Peoples Daily Newspaper, Monday 29, July, 2013

www.peoplesdailyng.com

Vol. 11 No. 51

Monday, July 29, 2013

. . . putting the people first

Ramadan Timings for Abuja MAGRIB ALFIJR

Disquiet in NNDC over alleged tardy management >> 2

Ramadan 20, 1434 AH

N150

Insurgents kill 29 in fresh Borno attacks >> 3

Tukur must go,PDP chieftains insist 6.54 p.m.

5.07 a.m.

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

Borno state Deputy Governor and Project Chairman, Zannah Umar Mustapha (3rd left), conducting the state Governor, Kashim Shettima (2nd right), round the site of Legacy Gardens Project, where 50 units of three-storey buildings are being constructed to create 180 sets of 3-bedroom apartments along the airport road, at the weekend in Maiduguri. With them are one of the project coordinators and Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, Baba Kaka Bashir Garbai (right), Secretary to the Borno government, Ambassador Baba Ahmed Jidda, and other government officials.

NAHCON announces 2013 Hajj fares >>Pg 2

The Hajj fares at a glance

NORTHERN ZONES Maximum fare Medium Minimum

N750,996.52 N672,996.52 N636,496.52

SOUTHERN ZONES Maximum fare Medium Minimum

N758,369.52 N680,369.52 N643,869.52

rouble seems not yet over for the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, as he faces a fresh challenge for his removal at an Abuja High Court chaired by Justice Suleiman Belgore today.

Tukur had last week had a sigh of relief when the same judge declined the request of his traducers, who are also chieftains of the ruling party, to stop him from parading himself as the national chairman of the party.

Justice Belgore will today entertain an amended motion by the trio of Abba Yale, Yahaya Aruwa Sule and Bashir Maidugu, seeking the sack of the PDP chairman alongside the acting members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC). They are equally asking the court to order fresh elections into all offices of the party’s NWC. They are insisting that Tukur should not continue in office as the party’s national chairman since all other members of the NWC have resigned their positions.

The same judge had last week ordered the halt of the Special National Convention of the PDP slated for August 31, 2013, to elect replacement for the NWC members who resigned their positions due to alleged irregularities in the process that brought them into power by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Responding to the court ruling halting the Special National Convention, the PDP in a statement signed by its acting National Publicity Secretary, Prince Caesar Okeke, at the weekend stated that: “Nevertheless, our Contd. on Page 2

Ramadan Message

The Prophet (SAW) said: Allah, the Exalted and Glorious says: “Fasting is Mine and I reward for it. The one who fasts has two joys, one when he breaks his fast and when he meets Allah. The bad smell of a faster’s mouth is nicer for Allah than the smell of a musk. (Muslim) Sponsored by Kano state government

Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso Governor, Kano State

PAGE 2

News

CONTENTS News 2-10 Editorial 12 Op.Ed 13 Letters 14 Opinion 15 Metro 16-18 Business 19-22 Stockwatch 23 S/Report 24-26 Education 27 Health 29-30

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

Disquiet in NNDC over tardy mgt

lNSGF chair accused of promoting personal interest lIt’s not true, says Gov Aliyu

By Aminu Imam, Abuja and Femi Oyinlola, Kaduna

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here is growing anxiety over the fortunes of the New Nigerian Development Corporation (NNDC), which has been declining for almost two decades, with allegation of mismanagement and incompetence level against the Corporation’s current management.

The NNDC, which is owned by the 19 northern states was one of the leading conglomerates in Nigeria with a very proud heritage and enviable track record of achievements, providing a wide range of services since its establishment by the then northern regional government about 56 years ago.

It wholly owned several thriving subsidiaries all across northern Nigeria, from the banking industry like the defunct Bank of the North, which metamorphosed into Unity Bank Plc, Hamdala Hotel, Kaduna in the hospitality industry, and a host of other viable entities like the highly respected New Nigerian newspapers in the olden days.

Also, the Corporation, with a huge balance sheet size, also owned substantial shares in many companies in the textile, property and manufacturing sectors of

the Nigerian economy and was competing with the likes of the Oodua Property & Investment Company (OPIC) in the South-west of the country.

However, some concerned stakeholders have recently accused the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) of not showing sufficient interest in the affairs of NNDC, to the extent that the corporation is allegedly being run aground by the Chairman of the Board, Prof. Halidu Abubakar, said to be very close to the NSGF and incumbent Chief Servant of Niger state, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu.

The concerned stakeholders, in a petition titled: “The Press Must Rise Up to Help Save NNDC”, a copy of which was made available to Peoples Daily, also accused the Group Managing Director of the corporation, Alhaji Ahmed Musa Mohammed of incompetence.

The petitioners, who did not want to be named, said, as the records would show, the erstwhile GMD of the corporation, Alhaji Aliyu Alkali, until his death about three years ago, made efforts to move the NNDC forward, including arranging to go into partnership with some Asian companies to prospect for oil and gas in various areas in the northern states where preliminary

seismic studies had shown great potential for hydrocarbon resources in commercial quantity.

But that since the demise of Alkali, “the current management has accelerated the Corporation’s slide towards extinction” through alleged mismanagement of its human and material resources, adding that all the promising plans of the late GMD were allegedly jettisoned by Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed and his team of “yes men”.

Another grouse of the concerned stakeholders is the confirmation of the current chief executive of the corporation as substantive GMD, even though he allegedly came third in a recruitment exercise that the northern states governors’ forum had commissioned Phillips Consulting to carry out.

The petitioners accused the NSGF chairman of supplanting the report of Phillips Consulting recruitment exercise, to narrow the choice of substantive GMD down to Alhaji Ahmed, whom they accused of being used as by Governor Aliyu in the governor’s alleged bid to acquire some assets of the corporation, particularly Hamdala Hotel, Kaduna.

When contacted to react to the allegations levelled against him, the Governor Aliyu said: “The issue of

sufficient interest cannot be correct because the company had featured in virtually all the agenda of the Forum’s meetings from 2007 to date. The recently published records of proceedings of the Forum can attest to that”.

On the controversy surrounding the recent confirmation of the acting CEO as GMD, the governor who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Danladi Ndayebo said: “The Philips Consult report was the reference material in the selection of candidates that responded to its adverts for the various positions that appeared both in Daily Trust and Punch newspapers. The Board of Directors was extensively guided by the report based on which it set up a Special Interview Panel (SIP) to pick those qualified for the vacant offices both from within and outside the system.

“The report was turned in sometime in June, 2012, immediately after which the SIP was put in place and the interview was conducted in Abuja. The full Board meeting held in November 2012, and worked on the submission of the SIP, after which it communicated its decision to the (NSGF) chairman for an anticipatory approval”, he explained.

Contd. on Page 5

NAHCON announces 2013 Hajj fares

Keshi positive after Abidjan fall, Page 41

Int’l 31-34 Strange World 35 Digest 36 Politics 37-38 Newsxtra 39 Leisure 40 Sports 41-45 Columnist 48

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lNorthern and Southern zones to pay N636,496.52 and N643,869.52

By Maryam Garba Hassan

T

he National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) yesterday announced the approved fares for this year’s pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, the Commission, while noting that this year’s pilgrims would be flown from the northern and southern departure zones, said pilgrims travelling from the northern and southern zones in the minimum fare category are to pay N636, 496.52 and N643, 869.52 respectively.

The NAHCON said those in the group of travelers listed above would get 750 dollars as their basic travel allowance (BTA).

As for those in the medium fare category traveling from the North, they would pay N672, 996.52, while their counterparts from the South are to be charged N680, 369.52. The commission said the medium category travellers would get 1,000 dollars.

In the maximum fare category, intending pilgrims from the northern and southern parts of the country would pay N750, 996.52 and N758, 369.52 respectively.

This category of pilgrims will each travel with a BTA of 1,500 dollars.

The statement also announced the minimum fares for pilgrims departing from the northern and southern zones without BTA. They are to pay N526, 996.52 and 534,369.52 respectively.

The Hajj Commission also said that the Federal Government had approved Kabo Air, Med-view, Max Air, Meridian Airlines and Skypower Express Airways for the transportation of pilgrims from each airline’s operating base.

It said NAS Air charter, a Saudi Arabia-based Airline and Trade Craft Nigeria Ltd have also been approved as carriers for the international pilgrims through tour operators.

The Med-view Travel Konsult Ltd, Cargo Zeal Technologies Ltd and Slim Aviation Services Ltd were approved as pilgrims’ excess luggage carriers, the statement said.

The commission asked states and other pilgrims’ agencies to

speed up the process of collecting the balance of the Hajj fares from intending pilgrims and remit same to NAHCON to facilitate early conclusion of arrangements for movement.

This year, the Commission plans to transport 76,000 pilgrims to the Holy land for the Hajj operations as against the 95,000 pilgrims it transported in the previous years.

It would be recalled that Nigeria received a notice from the Saudi Arabian government on the global reduction of the 2013 Hajj slots by 20 per cent as a result of the renovations going on around the Grand Mosque in Makkah, and to avoid congestion and stampede during the Hajj exercise.

Tukur must go,PDP chieftains insist

Contd. from Front Page lawyers are presently studying the Court ruling and will advice the party leadership on the next course of action in that regard.”

But, there are indications that the party may have resolved to appeal the ruling with a view to vacating it for the PDP to go ahead with the August congresses both in the South-west and at the national level.

However, court cases still persists in spite of several warnings to party chieftains that they should desist from litigations and explore all internal mechanisms to redress their grievances or face disciplinary sanctions.

In suit number CV/2418/13, amended originating summons signed by J.S. Okutepa (SAN) on

July 15, 2013, the three members of PDP asked for a declaration that the appointment, selection by affirmation of all members of the acting NWC “is a nullity by virtue of the provisions of Article 2 page 3 Article 16 (1) and (3) pages 84 and 85 of the Constitution of the PDP 2009 as amended and Section 6.6 (election of national officers) page 13 Section 4.0 (e) nomination procedures, announcement and guidelines of the national convention held March 24, 2012”.

They are equally asking that the memoranda with reference number NEC 61/104/13 and NEC 61/105/13 to the NEC of June 20, 2013 by the national chairman, Tukur, which appointed the acting NWC members is “a nullity because

of having been issued without vires and competence while the suit was pending”.

The counsel further said in the amended originating summons that the court should declare “upon a calm view and holistic construction of the Constitution of PDP and other relevant provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended, read together with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the resignation of other members of the NWC of PDP have incurably affected the election and the continued stay in office of the national chairman of the PDP and as such that it is in the interest of justice to order fresh election in the national offices of the PDP as specified in Article 29 (1) (a) – (b) (d) ((h) and (j) (l) of the Constitution of PDP by empowering

the NEC of PDP to do so.

“An order of this honourable court that the continued stay in office of the national chairman of PDP, Tukur is a nullity and in violation of the Constitution of the PDP, having regards to the fact that the members he was elected with had all resigned their positions,” he stated.

Okutepa therefore urged Belgore to compel PDP to conduct fresh elections into all the national offices of the party as specified in Article 29 (1) (a)(b), (d) (h) and (J) and (L) of the PDP to “bring same in tandem with the PDP Constitution, vacuum having been created by the resignations of the national officers of PDP as specified above within a reasonable time as may be decided by the court”.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

PAGE 3

Boko Haram: Insurgents kill 29 in fresh Borno From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

S

uspected Boko Haram insurgents at the weekend launched fresh attacks in separate areas of Borno state killing at least 29 persons, military officials and witnesses told newsmen.

Among those killed in the attacks were nine members of volunteer vigilante group hunting Boko Haram also known as ‘Civilian JTF.” Reports said that the insurgents waylaid the volunteers who had gone in pursuit of some of the fleeing militants.

The attack on the vigilante group was the first since its members embarked on the massive hunt for the Boko Haram insurgents in the past two months.

Leader of the Youth Volunteer Vigilante group, Abubakar Malum told newsmen that four of their slain members were earlier killed on Friday when they traveled to Mainok town along Maiduguri- Damaturu highway in Konduga local government area of the state where they arrested two fleeing suspected members of the Boko Haram.

“The youth had successfully arrested two suspects and were on their way back to Maiduguri in

a convoy of four taxi cars around 6:35pm on Friday when the gunmen waylaid them with sophisticated weapons, killing four persons, while others escaped with gunshot injuries”, he said.

Malum added that the group also suffered another attack on Saturday when five other vigilante youth were equally killed in Ajilari, Ngomari and Bulumkutu Wards when they were ambushed by the suspected terrorists. “it was a huge loss to us as some of our brave minds have been killed by the insurgents, this is the price we have been expecting to pay for engaging in this dangerous sacrifice of hunting the terrorist who had for long time scuttled the peaceful atmosphere which had existed for a long time in our state” “But this will not deter us from the job, in fact the killing of our colleagues would motivate us to continue with the crusade of wiping out the terrorrists”, he declared.

The other incident also occurred on Saturday in Baga town along Nigeria- Chad border when another group of the incident stormed Baga town, firing sporadic shots into the crowd, killing 20 people on the spot, leaving several others wounded.

It was gathered that the Baga

killing occurred after the CivilianJTF invaded the town on routing mop up of the terrorists and arrested some members Boko Haram Spokesman for the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Lt. Haruna Muhammed Sani, who confirmed the bloody attack to newsmen said at least 20 civilians died after the terrorists group launched what appeared to be a reprisal attack.

According to Lt. Musa, “ a group of youth vigilante group from Maiduguri raided the village of Dawashi in search for Boko Haram members but the suspects came out with assault rifles in large numbers and opened fire at the direction of innocent civilians” “The victims are mostly fishermen and traders who pursue their legitimate businesses in the area. Surviving victims of the onslaught were still lying within the premises of MNJTF Field Ambulance receiving medical treatment from the injury sustained in the attack”, he added.

Meanwhile, scores of the Boko Haram sect members are being arrested in Maiduguri and the neighboring towns of Damboa, Konduga, Bama, Mafa, Biu and Baga towns.

No bias in sack of Taraba SSG, others, say PDP elders

S

ome elders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Taraba state yesterday dismissed as baseless insinuations that religion played a key role in the sacking of the former Secretary to the state Government, Emmanuel Q. Njiwah, and five commissioners.

A 20-man standing committee of the PDP elders in Taraba, led by the former Internal Affairs Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Shatta said they were sacked strictly based on their indictment by a report of the House of Assembly.

Shatta who noted that the state Assembly has over 70 per cent Christian majority, said: “For these

young men to put sentiments aside and go ahead to do the right thing by exposing those who dipped their hands into public funds, I believe they deserve our commendation because this is the type of leadership this country needs.”

He said the Acting Governor, Alhaji Garba Umar, was only following the footsteps of Governor Danbaba Suntai, who he believed, would as well do same if he were on ground, in his decision to relieve the former government functionaries of their posts.

Citing how Muslims and non Muslims rallied round the Christian chairman of the PDP in Taaraba state,

Victor Bala Kona, he emphasised that religious bias “would never happen because we don’t like mixing religion with politics here.”

The former minister advised the sacked government officials to desist from fanning the embers of disunity among the peace-loving people of the state.

Those sacked along with the SSG were Rebo Usman, Yakubu Agbazo, Anthony Jalleson, Jonah Agyo, Charity Jonathan Green, Manasseh Kaura, all of who were accused of misappropriating the N400 million meant for distribution to flood victims in the state.

The sacked officials are expected to file a suit today challenging the acting governor and the members of the House of Assembly over their sack.

Unity: Bayelsa leaders visit Al-Mustapha

T

he leader of Oporoza House of Bayelsa, Timi Ogoriba, at the weekend led a delegation to a meeting with former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the late General Sani Abacha, Major Hamza al-Mustapha, in Abuja on how to further unite the country.

In his speech Ogoriba recalled the working relationship between the north and the Izon ethnic group as he appealed to Al-Mustapha to work towards ensuring that Nigeria becomes a better society.

He noted that Al-Mustapha can influence the return of peace to Yobe state which is one states currently under state of emergency due to Islamist insurgence in the north eastern part of the country.

Ogoriba also affirmed that, “if things become normal and peace

returns, emergency rule will be lifted.”

He added that Al-Mustapha has the capacity to ensure the return of peace to the state and region saying that “we know that our brother, our dear son (Al-Mustapha) has the clout and he has the wherewithal to ensure that things work on.”

How to ensure peace and the unity of Nigeria dominated discussions at the solidarity meeting between members of the Izon ethnic group and their friends from the north led by Major Hamza alMustapha.

Al-Mustapha, an indigene of Yobe state, was recently discharged and acquitted from a death sentence by the Appeal Court on charges of complicity in the murder of Kudirat Abiola, the wife of the

acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

Al-Mustapha in his remarks recounted his prison experiences but pledged to unite the nation’s youth for a more peaceful Nigeria.

“We will shock-absorb threats and look at it calmly with courage, with confidence to be able to find solutions for results that are positive towards peace, particularly for the common good of our country” he stated.

Special guest at the meeting and leader of the Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC), Frederick Faseun, restated the need for all to work for the unity of Nigeria as he pledged to work towards a united and indivisible Nigeria.

According to Faseun, the victory of Al-Mustapha at the Court of Appeal will further unite Nigeria.

News Ramadan Timing Day 20 TOWNS MAGRIB ALFIJR Aba 6.50 5.07 Abakaliki 6.48 5.09 Abeokuta 7.07 5.26 Abuja 6.54 5.07 Akure 6.59 5.18 Argungu 7.08 5.06 Ankpa 6.47 5.08 Auchi 6.55 5.14 Azare 6.46 4.49 Bama 6.31 4.36 Bauchi 6.45 4.55 Benin 6.58 5.19 Bichi 6.54 4.56 Bida 6.59 5.12 Birnin Gwari 6.57 5.07 Birnin Kebbi 7.11 5.12 Biu 6.34 4.37 Calabar 6.44 5.10 Damaturu 6.39 4.42 Daura 6.55 4.53 Dutse 6.50 4.54 Enugu 6.49 5.10 Funtua 6.58 5.02 Gombe 6.39 4.49 Gwoza 6.32 4.38 Gumi 7.06 5.09 Gusau 6.59 5.02 Gwadabawa 7.08 5.06 Hadejia ` 6.48 4.48 Ibadan 7.04 5.21 Ife 7.03 5.20 Ilorin 7.04 5.21 Jalingo 6.37 4.50 Jere 6.53 5.03 Jos 6.48 4.58 Kabba 6.57 5.14 Kafanchan 6.51 5.02 Keffi/Nasarawa 6.54 4.57 Kaduna 6.55 5.03 Kano 6.53 4.56 Katsina 6.59 4.57 Kontagora 7.02 5.12 Lafia 6.47 5.02 Lagos 7.05 5.26 Lokoja 6.54 5.26 Maiduguri 6.32 4.37 Makurdi 6.47 5.04 Malumfashi 6.59 4.56 Minna 6.58 5.09 Port Harcourt 6.49 5.15 Ringim 6.50 4.54 Shagamu 7.05 5.24 Sokoto 7.08 5.06 Warri 6.57 5.19 Yola 6.33 4.46 Zaria 6.54 5.01 Cotonnou-Benin 7.08 5.31 Ndjamena-Chad 7.23 4.30 Niamey-Niger 7.21 5.19 Younde-Cameroun 6.29 4.59 Source: Society for Propagation of Islam Kaduna

PAGE 4

News Institute warns on killer palm oil

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

T

he Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) has warned against relatively cheap but adulterated palm oil products in the market.

The NIFOR Executive Director, Dr. Omorefe Asemota, gave the hint during an a forum on agricultural biotechnology at the weekend in Benin City.

According to him, ‘‘it is dangerous to human health, but many people do not bother because of the price reduction of adulterated palm oil at local and international markets.

“There is a threat now in palm oil production due to adulteration.

“Consumers must certify the source of their palm oil and planting materials because the palm seedlings we give out is hybrid.”

He canvassed the need for sustainable agriculture capable of creating jobs for unemployed Nigerians, explaining that the country palm oil volume production is far below Indonesia and Malaysia in global ranking.

He said the nation’s concern should be self sustenance in the quantity of oil palm production, although if the country can implement the policy of planting 200 hectars per annum could reverse its current world index to number one ahead of Indonesia and Malaysia.

The Director General, National Biotechnology Development Agency, Prof. Bamidele Ogbe Solomon, noted that the initial poor public understanding of Biotechnology products, informed the need to educate and enlighten consumers on the value chain of the products in the six geopolitical zones of the federation.

Bamidele said that, ‘‘biotechnology is the only means to achieve maximum yield potential from oil palm area expansion’’ in order for the country to quickly reclaim its right position.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

PDP reconciliation c’ttee focuses on Anambra, Ekiti

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s Ad-hoc Committee on Reconciliation chaired by the Bayelsa state governor, Henry SeriakeDickson, yesterday disclosed that its attention would be focused on both Anambra and Ekiti states.

The committee, in a release signed by its Secretary, Ambassador UmarDamagum and made available to newsmen after its maiden meeting at the weekend, stated that this becomes necessary because of the governorship elections scheduled to hold in both states between this year and 2014.

According to the committee, efforts would be made to reconcile members of the party ahead of the

...bars comments overheating polity governorship polls in both states.

It also barred all party members, irrespective of their status, from making comments, remarks, utterances or actions that may inflame tension among party members, and/or overheat the polity.

The committee stated: “In view of the INEC time-table for the imminent Governorship election in Anambra state, the committee is conscious of the urgency to reconcile the various factions in the State chapter of the party.

Similarly the committee is concerned about the on-going challenges in the Ekiti state chapter of the party. We therefore accord reconciling party members in these states our top priority

for now. “Accordingly, we urge all PDP leaders and members in these States in particular, and the country in general, to refrain from all forms of hostilities in order to give the committee the opportunity to doits work successfully.”

While promising to be impartial in its task, the Seriake-Dickson led committee “resolved to conduct the exercise with the highest sense of responsibility, commitment to the core values of national unity and party cohesion while upholding individual and collective integrity of the committee and the members. In order to ensure a smooth and credible reconciliation exercise, the committee resolved that, its leadership and members shall be guided in the

course of executing its mandate by the following, which shall collectively be regarded as the committee’s Code of Conduct.”

The committee also set for itself as a code of conduct the principles of confidentiality, strategic communications, commitment to the principle of fairness and fair- hearing.

In carrying out its assignments, the committee planned to consult with critical stakeholders in the party with highest sense of responsibility, commitment to. Ore values of national unity and party cohesion while upholding individual and collective integrity of the committee and its members.

NEITI set to present audit reports today

By Etuka Sunday

N

igeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) is set to formally present to the public the comprehensive audit reports of Nigeria extractive industries covering the period 2009 to 2011 for the oil and gas sector and 2007 to 2010 for the solid minerals sector.

The key findings and recommendations obtained after the comprehensive audits of the extractive Industries will be presented to a cross section of stakeholders today.

The purpose of the audits was to establish revenue flows, quantity of productions and appraise the governance processes in the sector. A comprehensive report on company’s payments and government’s receipt, institutional and governance issues in the industries.

In a statement by the NEITI’s Director of Communications, Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala is expected to present a Keynote Address at the event while the Chairman of NEITI Board, Ledum Mitte and the Executive Secretary, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed will present the reports.

Legislators, Members of the Diplomatic Community, Donor Agencies, Ministries Departments and Agencies, key players in the oil, gas and mining sector, the civil society and media have been mobilized to attend.

L-R: Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, US Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Douglas Climan, Chairman, Food Bank Committee, Al-Habibiyya Islamic Society, Alhaji Farouk Suleiman, and Deputy Imam, Al-Habibiyya Islamic Society, Alhaji Sulaiman Ismail, distributing food to people during the 3rd Iftar organised by Al-Habibiya Islamic Society, at the weekend, in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Five villagers, one assailant killed in Plateau attack

F

ive villagers and one assailant were killed in an attack on Kumbur village, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau, on Saturday.

Mr Muhamadu Zakari, the Chairman of Wase Local Government Council, who confirmed the attack and the killings, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jos yesterday that the attackers also injured several others.

Capt. Salisu Mustapha, the Media Officer of the Special Task Force (STF), who also confirmed the attack, said that the

STF personnel, who rushed to scene of the attack, killed one of the fleeing assailants.

Mustapha, however, said that he was not sure of the number of casualties among the villagers.

He said that Zakari was “a reliable source’’ in ascertaining how many people were affected by the violence.

Mustapha said that the attackers had wanted to use the village route to launch a heavy attack on Wase, adding that they were, however, repelled by men of the STF. He added that peace had been restored to the affected area. Zakari, who condemned

the attack, wondered how the attack was possible “in spite of the heavy presence of security men in the area’’.

He described the incident as “most unfortunate’’ since stakeholders had been deliberating on how to end the lingering hostilities.

“We only pray that God will intervene in this matter while we do everything humanly possible to restore lasting peace in the area,’’ he said.

When contacted, Mrs Felicia Anselm, the Police Public Relations Officer in Plateau, said that she had not been fully briefed on

the incident.

“As soon as I get the full details, I shall get back to you,’’ she told NAN. NAN, however, reports that Wase and other parts of Plateau South have become theatres of protracted violence, as rival communities persistently attack each other in guerrilla-style attacks usually carried out at night.

NAN recalls that the STF Commander, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Ayoola, met with stakeholders last Monday where affected communities discussed the persistent violence and pledged to work toward peace. (NAN)

News

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

Pray against gay marriage, JNI urges Muslims From Mohammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

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he Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) under the leadership of Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged Muslims to pray fervently against what it described as conspiracies to legalise gay marriage and under age marriage in the country.

According to the JIN, there is the need for Muslims to make use of the last 10 days of the month of Ramadan which commences today to pray against all manners of conspiracies on these two issues.

A statement signed by the JNI Secretary General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, said that, “bearing in mind that by Allah’s will, the last 10 days of Ramadan commences today Monday 29th, July 2013.

“We therefore urge Muslim brothers and sisters to pray fervently especially for the Ummah against all manners of conspiracies in the name of gay marriage, and early or under age marriage as now being touted with seeming impunity in the country.

“Nigerian Muslims are hereby called upon to maximally put to use these last 10 days of Ramadan by reciting more of the Glorious Qur’an, being punctual in observing the daily obligatory Salats, the Tarawih and Tahajjud in congregation.

“They are also advised to intensify their generosity in giving out gifts and also alms to the poor, the needy, the orphans and the handicapped in the society.

“Muslims are also reminded of Zakatul-Fitr which is supposed to be given out to the needy in the last three days of Ramadan or in the early hours of Eid-el-Fitr before Salatul-Fitr commences.

“More importantly, they should watch out for Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Power) which often comes up on one of the five exceptional nights within the last ten nights of Ramadan.

PAGE 5

‘INEC has no option than to register APC’ From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

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he Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has met all the requirements to consummate the merger, hence INEC has no defensible reason not to approve the merger.

In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said in spite of recent media reports concerning the antics of some negative forces within INEC over APC’s registration, the emerging party’s leadership has no doubt that in the end, the electoral body will do what is right in accordance with the law.

The statement dismissed as a mere speculation the report that INEC was planning to write a letter to the proponents of APC to find another name because of a

court case instituted by a political association over the APC acronym. ‘’We are convinced that INEC has no discernible reason to write such a letter to us.

“In the first instance, there exists no court injunction anywhere restraining the commission from registering APC. “There may be many court cases, but until there is a court order, no one can preempt what a court will do and act on that basis. “‘Again, we have met all the stipulated requirements. INEC has also inspected our proposed headquarters in Abuja and sighted all our interim officers.

“The merger process may be novel but we have played according to the rules and we expect nothing less from INEC.” The party expressed satisfaction with the statement credited to Mr. Kayode Idowu,

spokesman for the INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, that there is no court injunction compelling the Commission to stop the merger. ‘’We believe we are on the same page with INEC as far as this trail-brazing merger is concerned, and that has been confirmed by the INEC spokesman, and we therefore call on the Commission to do the proper thing right now - which is the registration of APC. ‘’There is no doubt that INEC is under tremendous pressure, from both the card-carrying PDP members of the Commission and their collaborators who are mortally afraid of the merger, and who will want the electoral body to commence, right now, the process of rigging the 2015 election in their favour. ‘’But we urge INEC not to compromise its neutrality and integrity by acting contrary to the

law.

“We remind the Commission that Nigerians are keenly watching how it will handle this merger issue, and whatever it does will determine whether or not Nigerians can count on it to organize a free, fair and credible elections in 2015. ‘’Given the already over-heated polity ahead of the 2015 elections, we believe INEC will not do anything that will aggravate the situation,’’ it said.

Meanwhile, the ACN has appealed to all the supporters of the emerging APC across the country to remain calm over the registration issue, affirming further that, “we are confident, going by the words of INEC itself, that the court case instituted by those laying claim to the APC acronym has no bearing on what is going on.”

L-R: Leader of Oodua People Congress (OPC), Dr. Fredrick Fasehun, Leader of Oporoza House from Delta state, Mr. Timi Kaizai Ogoriba, Chief Security Officer to late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, during a solidarity visit by Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) and Oporoza House to Major Al-Mustapha, at the weekend in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Disquiet in NNDC over alleged tardy mgt

Contd. From Page 2 On allegations that the Governor Aliyu had confirmed Alhaji Ahmed to promote his personal interest, he retorted thus: “While this may appear as a figment of imagination of mud-slingers seeking to paint the Forum’s chairman grey, it is on record that he exercised great restraint in withholding the requested anticipatory approval till the date of the Forum’s meeting in June, 2013. The full membership of the Forum actually approved the Board’s submission on the 6/6/13”.

He therefore emphasised that “the issue of manipulating his colleagues (fellow governors) doesn’t arise as the submission was fully and thoroughly debated and all issues raised and observations made by members of

the Forum were duly considered before the final approval to the submission was given by the Forum”.

The Niger state governor further explained that: “In arriving at the decision to approve the appointment of the new management (for NNDC), the Forum was conscious of the need to effectively watch the performance of the company and handed down the directive to the new team to work out a five (5)year Strategic Plan of Action for its consideration and approval at its next meeting.

“On the issues of financial standing and investments of the company, reference can be made to its website for full reports of its activities over the period”, the NSGF chairman concluded.

Also, when contacted for the

corporation’s reaction to the various allegations levelled against the management, the NNDC spokesman, who is the General Manager Corporate Affairs, Alhaji Mohammed Haruna, said the corporation is united and the recent appointment of Alhaji Ahmed as the substantive group managing director successfully deflated the tense atmosphere that had prevailed in the organisation for the past three years.

According to him, the new management team was working on the mandate given to it by the northern governors forum which is: refocusing the company for development, planning and working to bring it to the standard it is known for.

Haruna said the new management team has already sent an internal memo to all NNDC

subsidiaries in order to alert them of this development.

“The NNDC is a profit-oriented organisation even though the owners of the company are politicians. We have spread appointment to the entire geopolitical zones in the North. You will agree with me that everybody cannot be included in the new management team but there has been cordial relation and no more tension in the company”, he said.

The GM corporate affairs denied knowledge of any attempt to sell or privatise any of the corporation’s assets to anybody.

He said the owners of the NNDC were determined to refocus it.

Meanwhile, the Secretary General of the Northern Elders’ Forum, Professor Ango Abdullahi, in his reaction to the alleged disquiet in the NNDC said, the

interest of the North at this point in time is unity, and that NNDC is one of the organisations that would promote such unity because the Elders’ Forum, according to him, will monitor and ensure that all the past woes of the company are addressed.

In his words: “NNDC cannot be left in the hands of the politicians alone and that is why we advised them to look for professionals to manage it; it is our commonwealth in the North and we will not allow it to rot away”.

It would be recalled that Peoples Daily, in December 2012, exclusively reported on the power tussle in the corporation, especially for the post of GMD, resulting in Dr. Aliyu, compelling the NNDC to appoint Philips Consulting to shortlist and interview selected candidates to lead the corporation.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

PAGE 6

News

Kizara Killings: Catholic church donates to victims From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

T

he Sokoto Catholic Diocese underthe monitorshipofBishop MattrewHassanKukahhasover the weekend donated assorted grains worth N2million and the separate N250,000cashto the families of over 60 victims of the recent massacre of Kizara village in Zamfara state.

While presenting the items to the Emir of Tsafe, Alh Habibu Yandoto, Hassan Kukah said, the church was saddened with the event that took place in the village, noting that the perpetrators were Satanic tools used to unleashed terror on innocent lives.

“Our prayers is to wish that the perpetrators seek for God’s Forgiveness, as he forgives all wrong doers”, Kukah added.

He said the church had decided to donate the assorted grains worth over N2m and N250, 000 in order to show to the families of the deceased a sense of belonging despite religious differences. The items included bags of rice, maize, millet sugar, detergents, as well as 300 wrappers and 600 guinea brocade.

Receiving the items on behalf of the people of Kizara, the Eemir of Tsafe, Alhaji Habibu Yandoto thanked the church for the gesture. He noted that such gesture would enhance the prevailingcordialrelationshipbetween the Christians and Muslims under his emirate.

ASUU strike: FG meets union today

By Maryam Garba Hassan

T

he Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, is expected to meet with the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) today, to address the issues of earned allowances and general university funding for infrastructure development.

Governor Gabriel Suswam

of Benue state disclosed this to newsmen on Friday in Abuja after a meeting of ASUU with members of the committee on the implementation of Needs Assessment Report to Nigerian Universities which lasted for hours.

Suswan who is the chairman of the committee, inaugurated earlier in the day by Anyim, said an agreement was reached on many of the issues under negotiation except the two concerning earned allowance

and general university funding for infrastructure development.

He explained that after many hours of deliberation, the meeting agreed on major issues except the two. Other issues have been agreed on and we believe that by next week we should be able to agree on all the issues and, probably, ASUU will call off the strike.”

He said that the committee would also meet with ASUU on August 1 to address the issue of

infrastructure deficit in universities, adding that the meeting would involve all the agencies funding projects in the universities.

He added, that, “if you go into our universities, you will agree with me that there are a lot of infrastructure deficit. “So, we have agreed that all the funding agencies will meet with ASUU.” He said the parties were expected to agree on modalities for funding of the projects.

Soldiers are not in Bama to kill, says DHQ

By Mohammed Kandi and Joy Baba

D

efenceHeadquartershasdenied reports suggesting that soldiers are not in Bama to kill residents.

The Hausa Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported yesterday that the residents of Baga town are accusing the military of roaming indiscriminately in their communities and killing innocent citizens in the fight against members of Boko Haram sect.

According to the indigenes as reportedbyBBC,“sincetheemergency rule in the area, the military personnel have meted out series of punishments to the civilians but that had refuted the allegations in the media.” Reacting to the report, the Director of Defence Information, Brig-Gen. Chris Olukolade, dismissed it as untrue.

He said the civilians could not be crying against the military operation since the soldiers are there in their interest daring anyone.

According to him, “it is not the business of the military to kill.

They are not out for innocent people and the civil populace there cannot be crying against the military since the operation is in their interest.

“We dare anyone who is alleging this to come out and prove it.”

President Goodluck Jonathan had imposed emergency rule in three northern states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe as part of government strategies to check the scourge of insurgents in the areas.

Kano state Governor, Engineer Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso (middle), receiving 2012 Zik Prize for Good Governance Award from Chief Sunny Odogwu (left), at the weekend in Lagos. With them is former Head of Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan (right).

Malians vote amid threats of violence

M

alians are voting in the country’s first election since last year’s military coup and subsequent French intervention that drove out rebels, who had captured most of the country’s north amid a political vacuum.

The ballot opened at 8:00am local time (08:00 GMT) on Sunday under heavy security a day after one of the main armed groups in northern Mali said it would “strike” polling stations.

“The polling stations and other voting places for what they are calling the elections will be targeted by

mujahideen strikes,” the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO) said in a statement carried by the Mauritanian ANI news agency.

It did not specify what form the attacks would take. The group warned Malian Muslims against taking part in the election, ordering them to “stay away from the polls”.

Nearly seven million people were eligible to vote in Sunday’s polls, but many of those voting are illiterate and struggling to find where they should be going.

There are also logistical issues,

with refugees living in the Mbere refugee camp near Bassikounou on the Mali-Mauritania border travelling up to 18km just to cast their ballot.

Voting was taking place at about 21,000 polling stations across Mali, and in the northern desert town of Timbuktu, seized by al-Qaeda-linked rebels during last year’s rebellion, people turned up in large numbers.

Millions will exercise their ballot to choose the country’s president from among 27 candidates in the country, which once was one of West Africa’s most stable democracies.

On the eve of the election, acting

President Dioncounda Traore, in a televised address, urged Malians to ensure a massive turnout in a country where the participation rate is usually around 40 percent.

Traore himself is not a candidate.

HaidaraAichataCisse is the only woman in the race, running against past Prime ministers Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, Cheick Modibo Diarra, ModiboSidibe and Soumana Sacko.

The ballot will be the first since the military mutiny in March last year that toppled democratically elected President Amadou Toumani Toure.

MDGs: Yobe to attain 85% water supply targets

T

he Yobe State Government says it has put in place the necessary machinery to provide 85 per cent of the people’s water needs by 2015. Alhaji Sidi Karasuwa, the Commissioner for Water Resources, gave the assurance on Sunday when he inspected borehole construction and rehabilitation projects in Nangere and Jakusko local government areas.

He stressed that the state would be able to attain the water targets of the MDGs by 2015.

Karasuwa stressed that the state government had commenced the drilling of 850 boreholes in various rural communities across the state. ``The government deliberately embarked on these projects to meet the water needs of the rural populace, while the Damaturu regional water supply project is in progress and it will meet the water requirements of the state capital. ``Most parts of Yobe state are located in the arid region with very

difficultgeologybutthisadministration has deliberately taken the challenge of providing water to most of the rural communities which never had water facilities since the creation of the state. ``The ministry is inspecting these projects to ensure that work is done according to specifications. This will enable the government to get value for its resources, while the people enjoy abundant and hygienic water supply,’’ he said.

Karasuwa noted that similar

inspections had been carried out on projects in Damaturu, Gujba, Gulani and Potiskum local government areas.

He, however, noted that the projects’ completion was initially disrupted by the security challenges which faced the state. ``Iamsatisfiedthatourcontractors who fled their project sites are now back;theyhaveresumedworkonthese facilities and, we hope to complete these projects as soon as possible,’’ he added. (NAN)

News

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

PAGE 7

Groups call for Commission’s intervention in mining communities From Ibrahim SidiMuh’d, Gusau

N

ational Human Right Commission has been enjoined to checkmate the rate of death of children at Bagega and other affected mining communities in Zamfara state.

In a petition jointly signed by Adamu Kwatarkwashi of Center for Community Excellence and five other heads of Civil Society Organizations based in the state including the Association of Bagega Community, the petitioners claimed that since 2010 when the outbreak of lead poisoning was reported, there had been series of

corruption cases that marred the discovery of the endemic including federal government failure to offer urgent intervention which led to the death of hundreds of children mostly within the ages of five.

The petition have stood in the submission that, though the federal government in conjunction with the Terre graphic International claimed that the remediation exercise in Bagegga was a success, but there still reported cases of lead poisoning resurfacing especially in the industrial areas in a large quantity, therefore called on the commission to fully investigate

the high level of corruption that characterized the just concluded remediation exercise.

It further called on the commission to enforce on the federal government to hasten the establishment of Commodity Pricing Regulatory Control so that value added chain can be established to ensure justice in pricing what the local miners labored for in the mining pitches.

It also emphasized on the issue of negative response of the federal government upon the disaster particularly on the mining pitch collapse in both Dareta village of Anka local government

and other communities under Maru.

“Circumstance had further indicated the level of seriousness of the federal ministry of Mines and Steel Development, adding that the uninvestigated scenarios had further endangered lives of thousands of artisanal miners in Zamfara who opted for un protected mining as their last option for survival”, the petition noted.

The petitioners also raised concern on the issue of human rights violations especially the communities right to life, right to health, right to adequate standard of living above all right to

R-L: Former Chief Justice of Nigeria and National Chairman of CITAR, Justice Alfa Belgore, in a handshake with Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, during a visit by members of CITAR to the vice-president , on Friday at the State House, in Abuja.

Photo Joe Oroye

PHCN staff electrocuted in Kaduna From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

A

staff of Power Holding Company of Nigeria {PHCN} has been electrocuted, while trying to connect a high tension wire to a feeder line.

The incident occurred yesterday at Jankasa in Malali New layout of Kaduna North local Government Area of the State.

Investigation reveals that the said staff that was identified as Rafiu Adebayo was called to help connect the high tension line to

By Mohammed Kandi

A

nongovernmental organisation based in Abuja, Faridah Wada Foundation (FWF), has called on the Nigerian mass media to rise up to the challenge for development by supporting non-profit institutions by publicizing their activities in order to stimulate awareness on their numerous programmes and projects in different locations in the society.

The chief executive officer of

the resident of one Alhaji Mohammed Musa.

According to a witness,Hajia Aisha Bello, it was in the process of trying to connect the light that power was restored, and the man was glued to the wire while his colleagues were shouting for help.

“The other PHCN Staff pulled down the ladder from his feet and used pole to cut off the live wire and the victim was immediately rushed to the hospital. I don’t know if he is still alive, but I saw

some of his colleagues crying,” she said.

However, another witness disclosed to our correspondent that the said staff was still alive but sustained first degree burnt.

A source at Saint Gerard Hospital where the victim was receiving treatment said the PHCN staff was brought in yesterday and he was admitted at the emergency unit of the hospital.

He further disclosed thathe is alive but in critical condition and

teams of doctor is working hard to save his live.

When contacted the Assistant General Manager Public Affairs of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company Mr. Baba Limmy, confirmed the incident and said the victim is responding to treatment.

The owner of the resident where he was electrocuted was said to have absconded and the area has been condoned off by security agents to avoid break down of law and order.

NGO tasks media on development the Foundation, Mrs. Faridah Wada, represented by the Program manager, Terkula Arems, made the call at the weekend, in a communiqué to mark the one year anniversary of the foundation in Abuja.

Wada who decried the slow pace of development in the rural communities in Nigeria, blamed the absence of proper communi-

cation channels and the free-flow of information for hampering development efforts in the country.

The organization, according to the communiqué, said so much work was going on in several communities in Nigeria, but little or nothing is done to promote such efforts.

The group also noted that, it was the social responsibility of

the mass media to ensure that such efforts do not go un-noticed.

Also, to mark the day the NGO donated goods worth millions of naira to three orphanage homes in Abuja, the homes that benefited from the Foundations largess included, Talithakoum Orphanage Home in Nyanya, Alpha and Omega Orphanage and Hope for Survival Orphanage Home.

housing and asked for the federal government to pay full compensation to the families of those affected by the disaster.

They called on the National Human Rights Commission to fully investigate the level of involvement of the three federal ministries of Mines and Steel Development, Environment and Health.

Mr. AdamuTasiko representing Bagegga Community, Kabiru Garba from Community Enlightenment and Development Initiative Zamfara, Mr. Nasir Yahaya of Yargalma community, Mr. Bashir Hashim from Adolescent Health Center Zamfara as well as Mr. Almustapha Suleman of Community Advancement Project (CAP) Zamfara, also signed the the petition.

Ramadan: Group feeds less privileged daily in Kaduna From Mohammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

A

group under the aegis of Ummulkhair Foundation has embarked on feeding less privileged daily in the month of Ramadan as they called on wealthy individuals in the society, particularly Muslims to always assist the poor in their communities.

The group chairperson Hajiya Maryam Yahaya Sani made this disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Kaduna shortly after feeding such people at Unguwar Rimi juma’at mosque.

She said they embarked on the feeding to earn reward from Allah.

“Since we started feeding these servants of Allah and we make use of 82 bags of rice daily in feeding the people. We have been doing this work for the past five years just for Allah’s sake.

“The Prophet says whoever feeds a fasting person has a greater reward from Allah. This is why we decided to embark on feeding Muslims in the month of Ramadan. We pray to Allah to accept this act of ibadah from us,” she said.

According to Hajiya Maryam, there are some good muslims that do make contribution of rice to the foundation to assist the masses as she urged them to keep up the good job, saying only Allah can reward them.

Speaking on the aim and objectives of Ummulkhair Foundation, she said they preach and propagate Islam and that so far they succeeded in converting about 211 people in seven Months.

The group visited about 49 villages and town within the federation.

She also frowned at the condition of prisoners at Barnawa prisons within the metropolis.

“Due to the complain by the prison authority we decided to provide the prisoners with pillows, mattresses, plates, mats, cups and spoons so as to ease their problems,” she said

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

PAGE 8

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

108th KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING

T

ypical of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE the pledge made to members of the Kano Pillars Football Club (KPFC) in 2012 was made true at the 107th Kano State Executive Council Sitting during which an aggregate sum of N79,389,200.00 was approved for release by Council to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government to enable positive response to the pledge. Twenty eight (28) players benefitted allocation of one (1) unit each of KIA Picanto 2012 model at the cost of N2,576,400.00 totalling to the aggregate sum of N72,139,200.00 while ten (10) other players benefitted the donation of cash prize of N500,000.00 each totalling to the sum of N5,000,000.00. Topping it all, three (3) members of the Technical Crew benefitted the donation of N750,000.00 cash prize each totalling the sum of N2,250,000.00.

Noteworthy, is the fact that such “backing of words with action” has been the characteristic of the incumbent administration from its inception for the 2nd tenure of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE to date.

So, continuing with the laudable performance, Kano State Executive Council held its one hundred and eighth (108th) sitting today Wednesday 24th July, 2013 (15th Ramadan, 1434AH) presided over by Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. Thirty eight (38) memoranda were submitted for deliberation by Council from ten (10) MDAs. Thirty (30) of them were approved for execution with an expenditure of Two Billion, Two Hundred and Ninety Million, Four Hundred and Fifty Seven Thousand, Four Hundred and Seventy Eight Naira, Eighty Six Kobo (N2,290,457,478.86) covering twenty four (24) projects. Thus; 1. MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES Request for Funds to Enable Relocation of Water Distribution Pipelines Affected by Construction of Drainage at Various Locations within Kano City:Two (2) important issues appear to need reconciliation in the traditional city of Kano. They include provision of effective/efficient drainage and ensuring steady supply of potable pipe borne water.

The contents of this memorandum notified Council that due to the on – going construction of drainage within Kano traditional city there is need to relocate some water supply pipelines so as to pave way for effective drainage construction.

The State Water Board discovered some pipelines that require relocation.

Thus; i. Chediyar Fero to Yan’ Awaki N3,612,310.00 ii. Gadar Hanga to Zage to K/Wabai N3,926,280.00 iii. Kofar Na’isa to K/Diso to Mandawari N7,395,490.00 Total N14,934,080.00 As such, the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Water Resources requested Council to approve for the release of the sum of N14,934,080.00 to his Ministry to enable the State Water Board execute the project of relocating the water pipelines cited above.

The request was considered credible as approval was granted for the release of the requested sum of money to the Ministry of Water Resources to enable execution of the water pipeline relocation projects cited.

2. OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT This Office submitted nine (9) memoranda on behalf of some MDAs for deliberation by Council. Six (6) of them were approved for execution as follows A. Request for Funds for the Provision of Diesel, Petrol, Staff Honoraria and other Incidentals Toward Facilitating for Running of 24 Hour Transmission by State Radio Corporation during the Month of Ramadan:Office of the Secretary to the State Government submitted the request above on behalf of the State Radio Corporation. Details were presented for consideration

by Council which prompted the granting of approval for the following; i. Required Diesel to be supplied by Mai Kifi at the cost of N2,000,000.00. ii. Release of N500,000.00 for Staff Honoraria and provision for incidental expenses.

Total = N2,500,000.00 c. Request for Funds for the Settlement of Diesel and Base Oil Supplied to the State Task Force Committee on Installation of Street and Traffic Control Lights:The Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport presented details on the request mentioned above to the aggregate sum of N48,570,720.00 through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

Council noted, considered and approved release of the requested sum of N48,570,720.00 to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for onward payment to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable settlement of payments for diesel as cited above. d. Request for Funds to Enable Provision of Four (4) Toyota Hilux Double Cabin Pick Ups to the Kano State Shari’ah Court of Appeal:Office of the Secretary to the State Government presented the request from the Kano State Shari’ah Court of Appeal for the provision of four (4) Toyota Hilux Double Cabin Pick Ups to supplement the ones provided earlier in 1999.

The rationale is to have sufficient fleet to mount routine inspection to check punctuality as well as attend monthly appeal cases.

Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the sum of N13,900,000.00 to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government to process the procurement and allocation of two (2) units of Toyota Hilux Double Cabin Pick Up in respect of the Shari’ah Court of Appeal to assist the effort of ensuring speedy dispensation of Justice. f. Request for Funds to Enable Provision of Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Materials:The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Special Duties forwarded a request from the State Relief and Rehabilitation Board for the purchase of relief materials to be kept in reserve for emergency preparedness and response (EPR).

The sum of N5,000,000.00 was requested for the purpose through the Office of

Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso the Secretary to the State Government.

Charity and Good intentions prompted the granting of approval by Council for the release of the requested sum of N5,000,000.00 to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for onward payment to the State Relief and Rehabilitation Board for the EPR programme.

3. MINISTRY OF LAND AND PHYSICAL PLANNING All the four (4) memoranda submitted for deliberation by Council from the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning were approved for execution as follows; a. Request for Funds to Enable Payment of Compensation for Structures Acquired for the Extension of Amana City (Phase II) Frontage:The three (3) cities of Kwankwasiyya, Amana and Bandirawo stand out among the implemented endeavours of the laudable Housing policy of the present administration under the capable leadership of the second incumbency of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. As such, the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning has identified three (3) structures belonging to individuals to be acquired at the frontage of the Amana city site to reach up to Zaria Road. Details of the assessment to the tune of the sum of N176,951,999.00, which was requested for release as compensation for the structures, were presented to Council for consideration and approval.

The request was considered credible as approval was granted for the release of the sum of N176,951,999.00 to the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning to enable payment of compensation for the acquired structures in order to extend Amana city up to Zaria Road. b. Request for Funds to Enable Payment of Compensation for Land (Site) Acquired for Development Projects at Kwankwaso Town:Contents of this memorandum precisely cited three (3) development projects for which land (sites) has been acquired in Kwankwaso town for execution. The projects include; i. Market extension and construction of new Juma’at Mosque. ii. Sites for the construction of Primary School at Sara Babba/Sara Karama, new girl’s boarding Secondary School and extension of existing Primary and Secondary School. iii. Expansion of township roads.

Essentially, sites remain to be acquired for the following; • Resettlement layout for the people affected by the market expansion and township roads.

• Extension of the existing Cemetery.

• Acquisition of a site for sports complex.

• A site for the corridor of the proposed by – pass.

As such, the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning has assessed the value of the land, economic trees and some structures to be acquired as follows; • Land valued at N600,000.00/ha = N33,878,496.00 • Economic trees

= N39,542,250.00 • Structures

= N836,610.00 TOTAL

= N74,257,356.00 The details presented were considered appropriate as Council approved release of the sum of N74,257,356.00 to the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning to enable payments of compensation for the sites acquired cited above. c. Request for Funds on the RECT of Dualization of Gwarzo Road:The welcome project for the conversion of Gwarzo Road to a dual carriage way (Kabuga – BUK new site) was awarded by the incumbent administration at

the cost of N3,039,996,086.69.

Council was informed, through contents of this memorandum that, works had reached completion stages in which earth works, drainage and culverts have been completed while placing of median crush barrier is in progress.

Nevertheless, in the course of executing the project, additional works outside the initiation scope have been identified for execution including the following; i.

Provision of Service Lanes. ii.

Provision of Roundabout at Kabuga Junction. iii.

Replacement of median kerbs with crush barriers.

Specifically, Council was informed that the service lane consists of 5M wide – surface – dressed – carriage – way on both sides of the road with a length of 5.3KM spanning only the distance covered by built up areas while the proposed roundabout be constructed at Kabuga Junction is to have a monument in the form groundnut pyramid with a fountain inside.

As such, the additional works were assessed to cost the sum of N428,783,374.46 which when added to the original contract sum will aggregate to the sum of N3,468,779,461.15 inclusive of 5% contingency.

So, Council was requested to consider and approve the RECT of N3,468,779,461.15 for the continuation of the project according to the new scope.

Council noted, considered and approved the RECT quoted for the continuation of the project minus (less) the Installation of Street Lights. Thus; N428,783,374.46 – N150,000,000.00 (cost for Street lights) = N278,783,374.4 was approved. d. Request for Funds on the RECT of Dualization/Expansion of Hadejia Road:The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Land and Physical Planning informed Council, through contents of this memorandum that, the contract awarded at the cost of N2,697,089,131.74 for the Dualization/Expansion of Hadejia Road (from Ahmadu Bello Way Roundabout to Salisu Garba Filling Station) has reached completion states in which earthworks, drainage and culverts have been completed while laying of garden interlock tiles on pedestrian walkways is in progress.

However, in the course of executing the project, additional works outside the initial scope were identified for execution which include; i.

Provision of Street Lights. ii.

Relocation of water pipelines. iii.

Substitution of kerbs with crush barriers. iv.

Provision of service lane.

Particularly, Council was informed that the service lane consists of 5M wide surface dressed carriage way on both sides of the road with a length of 5.3Km spanning only the distance covered by built up areas.

So, an assessment of the new scope of work was undertaken to the tune of N467,470,239.53 which when added to the original contract sum will aggregate to the tune of N3,164,559,371.27.

As such, Council was requested to consider and approve the RECT of N3,164,559,371.27 for the continuation of the project according to the new scope.

Approval was granted as requested by Council but minus (less) the cost for the installation of traffic lights. Thus; N467,470,371.27 – N130,000,000.00 (cost for Street lights) = N337,470,239.9 was approved.

4. MINISTRY OF INFORMATION, INTERNAL AFFAIRS, YOUTHS, SPORT AND CULTURE The one (1) memoranda submitted for deliberation by Council from this Ministry were approved for execution. Thus; Request for Funds to Honour Invitation for the State Contingent to Participate in the Youth Tournament in Dubai:Contents of this memorandum substantiated the appropriateness of sponsoring our young players for exposure internationally while helping in grassroots sports development. Details of the financial commitments were presented to Council for consideration which were accepted as credible and prompted for the release of the sum of N10,001,427.20 to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Youths, Sport and Culture to enable participation of Kano State contingent in the Youth Tournament slated to be held in Dubai.

5. MINISTRY OF WORKS, HOUSING AND TRANSPORT Of the six (6) memoranda submitted for deliberation by Council from the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport only two (2) were approved for execution as follows; a.

Request for Funds by KARMA for Road Maintenance Works, Purchase of Equipment and Reactivation/Repair of Abandoned Machines:The Kano Road Maintenance Agency (KARMA) was established the present administration in Kano State under the leadership of the second incumbency of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE with the sole aim to execute required maintenance works on the existing roads within the metropolitan area of the State.

As such, contents of this memorandum responsibly reminded Council of its approval granted during of 19th June, 2013 which included the following; i. Approval for the release of the sum of N50,000,000.00 for the continuation of repairs and maintenance of roads within the metropolis. ii. Directed that the request on purchase and repairs of old equipment should be resubmitted at a later date.

Relatedly, the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport presented an update for consideration by Council on nine (9) items on which the approved and released sum of N50,000,000.00 was judiciously expended while details were submitted on the request for a further release of the aggregate sum of N455,364,226,69 for the following; i. N150,000,000.00 for continuation of road maintenance works. ii. N285,364,226.69 for the purchase of equipment. iii. N20,000,000.00 for the repairs of abandoned machinery.

Contd on Page 9

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013 Total = N455,364,226.69.

Council noted, considered and approved release of the sum of N110,000,000.00 to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport for onward payment to KARMA to continue with the good work of road maintenance in Kano metropolis and repairs of abandoned machineries. b. Presentation on the Need and Request for Funds on Revalidation of Contract for the Construction of Janguza – Kabo – Karaye – Road and Six (6) Bridges Along the Road:The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport responsibly reminded Council that, the contract mentioned above was awarded by the previous administration in 2008 under project code 140120 with completion period of twelve (12) months. The scope of work for the project that time included construction of 54KM road and six (6) bridges. Contract was awarded for the six (6) bridges as phase I while contract for the 5KM road followed as phase II. Specifically, contract for the construction of bridges number 2, number 4 and number 5 were awarded to Messrs. Quadron Nigeria Ltd. at the contract sum of N657,002,698.63 and has attained 70% completion level before the work stopped.

Nevertheless, the sum N385,431,053.78 was paid to the Contractor as advance payment with Certificate Number 1, 3 and 5. This categorically left a balance of funds required to complete the project as N271,571,644.85. Ten percent (10%) has been discounted which brings the fund required to complete the project down to the sum of N244,414,480.4 (i.e. N271,571,644.85 – N27,157,164.4 (10%) = N244,414,480.4).

So, the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport requested Council to approve for the release of the sum of N244,414,480.4 and revalidate the project started for completion.

Approval was granted by Council as requested since the project has already been approved.

6. MINISTRY OF EDUCATION All the six (6) memoranda submitted from the Ministry of Education were approved for execution by Council. Thus; a. Request for the Release of Funds as Balance from the State Government for 2013 UBE/State Counterpart Fund:The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Education responsibly alerted Council of the need to release the sum of N177,860,583.38 as the State Counterpart Fund for the UBE/State 2013 Counterpart Fund arrangement. This will enable SUBEB implement its adjusted and approved Action Plan for the year 2013 which UBEC has already approved and released its Counterpart Share.

Details were presented for consideration by Council.

The request was considered credible as Council approved for release, the sum of N177,860,583.38 to the Ministry of Education as the State’s Contribution to the UBEC/State Counterpart Fund to enable SUBEB implement its adjusted and approved action plan in accordance to the details presented. b. Request for Funds to Enable Execution of the 2nd Phase of the Project for the Establishment of Boarding Primary School at Minjibir Town in Minjibir LGCA:Establishment of a Boarding Primary School at Minjibir Town in Minjibir LGCA was approved with the grant of the sum of N175,168,096.40 at the Executive Council sitting of 27th June, 2012.

Reportedly, the awarded contract is in appreciable progress thereby requiring approval for a further release of N89,532,242.30 required for the implementation of the second phase of the entire project covering twelve (12) items. Details were presented to Council for consideration.

Council noted, considered and approved release of the sum of N87,132,480.30 to the Ministry of Education to enable execution of the second phase of the project of establishing a Boarding Primary School in Minjibir Town, Minjibir LGCA. c. Presentation on the Need and Request for Funds to Establish Women Skills Acquisition Center at Jakara Ward in Municipal LGCA:Cognizant of the laudable effort of the present administration in Kano State under the leadership of the second incumbency of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE to provide skill acquisition opportunities for our teeming unemployed youth and womenfolk, the Ministry of Education recommended for the establishment of Women Skills Acquisition Center at Jakara Ward in Municipal LGCA to pave way for the unemployed women in the area to acquire the necessary skills to enable them fend for themselves.

The sum of N100,949,115.01 was requested for release by Council to enable the Ministry of Education execute the project according to the following breakdown; i.

2 – Storey block of classrooms N83,324,026.20 ii.

Perimeter wall fence

N4,394,693.80 iii.

Provision of furniture N13,230,395.01 Total N100,949,115.01 Significance and congruence of the project to the empowerment policy of the present administration prompted Council to approve for the release of the requested sum of money to the Ministry of Education to enable establishment of a women skills acquisition Center at Jakara Ward in Municipal LGCA. d. Request for Funds to Enable Construction of a Perimeter Wall Fence at the Newly Established French College in Niamey, Niger Republic:Council was tacitly reminded through contents of this memorandum, on the establishment of the College mentioned above on bilateral agreement on Education between the Kano State Government and the Niger Republic. The School when fully operational will accommodate 200 JSS 1 Students at 100:100 ratio between the parties.

As such, the Ministry of Education requested Council to approve for the release of the sum of N40,457,360.32 to enable execution of the following four (4) projects at the French College Niamey, Niger; • Perimeter wall fence

N32,322,396.32 • Construction of two (2) gates N1,225,885.58 • Construction of two (2) Security Posts N459,158.14 • Provision of solar - powered water borehole N6,449,360.32 Total N40,457,360.32 Council noted, considered and approved the release of the sum of N40,457,360.32 to the Ministry of Education to enable execution of the four projects started above at the newly established French College under Bilateral arrangement between Kano State and the Niger Republic. e. Request for Funds to Enable Settlement for the Obligations on the Part of Kano State Government on the Establishment of Bilingual College Niamey with the Government of Niger Republic:Contents of this memorandum notified Council of the partnership between the Niger Republic and Kano State Government with the idea of establishing the only boarding Secondary School in the entire Niger Republic. The initiative was courtesy of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. Essentially, the partnership was arranged such that the commitments are divided into two (2) categories which include construction of the School (physical development) and provision of Human and material resources to man the School.

Both parties had almost completed their obligations on the construction aspects according to the arrangement. What remains is for each partner to provide his aspect human and materials resources required to man the College. For Kano State the sum of N4,881,600.00 was requested for release by the Ministry of Education as the State’s contribution to provide the following; i. Two (2) English Teachers

PAGE 9 ii.

Kitchen Utensils iii.

Feeding for all Students iv.

Provision of Students’ Uniform and house wear v.

Medical care for both Staff and Students vi.

Conveyance of Kano State Students to Niamey from Kano.

The details presented for consideration by Council prompted immediate granting of approval for the release of the requested sum of N4,881,600.00 to the Ministry of Education to enable settling the Kano State Government’s obligations to the established Bilingual College Niamey.

7. MINISTRY OF WOMEN AFFAIRS AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT One of the two (2) memoranda submitted for deliberation by Council from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development was approved for execution. Thus; Presentation on Information Memorandum on the Resolutions of the Joint Meeting Held Among the Ministry of Women Affairs, Hisbah Board and the Ministry of Justice on the Issue of Marriage Counselling:Complying with an Executive directive the meeting mentioned above was held on the 15th day of July, 2013. Extensive deliberations were held on the issue and other relevant matters which clearly indicated the following; i. There is sharp similarly of functions among the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hisbah Board and the Ministry of Justice through mediation Centers. ii. The functions provided Center on ten (10) main issues details on which were provided for consideration by Council. iii. Each of the three (3) bodies that met has presence throughout the 44 LGCAs. iv. Each of the three (3) bodies operates with gross inadequacy of funds for welfare/support packages. v. Effective synergy is consciously absent among the three (3) bodies.

Specifically, six (6) resolutions were arrived at during the meeting which ultimately yielded the following three (3) prayers for consideration and approval

by Council.

• Setting up of a Hisbah Desk in each of the Social Welfare Offices of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for Cooperation and synergy purposes.

• Setting up of two (2) teams comprising seven (7) members each of both genders.

• Posting of a Hisbah Corp and a Social Welfare Staff to the Hisbah Board and mediation Centers in the State throughout the 44 LGCA. Council appreciated the presentation and approved the Setting up of two (2) teams comprising seven (8) members 4 male and 4 female.

8. MINISTRY OF RURAL AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Request for Approval and Release of Funds for the Provision/ Replacement of Wooden Cross Arms with Angles Iron at Garu – Kwankwaso – Kafin Agur – Madobi – Rikadawa – Gora – Jirgwai – Gidan Liman – Bakin Kogi:The entire area cited above reportedly suffers incessant electric power outages caused by broken wooden cross arms of the electric poles which resulted in the damage covering the electrification networks in the area. Such damages resulted from the recent powerful wind/rain downpour.

Assessment of the situation recommended replacement of the wooden cross arms with angles iron through direct labour to be executed by the State Rural Electrification Board at the total cost of N12,119,860.00 which was requested for release by Council to the Ministry of Rural and Community Development to enable execution of the replacement stated.

Approval was granted for the release of the sum of N12,119,860.00 to the Ministry of Rural and Community Development to enable the State Rural Electrification Board execute the stated project.

9. MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND BUDGET The two (2) memoranda submitted for deliberation by Council from the Ministry of Planning and Budget were approved for execution. Thus; a. Presentation on the One (1) Day Workshop on Integrated Infrastructure Master-plan for Northwest Geo – Political Zone (25th July, 2013):The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Planning and Budget informed Council, through contents of this memorandum that, the National Planning Commission (NPC) has chosen Kano as the venue to conduct a one (1) day validation workshop on National Integrated Infrastructure Master-plan (NIIMP) for the Northwest Geo – Political Zone. The workshop is targeted to cover States of the Northwest which include Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Jigawa, Kaduna and Kano. Main purpose is to jointly conduct a validation on the submissions forwarded by the Northwest States to the NPC which will ultimately serve as inputs from the Zone to be complied by the NPC to form the National Integrated Infrastructure Master-plan.

Notably, Kano State was selected as venue for the workshop by the NPC in connection to the major accomplishments in the infrastructural development coupled with transparency, accountability and good governance.

As such, Council was requested to; i. Direct all relevant Commissioners to attend the workshop as vital issues will be raised concerning their MDAs. ii. Direct all concerned MDAs that are yet to submit their inputs to do so before or by 29th July, 2013 and forward same to the Kano State Ministry of Planning and Budget.

Council appreciated the presentation and approved as requested as well as directed Council Secretariat to inform all the MDAs concerned. b. Presentation on the DFID Supported Programme (ENABLE):Contents of this memorandum intimated Council on the fact that, the DFID programmes (ENABLE) will soon wind – up. However, the programme has already supported the Kano State Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Cooperatives and Tourism in the introduction of a new programme called “the Kano State Public Private Dialogue (PPD) system. The new programme is expected to foster the realization of Government objectives of creating an enabling business environment in the State through Public – Private Partnership (PPP).

Importantly, the Secretary to the State Government has already inaugurated a Committee on the instance of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Cooperatives and Tourism which will be responsible for facilitating a coordinated approach to business policy formulation and implementation.

Council appreciatively acknowledged the presentation as well as granted assent for the take – off of the system as per the details presented for consideration.

10. MINISTRY OF HEALTH The five (5) memoranda submitted for deliberation from the Ministry of Health were approved for execution by Council as follows; a. Request for Funds for the Equipping/Furnishing of Additional Structures at Kwankwaso New Cottage Hospital:Contents of this memorandum reminded Council of its most recent approval for the release of the sum of N97,515,780.82 for the upgrading of Kwankwaso Primary Health Center to Cottage Hospital. As the approved work progresses towards completion, the Ministry of Health has established and proposed for equipping/furnishing of the additional structures so as to enable the smooth take – off of the new Cottage Hospital and its subsequent commissioning as well as the commencement of services.

Details on the financial requirements totalling up to the sum of N12,163,489.54 which was requested for release, was presented for consideration

by Council.

The project agrees with the laudable policy of the present administration to provide qualitatively for the transformation of the Health Sector, Health Care delivery and the entire Health System. So, approval was granted as requested. b. Presentation on the Need and Request for Funds for the Procurement of Reverse Osmosis (RO) Machines and Execution of Renovation/Extension Works at the Dialysis Unit of Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital, Kano:The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Health contentedly reminded Council of its approval granted for the supply of medical equipment/ instrument and renovation works at the newly established Intensive Care Unit of the Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital at the contract sum of N156,750,245.12.

Reportedly, the ordered equipment/instrument and renovation works have been supplied and executed to completion satisfactorily. The unit was officially commissioned by Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE in the 2012 and currently provides services to the critically ill patients admitted into the hospital.

The request was considered credible as Council granted approval for the release of the requested sum of N44,795,335.51 to the Ministry of Health to enable procurement of Reverse Osmosis (RO) Machines and execution of renovation/extension works at the Dialysis Unit of Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital. c. Presentation on the Need and Request for Release of Counterpart Funds/Contribution for the Completion of Health System Development Projects (HSDP II) in Kano State Health Facilities:Adequate History and the genesis of the request presented above were presented to Council for consideration as the sum of N80,763,693.03 was requested for release as the Kano State Government Counterpart Contribution for settlement of commitments for completion of outstanding projects under the HSDP II to the tune of N44,860,823.48 as owed sum of money to the three (3) Contractors and N35,902,869.55 being value of the remaining completion works of the projects and upward contract.

The request was considered credible as Council approved for the release of the sum of N80,763,693.03 to the Ministry of Health to enable paying for the State Counterpart Contribution for the completion of Health System Development Projects (HSDP II). d. Presentation on the Need and Request for Funds for the Purchase and Installation of Modern Urological Theatre Equipment at Abubakar Imam Urology Center:The sum of N174,214,787.84 was approved for release as requested to the State Ministry of Health to enable purchase and installation of modern Urological Theatre Equipment at Abubakar Imam Urology Center as the prominent referral Center of Kano State and the entire Northern part of the Country. The services provided by the Center are highly required in the Health Care Delivery System. e. Presentation on Post Graduate College of Family Medicine, Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano:Complying with Executive directives the Ministry of Health appointed a Committee comprising Technical Experts in the Health Sector to look into the operation and activities of the Postgraduate College of Family Medicine (PGC – FM) in Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital under the following terms of reference (TOR); • To study the structure and function of the College.

• Identify sources of funding for the College.

• Identify Challenges to the College or otherwise.

The Committee did its assigned job diligently and details of its findings, observations and recommendations were presented for consideration by Council specifying the following two (2) prayers; • Approval to be granted on the appropriate naming of the College/Unit as “Department of Family Medicine (MMSH)” as recommended/desired by the two (2) regulatory bodies on the issue.

• Approval needs to be granted by Council for the programme to continue under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Health.

Council approved execution of the two (2) prayers presented on the Postgraduate College of Family Medicine, Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano.

UPDATE ON ACTIVITIES OF THE 108TH EXCO SITTING 1. DISTRIBUTION OF FERTILIZER TO THE FARMERS ACROSS THE STATE Council acknowledged the successful supervision undertaken by delegation of officials from Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources on the distribution of fertilizer to Farmers across the 44 Local Government Areas in the State.

2. PRESENTATION OF REPORT ON KANO STATE COMMITTEE ON PIB POSITION Council witnessed the successful presentation of report on Kano State position regarding the Petroleum Industries Bill (PIB) by the Committee Chairman Alhaji Magaji Dambatta OFR, to Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. Relatedly, Council thanked members of the Committee for their commitment and dedication toward compilation of the report and would forward it to the National Assembly for further appropriate action in accordance with yearnings & aspirations of the people they represented.

3. PRESENTATION OF AN AWARD TO GOVERNOR ENGR. RABI’U MUSA KWANKWASO, FNSE Council witnessed the presentation of honorary award as “Goodwill Ambassador” (full citizen of Arkansas) to Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE by the Governor of Arkansas, United State of America, ably represented by Mrs. Temitope Ajayi (Mama Diaspora).

4. REPLACEMENT OF STOCK TO 500 WOMEN OF THE SMALL HOLDER POULTRY PROGRAMME AND PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATE TO COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES In a grand ceremony at the Government House on Thursday 25th July, 2013, Council witnessed the magnanimous replacement of poultry chicks and their feeds to 500 empowered women previously trained at Tukwui Poultry Institute by the Government and were also found to have lost their poultry farms due to natural disaster, urging them to make good use of their replaced small scale poultry farms. Accordingly, Council witnessed the presentation of certificates to over 1000 Registered Cooperative Societies that benefited from various Youth and Women empowerment programmes in the State.

Similarly, Council extends its gratitude to the Hon. Minister of Agriculture ably represented by the Director Federal Cooperatives for their commitment to the State’s empowerment programmes especially the collaboration to upgrade Bagauda Livestock and Fisheries Institute for the benefit of the North West Zone States and Nigeria in general.

In the same development, Council acknowledged the contribution of the sum of N1billion from the Bank of Agriculture by the Managing Director Dr. Muhammad San Turaki whereby Hon. Commissioners for Agriculture and of Finance were directed to further discuss on a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) between the State Government and the Bank towards continued support to Youth and Women empowerment programmes in the State.

Signed: Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports and Culture, Kano State

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

PAGE 10

News

NPA deploys weather data buoy on Atlantic Ocean

By Chris Alu

T

he Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) in collaboration with the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) is set to deploy weather Data Buoy on the Atlantic Ocean this month, latest early August 2013.

According to a press statement issued by the authority, signed by its General Manager Public Affairs, Capt. lheanacho Ebubeogu Fimarest, the real time data generated by the buoy will go a long way to enhance a better data base, more accurate marine meteorological forecast, timely warning, among others.

This is in response to the Global temperature which is set to increase by few degrees resulting in the weather becoming much more extreme in many places with more storms and changed river discharges.

The sea level will also rise faster than the preceding centuries.

These changes will have a severe impact on the natural processes in the affected environment.

Consequently, improving weather data gathering for more accurate weather forecast is becoming more important especially in this era of climate change and its apparent and envisaged attendant consequences.

The weather Buoy is a floating object that will be heavily anchored to the sea bottom so that it will remain in place.

Its design and build is intended to provide a platform on which weather gathering equipment will be installed to gather, store and convey weather data for forecast processing.

The buoy which will be expected to arrive Nigeria within the next two weeks, will be deployed at Lat.060 22”43” N and long 0030 28” 39” W, this position is 3.5 nautical miles from the coastline, 4.8 nautical miles from Lagos harbor entrance and 3.8 nautical miles from fairway buoy.

Among other things, it will host Meteorological sensor, physical sensors Biochemical sensors, Central Processing Unit (CPU) and Storage, Telemetry etc. The meteorological sensor will measure all relevant meteorological parameters such as: wind, speed, direction and gust, air temperature, sea surface temperature, water current, air pressure, RH, wave height, wave speed etc.

The weather buoy will be given an exclusive safety zone of 500 meters radius to protect it from vessels exercising their rights of innocent passage both pursuant to UNCLOS articles 60 (5) and 17/18 respectively.

The Managing Director, NPA, Malam Habib Abdullahi has severally reiterated the commitment of the organization to strengthen marine services and this upcoming development will further consolidate our resolve to guarantee safe navigation of vessels and efficient port operations.

Bi Courtney threatens to sue FAAN GM From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

O

perators of the Murtala Muhammed Terminal II also known as MMA2 Bi Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL) has threatened to commence legal action against the General Manager, Corporate Communications of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Yakubu Dati, for alleged libelous statements he made against the company.

FAAN and BASL have been fighting over the details of the concession agreements in the Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) arrangement the later has with FAAN and the hotel and the conference facility BASL it is building at the domestic area of the Lagos airport.

The legal document said unless FAAN is willing to pay it the sum of N500 million as damages, it will proceed with the case.

A letter addressed to Dati by the Solicitors of BASL, Babalakin & Co. titled “Libellous Statements Made Against Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited on a TV programme on 26th June 2013”, and dated July 24, 2013, said that BASL has been drawn to certain false, derogatory and defamatory statements and allegations made

by Dati on Wednesday, June 26, 2013 in the course of 30 minutes interview he granted to Channels TV. The two-page letter, made available to newsmen by the legal department of FAAN, accused the agency’s spokesman of making

“several false and maliciously deprecating statements of and concerning our client, and in the way of its business and reputation as follows, “I’m talking about a company whose stock in trade is manipulating court processes”.

Dati was also alleged to have said during the interview that “(BASL) going round the back to secure all kinds of court judgements which they misinterpret even to the public”.

“It is because they (BASL) have decided to bend the rules to short change the Nigerian people;’...

They were cooking papers up, every time you call them, they bring old judgments of (three) or 4 (four) years ago that has been taken over by events;... people who have manipulated the judiciary

process over the years to their advantage and to the detriment of the aviation industry”, Datti had alleged among other during the TV programme.

According to the letter, “these statements/allegations made by you, (Dati) with the reckless disregard as to their meaning and effect, are not only completely untrue but constitute a grave libel upon our client. By these words, our client’s business reputation has been seriously injured and our client brought into public scandal, odium and contempt”.

The letter said that the Solicitors “have our client’s instruction to demand that within 7 (seven) days of your receipt of this letter”, to render public apology to BASL on Channels TV in respect of the defamatory statements.

L-R: Member, House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Yusuf, Alhaji Ola Osanaiye, Author, Professor Jide Timothy-Asobele, representative of Kogi state Government, Alhaji Yusuf Ali, and Director, Policy and Strategy, Office of National Security Adviser, Ambassador Layiwola Laseinde, during the public presentation of the three books written by Professor Asobele, on Saturday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Assist farmers with farm implements - Etsu Nupe

E

tsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, yesterday appealed to both the state and federal governments to provide farmers with modern farming inputs to enable farmers tackle the threat to food security.

Abubakar made the call in his Wadata palace when he inaugurated a Special Agriculture Committee of the Nupe Foundation.

According to him, “adequate provision of farm inputs to the farmers, especially fertilizer in good time will guarantee food security in the nation” The traditional ruler added also that, “we are blessed nation with abandon human and mineral resources that need not to depend on oil to satisfy the needs of Nigerians, as commonly the practice now in the country; it is

regrettable” “All that farmers need from government is availability of fertilizer at subsidizing rate, tractors at affordable prices as well as chemicals in good prices”, he said “It is high time that government at all levels give priority attention to agricultural sector to ensure food security for sustenance of the nation’s economy”, he averred.

Abubakar noted that the committee has the mandate to facilitate access to Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) specialized funds for farmers in Nupe kingdom, even as he urged all meaning Nigerlites to come to the aid of Agriculture in Nupe land According to him, “the committee is also going to be responsible for working out modalities to

mobilize farmers in to clusters and cooperatives towards accelerating the per hectre yield of their crops, particularly rice production”.

Etsu Nupe explained that with government moral support and encouragement, “Nupe landigeria is capable o feeding the entire Nigeria as far as agriculture is concerned.

He noted that Nupe race and indeed the country were endowed with abundant land which should be adequately exploited for the production of food and cash crops both for domestic consumption and export purposes.

The monarch also observed that Nigeria need not import food with all its human and natural resources to produce all kinds of crops.

“Farming is also a lucrative business that we should take

seriously and time has come now for us to utilise it to ensure food security in Nigeria.”

He admonished the people in his emirate and Nigerians in general to desist from engaging in land dispute.

“As Nigerians, we should be our brother’s keeper and to always embrace dialogue on land matters, instead of confrontations that results to killing of one another.

The committee’s Chairman is Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, Executive Director, Sagamio Farms, and the Vice Chairman of the committee is Senator Ahmed Baba- Zuruku.

Others are Mohammed Kudu-Abubakar, representing media, representatives from CBN and other stakeholders among others.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

Avoid going bankrupt for wedding

I

t is meant to be a fairytale day but average society wedding costs about N5, 000,000.

This might be unbelievable to some people though. Far too many people get into debt and risk ruining a marriage for the sake of one day.

It’s NOT all about the perfect wedding Too many work through a want-to-have list: A film star wedding outfit, , gold rings and expensive honeymoon. Only then, they ask how they’ll pay for it.

One disgruntled father said: “I asked my daughter what her budget was; she asked me, ‘Dad, how can I work out my budget until I know what I want?”

So, instead, ask “what can we afford to spend on our wedding?”

Then work out how to have the best do possible within that budget. A picnic in a park with close friends can be just as magical as a blingbling bash for 300.

Don’t let the wedding ruin your marriage Before we get too far into this, and you skip straight to this guide’s bargain-grabbing section, it really is worth pausing to think about the financial effect of your celebration.

As Martin says, “While a wedding is a wonderful dream day, it’s important to remember one of the biggest causes of divorce is debt and financial worries.

“If the cost of your wedding

Money Sense PAGE 11

leaves you financially crippled and in debt for most of your married life, it’s a pointless waste.”

Don’t let the bank steal your wedding cash ‘Setting off’ means banks can swipe big money from our accounts without permission. So if you have a loan or debts, be very careful about other people, such as your parents, giving you cash to fund your wedding.

This outrageous law lets banks grab cash from your account to repay debts without permission and without telling you.

This wrecked wedding story sums it up: No tale more gut-wrenching has landed in our mailbag than that of poor Peter Wilson, whose generous wedding gift to his daughter was then thieved by her bank to ruin her cherished day.

The proud father had saved up N3, 000,000 with his local credit union to give a cheque to his daughter towards her day.

Two days after it went in her account, checking to see if it had cleared at her Bank, the bride-tobe’s white day turned black, as she was horrified to see N1500000 had been instantly lifted to pay off her debt elsewhere with the bank.

This was despite a repayment plan already in place. His daughter was inconsolable; and for the bank to do this and ruin her wedding day was despicable, he said.

“We told the bank that credit union officers would sign a statement to say that the money was ours, but still it refused to refund the money,” he added.

Get maximum interest on your wedding savings If you’re saving up to get hitched or perhaps your parents have given a contribution, ensure you maximise the interest.

The best bet is an easy-access account, which means you can easily withdraw the cash when needed. You can withdraw it anytime (provided it’s easyaccess), you just can’t then return it, not a problem if you’re spending it anyway.

Play the wedding prioritisation game Once you know your budget, the aim’s to work out how much you can actually afford to spend on different areas and prioritise what’s important. Write down all the things you need to spend cash on a different piece of card, from cakes to cars, rings to hall fees.

Discuss what’s most important to both of you. You may fancy a funky themed wedding cake, but would you prefer a honeymoon abroad or a professional photographer? Remember, venue costs are likely to be about one third to half of your budget.

Being aware of how you can trade one item for another helps you see how far your budgeted

cleaners for each different surface in our home, but dish soap is a great mild alternative that won’t damage most surfaces, and manages to remove a lot of dirt and grime.

Maintain the clean daily Doing a little bit of daily maintenance will reduce the need for tougher cleansers to clean your home. Most stains can be removed with water, dish soap, or laundry soap if they are treated quickly.

Spills that are wiped up right away rarely need much cleanser at all to be cleaned. Make it a point to clean and maintain your home daily, and you’ll find much less of a need for

specialty cleaners and expensive solutions.

Use a store brand We get stuck on the brands we know and trust a lot, but sometimes there’s a store brand of the same cleaner that may work just as well for a fraction of the cost. Look for store brands and compare ingredients. More and more store brands clean just as well as more expensive name brands.

Store cleaning supplies properly Improperly stored cleaning supplies can turn into a mess. Make sure your supplies aren’t exposed

cash will go. If it doesn’t go as far as you want, you need to change your list but not your budget.

The end result may be that you can’t afford the wedding you wanted but, more importantly, it means you won’t spend what you can’t afford.

Earn with demotivation Small sacrifices can boost your wedding coffers. For example, if your big day is a year away, cut out something today that you buy

How to save money on your cleaning budget

S

aving money is always a great idea but can you save money without cutting any of your cleaning power?

These ideas will help you do just that.

Use mild dish soap or plain water Many areas of your home can be kept clean by using a mild dish soap and plain water. Dish soap can be used as a laundry stain remover, a window cleaner, a surface spray, a carpet stain remover, fruit and vegetable wash, and to clean most surfaces in your home.

We often turn to specialty

to extremes in temperature or light. Keeping supplies from spilling and mixing is also a major concern. Cleaning supplies should also be stored away from areas where pets or small children might come into contact with them.

Simplify your supplies There’s a cleaner for everything and if you get them all, your cleaning cupboard would be overflowing. The truth is that a lot of cleaners can pull double duty. If you really want to save on your household budget, pick all-purpose and multi-purpose cleaners. Save specialty cleaners for really tough jobs, and only if others don’t work well. You may be surprised by how little you really need to keep your home clean.

Choose reusable cloths and mops Disposable items are handy, but they can quickly eat up a household budget. To save money, pick items that can be reused.

Microfiber cloths are a great choice for cleaning, dusting, and scrubbing. Instead of disposable mopping pads, pick a good reusable mop and take care of it.

Choosing reusable items can save a lot of money.

Make your own cleaners There are a lot of ingredients around your home that can be used to make great cleaners at a fraction of the cost. Vinegar is a great all-purpose cleaner. Baking soda is gentle enough to use as a mild abrasive in many areas of your home. Lemons have a natural bleaching ability. Making your own cleaners can be a great way to cut cleaning costs.

Control clutter Controlling clutter is a major part of keeping a house clean. Removing unwanted and unnecessary items from your home means you have less to clean.

Getting rid of items that aren’t needed will cut your cleaning time and expenses drastically.

every day. If you cut out £2 crisps and Coke each day, you’d have 365 x £2 to spend, £730.

People swear by (and at) our Demotivator tool, which reveals your annual spend on tea, snacks, cigarettes, magazines and other discretionary purchases to help you cut back. Try it to see how much you could save in time for the festivities.

Should you borrow to pay for the wedding?

If you can possibly avoid it, don’t borrow for the big day.

Leaving yourself in debt at the start of your married life is not the best idea.

Having said that, a wedding is a major expenditure, and like buying a house, many people simply cannot afford to do it without a loan. The difference here is afterwards there are no bricks and mortar, only memories to keep, from all that cash.

Never borrow more than you can afford to pay back within a year We can tell you not to borrow but if you ignore that, at least do it the cheapest way. Ask: 1. C a n y o u a f f o r d t h e repayments?

2. Can you pay them back in a year or less?

3. Have you planned the expenditure so you need borrow as little as possible?

4. Are you borrowing the cheapest possible way?

Money Tip

Make money doing what you already do This is not for you if you’re looking to build a serious small business on the Net. It’s the easiest of the ways to make money without money, but because it’s easy, it doesn’t pay much, very little in fact.

It mostly involves getting paid to surf the Internet and getting paid to take surveys. It’s like stuffing envelopes for money. If that blows your hair back, type “getting paid to do surveys” into the search box at Google and hit “Enter”. Take your pick. Don’t expect to get rich though.

Quote

Whenever you see a successful business,someone once made a courageous decision.

-Peter Drucker

PAGE 12

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

EDITORIAL

Who is overheating polity but Mr. President? pronouncement regarding his ambition about 2015 but the actions of those close to him such as his aides, his folks from the Niger Delta and also his wife suggest strongly that his re-election campaign is in full swing. His associates such as Chief Edwin Clark and groups in the Niger Delta, some of his cabinet members and the first lady have at

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O

ne feature that has become the hallmark of the President Goodluck Jonathan administration is its penchant to speak from both sides of the mouth so to speak. Its unenviable capacity for doublespeak, it can be argued, is unrivalled by any previous administration the country has had.

Sadly, no one in the administration leads the charge better than the president himself who on many occasions had not matched his word with action or had said one thing outright while meaning the exact opposite.

Last week, for example, while receiving officials of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) led by its President, Okey Wali, President Jonathan said, “The political tension in the country is mainly built around the 2015 elections, which should not be the case. It is quite disturbing.

The year 2015 is still far off. I expect politicians to focus on the business of governance now. We must do what we were elected to do first. We will do our best to curb the overheating of the polity.”

Agreed, the race to 2015 is indeed over heating the polity. However, any observer with a whiff of interest in Nigerian politics will not be quick to believe the president when he says he will do anything within his power to douse the tension. For one, he had said that he was not for now interested in and would not make any

We believe that when it comes to heating up the polity, the president is the number one culprit different times begun mobilising for his return to office. That he has not publicly dissociated himself from their activities indicates that they are doing so with his tacit approval.

We are amazed that the president would talk about the heat in the polity without realising that his actions directly contribute to generating the unwanted heat that he has now committed to dousing. Everyone knows that the crisis that engulfed the Nigerian Governors Forum which has led to its being factionalised had the imprimatur of the Presidency. It is still a wonder that President Jonathan has not used his office to bring the crisis to an end

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”

up until now. If he were serious about dousing the tension in the polity he surely would intervene decisively to end the crisis.

The ongoing crisis in Rivers state is another pointer that the president cannot be relied upon to keep his promise to calm the tension leading up to the next general elections.

We are disappointed that instead of showing leadership by ending the crisis, the Presidency has done anything but distance itself from it.

To belittle the crisis as Doyin Okupe did last week shows that either the Presidency has not come to terms with the frightening situation or has chosen to bury its head in the sand.

The unending bad blood in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, particularly between its governors and the party leadership, many have argued, is a result of the president’s inability to hold the party together as its national leader. His knack for protecting his interests at all cost is essentially the reason why the problems in the party have persisted. These interests, as hard as he may deny them, are all geared towards putting him in good stead for 2015.

We believe that when it comes to heating up the polity, the president is the number one culprit and we will once again hold him to the promise he made to do all within his power to curb the overheat ahead of 2015 even though we are not holding our breath.

OUR PEOPLE

OUR VISION

Chairman Malam Wada Maida, Oon, Fnge Director/Editor-in-Chief Rufa’i Ibrahim Managing Editor Abdul-Azeez Abdullahi

Chief Operating Officer Ali M. Ali

Head, Advert/Marketing Hussaini Abdulrahman, Cna

Editor, Daily Ahmed I. Shekarau

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Editor, Weekend Hameed M. Bello

Head, Lagos Bureau Adesoji Oyinlola

“To be a reputable, profitable, innovative and technologically reliant media company offering world class services and products”

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

PAGE 13

Opinion

Ladi Kwali and her ‘revolution’, 29 years after

By Ibrahim Sanyi-Sanyi

A

ugust 12, 2013 will be 29 years after the passing unto glory of Hajiya Ladi Kwali.

A woman of great artistic acumen and unprecedented creativity in the modern history of pottery in Nigeria who left behind the legacy of blended craft of traditional African and Western pottery, which is celebrated within and without the shores of Nigeria as one of the finest and obviously famous works of art ever to have come from sub-Saharan Africa. For centuries, pottery has been the exclusive preserve of the womenfolk in Nigerian traditional societies and cultures.

Pottery was and is still used for various purposes such as cooking, decoration and more commonly for water storage. Some cultures also use artistically decorated pots as religious symbols, hence the intricate design patterns and ornamentation that is has come to be associated with such items.

Dr. Hadiza Ladi Kwali was born in 1925 in a village in Kwali area populated by the Gwari (Gbagyi) people of Northern Nigeria. She grew up in a family in which the womenfolk made pots for a living, and worked with her aunt as an apprentice in pottery. By the time of her death, Dr Ladi Kwali was Nigeria’s best known potter. She left a rich legacy of her work and a sizeable number of apprentices who picked up from where she left at the Abuja Pottery Training Centre.

With the amazing way in which

she handles clay, she produces pots with spectacular beauty in form and decoration. The splendor of her pottery attracted the Emir of Abuja who acquired and kept in his palace, a collection of her works.

In 1950, these collections were seen and admired by an English potter, Michael Cardew who was sent to the Abuja area - apparently on a mission to improve the quality of local work there - by the then colonial government.

He established the Abuja Pottery Training Centre in that year and stayed there for the next 15 years, working with local potters, as he taught and was taught the art of pottery in a symbiotic learning relationship - he introduced wheels and kilns to the Centre, and he learn about traditional firing methods and ornamentation from the local potters.

Ladi Kwali’s contact with Michael Cardew in 1954 was the turning point in her pottery career. Cardew introduced her to his Abuja Pottery Training Centre - which was exclusive to women potters - where she learned to throw pots on the wheel. Dr. Kwali was initially reluctant to adapt to the wheel, preferring the traditional spiraled coil method of building pots. But she later discovered her natural flair for the wheel; she learns and moved on. She became an authority in pottery, combining the Western and traditional methods of making pots to produce dishes, bowls and beakers with graffito decoration.

Most of these were glazed and fired in a high-temperature kiln and

therefore denote an interesting hybrid representing a fascinating mixture of both traditional African and Western studio pottery. On his part, Cardew learn about the traditional firing methods and ornamentation from Kwali who was glad to teach her teacher.

Over the span of a decade, the mixture of improved firing methods, wheel and kiln technology, and Dr. Kwali’s sophistication in ornamentation skills; her works became known in Europe, Britain and America.

They were displayed on exhibitions in Europe in 1958, ‘59 and 1962 to great acclaim in London at the Berkeley Galleries. In 1960, her works in pottery were displayed at The Nigerian Independence Day. She was awarded OON (Officer of the Order of the Niger), and an Honorary Doctorate degree

by Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. In 1963, she was decorated with the honor of OBE (Officer of the order of the British Empire) by the British Government in recognition of her being a worthy and renowned representative of Africa’s rich heritage in pottery.

Today, some of her pots decorated with incised geometric and schematic figurative patterns are used for cooking and water storage. While some traditionalists use her pot as religious symbols.

Ladi Kwali remained associated with the Abuja pottery works until her death. And despite her lack of formal Western education and inability to communicate in English language, Dr. Kwali was able to give lectures (through interpreters)

and make physical demonstrations - at home and in many European and American institutes as guest lecturer - on how she improved her traditional pot making skills to a world-class standard. The Abuja Pottery was renamed the Ladi Kwali Pottery and her name is immortalized on a major street in Abuja; while a conference hall in the Abuja Sheraton hotel was named in her honour.

Someone describe her as “a replica who epitomized what womanhood is all about”. She was creative, innovative, resourceful, and hard working. Her dedication and commitment were the keys she used to unlock her life of distinction. She was the local scarf who never allowed her lack of formal Western education constrict her from attaining greatness in life. Shortly after Cardew’s death in 1983, Dr. Kwali died in Minna on 12th August, 1984 at the age of 59.

She was married but had no child as at the time of her death. Many of her students of pottery took over and continued the art of pottery at the Abuja Pottery Training Center after her demise. She remains the only Nigerian woman whose picture is printed on the Naira note – a photo showing Ladi Kwali seated as she engaged in the delicate craft of pottery is displayed at the back N20 note. Although this recognition of Dr. Kwali’s great works of arts and pottery by the Nigerian government is commendable, more have to be done in view of her celebrated invaluable contributions to the world of ceramics arts, ingenuity

and the symbolic inspiration she gave to the womenfolk to pursue hard work, creativity, self-reliance and economic independence. In view of this therefore, the picture of this great lady should be moved to the front of the Naira currency from the current back position – as is the case with the photos of the Nigeria’s founding fathers. In fact, the picture of Ladi Kwali should either be placed by the side of Alhaji Mai Bornu and Dr Clement Isong images or take over the space that is currently occupied by the pictures of the two gentlemen on N1,000 note.

Furthermore, a day should be set aside in the national arts and culture calendar which is to be dedicated for the celebration of Ladi Kwali’s works of arts, her pottery craft as well as the Black African heritage in ceramics arts; where exhibitions will be made and papers will be presented by professionals. What a great woman! The ambassador of Black African arts; a creative potter of international repute, a role model and source of inspiration for the womenfolk! The world of art and the craft of pottery will continue to draw reference from the great works of Ladi Kwali, and generations after generations of potters will be inspired by her sheer creativity, dedication and hard work which were the hallmark of her greatness. May God have mercy on her soul and grant her eternal rest.

Ibrahim Sanyi-Sanyiis reachable on aim.ssanyi@ gmail.com

Right to renounce citizenship and age of marriage

By Zayyan Tambari Yabo

T

he Senate voted to amend the Constitution on the right of a Nigerian to renounce citizenship when he/she reaches ‘’full age’’: 18 years for a male or a female when she is married irrespective of her age ; Section 29 (4) (a) and (b) respectively. Senator Yerima objected to the decision to delete article (b) on the grounds that it is at variance with Sharia law on marriage. The matter was re-presented and the earlier vote reversed. This has generated a lot of controversy on the concepts of right to renounce citizenship and early marriage.

Now this vote falls under the legal principle called “age of licence” which is similar to the “age of majority or adulthood”.

The age of licence is the age at which some certain rights or privileges can be enforced.

Nearly all jurisdictions worldwide automatically confer emancipation (and with it the status of adulthood) upon otherwise minor individuals who are married. Also minors who are in active duty in the armed forces are granted the privileges or rights of adulthood. The age of licence varies from 16 years and above across the world. Therefore, in

line with global best legal practice, the decision to extend the right to renounce citizenship to married females that are less than 18 years, by the Nigerian Constitution, since 1979, is unassailable.

Majority age or adult age is the age of threshold of adulthood.

This is any age of legal significance like age of criminal responsibility, drinking age, marriageable age etc. This age may not necessarily correspond to the actual mental or physical maturity of the individual and varies from the ages of 15 to 22.

There is no universal unanimity or uniformity. Although a person may attain the age of maturity, he or she may still be subject to age-based

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restrictions regarding matters such as right to stand for elective office, act as a judge and many others.

Marriage is as old as human civilization. And it is one of the most entrenched cultural practices that nearly any group of people with a similar culture or tribe or religion has a unique way of consummating. And it is for this reason that marriage falls under customary law in our country, and in fact in most countries of the world. Today, in most of Europe and the world, the legal marriage age varies from 15 to 22 years. But all jurisdictions allow marriage at less than the legal age with parental or judicial consent. In the US,

every state has its own marriage law and allows marriage of minors with parental or judicial consent.

The Vatican allows the marriage of males at 16 years and females at 14 years as per code of canon law.

Islamic countries have between 15 years (Kuwait) and 21 years (Morocco), while Saudi Arabia has none. And China has 20/22 years for female/male.

One fact that emerges is that once you are above the legal age in most parts of the world, you can contract marriage without the consent of parents/guardians or permission of the courts. What then should be the end point of the debate here? Is it to have

this controversy is due to the failure to recognize our diversity. In most policy proposals, we seek uniformity by avoiding the rigorous underlying factors. And our inability to manage this diversity and explore the opportunities therein has largely contributed to our underdevelopment

marriage in line with the libertarian western philosophy or to mitigate the social issues associated with early marriage? The legalism of marriage age should not be taken or projected as the ultimate solution that cures all the social issues associated with marriage – early or delayed. Yes, there are serious social challenges in marriage and their resolution may include looking at marriage age; but clearly much deeper and broader than that.

Finally, this controversy is due to the failure to recognize our diversity. In most policy proposals, we seek uniformity by avoiding the rigorous underlying factors. And our inability to manage this diversity and explore the opportunities therein has largely contributed to our underdevelopment. We tend to focus more on trivialities like marriage age than on issues like deepening democracy, good governance, morality, community relations, economy, etc, that are critical to our country’s survival.

I believe our emotions mostly outweigh our rational engagements on the key issues that need to be fixed for a better Nigeria.

Zayyan Tambari Yabo Wrote in from Ulsan, South Korea.

PAGE 14

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

Opinion Outsourcing the National Assembly

By Abdullahi Musa

O

utsourcing is a business practice that has earned mixed reactions. Principally it is a tool used by companies in order to cut costs and remain competitive. The practice emanated from highly industrialized countries when they transferred some part or all manufacturing processes of certain products overseas, to countries such as China, India, Taiwan but not to Nigeria, Niger, or Chad.

The recipient countries boast of excellent infrastructure and highly educated workforce but at lower wage costs than citizens of the outsourcing countries. The cost of governance in Nigeria has skyrocketed since the return to democracy in Nigeria in 1999.

No one single institution in this dispensation has gobbled up resources more than the National Assembly. So colossal is the amount paid to the members, and so unjustifiable, that the paying authorities hide behind national security to deny Nigerians the knowledge of how much each Senator or Member costs the citizen taxpayer!

In Nigeria governance has taken a life of its own. The reason

for representation the functions has been entirely of Nigeria’s forgotten. We may National have a democracy Assembly to Peoples Daily welcomes your letters, opinion articles, but we dont have US Congress. text messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written representative If the contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters government. objective of Those who came the posting - 150 words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your to us cap in of Iweala by name and a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be hand begging for World Bank is addressed to: votes are now to ensure the our ‘ Lords of flow of Nigeria’ The Editor, Manor’: so rich, s dollar to the so powerful, so US, it is in Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, protected, and so their interest 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja. inaccessible.Since to corner Email: opinion@peoplesdailyng.com the Americans this lucrative SMS: 08134607052 do not trust us to market called govern ourselves National well, finding it necessary to send Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, they might Assembly. In the event we have a supervisor in the person of as well instruct her to outsource some vestiges of false national

WRITE TO US

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Those who came to us cap in hand begging for votes are now our ‘ Lords of Manor’: so rich, so powerful, so protected, and so inaccessible.Since the Americans do not trust us to govern ourselves well, finding it necessary to send a supervisor in the person of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, they might as well instruct her to outsource the functions of Nigeria’s National Assembly to US Congress

ASUU: The moment of truth

By Rotimi Akinola

I

n the fall of 2011, when ASUU embarked on an indefinite strike after the government failed to implement agreements it had with it two years earlier, Niger state Governor, Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, quickly condemned the action and designated it “destructive” to the future of the younger generation who are leaders of tomorrow. He said: “With this development, if I have to sell my house to educate my children abroad, then I will do so if that is the only way out to get uninterrupted academic session and solid education for them.”

Of a fact, there are millions of Nigerians who do not approve of the current ASUU strike and have expressed reactions, tailored in the same line of reasoning of Governor Aliyu that the industrial action is killing our education. I beg to differ. An element of the real crisis hounding our educational sector is the government’s obduracy to UNESCO’s admonition that, at least, 26 per cent of any nation’s budget be allocated to education.

Decades of bad policies, irresponsibility and irresponsiveness on the part of successive regimes, and not ASUU strike, is what has made our educational system looks like a grasshopper compared to what obtains elsewhere. The Vice Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Bamitale Omole, couldn’t have been more accurate when he said:

“The problem is that it is not as if our leaders do not know what to do, I think in many areas, the wrong people are filling the positions. We talk about federal character, we talk about all these characters, and they will never help us. “Mediocrity is killing every sector, not only the educational sector. Also, lack of vision of putting the right thing in the right place, political consideration, pretender politics are the things killing every sector.

It is clear that it would have been good for a nation if all the people at the commanding eyes of the economy, at the commanding eyes of politics, are the people who know exactly their onions, but that is not what we have.”

Therefore, calling ASUU strike the real crisis is a flawed diagnosis of our real ailment. Imagine if someone has malaria and his body produces no symptom to warn him of the danger to his system.

The situation worsens and he’ll

“

one day find himself on the other side of the cosmos (or chaos as the case may be), and without prior notice. You’ll agree with me that the most dangerous diseases are the ones that have advanced stealth mechanisms which suppress their symptoms – “AIDS no dey show for face.” Things would be worse if there is anomaly in the system and the lecturers are so incapacitated that they are unable to react. So, we need to grow up and appreciate ASUU for the industrial actions the body has taken against the rot in the system over the years because that shows there is hope.

I recall the minister of education, Professor Ruqayyatu Rufai, saying in 2011 that the government would need 106 billion naira to realize ASUU’s demands.

She claimed the government, which now boasts of employing the highest paid lawmakers in the world, could not afford such a sum. These law-unmakers (even

lawbreakers) keep increasing their already oversized emolument while budgetary allocation to education has never reached the 10 per cent mark. Some of them even send their children to schools in Ghana where education is allotted 31 per cent of the total budget as compared to Nigeria’s 8 per cent.

It’s heartbreaking that our politicians feel that sending their own children to school abroad and leaving our education for the dead is the solution to our problems.

That’s a negligent response to the issues. How selfish! Let us not forget that Governor Aliyu sent his kids overseas to get uninterrupted and SOLID education. In the light of that ‘wise’ decision, telling ASUU to return to the lecture halls without fixing the real academic crisis will be unfair reward to the labour of lecturers whose impacts are felt more than ‘politricksters’ who would break heads with the mace and even water down

I must, however, warn ASUU that the answer to their prayers will shift the pressure from the government onto the lecturers. The “devil” title will robotically shift from Abuja to the ASUU leadership if the government accede to their demands and our schools are no better for it

pride remaining, that we cannot outsource NASS, then let us be honest to re-name it as billionaires-creating institute.

Of course, this will require constitutional amendments, to specify who is eligible for membership. Since it is to be a centre for creation of billionaires, the likes of Dangote would be Senate President by selection.

He will teach Senators how to use their loot, (sorry, salaries) to establish profitable businesses that will employ us, the masses.

In the same vein, the Speaker of the House should be a subsidyscammer, who would teach members how to engage in permissible criminal behaviour.

The television showed the Senators in session one day. A sweep of the camera showed some swollen-necked, swollen-cheeked, Nigerian-like creatures, discussing ‘national’ affairs, which at that particular moment was that one worker of a federal institution had complained to his Senator of his delayed promotion. That Senate environment rudely reminded me that Animal Farm was not a fiction; but a ‘revealed’ book. worthy of devotional study.

Abdullahi Musa via kigongabas@gmail.com the protective potency that the Nigerian constitution has on tender creatures like the Nigerian female child. It will also be tantamount to endorsing ‘uninterrupted’ but toxic garbage for Nigerians who cannot afford education overseas.

It’s high time we took ASUU’s strike for what it truly is – a crucial step taken to compel the government to resolve the real crisis. What we should be doing is piling pressure on FG to meet ASUU’s demands and not imploring the lecturers to stop the strike. The lecturers, on their part, need to have the patience and doggedness to see out this strike and ensure their demands are met before they call it off. If they sheath their swords at the sight of another guarantee on paper, and not real implementation of the agreements reached, they’ll have only themselves to blame. I want to believe the government has not become so numb to popular aspiration to allow the strike drag on for too long.

I must, however, warn ASUU that the answer to their prayers will shift the pressure from the government onto the lecturers. The “devil” title will robotically shift from Abuja to the ASUU leadership if the government accede to their demands and our schools are no better for it. Hence, it is imperative for ASUU to now begin an internal cleansing that will complement the expected implementation of the 2009 agreement. Our lecturers must know that with the great power of adequate budgetary allocation and autonomy is an even greater responsibility of reinventing Nigeria.

Rotimi Akinola is a Mass Communication student at the University of Lagos

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

PAGE 15

Comment This country has 130 governments

By Ugochukwu Ugwuanyi

O

ne may say, there are countries whose population are in tens of millions, so what is he talking about?

If a country is 23 million in population who then will constitute the remaining 107 million governments? Even if there was, what would such a country be like? Now, here is what it would be like: the citizens will be entitled to one or more governments depending on the population.

They will apparently be in charge of their affairs, providing for themselves amenities that a central government should ordinarily provide for them. It would be a case of everybody for himself and the country for us all. Go no further, I now know a country in that cast.

And the country that comes to mind is Nigeria.

The title of this piece would have been: This country has 130million local governments, but most people know that we have past that stage as some individuals provide for themselves facilities a local government won’t provide for its people. Someone argued that a local government is basically what every well-to-do family in the country have become to itself.

Therefore, the would-have-been title has come to be a cliché. As of this moment, families and individuals with the wherewithal have progressed into becoming a federal government unto themselves.

One of the facts pointing to this is that Nigerians are now

generating their own electricity. We had known electricity generation and distribution as a preserve of the Federal Government. But Nigerians are now shouldering that responsibility. That is what our ‘government’ has forced us to do. If this smacks of being good-for-nothing, you decide.

This composition is inspired by a study released last week which revealed that about 81 per cent or 130million Nigerians, out of the about 160million Nigerians, generate their own electricity through alternative sources to compensate for irregular power supply. The actuality was arrived at after a series of Power Sector Polls conducted by NOI Polls Limited for the second quarter of 2013.

I hope you won’t let your imagination overwork your brain by trying to count the number of Nigerians that can build and maintain a power station. No, they do not go that far. They simply get themselves the “I pass my neighbour” generating sets you know, and life goes on from there.

This has led to the generation of over 6000 Mega Watts of electricity as against the meagre 2,866.4 Mega Watts currently produced by the Nigerian government.

Speaking at the Nigerian Institute of Management(NIM) Inaugural lecture that held sometime in March this year, the Vicechancellor of UniLag- Professor Rahaman Bello said, “An estimated 6,000MW is generated via individual and corporate outfits to meet their minimum demands for electricity.” Note that this

6,000MW is just for business outfits. When you add the ones Nigerians generate for their domestic use, then would you better understand which is the real government.

However, I have an issue with the NOI Polls report. The report, to me, is punctured by a gaffe they shouldn’t have allowed. No, it has nothing to do with the statistics, my issue lies with their use of language in presenting their findings. Many Nigerians will agree with me that NOI erred by describing that generating apparatus 130million Nigerians rely upon as the alternative sourceIt is, rather, the other way round. Many business establishments and homes see PHCN’s power supply as the alternative, while the energy they derive from generating sets becomes the major source. Even the submission of Professor Bello, just like nous, lends credence to this. For a source that produces 6,000MW is the major source while the one that brings about 2,866.4MW will at best be the recourse. Please let’s forgive NOI, after all, to err is human and to forgive is divine. But, with a setting where generating sets become the major source, it then means we live at the mercies of the plants.

I’m talking about the hazards we contend with on account of generating sets.

To start with, try to create a mental picture of the cacophony of sound that 130million generating sets will generate in a country and you would behold an extremely noisy country. When you’re done

with that imagination, think about the fumes from generating sets as it affect our health and earth and you’d understand how much the institution we call government loves everybody. Talking about how much they love us. In spite of our trying to complement their ineptitude by contributing our over 6,000MW to the national grid, they still want to impoverish us. How? By the move of National Electricity Regulatory Commission(NERC) to make it mandatory for electricity consumers to pay a fixed charge of between N700 and N800 monthly, up from N500, for electricity supply that may not have been supplied.

Where is the love?

To make matters worse, they said the over 100 per cent increment takes immediate effect, poor service delivery notwithstanding. Hear the NERC boss- Sam Amadi, “the tariff must increase despite shortfalls in service delivery.” How insensitive can authorities be in a democracy?

Perhaps, it wouldn’t have been so spiteful if he had left out the shortfall in service delivery part.

By that statement it’s as if they are telling us that “we know we are cheating on you but what can you do?” A dare for us to catch them if we can. Even if the Multi Year Tariff Order(MYTO) permitted them to periodically increase electricity tariff per kilo watt, couldn’t they have spared us the agony of making the increment at this time when service delivery from their end is abysmal. Only in Nigeria!

This question always props up

in my head whenever we are given reasons, rather, justification for our being kept in darkness- why are same reasons not affecting countries that are enjoying interrupted power supply? For instance, excessive vegetation along transmission highways was also given as one of the factors robbing us of constant electricity, why isn’t this story peddled in South Africa?

The most unfortunate part is that countries whose citizens take electricity for granted don’t spend as much as we do in providing and maintaining their energy infrastructure. With the humongous sums spent and being spent by the Obasanjo, Yar’Adua and Jonathan administrations, it’s a shame we just have 2,866.4MW of electricity to show for it. I’m sure the money these administrations spent surpasses the cumulative amount spent by Nigerians on buying and maintaining the generating sets that have yielded over 6,000MW. nly that we don’t manufacture the plants here in Nigeria, else the money used in procuring them would have remained in our economy. As it stands, any generating set that we buy creates extra jobs in the foreign country where it was produced that obviously has a government. Those ruining(sorry running) Nigeria should let the country have one government. For only then would many other things fall in place.

Ugochukwu Ugwuanyi via ug.ugovester@gmail. com

The value we lost by embracing the West

By Segun O’Law

A

lthough the Traditional Court system and the adopted European Court style, now adopted as ‘modern’ have some elements in common, especially with respect to the process, sequence and conference of witnesses and judicial observers, values, objectives and effectiveness however set the traditional court system above. Even as I do not intend to demean the European Court system, my motive is to ‘show’ what values we have sacrificed at the altar of craving for profane modernity.

I’ll be as brief as possible and avoid idle rhetoric’s overcome your understanding of my presentation; as heavyweights collectively have acknowledged -the shortest punch is the deadliest! Basically, the traditional court system puts in place significant mechanisms that ensure effective adjudication.

Prior to colonial onslaught, the judicial system is basically ‘peace making’. Its essence is reflected in the outcome that contending parties are restored to their ‘friendship’ just before the dust of conflict was disturbed. Although certain weighty offences such as ‘murder’ might, understandably, attract stiffer consequences at justice such as being thrown into evil forest, banishment or even death; natural and unavoidable grouses however were peacefully arbitrated.

It’s no gainsaying that human

beings cannot live without some misunderstanding or relative grief in an entire lifetime. At some hot points in the timeline of relationship, some interests, either personal or relative to public, will clash.

But how the order is restored and conflict resolved without losing the relationship characterize the old traditional court system amongst the various nations (referred here as 9ranatives) which later amalgamated as ‘Nigeria’ (referred here as the 9ra-geo). Even in the North, before it was captured by the religion of Islam which introduced Sharia, there were customs that ensured peaceful arbitration between grieving parties.

In a nutshell, justice in the old Nigerian court system has a leitmotif of resolving the disturbed societal equilibrium and restoring the status quo of social order without either party feeling dissed for the other.

I can relate this to ‘midwifing’, producing the baby and surviving the mother. At the end, both will say ‘thank you’. Consider being told of your guilt in a way you’ll love and appreciate that you willingly want to restore and voluntarily pledge not to encroach anymore; that is what our traditional court system represented.

The introduction of European orthodoxy has unfortunately offset this system. Apart from the drama of legal officers knowing the truth but playing dangerous cards to pervert justice in the interest of ‘clients’ who

deliberately commit wrong but relied on the ass of court for acquaintance, the outcome of the modern judicial system is fashioned to pronounce a party ‘guilty’ and the other ‘just’.

With this, both parties return with renewed hostility.

Another contrast is openness of the arbitration. Presided by either the King or local Chief(s), the judicial process is as open as resolving issues under the tree at village square.

Everyone who cares attends and even gives evidence. It is not ‘secret trial’. The contending parties, for example over a parcel of land, will speak with by themselves. You are not necessarily hiring an expensive barrister to marshal your case; it’s cheap, quick and effective. Fraud cases in the modern court system hardly conclude. Adjournments, vacations and bribery are largely absent. An arbitrator in the old court system would grease caution so that the gods do not strike him with epilepsy for accepting bribe and

“

taking sides. It is in the traditional court system that laudable cases are reported where ‘Obas i.e. kings ordered that their own sons be thrown into evil forest or killed once found guilty of grievous crimes.

Contrast this with the modern system, the son/daughter of an affluent person hailed if s/he farts at public.

In the old system, justice was for the just whereas in the modern court system, justice is for sale to highest bidder. Another important factor is the oath system.

9ra Natives avoided giving false testimonies or cooking lies in their own favour so as to avert the wrath of Sango or Ogun as it applies to the Yoruba tradition or Amadioha as in the Igbo system. The awareness of efficacy of fire-spurting Sango, thunder strike by Ogun or infliction of deadly plaques by Amadioha impresses caution on the mind of contending parties against perjury.

However, swearing by the lenient

Prior to colonial onslaught, the judicial system is basically ‘peace making’. Its essence is reflected in the outcome that contending parties are restored to their ‘friendship’ just before the dust of conflict was disturbed

Jesus or Mohammed that has no divine/natural punishment has only promoted criminal indulgence.

Unfortunate as it were, the importation of Christian and Islam orthodoxy only helped to promote the prevalent criminality. As culprits of crime are assured that swearing either by Bible or Quran would produce no consequence after all, they geared up their greed against the rest of public only to manipulate the ass of court, hire attorneys at prime cost to upturn justice so that a culprit is, at the end, a saint and the victim held culpable. Needless to say that this practice makes corruption go astronaut, the 9ra-geo, has now become a reservoir of conundrum and anarchy.

Nigeria’s Methuselah age without a corresponding growth in any sector is traceably to the non-inclusion of its traditional factors in the equation of politics and justice system. You cannot talk peace without talking justice. Temporary or disguise-peace without justice is like a helical spring consistently pressed into a coil.

Pressing it, unknowingly, is servicing its momentum. Upon release, it will propagate turbulent disturbance that its oppressor cannot stand. It’s time Nigeria returned to its core traditional value system to rejig its essence and emerge with a dynamic evolution. It is enough already, faking orthodoxy isn’t working for us; we aren’t even copying it well.

Segun O’Law is on Twitter: segun O’Law; 9ralife.com

PAGE 18

Metro INSIDE FCT COURTS

Two in court for alleged joint act, theft

T

he police on Friday arraigned two men in an Abuja Grade 2 Area Court in Kado, FCT for alleged joint act and theft but were later discharged for out of court settlement.

The Police Prosecutor, Mr Christopher Roko, gave the names of the accused as Afamefuna Ibeh, 26, and Ezeanoburu Sunday, 28.

Roko told the court that, on July 20, Esther Akpuluma, of Joseph Adetoro St., Utako, Abuja, reported the matter to the Utako police station.

He said that the complainant reported that the accused helped her with accommodation, but turned around to demand for the room key being under their custody.

The prosecutor said on the day she came to report the matter, she had discovered that the sum of N100, 000 she kept in her bag was stolen, He said the complainant gave the names of the accused as those she suspected to have stolen the money from her room.

He said the accused were alleged to form a common intention and criminally stole the money because they were the only ones with the room key.

Ibrahim said during police investigation, four pairs of shoes were recovered from the accused.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened the provisions of sections 79 and 287 of the Penal Code.

The offence, he said, attracted punishment with imprisonment which might extend to five years or with fine or with both.

He said the complainant had however agreed with the defendants to settle out of court.

The accused had pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge.

The Presiding Officer, Mr Ahmed Ado, said, “in view of that, the court terminates the FIR under Section 130 of the CPC.” He, therefore, discharged the two accused accordingly. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

Court orders parking firm to pay N250, 000 to car owner in Abuja A High Court in Jabi, Abuja, has ordered Platinum Parking Services Management (PPMS) in Wuse Zone 4 to pay N250,000 to Alhaji Mohammed Lawan for confiscating his car since Dec. 21, 2012.

Lawan, a retired Deputy Director of Planning in the FCDA, had told the court that he parked his car in a lot in the Central Business District on the said date and stuck a parking ticket on the wind screen.

T

“In the evening, he received a phone call to go and pay N15,000 to reclaim the car or it would be kept until January 2013.’’

The counsel told the court that since the matter was brought to the court on Jan. 29, the defendants had never come nor were they represented in court in spite of being served the summons.

He reminded the court that the last summons were served on the defendants on June 11.

In her judgment, Justice Olasumbo Goodluck said that the continued detention of the plaintiff’s car by the defendant was unlawful.

She, therefore, ordered the release of the car to the plaintiff forthwith.

“The defendant is hereby ordered to pay the sum of N250, 000 as general damages in favour of the plaintiff,’’ Goodluck said.

(NAN)

L-R: Amir, FCT I’tikaaf Welfare Management Committee (IWMC), Imam Hussain Abdallah Rahman, Speaker/Chief Imam of National Assembly Quarters Mosque, Abuja, Imam Muhammad Nuru Khalid, Secretary General of IWMC, Imam Murtala Abdal-Ar-Rahman and Alhaji Ahmed Talib, during the 4th Annual I’tikaaf Seminar, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Man, 34, charged with inciting disturbance

T

he Police on Friday charged Jeff Momoh in an Abuja Grade 2 Area Court in Kado with inciting public disturbance.

The Police Prosecutor, Sgt. Simeon Ibrahim, told the court that on June 19, Cpl. Mankput Norbert of the Nigerian Police Force attached to the Utako

Man, 35, arrainged for alleged forgery, impersonation he police on Friday in Abuja arraigned a 35-year-old man, David Aboko of DutseAlhaji, Abuja, in a Wuse Zone 2 Chief Magistrates’ Court for alleged forgery and impersonation.

The prosecutor, Emmanuel Nnamani, told the court that Sgt. Adeniyi Ayanwale of the Nigerian Army, Ship House, Abuja, reported the matter at the Garki Police Station on June 13.

Nnamani said Ayanwale arrested the accused with some fake documents certifying his posting to the Ministry of Defence as a staff.

He said it was, however, discovered during investigation that the accused had been

Lawan’s counsel, Adamu Mohammed, said a lady working for PPMS came to demand payment from his client, saying that the payment he made to a parking firm in Zone A was not valid in Zone B. “My client went to transact his business. When he came back, the PPMS had clamped his car, a Peugeot 406 with Registration No. CQ865RSH. The parking firm asked him to pay N5,000 to get the car released.

dismissed from the Nigeria Civil Service in 2002, but had been parading himself as a staff.

The prosecutor added that the offence contravened sections 364 and 132 of the Penal Code.

If convicted, the accused risk a maximum of 17 years imprisonment or fined or both.

However, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Magistrate, Mr Abdullahi Shuaibu, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200,000 with a surety in like sum.

He said the sure must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and adjourned the case to Aug. 19.

(NAN)

Market Police Outstation, Abuja, brought the matter to Utako Police Station.

He said that Norbert reported that on the same day, he arrested and brought Momoh, a trader in Utako Market, to the police station.

Ibrahim said Momoh used a megaphone to incite traders in the market by telling them to come out and protest the arrest of their president and members of the executive of Utako Shop Owners

and Traders Association.

The prosecutor said the president and his executive members were arrested in the morning of the same day Momoh was arrested.

Ibrahim said the offence contravened Section 114 of the Penal Code, which prescribes a two-year imprisonment term or fine, or both for an offender.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the offence, adding that he was campaigning for a just cause.

The counsel to the accused, Mr Chuks Mpama, told the court that ``the accused is also an executive member of the Utako Shop Owners/Traders Association, Abuja. As a matter of fact, he is the PRO 1”.

The Presiding Officer, Mr Ahmed Ado, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N50,000 and a reliable surety.

Ado adjourned the case to Aug. 18, 2013 for further hearing.

(NAN)

Court remands businessman, 46, in prison for alleged cheating

A

Karu Upper Area Court in Abuja on Friday ordered that a 46-year old businessman, Godwin Ekenulo, be remanded in prison for alleged criminal breach of trust and cheating.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Abiola Oyewusi, told the court that one Leonard Onwuharonye reported the matter at the FCT Police Command on Nov. 13, 2012.

He told the court that the accused bought cell phones

and iPad valued N1million and deceitfully paid N321, 000.

Oyewusi said the accused issued the complainant three Diamond Bank cheques for the balance of N679,000, which bounced on presentation.

He said the transaction took place at the complainant’s ‘H’ Communication Shop, C1b, Emab Plaza, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja.

He said the offences contravened sections 312 and

322 of the Penal Code.

If convicted, Ekenulo risks punishment with imprisonment which may extend to seven years or a fine or both.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The judge, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, then ordered that the accused to be remanded in prison and adjourned the case to July 29 for hearing of bail application by the accused.

(NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

PAGE 19

INSIDE

Isa_abdulwahab@yahoo.com, Isaabdulwahab@gmail.com 08033045613

Indian laws inhibit Nigerians embarking on Micro businesses-Envoy

N

igerians in India are not allowed to start businesses though Indians run restaurants, an airline, shops many other businesses all over Nigeria, says the country’s high commissioner.

“Indian immigration is not being too helpful in terms of arrivals of Nigerians in India. We facilitate Indians going to Nigeria,” Nigeria High Commissioner to India, Samuel Amaku complained.

“All over Nigeria, there are Indian restaurants and shops. But

here, Nigerians are not allowed to start businesses. The regulations here are too stringent even for petty businesses,” the high commissioner told IANS in an interview.

Amaku also pointed out that though Nigerian banks operate in many parts of the world, they haven’t been able to establish a foothold in India.

“Nigerian’s living here are even unable to open an account, so how can they start a business,” Amaku asked, saying he regularly receives complaints from his compatriots

living in India. The Nigerian community in India spread over cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Jaipur is estimated to be around 10,000 strong.

However, the actual numbers registered with the high commission are much lower and this partly explains the plight of Nigerians in India. Most of them are unable to start even small businesses like barber’s or food shops because of local laws. Many Nigerians in India end up overstaying their visas and

Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, briefing journalists on her ministry’s efforts to provide regular fuel supply in the country, on Friday at the State House, in Abuja. Photo: Joe Oroye

Race to Fed. Reserve hots up, as Obama lists qualities for next Fed chair

By Abdulwahab Isa with agency report

R

ace for next chair of Federal Reserve began in earnest with President Barack Obama yesterday hinting his nominee for the position will be someone who embraces the Central Bank’s dual mandate to promote price stability and maximum employment,.

Bloomberg yesterday quoted Obama in an interview with New York Times as saying “You can anticipate that over the next several months, an announcement will be made,” saying he hasn’t made a final decision.

Obama isn’t expected to nominate a successor to the current chairman, Ben S. Bernanke, until at

least September, an administration official said yesterday.

Bernanke, whose second fouryear term ends on Jan. 31, hasn’t indicated whether he would seek or accept a third term. Last month, Obama said the Fed chairman has stayed in the post “longer than he wanted.”

Obama declined to say who the finalists are, amid speculation that former Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers and Fed Vice Chairman Janet Yellen are leading candidates.

Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew said summers and Yellen are “both extraordinarily talented people” and that he has “great admiration for both of them,” while declining to comment on whether Obama may nominate

either of them to lead the Fed. “We will keep those discussions to the privacy of the Oval Office,” Lew said on CNN’s “State of the Union” in an interview airing yesterday.

In the interview at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, Obama said he wants a chairman who understands the Fed’s dual mandate to promote maximum employment and price stability.

“And when unemployment is still too high, and long-term unemployment is still too high, and there’s still weak demand in a lot of industries, I want a Fed chairman that can step back and look at that objectively and say, let’s make sure that we’re growing the economy, but let’s also keep an eye on inflation,” Obama said.

unable to pay the penalty, fall into the clutches of the law or become easy prey for criminals.

The Nigerian High Commission had brought this problem to the notice of the delegation of Nigeria’s House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora which visited here last year. The visiting members of parliament were informed that more than 500 Nigerians were in various jails across India, while most Nigerians resident in India lacked special skills that could enable them to compete with local skilled manpower.

India has a larger, law-abiding Nigerian community, some of whose retailing success stories here can be effective counters to its negative public image in India, the envoy said.

The All-India Nigerian Students and Community Association, a non-official arm of the Nigerian embassy, helps members of the community living in India by liaising with local police. Official figures show that nearly 40,000 Nigerians obtained Indian visas during 2012. Students coming to India for higher education make up a significant percentage around 20 percent - of Nigerians in India.

Following Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Nigeria in 2007, bilateral relations were upgraded to the highest level of a strategic partnership, including defence cooperation, under which Nigerian military personnel are able to train in India’s defence establishments.

On the plane of bilateral economic ties, the high commissioner underlined that the level of engagement between both countries is currently not commensurate with “worth and size of the relationship”. Despite Nigeria becoming India’s largest trading partner and oil supplier from Africa, with bilateral trade reaching volumes of $16-17 billion per year, there are still no direct air services between the two countries.

A lesser known fact elsewhere is that Indian films are quite popular in Kano, Kaduna and other northern states of Nigeria and local channels regularly telecast Indian films. India will help set up a film city in Kano state of the west African country, whose booming movie industry will be celebrating

Ecobank Nigeria increases lending to agric sector - Pg 20

Dangote Cement posts N107.7bn profit in six months - Pg 21

CBN

Exchange Rates

as at 26th July, 2013 Buying Selling

$

154.76

155.76

€

239.39

239.93

£

205.32

206.64

Riyal

41.26

41.53

Parallel Rates Buying

Selling

$

157.50

158.40

€

250

253.00

£

206.00

210.00

Riyal

43.00

45.00

MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY Evaluate your potential customers

B

efore you launch a new product, you need to have an idea of how many people will buy it. There are two ways to do this. If you’re already selling products, it’s often easiest to start by looking at your existing customers. Who among them might find this new product useful? Then build up your forecast from there.

Think about other people who are similar to your current customers, including those in adjacent market segments. This

is called a bottom-up approach.

To do a top-down calculation, start with a large, diverse population (say the entire population of the U.S.) and then use a series of qualifying attributes, such as income level or age, to narrow your potential market.

To get the best of both of these methods, have two people on your team use each one and then compare the results.

Source: Harvard Business Review

Money Market

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

PAGE 20

Company News

US stocks face first weekly loss

W

eak results from several United States companies helped tug the stock market down slightly on Friday, putting major indexes on course for their first weekly loss this month, The Associated Press reported .

Many traders are also looking ahead to a packed schedule of events next week, including a Federal Reserve meeting and the government’s…

NLNG resumes full operations

T

he Nigeria LNG Limited, on Friday, said it had lifted the force majeure declaration placed on its buyers and gas suppliers, following the resolution of the crisis between it and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency. The company, in a statement by its General Manager, External Relations, Dr. Kudo Eresia-Eke, said it lost all…

NRC set to repair rail sidelines

T

he Nigeria Railway Corporation has announced its plan to rehabilitate rail sidelines to enhance the movement of trains and ensure safety of its passengers. The Managing Director of the Corporation, Mr. Adeseyi Sijuwade, made this known in Lagos on Thursday during the commencement of a third weekly Lagos – Kano intercity passenger train. He said,…

Total increases Technip’s $100m contract for Egina field

T

otal Upstream Nigeria, a joint venture partner of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, has awarded more contracts to Technip, a French company, in a string of contract awards for the development of the $15bn Egina deep-water field off Nigeria. Technip had, earlier in the month, landed a contract worth $100m to supply umbilicals to Total’s…

Transcorp, three others seek N32.47bn from capital market

T

ransnational Incorporated Plc, Sterling Bank Plc and two other listed firms have secured the approval of the Nigerian Stock Exchange to raise about N32.47bn from the capital market. The other two companies, according to information obtained by our correspondent from the NSE are Wapic Insurance Plc and Resort Savings and Loans Plc.

Deputy Project Officer, lead-shared services, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Eme Eleonu (left), addressing participants during a forum on cash-less policy, on Saturday in Port Harcourt.

Ecobank Nigeria increases lending to agric sector E

cobank Nigeria says it will grow its agriculture support loans to over N50billion in the next one year.

This according to the bank is in line with its policy to support the growth and development of the agriculture sub-sector of the economy as part of the bank’s contribution to the agricultural transformation agenda of the Federal Government.

Ecobank Country Head, Agric and Export Finance, Abel Ajala who disclosed this said the bank has introduced concessionary interest rates for its agriculture finance scheme, as well as created a robust Agriculture and Export units

adequately manned by (with) professionals for easy loan risk assessment, ensuring that beneficiaries utilize fund given to them judiciously.

Mr. Ajala noted that Ecobank is currently supporting the agriculture value chain that comprises the producers, the processors and markets/ exporters of agricultural products.

He reiterated that the focus on the agric sector has become necessary to stem an impending food crisis on the continent.

According to Abel Ajala agriculture accounts for over 40 percent of Gross Domestic Product of most

FirstBank partners Airtel Networks

F

irst Bank of Nigeria Limited, through its mobile payment solution FirstMonie is partnering with Airtel Networks Limited (Airtel Networks).

The partnership aptly titled the ‘Firstmonie Talkmore Campaign’ which was formally launched last week will enable Airtel Network’s subscribers who sign up to the FirstMonie platform to send money, receive money, buy airtime, pay bills and so much more with the use of their mobile phones without the need of a bank account. Duly registered Airtel subscribers who register for the FirstMonie service will receive N100 e-value and will be eligible for N240 bonus Airtel airtime.

The Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, FirstBank, Mrs. Folake Ani-

Mumuney said the FirstMonie platform which facilitates the entry of the unbanked and underbanked population into the financial system offers an excellent medium for Airtel subscribers to send funds securely to their families and friends anywhere in the country.

According to her, FirstMonie is open to subscribers of the Airtel network across the nation and registration is initiated by dialing *894# on any basic mobile phone or by logging on to https://www.firstmonie.com/ iweb or https://www.firstmonie. com/imobile.This is accessible only on internet enabled phones or Mobile Applications available in Blackberry Application World, Android Play Store and Apple Store.

African countries and must be supported to stem the declining fortune in recent years. He commended the agricultural transformation agenda of the Federal Government noting that Ecobank has been supporting the Central Bank of Nigeria and Ministry of Agriculture transformation agenda by giving loans to

customers in the agriculture value chain system including those in export business.

He advised farmers to see agriculture as a business saying stakeholders are ready to support the sector to take centre stage in local food production, employment and wealth creation for discerning Nigerians.

Wema Bank total assets climb to N245.7bn Stories by Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

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ema Bank Plc has announced an increase in its total assets from N221.16 billion recorded in 2011 to N245.70 billion in 2012 representing 11.10%.

The bank’s statement of Comprehensive Net Interest Income also grew by 17.57% to N11.77 billion in 2012 from N10.01 billion in 2011 while Net Fee and Commission Income was N4.76 billion in 2012, an increase of 63.57% from N2.911 billion in 2011.

A statement from the bank which showed its audited results for 2012 and its half year unaudited results for the period ended June 30, 2013, recorded an 18.3% increase in total deposits to N174.3 billion in 2012 and a return to profitability in its 2013 half year results.

The Bank also announced a successful completion of its N40 billion capital raising exercise

which commenced early in the year which it said, will further bolster its return to profitability and top performance in 2013 in line with the Bank’s multi-year strategic plan.

The N40billion capital inflow was successfully realised from a mixture of private and institutional investors and is currently awaiting final approval by regulators.

Commenting on the results, Segun Oloketuyi, MD/CEO of Wema Bank stated that he was pleased with the bank’s performance and return to profitability which is in line with the Bank’s projection.

He further stated that despite the capital constraints experienced in 2012, Wema Bank was able to record considerable growth in Total Deposits and Net Interest Income, while capitalizing on existing business relationships to generate impressive growth in Fees and Commission Income.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

L

eading cement manufacturers, Dangote Cement Plc. has announced a profit before tax (PBT) of N107.7 billion in the half year ended June 30, 2013.

According to the Cement Company’s six month financial result released on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the profit before tax rose by 52.8 percent compared to N70.8 billion recorded in the corresponding period in 2012.

Gross profit was on the upward swing also, increasing by 43.8 percent, from N91.9 billion to N132.1 billion while operating profit moved up from N76.4 billion to N111.1 billion, indicating an increase of 45.4 percent.

The management in a statement highlighting the performance of the firm and endorsed by the Chief Executive, Devakurma Edwin, said Dangote Cement increased sales in Nigeria by recording sales of 6.76 million tonnes in the first half of 2013 representing 29.4 per cent sales increase.

The management noted that the improved sales figure was more than double the growth rate of the overall Nigerian cement market, estimated to be around 14.2% in the same period.

According to him “We estimate our market share to have remained at about 62% across the first half of 2013. Pricing remains steady across our operations. The strong growth

Capital Market PAGE 21

Dangote Cement posts N107.7bn profit in six months 29.4% increase in shipments we achieved was more than double the market’s rate of growth. Customers are increasingly asking for direct deliveries, which I am pleased to report will soon account for half of our cement sales in Nigeria.

Brokers laud AMCON’s contributions to financial sector stability From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

Alhaji Aliko Dangote we achieved was satisfied by additional output from the Ibese plant, which opened in the first quarter of 2012, and higher output from Obajana (the new Line 3 came on stream in the first quarter of 2012). Furthermore we achieved this strong rate of growth despite the fact that our Gboko plant was mothballed during January.

“At the same time we are in-

creasing our commitment to deliver cement directly to our customers and all of our plants substantially increased direct-to-customer deliveries during the period. Direct-tocustomer deliveries are approaching nearly half of all dispatches.”

Chief Executive, stated that Nigeria’s demand for cement remained robust across the first six months of 2013 “however the

after tax, which saw its PAT rise to N10.9bn from N1.8bn in 2011.

A profit which was driven by a turnover of N675.5bn in 2012, reflecting a growth of 18 per cent from the N573.2bn it made the previous year.

Addressing shareholders at the meeting, the Chairman, Oando Plc, Oba Michael Gbadebo, said the company was on the verge of hitting the growth target it had set, following the acquisition of ConocoPhillips Nigerian’s assets.

He said, “This year (2013) will witness the closure of this deal, thereby signalling our arrival as a major upstream player in Nigeria.”

He assured that Oando’s midstream business had expanded its pipeline network, while the down-

stream businesses would grow their market share and focus on new areas.

“Overall, we are confident and optimistic in what the future holds and look forward to growing shareholder value in the years ahead,” he said.

Ahead of the AGM, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Wale Tinubu, had expressed satisfaction at the performance of the firm in 2012.

He said, “We are pleased to report our 12 months performance for 2012, in which we have taken positive steps in the implementation of our strategic focus to build our diversified higher margin business segment.”

Oando declares N5.1bn dividend

O

ando Plc has declared a total dividend of N5.1 billion for financial ended December 31, 2012.

At the company’s 36th Annual General Meeting, in Lagos, shareholders approved a dividend payout of 75 kobo per share for investors of the company whose names appeared in the company register and this translated to N 1.5 billion They commended the board and management of the company for guiding the firm to achieve positive results but complained about the delay in the payment of the dividend which according the company will be on the 31st of August 2013.

The company had reported an increase of 526 per cent in its profit

“We are making good progress in Africa and investors will see good returns on our investments in new capacity across the continent.

Dangote Cement is well on the way to becoming a major force in global cement production”, he assured.

T

he contribution of the Asset Management Corporation of the Nigeria (AMCON) to the relative stability in the nation’s financial sector has been commended by the stock broking firms.

To demonstrate their appreciation, the Association of Stock broking Houses of Nigeria (ASHON) recently bestowed Capital Market Institution award on the Corporation.

At its inaugural Capital Market Night in Lagos, ASHON honoured AMCON as the Capital Market Institution award, which has just been introduced by the brokers to recognize outstanding institutions that have made significant contributions to the development of the financial sector and economy in general.

Speaking on the award, the Chairman of ASHON, Mr. Emeka Madubuike, said the intervention of AMCON in the financial sector by buying off delinquent loans from banks cleaned up the balance sheets of banks and reposition them perform their role of economic financing and development of the country.

He added that the forbearance package given to brokers that have to do with margin loan also complemented AMCON’s intervention

in the banking sector.

“Without AMCON, no one knows where the Nigerian economy would have been by now. The cleaning up of banks’ balance sheets impacted positively on the economy in general and the capital market in particular because the banking sector and capital market works together to grow the economy.

In recognition of its contributions, ASHON decided to recognize AMCON as the Capital Market Institution for 2013” he said.

Madubuike commended the leadership of AMCON and pledged stockbrokers’ cooperation with the bad bank as all stakeholders work towards the restoration of full confidence in the stock market.

The ASHON boss also urged market operators to brace up for the changes coming with the market recovery.

He therefore, called for a lot of hard work, integrity, transparency and collaborative efforts to confront the obvious changes that lie ahead.

“We believe that by working together, all of our members will survive in one form or the other.

Our association –the front-line operators of the capital market, has gone through very difficult time in the last five years since 2008, but thankfully we are beginning to see a recovery, which gives us a lot of hope going forward,” he said.

Blue chips dragged down market by 3.09 % Stories by Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

T

ransactions on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) last weekend, ended amidst feelings as the twin market indicators- the All Share Index and market capitalization dropped by 3.09% respectively.

Driven by the activity in the financial services sector, the market recorded an 0.614 billion new shares and a turnover of 2.500 billion shares worth of N17.035 billion in 28,638 deals were traded in contrast to a total of 1.886 billion shares valued at N15. 536 billion that exchanged hands in 28,619 deals the previous week.

Specifically, the NSE All-Share Index depreciated by 3.09% to close on Friday at 37,145.65 while the market capitalization of the listed equities on the main board

also declined by 3.09% to close at N11.764 trillion. Also, the NSE 30 Index depreciated by 3.88% to close at 1,742.22.

Five of the NSE indices depreciated during the week: NSE Consumer Goods, NSE Banking, NSE Insurance, NSE-Lotus II and NSE Industrial Goods declined by 4.50%, 6.40%, and 0.58%, 2.02% and 0.46% respectively. The NSE Oil/Gas appreciated by 7.93% while NSE-ASEM remained unchanged.

The Financial Services sector (measured by volume) led the activity chart with a turnover of 1.139 billion shares valued at N8.847 billion traded in 15,274 deals; contributing 45.58%, 51.93%, 53.33% to the total equity turnover volume, value and number of deals respectively.

The Diversified Industries

subsector of the Conglomerates sector was the most active during the week. Volume in the subsector was driven by activity in the shares of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc which accounted for 1.021 billion shares, representing 99.63% and 40.68% of turnover recorded by the subsector and total turnover for the week, respectively.

Analysis of the activity in the market showed that the Banking subsector of the Financial Services sector boosted by activity in the shares of Sterling Bank Plc followed on the week’s activity chart with a subsector turnover of 706.877 million shares valued at N6.232 billion exchanged hands by investors in 10,169 deals.

Twenty eight (28) equities appreciated in prices during the week lower than fifty (50) equities of the

preceding week. Sixty (60) equities depreciated in prices higher than thirty-nine (39) equities of the preceding week, while one hundred and six (106) equities remained constant higher than one hundred and five (105) equities of the preceding week.

Forte Oil led the gainers table in percentage terms, enhancing by 47.24 per cent or N14.06 kobo to close at N43.82 kobo, Mrs Oil Nigeria Plc followed with a gain of 42.96 per cent or N10.86 kobo to close at N36.14 kobo while Conoil Plc appreciated by 33.08 per cent or N8.37 kobo to close at N33.69 kobo.

Other stocks that recorded price appreciation were Champion Breweries Plc 28.81 per cent, Paint and Coatings Manufacture Plc 9.64 per cent, Pharma- Deko Plc 9.63 per cent, Glaxo smithline

consumer Nigeria Plc 9.09 per cent, Beta Glass Company Plc 9.00 per cent, A.G Leventis Nigeria Plc 8.97 per cent and Neimeth International Pharmaceutical Plc 8.70 per cent.

Conversely, Transnationwide Express Plc topped losers chart, shedding 33.67 per cent or N0.67 kobo to close at N1.32 kobo, ABC Transport Plc trailed with a loss of 20.16 kobo or N0.26 kobo to close at N1.03 kobo while IHS Plc depreciated by 19.53 per cent or N0.74 to close at N3.05 kobo. Other firms that recorded price depreciation were NPF Micro Finance Bank Plc 16.67 per cent, IPWA 15.50 per cent, Guinness Nigeria Plc 11.54 per cent, Royal Exchange Plc11.29 per cent, Costain (WA) Plc 10.34 per cent, International Energy Insurance Company Plc 10.00 per cent and Academy Press 10.00 per cent

PAGE 22

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

Economy

Ja’iz Bank: The exciting future of Islamic finance

There is no denying the fact that Ja’iz Bank, which pioneered Islamic banking in Nigeria, is providing an alternative model or at least redefining the conceptual approach to banking and finance. Aminu Imam reports the success story of Ja’iz, which against all odds, is making progress in delivering the benefits of non-interest banking system to Nigeria.

F

or so many reasons, non-interest (Islamic banking) is growing around the world and growing fast in recent times.

It is asserting itself as key player in the global financial system and showing how the edifice of banking need not to be built around fear, uncertainty and insatiable greed but rather, on strong moral and ethical framework with socio-economic justice as the ultimate goal and without jeopardising reasonable profit-making.

If looked at from a generally underpenetrated market position, Islamic banking has considerable growth opportunities when compared to the more developed conventional banking model.

For instance, in 2011, the Islamic banking worldwide assets grew by 19 percent to $1.3 trillion and increased profit making by 15 percent during that period.

Non-Interest banking is a profit-growing global phenomenon practiced in nearly 70 countries all over the world including, the United Kingdom, Canada, United States of America, United Arab Emirate, Malaysia, China, Singapore, South Africa, Kenya etc.

Global Banks like HSBC, Citibank, Barclays Bank etc. are also offering it. It is an alternative financial service offering which is open to all irrespective of race or religion. It is based on ethical principle of fairness, transparency and objectivity.

Non-interest banking offers almost all the services offered by conventional banks except that they do not give or receive interest, nor finance anything that is harmful to society, like alcohol, tobacco, gambling etc. It also seeks to avoid gharar- speculation, uncertainty, deception and more. In a nutshell, non-interest is a profit and loss sharing arrangement where the mode of financing is mostly on mark-up, leasing and partnership basis.

In Nigeria, confidence in the viability of the non-interest banking model is growing by the day. The business potential for a Non-Interest Bank in Nigeria is enormous, because such an institution has been long awaited by a population of over 78 million people, representing over 50% of the country’s population of an estimated 155 million craving for non-interest banking services.

In 2012 Ja’iz Bank, Nigeria’s first Islamic bank, opened shop. Several attempts to establish Islamic Bank in Nigeria in the past met stiff resistance from religious quarters most of it based on ignorance or fear of the unknown or both.

Since it opened shop, Ja’iz has witnessed phenomenal growth in customer base, assets and branch network. This confidence is accentuated due to the fact that the bank opens its doors to both Muslim and nonMuslim (allying the fear that Islamic Banking is for Muslims only). It is on record that first and third persons to access financing from the bank were of Christian faith.

Jaiz Bank Plc was created out of the ashes of the former Ja’iz International Plc, which was set up in 2003/2004 as a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to establish Nigeria’s first full-Pledged Non-Interest Bank.

It is an unquoted public company owned by over 3000 shareholders spread over the six geographical zones of Nigeria and is being positioned to be a national bank, offering its services to all regardless of religious beliefs.

The bank obtained a regional operating license to operate a non-interest bank from

the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on the 11th of November 2011 and begun full operations as the first Non-Interest Bank in Nigeria on the 6th of January, 2012, with 3 branches located in Abuja FCT, Kaduna and Kano.

From a humble start of three branches in 2012, today, the bank operates from 10 branches and it is eyeing to double that number before the end of 2013.

The regional license allows the bank to operate geographically in the country.

Also, based on recommendations from Islamic Development Bank (IDB), who is also a shareholder of the bank, Jaiz Bank Plc has partnered with Islamic Bank Bangladesh (IBBL) for Technical and Management Assistance.

Jaiz Bank Plc plans to upgrade to a national operating license in early next year.

Consequently, it will increase its current share capital base which is in excess of N9.5 billion to N12 billion. This upgrade will enable the bank operate in all 36 states of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory, thus position it to compete effectively in one of the most thriving sectors of the Nigerian economy.

In this regard, the IDB membership of the board is expected to provide a lot technical input.

Jaiz Bank Plc makes profit from different service offerings. Foremost is trading, which means the bank buys and sells items. The second method is leasing, while the third method is through partnership with investors.

Among Jaiz Bank’s different service offerings include the Jaiz Auto Finance (JAF), which is designed for salary account holders in public, private and other reputable organizations.

It operates under the principle of Murabaha (Cost plus mark-up). The Bank purchases the vehicle and sells to the customer with a reasonable mark-up (otherwise called profit). The repayment is structured under an agreed deferred period which could be in lump sum or by fixed installments.

Its features are available for both new and fairly used cars, with a maximum tenor of 3 years for fairly used cars and 4 years for new cars. It has easy and convenient repayment plan which requires a maximum Commitment Deposit (Hamish Jiddiyyah) of 20% for fairly used and 10% for new cars.

There’s also the Jaiz Household Appliance (HAS), which is a consumer financing product based on the principle of Murabaha (cost plus mark–up) and Bai-Muajjal (sale on credit). It is a convenient asset acquisition scheme which enables the customer to acquire household items without the burden of instant payment. The repayment is structured over an agreed period usually on a monthly basis.

It is suitable for acquisition of any household asset(s), and requires a minimum Commitment Deposit (Hamish Jiddiyyah) of 10%; it has an easy and convenient repayment plan with a maximum tenor of 2 years.

There is also the Ja’iz Home Finance

“

Jaiz Bank Plc plans to upgrade to a national operating license in early next year.

Consequently, it will increase its current share capital base which is in excess of N9.5 billion to N12 billion. This upgrade will enable the bank operate in all 36 states of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory, thus position it to compete effectively in one of the most thriving sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Jaiz Bank MD, Mr. Hassan Usman (JHF), a home finance product that enables customers acquire, complete or even renovate a home under the principle of Ijara wa iqtina (a lease to own). The asset/property is purchased/constructed and owned by both the bank and the customer jointly.

The Bank then leases its part to customer against agreed rental payment over a contracted period of time.

The product is targeted at salary account holder’s, professionals, business owners, landowners and non-resident Nigerians, etc. and requires a minimum equity contribution of 20% and has a maximum tenor of 7 years.

Another product is the Murabaha (Cost plus financing); this is a convenient financing product for corporate and individual customers. It is tailored for short-term finance requirements (working capital or asset acquisition) and allows the customer the flexibility for a differed repayment over an agreed period either in lump sum or fixed installments.

It is suitable for acquisition arrangement (partnership, lease and sale) whereby both the customer and the Bank purchase and own an asset jointly.

Here, the customer agrees to lease the Bank’s portion with an option of taking full ownership upon full payment of the Bank’s share. Thus, the monthly payment is made up of two components: a purchase of the Bank’s share and a rental fee.

It also has a flexible and convenient payment option and also requires a minimum equity contribution of 20% and has a maximum tenor of 7 years.

However, for anyone to benefit from these array of product offerings by the bank, one needs to open and operate an account.

All these service offerings guarantee competitive pricing. Ja’iz Bank is focusing mainly on retail banking, but will also offer corporate and commercial banking services. This focus will make it easy to service the majority of Nigerians who want do away with Riba (Usury) in their daily activities.

As the first non-interest (Islamic) bank in Nigeria providing alternative finance option, Ja’iz will feature more prominently whenever Islamic finance is discussed. Indeed the future is quite exciting.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

PAGE 24

Special Report

Last Friday, His eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan led a delegation of Christian faithful to the National Assembly Quarters Central Mosque in Abuja for an Interfaith Peace Prayer and Iftar (breaking of fast) with some Muslims led by Sheikh Muhammad Nuru Khalid. Ahmed I. Shekarau, who was there takes a look at the implications of such symbolic interaction, and asks whether that is the recipe for peaceful co-existence between adherents of the two major religions in the country.

W

hen in October 1991 renowned European evangelist, Reinhard Bournke, proposed a massive crusade in the predominantly Muslim inhabited commercial city of Kano, the city went up in flames a few days to the event, resulting in the abrupt abortion of the campaign. At least 2,000 people-mostly Christianswere killed in the riot, while 13 churches were burnt and 22,000 people were displaced.

Bournke, who was already in Kano for the crusade as part of his Christ for All Nations Africa campaign, had to hurriedly exit the city.

In April 1994, there was conflagration in Jos, the capital of Plateau state over the choice, by the Abacha administration, of Aminu Mato, a Muslim, to head the caretaker council of Jos North local government area in the predominantly Christian inhabited state. Dozens were

PAGE 25

killed in that violence. Since then, there were no fewer than six major religious upheavals in the same state leading to the May 2004 violence in Yelwa. In the Yelwa incident, over 700 Muslims were killed.

Indeed, prior to the 2004 mayhem in Yelwa which led to the imposition of Emergency Rule on Plateau, Nigeria’s history has been replete with records of Muslim-Christian conflicts, mostly in the northern part of the country. For instance, within slightly more than a decade (1980-1992), no fewer than 17,200 people were reportedly killed while millions were displaced and hundreds of places of worship were destroyed in Muslim-Christian hostilities. These incidents include the Maitatsine riots in Kano (December 1980; October 1982; February 1984 and April 1985); the KadunaKafanchan mayhem of March

Can Muslims and Christians coexist peacefully in Nigeria?

L-R: Secretary, National Assembly Quarters Central Mosque Committee, Hon. Shuaibu Abdullahi; Chairman, IRDF and Chief Imam of the Mosque, Sheikh Muhammad Nuru Khalid, and His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, during the Interfaith Peace Prayer and Iftar on Friday, in Abuja.

1987; the April 1991 Katsina and Bauchi religious riots, and the Zangon-Kataf crises (February-May) in 1992. The situation was to worsen from 2009 when Jama’atu Ahlis Sunnah lid Da’awati wal Jihad,

commonly called Boko Haram began its campaign of violence with attacks and bombing of government officials and institutions, and ultimately started targeting Christians in their churches for elimination.

A cross section of participants at the Interfaith Peace Prayer and Iftar on Friday, at the National Assembly Quarters Central Mosque, in Abuja.

But why? Why all these killings and mayhem in the name of the peace-loving God? These are quite likely to be questions that Muslim and Christian citizens of other nations who are confronted by the appalling reports of these kinds of disturbances in Nigeria, and who are neither privileged to live in the country nor read much of its history, would be tempted to ask.

The answers are farfetched.

One, this is a nation of over 150 million people, about 70% of who are illiterate, and therefore gullible. Two, Nigeria is a country where strife of private interests are often masqueraded as contests of principles by a small clique of charlatans who claim to be leaders, and

who have for decades held the entire nation hostage. Three, and most disturbingly, it is a nation where societal dregsdrug addicts, armed robbers, brats and drunkards-are often accorded the status of super clerics.

Associated with all these therefore, is the proliferation of sects within the two dominant religions in the country-Islam and Christianity. The various emerging religious sects are mostly founded to serve the private interests of people in two of the three groups categorized above; that is, the political charlatans and the rogue clerics, all of which constituted barely 10% of the country’s citizens. And with an illiterate gullible majority in

the population it is easy to see why religion has become one of the major fault lines in Nigeria, often exploited to spill blood for mundane causes.

Out of the maze of religious extremism and jingoism however emerged a new phenomenon where Muslim and Christian clerics join hands and snake into various communities to champion the causes of religious tolerance, peaceful co-existence and harmony between adherents of Christianity and Islam.

This new phenomenon, often described as The Voice of Reason, is widely believed to have been pioneered by two Kaduna based clerics-Imam Muhammad Nuraini Ashafa and Pastor James Wuye.

Commonly referred to as ‘The Imam and The Pastor’, the duo began to preach religious tolerance at the peak of the religious upheavals in Kaduna state in the year 2000. Imam Ashafa and Pastor Wuye have received numerous national and international awards for their diligent efforts to promote dialogue and religious tolerance between Muslims and Christians, stretching their advocacies even beyond Kaduna to other volatile states like Plateau.

Subsequently therefore,

other clerics began to emulate the example of ‘The Imam and The Pastor’. This trend became much more fashionable during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims are much sober. And so it was last Friday when Sheikh Muhammad Nuru Khalid, invited His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan and his followers to the National Assembly Quarters Central Mosque in Abuja for the 2013 Interfaith Peace Prayer and Iftar (breaking of fast) session, the second in a series. The session, held in the conference hall of the Mosque, had in attendance members of various interfaith groups particularly the Abuja Interfaith Peace Building Forum, comprising mainly the youth, as well as Women of Faiths Network. Also present were members of the Islamic Research and Da’awah Foundation which is chaired by Sheikh Khalid. In the Christian delegation were Reverend Father Nwakpuda Rowland of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Kagini, and the Cardinal’s Personal Assistant, Nwaiwu Dominic.

The event witnessed various symbolic peace gestures such as joint distribution of the sumptuous meals that were served there by both Muslim

L-R: His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan and Sheikh Muhammad Nuru Khalid, admiring some of the food items readied for distribution during the Interfaith Peace Prayer and Iftar on Friday, at the National Assembly Quarters Mosque, in Abuja. and Christian women, exchange of pleasantries such as Assalamu’alaikum and Shalom, as well as presentation of bags of rice for subsequent meals by the Cardinal. Preceding these was the distribution of date-

palms by the Cardinal to mainly fasting Muslims, ahead of the call-to-prayer for the Islamic adherents to break their fast.

The significance of such a small but remarkable peacebuilding gathering was not

“

...in the absence of a new generation of selfless political leadership that is devoid of the futile hankering for power, prestige and wealth, it will be safe to conclude that Nigeria has a long walk to take to religious tolerance

. A section of the Muslim and Christian youths who participated in the Interfaith Peace Prayer and Iftar on Friday, at the National Assembly Quarters Central Mosque, in Abuja.

Photos: Ahmed I. Shekarau

lost on Sheikh Khalid, who as Chief Imam of that Mosque and chief host of the short ceremony, could not hide his joy while welcoming his guests.

He emphasised that “this goes to show (other) Nigerians that despite the differences in the way we are worshiping the Almighty (God) we are still one, we are Nigerians, and we have no other country to live than Nigeria”. The Imam also used the opportunity to warn fellow citizens never to allow people “who are not respectable, who are not responsible” to destroy Nigeria in the name of religion.

Responding, Cardinal Onaiyekan said he was particularly pleased that “there are many young people” who had joined in last Friday’s session. “If the young people of the different faiths embrace such an idea (of religious tolerance), it means the future is better”, he enthused. There were other brief remarks by the chairman and the secretary of the Legislators’ Quarters Mosque, Senator Abubakar Danso Sodangi and Hon. Shuaibu Abdullahi respectively, co-presidents of the Interfaith Peace Building Forum, Abubakar Muhammad Sarki and Earnest Chukwuedo, as well as Sister Agatha Chikelue of the Women Faiths Network.

Contd. on Page 26

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Special Report

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

A long walk to religious tolerance in Nigeria

Contd. from Page 25

B

ut given the vulnerability of Nigeria to religious upheavals, especially the North of country, often at the slightest of provocations, many keen observers will argue that last Friday’s peace prayer and iftar at the Apo Quarters Mosque, even if replicated in some other cities, would be too inconsequential to curb the incessant MuslimChristian conflicts in the country.

For instance, there is currently a Muslim-Christian Dialogue Forum established in northern Plateau state, which has brought together the predominantly Muslim Hausa and Fulani in the area, as well as the predominantly Christian Berom, Afizere and Bassa citizens.

The forum, being sponsored by the Canadian government in conjunction with the European Union (EU), is making some inroads towards resolving the seeming intractable religious violence in Plateau. Even at that, there is no doubt that a lot more is required to douse the prolonged animosity between Muslims and Christians in that part of Nigeria, and the country in general. The pertinent question therefore, still remains whether Muslims and Christians can ever coexist in Nigeria devoid of the kind of resentment that is glaring in their relations today.

Both Cardinal Onaiyekan and Sheikh Khalid appear to be optimistic about a new Nigeria devoid of bloodsheds “in the name of God”, in the nearest future.

According to the Cardinal, “if we look at our country now, 90% of Muslims have no problem with 90% of Christians. In fact, maybe even more. Most of us are living together in peace in our offices, in the markets, in our villages”. He said

His eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan distributing date-palms to some Muslims ahead of the Iftar (breaking of fast) during the Interfaith Peace Prayer and Iftar on Friday, at the National Assembly Quarters Central Mosque in Abuja. though people worship differently, “in our daily lives, we’ve learnt to live together”.

For Onaiyekan, therefore, “the fact that there are a few cases of people who do not want this kind of living together, I think should not make us forget the reality on ground”, adding that: “When I come out like this to promote interfaith harmony, I’m confident

Abubakar Muhammad Sarki, Co-President of the Abuja Interfaith Peace Building Forum, making short remarks during the Interfaith Peace Prayer and Iftar on Friday, at the National Assembly Quarters Central Mosque in Abuja.

(of light at the end of the tunnel) because I know I’m building on a foundation that is there.

“Fortunately, that foundation is in line with my favour, and with the way I understand my Faith, which says that God is One; and all those who believe in One God must love one another”, he said, emphasising that “it is our duty as religious leaders to get that message out”. The Boko Haram phenomenon, which he admitted, has widened the already existing gulf between Christians and Muslims in the country, makes it the more imperative for adherents of the two faiths, especially the clerics to interface more regularly and work out ways to better educate their followers on relationship management in these times of agony. “This is the more reason why we need to remind ourselves that the Nigeria in which we live in and the Nigeria in which we want to live in is possible”, he stressed.

With regards to the increasing exchange of hate messages between Muslims and Christians lately in the country, which are being exacerbated by the advent of the social media, the cleric said: “The answers to hate messages are love messages. The more people send hate messages the more we should send love messages. Everybody has access to his/her cell phone. If you get a hate message you send a love message. And eventually, love conquers hatred”.

Sheikh Khalid could not agree more with his eminence, the Cardinal. He adds, however, that the time has come for government to regulate religious preaching to check the excesses of sections of both Muslim and Christian clerics who orchestrate violence, hate

mongering and even anarchy in their sermons. “There are some people who are claiming to be clerics but they are not. They lack that fundamental teaching of their religion....And we’re calling on the government to regulate preaching.

That is the only way (out)”, he said.

How far these efforts of Sheikh Khalid and the Cardinal, along with those of some other voices of reason

would go in altering the religious and even ethnic boundaries that exist in Nigeria today, is something which only time can tell. Because, in the absence of a new generation of selfless political leadership that is devoid of the futile hankering for power, prestige and wealth, it will be safe to conclude that Nigeria has a long walk to take to religious tolerance.

Sister Agatha Chikelue, Co-Chair of the Women of Faiths Network, making brief remarks during the Interfaith Peace Prayer and Iftar on Friday, at the National Assembly Quarters Central Mosque in Abuja.

Photos: Ahmed I. Shekarau

PAGE 27

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

Education

wallybabe2010@gmail.com, 08050639900

AfDB approves $45m grant for creation of Pan African Varsity for Science, Technology

By Maryam Garba Hassan

T

he African Development Bank (AfDB)s board of executive directors has approved an African Development Fund (ADF) grant of US $ 45million to support the creation of a Pan-African University (PAU).

According to a statement issued by the bank, the new university, which consists of five Pan-African institutes, when established will focus mainly on science, technology and innovation and would be a groundbreaking step in strengthening higher education and building human capital in Africa.

According to AfDB, Africa has been slow to develop its science and technology sectors and commercialise its innovations.

It said currently, the best African university ranks just 113th globally and that of the 400 top universities worldwide, only four are in Africa, all of which are in the Republic of South Africa.

It said while Africa accounts for 13.4 per cent of the world’s people, it produces only 1.1 per cent of world scientific knowledge.

The PAU will establish an academic network of already existing post-graduate and research institutions, intended to serve all African countries.“consisting of five thematic institutes based in East, West, Central, North and Southern Africa. “ The PAU will deliver programs in Basic sciences, technology and innovation (East Africa), Earth and life sciences including health and agriculture (West Africa), Governance, humanities and social sciences (Central Africa), Water and energy sciences including climate change (North Africa), Space sciences (Southern Africa)” it stated.

“Thousands of students all over Africa will benefit from this project.

This is a regional effort to help African universities achieve world-class status. It will increase the pool of African scientists and researchers, not only to serve the needs of the continent but to help youth become competitive in international labour markets,” said Agnes Soucat, Director of the Human Development Department, AfDB. It said the project will contribute to the skills needed by African countries to add value to their natural resources and enhance competitiveness and youth employment contributing to the AfDB’s overall objectives of inclusive and green growth.

The PAU is also a major step towards establishing the African Higher Education and Research Space, by contributing to: (i) Efficient regional higher education governance system; (ii) Improved quality of higher education at the regional level creating strong links with the labour market; (iii) equitable access to quality higher education in science, technology and engineering fields; and (iv) increased number of institutions achieving world-class status, it added.

The project will also help set up the governance structure of the PAU at central and country levels as well as academic and research capacity. The first

three PAU thematic institutes will be based in Kenya, Nigeria and Cameroon.

The statement further explained that the important operation is a response

to a request for technical resources for of a network

from the African Union assistance and financial the design and operation of hubs of excellence in

higher education to help meet the need for education, training and research in five key areas of African development.

L-R: Director, Administration and Personnel, Osun East Education District Office, Mr. Fatai Awoyeye, Manager, Opon-Imo Project Management Office, Mr. Oyekunle Odelola, Project Manager, Mr. Sam Omoruyi, Director Inspectorate Osun East Education District Office, Mr. Adagunodo Sunday, Deputy Director, Inspectorate Osun East Education District Office, Mr. Francis Bamidele, Principal Education Offices, Osun East Education District Office, Mrs, Olajide Margaret and others, during the training of secondary school teachers in Osun East Education District on the usage of Opon-Imo (Tablet of Knowledge), on Saturday at Oduduwa College, Ile-Ife.

600 enroll for Action Learning MBA with Business School

By Maryam Garba Hassan

O

ver 600 participants have enrolled for subject specific three-day Action Learning executive development courses and Executive MBA at the Business School Netherlands in Nigeria as the executive school expands its offerings.

Visiting Global CEO of the school, Mrs. Juanita Bouwer disclosed the development on Friday, during a press briefing, as part of her visit to Nigeria.

The executive management education courses are in Customer Relationship Management Business Development, Finance for Non-Financial Managers Human Resources Management, Marketing Management, and Risk Management.

Other courses are in Operations Management, Six-Sigma, Total Quality Management, Heart of Leadership and Human Capital Development.

The three-day intensive executive courses are offered in Otta, Lagos and Abuja study centres of Business School Netherlands

(BSN), for a fee of N150, 000 per participant, according to the CEO of BSN Nigeria Mr. Lere Baale.

Bouwer was in Nigeria as part of activities marking the Silver Jubilee of the business school, with headquarters in Netherlands and outreach in 15 countries across the world.

“My visit is also in particular, to welcome the 42 new graduates of our executive MBA programme from Nigeria. The present class brings to over 200 the number of graduates of our MBA programme from this country and it is a significant landmark and achievement.

I shared with them their joy and expectations for the future as they proudly proclaim their membership of the worldwide growing body of alumni of Business School Netherlands’, she said.

She said BSN is interested in growing its activities in Nigeria given warm and enthusiastic response of the Nigerian market to its unique Action Learning pedagogy.

The global CEO, who said Nigeria is a “strong centre” of the 15 centres of BSN, stated further: “We are looking at greater

collaboration with it in solving Africa’s economic and leadership challenges using our unique Action Learning approach in preparing future generations for a better life. We expect that the managers and specialists who train using our Action Learning methodology would apply their practical learning to solving problems in their various workplaces and accelerating productivity.

“Higher productivity of all resources is critical for enhancing development in Nigeria.

As several authorities have noted, when we get development right in Nigeria, we have gotten it right in Africa”, she stated.

Business School Netherlands commenced offering tuition in Nigeria in 2003, operating from the African Leadership Centre, Otta, in Ogun state, before moving to its own premises in Ikeja GRA, Lagos; it also has a study centre in Abuja.

The school was recently ranked in the top five among business schools in Netherlands and would soon open more study centres in Port Harcourt and Jos, to meet the demand for focused executive education.

Fashola splashes N256m on 128 public schools for academic From Ayodele Samuel,Lagos

L

agos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola recently issued a cheque of N256 million to 128 public secondary schools in the state, as re-award for excellence performance.

Fashola said that the state government had recently employed 1,200 new teachers to boost teaching and learning in schools, especially in public secondary schools.

He said, while handling over the sum to the schools at the third edition of the Lagos Eko Project awards, a World Bank assisted project, which was attended by the former Attorney-General of the federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ajibola and Chief Molade OkoyaThomas explained that each of the 128 schools selected from the 661 junior and senior secondary schools across the state would be given N2 million.

...employs 1, 200 public teachers

While presenting the cheques to the schools, he said that the money would be utilised by the awardees to further develop their schools.

Explaining the reason for the award, the governor said the award was conceived to enhance academic standard though the promotion of healthy rivalry among schools in the state.

Fashola said “the award has enabled us to diligently monitor performances of students, schools and teachers and promote academic excellence in Lagos public secondary schools.”

The governor stated that the programme, “mid-wifed by the Lagos Eko Secondary Education Project , was one of the efforts by the state government to transform public education in the state.”

According to him, “In 2008, the pass rate of our pupils who made credits in five subjects, including English and Mathematics was just 10.5 per cent. But by 2012 it had tripled to 38.5 per cent. This is not our destination .We hope our results will keep getting better than those of the preceding year. That is what we want and we are working towards that.”

He however announced international leadership training for 24 teachers and principals who acquitted themselves remarkably well in the discharge of their duties, adding that recently, “we employed 1200 teachers and they are currently undergoing requisite documentation to formalise their appointment to join the team of the reliable workforce of the state.” he said.

The governor said “all these is to ensure that we leave no stone unturned in the bid to revolutionise the education and restore confidence in the public schools.

The governor said 19 new schools had been established across the six education districts of the state to widen access to public education, saying “it has increased the number of secondary schools in the state from 641 to 661.”

Fashola added that the government was also providing facilities and equipment in schools to facilitate teaching and learning and enhance academic performance.

Speaking earlier, the Special Adviser to the governor on Eko Project, Ms Ronke Azeez said the award aimed at motivating pupils and schools to attain excellence.

She said since the commencement of the project about four years ago, it had transformed public schools, education system and had enhanced performance substantially.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

PAGE 29

Healthy Living

Tobacco smoke more dangerous to secondhand smokers

By Abbas Aminu Bamalli

A

ccording to Wikipedia e n c y c l o p e d i a dictionary, Tobacco is a product processed from the dried leaves of plants in the genus Nicotiana that can be used as a pesticide, and extracts from ingredients of some medicines and is commonly consumed as drugs.

It is also manufactured from the leaf used in cigars and cigarettes, snuff, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, flavored shisha and even plant bioengineering.

The addictive alkaloid nicotine is popularly considered the most characteristic constituent of tobacco but the harmful effects of tobacco consumption can also be derived from the thousands of different compounds generated in the smoke, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

The use of tobacco is an activity that is practiced by about 1.1 billion people, and up to 1/3 of the adult population, as the rates of smoking have leveled off or declined in developed countries, but continues to rise in developing countries like Nigeria.

Tobacco use leads most commonly to diseases affecting the heart and lungs, with smoking being a major risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, chronic obstructive pulmornary disease (COPD), including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, and cancer, particularly lung cancer Experts said that the use of tobacco may extend for decades into the future, which is made more tragic by the fact that the negative effects of tobacco are entirely preventable, as quitting tobacco use greatly reduces illness by immediately providing short-term benefits and lowering risk of all diseases caused by smoking.

Reports indicates that it kills nearly six million people every year in African countries, and more than 600 000 of those affected by the use of tobacco, whether smoked, chewed, sniffed or however way it is consumed are mostly (second hand smoking).

In facts, as revealed recently by the World Health Organisation (WHO), tobacco kills up to one half of it users and remains one of the leading preventable cause of death.

The case in Nigeria, report clearly shows that the use of tobacco or smoking cigarette most especially among the youths is increasing gradually which indeed affect their health.

As a result of this serious effect of the use of tobacco,

The most harmful effect of the use of tobacco is by smoking experts said if the trend continues, there is the tendency that tobacco use will kill over 5 million people each year by 2030 Recently, the minister of health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan at the occasion marking the official release of the Nigeria Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), said “Tobacco is the leading preventable cause of death globally, it is the only legal consumer product that kills one third to one half of those who use it as intended by its manufactures, with its victims dying on average 15 years prematurely”.

The study by GATS underscores the urgent need for the Nigerian government to implement proven tobacco control policies to keep smoking rates low and prevent a devastating tobacco epidemic at a time when tobacco companies are targeting Africa as a promising market for

growth.

The Nigeria’s report also indicates a high level of risk to those who do not understand the risks of breathing secondhand smoke. One in four Nigerians does not believe that secondhand smoke is harmful to non-smokers.

Secondhand smoke – a deadly mixture of more than 7,000 chemicals, at least 69 of which cause cancer – is a known cause of death and disease in non-smokers. The only way to effectively protect the public from the dangers of secondhand smoke is through the implementation of 100 percent smoke-free laws Anti-tobacco campaigns have been on for years, but cigarette producers have found ways to scale up their techniques of marketing their product, such as the distribution of free branded products like large umbrellas, kiosks, polythene bags and the likes.

Evidence has shown that tobacco companies are

Tobacco use leads most commonly to diseases affecting the heart and lungs, with smoking being a major risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, chronic obstructive pulmornary disease (COPD), including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, and cancer, particularly lung cancer

investing heavily in getting people addicted to their deadly products, and there is certainty that tobacco related diseases such as lung cancer and heart disease will compound the burden already feeling from communicable diseases like malaria, turberculosis and HIV/ AIDS. The passing of the National Tobacco Control Bill 2009 by the Senate in March 2011 which recommends the banning of smoking in public places, establishing a minimum legal smoking age and restricting advertising, as well as more significantly banning the sale of single cigarette sticks.

The fact that it took two years for the Senate to vote on, shows it was the first indication that it is not a priority, was thought to herald the start of a change in government attitude towards tobacco control.

However, it is not expected that the bill will significantly impact smoking habits in Nigeria given the lax implementation of such laws in the country historically.

Although, recently the president said the nuisance which tobacco smoke perpetrated by the smokers in the public places in contravention of the no smoking in public place law, calls for a more efficient and effective enforcement of the ban of smoking in public places, and also called on nonsmokers to stand up for their right to a smoke free environment

In 2011, the tobacco market registered the strongest value growth of the review period.

Although in volume terms the growth of cigarettes (the dominant category) remained stable, albeit slowing slightly on 2010, value growth was driven by the fact that cigarette smokers are smoking fewer economy-priced cigarettes and more mid-to-premium priced brands. An increase in the population as well as growing urbanisation and westernisation continued to contribute to the slow rise in smoking prevalence.

Smokeless tobacco also saw strong growth in 2011, although Swedish-style snus performed poorly, just a year after having been launched in the Nigerian market.

The Nigerian cigarette industry is essentially a near-monopoly, with British American Tobacco (Nigeria) Ltd (BATN) dominating cigarette volume sales in 2011 through its ownership of the top three brands – Benson & Hedges, Rothmans and the fast growing London. However, its share fell slightly in 2011, whilst that of Japan Tobacco Inc rose thanks to a good performance from its relatively low-priced Dorchester and Aspen cigarette brands. Apart from these major international players, the only major local player in the market, International Tobacco, is suffering from their presence and seeing its share decline.

PAGE 30

Healthy Living

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

Why fruits should be taken on empty stomach

By Abbas Aminu Bamalli

T

o most of us, a fruit is a plant part that is eaten as a dessert or snack because it is sweet, but to a botanist a fruit is a mature ovary of a plant, and as such it may or may not taste sweet. All species of flowering plants produce fruits that contain seeds.

A peach, for example, contains a pit that can grow into a new peach tree, while the seeds known as peas can grow into another pea vine.

To a botanist, apples, peaches, peppers, tomatoes, pea pods, cucumbers, and winged maple seeds are all fruits.

A vegetable is simply part of a plant that is grown primarily for food. Thus, the leaf of spinach, the root of a carrot, the flower of broccoli, and the stalk of celery are all vegetables. In everyday, nonscientific speech we make the distinction between sweet plant parts (fruits) and nonsweet plant parts (vegetables). This is why we speak of peppers and cucumbers and squash—all fruits in the eyes of a botanist— as vegetables.

It may interest you to know that fruit play a major role to detoxify your system, supplying a great deal of energy for weight loss and other life activities.

FRUIT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FOOD. Let’s say you eat two slices of bread and then a slice of fruit. The slice of fruit is ready to go straight through the stomach into the intestines, but it is prevented from doing so.

In the meantime the whole meal rots and ferments and turns to acid. The minute the fruit comes into contact with the food in the stomach and digestive juices, the entire mass of food begins to spoil....

Eating fruit on an empty stomach or before meals!

People complain, “Every time I eat watermelon I burp; when I eat apples, my stomach bloats up; when I eat a banana I feel like running to the toilet, and so on, but this will not arise if you eat the fruit on an empty stomach, but if taken after meal, it mixes with the putrefying other food and produces gas, hence you will bloat!

Also, gray hair, balding, nervous outburst, and dark circles under eyes will NOT happen by taking fruit on an empty stomach.

There is no such thing as

some fruits, like orange and lemon are acidic, because all fruits become alkaline in our body, according to Dr. Herbert Shelton who did research on this matter, master the correct way of eating fruits, and you will have beauty, longevity, health, energy, happiness and normal weight.

Drink only fresh fruit juice, NOT from the cans. Don’t even drink juice that has been heated up. Don’t eat cooked fruits because you don’t get the nutrients at all. Cooking destroys all the vitamins.

Eating a whole fruit is better than drinking the juice.

If you should drink the juice, drink it mouthful by mouthful slowly, because you must let it mix with your saliva before swallowing it. You can go on a 3-day fruit fast to cleanse your body. Just eat fruits and drink fruit juice throughout the 3 days and you will be surprised when your friends tell you how radiant you look!

KIWI: A good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin E & fiber. Its vitamin C content is twice that of an orange.

APPLE: Although an apple has a low vitamin C content, it has antioxidants & flavonoids which enhances the activity of vitamin C thereby helping to lower risks of colon cancer, heart attack & stroke.

STRAWBERRY: have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits & protect from cancer-causing, blood vessel-clogging free radicals.

ORANGE : Taking 2-4

oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent & dissolve kidney stones as well as lessening the risk of colon cancer.

WATERMELON: Composed of 92% water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione, which helps boost our immune system.

A key source of lycopene the cancer fighting oxidant.

Other nutrients found in watermelon are vitamin C & Potassium.

GUAVA & PAPAYA: For their high vitamin C content. Guava is also rich in fiber, which helps prevent constipation. Papaya is rich in carotene; good for your eyes.

Drinking Cold water after meals = Cancer!

It will solidify the oily stuff you have just consumed and slow down digestion...

Once this ‘sludge’ reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine.

This will turn into fats and lead to cancer. Better to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.

HEART ATTACK PROCEDURE’: Not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting. Be aware of pain in the jaw line.

You may never have chest pain during a heart attack.

Nausea and intense sweating are common symptoms. Sixty percent who have an attack while asleep do not wake up.

Pain in the jaw can awaken you.

Daily Health Tips.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

PAGE 31

International

The Egyptian video scam that duped the media ANALYSIS

By Daud Abdullah

O

n July 6, a fiveminute video [re-posting of the original] entitled “Muslim Brotherhood &Gama’aIslamiya throw kids off buildings in SidiGaber” was posted on the internet. Within hours it went viral, evoking a torrent of hysterical commentary from every quarter. Reactions were not limited to social networks; Egyptian and international TV channels also weighed in. Regrettably, few took the time to either examine the authenticity of the video or verify the alleged crime.

Was it just a co-incidence that the location of the incident was the SidiGaber district in Al e xand ri a? No . In 2010 Egyptian police tortured and killed a young man, Khalid Said, from this very district.

The sheer brutality meted out to him made him a cause celebre . Many believe that his killing was one of the immediate catalysts which triggered the January 25 revolution.

In this context, some may view the July 5 video alleging the Muslim Brotherhood and Gama’aIslamiyathrowing kids off buildings as an attempt to erase the memory of the martyr Khalid Said.

But it would be a travesty of justice if a poorly produced video would achieve this end.

There is virtually no context to the production, except for the pervasive sound of gunshots in the background. The idea is to give the impression that there is some kind of confrontation.

Despite its intensity and apparent erratic nature, not a single person is hurt in the shootings. Indeed, no one captured on camera seemed worried about being shot.

As for the actual filming, it starts suddenly with a shot of the “kids” and ends abruptly with their fall and alleged “death”. Curiously though, there was not even an attempt to focus on the dead bodies, as would be expected. Likewise, no attention was drawn to people’s reaction. In fact there is no clear action happening below the building.

On the whole the film is rather short and each scene seems to be rushed - the “beating and killing behind the reservoir” lasts for 20 seconds; and the throwing off for another 20. That was the “ultimate scene”. In the end of

Pro- Mursi supporters the video shows the individuals present behaving as if the “fall” is the end of the film.

They casually move on with no visible alarm or shock, given the gruesome nature of what had just happened.

Another curious aspect of the video is the tone of the commentator’s voice. Like the main characters, he is totally dispassionate and expresses no shock or horror; the type that would naturally be associated with such an occurrence. The narrator’s disconnect is so complete that it does not allow them to show any measure of sympathy that would normally

be expected of an onlooker.

When some emotions are expressed, they are clearly feigned, and often unrelated to the actual scene. We are told, “look, they are killing them,” w h e re no t h ing c an b e s e e n.

Similarly, we are told, “he’s dead,” whereas few people would be so certain that falling off a 4-5 metre height would kill a person.

The logical conclusion after viewing this video is that this was a staged-managed exercise intended to incite public opinion against coup-resistors, solicit support for the coup and justify the persecution of

“

Islamists.

The speed with which this poor production has spread, not only on social networks, but on several Egyptian channels as well as major regional channels such as Al Arabiya and Middle East Broadcasting Centre (MBC) [which have been staunchly supportive of the coup] gave its allegations a huge measure of uncritical publicity.

Two days after the release of their first video the shadowy producers posted a second film on the internet, claiming that it covered the incident from an alternative angle. If nothing

Another curious aspect of the video is the tone of the commentator’s voice. Like the main characters, he is totally dispassionate and expresses no shock or horror; the type that would naturally be associated with such an occurrence.

else this second video showed conclusively that someone, or group, somewhere, was absolutely determined to “prove” the veracity of their claims; given the manifest flaws of the first production.

When taken altogether it is hard not to conclude that both productions were commissioned by the same source. Their ultimate objective was the same: to manipulate the viewers into believing that they are watching a crime being committed; a violent crime and, more crucially, a religiously and politically motivated crime.

The blind acceptance of both videos and the publicity given to them must, in hindsight, serve as a potent warning. That there are people and institutions who believe it is necessary to fabricate such productions in order to support their claims about “Islamist terrorism” and advance their political agendas. The complicity of certain sections of the media in this operation is obvious as it is shocking; and in the absence of an impartial and credible media, poses serious questions for the future.

Source: Aljazeera

PAGE 32

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

International Egypt’s Brotherhood stays on streets despite killings

T

housands of supporters of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood stood their ground in Cairo on Sunday, saying they would not leave the streets despite “massacres” by security forces who shot dozens of them dead.

Egypt’s ambulance service said 72 people were killed in Saturday’s

violence at a Cairo vigil by supporters of deposed President Mohamed Mursi, triggering global anxiety that the Arab world’s most populous country risked plunging into the abyss.

Mursi’s Brotherhood, which won repeated elections after the fall of autocrat Hosni Mubarak in 2011, has vowed not to leave the streets

unless Mursi is restored to power.

His supporters accuse the military of reversing the uprising that brought democracy.

“They will not be content until they bring back everything from the era of the corrupt, murderous security and intelligence state,” senior Brotherhood official Essam el-Erian said on Facebook. “They’ve

Mursi’s supporters have vowed to keep up protests

stepped up their efforts to do so by committing massacres never before seen in Egyptian history.”

Although Cairo was quiet on Sunday morning, violent clashes rattled the Suez Canal city of Port Said, with a 17-year-old youth killed in fighting between the pro- and anti-Mursi camps and a further 29 people injured, security sources said.

The violence has deeply polarized Egypt, with its secular and liberal elite so far showing little sympathy for the Brotherhood or reservations about the return to power of a military which ruled for 60 years before the 2011 uprising.

However, in one of the first signs of doubt from within the interim cabinet installed after the military takeover, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs ZiadBahaa El-Din said the government must not copy the “oppressive and exclusionary policies” of its foes.

And in another sign of unease, the Tamarud youth protest movement, which mobilized millions of people against Mursi and has fully backed the army, expressed alarm at an announcement that the interior minister was reviving the feared secret political police shut down after Mubarak was toppled.

Zimbabwe arrests Tsvangirai’s poll organizer

Z

imbabwean police have arrested Morgan Komichi, the election organiser of Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s party after he reported marked ballot papers were found in a dustbin following early voting, the party and police said.

The arrest on Sunday came as thousands of President Robert Mugabe’s supporters gathered at a national sports stadium in Harare for his final rally ahead of July 31 elections.

“Around 6:00am (04:00 GMT)

our deputy national chairman, Honourable Morgan Komichi, who is a deputy minister of transport, was picked up at his home by the police,” Nelson Chamisa from the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) said.

Police spokeswoman Charity Charamba confirmed the arrest which came just three days before key general elections, but did not elaborate on the charge against Komichi.

Komichi this week handed an envelope with ballots marked

for Tsvangirai to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).

The MDC said several such ballots had been dumped in a dustbin at the Harare International Conference Centre after security forces, who will be on duty in Wednesday’s polls, voted early on July 14 and 15.

Chamisa accused the ZEC of launching a witch-hunt instead of dealing with the dumped ballot issue after the commission insisted Komichi be questioned over his source.

Chamisaalso reiterated Tsvangirai’s fears of a rigged vote.

“The development we have witnessed seriously demonstrates a dent on the credibility of this election. It demonstrates a perforation of the integrity of ZEC,” he said.

The MDC, which won more votes in parliamentary elections in 2008 than Mugabe’s ZanuPF party, still had not received important election-related information, he added.

Al Shabaab claim attack on Turkish mission in Somalia

A

car loaded with explosives rammed into an office housing Turkish embassy staff in the Somali capital, killing three people, witnesses and officials said, the latest in a series of blasts claimed by Islamist al Shabaab rebels.

Al Shabaab was pushed out of bases in Mogadishu by Somali and African forces about two years ago, raising hopes of a return to relative security in a city hit by years of war.

But the militants have kept up guerrilla-style attacks and continue to control large rural areas, challenging the authority of a government less than a year old.

The group has carried out several brazen attacks in the past two months, including one on an African peacekeeping convoy that killed eight and another on the main U.N. compound in Mogadishu that killed 22 people.

“A suicide car bomb targeted a building housing Turkish embassy workers near K4 (Kilometre Four),” police officer Ahmed Mohamud told Reuters from the scene of the blast.

Three people were killed and nine others were wounded, he said.

“The car was taking advantage of a Turkish car that was going into the building, thus the car bomb exploded and destroyed the gate,” he said.

A Turkish government official told Reuters that one Turkish security officer was killed when the mission’s guards clashed with the attackers as they attempted to enter the complex.

Three Turkish officers were being treated for their wounds, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Al Shabaab, which said earlier this month it would increase

Turkish embassy staff carry the wounded on a stretcher after a suicide car bomb attack at an office housing Turkish embassy staff .

attacks during the Ramadan fasting period, claimed responsibility for the bombing on its Twitter feed.

“Mujahideen forces in Mogadishu have just carried out an operation targeting a group

of Turkish diplomats in Hodan district,” al Shabaab said.

“All the Mujahideen who carried out the operation have returned safely back to their bases inside Mogadishu, preparing for the next operation.”

Tunisian opposition may set up rival ‘salvation government’

T

unisia’s secular opposition, angered by two assassinations in its ranks and emboldened by the overthrow of Egypt’s president, said on Sunday it was considering setting up an alternative “salvation government” to challenge the Islamist-led leadership.

If agreed, the move would mark a significant escalation by the country’s opposition groups, who say they have no interest in reconciliation with the ruling Ennahda party.

“We will meet this evening to discuss creating a new salvation government and will study the possibility of nominating a new prime minister to replace this failed government,” said JilaniHammami, a leader of the Salvation Front coalition and Tunisian Workers’ Party.

“There is no longer any doubt that the time for it to go has passed.”

Tunisians are bracing for what many worry may be one of the most tumultuous and critical periods in their transition to democracy since the toppling of autocratic president Zein El Abidine Ben Ali in 2011, a revolt that inspired uprisings across the Arab world.

Last Thursday, assailants gunned down the opposition figure Mohamed Brahmi - the second assassination targeting the secular opposition in six months.

The opposition blames the Islamist Ennahda party for the killing and protests have erupted in the capital Tunis as well as other provincial cities.

The secular opposition had already been poised to mobilize against the Islamist-dominated government, inspired by the mass protests in Egypt that saw the army oust and detain the former Islamist president.

Critics of the Tunisian opposition say the campaign is threatening stability during a fragile transition process.

The speaker of parliament said on Saturday the government was discussing a new power-sharing deal and urged lawmakers withdrawing from the transitional Constituent Assembly to reconsider.

“It’s not rational to throw in the towel just meters away from the finish line,” Mustafa Ben Jaafar said in a televised speech.

By Sunday, the number of parliamentarians who had withdrawn from the 217-member body had risen to 64. The lawmakers will join a sit-in outside the parliament.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

PAGE 33

International

Israel approves peace referendum bill an issue deciding the country’s future.”

The decision comes a day after Netanyahu said that Israel would free 104 Palestinian prisoners to coincide with the resumption of long-stalled peace talks.

“I agreed to free 104 Palestinians in stages, after the start of negotiations and according to progress,” he wrote on his official Facebook page on Saturday evening.

A Palestinian official told

AFP news agency on Saturday that a US-brokered renewal of negotiations, stalled since September 2010, would open in Washington on Tuesday.

There has so far been no official confirmation.

A cabinet briefing paper said the government saw the referendum bill as “urgent and important” and said it would be asking parliament to fasttrack its passage into law.

Israeli media said that it could go before the house for a first reading this week.

If adopted, a referendum would be a final endorsement of a treaty after ratification by the government and parliament.

The draft is seen as a gesture to rightwing ministers

seat gain to address a wealth gap that had been created in the country.

“Many people came out to vote and voted very enthusiastically, which is something people said they hadn’t seen before,” Heidler said.

“Now the opposition can at least try to change some policies.”

Opposition leader Sam Rainsy had returned to the country just a few days earlier, after receiving a royal pardon for charges of racial incitement and

Netanyahu

T

he Israeli government has approved a bill to submit any peace treaty with the Palestinians to a referendum, a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said.

“Any agreement which may be reached in negotiations will be put to a referendum,” it quoted him as saying on Sunday.

“It is important that on such historic decisions every citizen should vote directly on

apprehensive of concessions that could be demanded of Israel in the talks.

It would oblige a referendum in cases where territory over which Israel claims sovereignty is ceded in a peace agreement or by a cabinet decision.

That would include any part of mainly-Arab East Jerusalem, which Israel occupied in the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed in a move never recognised by the international community.

The Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state.

Israel rules out ceding sovereignty over any part of what it calls its “eternal and indivisible capital”.

Cambodia ruling party claims victory in polls

C

ambodia’s incumbent Prime minister has claimed victory in the country’s general elections, continuing his decadeslong rule according to a government spokesman.

Opposition party, the Cambodia National Rescue Party, did not go quietly in the elections on Sunday, claiming 55 seats to Prime Minister Hun Sen’s 68.

“We can say we’ve won this election,” Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) spokesman KhieuKanharith told AFP. The CPP had 90 seats in the previous parliament, so if confirmed the result would mark the loss of more than 20 seats to the opposition.

The general election was Cambodia’s fifth since 1993, when the United Nations helped stage the country’s first free polls since the 1975-79 genocidal rule of the Khmer Rouge and a subsequent period of civil war and one-party rule.

Scott Heidler, reporting from Phnom Penh, said the opposition would use its 26-

destruction of property.

The National Election Committee has not yet published figures.

The Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), said earlier it had won the election but later withdrew the statement.

Cambodia Prime minister Hun Sen casting his vote during the polls

Syrian army ‘makes key gains in Homs’

S

yrian government forces have taken most of the Khalidiyaneighbourhood in the central city of Homs, one of the few remaining districts there under rebel control, activists and media say.

Rebels had held Khalidiya for more than a year in a city seen as a symbol for the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad.

The capture reflects a series

of recent gains by loyalist forces.

The UN says more than 100,000 people have been killed in the 28-month conflict in Syria, with a further 1.7 million Syrians forced to seek shelter in neighbouring countries.

The pan-Arab television station al-Mayadeen said 80% of Khalidiya was now under the control of government forces.

One Syrian army officer said:

“Only the northern sector is left and that will be liberated within 24 hours.”

Footage showed heavily damaged buildings, piles of rubble and smashed concrete.

Activists said that only the Old City of Homs and a few other districts remained under rebel control.

They accused Lebanese Hezbollah fighters of taking part

in the offensive.

Homs is a strategically important city, linking the capital Damascus to the coast.

Attempts at holding a peace conference on Syria have been delayed by differences between international powers, particularly Russia and the US, and doubts about whether all sides within the country would attend.

Asia & Middle East

Shias slump in Kuwait polls

K

uwait’s Shia minority has lost more than half of their seats while the country’s liberals and Islamists improved their previous score in the country’s parliamentary polls.

According to official results, released by judicial authorities on Sunday, Shia candidates won just eight seats in the 50-member parliament dentingtheirpreviousrecordof17seats in December 2012 polls, scrapped in a court ruling last month.

According to the results, the Liberals, who had no seat in the previous parliament, won at least three this time while Sunni Islamists increased their presence from five to seven seats.

Only two women were elected compared to three in the previous parliament even as the new parliament includes as many as 26 new faces, reflecting the desire of Kuwaiti voters for change in the hope of an end to ongoing political crisis.

Some groups who had boycotted the previous polls chose to take part this time, in particular Bedouin tribes and liberal groups.

Shias form about 30 per cent of Kuwait’s native population of 1.23 million.

According to figures posted on the information ministry website, voter turnout was 52.5 percent, compared to December’s record low of 40 per cent. The higher turnout came despite sweltering summer heat of 45 degrees Celsius, Muslim Ramadan fasting, and calls by the opposition to boycott the ballots.

It was the second time the opposition had called for a boycott in protest at an electoral law that it alleges enables the ruling Al-Sabah familycontrolled government to manipulate the outcome.

The law was ruled legal in June by the constitutional court, even though it dissolved parliament on procedural flaws, and ordered the fresh polls.

Saturday’s election was the sixth in the oil-rich emirate over the past seven years.

“I just hope this parliament completes its [four-year] term,” said civil aviation employee BassamEid, after voting in Al-Qasia. “We are frustrated at the repeated dissolution of the house,” he told AFP. The last two parliaments were dissolved by the constitutional court on procedural grounds, while previous parliaments were dissolved by the emir.

None of the Kuwaiti parliaments elected from 2003 onward has completed its full four-year term.

The first elections in Kuwait were held in 1963, two years after the country’s independence.

Analysts, however, see little hope the election will bring political stability to the country, which has been rocked by lingering disputes since mid-2006 - when about a dozen cabinets were formed and voters went to the ballot five times - stalling development.

PAGE 34

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

International

Pope Francis holds final Brazil Mass

P

ope Francis is closed the biggest-ever Roman Catholic World Youth Day event with a Mass on Brazil’s Copacabana beach.

Up to three million people were estimated to have gathered for the service in the city of Rio de Janeiro.

Many of the pilgrims had slept on the beach after attending an all-night vigil, which the Pope also led.

Sunday’s ceremony marked the end of his first foreign trip since becoming pontiff in March.

Pope Francis, who has spent five days in Brazil, was due to fly back to Rome later on Sunday.

Wyre Davies in Rio says almost every inch of the twoand-a-half mile long beach was occupied ahead of the Mass, as most of the young people stayed after the vigil, pitching tents or sleeping in the open.

Female activists held a demonstration nearby in support of abortion and women’s rights.

Davies says the Pope and the Church hierarchy will be delighted at the huge turnout and the way Francis has been received by pilgrims from across

T

Pope Francis greeting supporters at the Copacabana beach

the globe In the past three decades, the Catholic church has lost millions of followers to smaller Christian denominations.

In his vigil address on Saturday, the pontiff had urged the pilgrims not to be “part-time Christians”, but to lead full, meaningful lives.

Speaking on a huge stage at the beach where a mock church structure was built, Pope Francis referred to the street protests which have been taking place in Brazil for more than a month.

“The young people in the street are the ones who want to be actors of change. Please don’t let others be actors of change,” he

told the crowd at the vigil.

“Keep overcoming apathy and offering a Christian response to the social and political concerns taking place in different parts of the world.”

Also on Saturday, the Pope repeated his challenge to fellow Roman Catholic clerics to take to the streets.

carriages on fire. Of those, 31 were in critical condition.

After the accident, his face covered in blood from a head wound, Garzon spoke with both the train system control centre and emergency dispatchers.

Spanish newspapers have reported that transcripts of those communications show that he recognized he was going too fast.

Interior Minister Jorge Fernandez said on Saturday there was sufficient evidence to charge Garzon with reckless homicide.

He was released from hospital on Saturday but remained in police custody. Neither lawyers nor members of Garzon’s family could be contacted for comment.

The Alvia train, one of three types of high speed train services that run in Spain, received a full maintenance check on the morning of the journey, the head

of state train company RENFE said, and security systems in place were in good shape.

“As far as we know the train was in perfect condition when it set off on its journey,” Julio Gomez-Pomar told newspaper ABC. The Alvia trains run both on traditional tracks, where drivers must heed warning systems to reduce speed, and on high-speed tracks where a more sophisticated security system will automatically slow down trains that are going too fast.

At the section of the track where the accident happened, it was up to the driver to respond to prompts to slow down.

But Gomez-Pomar rejected criticism that the safety system was insufficient, saying the debate “does not make much sense”.

On Sunday, pilgrims and

passers-by continued to pay homage to the victims, placing flowers and candles at the gates of Santiago’s centuries-old cathedral as the city prepared for an official funeral on Monday, to be attended

by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy.

The accident comes at a bad time for Spanish AVE high-speed railway interests, seeking contracts in Brazil for a proposed line linking Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo.

Train drivers union SEMAF say the treatment of Garzon at this early stage in the investigation has been inappropriate. “(The police) are using information which hasn’t been checked, without having the official version, to arrest this man.

You can’t take someone away in handcuffs like that, it leaves a great deal to be desired,” said Santiago Pino, spokesman for train drivers union SEMAF.

Germans protest against US surveillance

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housands of people have gathered in Germany to protest against the alleged widespread surveillance of internet users by US intelligence services.

Protesters, responding to calls by a loose network calling itself ‘stopwatchingus’, went on the streets on to demonstrate in Hamburg, Munich, Berlin and up to 35 other German cities and towns.

Some wore tinfoil hats to shield themselves from the sun and make a political statement about warding off unwanted eavesdroppers.

Others held placards showing support for National Security Agency (NSA) leaker

Rousseff rules out more spending cuts

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Spanish train crash driver faces questioning

he driver of a Spanish train that derailed at high speed was due to be questioned by a judge on Sunday as officials try to determine to what degree he was responsible for the deaths of 78 people in the accident.

Francisco Garzon, 52, has been held by police on suspicion of reckless homicide, but has yet to be formally charged by a magistrate or to make any official statement.

The experienced driver was travelling at more than twice the 80 km per hour permitted on a curve going into the city of Santiago when the train careered off the track and smashed into a wall.

On Sunday all of the dead in the accident had been identified and 71 people were still hospitalized with injuries from the crash, which crumpled the train and set some of

Europe and Americas

Edward Snowden, who revealed documents detailing the agency’s

extensive secret surveillance programme known as Prism.

Protesters showed support for Snowden, who revealed NSA’s secret surveillance programme.]

The Prism revelations caused an international uproar against what many view as an invasion of privacy.

The scandal has been especially contentious in Germany after media reports claimed the NSA had conducted wide scale gathering of electronic data, including e-mails, of German citizens.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel raised the issue of the NSA’s alleged interception of Web traffic when US President Barack Obama visited Berlin last month.

But German opposition parties remain sceptical of the government’s claim that it had known nothing about the surveillance.

razilianPresidentDilmaRousseff ruled out additional spending cuts or a reduction in the number of government ministries from 39, saying the benefits of such measures to spur economic growth would be minimal, Folha de São Paulo newspaper reported on Sunday.

Rousseff said in an interview with Folha that all possible measures to contain budget expenditures have been taken and that trimming the number of ministries might hamper the government’s efforts to reduce social and economic inequality.

Rousseff reiterated that Finance Minister Guido Mantega “will stay where he’s always been: at the finance ministry.”

Critics of Mantega have called for him to quit, saying his efforts to kickstart economic growth have failed and have eroded credibility in the soundness of the government’s policy framework.

Brazil, Latin America’s largest country, has been rocked by a wave of massive protests, by mostly young people angered by government corruption, the misuse of public money, the high cost of living and a lack of jobs.

Rousseff defended her policies, saying inflation remains under control, the labor force is still adding workers, debt measures are around record-lows and investment in key areas is growing slowly. “We are still growing, despite grappling with a storm in our faces,” she told the newspaper.

Rousseff is struggling in opinion polls and there are mounting calls for the return of her popular predecessor, LuizInácio Lula da Silva, her political mentor.

Asked whether Lula might run for president again, she said: “I don’t know if Lula would come back because he never went off, he never left” the government.

Lula, whose two-term presidency lasted between 2003 and 2010, has repeatedly denied he has any intention of running for the presidency again.

“Everything that rises, comes down, and everything that comes down, rises,” Rousseff told Folha when asked about the decline in her popularity. In recent weeks, three key pollsters have shown her approval ratings as well as that of her government plunging an average 30 percentage points from almost record highs.

Rousseff

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

PAGE 35

Strange World

97-Year-old partially blind man creates masterpieces with Microsoft paint

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hen 97-year-old Hal Lasko was diagnosed with wet macular degeneration, which weakens the sight in the center of the field of vision, he thought his art-making days were over.

Then, he discovered the computer a n d M i c r o s o f t Paint, which help him zoom in close enough to see every pixel, and got a second chance at making art history.

Making art with a rudimentary software like MS Paint is a nightmare for modernday graphic designers, but Hal Lasko loves spending up to 10 hours a d a y creating stunning masterpieces one pixel at a time.

Hal, a.k.a. Grandpa, used to work as a typographer, drawing all kinds of interesting fonts, back when that kind of thing was dr a wn b y h a nd , a nd m ade maps during World War II. He retired during the 70′s but art remained a big part of his life, and he felt

One of Lasko’s paintings

devastated when he started losing his eyesight.

Hal thought his painting days were over, but his

worries were put to rest 15 years ago, when his family introduced him to Windows 95′s Microsoft Paint, which

a curb, water poured out of the vehicle. After a short chase, the BMW pulled over in a parking lot and the passengers, who were only wearing bathing suits, ran out and jumped into the nearby Mulde River.

As he approached the empty car, the policeman discovered it had been converted into a regular pool on wheels. The interior had been sealed, painted blue and filled with water.

The sides of the pool were lined with wooden planks, the steering wheel was covered in raffia, and next to the ignition switch was a beer bottle holder.

While the stunned policeman inspected the mobile pool, the owner and his friends watched from the other side of the river. With no way of reaching them, the officer deflated the tires, severed the spark plug wire and reported back to the station.

D

allowed him to zoom in to pixel level, enough for him to see what he was doing.

From that moment on,

Grandpa has spent most of his days moving pixels around and creating unique artworks that combine pointilism with 8-bit art.

Using an outdated version of Microsoft Paint, Hal Lasko is able to create anything from pixelated nature-inspired sceneries, animal portraits or abstract pieces.

Building works of art pixel by pixel is a timeconsuming process, but 9 7 - y e a r - o l d Grandpa says he has learned to be patient and never rush the creative process.

Hal is now legally blind and deaf, but he manages to overcome these setbacks with an incredible desire to create.

Prints of Hal Lasko’s pixelated artworks are for sale at $98, in celebration of his upcoming birthday. 10% of the proceeds will be donated to Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) programs.

A few months ago we featured the exceptional artworks of Tatsuo Horiuchi, a Japanese artist who makes digital art with Microsoft Excel.

Driver converts BMW Mother survives lightning into pool on wheels strike thanks to rubber boots

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ired of dealing with the unbearable summer heat, a 27-year-old driver from Eibenstock, Germany, had the notso-brilliant idea to turn his BMW convertible into a mobile pool, by completely sealing the passenger cabin and filling it with water.

A pool on wheels sound pretty cool, but unfortunately for its creator, the local police didn’t think so. The nutty driver and three of his friends were driving their unconventional vehicle around town last Sunday, when they passed by a motorcycle policeman who happened to see the car had no license plates and that one of the passengers was riding on the trunk.

As he pursued the suspicious convertible through Eibenstock, the officer noticed something very strange: every time it turned into

The BMW turned “pool on wheels”

eborah Kendall, 33, was hit by the lightning bolt as she put her two-year-old daughter in her car but escaped with only pins and needles and cramp.

The mother, who was struck by several million volts, told how doctors who treated her said it may have been because she was wearing her husband’s rubber-soled wellies at the time.

Mrs Kendall put her wellies on before stepping outside with an umbrella to shelter husband David, 36, as he carried their two-year-old daughter to their car.

She said: “We needed to get going, and it was absolutely pouring with rain.

“I only had little pumps on, so David said I should put his wellies on as my feet would get soaked otherwise.

“We put my daughter in the car and I was still holding the umbrella in the air when there was suddenly this white sheet of light.

“I heard a bang and felt it in my hand, then almost instantaneously a bang in my feet. There was a noise like when you stand next to a pylon. The electricity came down the umbrella, through me and out again.

“I think I was in shock - I said to David ‘I think I’ve been struck by lightning’. My whole body went heavy but I managed to run into the house. It was like I had cramp. Pins and needles set in and I called the 111 emergency helpline.”

Mrs Kendall, of Smalley, Derbyshire, was told to go straight to

Kendall believes her lucky escape was thanks to her husband’s rubber.

the Royal Derby Hospital, where she underwent tests, including an ECG scan, within an hour of arrival.

Mrs Kendall, who runs an online guide to Derbyshire, added: “I was so relieved to get the all clear. The doctors said the fact I was wearing David’s wellies may have insulated me and stopped the lightning from earthing.

“I dread to think what might have happened if i wasn’t wearing them. It could easily have gone the other way.

“My muscles still really ache, but other than that I feel strangely okay. It still hasn’t really sunk in.

“It is a very bizarre feeling. My mum always told me not to go out in a thunderstorm with an umbrella, but I never in a million years thought this

would happen.”

Web developer Mr Kendall said: “The wellies cost about £8.50 off Amazon. I was going to get rid of them because they were leaking, but I’m glad I didn’t now.

“I had just strapped our daughter in when suddenly there was there was a blinding white light above us and the biggest bang. It was deafening.

“I said ‘Woah’, and looked at Deborah as if to say ‘Did you see that?’

She just had a look of astonishment on her face and said ‘It hit us!’

“Then she said ‘You guys can get wet. I’m going in’, and ran off. It was incrediblystrange.I’mjustsogladithas all turned out okay. We feel incredibly fortunate.”

PAGE 36

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

Digest

Could your daily vitamin pills take years off your life?

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By David Derbyshire

itamin pills are big business - from chewable ones for children and tablets especially tailored for women going through the menopause to essential oils for dodgy joints and high-dose vitamin C to pep up your immune system, there’s a supplement for everyone.

But can vitamins actually be bad for your health?

It seems that your daily pill can do more harm than good. Indeed, last week saw the revelation that fish oil capsules have been linked to high levels of prostate cancer - a shock for the millions who take fish oils or omega-3 fatty acids every day in the quest to ease joint pain, improve heart health and fight mental decline.

A study of more than 2,000 men found that those with the highest levels of omega-3 in their blood were 71 per cent more likely to develop the most lethal form of prostate cancer, and 44 per cent more likely to develop low-grade prostate cancer.

And it’s not just omega-3 that is under scrutiny. According to Dr Alan Kristal, who led the study at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre in Seattle,thereissurprisinglylittleevidence that any vitamin or mineral pills prevent disease - unless people are suffering from a nutrient deficiency.

‘As we do more and more of these studies, we find high doses of supplements have no effect or increase the risk of the disease you are trying to prevent,’ he says. Yet millions of busy Britons take vitamins to compensate for

Enough: A glass of milk and yoghurt meets our daily calcium limit a poor diet.

Oneinthreeofustakesasupplement, and we spend about £209 million a year on vitamin pills. The message last week fromexpertswasnottopanic.DrMichele Sadler, the HFMA’s scientific adviser, said: ‘This type of evidence can indicate an association, but does not demonstrate cause and effect’ Formostpeople,takingmultivitamin and mineral supplements at the recommended dose is safe.

So amid all this confusing and sometimes contradictory advice, which supplements work and, more importantly, which ones are safe?

Multivitamins

A boy from the orphanage eats his midday meal fortified with moringa leaves

While they might be the most wide-ranging supplement in the UK - providing 100 per cent of our daily allowance of everything from vitamin Btocopper-thereislittle evidence that they do any good.

In 2010, French researchers followed 8,000 volunteers who had taken either a multivitamin or a dummy placebo pill for six years.

They found that those who popped the vitamin pill were just as likely to suffer heart disease or cancer as thosetakingtheplacebo.

That work followed a 2008 major review of 67 studies - involving 230,000 people - which found no evidence that multivitamins prolonged life.

Some studies have even suggested that high doses could do more harm than good.

In 2011, the Iowa

Women’s Health Study looked at the healthofmorethan38,000olderwomen and found that women who regularly took multivitamins were 2.4 per cent more likely to die over the 19 years of the study.

Their research also showed that use of vitamin B6 increased the risk of death during the study by 4.1 per cent, folic acid by 5.9 per cent, iron by 3.9 per cent, magnesium by 3.6 per cent, zinc by 3 per cent and copper by 18 per cent.

However, the study didn’t take into account the fact that many people start taking heavy doses of vitamins only when they develop serious diseases such as cancer.

ButDrKristalsays:‘Dozensofstudies of multivitamins show that they do absolutely nothing at the recommended doses.’

So if your diet contains plenty of fresh food and your five-a-day, it’s unlikely a multivitamin pill is essential.

Vitamin C Doctors have known since the 1750s, when British sailors were first issued with limes, that vitamin C is essential for health. It helps to heal wounds, strengthens the body’s connective tissues and keeps cells healthy.

But despite the many health claims made about vitamin C, there is little evidence that it does much good as a supplement.

While it does appear to shorten the duration of colds, there is little real proof that it staves off illness, Dr Kristal says.

Andthehighdosesrecommendedby some supporters of alternative medicine may do more harm than good.

In February, an 11-year study of more than 23,000 men found that those who took high doses of the supplement typically 1,000 mg - were twice as likely to develop kidney stones compared to men who took no pills.

A2002studyshowedthat1gdosesof vitamin C and vitamin E almost trebled the risk of premature death among postmenopausal women in any year.

The Department of Health says adults need 40 mg a day but doses up to 1,000 mg a day are unlikely to cause harm. Anyone worried about their intake should decide whether they are exceeding their safe daily dose.

‘For example, the effervescent vitamin drink Berocca contains 476 mg. Two doses would take you close the recommended limit.’

Vitamin E Found in nuts, germs, wheat and oils, vitamin E is vital for healthy cells.

According to the Department of Health, most adults need between 3 mg and 4 mg a day.

Studies have shown that foods rich in vitamin E may protect against heart disease. But there is little evidence that vitamin E pills do the same - and some that say they may do harm.

In2011,U.S.researchersatCleveland Clinic found that men who took a ‘high strength’ 268 mg vitamin E pill each day during the seven year study were 17 per

Are supplements a quick health fix or can vitamins actually be bad for you? cent more likely to develop prostate cancer than men who did not take the supplement.

And, in 2005, a seven-year study of 4,000 people found it increased the risk of heart failure by 13 per cent.

WhiletheDepartmentofHealthsays taking 540 mg or less a day is unlikely to do harm, the prostate cancer study published by Dr Kristal also looked at the effect of daily 400 mg vitamin E doses.

Dr Kristal says: ‘It increased the risk ofprostatecancerby17percent.Wedon’t know why. But one thing to remember is that, unlike vitamin C, it is soluble in fat and so levels build up in the body over time.’

Experts say that one egg or 28 g of almonds a day should provide all the vitamin E you need - making it unlikely that any of us need a supplement.

Calcium Calcium is often taken by middleaged and older people to protect their bones. There is also evidence that it can prevent the recurrence of bowel polyps - growths that may develop into cancer.

However, calcium supplements could increase the risk of heart disease in men, according to a study in February from the U.S. National Cancer Institute.

A study of 388,000 people found that men who took more than 1,000 mg, or 1 g, a day in supplements were at greater risk of heart problems - and had a 20 per cent higher risk of death.

Women were not at greater risk, the Journal of the American Medical Danger: Fish oil capsules have been linked to high levels of prostate cancer

Association found. Scientists believe that high calcium levels harden the arteries, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The Food Standards Agency recommends adults have 700 mg of calcium a day. One yoghurt and a 300 ml glass of milk would meet your daily calcium limit, so it’s unlikely you would need a supplement.

Selenium Selenium is a trace mineral found in seafood, meat and grains. It is essential in small doses and selenium deficiency is linked to mental decline, impaired immune systems and premature death.

But although it is commonly recommended to help prevent heart disease, too much can be harmful. The Department of Health says men need 0.075 mg a day, and women 0.06mg, in their diet. But after looking at data from 20,000 adults, Warwick Medical School researchers found that it did little to lower the incidence of heart disease in people with a good diet.

High doses were linked to type 2 diabetes, the authors reported in the Cochrane Library journal.

Beta carotene Beta carotene is a pigment that gives yellow and orange plants colour.

The body converts beta carotene to vitamin A, which we need for good vision, healthy skin and a strong immune system.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

PAGE 37

Akala supports Reps on SIECs

Kwara governor recalls suspended LG Chairman

From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

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K

wara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed has directed the immediate reinstatement of the suspended Chairman of Oyun Local Government Area of the state following the restoration of peace to the area.

The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold, who made the announcement in Ilorin, said Ahmed’s decision to reinstate the council was in exercise of the powers conferred him by Kwara State Law No. 4 of 2006, under which Offa and Oyun Local Government Councils were dissolved in February 2013 following the breakdown of public order and peace in Erin-Ile and Offa the state.

Gold stated that while peace has also been restored in Offa, the Chairman of Offa Local Government Area remains suspended as its election has been nullified by a court judgment.

The SSG advised the reinstated Chairman of Local Government Council to re-dedicate himself to the maintenance of public order and called on the people of Erin-Ile and Offa communities to remain peaceful and law-abiding, stressing that the Police and other law enforcement agencies would remain in the place to ensure that law and order are maintained.

ACN extols Odunewu’s achievements in journalism

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

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he Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has expressed deep sadness over the death of Chief Alade Odunewu, saying he will forever be a shining star of the journalism profession, his chosen career in which he excelled in his life time.

In a statement issued in Lagos by the ACN’s National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, the party also described the late Odunewu as a strong moral icon not only for members of his profession but the country in general. ‘’While we are deeply saddened by the exit of this great journalist, we take consolation in the fact that he left behind an everlasting legacy; thanks to his strength of character and patriotism, which many have attested to his decency and commitment to higher values, uncommon professionalism in his chosen career and, above all, his humane character. ‘’We believe these rare attributes, which only a few can lay claim to in these times, will also be a source of pride to his family, as they seek to come to terms with their huge loss,’’ it said.

L-R: Chairman, Northern Local Governments Chairmen Forum (NLGCF), Hon. Mohammed Ali, National Coordinator, Mofati Charity and Empowerment Initiative, Hajiya Fatima Adams, and Director General, NLGCF, Mr. Aruwa Ismaila, during NLGCF media briefing on local government autonomy and immunity clause on the ongoing Constitution Amendment, at the Weekend in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

UNIDO commends Nyako on accountability From Umar Dankano, Yola

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he United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Focal Point Officer in Adamawa, Mr Marcus Kwaghe has commended the Adamawa state governor, Admiral Murtala Nyako’s commitment to ensuring accountability in its activities.

Marcus made the commendation in at the weekend while assessing the implementation of United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) in the state justashe encouraged Nyako to keep the flag flying with a view to changing the fate of the state in

terms of development.

Kwaghe, who spoke on the contribution of UNDAF in facilitating the recent passage of Bureau for Public Procurement and Fiscal Responsibility bills in the state said the passage of the bills by the state House of Assembly and the assent to the bills by the governor was a clear sign of the government commitment to transparency and accountability in its dealings.

He observed that the fiscal responsibly law of Adamawa was unique compared to those of other states as it took necessary measures to ensure due process, transparency and accountability

“Itisveryimportantthatthestate has taken this action as it would add value to the government strive to fight corruption and ensure accountability and transparency”, Kwaghe said.

In his remarks, the state Partnership Manager of UNDAF, Alhaji Hassan Nyako, said Adamawa was the only state in the North East selected for the pilot scheme aimed at promoting service delivery.

Nyako said UNDAF thematic areas in Adamawa cover good governance and accountability, productivity and employment, risk management and promotion of social service delivery.

ormer Oyo state governor, Chief Adebayo AlaoAkala, at the weekend supported the House of Representatives’ resolution that the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) should be scrapped, and be replaced with the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), to henceforth conduct local government elections in the country.

According to him, the conduct of local government elections by INEC will ensure uniformity and promptness in the exercise, as the body will abide by the constitutional provisions guiding the conduct of local government elections unlike what obtains with the SIEC. Alao- Akala frowned at the situation where local government elections are held at the convenience of state governors, which, according to him, is detrimental to the growth of democracy at the grassroots level, as well as an aberration to constitutional provisions.

In a release signed on behalf of the former governor by his media aide, Abraham Ojo, and made available to newsmen in Ibadan yesterday, it was observed that the electorate have always yearned for democratic rule at the grassroots level, but have been denied it by some governors who choose to appoint their loyalists as Caretaker Committee Chairmen to further their selfish political motives.

Alao-Akala stressed that the elected local government chairmen would be more sensitive to the needs and aspirations of the electorate “as against an appointed Caretaker Chairman, who will always dance to the tune of the governor, knowing full well that his tenure is at the whim and caprices of the governor, who appointed him”.

APGA accuses INEC of masterminding party crisis

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

A

ll Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) at the weekend said the perennial crisis bedevilling the party is a grand design by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to bring the party to irrelevance.

In a statement issued by the former National Publicity Secretary of the party, Benard Akoma, the party expressed dissatisfaction with the way the electoral commission has been handling the terminal crisis which has been rocking the party since 2008.

In the statement, the party said, “The ostrich game being

played by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC in the protracted crisis rocking the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA ... is one of the several measures designed to consign APGA into irrelevance.”

It further observed that the electoral body which ought to step out boldly to perform its constitutional functions of monitoring internal democratic mechanisms of political parties, have assumed pretentious posture in the APGA crisis.

It regretted that in the APGA crisis, the Commission has decided to be taking side with a faction of the party in order to keep it in perpetual crisis, lamenting that INEC has continued to rely

on court rulings which do not impinge on its functions to shy away from its constitutional roles in the matter concerning APGA. “The recent Enugu Court of Appeal judgment on APGA crisis stated that the complainant has no locus standi to bring the matter before the court. It never said that the convention of APGA in 2011, which was the issue in contention, was not properly conducted according to its constitution.” the statement read.

The party therefore said the judgment left INEC with an opportunity to do its job in ensuring stability and democracy in the party pointing out that INEC monitored the convention.

According to the party, “The truth

remains that APGA would not have been in court if INEC had performed its constitutional roles concerning APGA 2011 Convention; as done in PDP 2012 Convention. It is the double standard approach of the Commission that has left APGA where it is today.”

It argued that the Electoral Act 2010 among other things, empowered INEC to monitor activities of political parties particularly the congresses and conventions.

It therefore alleged that INEC is colluding with Victor Umeh to cook up list of contestants in the forthcoming local government election in Anambra state, saying that the move is illegal to the constitution.

PAGE 38

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

Politics

2015: Who succeeds Fashola in Lagos?

ANALYSIS

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s the 2015 governorship election in Lagos draws nearer, the political atmosphere in the nations’s commercial centre has begun to get heated. This is because the incumbent governor Raji Babatunde Fashola would have completed his two-term tenure by then. Gross of political heavyweights in the state, both in the ACN and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have begun to show interests in clinching the tickets of their parties.

On the platform of the ruling ACN, those interested in succeeding Fashola include: Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji; an ex-Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Muiz Banire; Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Senator Ganiyu Solomon, representing Lagos West Senatorial District; Senator Gbenga Ashafa, representing Lagos East Senatorial District.

Other aspirants who have shown interest in the number one job include Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives; former Governor Bola Tinubu’s aide-de-camp, Mr. Gbolahan Lawal; and the immediate past AccountantGeneral of the state, Mr. Akin Ambode.

Another possible replacement for Fashola is the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeola Ipaye, although he is said not to be interested in the core politics of the state.

It was however gathered that the governorship position might be zoned to the Lagos East Senatorial Zone, taking into cognisance the fact that the serving governor hails from Lagos Central while his predecessor, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu, is from Lagos West.

If the governorship slot is eventually zoned to Lagos East, as is being canvassed, the move will put paid to the governorship ambitions of Hamzat (Lagos West), Gbajabiamila (Lagos Central), Lawal (Lagos Central), Banire (Lagos West), and Solomon (Lagos West) as possible contenders, leaving Ashafa, Ambode and Ikuforiji. The Lagos Assembly Speaker is currently facing graft charges, in the race.

Ambode and Ikuforiji also seem to be having an upper hand if the clamor for a Christian governor in the state is key to who represent the party at the poll. But Ikuforiji may have gotten his fingers burnt in the N35 billion scandal which is almost ruining his political dream to govern the state.

Sources close to Tinubu said a Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Hakeem Muri Okunola, whose father was a revered Justice in the Court of

Lagos state has been in the grip of the opposition since 1999. As the incumbent governor, Babatunde Fashola. rounds off his two term tenure in 2015, the battle for the state Alausa Government House promises to be fierce as interested aspirants on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the state have already begun to flex their political muscles. Aspirants on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are equally not left out. Our Lagos Correspondent, Ayodele Samuel writes:

Gov. Babatunde Fashola

Sen Ganiyu Solomon

Appeal in Lagos state before he passed on was also being considered.

Gender twist is being added to the game with the coming of Senator Remi Tinubu, who obviously is nursing the ambition of becoming the first female governor in the state.

Senator Ganiyu Solomon, who is currently the Minority Whip of in the Senate, early this year declared his intention to run for the Oval House by 2015.

GOS, as he is fondly called by his admirers, is the first aspirant in the state, irrespective of political party to come out to indicate interest in the Lagos governorship race in 2015.

He believes that with his experience and developmental vision nursed over the years for the state, he is more than prepared to take the state further,“I have the experience and I am convinced that I will take the state further from where it is now,” he said.

ACN state Chairman, Otunba Oladele Ajomale, said the party’s leaders “are not talking about the governorship election yet,” stating that the party was yet to deliberate on such issue.

The chairman, however, expressed strong opposition to the principle of zoning, noting that the principle “is a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) formula

and not ACN’s. We do not believe in such ideas. We believe in picking the best.” According to him, the next governor of the state could come from any part of the state as he added, “Our responsibility is to get the best and only the best will be good for the state. Wherever the candidate comes from, it does not matter. It is only those that can perform that will emerge eventually.

He continued “It is not about zoning. Someone who cannot perform cannot govern the state.

The state is too discriminatory for that. We always want the best.

The only thing the state deserves is a quality candidate. We cannot choose someone who will drag the party backwards.

The next governor of the state must be someone who will shatter the records of the incumbent governor. When the time comes, the right candidate will emerge.

I have not seen anyone who is interested yet.”

On Somolon’s declaration to contest for the position, Ajomale explained that all qualified candidates “have the right to say what he or she wants. But I am in the best position to tell the truth.

The party is yet to decide who will be the next governor of the state.

But when the time comes, we will do that.”

On the platform of the

“

It was however gathered that the governorship position might be zoned to the Lagos East Senatorial Zone, taking into cognisance the fact that the serving governor hails from Lagos Central while his predecessor, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu, is from Lagos West.

Lagos Assembly Speaker, Adeyemi Ikuforiji opposition PDP in the state, the likes of Ade Dosumu, who was the party’s candidate in the 2011 governorship election; Chief Mrs. Remi Adiukwu-Bakare, former Commissioner for Commerce in the State; Adedeji Doherty, who contested the party primary in 2007 and 2011 have indicated interest to contest the Lagos governorship by2015.

Former Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro; Afenifere chieftain, Mr. Jimi Agbaje; former House of Representatives member, Hon. Setonji Koshoedo; Mr. Demola Doherty, are also among the politicians warming up for the ticket of the party in the 2015 election. However owing to the unending schism in the state chapter of the party, more gladiators may emerge to contend for the flag of the party in the poll.

Obanikoro and his loyalist in the party have flagged off discreet campaigns for the party’s ticket, with his rested political machinery being revived with members daily thronging into his Lagos Island home as well as the homes and offices of his associates across the state.

Obanikoro is also said to be using selected elders of the party in the state to reach out to camps opposed to his candidacy within the PDP. Believed to have the backing of the Presidency, Obanikoro is working hard to win the confidence of the party leadership in the state.

Members of the party might still be aggrieved with the former Senator over campaign funds released to him by the Presidency under Olusegun Obasanjo for the 2007 election.

Agbaje a governorship candidate of Democratic Peoples Alliance (DPA) in the 2007 election, is however favored within the party, though he has

not officially joined the fold but serious efforts are being put in place to ensure he get the party’s ticket. The party believed Agbaje could change the negative perception of the party in the state if given the platform,.

Members of the party had severally warned Chief BodeGeorge not to begin another unending problem by imposing any unpopular candidate that might affect its chances in winning the 2015 poll. Several members are still aggrieved over the way Dosunmu emerged at the order of Bode George from his prison room as the party candidate in 2011.

Also all reconciliatory efforts in the party seem not to be yielding positive result for the PDP to face the 2015 task; the party still relies on the power and influence of the Presidency or its national secretariat to capture the state.

With the benefit of hindsight, former President Olusegun Obasanjo had attempted to use the federal might in 2003 and 2007 to “capture” Lagos for the PDP but failed woefully despite his annexation of the rest of the Southwest. 2015 is another test for the Federal Might.

Still, indications are that the PDP under President Goodluck Jonathan is intent on winning Lagos, but first, there is need for the party in the state to close ranks. A member of the party said the Presidency is ensuring that concerted efforts are put in place to pacify all aggrieved party members and bring them together.

Although the Alliance for Democracy (AD) is laying claims to being still politically active in the state, it is yet to be seen how serious the party is in Lagos political calculations in the race to the Oval House in 2015.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

MDGs, UBE projects abandoned in Borgu emirate

By A’isha Biola Raji

T

he multi-million Naira UBE two blocks of classrooms to be constructed in Kabe village of Borgu Emirate has been abandoned since 2009 while efforts made by the community to trace the contractor, has proved abortive.

In a statement signed by Mallam Umar Mohammed Kwatachi, Focal Officer, Directorate of Strategies, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) has it that, the two-blocks of classrooms aimed at providing 4 classes were meant for the construction of a Junior Secondary School in the area with view to providing the much desired western education for the people.

Investigations by the Directorate of M&E revealed that the contractor abandoned the job after collecting his mobilization and the school is now in total deplorable condition and needs urgent attention of Niger state government.

In a related development, the MDGs’ planned construction of comprehensive Health Centres in all the 25 LGAs is also facing challenges as the contractor handling the contract in Shafashi Village of Borgu LGA has since abandoned the job after being paid by the state government.

Most of the people spoken to in both the affected areas appealed to governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu to come to their aid in ensuring the timely completion of the Projects.

PAGE 39

News Extra

Bauchi records five fresh cases of polio virus From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

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overnments of Bauchi and Toro local government areas of Bauchi state have this year recorded five cases of wild polio virus.

The State Immunization officer, Mallam Musa Muhammad disclosed this to newsmen at the weekend, during the flag-off of

immunization exercise for LGAs in the state.

According to him, the five wild polio virus cases where recorded from January to date.

“Out of the five wild polio virus recorded, Bauchi local government recorded four while Toro Local government recorded one wild polio virus,” he mentioned.

He said re- vaccination

exercise has already been launched in the two affected local government areas to prevent further spread of the virus.

Musa explained that the state government and the Primary Health Care Agency targeted over four hundred and fifty one (451) children in four days of the re-vaccination exercise to make the areas safer for children.

The Immunization officer

pointed out that adequate vaccines and plus packages were provided and also stressed that five hundred teams had been deployed to ensure success of the exercise in the two local government.

He then advised parents on the need to support health workers and allow their children to be vaccinated against the virus.

of the National Assembly have ignored the requests for state creation.

While assuring them that the system is being streamlined to enable agitators meets their targets, he explained that the setback in the recommendation was that Chapter 8 of the 1999 Constitution made it cumbersome to actualize creation of state.

According to Mark, “I have never minced words about my position for the creation of additional states. “It is not that we cannot live together with our brothers and sisters but I am a

firm believer that state creation will bring more development and progress nearer to the people.

“You should continue with the agitation for state creation and work toward meeting the requirements. “I am sure that when the conditions are met, states would be created. “Milk may have been spilled but not fallen over, there is still a window and the National Assembly will hearken to the yearnings and aspirations of the citizenry.”

He however enjoined them to continue to maintain peace and unity. He also promised to

continue to be good ambassador of Idoma nation, Benue state and Nigeria at all times.

In his speech, the President of the Idoma National Forum, Okopi Alex Momoh, urged the National Assembly to review requests for the creation of states, pointing out that with over 61 requests to that effect, something must be wrong with the management of states in the Country.

He however advised the National Assembly to investigate and verify the claims for state creation in order to address the issue.

Mark raises fresh hope on state creation

By Ikechukwu Okaforadii

S

enate President, David Mark, at the weekend raised fresh hope that creation of new states would still be possible as it is being agitated by some section of the country, urging them not to be disillusioned over the recent turn of events as there is still window to addressing the issue.

Briefing his constituents who visited him under the aegis of Idoma National Forum, Mark refuted the speculation that the Constitution review committees

Niger: 10km road project under threat

By A’isha Biola Raji

E

fforts by the administration of Niger state government to open up the rural areas with the construction of 10kilometre road in each of the 25 LGA of the state may not be achievable since the commencement of the project in 2007.

Investigation recently conducted by the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) directorate revealed that most of the contractors handling the projects have been facing a lot of challenges and administrative bottlenecks by Ministry Officials in terms of timely release of funds, to meet up construction deadlines.

In a statement signed by Mallam Umar Mohammed Kwatachi, Focal Officer, Directorate of Strategies, M&E, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, the DG,- M&E, Mallam Iliyasu Dhacko equally observed that since the last payment to most of the contractors in November, 2012, which saw their quick return to site, no other payment has been made despite issuance of payment certificates.

This delay has rendered the contract waning as the earlier surface dressing works and other engineering jobs done are being washed by the rains such that when the contractor eventually resume, they have to start work afresh.

R-L: Archbishop of Abuja, His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, and Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Engineer Andrew Yakubu, during the consecration of St. John’s Mass Centre, on Friday at the NNPC Towers, in Abuja.

I’tikaf: Imam advises Muslims to pray more for Nigeria

By A’isha Biola Raji

T

he Chief Imam of Apo Legislators’ Quarters Central Mosque Abuja has called on Muslims all over Nigeria to remember the country more in prayers.

Ustaz Nura Khalid made this call in Abuja yesterday at a seminar organized by the mosque in preparation of the year’s participants, who were registered for I’itikaf.

The Imam, describing I’tikaf as sublimation in the mosque,

said the continuous prayer by well-meaning Nigerians has gone a long way in bringing to a decline, problems facing the country especially security problem.

He said, “I want them to include the country in their prayers so our nation can be better.

“Alhamudullilah the security issues are drastically going down. “We have to pray more for Allah’s mercy.”

He also called on the participants to be of good

conduct during the ten days stay in the mosque. According to him, there is need for the participants to maximize the benefit of Ramadan with I’tikaf. “Let them consider the importance of the act, it’s not just to leave their houses and waste time in the mosque, they should maximize the benefit of Ramadan with the I’tikaf,” he called.

According to the Imam, provisions at the mosque have been upgraded in order to make participants comfortable

thereby achieving their goals of the I’tikaf. “These provisions include new toilets, provision of health workers that would work for them, security and food even though, they have to buy it on their own,” he concluded.

In his opening remarks, the FCT Amir, Itikaf, Ustaz Hussain Abdallah Rahman said since education is key in the society, participants should endeavor to utilize whatever knowledge they would gather at the I’tikaf positively. “We must not abhor ignorance,” he said.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

PAGE 40

Leisure

1

Some Interesting Facts

,200 college students streaked at the same time in Boulder, CO in 1974.

•27% of U.S. male college students believe life is “a meaningless existential hell.”

•98% of American drivers think they drive better than anyone else.

•111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321 •”Go.” is the shortest complete sentence in the English language.

•”KemoSabe” means “soggy shrub” in Navajo.

•A ‘jiffy’ is an actual unit of time for 1/100th of a second.

•A dime has 118 ridges around the edge (yeah, man!).

•A duck’s quack doesn’t echo, and no one knows why.

•A full-grown pumpkin has about 15 miles of roots.

•A male kangaroo is called a boomer, and a female is called a flyer.

•A monkey was once tried and convicted for smoking a cigarette in South Bend, Indiana.

•A porpoise swims slowly in a circle as it sleeps.

•A Saudi Arabian woman can get a divorce if her husband doesn’t give her coffee.

•A small tribe named the Todas in southern India doesn’t greet each other with a handshake, they thumb

their noses.

•A sneeze zooms out of your mouth at over 600 m.p.h.

•All the clocks in Pulp Fiction are stuck on 4:20.

•All the 50 states of America are listed across the top of the Lincoln Memorial on the back of the $5 bill.

•About 70% of Americans who go to college do it just to make more money (The rest of us are avoiding reality for four more years).

•About 96% of all American children can recognize Ronald McDonald.

•About a third of all Americans flush the toilet while they’re still sitting on it.

•According to one poll, nearly 3/4 of all American women wear a bra that is the wrong size.

•All porcupines float in water.

Say what?

SUDODKU PHOTO OF THE DAY

A Chinese soldier leaps through a ring of fire during an intensive field training exercise in Chuzhou City in the Anhui province.

Source: TheSun.co.uk

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

Keshi happy with new record

A

fter becoming the first Nigerian to win the Africa Cup of Nations title as a player and coach, he finally masterminded Nigeria’s first ever qualification for the African Nations Championship (Chan).

Nigeria’s flag will be hoisted in the championship in South Africa in 2014 after Keshi led his troops to a 4-3 aggregate success against the Ivory Coast.

The Super Eagles lost the second leg 0-2 to the Ivorians at the Robert Chambroux stadium in Abidjan on Saturday but head coach, Keshi was pleased despite seeing his wards come up short on the day.

“We thank God we qualified at the end but my boys did not pick up till the second half and I must say to you that I am happy and this is a great experience for a young side like the home-based side,” Keshi said.

The Nigerian side started the game badly conceding twice in the first 24 minutes before improving drastically after the break.

FCT SWAN hails NFF, Keshi over CHAN qualification

T

he FCT Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN has congratulated the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation led by Aminu Maigari and officials to qualify for the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The Eagles lost 2-0 in the return leg of the African Nations Championship qualifier on Saturday in Abidjan but qualified 4-3 on aggregate for the finals to be staged in South Africa next year.

“FCT SWAN is impressed with the preparation the Eagles got, and we are even more impressed with the Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi for giving our home-based players the opportunity to show the world that they can hold their own if given the chance.

Nigeria missed the first two editions of the championship, exclusively for footballers plying their trade in their country’s domestic League.

Ghana stopped the Eagles from the inaugural edition in Cote d’Ivoire in 2009 while the Eagles also lost to Niger Republic in the race for Sudan 2011.

PAGE 41

Keshi positive after Abidjan fall Stories by Albert Akota

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igeria’s 2-0 loss to the Elephants of Cote D’ Ivoire in the final leg of the final round of the CHAN qualifier has been described as a good experience for the national team by Head Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi.

“We thank God we qualified at the end of the day but my boys did not pick up till the second half and I must say to you that I am happy and this is a great experience for a young side like the home based side.

The former Stade D Abidjan libero admitted that his players were jittery at the start of the match which led to them conceding two quick goals in the first half but they woke up and gave a good account of themselves in the second.

“If you say it was a game of two halves I may tend to agree with you. Because we started poorly largely due to experience and then when we came into the game they struggled against us, but that is football, we are just grateful to the NFF, Nigerians and God that we made it for the first time to the CHAN tournament”.

Ivorian Coach, Saraka Norbert, who also spoke at the post match conference, admitted that the Nigerian side were slightly more experienced than his side, even as he refused to blame the two red cards the team received in the first leg in Kaduna for his side’s ouster.

“Nigeria is a great country economically, socially and even in football and we must admit that when we get to their heights in the near future, Ivorian

Maigari salutes resilient Eagles

T

he President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Alhaji Aminu Maigari praised players and officials of Super Eagles Team B for earning Nigeria’s first-ever qualification to play in the finals ofthe African Nations Championship.

The Eagles took a handsome 4-1 lead into the return leg in Abidjan but it was looking pitiably insufficient after the Ivorians raced to a 2-0lead before the half-hour at Stade Robert Chambroux.

Kevin Koelly profited from a mistake by defender Azubuike Egwuekwe to shoot the Elephants ahead after only six minutes and doubled the advantage from a penalty kick 20 minutes later as Rabiu Ali tumbled anIvorian striker in a goalmouth tussle.

But the Nigerians held on for a historic berth and will be at the finals to be staged in the South African cities of Cape Town, Polokwane and Bloemfontein in January next

Maigari

year.

A joyous Maigari said: “It was never going to be easy, but I was confident the Eagles would pull it through and make Nigeria proud. Of course, there were bound to be so many odds against them, being on away ground.

“To hold steadfast after that opening barrage on away ground is not easy; it takes a team that has strength of character and determination.

I commend the players and their officials for a job welldone.

Nigeria joins Morocco, which eliminated Cup holders Tunisia, as well as Libya, Ghana, Mauritania, Ethiopia, Uganda and hosts South Africa in the 16-team finals due from January 11 next year.

Maigari added: “You see, all these positives are coming because we now have peace in the football family. Peace is a catalyst for progress. And as I said on Channels Television on Thursday night, the NFF will remain eternally grateful to the Secretary to Federal Government, Distinguished Senator Anyim Pius Anyim (GCON) and the Honourable Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, for brokering the peace.”

Nigeria missed the first two editions of the nascent championship, exclusively for footballers plying their trade in their country’s domestic League. Ghana shut out the Eagles from the inaugural edition in Cote d’Ivoire in 2009 while the Eagles’ path to Sudan 2011 was barred by Niger Republic.

Keshi football will be great again”, he said.

Norbert again reiterated his love for the Nigerian handler, whom he once again described as an Ivorian and wished him well in his future endeavours.

The Nigerian team is scheduled to depart Abidjan yesterday morning and will come through Lome, the Togolese capital.

The team is expected to arrive Nigeria at about 4:00pm Nigerian time and is expected to disperse immediately from the Murtala

Mohammed International Airport, accordingm to team administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor.

The next big assignment for the Super Eagles will be the Mandela Challenge contest against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Durban in August.

“I can conveniently say here that we will repeat the 2013 feat in South Africa, where we won the African Cup of Nations and we hope his Excellency the Ambassador will come home to celebrate with us”.

Gero celebrates impressive Eagles debut

T

he Junior international Abdulahi Gero, who was massive in his Super Eagles debut against the Elephants of Cote D’ Ivoire in Abidjan, said he gives thank to the coaching crew and Nigerians for always believing in him.

Gero, who replaced Gomo Onduku in the second half of the encounter, put up a five star performance that many at the R o b e r t

Champroux Stadium in Abidjan thought

decisive third goal.

“I am happy that we qualified and am sure we will not disappoint the country at the tournament proper”, the Enugu Rangers forward said at the end of the match.

Nations Cup winner and the man who has been described as an Elephants killer, Sunday Mba, who also spoke at the end of the encounter said he was unlucky on the evening but was happy that the team made it to the CHAN finals in South Africa next year.

“It’s not every day that I will score against the Ivoirians but I am happy that we made it to the finals and am sure whether am there or not the team will do well in South Africa”.

Gero

curtailed the home side from going forward for a

PAGE 42

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

Sports

Emenike scores as Spartak beat Dinamo 4-1 T he Nigerian international is back to goal-scoring ways as he notched his second league goal in three matches Spartak Moscow and Nigeria international, Emmanuel Emenike are firing on all cylinders in the new 2013/14 season as they won their third league game over the weekend by beating neighbours, Dinamo Moscow 4-1.

Emenike, who has been used as a substitute in the previous two league matches, started the match against Dinamo with Jurado playing slightly behind him and played the full match to signify his return to full fitness.

Emenike scored the third Spartak goal in the 30th minute with Jurado grabbing two goals to lift Spartak to the top of the three-week old league with maximum nine points.

Last season, Spartak finished fourth, 13 points behind winners CSKA Moscow, but this season they will be buoyed by a fit-again Emenike, who is showing that he has not forgotten where the goal is as he tries to build on his goals return of five goals in 16 league games.

Jose Manuel Jurado - a permanent signing after a loan from Schalke - had started and finished the scoring for h i s m e n , w i t h P a ve l Y a ko v l e v a n d E m m a n u e l E m e n i ke contributing in between.

Emmanuel Emenike

Wheelchair tennis clinic call for continuity of programme Stories by Albert Akota

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articipants in the Wheelchair Tennis Clinic has lauded the efforts of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) to organising competition and called for its continuity.

Some of the participants made the plea while interacting

with newsmen in Abuja at the end of the week-long training said the experience gathered at the competititon would go a long way in their career.

Israel Akpan, a power lifter, prayedto God to reward the sponsors, saying it brought together many physically challenged persons from the

(R)Temitope Saraki in action

streets to gain knowledge.

Akpan said some of the participants in the clinic realized that they had multiple sports talents, which could help them in the future.

“The clinic has been nice, we are grateful to sponsors as whoever has helped a physically challenged person will reap great rewards, we are happy because it has brought some of us out of the streets to engage in sporting activities. This will go a long way in helping us even in the future,” he said.

TemitopeSaraki, a Wheel Chair tennis player, commended NTF for remembering the physically challenged and added that the daily training helped them to achieve more.

Saraki expressed the hope that the clinic would be repeated, saying, “If I am trainings well, I will be able to

Dortmund down Bayern to claim Super Cup

B

orussia Dortmund claimed the German Super Cup by beating reigning Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich in a six-goal thriller.

Marco Reus started and finished the goal fest in the Westfalenstadion, putting Dortmund in front after six minutes then netting their final goal four minutes from time.

ArjenRobben did his best to keep Bayern in the game; equalizing early in the second half and then reducing the arrears after a Daniel van Buyten own goal and IlkayGundogan strike had put Dortmund back in the driving seat.

But it was Dortmund’s night as they showed last season’s treble winners, and their new coach Pep Guardiola, that they may not have everything their own way this season.

Bayern had Tom Starke between the posts for the injured Manuel Neuer and the absence of Germany’s

number one was soon felt as Dortmund took an early lead.

Robert Lewandowski’s sweeping cross was met by a stooping header from Sven Bender which should not have caused Starke too many problems, but he pushed it to Reus,

who nodded home.

The ball was in the back of the net again only two minutes later as Lewandowski raced through, but the offside flag had been raised long before the Pole slid the ball past Starke.

Dortmund with German Supercup

achieve more, I love this game.’’

MrsOnyeogu Lynda, a Civil Servant, said she had never participated in any tennis clinic before, adding, ``it has been interesting.

Coach IshiakuKwange from Niger said the clinic was a very good idea from the federation and added that it had helped the players to improve on their knowledge and techniques of the game.

Kwange said he was happy that athletes from Niger performed well in the practical aspects of the clinic as they trained daily with or without a tournament.

NBBF promises to select players on merit

T

he Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has pledged to make merit the basis for selecting players that would represent the country at the Basketball Without Borders (BWB) in South Africa.

The federation’s President, Tijani Umar, made the promise when he declared open the selection camp over the weekend in Abuja, promised to develop the game to the latter.

The NBBF invited 30 players from across the country for the two-day selection camp at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Abuja National Stadium.

Only eight players of the lot would be selected to represent the country at the BWB camp in South Africa later in the year.

“This year’s screening will be more challenging because the quota for Nigeria was reduced from 12 to eight and that makes the selection more challenging.

“We want you to know that NBBF is committed to `fairplay’ and the selection process will be based essentially on merit.

“The screening will entail all what the players can give to the country in terms of commitment, so their attitude and character will be taken into consideration,’’ Umar said.

The NBBF president said apart from selecting players to represent the country, they would also be part of NBBF’s developmental programme.

Umar said the federation was determined to build a sustainable youth programme.

“We want a youth programme that we will grow sustainably and we know that we will not win overnight, but when we start to win, we will dominate,’’ he said.

FCT, Niger top wheelchair tennis clinic

M

uktari Mohammed from Niger State and FCT’s Louis Auta topped the male and female singles, respectively in the just concluded wheelchair tennis clinic.

The one week tennis clinic which was held at the National Stadium in Abuja was sponsored by the Flour Mill plc with over 55 participants from various states.

At the end of the tournament certificates of participation were issued to all participants with trophies awarded to the best male and female singles.

Ibrahim Sadiq was the runner up for the male singles while Rose Daniel was for the female singles.

The President of Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) AlhajiSaniNdanusa, in his closing remarks appreciated the participants for a good game and their commitment to taking the sport to a new dimension.

According to him, the

President NTF, Sani Ndanusa

federation is using tennis as a rehabilitation strategy in repositioning the physically challenged as they had so much to offer to the society.

“I must specifically appreciate the participants because most of them came not knowing what will happen, most of them where motivated by the fact that it is a new dimension.

“We are happy that you receive the new dimension with all your heart,’’ Ndanusa said.

Sports

PEOPLES DAILY| MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

PAGE 43

Ranieri plays down Nani speculation

Cazorla cools Atletico Madrid link

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rsenal playmaker Santi Cazorla has played down speculation linking him to a move to Atletico

C

laudio Ranieri has denied that Monaco are interested in Nani, but left open the possibility of another big transfer this summer.

The Portuguese star has yet to sign a new contract at Manchester United, with the super-rich French club reportedly interested in a £10 million move for the winger.

The French club has already spent around £120 million this summer on the likes of Radamel Falcao, Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez.

Although Ranieri stated their business is probably finished, he hinted that could change. As well as Nani, Monaco are understood to have had intensive negotiations about a move for Hulk from Porto.

“No, no, no, just rumours,” Ranieri said when specifically asked about Nani after his side’s 3-0 win over Leicester. “At this moment we are finished our market but until the end something could happen but no

Santi Cazorla

Bosingwa parts company with QPR

Nani Nani at the moment.

Despite their lavish expenditure this summer, Ranieri downplayed suggestions that Monaco may be immediately capable of challenging for the French title.

Wolfsburg make Gustavo bid official

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olfsburg has firmed up their interest in Bayern Munich midfielder Luiz Gustavo with an official approach for the player.

Talking to German newspaper Bild, Wolfsburg director of sport Klaus Allofs said: “We’ve made contact and expressed our interest. We want to do things correctly. There are still some obstacles to overcome, however.

Allofs had said earlier in the week that Wolfsburg were willing to fight for the 26-year-old’s services although he added that he remained confident in the depth of the squad.

Gustavo, who has two years to run on his current deal, was reported as saying: “I have a contract until 2015 and want to see it out.”

Q

ueens Park Rangers have confirmed that defender Jose Bosingwa has left the club by mutual consent.

Bosingwa, 30, signed for QPR last summer on a free transfer after being released by Chelsea.

The right-back went on to make 22 Premier League starts as the club suffered relegation to the Championship.

Bosingwa is reportedly on the verge of completing a move to Turkish top flight side Trabzonspor.

Bosingwa

Diaye joins Eskisehirspor on loan from Sunderland

S

Luiz Gustavo

Campbell to join Olympiakos on loan

A

Campbell

Madrid.

Cazorla joined the Gunners from Malaga last summer and has impressed since moving to the Premier League.

Atletico have been linked with the 28-year-old in recent weeks, but Cazorla says he is settled in his north London home.

“Much has been made the subject of Atletico Madrid, but I

am very good in London,” Cazorla said. “I have a contract with Arsenal and I will start training today.

Although he is not bound for Madrid, Cazorla is happy for his international team-mate David Villa who signed for Atleti.

“I’m very happy for Villa, because he had a difficult year with Barcelona due to his injury [a broken leg he suffered in December 2011], but now he’s got another chance to shine again,” he said.

rsenal has confirmed striker Joel Campbell will join Olympiakos on loan for the 2013/14 season.

Campbell has failed to make a first team appearance under Arsene Wenger since joining the club in August 2011, having been sent out on loan for the last two seasons.

The Costa Rica international has spent time with Real Betis and FC Lorient, with the Spanish side requesting to have their loan deal for Campbell extended beyond last season.

But the 21-year-old will move to Greece as he looks to gain some experience and compete for a starting berth in Wenger’s side next year.

LOSS OF DOCUMENTS

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF THE LOSS OF THE FOLLOWING ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS: (I) ORIGINAL COPY OF LETTER OF INTENT FOR FCDA/RC/A1/003. (II)ORIGINAL COPY OF UBA BANK DEPOSIT SLIP FOR PAYMENT OF N 21,000.00 IN FAVOUR OF AGIS (III) ORIGINAL COPY OF IDENTIFICATION OF SITE AT KARISH. (IV) FCDA ACKNOWLEDGEMENT LETTER OF FILE NUMBER FCT 22210 BELONGING TO ADENAIYA ADEBOWALE MUYIWA OF BLOCK B4,FLAT 5, KARU SITE GARKI ,ABUJA. ALL EFFORT MADE TO TRACE THE MISSING DOCUMENTS PROVED ABORTIVE. IF FOUND PLEASE CONTACT THE NEAREST POLICE STATION.

underland midfielder Alfred N’Diaye has joined Turkish club Eskisehirspor on a seasonlong loan deal.

The versatile Frenchman, 23, joined the Black Cats for £3.8m from Bursaspor in January and made 16 Premier League appearances last season.

Paolo Di Canio has made nine summer signings as he looks to overhaul his squad at the Stadium of Light.

Former manager Martin O’Neill’s other January signing Danny Graham has also left the club, joining Hull on loan.

Alfred N’Diaye

Manchester United want more signing

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Cesc Fabregas

anchester United manager David Moyes is confident he will add to his squad this summer, but has yet to decide whether he will make a third bid for Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

United have had two bids rejected for the 26-year-old with Barcelona insistent he is not for sale.

The Premier League champions have failed with two bids for the former Arsenal player, the latest of which is understood to be £30m, plus add-ons.

United’s only summer signing has been Uruguayan right-back Guillermo Varela, but Moyes said: “I am quite confident we will add to the squad.

“But what we have here is a really good squad of players already. You mustn’t forget about the quality that is already here at Manchester United.

Moyes also revealed that captain Nemanja Vidic will feature in a friendly at Crewe today after recovering from a back problem that kept him out of the tour to Asia.

Spurs may reject Real bid €100m for Bale

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ottenham Hotspur has yet to respond to Real Madrid’s €100 million bid for Gareth Bale.

The situation is now at an increasingly tense impasse, with the Wales forward determined to go to the Bernabeu this summer, but Spurs chief executive Daniel Levy is just as strong in his refusal to sell.

Despite reports in the Spanish press being widely dismissed in the UK, it is understood that Madrid

did indeed submit the offer and that Bale has also now made up his mind on leaving.

Aside from his long-held aspiration to play for Real, the 24-year-old feels it is finally time to experience regular football in the Champions League rather than potentially infrequent forays with Spurs.

Bale is not expected to play in Tottenham’s friendly against Monaco on August 3.

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Sports

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P I C T O R I AL

1. Kevin Pietersen remains in England’s Ashes squad for the third Test, but ongoing concerns over his fitness mean there is a recall for James Taylor.

2. British number two Heather Watson has parted company with Coach Mauricio Hadad and will work with Jeremy Bates throughout the US hard-court season 3. Double Olympic champion Mo Farah delighted a raucous sell-out crowd by easily winning the men’s 3,000m at the Anniversary Games in London.

4. Borussia Dortmund’s 4-2 win over Bayern Munich has given them the early bragging rights, but there isn’t too much cause for concern.

5. WBO light-heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly acknowledges he must remain patient if he is to secure a fight against a big-name opponent.

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PEOPLES DAILY| MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

Sports Cleverly remains patience ahead of title defence

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BO light-heavyweight c h a m p i o n Nathan Cleverly acknowledges he must remain patient if he is to secure a fight against a big-name opponent.

The Welshman will defend his title against Russian Sergey Kovalev on 17 August at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena.

Cleverly’s attempts to secure a bout against Bernard Hopkins and other high-profile fighters have so far been unsuccessful.

The 26-year-old’s promoter, Frank Warren, said in June that opponents were running scared of Cleverly, who retained his WBO light-heavyweight title with victory over Robin Krasniqi in April.

Warren claimed IBF supermiddleweight champion Carl Froch turned down a fight against

the Welshman.

Cleverly has made no secret of his desire to unify the lightheavyweight division by beating IBF champion Hopkins and WBA champion Beibut Shumenov.

Cleverly is confident victory over Kovalev could finally secure a fight against 48-year-old Hopkins, who will defend the IBF title against Karo Murat in October.

Cleverly describes his 17 August bout against American-based Russian Kovalev as the “biggest fight” of his life.

Both fighters are undefeated, with the 30-year-old from Chelyabinsk - who now fights out of Florida winning 21 professional bouts.

“He’s got 18 knockouts in the first three rounds so that shows what type of fighter he is. He comes with one thing in mind. I’ve got to be ready for that.

Watson

B Cleverly

Anniversary Games: Farah sets personal best in 3,000m

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ouble Olympic champion Mo Farah delighted a raucous sell-out crowd by easily winning the men’s 3,000m at the Anniversary Games in London.

Farah failed to add the British record to his growing list of achievements, but did set a personal best of seven minutes 36.85 seconds.

Olympic heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis-Hill made her return from injury, competing in the hurdles and long jump.

British athletics needs Mo just as much as the athletics world needs Usain Bolt.

Both Ennis-Hill and Farah were back on the Olympic Stadium track where they had captivated a nation during their gold medalwinning performances on that never to be forgotten “Super Saturday” at London 2012.

Hopes were high that Farah would break David Moorcroft’s British 3,000m record of 7mins 32.79 secs, a mark set 31 years ago.

Even though there was a pacemaker in the race, a recordbreaking run seemed improbable as the race entered the final two laps, although that did not stop spectators rising to their feet as

Watson splits with coach Hadad

ritish number two Heather Watson has parted company with Coach Mauricio Hadad and will work with Jeremy Bates throughout the US hard-court season.

Watson, 21, has slipped to 78 in the world rankings after missing two months in the spring with glandular fever.

Bates, the LTA’s lead women’s coach, will work with Watson in Toronto and Cincinnati next month before heading to New York for the US Open.

Colombian Hadad, 41, was previously the coach of Maria Sharapova.

Watson last played at Wimbledon, losing to American Madison Keys in the first round, and the Briton is scheduled to return in Washington next week, where she has been drawn against a qualifier in the first round.

Ohuruogu wins 400m at Anniversary Games

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ritain’s Christine Ohuruogu will go into next month’s World Championships in confident mood after winning the women’s 400m at the Anniversary Games.

Roared on by 60,000 spectators at the Olympic Stadium, the Londoner ran a season’s best time of 50.00 seconds to hold off America’s Francena McCorory.

There was also victory for Katarina Johnson-Thompson in the long jump.

The British heptathlete set a season’s best leap of 6.46m in an event where Jessica Ennis-Hill finished eighth.

But it was a familiar tale for Britain’s men’s 4x100m relay team as the quartet of Dwain Chambers, Adam Gemili, James Ellington and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey dropped the baton.

Six-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt led home a Jamaican team, known as the Racers Track Club, to victory in a meeting record time of 37.75 secs.

The Olympic Stadium was hosting an athletics event for the first time since London 2012 and the British athletes received the same boisterous support as they did 12 months ago.

Some of the loudest cheers were reserved for London 2012 silver medallist Ohuruogu, performing a short distance from where she grew up.

Deafening noise reverberated around the stadium as she led coming into the home straight and the decibels increased further as the former Olympic champion crossed the line ahead of McCorory.

Farah set new record

Farah entered the home straight.

Such was Farah’s margin of victory; the Briton was kissing the track in celebration as his nearest rivals were crossing the line.

Although he missed the British

record by four seconds Farah’s commanding performance raises expectations further that he can replicate his Olympic feats at next month’s World Championships.

Phillips takes BMX world title in Auckland

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riton Liam Phillips held off the challenges of New Zealand’s Marc Willers and Germany’s Luis Brethauer to become the BMX world champion.

The 24-year-old, eighth in the 2012 Olympics final, pipped Willers to the line, with Brethauer taking third.

The Somerset rider won all six races en route to the World Championships final.

British Cycling Olympic BMX coach Grant White said: “It’s phenomenal and he’d done the work.

“He’d done the work to be successful and that’s over a long period of time - that’s not over the last few months, that’s over the last couple of years. He knew he’d had a great preparation over the last 12 months and he delivered.

‘It’s a culmination of everything, we knew he was in the best shape of his life and came here and delivered. It’s unbelievable, fantastic.

Philips

Ohuruogu

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MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

SPORTS LATEST

Okagbare set new Africa record in London

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lessing Okagbare was in the form of her life over the weekend in London as she entered the record books as Africa’s fastest woman of all time.

After first setting a new African record with her 10.86 secs time in her semi-final race, Okagbare upped the mark in the finals racing to an awesome 10.79secs to effectively throw into the thrash can the record of former compatriot, Gloria Alozie, set 13 years ago.

Before the finals, Jamaica’s reigning Olympic champion, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, ran a world leading 10.77 seconds to win thereby setting the stage for a keenly contested battle in the final.

Fortunately, Okagbare was in her best frame of mind in the final, storming out of the blocks in bullet-like fashion to win the race and the maximum IAAF Diamond League points to take her tally to 10, two behind FraserPryce who could only manage a fourth place.

Barbara Pierre of the United States (10.85) came second behind Okagbare.

With Saturday’s performance, Okagbare further brightens Nigeria’s hope for a medal at next month’s 14th IAAF World Championships in Moscow, Russia.

Aside that she is on the path of rewriting history to become the second Nigerian woman after Alozie to win an individual medal at the IAAF flagship championships.

Blessing Okagbare

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. . . putting the people first

QUOTABLE QUOTE The day will not come when all those contesting will be northerners or where all those contesting will be southerners; there will be a mix of North, South, East and West contesting in 2015.

— Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, first elected governor of Edo state

‘Underage’ journalism T

here was, recently, a lot of hoopla. The media reported that the Nigerian Senate had voted in favour of Child Marriage and there was uproar. The cacophony still rages on. To pander to critics of the vote against child marriage, the Senate President, David Mark had spoken like a politicianspeaking through both sides of the mouth in explaining the true position of Section 29 (4) (b) of the 1999 Constitution.

This was the accursed portion, which has become a bone stuck in the throats of impassioned citizens. The truly benighted find it too tough to swallow. They hold a well-misinformed view that someone somewhere was trying to ‘Islamise’ a ‘secular’ state.

The Nigerian people didn’t find that amusing. An assortment of commentators mostly of the bamboozled hue had taken to the social media to express ‘rightful’ indignation. Scornful cartoons, mocking articles and uncouth language have been hurled in the direction of Islam and Muslims for a purely temporal matter.

A sea of tweets, a valley of facebook posts and an ocean of online comments have sought to demonize the senators that voted against an amendment to that section. In one particularly uncharitable pictorial post on facebook, the lawmakers ‘mug shot were lined up and presented like convicts before a police identification parade.

Eerily, most of them spot stolid unsmiling pates as if to confirm that they were guilty of the charge of paedophilia!

One incensed Hollywood star went a step further. She posted about three minutes of video tirade against the parliamentarians.

Her star power must have rubbed off on the campaign because other wannabes followed suit. Before her, Ayo Oritsejafor, President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) spat fire and brimstone. He threatened to mobilise Nigerians whom he will lead to demonstrate against the senators at the National Assembly for accepting the law of marriage to minors.

Even the traditional media had played host to the fury of the ‘combatants’ in the self-assigned task of saving the girl-child from the whacky disposition of lewd legislators.

Fingered as the arrowhead in railroading his colleagues into buying this unpopular piece of legislation is the jaundiced media ultimate bad boy, Senator

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MONDAY with

Ali M. Ali aliyumaliyu@yahoo.com

Senator Ahmad Sani Yarima Ahmed Sani Yarima. The bearded politician hardly needs an introduction to the cynical press.

Depending on the persuasion, Yarima has a ‘dual’ personality: he is both saint and sinner.

His admirers see him as a reformer, performer and revivalist. His critics see him as an ‘opportunist, a confusion stand a pedophiliac. Stella Damasus, the Nollywood actress that went ‘ballistic’ on social media in her diatribe against the lawmakers alluded to that.

She is not alone. Many commentators have turned Yarima into a punching bag on account of his marriage to an ‘underage’ girl and spirited guard against the amendment of that piece of legislation Three short years ago, a newspaper broke the news of Yarima’s marriage to a 13-yearold Egyptian. Unless my memory fails me, I can’t remember the Senator ‘joining’ ‘issues’ with his critics or with the media. I imagine him chuckling at their perplexity. He is not a stranger to controversy. Controversy has become to this Zamfara Prince what spots are to a leopard.

Without it, he is unrecognizable; he would probably not be a politician. He is in good company.

President Jonathan, his wife, Patience, el-Rufai, even AlMustapha, Omatseye, Adamu, Nzeribe are fellow travellers!

Saints and sinners Not too long ago, Yarima admitted leading a coterie of Islamic clerics to the President.

Few elements knew of the visit.

Fewer still knew what was the purpose. The media wasn’t aware. And that made it a ‘secret’ because it was shrouded in mystery. The visit, harmless as it were, became controversial.

Again, the social media feasted.

It was insinuated that the Senator is angling to dislodge the current Vice President in the build up to the 2015 polls.

A very controversial President figured that Yarima would be more of an electoral asset than the quiet but colourful Namadi Sambo in the impending decisive polls. Before then, mainstream media had reported that Yarima would be ‘empowered’ with the very lucrative FCT ministerial portfolio. With the largesse accruable, he is expected to ‘rein’ in the ‘Muslim’ North.

Yarima is famously notorious for being the first of governors to introduce and so far the only to implement the punitive aspect of Shari’a. He presided over the government that chopped off the hand of Jangebe, a convicted thief in Zamfara state.

The introduction made him monstrously popular. Other politicians in the category of governors desirous of a short cut to electoral victory followed suit.

Yarima’s latest crime, it would appear, was that he singly prevailed on other senators to kick against amendment of Section 29 (4) (b).At this juncture, it is proper to ask what is the section all about?

It talks about the right of a Nigerian citizen of “full age” to renounce his/her Nigerian citizenship. “Full age,” for the purpose of this section, is defined as “18 years and above”. But Subsection 4 (b) made an exception for married women. According to the contentious clause in Section 29 (4) (b), “any woman who is married shall be deemed to be of full age.”

This is self-explanatory. I don’t see where ‘child marriage’

comes into the mix. I am therefore, mystified by the generous invectives poured on Islam and Muslims. Is it because Yarima objected to the deletion of the section? Or it is because some find it spiritually fulfilling to denigrate other people’s way of life?

What is truly ‘underage?’ What is the right age for marriage?

In most cultures, marriages are contracted at the onset of puberty.

In the so-called Western world, which I must confess, is slowly descending into the fathomless abyss of darkness. A society that sanctions bizarre unions like same sex marriage can’t be anything but benighted. Let me copiously quote PROFESSOR IS-HAQ AKINTOLA, professor of Islamic Studies, Muslim and Human Rights activist. According to him, in countries like America, marriages are contracted for 13 year olds.

“In New Hampshire, legal marriage age is 13 for girls and 14 for boys! In Michigan, it is 15 but girls can be married below 15 with parental consent. In Indiana, a girl can be married at 14 if she becomes pregnant. In Hawaii and Georgia, it is 15 with parental consent. In Britain it is 16. In most European countries it is 15. In Venezuela it is 14 with parental consent, 14 in Paraguay, 14 in Mexico, Bolivia 14. In Africa, the legal marriage age is 14 in Mozambique and 15 in Gabon.

In Angola it is 15, Niger 15, Cameroon 15, Congo DR 15, Benin 15, Kenya 16 and Madagascar 14.

In Equatorial Guinea it is 12!”

So why the hullabaloo? A qualified guess may help explain this uniquely Nigerian tendency.

Most Nigerians including senators and men of God are ill informed, misinformed and out rightly ignorant. They are passionate not reasonable. They confuse their passion for reason.

Those who were railroaded into taking Yarima’s position were as unenlightened as those who confused the provision of the Constitution as supporting child marriage. Both sides are prisoners of certain sentiments far detached from pandering to religiosity. The media too, is caught in the vortex of underage journalism.

I just shudder to think we are in the age of the reign of the ignoramuses. Unless all Nigerians in the informed circle collectively raise and reclaim their country from politicians in cassock or beards; it is indeed, a long walk to a new dawn.

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