a nutrition crisis, such as the diversions of harvested crops to more affected areas

is not easy to get milk, it is also dry.”

Koisse said at present 1.5 litres of camel milk is selling at 1,000 CFA (US$2) double the normal price. “At this price, the quantity is not enough. Who will drink [the milk] - the father, the children or the mother?”

The 1,000 CFA price, she added, is just for the sale of milk to the local population - visitors have to pay more.

Rains that have started earlier than usual in the regions of Guera, Salamat and part of Chari Baguirmi are expected to improve livestock body conditions as well as the population’s purchasing power in the coming months, according to FEWS NET. However, cereal prices, which rose between March and May and are higher than the five-year average due to high demand, are expected to continue to rise until the September harvest.

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) aims to assist at least 1.5 million people in Chad, among them children younger than two years and their mothers.

In addition, more than 205,000 schoolchildren will receive school meals in 2012. In April, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) also launched a three-month programme to distribute Plumpy’Doz, a highly nutritious therapeutic food, to 200,000 children aged 623 months.

UNICEF estimates that at least 127,000 children will be at risk of severe acute malnutrition in Chad in 2012.

NGO Intermón Oxfam is involved in activities such as general food distribution,

“

It is tremendously rewarding to discharge a previously critically ill child from our programme as ‘cured’, but in the absence of adequate nutrition in the home and an improved food security situation in the community, the child remains at risk of falling back into illness later and eventually re-entering the programme

cash transfers, cash for work and the provision of seeds and water as well as hygiene services, according to its emergency response manager, Christian Munezero.

At present though, not all of the needs are being met.

On 19 June, humanitarian organizations appealed for $1.6 billion to help 18.7 million crisis-affected people - up from 16 million - in the Sahel. The appeal reflected an increase in the population in need in countries such as Chad, where between January and April the number of food insecure people shot up by 125 percent to reach 3.6 million.

The 2012 Consolidated Appeal by humanitarian agencies for Chad had estimated that 1.6 million people there would be food insecure due to below average 2011 harvests and erratic rains.

Land-locked Chad faces logistical challenges when it comes to moving food aid, notes WFP. The crisis in Libya has also affected local trade with northern Chad, while radical Nigerian Islamist group Boko Haram activity in northern Nigeria has also slowed down trade in neighbouring western Chad and Niger.

The Chadian government has announced the subsidized sale of cereals but aid officials say more needs to be done.

“It is true that the government recognized the crisis... and announced a certain number of measures, but they remain declarations,” said an aid official who preferred anonymity.

“We need to work better on the causes of the [food] crisis - not only the consequences because there will always be drought in Chad,” added Oxfam’s Munezero. “...Malnutrition is a real problem of public health care, which requires medical and nutrition measures and should be integrated into primary health care, such as vaccination,” said MSF’s Currie.

Culled from Allafrica.com

PAGE 26

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

Poverty and ethno-religious crises in Nigeria: The way forward Being a paper presented at the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah, national seminar on Islam, peace and development, held at the National Mosque Conference Centre on June 15-16, 2012 (Rajab 25-26, 1433 AH).

I

n the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. All Praise is due to Allah, We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and we seek refuge in Him from our evils and bad deeds. Anyone who is guided by Allah, is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad, is His servant, and final messenger to mankind. May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon His last and final Apostle, his Household, his companions and all his followers until the end of time.

I am conscious and indeed appreciative of the honour bestowed on me today, to stand before this respectful and learned congregation, to contribute to this new era of Islamic Da'awah under the direct participation, administration and close supervision of the Izalatul Bid'ah wa Iqamatis Sunnah. I have been asked to talk on: Poverty and EthnoReligious Crises in Nigeria: The way Forward.

However, before the main body of my paper, I would like to refresh your memory on the historic foundation of this great Islamic indigenous and home grown organization.

Jama'atu Izalatil Bid'ah wa Iqamatis Sunnah was founded in Jos, Nigeria on the 12th March, 1978. It was conceived and born in this country as an independent purist Islamic organization, with no any international affiliation or link to any foreign governmental or non-governmental organizations, whatsoever! But, today, Jama'atu Izalatil Bid'ah wa Iqamatis Sunnah can loudly thank Allah that it has the largest followership of committed faithful more than any political party in Africa!

At the moment, after educating and sensitizing the populace for over three decades on the paramount of unreserved total submission to the will of Allah alone, and amid the promising stable democratic dispensation in place, Izala will tread a new path for the very first time in the history of this great country to blend education, health, economy with Da'awah in order to move this country to the promised land; the land of plentitude, peace and development, Insha Allah!

We have earnestly resolved, and are determined to march forward in unison with any willing local, regional, national or international governmental and

non-governmental organizations domination, political for the educational, economical marginalization, economic and physical upliftment of our alienation and persistent inter people beyond ethno-religious religious contentions. In essence, bounds. The emergence of the new fear and apprehension breed leadership of this g r e a t organization is determined and resolute to work with all interested stakeholders

By Husain Zakariyya from any part of Yawale the world.

We have +234-8052952900 (sms only) presently islamexplained35@yahoo.com conceded to the indisputable fact that after a long and careful study suspicion, mistrust raises hatred of the Nigeria deplorable economic and revulsion , hatred causes situation, pathetic state of our enmity, while enmity and intense health sectors and the aversion, threaten cordiality and degeneration of the educational peaceful coexistence of various the institutions from the primary, tribes and religions in this country! secondary, to the tertiary levels, Our courts and prisons today,

ISLAM EXPLAINED

and terror (in extremes) (closing In on like a garment (from every side), because of the (evil) which (its people) wrought.” [an-Nahl: 112] However, if we accept the mistakes of our collective lots, express our contrition and sincerely repent, then that is the beginning of wisdom! Let us all turn to Allah with sincere penitence and remorse, before we return to Him! I swear by Allah that no amount of any private or collective prayers will salvage our sordid affairs, without sincere vow to attitudinal and orientational changes before embarking on prayers, Allah warns:

Cross-section of participants at a conference organised by Women in Daawah held at the Conference Hall of the National Mosque, Abuja recently. as one of the chief causes of all our perennial crises in this country since over two decades. We are also aware with the fact that our political projects are befogged by plethora of corruption and dishonourable behaviours of many of the major players.

We also studied all the putforward theories of the causes and proponents of the persistent ethnoreligious crises in the country. We are also aware that many of the traces have linkages to both corrupt politicians and discontented civil servants. There is also another hidden group who make fortunes whenever and wherever savage and excessive killing of many people are taking place in the country.

Another cause of unrelenting crises is the high-speed erosion and depletion of confidence of many electorates with regards to insatiable gullibility of many politicians of looting the public treasuries.

There is also the theory of fear of dominations amongst all the various interest groups, generally.

There are the trepidation of tribal

are filled up to the brims due to unfair hearing and timely dispensation of justices. We have observed equally, with shock and disappointment the steady corrosion and decay of confidence in that sector! There are also herds of well-fed sacred cows who dare the butchers' knives. There is also the discontent from the public of the on-going of extra-judicial killing which is openly carried out unabated in parts of the country.

Distinguish leaders and Ulam'a, the very principal cause of all these apologetic and gloomy situations which took over our nation, is no more than our daring and relentless transgression against the precincts Allah! We have persistently been abusing due processes in all our dealings across all the social, political and religious stratus, despite the clear warnings of Allah (SWT) in His book. He, (SWT) says; “Allah sets forth a Parable: a City enjoying security and abundantly supplied with sustenance from every place: yet was it ungrateful for the of Allah, so Allah made it taste of hunger

“If any do seek for glory and power,- to Allah belong all glory and power. to Him Mount up (all) words of purity: it is He who exalts Each deed of righteousness. Those that Lay plots of Evil,- for them is a penalty terrible; and the plotting of such will be void (of result).” [alFatir: 10] Hence, no prayers will henceforth be raised above our heads, without us corresponding our approaches and deeds together!

We do not have alternative to glory, peace and development without positive change of our attitudes. Allah says: “...Verily never will Allah change the condition of a people until They change it themselves (with their own souls). but when (once) Allah willeth a people's punishment, there can be no turning it back, nor will They find, besides him, any to protect.” [arRa'ad: 11] Also: “Because Allah will never change the Grace which He hath bestowed on a people until They change what is In their (own) souls: and Verily Allah is He who heareth and knoweth (All things).” [alAnfaal; 53]

Thus, brothers and sisters in Islam, for your information, JIBWIS is now ready to lead us to making that meaningful and positive changes through FIDSS (families In difficult Situation Scheme) in partnership with all interested stakeholders from within and without the shore of this country.

With the support from Allah, and the willingness and commitment of our partners of concerned agencies and individuals, and with JIBWIS is prepared to kick start the following products in earnest: 1.

Vocation Enterprise Education through FBOs, NGOs, CBOs. What we require here is the Grant in Aid from FGN and States Government to move on.

2. Micro-finance banking: A non-Interest banking Initiative for about 20 million poor and vulnerable families is already in the pipeline for take-off. This financial services when fully availed will deliver Indiscriminately solution to poor and weak of the Muslims ummah and their good neighbours.

3. Community health care: This will include but not limited to strategic programme of outsourcing select Primary Health Care Centres to FBOs in association with professional associations for improved management and enhanced access to Medicare by vulnerable families.

4. Mobilisation and advocacy: We have set out to partnering with local and community radio and television stations as well as print media on Good Governance and Empowerment.

5. Action Plan For Continous Research On Rural Community Development In Nigeria: A sustainable collaboration with associated NGOs, Research bodies and centres across the globe.

6. Immediate (short-term programme) which include: a. FIDSS (Families in Difficult Circumstances Support Scheme) phase one will include SMEs Development through NonInterest Micro finance. b. Training of Cooperative group Leaders for pilot agro-SMEs Projects c. Take-off of pilot outsourced health care and Basic education programme.

The detail programme of action is in the concluding stage with major focus in agricultural sector of the economy.

My respectful leader and teachers, these and many more empowerment programme are in the pile-line for the economic empowerment of our faithful, as well as all interested Nigerians without consideration to ethnicity, sectarian and religious inclination.

Finally, I ask Allah to grant us strong resolution and sustainable success to implementing these and many other programmes that will eventually empower our people, bring about peace and development in Nigeria and beyond!

Wassalaamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu!

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

PAGE 27

Is cell phone a harmful device?

By Femi Ogunshola

M

iss Chinyere Nwoko, an Abuja-based trader, once complained of some hearing problems in her right ear.

Being a religious woman, Nwoko decided to pray for God’s intervention but it appeared her prayer remained somewhat unanswered, as her condition became worse, compelling her to seek medical attention.

She visited an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) consultant for medical examination and she was stunned when the doctor sought information on how many hours she spent in making or receiving calls with her cell phone daily.

Nwoko conceded that on the average, she spent about four hours daily in making or receiving phone calls.

To her utter amazement, the doctor simply advised her to reduce the hours she spent in making or receiving calls, stressing that her mobile phone was largely responsible for her hearing defects.

Such information is a source of serious concern, as observers note that many Nigerians now spend a lot of time on the phone, particularly since the onset of the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) revolution in Nigeria some 10 years ago.

Dr Jawa Muhammed, a Consultant in Nuclear Medicine and Radiology at the National Hospital, Abuja, says that lengthy calls on mobile phones could be damaging to people’s health.

“If you make calls for more than 20 minutes per day, you have significantly increased your chances of developing some health problems and the health problems vary in individuals,’’ he says.

Muhammed notes that a cell phone emits what is called radio frequency radiation, adding: “The radiation is associated with health hazards that are injurious to the body, causing all manner of ailments.

“The consequence of this radio frequency radiation is more devastating in younger children and pregnant women,’’ he adds.

Muhammed, however, insists that children under the age of 13 should not have anything to do with cell phones because they are more sensitive to radio frequency radiation.

Besides, he says that pregnant women should minimise making or receiving calls on cell phones because the radio frequency radiation also affects unborn babies.

Muhammed underscores the need for the people to restrict their calls to not more than 20 minutes per day, stressing that such restriction would save them from mobile phone-induced health hazards. “ What is important is to reduce your phone calls; you get more radiation in making calls than in receiving calls.

“So, people should try as much as possible to reduce phone calls and the time they spend in making calls,’’ he says.

Funny enough, the consultant

Cell phones: A common sight in Nigeria today says that the size of a cell phone also indicates the quantum of the health risks it poses.

“The size of a cell phone determines the magnitude of the risks involved in using the phone; the bigger the phone, the larger the radio frequency radiation that comes out from it,’’ he adds.

Muhammed expatiates that the number of phones in a person’s environment at any particular point in time could also determine the extent of the potential danger.

“Even if you carry only one cell phone and the people around you carry multiple cell phones, there is more radio frequency radiation that

comes out of that circle,’’ he says.

Commenting of the radiation problem, Mr Emmanuel Adetiba, a lecturer in the Department of Electrical Electronics, Covenant University, Ota, says that radiation consists of several types of sub-atomic particles that can easily penetrate the human body and damage some body cells.

He claims that preliminary research has shown that sustained use of cell phones is associated with increased health risks in the society.

Adetiba advises phone users to ensure a safe distance between their bodies and their cell phones when

making calls.

He underscores the wisdom in taking such precautionary measures, saying that health problems caused by radio frequency radiation can even cause genetic defects in future generations.

Beyond that, Dr Abiodun Olusesi, an ENT Consultant at the National Hospital, Abuja, also advises the people against the habit of increasing the volume of their cell phones when they are receiving calls.

He warns that in most cases, noise-induced auditory impairments have no remedy because the cells in the ear do not

reproduce whenever they are damaged.

“Hearing aids cannot replace normal hearing or cure hearing loss; they only amplify sounds.

Once you have lost your hearing, there is not much that can be done,’’ he says.

Olusesi says that the loss of hearing has several health implications, stressing: “The patient loses sleep due to stress, gets highly irritable, suffer increased blood pressure level and he or she can develop heart-related ailments.’’

He advises the people, particularly those living in noisy neighbourhoods, to always cover their ears with mufflers or protectors that would reduce the amount of noise that enters the ear.

On the noise level that could be classified as pollution, Olusesi claims that any sound higher than 75 to 80 decibels could be classified as noise pollution.

“The human ear is not designed to tolerate any sound in excess of 75 to 80 decibels for a prolonged period.

Most of the harmful effects of sound arise when someone is exposed to a sound that is above the 80-decibel level,’’ he says.

Muhammed says that apart from hearing defects, the health hazards of radiation via the cell phone include skin cancer.

He says that placing a cell phone at a particular point in the ear could expose the phone user to the risks of contracting skin cancer.

Muhammed also advises cell phone users, particularly men, to refrain from putting their phones inside the pockets of their trousers.

As regards women, however, it is safer for them to keep their cell phones inside their handbags, he adds.

Source: NAN

PAGE 28

By Joan Nwagwu

P

roductivity is a dependent variable in the development efforts of any nation, as it is an underlying factor of all economic development processes.

Development economists assert that no country can be self-sufficient without attaining appreciable productivity in all the sectors of its economy.

Aware of the importance of productivity in national development planning, the Federal Government has been striving to put in place policies that would enhance productivity.

For instance, the National Productivity Centre (NPC), established by Decree No.7 of 1987, now NPC Act, Cap 272 of 1990, was set up to boost productivity in the country.

The kernel of NPC’s mandate is to: “Facilitate socio-economic growth and development through productivity improvement. ’’ The Centre is constitutionally empowered to achieve its mandate by “stimulating productivity consciousness towards the attainment of effective and efficient work systems for a better and efficient service delivery ’’.

Besides, SERVICOM (Service Compact with all Nigerians) was set up in March 2004, as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to improve the quality of public service delivery in Nigeria Also, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) recently approved the first National Policy on Productivity for the country.

The policy, which was proposed by Chief Emeka Wogu, the Minister of Labour and Productivity, would pave way for the creation of the National Council on Productivity.

The Council is intended to provide guidance for the day-today implementation of the policy.

The Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, said that FEC approved the policy after an exhaustive debate, adding that it was meant to enhance national productivity as part of efforts to foster the country’s development.

“Our efforts to transform the country can only be fruitful if our nation adopts the culture of productivity, innovation, improvement and proper management of resources.

“This is because enhanced national productivity is at the heart of any economic development and progress,’’ he said.

Wogu bemoaned the decline in national productivity and stressed that the vision of the policy was to transform Nigeria into a productive nation through hard work and efficient management of resources.

“The policy itself has a vision, a clear cut vision; and the vision is to transform Nigerian into a productive and competitive economy through hard work and creativity; innovation and adoption of best

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

Boosting workers’ productivity in Nigeria

Nigerian workers in a rally to mark the year 2012 Workers Day practices,’’ he said.

The minister, nonetheless, stressed that the guidelines for the policy’s implementation would soon be released by the Ministry of Labour and Productivity.

“The policy’s implementation involves nongovernmental stakeholders, the organised private sector, the media and other sectors of the economy,’’ he said.

Wogu said that implementation committees would be set up at state and local government levels to ensure the maximum effect of the policy.

Efforts toward the formulation of a National Productivity Policy for the country began in 2009 when the late President Umaru Yar’Adua directed the NPC to convene a summit to deliberate on the policy.

Yar’Adua stressed that the policy should provide the framework for achieving sustainable growth in productivity, while serving as a roadmap to guide the productivity movement in Nigeria.

Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, a former Minister of Labour and Productivity, succinctly underscored the need to inculcate productivity consciousness in the country’s workforce.

Kayode, who spoke at one of

NPC’s Foundation Day celebration, stressed that efforts to achieve enhanced productivity should be brought into a wider national focus.

He said that Nigeria’s underdevelopment over the years could be blamed on the low performance of the various sectors of the economy.

Kayode insisted that government’s efforts to promote the wellbeing of the citizens could only be fruitful if they were anchored on a “sound and sustainable productivity improvement framework’’.

Dr Paul Bdliya, the Director-General of NPC, said that productivity was vital to the success of any national development agenda.

“Increased productivity at various sectoral levels is a task which we must achieve. This is because Nigeria’s underdevelopment over the years has been attributed to the low performance of the various sectors of the economy on the productivity scale,’’ he said.

Bdliya emphasised that great nations of the world were built via their citizens’ creativity, hard work, innovativeness and pursuit of excellence.

“We must, therefore, resolve, both at the individual and organisational levels, to develop our productive mindset, as this will enable us

to attain the Nigeria of our dream,’’ he said.

Mr Jide Mike, the immediate-past DirectorGeneral of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), said that Nigerian workers should be provided the enabling environment to enable them to boost their productivity.

“I know that Nigerian workers are very hardworking but there are a lot of factors which actually discourage them from putting in their best,’’ he said.

He said that the factors included poor remuneration, transportation problems, corruption and poor supervision.

Mike, however, said that good structural organisation, competent manpower, training, positive attitudes toward employment, good wages, consistent power supply and good transportation would lead to higher productivity.

Mr Olusegun Oshinowo, the Director General, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), noted that the productivity of workers, who usually travelled long distances to the workplace, was somewhat poor.

He urged employers, particularly the Federal Government, to create an enabling environment for productivity to thrive, adding

that it could do this by addressing the lingering power supply problems.

Mr Peter Onwubuariri, an Abuja-based journalist, said that the lack of encouragement from employers of labour had been a major factor limiting the productivity of Nigerian workers.

He underscored the need to improve the workers’ welfare, saying that a good remuneration system was fundamental to efforts to improve workers’ productivity in any organisation.

Onwubuariri also said that workers should be given perks and incentives such as free health care, among others.

He reiterated that good remuneration and welfare packages for workers would boost their productivity and encourage them to be more diligent.

Experts insist that since productivity is an intervening factor in fulfilment of any organisation, tangible efforts should be made to initiate and sustain pragmatic schemes to boost productivity in the country.

They particularly urge the Federal Government to properly fund its agencies, which are specifically set up to promote productivity, so as to enable them to fulfil their mandate without any hitches.

Source: NAN

PAGE 28

I

t is the start of the rains in northern Nigeria, and farmers are out sowing their fields. They know that the next three months will be the belttightening lean season, when households need to be prudent to get by, but hardship will give way to the harvest in September.

For the women gathered at a small healthcare centre in Daura, in the northwestern state of Katsina, hunger has come early, and is visible in the gingercoloured hair and the slack skin of their children.

Hajiya Ladidi’s two-year-old daughter, Kadija, is severely malnourished and enrolled in an outpatients therapeutic programme (OTP) at Gurjiya, one of six run by Save the Children in the Daura Local Government Area.

Business has been bad for her husband, an onion middle-man who buys from local farmers and sells to traders heading south. He has another wife, a total of nine children to feed, and the stored grain from last year’s harvest ran out in May. Katsina, on the border with drought-affected Niger, has a global acute malnutrition rate of 8.1 percent among children aged under five, according to a preliminary survey at the beginning of this year by the UN’s Children Fund (UNICEF).

That figure is almost certain to worsen as the lean season sets in, and prices of the staples millet, maize and sorghum rise.

Nigeria is the key food producer in the Sahelian region, but across the northern states there are now 383 sites like those in Gurjiya, providing Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM): a dramatic expansion from the 30 at the launch of the programme in 2009.

The women at the Gurjiya health centre, waiting to have their children measured and checked, understood the community mobilizers’ exhortation to feed their families with nutritious food, the problem was to find the money to do so.

Khadija’s mother needs US$2 a day to keep her household fed just the basics, and that is a struggle, she told IRIN. “In the villages you will just find millet, which is a carbohydrate,” said Ramatle Bello, the OTP officer at Gurjiya, which has 200 children on its books. “They could use beans, eggs or milk, but they are not doing so because they prefer to sell those items to make money.”

RUTF shortages UNICEF runs the bulk of the OTP sites in Nigeria, and provides the nutrition-rich Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF) central to the CMAM programme. Mothers bring their children for weekly check-ups to the government-owned health centres, where they receive antibiotics and health lectures.

But it is the 8-week course of high-energy RUTF that changes the fortunes of their children, and when IRIN visited Gurjiya, none was available.

There have been sporadic shortages throughout this year,

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

Owning up to food insecurity in the North

Malnutrition shouldn't be hushed up with UNICEF, Save the Children, and Action Against Hunger partners in the European Union ECHO-funded programme borrowing from among each other to try and provide a level of service. There had been a cumulative total of five weeks of low RUTF stocks, and Bello was worried: “Without RUTF there is no CMAM.” She said some women with too far to walk had to borrow the 30 US cents for a motorbike taxi to the health centre, or had other children at home to take care of.

If the shortages persisted, they would stop coming: “It is really affecting this programme.”

In the first five months of this year, 69,000 children were enrolled in CMAM in 11 northern states. The largest number by far - 19,000 children - are in Katsina, a city which 300 years ago was at the heart of commerce in the north.

According to one aid worker, the extent of the needs means even more sites could be opened in the state, “but we’d be overwhelmed… The challenge is even bigger than we thought.”

Stanley Chitekwe, UNICEF’s chief of nutrition, says need is squeezing supplies. “Monthly consumption is increasing and the [RUTF] pipeline is becoming very sensitive. We’re not even managing with buffer stocks, whatever comes we push to the states.”

Logistical delays in clearing RUTF through Lagos port were also holding up delivery, and a solution being explored is to use one of the RUTF suppliers in neighbouring Niger, if there are surpluses there. “Hopefully, they will move faster,” he added.

Alhaji Aliyu Usman, the director of the Primary Health System in Daura, said the supply “hiccups” did not “invalidate the importance” of the work of the past three years, but what he wanted to see was technical collaboration and the investment to allow Nigeria to produce its own RUTF. According to USAID’s FEWS NET food security outlook for May, “abnormal increases in food prices” are anticipated between July and September across northern Nigeria. Boko Haram-related insecurity, last year’s production shortfalls, transport costs, and an outflow of grain into Niger, are among the causes; the impact will be even more poor households struggling to meet their daily nutritional needs.

While climatic conditions are playing a role, it is affordability rather than production that determines food insecurity in Katisna. “There is a paradox of hunger amidst plenty,”

Abimbola Williams, Save the Children’s newborn and child survival adviser, told IRIN. “There can be surplus production within the state, but hungry children just a few kilometres away.”

Nigeria’s last demographic and health survey, in 2008, found that stunting in children aged under five topped 53 percent in the northwest; by comparison, the southeast was 22 percent. Just under a third of the population of the northwest were assessed as extremely poor based on assets owned; the only region worse-off was the northeast, with 47 percent of their people on the bottom rung of the ladder.

“Across the north, people depend on farming for income and feeding,” said Hussaini Abdu, director of Action Aid in Nigeria, “and a drop in rains means a drop in production.”

The land cultivated, with limited access to credit, fertilizer and improved seeds, has rarely

“

Traditionally men have migrated during the dry season to the towns and cities to look for work, but with an average of 42 percent of males in the north having never attended formal schooling, “they can’t make any income, and it just deepens the poverty”

been productive enough to tide a household over all-year round.

Traditionally men have migrated during the dry season to the towns and cities to look for work, but with an average of 42 percent of males in the north having never attended formal schooling, “they can’t make any income, and it just deepens the poverty,” said Hussaini.

Aid rethink?

Aid agencies are rethinking their strategy - in particular towards intervening earlier, before the stage of severe malnutrition. Save the Children are looking at cash transfers, “to see how the very poor can be supported during the hunger months,” Denis Onoise, field manager of Save the Children in Katsina told IRIN. According to one aid worker, who asked not to be named, “CMAM targets only severely malnourished children, but the majority of acute malnourished children and moderately malnourished are not accessing the services. Treatment of severe malnutrition can be mainstreamed through the primary health care system, but moderate malnutrition is more difficult to manage as it’s resources intensive.”

The hesitancy of the local authorities in the past to acknowledge the extent of the crisis has been an additional problem, aid agencies say. The existence of malnutrition in the north was seen as an embarrassment for a regional super power like Nigeria, made even more awkward by the fact that Daura and Katsina are the homes of two former heads of state.

The usual response by the state authorities to food deficits had been to swing open the doors on their food reserves, “but the surplus never gets to the poor it goes into politically-connected hands, and some of it winds up being sold across the border,” the aid worker said. Nigeria is the only country in the Sahel not to have declared an emergency.

“Malnutrition has always been here [in the north], but it wasn’t seen by duty-bearers as a critical issue, people took it for granted,” the aid worker added.

“The government needs to accept and engage; the most important thing is ownership.

Nigeria is rich, it has the resources, so it’s just willingness.”

But according to Rabia Manam Daura, the head of the Katsina state primary health care programme, “the government is ready” to look at prevention. “There has to be a plan, we need capacitybuilding, communications and advocacy - money is the only problem.”

Source: IRIN

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

PAGE 29

Heart-warming: Mexican doctors successfully remove 33lb tumour that was bigger than two-year-old boy

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hese are the heartwarming pictures of a two-year-old boy after doctors successfully removed a 33lb tumour that weighed more than the child carrying it.

Jesus Rodriguez, from the northern state of Durango, Mexico, was born with a benign lump, which grew to take over the right side of his body, stretching from his armpit to his hip.

Now, after doctors in Mexico City managed to safely remove the tumour, Jesus is back with his delighted family and on the road to recovery.

Dr Gustavo Hernandez, director of pediatrics at La Raza hospital where the operation took place, said the tumour was heavier than Jesus, who weighed 26lbs when he went in for surgery two weeks ago.

It took doctors at the Mexico City hospital 10 hours to remove the giant growth, according to Dr

Hernandez.

But miraculously, it went without a hitch, and the boy is now recovering well.

Dr Hernandez said the surgery marked the first time Mexican doctors had removed a tumour larger than the person who had it.

In August 2010, doctors removed a tumour weighing nearly 56lb from the womb of a 54-yearold Argentinian woman.

The massive lump was one of the biggest tumours that has ever been cut out, medics said.

It had been growing inside the woman for 18 months and weighed the equivalent of an average fouryear-old or a set of quintuplets.

The patient, who before surgery could barely walk or bend down to tie her shoelaces, was discharged weighing over 70lb less than when she was admitted to hospital.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

Reunited: The two-year-old adjusts a very different life after the dangerous operation.

Joy: Jesus Rodriguez walks with his thrilled mother Maria Estela Fernandez in Mexico City after his miraculous recovery

Comforting: Ms Fernandez reassures her son as he waits to have major surgery to remove the giant tumour

Crushed: The enormous tumour that weighed more than the child was putting his life in danger

Emotional: Ms Fernandez thanks the director of La Raza medical centre, paediatrician Jaime Zaldivar, after the operation.

PAGE 30

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

News Corp will be split in two as board unanimously approves

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upert Murdoch’s News Corporation is to split its newspaper business and entertainment operations into two separate companies.

News Corp’s board voted unanimously to approve the plan after the firm revealed it was considering the split earlier this week.

In a statement yesterday, the firm said the split would leave investors holding shares in a ‘world-class publishing company’ and ‘an unmatched global media and entertainment company’.

Mr Murdoch, chairman and CEO of News Corp, said: ‘There is much work to be done, but our board and I believe that this new corporate structure we are pursuing would accelerate News Corporation’s businesses to grow to new heights and enable each company and its divisions to recognise their full potential - and unlock even greater long-term shareholder value.’

The move will see the group’s 39 per cent stake in broadcasting giant BSkyB separately listed from the embattled UK newspaper arm News International, which has been the focus of the phone hacking scandal that led to the closure of the News of the World tabloid.

News Corp’s film and television businesses - including 20th Century

Fox and the Fox broadcasting network - will be grouped in one company.

The other company will hold all News Corp’s publishing interests, such as The Wall Street Journal, The Times, The Sun, The Australian, The New York Post and publisher HarperCollins.

The entertainment arm would be by far the bigger operation, with the publishing division hindered in recent years by tough media market conditions and costs related to the phone hacking scandal.

Mr Murdoch said: ‘We recognise that over the years, News Corporation’s broad collection of assets have become increasingly complex.

‘We determined that creating this new structure would simplify operations and greater align strategic priorities, enabling each company to better deliver on our commitments to consumers across the globe.

‘I am 100 per cent committed to the future of both the publishing and media and entertainment businesses and, if the board ultimately approves a separation, I would serve as chairman of both companies.’

On Tuesday, News Corp had said it was ‘considering a restructuring to separate its business into two distinct publicly traded companies’, prompting its shares to jump as

Change of plan: James Murdoch was supposed to succeed his father as CEO, a move that was halted by the phone-hacking scandal at the company's British newspapers.

Moving forward: News Corporation - headed by Rupert Murdoch, pictured with his son James - is to split its newspaper business and entertainment operations into two separate companies.

News Corp's New York headquarters. The Murdoch family is not expected to lose any effective control of the businesses involved, which they exercise through a 40 per cent stake in the company.

Under scrutiny: Murdoch gives evidence at the Leveson Inquiry, the probe into media ethics which was set up following the phone-hacking scandal.

much as 8 per cent on Wall Street.

In London, BSkyB shares raced 3 per cent higher amid market speculation that the split will raise the possibility of News Corp reviving its plans to take full control of BSkyB. It had to scrap a deal to buy the remaining stake of BSkyB in the wake of the phone hacking scandal, but a restructuring has the potential to effectively quarantine the scandal-hit papers from the rest of the group and pave the way for the deal to be resurrected.

News Corp was rocked by the hacking debacle, with Rupert Murdoch and his son James Murdoch coming under heavy fire.

A report by a committee of MPs claimed Rupert Murdoch was ‘not a fit person’ to run an international company following an inquiry by the Commons Culture Committee investigating the News of the World

scandal.

News Corp has been trying to contain the scandal from infecting the rest of the group.

James Murdoch resigned as chairman of BSkyB in April admitting he had become its ‘lightning rod’, just weeks after he quit as boss of News International.

The resulting Leveson Inquiry into media ethics has questioned an array of senior figures in politics and the media, including Prime Minister David Cameron, former News International chief executive Rebekah Brooks and Mr Cameron’s former director of communications Andy Coulson.

Several News of the World and Sun journalists have been arrested in the parallel criminal investigations into phone hacking and corrupt payments to police.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

PAGE 31

Can the U.S. and Russia agree on how to end Syria’s war?

ANALYSIS A conference chaired by U.N. peace envoy Kofi Annan in Geneva aims to bring some resolution and peace to the bloody Syrian conflict. But regional geo-politics will get in the way.

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eleaguered U.N. peace envoy Kofi Annan will host an international conference to address Syria's rapidly escalating civil war, but the meeting in Geneva tomorrow appears to have only lukewarm backing from the U.S. - and then only after Washington put the kibosh on the attendance of Iran, whose participation had been deemed vital by Annan.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton indicated that the U.S. would join representatives from Russia, China, Britain, France, Turkey, the EU and the Arab League in Geneva.

The purpose of the meeting, per Annan, is to forge a consensus on the terms for a political solution among international players with stakes and influence in the Syrian conflict over terms for a political solution. The U.N. envoy believes that the best hope of pressing the combatants on the ground to observe his peace plan to which they signed up in April but have not implemented, is for the foreign powers on whose support they variously depend to agree on terms.

But even such key players as the U.S. and Russia can't agree on a mechanism to resolve the conflict, and the exclusion of Iran and Saudi Arabia after the Obama administration blocked Tehran's participation suggests that Saturday's meeting will simply restate the diplomatic stalemate.

"I have made it quite clear that I believe Iran should be part of the solution," Annan said in Geneva last Friday. "If we continue the way we are going and competing with each other, it could lead to destructive competition and everyone will pay the price."

The Obama administration cited Iran's role in backing up Syria's bloody crackdown to declare Tehran's involvement a "red line" for participating in the Geneva talks, and Annan presumably left out Saudi Arabia as a compensatory gesture to Russia which insists that those countries arming and funding Syria's rebels share major

President of Russia Vladimir Putin. responsibility for escalating the conflict.

But it's precisely because Iran and Saudi Arabia are playing out their preexisting regional and sectarian rivalries in the Syrian civil war that Annan wanted them at the table if there was to be any hope of achieving a solution without further bloodshed. Many in Washington, however, see the Syrian conflict through the same prism as Saudi Arabia does, seeking the ouster of Assad - Iran's most important Arab ally - precisely in order to weaken Tehran.

Annan may be correct that such geopolitical competition is an obstacle to resolving the crisis, but that doesn't mean his warning will be heeded: Not only are the Saudis and Iranians slugging it out via their Syrian proxies, but U.S.-Russian tensions are reinforcing the deadlock.

The Obama administration was reportedly even planning to condition U.S. participation in the Geneva talks upon Russia

endorsing the demand that President Bashar Assad step down - a position Moscow has vigorously rejected, insisting that it is not up to outside powers to dictate who rules Syria. Reuters has reported that Russia supports Annan's proposal to form a national unity government in Syria, but Annan's plan doesn't explicitly exclude Assad, which means Russia could still insist he stay in power.

Last week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned that Russia would not permit "a replication of the Libyan scenario in Syria," dismissing as "unrealistic" the Western demand that Assad stand down. Still, U.S. officials insist that the Geneva meeting set clear guidelines for Assad stepping down as part of a political transition.

"If Kofi Annan can get the proposed participants to agree on such a plan for political transition then there will be a meeting," a State Department official told reporters on Tuesday. "But that's

“

what we need to find out before we go to any meeting. There's no point in going just for the sake of it."

There's no indication, as yet, however, that Moscow plans to oblige. Russia is continuing to supply weapons to the Assad regime under contract, stressing that these are weapons systems that allow Syria to defend its borders against "external aggression" - by which, of course, Russia would include any NATO intervention.

Moscow was antagonized last week when Britain used the withdrawal of maritime insurance as a pretext to turn back a ship carrying Syrian attack helicopters that had been in Russia for repairs the shipment is being dispatched once more under a Russian flag.

Nor did Moscow condemn Syria for shooting down a Turkish warplane that the Syrians say had ventured into their airspace late last week.

But the NATO response to the downing of an aircraft of one of

Annan may be correct that such geopolitical competition is an obstacle to resolving the crisis, but that doesn't mean his warning will be heeded: Not only are the Saudis and Iranians slugging it out via their Syrian proxies, but U.S.-Russian tensions are reinforcing the deadlock.

its member states was indicative of the limited options available to Western countries: an incident that would surely have been used as a pretext for a major escalation in the standoff had Western powers been planning military intervention drew, instead, a relatively timid response. Both the alliance, and Turkey itself, appear concerned to avoid escalating an already grim, sectarian conflict.

Indeed, the parties that will meet with Assad in Geneva have different ideas on resolving the crisis, but none appears to have decisive leverage to bring to bear in order to shape its preferred outcome. The U.S. insists that the conflict can't be resolved while Assad remains in power; the Russians point out that Washington has no credible plan for dealing with the fallout that would follow the regime's precipitous collapse. For much of the past year, officials in Washington have speculated that Russia might break with Assad, but the passage of time has made those claims look Pollyannaish.

Indeed, Russia's willingness to push back against U.S. plans for tackling the Syrian crisis were evident in its effort to support Iran being invited to Annan's conference. The U.S. nixed that idea, meaning that the conference that will be held in Geneva will be more limited in its scope and ambition. And nobody is expecting an outcome that makes much difference what even Assad himself now calls a "state of war" in Syria.

Source: Time.com

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

PAGE 32

‘Dozens killed’ in northern Mali fighting

l-Qaeda-linked fighters have taken control of the headquarters of the local separatist rebels in the north

Mali town of Gao after a bloody battle that has killed at least 20 people, residents said.

The tenuous truce between

two of the rebel groups controlling northern Mali was shattered, as the al-Qaeda linked faction bent on creating

an Islamic state fought its way into the buildings used by a secular rebel group.

The latter was forced to retreat and one of their leaders was airlifted abroad after being shot in the leg.

Hamadada Toure, a local resident, said that he had cowered inside his home when the clashes started when fighters belonging to the Islamic faction known as the Movement of Oneness and Jihad (MUJAO), parked a car loaded with weapons 50 meters from the headquarters of the secular rebel group, the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (NMLA).

The two are among the armed groups that seized control of the northern half of Mali, an area the size of France, earlier this year.

The two groups fell out earlier this month because MUJAO and another Islamic faction want to impose Islamic law in northern Mali, while the NMLA wants to create a secular country. Last week, an unwed couple in Gao were publicly lashed.

awyers representing two Libyan dissidents who were abducted and flown to Tripoli to be detained in one of Muammar Gaddafi's prisons have issued proceedings in the high court in London against the British government, the former foreign secretary Jack Straw and Sir Mark Allen, the former head of counterterrorism at MI6.

Abdel Hakim Belhaj and his pregnant wife were abducted in Bangkok, allegedly tortured and then flown to Libya in March 2004, two weeks before Tony Blair paid his first visit to Gaddafi and declared that they had found common cause in the fight against terrorism.

Sami al-Saadi, his wife and four children - the youngest a girl aged six - were detained in Hong Kong before being

bundled aboard an aircraft and "rendered" to Libya two days after Blair's visit. Each man spent more than six years in custody.

Legal proceedings are based in part on a secret cache of Libyan intelligence documents, discovered in an abandoned Tripoli office during last year's revolution, which appear to show Allen claimed credit for the tipoff that led to Belhaj's abduction. They also show that the CIA regarded the abduction of Al-Saadi and his family to have been a joint UK/ Libyan rendition operation.

Papers lodged at the high court yesterday accuse Straw, Allen, MI6, MI5, the Foreign Office and Home Office of being liable for the families' false imprisonment as well as "complicity in torture and/or

inhuman and degrading treatment; conspiracy to injure; conspiracy to use

unlawful means; misfeasance in public office and/or negligence".

that he has been beaten," said Ceccaldi. "He is in hospital, under guard."

But Libya's government denied torture had taken place.

Tripoli officials said reports of Mahmoudi being wounded were rumours, amounting to a "naked lie".

A Libyan government spokesman, Nassar el-Manaa, denied claims that Mahmoudi was mistreated in prison. "We would like to say it's wrong, a naked lie … that he was

attacked and is in a sort of coma.

Al-Bagdadi alMahmoudi is in good health and he is in need of nothing, god willing."

He said human rights groups had yet to visit the former prime minister, who, he said, was being held in a justice ministry facility. "In the near future a visit will be given to any Tunisian entity to see for themselves the condition."

Tunisia's president, Moncef

Protests against high prices were no Arab Spring - AlBashir

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he latest wave of protests in Sudan are the most durable revolt against the regime since its ascent to power via a military coup in 1989.

Although austerity measures announced by the government have been the catalyst for the demonstrations, the main motivating factor is frustration with a government that after 23 years still seems incapable of providing political and economic security to the people.

Omar al Bashir recently declared that there was to be no Arab Spring in the country, but the regime is clearly unnerved.

The last few days have seen a crackdown on activists and journalists and reports of regular beatings and detentions of protestors.

We do not need to see millions on the streets of Khartoum before it can be acknowledged that a fundamental shift has already taken place. Change is in the air.

What Sudanese politics has lacked over the past two decades has been an active non-partisan opposition that is not in the thrall of the old political elite. For too long the head of state has been either a military man or an ineffectual sectarian leader with more tribal support than political nous. We now see a new generation of activists who are organising themselves through Facebook and Twitter and not pledging allegiance to any ideology or leader.

One of the problems with this nascent movement, however, has been that a significant number of its members are abroad. It is much harder to promote the message on the ground, as several arrested activists can attest.

The road to Ras Lanuf in Libya.

A Libyan dissidents launch action against UK over rendition L

...As former PM ‘tortured’ on forced return to Tripoli

T

President Omar al Bashir addresses Sudanese students in Khartoum.

Abdel Hakim Belhaj said he was detained in 2004 in Malaysia before he was sent back to Libya, where he was imprisoned for six years. Photograph: Francois Mori/AP

he lawyer acting for Libya's former prime minister Al-Baghdadi alMahmoudi, who was extradited to Tripoli from Tunisia at the weekend, claims his client has been tortured.

Marcel Ceccaldi, a French lawyer, said Mahmoudi had been badly beaten by Libyan security officers and left with broken ribs and a punctured lung.

"According to the information I have, it seems

Marzouki, has branded the extradition "illegal", saying it was done behind his back.

Mahmoudi served as Muammar Gaddafi's prime minister from March 2006, until, in August 2011, fleeing to Tunisia after the fall of Tripoli to rebel forces. He was reportedly handed over to Libyan officials in Tunis on Sunday and flown by helicopter to a Libyan prison.

In what has become a political crisis

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

PAGE 34

Explosion rocks Syrian capital, as UN envoy proposes ‘unity govt’ T

wo bombs exploded outside the Palace of Justice in central Damascus, state television reported, without giving any immediate word on any casualties.

"Two bombs exploded in the car park of the Palace of Justice in the Al-Marjeh district of Damascus. A third did not explode," the television said on Thursday, describing the bombings as "terrorist" attacks.

A police source told AFP news agency that two magnetic bombs exploded in two judges' cars in the open-air car park, while a third was in the process of being defused.

State television showed footage of heavy smoke rising from the car park, as firefighters attempted to put out the flames.

A reporter with Associated Press news agency at the scene said some cars were charred and

many had their windshields blown out.

Fawaz Mishhim, a witness who was in a nearby market when he heard the explosion, said: "I did not see any wounded people, but cars and nearby shops were damaged."

The blast happened at around 1pm local time near alHamidiyeh Market, a busy commerical area in the heart of Damascus.

Syria has been hit by a wave of massive explosions in recent months, killing dozens of people.

Most of the explosions targeted the security agencies of President Bashar Assad, who is fighting to end a 15-month-old uprising against his rule.

Meanwhile, the joint United Nations-Arab League envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan has proposed setting up a transitional government that could include

followers of President Bashar alAssad and opposition members in a bid to end the country's war, diplomats said.

The major powers - the US, Britain, France, China and Russia, a key Assad ally generally back the plan, which

will be discussed at a meeting of foreign ministers Annan has convened in Geneva on Saturday, they said.

Annan's blueprint says the interim government could include members of Assad's government and opposition

groups, but not officials "whose presence could harm the transition and jeopardize the credibility of the government or undermine efforts to bring reconciliation," according to a summary given by one UN diplomat on Wednesday

Police: 10 Shiites killed in attack in Pakistan

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uspected Sunni Muslim militants attacked a bus carrying Shiite pilgrims in southwest Pakistan with a bomb and gunfire yesterday, killing at least 10 people, officials said.

In a separate incident, a roadside bomb hit a paramilitary convoy in the country's northwest, killing seven soldiers, a government official said.

Shiite Muslims are a minority in overwhelmingly Sunni Pakistan.

Although most Sunnis and Shiites live peacefully together, extremists from both sides have targeted each other over the past three decades. In recent years, Sunni attacks on Shiites have been far more common.

The Sunni-Shiite schism over the true heir to Islam's Prophet Muhammad dates back to the seventh century.

The bus that was attacked was carrying around 40 passengers and was traveling from Iran to Quetta, the capital of Pakistan's Baluchistan province, said senior local police officer Hamid Shakeel.

Police are unsure whether the bus was hit by a car bomb or explosives

buried next to the road, said Quetta police chief Mir Zubair Mahmood.

In addition to those killed, 25 people were wounded, said Mohammed Jafar, a doctor at the main hospital in Quetta.

State TV said the explosion was in the parking lot of the Palace of Justice, a compound that houses several courts

Bombings, shootings around Iraq kill 22

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ombings and shootings around Iraq killed 22 people and wounded more than 50 yesterday, authorities said, as a spike in violence made June Iraq's bloodiest month in almost a half a year.

The attacks in Shiite neighborhoods and on security forces underscore how deadly Iraq remains, even though violence has dropped dramatically since a few years ago when the country appeared about to descend into civil war. Over the last month, more than 200 Iraqis have been killed in attacks.

Yesterday's deadliest strike in the Shiite Muslim neighborhood of Washash in western Baghdad, where eyewitnesses said a taxi

exploded outside a local market.

Eight people died and 26 were injured, police and hospital officials said.

Hadil Maytham and her two children were eating breakfast in their nearby house when they heard the explosion.

"It shook the doors and the windows of the house," said Maytham, 28. "Then we heard shooting, probably by police who usually shoot randomly after explosions."

Bombings generally are a hallmark of Sunni Muslim insurgents linked to al-Qaida, and Shiites remain one of their main targets. Earlier Thursday, a roadside bomb in a Shiite neighborhood in southern Baghdad

Surjeet Singh speaks to the media after he crossed over to the Indian side of the border near Amritsar.

Photograph: Raminder Pal Singh/ EPA

exploded as a police patrol was passing by, killing one person and wounding six.

Two more attacks on Shiite enclaves in northwest Baghdad wounded five more people, police said.

And in Ramadi, the capital of Anbar province 115 kilometers (70 miles) west of Baghdad, another car bomb wounded seven people in the parking lot of the provincial council.

The largely Sunni province's deputy governor Dhari Arkan said the explosion early in the morning was designed to shake confidence in the government.

"The message of the terrorists is that no place is safe in Iraq," Arkan said.

Baghdad operations command

spokesman Col. Dhia al-Wakil said no overall conclusion about Iraq's security can be drawn from yersterday's attacks, which he said are believed to be unrelated. He described Iraq's security as "generally stable, and these attacks by no means should be taken as an indication that the terrorists are able to defy our security forces."

He said security forces had defused several car bombs recently and arrested suspects believed to be behind this month's wave of violence. He declined to give further details.

While Shiite neighborhoods and ceremonies are a favorite al-Qaida target, Sunnis affiliated with the government and security forces also frequently come under attack.

Indian spy freed in Pakistan after 27 years

A

n Indian national held prisoner in Pakistan for 27 years on spying charges has been freed, his lawyer has said.

Awais Sheikh said Pakistani authorities handed over Surjeet Singh to Indian officials at the border crossing on the outskirts of the eastern city of Lahore yersterday.

The two countries periodically organise prisoner releases and exchanges to ease tensions.

Foreign secretaries from

both countries are scheduled to meet on 4 July in New Delhi.

Pakistani officials earlier announced that another Indian prisoner, who was convicted on terrorism charges, would be released, but then later said it was Singh who would be set free.

Speaking at the border crossing, Singh urged both countries to free prisoners held for petty issues such as inadvertently crossing the border.

PAGE 35

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

US Supreme Court upholds ‘Obamacare’

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he United States Supreme Court has upheld Barack Obama's landmark overhaul of the country's healthcare system, handing the president a historic victory and bolstering his chances in a close re-election race this November.

The five-to-four decision, led by conservative Chief Justice John Roberts, upheld the mandate for individuals to buy insurance that lies at the heart of the act, though in an unexpected fashion.

The court did not decide that the mandate was a command

but rather a penalty tax to be paid by those who do not buy insurance. Roberts supported the law's constitutionality using that rationale, while the four other justices in favour argued that it was a command and the four opposed disagreed with the law entirely.

That means that two years after Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law, an act to insure another 32 million Americans and prevent coverage from being refused on the basis of patients' medical histories, its

key tenet thinly survived because of a chief jusitce whose nomination Obama opposed when he was a senator himself.

"One man, a conservative justice appointed by Obama's Republican predecessor, George W. Bush, thwarted the rightwing assault on the Affordable Care Act," wrote Adam Serwer for the left-leaning magazine Mother Jones.

Although the United States is the world's largest economy, it is the only industrialised democracy that until now does not provide health care coverage

Obama's overhaul has proved deeply controversial, and a majority of Americans disapprove [AFP]

to all its citizens.

"This completely changes the nature of health care in the United States," said, Al Jazeera's Patty Culhane, reporting from Washington. "This was the final hurdle."

Opponents of the act must now hope the nation elects a Republican president and Republican Congress this fall, which could set the stage for repealing the act or taking away its funding before most of the provisions take effect over the coming years, Culhane said.

The law is extremely complex, and polls indicate a majority of Americans disapprove, she said.

Jonathan Cohn, an appellate lawyer at Sidney & Austin who has clerked for the court, told Al Jazeera the mechanics of the decision were unexpected.

"The president did not want to call it a tax, but nonetheless the court says it's a tax, we're going to uphold it," he said.

But Cohn noted that the justices had also dealt Obama a setback. The administration's lawyers had argued that states that did not want to opt in to the new healthcare system would lose all of their government health subsidies, known as Medicaid - an effort to force them to participate.

Karadzic acquitted on one genocide charge

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he Yugoslav war crimes tribunal has acquitted former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic of one of the two genocide charges he faces at the halfway stage of his long-running trial.

Judges said yesreday that prosecutors did not present enough evidence to support the genocide count covering mass killings, expulsions and persecution by Serb forces of Muslims and Croats from Bosnian towns early in the country's 1992-95 war.

But a second charge relating to the 1995 massacre at Srebrenica remains.

The judge said there was not enough evidence to substantiate the definition of genocide in relation to killings by Bosnian Serb forces in towns and villages in 1992.

Apart from the Srebrenica genocide charge, Karadzic also faces nine other charges of war crimes and

crimes against humanity for his role in the conflict which left some 100,000 people dead and 2.2 million homeless.

"The chamber partially grants the motion and acquits the accused on count one of the indictment and denies the remainder of his request,"O-Gon Kwon, the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia judge, said.

Al Jazeera's Aljosa Milenkovic, speaking from Belgrade, said the move would be unlikely to provoke strong reaction in the country.

"I don't think that anybody will have a big problem about this dropping of one charge, as all the main charges still stand," he said.

Once the most powerful leader among Bosnian Serbs, 66-year-old Karadzic asked for an acquittal on all counts earlier this month, with his lawyers arguing that no genocide took place in Bosnia in 1992.

Snoop Dogg busted in Norway with marijuana, cash

N Radovan Karadzic also faces nine other charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity [AFP]

orwegian media are reporting that Snoop Dogg was briefly detained in Norway after entering the country with marijuana and a large amount of cash.

Customs officials decline to confirm the report, saying only that an American artist entered Norway with a small amount of marijuana that was detected by a sniffer-dog.

Norwegian law prevents law enforcement officials from naming suspects.

A customs officer who spoke on condition of anonymity said Thursday that the artist was also carrying more cash than is legally allowed and was subsequently fined 52,000 kroner ($8,600) for the violations.

Snoop Dogg was scheduled to perform Thursday at a musical festival in the southern town of Kristiansand.

The rapper, whose name is Calvin Broadus, has in the past been arrested on marijuana possession.

surrender notice upon a 40-year-old man that requires him to attend a police station at a date and time of our choosing. This is standard practice in extradition cases and is the first step in the removal process."

He said Assange remained in breach of his bail conditions, adding: "Failing to surrender would be a further breach of conditions and he is liable to arrest."

It is understood Assange has been ordered to present himself at Belgravia police station at 11.30am on Friday.

On Sunday, Ecuador's ambassador to the UK left London to return home for talks on Assange's application for asylum.

Ecuador says Assange is under the country's protection while it considers the application.

Assange, 40, faces arrest for breaching the terms of his bail if he leaves the embassy.

The Foreign Office confirmed in a statement that the Australian was "beyond the reach of the police" while he remained in the building.

Julian Assange told to turn himself in at London police station

W WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who has been seeking political asylum inside Ecuador's embassy since last week.

Photograph: PA

ikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been served with a police letter saying he has to present himself to a London police station tomorrow, according to sources.

Assange has been seeking political asylum inside Ecuador's embassy in London since last week as he tries to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he is wanted for questioning about alleged sex offences.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan police service said: "The MPS have this morning, (yesterday), served a

PAGE 36

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

Women who work more than 25 hours a week while pregnant ‘more likely to have smaller babies’ Pregnant women who work more than 25 hours a week tend to have smaller babies, according to research.

They weigh up to half a pound (200g) less than average at birth.

Scientists also found a connection between the amount of time pregnant women spent on their feet at work and the size of their babies, with those standing ‘often’ in jobs such as teaching or sales more likely to have smaller children.

One explanation is that more physically demanding work may

reduce the flow of blood to the placenta, limiting the amount of nutrients and oxygen going to the foetus.

Experts do not know why working long hours in an office job would have a similar effect, but it may be due to stress.

Although smaller babies are not necessarily unhealthier, they are at higher risk from breathing problems, heart defects and conditions affecting their digestion. There is also evidence that they are at higher risk of learning difficulties and

developmental problems later on.

The researchers from the University Medical Centre in Rotterdam in the Netherlands surveyed 4,680 expectant mothers, who were 30 weeks pregnant.

They were asked how many hours they worked a week and whether they ‘often’ spent long periods on their feet.

Those who worked more than 25 hours a week subsequently had babies weighing 5-7oz (148-198g) less than average.

The circumference around the heads

Get some rest: Women who worked more than 25 hours a week subsequently had babies weighing 57oz (148-198g) less than average. (Posed by model).

Put your feet up: Physically demanding work may reduce the flow of blood to the placenta.

their feet while working during their pregnancy.

The authors, whose study is published in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine, said employers should do more to make pregnant women’s jobs as comfortable as possible.

‘Optimising the work environment is important since participation of women in the reproductive age in the workforce continues to increase,’ they said.

‘Preventive measures reducing certain occupational conditions, such as shift work, night hours, standing, lifting and noise, have proven to reduce the risks of adverse birth outcomes.’

Dr Jenny Myers, from Manchester University’s Maternal and Foetal Health Research Centre, said: ‘The observed effects are not big enough to dramatically increase the number of growth-restricted babies, but it is not known whether these very subtle changes in growth trajectory have any significance in the long term.’

Prof Alex Burdorf, the lead author, said: ‘We were not surprised that (the babies’) head size was smaller in pregnant women who stand for a long time at work, but we were pleasantly surprised to find that it was only by a modest amount - three per cent smaller than average at birth.’

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

PDP government.

Public health facilities in the state increased between year 2000 and 2009. Primary health care; from 417 to 698, secondary health care; 13 to 19 and tertiary remained 2 over the years. Sadly the bed to patient ratio in 2009 was 1:1854. While it is not so much about the increase in number of facilities, reports concerning the state of healthcare facilities in the state requires urgent attention.

The Al-Makura government has recognized the dilapidation of health facilities and has dedicated 5% of the budget to begin restoring them to acceptable standards.

The agricultural sector has potential to be a major revenue source for the state because like the neighboring Benue State, agriculture is the main economic activity in Nasarawa state. All the major crops are produced in every local government area particularly yam and rice. The budgetary provision includes procurement of fertilizer and seedlings as well as agricultural mechanization equipment. Even though Nasarawa is a small state, budgeting 3% for agriculture needs to be increased going forward. One way to improve the lot of farmers in the state may be to convert the Karu International Market to an Agri business Centre and Farmers’ Market that services the needs of Abuja residents and environs. More

needs to be done in enhancing the agricultural value chain in Nasarawa and of exploiting the mineral resources so that the state does not just bear the name but lives it.

Public opinion seems to be in favor of the Governor Al-Makura visibly within the short period he has spent. Nasarawa has numerous benefits being a neighboring state to the FCT. One of such benefits can be derived from provision of lower-cost, high-quality residential and commercial facilities in the border towns along the KaruKeffi corridor. An airport to service Abuja in the future should not be ruled out, in addition to the planned airstrip to serve the administrative capital of Lafia. Infrastructure such as this, a railway connection, etc. can be built that will service the FCT and generate significant employment and revenues for the state. The state also has huge tourism potential especially with the Farin Ruwa Falls which could be transformed to a domestic getaway or an international holiday destination. Innovative policies and funding strategies need to be developed by the state to realize these potentials. Al-Makura’s entrepreneurial skills will be tasked to the limit here. I am confident he will live up to the billing.

was nearly half an inch (1cm) shorter.

There were similar results for those who spent long periods on

Nasarawa’s budget of social inclusion Contd. from Back Page rates, poor UTME performance, pathetic healthcare and the battle ground of insurgencies in the country. In the process of our analysis, it is important to play close attention to what the spending priorities of the government are in the light of specific developmental challenges they are faced with. So what should Nasarawa state be doing in the face of these endowments and challenges? Has Al-Makura’s spending priorities departed from that of the predecessor PDP government? Are Nasarawa citizens getting some benefit from voting out the PDP? Is the CPC government any different?

The Nasarawa state CPC government initially presented a budget of N97.6billion which was reviewed upward to N104.9bn by the PDP-controlled state Assembly.

The 2011 budget contained 46.1% recurrent and 53.9% capital components. The approved budget for 2012 is an increase of 28% over the 2011 amount. The budget is to be financed with Statutory Allocation – N47.3billion (45% of the budget), IGR from MDAsN13.2billion (13%), grants – N15billion (15%) and loan drawdowns of N10bn (10%). The amount of loans taken by the state is commendable given that the neighbouring state of Bauchi borrows over 40% of its annual

budget, and just a year ago, when Al-Makura took office, he inherited debts of about N60 billion and a Paris Club loan refund of $113 million (N17 billion) that mysteriously vanished in the last month of the PDP administration.

It is worth mentioning that Nasarawa receives the second lowest amount from the Federation Account, with Ekiti at the bottom.

Indeed, for the years 1999-2008, it collected about N155.5billion when a state like Rivers received N1.1 trillion in the same period.

Of the N104.9billion budget, N42.5billion (40.5%) is earmarked for recurrent expenditure and N62.4billion (about 60%) for capital spending.

While this obviously falls a little short of the 70% capital requirement for meaningful development which the state is in dire need of, it is the highest we have seen for any state budget analysed so far, and nearly 7% higher than that of the predecessor PDP government. The recurrent budget is further broken down into personnel cost of N25.1billion (23.9% of total budget) and overhead cost of N17.4billion (16.6%). It goes without saying that the state’s IGR of N13.2billion can cover just about half the total personnel costs. The recurrent revenue estimates all fell short of actual receipts in 2011 except FAAC, yet all 2012 estimates are above those of the previous year;

which optimism gives cause for concern.

The sectoral breakdown of the budget is as follows; about N2.5bn (3%) for Agriculture, a commendable N14.1bn (14%) for Education, N5.5billion (6%) for health, N5.1bn (5%) for water resources and all related agencies, a whopping N18.4billion (18%) for works and transport and a paltry N600m (1%) for tourism and culture. The Secretary to the State Government gets about N7.6billion and somewhere in there exists a N2billion provision under the title “classified expenses” that is the security vote for the state. The direction of investment in physical and human capital is commendable. Al-Makura has ramped up budgetary provisions for township roads, urban water supply, schools and healthcare facilities in significant ways.

Nasarawa was also the first state to implement the new minimum wage of N18,900 for its public service even though it is not a rich state. Al-Makura’s social policies which put women, children and physically-challenged people as vulnerable groups for preferential and cheaper access to education and healthcare are also unique in the zone. Al-Makura’s private sector discipline has been brought to bear with the identification and removal of ghost workers amounting to nearly 18% of the workforce under the predecessor-

Living near loud traffic increases your risk of having a heart attack L

oud traffic noise increases the risk of heart attack, a study shows.

Researchers say that each ten per cent rise in volume comes with a 12 per cent higher risk of heart attack.

Previous studies had investigated the combined effects of noise and pollution, although the results were inconclusive.

But the latest study of more than 50,000 people has found a ‘clear relationship’ between noise and heart attacks, reports journal PLoS ONE. Dr Mette Sorenson, of the Danish Cancer Society, said that the reason for the relationship is unknown, but may be due to increased stress and sleep disturbances associated with high traffic noise.

He said: ‘In this study residential exposure to road traffic noise was associated with a 12 per cent higher risk of myocardial infarction (MI) per ten decibel exposure to noise, showing a clear dose response relationship.’

Suggesting one possible explanation he said: ‘Sleep

disturbances can contribute to cardiovascular risk, leading to the hypothesis that exposure to noise during the night might be more harmful than daytime exposure.

‘The sleep structure generally becomes more fragmented with age and elderly people are thus more susceptible to sleep disturbances.’

He said it was possible that changes in lifestyle caused by disrupted sleep could play a part.

But he adds: ‘Stress and sleep disturbances can cause changes to lifestyle habits, including increased tobacco smoking and thus potentially a stronger association between traffic noise and MI among smokers.

‘However we found indications of a high effect of road traffic noise on MI among never smokers.’

He points out that those studied mainly lived in urban areas, meaning other factors could be at play.

But he said: ‘The present study shows a positive association between residential exposure to road traffic noise and risk for MI.’ Source: Dailymail.co.uk

Each ten per cent rise in traffic volume comes with a 12 per cent higher risk of heart attack

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

PAGE 37

Jang settles political scores with Plateau elders From Nankpah Bwakan, Jos

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L-R: Member, House Committee on Ethics and Privileges, Hon. Abdullahi Dan-Alkali, Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Gambo Musa, and Clerk of the Committee, Mr. James Abotu, when Hon. Farouk Lawan appeared before the committee on bribery scandal, yesterday at the National Assembly, in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Faction fingers Jonathan in PDP crisis ahead of Ogun council polls From Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, Abeokuta

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faction of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun state yesterday fingered the President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as one of the major actor responsible for the unresolved crisis rocking the party ahead of the July local government elections in the state.

The faction which is in opposition with the former President Olusegun Obasanjo alleged faction of the party in the state made the allegation against the incumbent president at a press conference to tackle the position of Ogun State Independent Electoral

Commission (OGSIEC) which recognized the Obasanjo group to participate in the July council poll.

Speaking to newsmen at the party’s headquarters in Abeokuta, Segun Sowunmi, Director of Organisation, declared that with the new development on the case which the electoral body linked to the national body of the party as having approved the Obasanjo group candidates to contest suggest that Jonathan is in the know.

“At the National level when the national organ of our party begins to act ultra vires and against the position of the court, one can have no alternative but

to hold President Jonathan , the national leader of our party responsible for that slip’ he pointed out Sowunmi who was a former member of Jonathan/Sambo Campaign Organisation in Ogun State explained that by the party’s constitution and by practice, the doctrines is that at the level of the local government the sitting chairman is considered to be the leader of that party in that local government.

‘If there is any crisis there, he should ordinarily get involved at the state like you would have noticed when we had a governor here, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, he carried out all the function of the leader of the party’

In a related development, the party factional chairman Adebayo Dayo at the press conference faulted the declaration of electoral commission’s giving approval to the other faction to contest the poll, pointing out that the action is a serial disregard and contempt of the court, ‘because when several judgments allude to the same position, it is only normal that relevant institutions must comply ‘It is highly unfortunate that, OGISIEC which ordinarily is an institution that derives its power and legitimacy from the law can now afford to wallow in unfettered illegality and blatant disregard to the court and rule of law’.

NCP urges FG to fund political parties equitably

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he National Conscience Party (NCP) on Thursday in Abuja called on the Federal Government to finance political parties equitably.

Its National Secretary, Mr. Yunisa Tanko, gave this advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

“We are also of the strong

opinion that political parties should be funded equitably, the party in power have unlimited access to state treasury while others are denied,” he said.

Tanko noted that even in America, the father of democracy, it was not done like that but they financed their political parties fairly.

The national secretary said the

NCP was against party deregulation, adding that political parties should be allowed to evolve with time.

“Niger has more than 70 political parties, U.S. has 100 political parties and Benin has more than 30 political parties.

“Any attempt to de-register political parties in this country is an attempt to kill democracy in

Nigeria,” he said.

He told NAN that the party was fully in support of the amendment of the constitutions , saying that step would lead to better governance in the nation.

Tanko said that NCP was totally against cross carpeting in Nigerian political processes.

(NAN)

Court strikes out suit against Gov. Akpabio

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he Federal High Court yesterday in Abuja struck out a suit which challenged the nomination of Gov. Godswill Akpabio as the governorship candidate of the PDP in 2011.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Chief Ime Mbatessien, a governorship aspirant

on the platform of the party in the April 2011 election, had filed the suit.

Justice Adamu Bello held that the Supreme Court’s declaration of Akpabio as winner of the election foreclosed the hearing of the suit.

“This suit has been overtaken by the judgment of the Supreme Court and it is, therefore, struck out,’’ he

said.

“The recent judgment of the Supreme Court, which upheld the election of Akpabio, took the life out of the suit,’’ he said.

Mr Ahmed Musa, counsel to PDP, another defendant, urged the court to strike out the suit as “adjourning the matter gives hope and life to it.’’

“The suit should be struck out in view of the Supreme Court’s decision conferring legitimacy on the election of Akpabio,’’ Musa said.

The plaintiff had prayed the court to install him as the rightful governorship candidate to contest the election on the platform of the party.

(NAN)

lateau state governor, Da Jonah Jang, yesterday took time to settle political scores with elders of some minority groups in the state, sounding warning to the elders, who are bent on sowing seed of discord and causing disharmony, to desist from such action as the state has enough problems without disgruntled elders adding to the crises burdened State.

Jang stated this shortly after being bestowed with traditional title of Fobor community as the “Abarzhi Izere” by community (meaning the chief of farmers) in Jos East Local Government Area of the state, during the foundation laying of JUTH 250 housing units for the staff of Jos University Teaching Hospital.

According to him, “I have received reports that a group of elders in this local government have been calling meetings with the youths. They say they are the minority of Plateau North Senatorial zone and are talking about being cheated by the majority”.

Jang asked the question, “who is cheating who? I have stopped people from my Local Government Area, Jos south from contesting the Jos south and Jos East federal constituency, so that one of your own should represent the constituency”.

He lamented that “No Plateau child has another State to claim outside Plateau, the elders have live their lives, they should allow the youths to live theirs without causing any disunity, but, unite to build the Plateau and prepare a greater future for the youths”.

The Governor said the only Ambassador who represented the state for good four years was from Jos east, saying the Ambassador was nominated by the state government and it was surprising for him to hear the people of Jos east holding meetings that they are being cheated by the Jang’s led administration.

Jang noted that the State has so many enemies from outside hence the need for everyone to unite and build the State to realize the dreams of its fathers ,urging all Plateau sons and daughters to strive to protect the state.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

Knocks for NCP chairman over guber candidate From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

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hairman of National Conscience Party, NCP, Edo state chapter Mr Edward Victor Ogba has incurred the wrath of leadership of the party for allegedly featuring what it termed unpopular and incompetent candidate, Mr Paul Orumwense, for Edo 2012 governorship election.

A statement jointly endorsed by the Secretary, Maxwell Iyamu, Vice Chairman, Luckson Obasuyi, Public Relation Officer, Mr Kola Edokpayi, Mr Oronsaye Oziegbe Abdul-karim and mobilization and planning Director, Abhulimen Isreal Osazuwa, threatened legal action against the Independent National electoral Commission, INEC, for recognising the State Chairman of the party whom they accused of running the party as a private business.

The impasse is coming barely 24 hours after the NCP governorship candidate alongside six other candidates for July 14 polls fielded questions on a live television debate anchored by from Nigeria election debate group, NEDG on Wednesday evening, which it claimed has set some NCP executive members, teeth on edge.

‘The executives met and agreed that INEC should stop doing business with the imposter pending when the real elected executive members are identified.

‘If INEC Edo State fails to carry out proper investigation on who are the elected executive members, Edo NCP will have no choice but to seek a legal action’, the statement said.

But the State Chairman, Mr Edward Victor Ogba denied any wrong doing.

The NCP had in March 2011 elected its party executives, amid controversy.

Kogi to spend N400 for LG election From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

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he local government elections scheduled for 8 December 2012, by Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission, KOSIEC for Chairmanship, Vice Chairman and Councillors is to gulp four hundred million naira.

This is contained in the budget submitted to the deputy governor’s office by the Chairman of the commission by Barr Abraham Ayo Olaniyo, sources close to the seat of government has revealed.

It was also reliably gathered that the state governor has subjected the budget to proper scrutiny in view of the lean purse of the state in recent times, occasioned by general financial crunch in the country.

He gave the assurance that the budget would be carefully looked into with a view to getting the best result in terms of credible, transparent and acceptable local government polls in the state.

PAGE 39

Tinubu says 120 days for electoral petition not fair From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

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he National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, and Former Lagos Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has described the section of the constitution which says all election petitions must be concluded within 180 days after an election as bad blood, and denial of fair hearing to the citizenry.

Tinubu, at the 50th birthday celebration of Femi Gbajabiamila, ACN leader in the House of Representatives and his book presentation titled, “Fearless: The Emergence Of A Virile And Formidable Opposition Leader”, commended the leadership of the House of Representatives for its doggedness and commitment towards the development of the country, urged it to look critically at the section and do justice to it.

He described the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, as an inspirational leader to other members of the House, whose contributions have added value and commitment towards the development of the country.

“I like to commend the House. You are so committed to our national government. We have seen what is happening and we assure that all the legislators who are bound together to build this institution and remain

focused on the legislative oversight of this country will not regret it. Don’t be intimidated, we were once there and we sailed through it,” he said.

He described Gbajabiamila as a dedicated and loyal man with a sound mind that has continued to make the country proud.

Tambuwal in his remarks said he was attracted to the celebrant because they both share the same core values irrespective of their political backgrounds.

APGA crisis: suspended members shun disciplinary committee

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Former Chairman, House Committee on Education and Ad-hoc Committee on Subsidy Probe, Hon. Farouk Lawan, during his appearance before House Committee on Ethics and Privileges, yesterday at the National Assembly in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Dakingari condoles families of boat mishap, donates N.5 million From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

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overnor Saidu Usman Dakingari of Kebbi state has yesterday condoled with the families of the 13 victims of the last week boat mishap incident that occurred in river Dukku in Birnin Kebbi local government area of the state, and donated N500, 000.00 to the affected victims.

Dakingari, who further described the incident as unfortunate and an act of God,

assured the people of the area that such calamity would be a thing of the past when the bridge under construction is completed, thereby making the use of boat for navigation phased out.

The governor further enjoined the boats operators ferrying along the river to always be careful to avoid re occurrence so as to safeguard lives and property of their passengers.

He prayed God to grant the souls of the deceases an eternal peace, and

their families the fortitude to bear the loss.

Responding, the District head of Tarasa, Alhaji Hassan DND thanked the governor for the visit and disclosed that the death toll has reach 13, with 9 females mainly teenagers and 4 were males from Bunga Sabuwa village.

He assured him that every affected home will received the assistance given by the state government to provide succor to the families.

Lamido says antics of opposition cannot stop airport, other projects From Ahmed Abubakar, Dutse

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he Jigawa state government has faulted the comment of one of the contenders in the gubernatorial race for Jigawa state in the 2011 election, Honorable Farouk Adamu Aliyu, that the proposed airport in Dutse is a misplacement of priority.

Governor Sule Lamido, who spoke through his Director of Press Umar Kyari, said the proposed airport is an attempt by the Lamido administration to boost the economic activities in the state, saying that it

will go a long way to attract more investors based on the world Bank report that Jigawa is an investment haven because of the prevailing peace.

Aliyu, who was a minority leader in the House of representatives from Birnin Kudu/ Buji constituency (2003-2007), had said that the decision of the Governor to construct an airport in Jigawa is a misplacement of policy, adding that with Kano having an international airport and being only 100 km away from Dutse, the Jigawa State Capital, there would have been no need to

venture in to that.

“In Kano KLM that has been operating for the last 70 years has suspended its operation because of slow-down in business. What economic sense does it make for you to have an airport in Jigawa, Gombe, Bauchi.” said Aliyu.

But Lamido indicated that Katsina, Gombe and Kebbi states were created out of Kaduna, Bauchi and Sokoto states respectively and yet all have built their own airports which have opened up the various states despite the fact that their mother states had their own airports.

he six members of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), suspended for alleged anti-party activities yesterday, failed to appear before the Disciplinary Committee of the party.

The Chairman of the sevenman committee, Alhaji Tayo Sowumi, made the disclosure at a news conference in Abuja.

The News Agency Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the six members were suspended by the National Working Committee of the party on June 19, for alleged anti-party activities.

They included Alhaji Sadeeq Massalla, the Deputy National Chairman, North; Mr Morgan Anyallechi, National Vice Chairman, South East; Sunday Obasohan, the Deputy National Organising Secretary.

Others were Mr Jolly Ngbor, the National Vice Chairman, South South; Chief Ogometu Ukpenetu, Deputy National Auditor; Mr Gbenga Afeni, National Organizing Secretary and Alhaji IbrahimCarefore, the Deputy National Youth Leader.

Sowumi said that the suspended members were duly consulted and told to appear before the disciplinary committee “but failed to honour the invitation.”

Somumi, who is also the National Vice Chairman, South West, said: “we will meet to deliberate on the next line of action to be taken since they refuse to honour the committee’s invitation.”

The Chairman reiterated the committee’s call on the affected members to honour the invitation in their own interest and for the sake of the party.

Members of the committee included Mr Ifeanyi Mbaeri, the National Legal Adviser; Alhaji SagirMaidoya, the National Vice Chairman, North West.

Mr Balla Bako, the Deputy National Legal Adviser; Ferguson Okpara, the National Youth Leader; and Mrs Ella Ezeanya, the National Women Leader were also members. (NAN)

PAGE 40

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

Mark’s comment most unfortunate, says ex-compol From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

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retired commissioner of police, Alhaji Mudi Kurfi has described comment by the Senate President on insecurity in the north and the northern elders as “ most unfortunate”.

Speaking in an interview with Peoples Daily, yesterday in Katsina, Kurfi demanded that

the senate president must retract the statement and offer apology to those hurt by the unpalatable comment.

“He is from the north, he is number two in the north after the vice president. Why should he point out some people and say they are northerners? Is he not a northerner? Is he not a leader in the north?

Why is he excluding

himself? This is unfortunate” he queried.

The retired commissioner of police alleged that some people were using the security situation in north to attack certain sections of the country, adding “after all they are part of the people that created the problem in the first place”.

Kurfi stressed that the only option left in addressing the

government and boko haram imbroglio was through dialogue, arguing that there was no place in the world where the use of force settle any crisis.

Similarly, he debunked the idea of increasing the security votes of state governors which he said has been grossly inadequate abused without commiserate result to justify the spent security funds.

Northern governors wives appeal to Boko Haram to cease fire From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

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ives of the 19 northern state governors have passionately appealed to the insurgent Boko Haram to lay down their arms and embrace dialogue with Federal Government.

Chairperson of Northern Governors Wives’ Forum, Mrs. Dooshima Suswam who made the appeal at the end of an emergency meeting yesterday, lamented over the high rate of insecurity in most northern states Mrs. Suswam expressed the forum’s desire to assist their husbands in finding an end to the insecurity situation confronting the north.

They also urged parents and guardians to keep a close tab on their children and wards in order to avert a situation where they are often used to perpetrate violence.

The forum also urged all Nigerians to rally support for the peace initiative of the First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan that is aimed at fostering unity among Nigerians.

South-West PDP sets up finance committee

L-R: Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Tambuwal, the celebrant, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, his wife, Mrs. Sanmontu Gbajabiamila, and Lagos state Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, during Hon Gbajabiamila's 50th birthday and book presentation titled, "Fearless: The Emergence of a Virile and Formidable Opposition Leader", on Wednesday in Lagos.

Group canvasses equal opportunities for women

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group, BAOBAB for Women’s Rights, called on National Assembly to provide equal opportunities for women in the ongoing constitution review, to enable them realise their potential.

Miss Mma Odi, Executive Director of the group, made the call at a news conference on Gender Concerns in the 2012 Constitution Review in Abuja.

Odi said that the call was necessary to guarantee equal rights to training and promotion for women without impediment from any quarter.

She said that the composition

of the government of the federation should be carried out in a manner “that reflects federal character and gender balance.

“Women shall be accorded full and equal dignity with their male counterparts; such rights include political, economic and social activities.

“Laws, culture and tradition which are against the dignity, welfare or interest of women which undermine their status, should be prohibited by the Constitution.

“The National Assembly shall as soon as practicable, after the coming into force of this

Constitution, enact a legislation regulating the property right of spouses,” she said.

Odi said that special care should be accorded to mothers, during and after child-birth and that working mothers should be accorded paid leave. “ Facilities should be provided in work and public places for the care of children below schoolage.“ Odi also called for a clear definition of what constituted discrimination against women in the ongoing constitution review, adding that non-discrimination must apply to all regardless of sex.

In her remarks, Miss Anne Lawal, Senior Programme Office of the group, said that affirmative action of not less than 40 per cent should be reserved for women in all spheres of life.

Lawal noted that women should have right to affirmative action for the purpose of redressing the imbalances created by history, tradition and custom. “ This is currently practised in countries like Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and South Africa etc. Nigeria as the giant of Africa ought to set the pace while others follow.” (NAN)

IPAC calls for scrapping of state electoral commission

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nter-party Advisory Council of Nigeria (IPAC) yesterday emphasised the need for the scrapping of states electoral commissions.

Secretary of IPAC Alhaji Shittu Mohammed made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

He said the scrapping of the states’ electoral commissions became necessary because the commissions were biased umpire, as elections conducted by them were always won by the governments in power.

The control of the states’ electoral commission by state governments should be withdrawn completely

and INEC empowered to be in control of elections at all levels in the country, he said.

Mohammed said the constitution should be reviewed in such a way that elections were not conducted by the state government agents who would do everything in favour of the government in power.

The secretary pointed out that the formation of political parties should be based on ideological beliefs.

He added that the Federal Government had no business funding political parties, adding that political parties should be allowed to develop and grow through evolutionary processes. (NAN)

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he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South West has set up a Finance and Funding Committee to shore up its financial base.

The Zonal Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Kayode Babade, said in a statement in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday, that the establishment of the committee was one of the decisions taken at the party’s caucus meeting in Abeokuta.

The committee, headed by the Minister of State for Defence, Mrs Olusola Obada, has former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Chief Femi Pedro, as Vice Chairman.

Apart from Obada, who is the committee’s chairman, all serving ministers from the South West geo-political zone are members.

Other members include former Deputy Governor of Ekiti state, Chief Biodun Olujimi; Special Adviser to the President on Amnesty Programme, Mr Kingsley Kuku; former Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly, Mrs Titi Oseni and Alhaji Maurufu Akinwande, Chairman of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

NPL dismisses club’s alleged threat to pull out of league

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r Tunji Babalola, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL), has said that the body has not received any notice by Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) FC of Ilorin to pull out of the league.

He said: “The NPL as a whole has not received a formal letter or phone call from them (ABS FC) that they are pulling out.’’

It was earlier reported that the Organising and Disciplinary Committee of Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) had ordered the replay of the Week 12 Premier League match involving ABS and Sunshine Stars of Akure.

The order came after ABS walked over Sunshine Stars which was engaged in a CAF Champion’s League match in Angola at about the same time on March 21.

With the walk over, three points were awarded to ABS by the NPL, a development which compelled Sunshine Stars to tender an appeal for them to be allowed to play the match since their failure to honour the game was occasioned by their CAF champions league engagement.

To this end, the NFF ordered a replay of the Week 12 match in Ilorin.

Babalola said it was not the NPL’s decision to reverse the walk-over because the body doesn’t decide cases but implements the decisions of the NFF. “NPL as a body organises the Nigeria Premier League and maybe during the course of the games, if a team is not satisfied with the decision taken by the league body, such a club is at liberty to file a protest within the stipulated time to the Nigeria Football Federation disciplinary committee.

“At the end of the day, any decision taken by the disciplinary committee if the other club is not satisfied with such decision, the same club is free to appeal such decision which of course I believe the Sunshine Stars won their protest and ABS now filed an appeal to the same body.

PAGE 41

“As far as we are concerned, we are the ones organizing the league and if the disciplinary committee says this is the right thing to be done, any team that is not satisfied has every right go to the appeal.”

Babalola said NFF decided to overturn the walk-over Sunshine Stars because the club represented Nigeria at the continental engagement in Angola.

“That’s the only club now representing Nigeria at the Champions League. As a matter of fact they informed the disciplinary committee that they were travelling outside the country so as a result they could not play their domestic league match with ABS. “Maybe that was the reason why the disciplinary committee now considered their case. So the committee decided on that case and not even the NPL. “As it is now ABS still has a case because they have already lodged their appeal and I believe that when they get there they will go and defend the appeal.’’

The acting secretary, however, said irrespective of any club’s grouse with NPL, the NFF’s appeal committee’s decision was binding on both clubs.

Babalola said that if the decision of the appeal committee did not favour ABS, the club could take whatever action it wanted to take.

“It is not the responsibility of the NPL to decide the case, the appeal lies with the Nigeria Football Federation’s appeal committee and whatever might be their decision will be binding on both clubs.

“That’s the highest authority that can decide any case, entertain any case emanating from the decision of the disciplinary committee.

“From this angle, what we need to do is to receive the decision from the appeal committee and implement accordingly that’s our own purpose of being here.’’

“You know this league is voluntary, football is voluntary and you cannot force somebody to go and be playing football matches. If a team decides not to go, nobody can force the team to go, but we have the laid down rules.”

Reacting in a telephone interview, Chukwuemeka insisted that if the decision of the appeal committee did not favour his club, the club would pull out of the premier league.

He said: “We will opt out of the NPL if that happens because we cannot afford to be part of a system that will not follow the rules after the game has started.’’

Only home-based Super Eagles’ll tackle Arsenal

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he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) would prefer the only the domestic league members of the Super Eagles are used to prosecute the high-profile friendly against EPL side Arsenal on August 5.

“The home-based Eagles will play against Arsenal, we are not going to invite a single foreignbased player for that game,” general secretary of the Nigeria

Today’s matches Heartland vs UNICEM Rovers Akwa United vs Dynamite FC Crown vs ABS FC JUTH vs Rangers Akpabio FC vs Kwara United Sunshine Stars vs Nasarawa United Cannan City vs Samba Warri Wolves vs Spotlite Abia Warriors vs El Kanemi Warriors Saturday matches Lobi Stars vs Tornadoes Kaduna United/Police Machine vs Kano Pillars Spotlite Feeders vs All Stars Academy Plateau United vs Nehoda/ Ranchers Bees Gombe United vs Fame Academy.

Prime FC vs Gamji Sharks vs First Bank Enyimba vs Kogi United

Football Federation (NFF) Musa Amadu said.

This means that the likes of goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim, Gabriel Reuben, Papa Idris, Godfrey Oboabona, Juwon Oshaniwa, Azubuike Egwueke, Ejike Uzoenyi, Sunday Mba and Henry Uche will be paraded against the top stars of Arsenal like Robin van Persie, Alex Song, Theo Walcott and Mikel Arteta.

The August 5 clash in Abuja will

form part of coach Stephen Keshi’s preparations for a final round of qualifiers for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, which will be played between September and October.

The Eagles are also billed for another friendly most likely an African team on August 15, which is a FIFA free day. The foreign-based pros will then be involved in subsequent matches.

Gabriel Reuben

Okon recalls Ofoegbu, Ordega, Esther, 32 other Falconets to camp

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IFA U20 Women’s World Cup-bound Falconets of Nigeria will resume training camp in Abuja with 35 call-ups Sunday.

The Nigerians girls, vice champions of the world, swept past Zimbabwe and Democratic Republic of Congo in the African qualifying series, reaching the finals to be played in Japan between August and September this year without conceding a goal, while scoring 13.

Inspirational skipper Gloria Ofoegbu tops the list of 35 players from which coach Edwin Okon will pick his final list for the tournament that will be played in five Japanese cities between

August 19 and September 8.

The Falconets have been drawn in Group B alongside Korea Republic, Brazil and Italy.

They first play the Koreans in Saitama on August 19, before taking on Brazil in the same city three days later and then tackle Italy in Kobe on August 26.

Kobe’s dainty and exquisite World Cup stadium was the venue for the Super Eagles clash with Sweden at the 2002 FIFA World Cup finals, which the Eagles lost 2-1 after taking a firsthalf lead through Julius Aghahowa.

The cities of Tokyo, Kobe, Miyagi, Saitama and Hiroshima will host the sixth edition of the FIFA U-20

Women’s World Cup finals.

The 35 players are expected to report at Serob Legacy Hotel, Wuye, Abuja.

Fed Cup: Big guns wary of more upsets

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op teams still in the 2012 Federation Cup have said they will not take foes from the lower leagues lightly in round of 32 matches today.

Already, the likes of Dolphins, 3SC, Wikki Tourists among others were knocked out by relatively unkonwn teams in the round of 64 decided last weekend.

Speaking yesterday ahead of today’s matches, Nigeria Premier League side Warri Wolves media officer Timi Ebikagboro said his team will not underrate their opponents Spotlite of Katsina when they trade tackles in Minna.

“We are aware that there no small teams in football, any team that underestimate their opponent do that it their peril,” Ebikagboro said.

“It is common that players in small teams always want to prove a point when they face big teams to show they are good enough to be in that team. So we are approaching the game with all seriousness as if we are playing against a team in the same level with us.”

Gombe United back-to-form striker Sanusi Sani equally revealed that they will play the game against Fame Academy of Lagos as if they were playing against the best team in Nigeria as they won’t underrate them after they eliminated 3SC in the previous round of the cup competition.

“Fame Academy sent 3SC out of the competition, so we must be careful with them. We will play the game as if we were facing one of the best team in Nigeria,” he revealed.

Heartland skipper Chinedu Efugh said seeing what befell big teams in the hands of minnows, they are not going to underrate their opponents UNICEM Rovers today.

FULL LIST OF INVITED PLAYERS: Gloria Ofoegbu, Josephine Chukwunonye, Ebere Orji, Uchechi Sunday, Francisca Ordega, Ebubeleye Whyte, Jennifer Osawaru, Ugo Njoku, Grace, Eyebhoria, Chidinma Okoro (Rivers Angels), Ugochi Okafor, Chioma Nwankwo, Stella Henry, Blessing Edoho, Bukola Ogunnoiki (Pelican Stars), Cecilia Nku, Charity Adule (Bayelsa Queens) Desire Oparanozie, Ngozi Okobi, Jane David (Delta Queens), Asisat Oshoala (FC Robo), Lola Philips, Fasilat Adeyemo (Confluence Queens), Esther Sunday, Damilola Akano (Sunshine Queens), Prudent Ugoh (Nasarawa Amazons), Vivian Okotie, Osarenoma Igbinovia (Inneh Queens), Juliana Osuji (Nitto Queens), Abosede Olukayode, Charity Elibor (Cerezo Queens), Tina Chinyere (FCT Queens), Ayeniberun Opeyemi, Rosemary Okoro (Tokas Queens), Chiamaka Okafor (Tewo Queens)

PAGE 42

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

Disu explains failure of age-grade players at higher level

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Emmanuel Amuneke, Golden Eaglets’ assistant coach

unde Disu, a former coach of the Flying Eagles has blamed the non-transition of most agegrade football players in the country to the next level on the poor quality of their play.

He noted that most of the players were unable to raise the level of their game thereby falling short of the required standard at a higher level.

‘’There is a standard required at the various national levels and all players cannot meet the level of play usually expected of them at the level they are transiting to.

“It is not possible for all the players that have featured in our age-grade competitions to make the national team,’’ the former coach said.

Disu,who coached the

Flying Eagles at the Saudi ’89 version of the FIFA U20 World Cup and the Nigeria’99 edition of the competition, noted, however, that the coach usually called the shots. ‘’It is left to the coach to decide on the kind of players he wants to invite from the junior team to the senior team, if he has absolute confidence in such players,’’ he said.

The former coach noted that players such as Nduka Ugbade, Nwankwo Kanu and Mikel Obi transited from the age-grade team into the nation’s senior team.

Disu urged players in the age-grade teams to be focused and put in their best whenever they were invited for trials into the senior national team.

“It is only through hard work that they could excel no matter the level they transit to,’’ he said.

Sports essential for children with mental disabilities, says Special Olympics

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he Special Olympics (S O) Nigeria, has urged parents and guardians of children with intellectual disabilities to allow their wards to participate in sporting activities.

The National Director of the Special Olympics, Ms Folashade Bolumole made the call in Lagos stressing that parents of such children should not be unduly secretive about their plight.

She said that S O Nigeria admitted children from eight years and above with no maximum age limit.

“When it comes to participating in its quadrennial Special Olympics Games in Greece, there is no maximum age.

“But when you have children with such challenges, give something they can live for and that keeps them

happy, sports is one special vocation that fascinates them.

“Parents have to wake up to the reality that their beautiful bundle of joy may never graduate from school, he or she may never get married and these are things that bring joy to the parents ordinarily.

“Our organisation does not have an age limit for participation, we admit children from age eight and there is no restriction as long as the parent or guardian brings them to us,’’ she said.

Bolumole said that the excitement of the athletes was always obvious to all when they engaged in sporting activities. She said that the trainers and parents were even more elated than the athletes at the end of the day.

“The excitement when they participate in their

Saintfeit’s case depends on terms of contract with NFF, Amesiemaka declares

Nsukka High School on set to produce another Ezinwa brothers

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A

dokiye Amesiemaka Chairman, Committee of Court of Arbitration for Sports on Wednesday said that Tom Saintfeit’s decision to sue the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) depended on the terms of contract.

Saintfeit was hired by the NFF as the national teams Technical Director, but the contract was terminated on tyhe order of the Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, who directed the NFF to hire an indigenous coach instead.

Following the termination of the appointment, the NFF has insisted that there was no contract between them and the Belgian while the latter argued to the contrary.

Amesiemaka said yesterday that he was not aware of Saintfeit’s agreement with the NFF noting that if there was an agreement then Saintfiet’s case would depend on the terms of the contract.

“I am not aware of the sort of agreement between the two parties but the terms of contract will determine whether the foreigner has a case or not,” he said.

According to him, the NFF did not handle Saintfeit’s appointment the right way for failing to seek the minister’s approval.

Amesiemaka quoted Section 19 of the NFF Act of 2004 to back up his claim that the minister has executive authority over the board of the NFF. He said that the minister had the legal authority to direct the NFF on who should be hired as the country’s technical director.

“This issue points to the direction of what I have been saying in the past. That is the law, even though the NFA usually choose to deny it.

“The NFF should have cleared with the sports minister before committing the Federal Government to that contract with a foreigner,’’ he said.

He called for the re-amendment of NFF’s Act of 2004 if such responsibilities were to be carried out by the NFF.

various sports is powerful and they are passionate at what they do and at the end of the day their parents are proud of them.

Bolumole said that S O Nigeria also operated through an initiative tagged: Family Support Network Programme to encourage parents to understand that there were other parents with similar challenges.

“The essence of this is to help families and to bring them together so that they will understand that the challenge is the same with what some other families are also experiencing.

“Special Olympics endeavours to keep its programmes vibrant and as it is, families are of inestimable value to the wellbeing of these children and their mental alertness,’’ Bolumole said.

Tom Saintfiet

Aminu Maigari, NFF president

sukka High School, the alma mater of the Ezinwa brothers, may produce another star in the sprints, going by a 200m event for boys concluded in Enugu on Wednesday.

Mellitus Ugwuoke, SS-2 student of the school, kept spectators and other athletes alike on the edge of the seats as he galloped to the finish line in 22.53 seconds to win the 200 metres final.

Ugwoke’s feat was achieved at the Enugu State Secondary Schools Sports Festival which winds down on Thursday.

The16-year-old was trailed by Onyekwelu Ebube of Government Technical College, Enugu, who returned in 23.11 seconds to place second.

Stephen Okonkwo of Awgu Technical School, Amoli, came third in 23.25 seconds.

Ugwuoke told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) after receiving his medal that he felt elated to win the final.

“I made 23 seconds at the zonal level, but thank God I have improved. I thank the state government for improving sports.

“I am working hard for this year’s National Sports Festival,” he said.

In the girls’ category, Blessing Agu of Girls Secondary School, Aku, came first in 27.06 seconds, followed by Stella Ikegbune

of Union Secondary School, Oji River, in second position with 27.45 seconds and Eunice Ugwu of Queen of Rosary Secondary School, Nsukka, in 27.59 seconds.

Agu said: “I want to represent the state at the national level by God’s grace.”

Following are other results from the festival: 800m Boys ChijiokeEze - National Grammar School, Nike Enugu - 2:09.33 seconds CelestineOgbaje Community Sec. School, Umuopu - 2:37.13 Ogbonna Okafor Community Sec. School, Ukpata, Uzouwani - 2:11.08 800mGirls Martina Idoko - Queens School, Enugu - 2:32.30 Juliet Ibe - Community Sec. School, Mpu - 2:37.41 Precious Okoro Community High School, Oduma - 2:38.96 3000m Boys Austine Akpa - Com. High School, Oduma - 9:40.40 Monday Odo - Isiuzo Tech.

College, Neke - 9:46.73 Nnaemeka Ezeh Community Sec. School, Umuopu - 9:56.69 3000m Girls Edith Odo - Community Sec. School, Umuopu 11:00.72 Grace Ugwumba Queens Sec. School, Enugu 11:20.53 Agnes Mba - Community Sec. School, Owo - 11:46.10.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

PAGE 43

NFF official begs for National league sponsorship

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r Ayo Rahman, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria National League (NNL) has pleaded with potential sponsors for viable partners with the football federation to help repackage and boost the profile of the league.

Rahman, who made the plea in Ilorin said that it was only through sponsorship that the league could improve from its current position.

“The NNL is different from the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) and need the support of partners to make it more attractive. The major challenge we have is sponsorship. The league is fresh and it is a separate entity from the NPL. “We are still scouting for

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he Lagos State Volleyball A s s o c i a t i o n (LSVA) yesterday attributed the decline of the sport in secondary schools in the state on the dearth of competitions.

Taiwo Oladipupo, LSVA Technical Director, claimed that the anti-sports attitude of the schools was also responsible for the decline of volleyball in the state.

Oladipupo made the remark at the opening of the maiden edition of the three-day Sen. Anthony Adefuye Secondary Schools Volleyball

partners to come to the aid of the competition so that it could be on television and to improve on the quality,’’ said he said.

Rahman said that the body had successfully completed the 2011/2012 season league on June 13 from which four teams were promoted to the elite NPL. He listed the names of the newly promoted teams as follows: El-Kanemi Warriors FC of Maiduguri, Nassarawa United FC of Lafia, Lenbe City FC of Bayelsa and Balyelsa United of Yenagoa.

The secretary said that 12 clubs were also relegated to the lower rung of the league and explained that instead of eight clubs being relegated at the end of the season to Division One, 12 clubs got relegated because of the

improvised inclusion of four extra teams.

The inclusion was fallout from decisions taken at the 2011 football congress in Kaduna.

He stressed that the development gave room for four groups instead of the hitherto two groups, saying that the league would continue with normal grouping of A and B next season.

It would be recalled that the 2012/2013 NNL season would commence on a yet to be decided date in September.

“There was a consensus that we arrived at to accommodate four extra clubs just for the 2011/ 2012 season and that at the end of the season, 12 clubs will drop.

“It is in the rules that guided the competition for 2011/2012 season and all stakeholders were aware of this. They were served with the rules,’’ he said.

Championships.

The competition, which is meant to raise volleyball talents at the grassroots, holds from 10 a. m. to 6 p.m. at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Yaba.

“In times like this, when the game is dying, this competition is aimed at reviving volleyball game in schools, and to catch young talents from schools.

“We want to develop the

Wushu Kung-fu coaches, referees should be trained, says chief referee

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Musa Amadu, Scribe NFF

Official blames volleyball decline on dearth of competitions

Nigerian school sports

youths to know more about the game, by involving the students in secondary schools, where the game is either decaying or not popular.”

Oladipupo, also the Head Coach of volleyball, called for collaboration between the ministries of education and sports, to whip up the students’ interests, especially in volleyball, and sports in general.

He said the association had lots of programmes on ground, to nurture the volleyball athletes such as the inter-clubs competitions, including increased publicity for the sport.

Also speaking on the occasion, Martins Owolabi, the president of the association, said the competition was organised to hunt for volleyball athletes in schools, to revive the sport.

“The aim of this competition is to hunt for talents from schools and develop them, to withstand their counterparts from the other parts of the world,” Owolabi said.

Owolabi urged other individuals and corporate organisations to emulate Adefuye’s gesture by sponsoring volleyball competitions, to rescue the sport from dying.

he Nigeria Wushu Kung-fu Federation (NWKF) on Wednesday advised technical officials to sponsor themselves to international seminars to get acquainted with the current rules of the sport.

The NWKF Chief Referee, Mr Alex James told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the referees and coaches should not be found wanting in the current guiding principle of Wushu Kung-fu.

James said that the officials in realising this purpose should not rely solely on support from the federation or ministry to attend such important programme.

“Our technical officials must be on familiar terms with the codes as stated by the international body, which they can only achieve by participating in international seminars.

“They should also not wait for the federation or ministry to sponsor them, but should endeavour to go on their own because they require the knowledge to move forward,’’ he said.

The chief referee said that participating in such seminars would help to update the curriculum vitae and as well enrich the knowledge of such officials.

James said that being part of such training programmes would give the technical officials more opportunity to be considered for officiating in international official.

“Attending universal programmes will boost their curriculum vitae and also create the possibility of being selected for international competitions.”

According to him, having a Nigerian referee in an international competition encourages athletes as their interest will be protected against any form of discrimination.

“The presence of a Nigerian referee as an official in an international competition, gives confidence to athletes because there will not be room for unfair judgment by the officiating group,” James said.

The NWKF official said that such a development would assist in nurturing young athletes in the right direction and create a good background for them to excel in tournaments.

Owena Kings Handball coach says team not out to win FCT Championship

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olade Olayinka, Chief Coach of Owena Kings Handball team, Akure, says they are not particular about winning the ongoing Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Open Championship but to showcase their talents.

Olayinka spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, in Abuja, after their match against the Unity Boys of FCT. The match ended 23-20 in favour of Owena which claimed the maximum three

points.

The coach said he was happy that they made it to the competition and were making points in their matches and improving.

“We were able to make one point each in our two matches but in this game, we are not particular about taking first or second position.

“But we are just here to show our talents and to tell everybody that there are some guys doing it right in Ondo

State,” he said.

Olayinkasaid they could not participate in the first phase of the competition because they were unaware of it, but that they were pleased to be in the second phase to exhibit their skills.

“Just about two weeks ago, someone told us about it; and we decided that even if the state will not send us, we will bring ourselves and show our skills,” he added.

On the match, Olayinka said he was happy with the outcome,

noting that the team had improved after it secured two points from its previous two games.

He was grateful to God for the win, attributing it to their defensive game.

His FCT counterpart, Abdulhakim Olukoju, said that his team also tried even though they did not carry the day.

According to him, Owena Kings are division one players and cannot be compared with the players he is grooming to

represent FCT at the 18th National Sports Festival in Lagos.

“We really played well and I can say that because we are upcoming players, we tried because the other team is made up of division one players.

“And they are a sports festival team; we are trying to build,” Olayinka said.

He said they would work on their defence against the next match, noting that his side’s attack was okay.

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

Former squash champion decries decline in sport

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riday Omeben, a former National Squash Champion, has decried the lack of competitions currently bedeviling the sport in the country.

He said that the situation had made it impossible for squash players to participate in competitions that would sharpen their skills and improve their competitive

edge.

Omeben, champion in1980, implored the Nigeria Squash Federation (NSF) to find ways to make the federation more active.

The former champion, who noted that the federation could only attract sponsors by having visible programmes, urged it to revamp its marketing department.

“Our players are not

getting the type of exposure they need; normally in a season they should have regular competitions, now we can’t even boast of two tournaments in a year,’’ he said.

Omeben regretted that squash was not the only sport battling with inactivity as other sports faced a similar challenge, noting that coaches and

players were worried by the development.

“The economic situation of the country is not helping matters; the economic crunch is biting harder. No sponsor wants to partner if there are no benefits; and there must be an incentive of sorts;. there must be derivable benefits in place to entice them,’’ he said.

On refresher courses,

Sharapova struggles, Serena rolls on

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op seed Maria S h a r a p o v a overcame a secondset wobble to beat Tsvetana Pironkova 7-6 6-7 6-0 and reach the Wimbledon third round yesterday.

The match was halted on Wednesday evening with the Russian leading 31 in the second set but she lost the first two games to allow Bulgarian Pironkova, a Wimbledon

semifinalist two years ago, a foothold.

Pironkova relied on her powerful serve to cause Sharapova problems and the world No 1 doublefaulted three times in the tiebreak on the way to losing it 7-3.

Sharapova, Wimbledon champion in 2004, regrouped quickly, however, and roared through the third set in 29 minutes to set up a

Maria Sharapova

match against Taiwan’s Hsieh Su-wei.

Also, four-time Wimbledon champion Serena Williams sailed effortlessly into the third round with a crisply efficient 6-1 6-4 victory over Hungarian qualifier Melinda Czink.

Serena launched the match with three devastating aces in the first game and ended with 10 aces to demoralise Czink, who could do nothing against the mighty Williams firepower.

The second set was more closely fought but one break in the ninth game was enough to secure Serena a clash in the next round with 2008 Wimbledon semifinalist Zheng Jie of China.

Women’s ninth seed Marion Bartoli of France, the runner-up to Venus

Williams in 2007, was knocked out by Croatian qualifier Mirjana Lucic, 64, 6-3.

Lucic was a semifinalist in 1999 before her career and personal life went into a tailspin. But, at 30, she is enjoying a new lease of life on the tour.

Second seed Victoria Azarenka reached the third round with a 6-2, 60 win over Switzerland’s Romina Oprandi.

Defending champion Petra Kvitova fired a warning to her title rivals as the Czech raced into the third round with a 6-0, 64 demolition of Britain’s Elena Baltacha.

But the 22-year-old, who defeated Maria Sharapova in last year’s Wimbledon final, erased those doubts in convincing style in the evening sunshine on Court Two.

Omeben said that the NSF had not been able to organise any for its coaches.

“Well, since we can’t travel out for refresher

courses, we regularly acquaint ourselves with the current trends in the sport through the internet, which has being helpful,’’ he said.

World steeplechase champion, Kemboi, in police probe

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enyan 3,000 metres steeplechase world champion and London Olympic medal hopeful, Ezekiel Kemboi, is involved in a police investigation into a violent attack, senior officials said yesterday.

Kemboi, who won Olympic gold in Athens in 2004 and subsequently won the World Championships titles in Berlin and Daegu in 2009 and 2011, qualified for the London Games last weekend.

“Kemboi came to the station and recorded a statement that he was attacked by thugs, but we are investigating the matter,” Isaac Musyoki, head of criminal investigations in Uasin Gishu county, told reporters.

Local media quoted a woman called Ann Njeri from hospital in the town of Eldoret as saying that

she had been drinking with Kemboi until late on Wednesday night, and that the runner attacked her when she declined his advances.

The Chef de Mission of the Kenyan team to London, Jonathan Koskei, said they were aware of the allegations that the athlete had been accused of attacking a woman, but said they were waiting for more information.

“We are treating the matter as rumours until the athlete is arrested and then we shall take appropriate action,” said Koskei, himself a senior police officer.

Kemboi, who is also a police officer, ran the seventh fastest steeplechase of all time in Monaco last year, clocking 7 minutes 55.76 seconds.

The London Olympics gets underway with the opening ceremony on July 27.

S/African Magakwe takes 100m gold in Benin

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outh African sprinting sensation Simon Magakwe won gold in the men’s 100m final on the second day of the African Athletics Championships in Cotonou, Benin, on Thursday.

Magakwe, however, failed in his attempt to qualify for the London Olympic Games as he posted a time of 10.29 seconds falling short of the qualifying standard of 10.18sec.

The 26-year-old has dipped below the qualifying mark in the 100m six times in domestic meetings this season and also equalled Johan Rossouw’s national record of 10.06sec.

Magakwe has been racing extensively this season and could not replicate these performances on the European circuit in recent months.

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The African Championships offered Magakwe his last chance to qualify with his dreams of reaching the Games in the 100m now lying in tatters.

Meanwhile, another South African LJ van Zyl advanced to the final of the men’s 400m hurdles on the second day of the African Athletics Championships in Cotonou, Benin, yesterday.

Van Zyl, who has been struggling with injury, returned back to action from an injury forced break from the track with a pedestrian time of 51.87 seconds.

His best time this season was an Olympic qualifying time of 49.42sec he ran at an inter-provincial meeting in April.

The South African record holder clocked the four fastest times in the world in the 400m hurdles last year,

setting a new national record of 47.66sec at the beginning of 2011.

With Van Zyl reaching the final he is still on track to win his fourth consecutive African title, a feat no other athlete has achieved before.

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THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.EMEKWUO AKUDO JEFFREY 2.PISCIONERI NADIA 3.PISCIONERI RAFFAELE 4.ADJOH AUGUSTINE AKPOJOTOR AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO AWARD SCHOLRASHIPS TO THE LESS PRIVILEDGED CHILDREN IN THE SOCIETY. 2.TO ENCOURAGE PROGRAMMES AIMED AT UPLIFTING THE INDIGENT AND TO ENCOURAGE THE EMPOWERMENT OF THE YOUTHS. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, P.M.B. 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN TWENTY-EIGHT (28) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: CHIJIOKE EZEH ESQ.

Simon Magakwe

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

PAGE 45

1

PICTORIAL

1 After scoring the winning spot-kick against Portugal in the UEFA EURO 2012 semi-finals, Cesc Fabregas has said he felt a "premonition" things would go well for Spain and himself.

4

2 England fly-half Charlie Hodgson and hooker Lee Mears announce their retirements from international rugby.

2

3 James Anderson says the five-match series against Australia will show how far England has progressed as a one-day side.

5

4 Former England captain David Beckham is not selected for the Great Britain football squad for London 2012.

5 Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell and Open champion Darren Clarke are in action as the Irish Open gets under way at Royal Portrush.

6

6 Andy Murray wins the first set 7-5 against big-serving Croatian Ivo Karlovic on Centre Court.

3

7 Jaime Alguersuari on Fernando Alonso's European Grand Prix wins, Michael Schumacher and the F1 title battle.

7

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

PAGE 47

Of boycott threats and complaints of poor officiating

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arely six weeks to the end of the season, some premier league clubs and their managements, have chameleon-like returned to the trenches either against the leadership of the NPL board or the secretariat of the league or even both.

That’s to be expected.

Soon before the start of the season, some elements may have boasted before their state executives that they have the magic wane to turn around the soccer fortunes of their clubs.

Of course, some of them boast an intimidating profile in the game, and never coy about flaunting them. Trust politicians, especially drowning ones, who would cling onto any available straw to stay alive.

These technocrats may have impressed with well

written thesis on how to secure the league titles, win continental tickets and thus extend the profiles of their states executives.

Such successes are not achieved empty handed.

Money, yes, good money are needed, and the governors are never shy from doling out largesse they honestly believe will project their image, associate them with the people, especially the passionate soccer populace who would readily praisesing them to high heavens just because they are “sports loving governors”.

The Orji Uzo Kalus, Rotimi Amaechis, Liyel Imoke and many others could be counted in that respect.

Yet, when the season draws to a close, the technocrats, many having nothing but failure to show for the huge sums that runs into millions

of the naira that they may have through whatever tactics collected from the tilt of their states artfully resorted to all manner of altercations with those they believed placed a hedge on their path for successes.

They see an easy scapegoat in the hapless referees, NPL officials or even players, whom they had hitherto vouched for their competence and had in the process collected huge sign-on fees on their behalf.

Forget that the fees though may have ended up in the officials’ private pocket.

Well, this explains spades of match-fixing allegations which are rife in the domestic league, but largely unreported because such acts are often never documented.

But they do thrive and every discernible football

WATCH DOG By Patrick Andrew

manager knows, may have participated in the act, and therefore easily owoidoho_ng35@yahoo.com dismissed threats to boycott the league at late Disciplinary Committee had fact they were aware of the hours like this, blaring awarded ABS FC board room continental engagements of complaints against referees, points on the assumption Sunshine Stars and acted the opponents’ fans, that Sunshine Stars did not accordingly. pitches, leadership of the honour an away game. But Yet, ABS officials without NPL, its officials often one recalls that same the benefit of their appeal accusing these of one crime weekend that they were and perhaps knowing the or the other as mere billed to play ABS, they had obvious have threatened rantings of failed self- a continental engagement hellfire and brimstone. That’s acclaimed technocrats. which of course takes ridiculous and a disdain for That’s where one situates premium over the local the rules of the game. the current ranting by an encounter.

Heartland FC officials have official of the ABS FC, who Sunshine Stars promptly also joined the bandwagon has threatened to withdraw appealed the decision and of complainants against the club from the league since the NFF hands all referees, poor state of should the NFF appeal appeals they upturned the opponents’ pitches and committee fails to award it decision of the O&D and high-handedness of the NPL free three points and three ordered a replay. The NFF secretariat. goals against Sunshine FC. as the custodian of the game It would seem an opening What’s the grouse? Simple, simply referred their rules to account for resources the NPL organizing and taking cognizance of the not well used or unfulfilled promises, has been found.

Coach begs handball sponsors

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Serena Williams

‘I’ll ease Venus’s pain at Olympics’

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erena Williams survived the Wimbledon Court Two trap that swallowed sister Venus and pledged to ease her pain by successfully defending their Olympic doubles gold next month.

Serena eased into the second round on Tuesday with a 62, 6-4 win over Barbora Zahlavova Strycova of the Czech Republic as she targets a fifth Wimbledon title, but was already looking forward to returning to the All England Club next month for the Games.

“I think it’s great. I really look forward to playing doubles with her,” said Serena, after she and her sister were confirmed in the US Olympic team.

“At the end of the day we’re defending doubles champs, even though it’s been four years. So that will be kind of cool to get out there regardless and see what happens, and more than anything, enjoy ourselves.

“I love playing doubles with her normally, but especially at the Olympics. It’s a whole ‘nother level.”

Venus’s loss on Monday to Russia’s Elena Vesnina was the five-time champion’s worst Wimbledon defeat since 1997 when she also went out in the opening round.

Serena refused to criticise organisers for putting her out on Court Two for the second year in succession, but admitted that her sister’s defeat had helped spur her on.

“I’m over it. So I don’t care to talk about it,” said Serena when asked about her Court Two schedule. I’m not here to talk about Court Two, really. I just can’t talk about that right now. I’m not in the mood.

“I don’t think she (Venus) felt her greatest going into that match yesterday. But I always want to play even better if she’s out of the tournament.”

he Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Handball Coach, Innocent Nwankwo on Wednesday called on the private sector to increase sponsorship of handball championships to improve refereeing of the game.

Nwankwo made the call at the ongoing FCT Handball Open Championship competition in Abuja.

The Safety Babes of FRSC who beat the Unity Girls of FCT 32-23 goals are 11 points clear of their FCT counterparts.

The coach said that though his team won, he

was not happy with the standard of officiating because of the lack of sponsorship by the private sector.

“Sincerely, I am not really happy with the officiating because of the referee they gave us today.

“His standard of officiating is far too low, but we know that this is the first time this referees are officiating a very high calibre match like this.

“We want to use this opportunity to appeal to the private sector to come in and give us sponsorship for more championships. That is the

F

Liu Xiang to debut at London Grand Prix Samsung Diamond League

ormer 110m Hurdles Olympic champion Liu Xiang is set to celebrate his 29th birthday on Friday July 13 by running in London - for the first time in his career at the Aviva London Grand Prix at Crystal Palace.

Liu Xiang, China’s most high-profile athlete, will be a highlight of the Friday evening session at London’s two-day Samsung Diamond League meet and he is looking forward to making his debut in the British capital ahead of an extended stay this summer for the Olympic Games.

“I am really excited to be competing in London for the first time ever at the Aviva London Grand Prix. The event will be a great opportunity for me to experience the conditions and atmosphere of the Olympic host city just two weeks before the Games.”

After winning Olympic gold in Athens then dramatically being forced to pull out of his home Olympic Games in Beijing four years later through injury, Liu Xiang will attempt to become the first sprint hurdler ever to lose then regain the Olympic title this summer.

With the meet just two weeks before the Olympic Opening Ceremony, Xiang will use the Aviva London Grand Prix as the final leg of his race preparation for the Games.

“This will be my last race before the Olympic Games so I will be looking for a very strong performance. The London Diamond League will be the perfect race for me to complete my preparation as I challenge for a second Olympic gold medal this summer.”

Liu Xiang has looked back to his world-beating best this outdoor season after implementing a new stride pattern and remaining injury-free over the winter.

After two impressive wins in the Samsung Diamond League events in Shanghai and Eugene this year, he is running at near-World record pace and believes that he is on track for glory in London.

Having left his rivals trailing behind him

only way these referees can improve,” he added.

He appealed to referees to try and officiate more at friendly matches to help them improve their standard.

Nwankwo said that his girls had really tried to improve compared to the first phase of the championship, adding that they hoped to win the trophy at the end of the tournament.

Abdulhakim Olukoju, the coach of FCT Unity Girls said that his girls performed so badly and did not play according to

including Cuban Olympic champion and World record holder Dayron Robles in a barnstorming indoor victory at the Aviva Grand Prix in Birmingham in February, Liu Xiang makes no secret of his enjoyment at

Liu Xiang

instructions.

He further stated that they did not have substitute players as most of his players could not make it because of the crises in the northern part of the country.

“I will assess my girls woefully because they did not play to instructions, they did not try at all and the officiating of the match was too bad.’’

He said that they would go back and work on the lapses, adding that by next match, the other players would be around and they hoped to perform better.

returning to British shores for an extended period this summer.

The men’s 110m hurdles heats and final will take place on Friday 13 July at the Aviva London Grand Prix.

www.peoplesdaily-online.com

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FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012

SPORTS LA TEST LATEST

Balotelli double sends Italy into final

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taly extended their remarkable stranglehold on Germany when two superb first-half goals by Mario Balotelli gave them a 2-1 win in an excellent Euro 2012 semifinal yesterday and a place in Sunday's final against Spain.

Balotelli connected with a curling Antonio Cassano cross to head the opener after 20 minutes then ran on to a long Riccardo Montolivo pass before lashing in an unstoppable second after 36 as the Italians took full advantage of some loose defending.

Three times champions Germany, who had never beaten Italy in their seven previous major tournament meetings, rallied late in the game and Mesut Ozil converted a penalty in added time after Federico Balzaretti had handled in the area but it came too late.

Germany had earlier gone close when Gianluigi Buffon touched a Marco Reus free kick onto the bar after 62 minutes and had a deflected Mats Hummels shot cleared off the line in the early stages. But Italy grew in confidence and could have added a third goal when Claudio Marchisio twice shot just wide.

The final against holders and world champions Spain in Kiev is a rematch of the teams' group meeting that finished 1-1.

Mario Balotelli

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QUO TABLE Q UO TE UOT QUO UOTE We, as a g over nment, ffeel eel those go ernment, calling for the nation’s break-up are unpatriotic and wicked to a nation that they claim to belong — Plateau state Commissioner for Inf or ma tion, P astor Yilja p Abr aham Infor orma mation, Pastor iljap Abraham

Nasarawa’s budget of social inclusion I

n analyzing fiscal performance across the various regions and political platforms to assess the various state governments in delivering their electoral mandates, our focus this week is on the small, NorthCentral state of Nasarawa. We took a fortnight’s break to allow for the ventilation of contrasting views on Anambra’s misguided and profoundly dysfunctional budget.

Nasarawa is the only state in the country which succeeded in electing a governor under the platform of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) to replace the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) incumbent. The CPC is a leading opposition party that stands for integrity, social justice and good governance and with the election, the hopes for a Nasarawa which exemplifies diligence, accountability, exemplary leadership and judicious use of government funds were hinged on Umaru Tanko Al-Makura from May 29, 2011.

Governor Al-Makura was trained as a teacher at the College of Education, Uyo and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He went into the private sector in 1978 via Al-Makura Nigeria Limited which imported and serviced agricultural and industrial machinery. With the capital accumulated, he ventured into real estate and property development in Abuja and other locations under the name of Ta'al Nigeria Limited.

He began his foray into politics from his student days in Uyo, which continued in ABU Zaria, culminating in his election as NPN Youth Leader of the then Plateau state around 1980. Al-Makura was one of the founding members of PDP in Nasarawa state in 1998. He defected to the CPC in 2010 and contested in 2011; ousting the then incumbent PDP governor of the state, Aliyu Akwe-Doma.

Nasarawa state, known as the “Home of Solid Minerals” was created on the 1st of October, 1996 by the Abacha Administration. It is bound in the north by Kaduna state, in the west by Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, in the south by Kogi and Benue states and in the east by Taraba and Plateau states. It is the second least populous state in the country just ahead of Bayelsa with a total headcount of 1,869,377 as at 2006.

Nasarawa’s population today should be at par with Botswana (2

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NASIR EL-R UF AI EL-RUF UFAI ON FRID AY FRIDA elrufai@aol.com

Gov. Umaru Tanko Al-Makura million) and higher than those of Gambia (1.8 million) and Gabon (1.5 million).

Since its independence in 1966, Botswana has had one of the fastest growth rates in per capita income in the world and this was mainly achieved by their exploration of mineral resources in the country. Gabon on the other hand, depended heavily on manganese production for revenues until oil was discovered in the 70s. Ironically for Nasarawa, other than the minerals in its adopted alias, not much has been done in the area of mining.

The state has several proven

reserves of Barite (750,000 MT), glass sand, salt/brine, kaolin (45,000 MT), tourmaline, sharp sand, tin, marble, coal, semiprecious stones including aquamarine. It has ample arable land where almost any crop can be grown. The major crops grown include maize, rice, sorghum, millet, cowpea, groundnut, yam, cassava, soyabeans, beniseed, melon, bambara nuts. Nasarawa state has huge tourism potentials.

Potential tourist attractions include the Farin Ruwa falls (comparable to the popular Victoria Falls in Zambia), the Eggon rolling hills and caves and Hunki Lake in Awe. According to the NBS Poverty Profile 2012 based on data upto 2010, of the population of the North Central zone, 61.9% is relatively poor, 57.4% is absolutely poor, 38.6% is food poor – an irony indeed for a zone with such generous agricultural endowments. In North-Central, 59.7% live on less than a dollar a day. Ideally, the region should have the lowest food poverty rates but the South-South (35.5%) and South-West (25.4%) score lower in that regard. In terms of absolute poverty, the region fares better than the other northern

“

Educationally, the state’s recent history has not been impressive. A look back some years ago, for which data is available, WAEC pass rates of 5 credits including Mathematics and English have continuously deteriorated; 2004 (5.84%), 2005 (4.72%), 2006 (3.01%) and 2007 (1.77%) under incompetent PDP misrule

counterparts but is worse than all the southern regions. In the region, apart from Niger, Nasarawa has the lowest food poverty (26.8%), absolute poverty (60.4%), and relative poverty (71.4%). The income inequality rate impressively reduced by - 2.7% between 2004 and 2010.

Nasarawa’s poverty incidence is relatively high at 39%, which means that more than one out of every three persons is poor: compared to one in seven for Lagos, and more than half – 58% in Yobe, the poorest state in Nigeria.

Nasarawa has an unemployment level of 21.6% similar to the National average of 21.1%, as compiled by the NBS in 2010. Besides Benue in the region with a higher figure (25.4%), all other North Central states have lower unemployment rates with Plateau having the lowest (14.4%). The figure is high compared to Ekiti state (14%) which was created in the same year. On a slightly brighter note, Nasarawa is the 18th easiest state to do business in Nigeria according to the 2010 World Bank rankings.

It ranks 12th in terms of ease of starting a business. Rather than have unemployed people loiter the state, the government has a unique opportunity to encourage entrepreneurship and small businesses.

Educationally, the state’s recent history has not been impressive. A look back some years ago, for which data is available, WAEC pass rates of 5 credits including Mathematics and English have continuously deteriorated; 2004 (5.84%), 2005 (4.72%), 2006 (3.01%) and 2007 (1.77%) under incompetent PDP misrule. The North-Central zone has the lowest adult literacy in any language (61.9%) and Nasarawa is one of the least literate states in the North Central region (47.5%). The 2011 UTME figures are not any better. The state had the lowest percentage for the average cut-off mark of 180 and above in the zone with 43.2% while Kwara had achieved a 74.8% pass rate. Hopefully, the current CPC governor, with his teaching background would focus and channel more resources to education.

These statistics sadly are a reflection of the norm in the northern part of the country with low literacy rates, poor WAEC pass Contd. on Page 36

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