Peoples Daily Newspaper, Wednesday, August 29, 2012

www.peoplesdaily-online.com

Vol. 9 No. 13

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

. . . putting the people first

Shawwal 11, 1433 AH

N150

More floods coming, NEMA warns states among others.

This is just as the Kano State Rehabilitation and Emergency Relief Agency has confirmed the death of 15 persons in a flood that swept through nine local governments at the weekend bringing to over a hundred, the number of persons killed in floods

across the country in the last three weeks.

The North has been hardest hit by floods which have sacked hundreds of communities, sweeping away thousands of homesteads and farmlands and destroying property now estimated in hundreds of millions of naira.

While over 36 persons have been reportedly killed in floods in

Plateau state in the last three weeks, on Sunday, a massive flood swept through communities in Adamawa killing about 17 persons in addition to last week's ocean surge that killed about 12 persons in Lagos two weeks ago.

Flood also killed dozens in Jigawa and Katsina states among others in the last three weeks.

NEMA Director General Alhaji Sani Sidi, who alerted of further

floods in the North, specifically warned the governments of the North Eastern states including Taraba, Benue, Borno and Adamawa to start making preparations for more massive flooding as a result of expected heavy down pour in the next few weeks.

Sidi said that the steep elevation of the Adamawa Contd on Page 2

after cabinet ministers were made to sign a performance contract by President Goodluck Jonathan.

The president accepted his resignation last night. A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said President Jonathan thanked Prof.

Nnaji “for his services to the nation under the present administration and wishes him well in his future endeavours.”

In a reaction last night, the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) General Secretary, Joe Ajaero, said “it is a right step in the right

direction, we have called for his sack before now, we expected him to have done this before now”.

Also, President of the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC), Bede Opara, said with his exit, there will be changes because the

minister constituted a blockage to growth in the power sector.

Nnaji’s resignation came barely two weeks after the workers demanded his resignation accusing him of engaging in fraudulent activities in the power sector and Contd on Page 2

By Richard Ihediwa, Tobias Dapam, Uche Nnorom, Makurdi, Blessing Tunoh, Yola & Bala Nasir, Kano

A

s massive floods ravage states across the federation, with many northern states counting heavy losses, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has alerted that more devastating floods are likely to hit Adamawa, Benue, Taraba, Borno, Plateau

Barth Nnaji resigns

By Richard Ihediwa, Abuja & Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

A

fter a protracted tussle with power sector workers and stakeholders in the industry, embattled Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, has finally resigned barely a week

Prof. Barth Nnaji

PD INDEX

28th Aug, 2012

CBN RATES $ £ EURO CFA RIYAL

BUYING 154.8 245.6 194 0.2748 41

S ELLING 155.8 247 195 0.2948 41.5

PARALLEL RATES

A cross section of 8,000 newly trained children in calisthenics display, during the inauguration of the Osun Schools Calisthenics Programme, yesterday at the City Stadium, in Osogbo.

Mahey Rasheed heads Sovereign Wealth Fund Board >> PAGE 2

Nigerian youths Parents of not ready to triplets seek lead - OBJ financial help >> PAGE 3

>> PAGE 6

EURO £ RIYAL $

BUYING 201 257 40 159

S ELLING 203 259 42 161

We won’t allow another civil war - Akinrinade >> PAGE 10

PAGE 2

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

CONTENTS News Editorial

2-11 12

Mahey Rasheed heads Sovereign Wealth Fund Board

By Abdulwahab Isa

Op.Ed

13

Letters

14

Opinion

15

Metro

16-18

Business

19-20

Motoring

24

Property

25-28

Arts

29-30

T

he Federal Government yesterday announced the management team to oversee the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), with a former deputy governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and member of the Board of First Bank Plc, Alhaji Mahey Rasheed, as chairman of the Board.

It also announced Mr. Uche Orji, a former Managing Director of JP Morgan and Global Coordinator and Head, US Semiconductor Research as its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer.

Orji's appointment is a five-year term and he is to assume duties on 2nd October, 2012.

Other members of the Fund's Board announced yesterday at a press briefing by Minister of Contd from Page 1

Jonathan’s men should speak less – Sen Ita Enang, Page 37

International 32-34 Digest

36

Politics

37-40

Sports

41-47

Columnist

48

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

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

Phones for News: 070-37756364 09-8734478

misinforming Nigerians to the extent of putting them under tension unnecessarily.

They also accused him of abusing his position by trying to use his company to buy up some government power concerns in the on-going power sector reforms.

Chairman of the National Union of Electricity Employees, Abuja chapter, Comrade Wisdom Nwachukwu, in a recent statement accused the minister of witch hunting the workers because they did not support his

Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, include Mr. Arnold Ekpe, Mr. Jide Zeitlin, Mrs. Bili Awosika, Barrister Bisi Soyebo, Alhaji Hassan Usman, and Mrs. Stella Ojekwe-Onyejeli, who will also serve as Chief Risk Officer.

The candidate tipped as Investment Officer for the Fund was dropped upon due diligence conducted on his person. The Minister said the position will be re-advertised soon.

The SWF is taking off with $1billion seed fund already allocated to it, and is operating concurrently side by side with Excess Crude Account (ECA) until such a time ECA will naturally fold in to SWF, the minister said yesterday.

She, however, did not give a time line for such merger. The ECA presently stands at $7.356billion

and is expected to be grown to$10billion by December.

She said "the establishment of an institutional foundation for the Sovereign Wealth Fund is a victory for all Nigerians and a credit to the President who assented to the Bill in May last year".

She added that it also demonstrates the determination of the Federal Government to improve the lives of Nigerians through far sighted policies and initiatives.

"We have started putting together a quality team to ensure that w realise the objectives that inspired the establishment of the SWF. I am sure the team realizes what is at stake and is ready to do the necessary work so that the country can start enjoying the

Barth Nnaji resigns bid to corner some power sector bids to his company.

NUEE therefore demanded the immediate resignation of the minister and insisted that he explained his role in alleged fraud and underhand dealings in the power sector.

In a ten-point query signed

by NUEE General Secretary, the union demanded that the minister explains his roles in; N395 million collected from PHCN allegedly for the Media,

for three months; N280 million collected from PHCN allegedly for Nigeria Army N200 million collected from PHCN allegedly for Unknown Project in the Power Ministry; N86 million collected from PHCN allegedly for Bullet Proof Vehicle and N3 million collected from PHCN and donated to Enugu State University of Technology (ESUT).

Others issues include alleged employment of 20 people in

benefits as soon as possible", she added.

The process that led to the emergence of the new team kicked off on September 8 last year when the minister set up a six-man Implementation Task Force headed by Mr. Fola Adeola, with a mandate to assist in determining concrete steps to be taken by the Federal Government to actualise the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).

Following the recommendation of the Task Force, an Executive Nomination Committee (ENC) composed of six Nigerians with integrity, independence, proven qualification and tested market experience from the six geopolitical zones of the country was established. The Committee had the responsibility to assist with the selection of members of the Board, a key plank of the governance structure of the institution.

Enugu Zone of PHCN who are his kith and kin as staff two years after the closing date of casual employment and close of PHCN biometrics exercise. Refusal to pay Regularized Casual Staff their salaries since February 2012; appointment of Geometric staff as Bulk Trader in the Sector thereby giving advantage of load allocation to his company as well as dual Role as Chairman Geometrics Power Ltd, Chairman Aba Power Ltd and Minister of Power on pretense of blind thrust that is non-existent in Nigeria.

More floods coming, NEMA warns Contd from Page 1 Plateau, coupled with the sudden release of excess water has created a great risk of inundation of the lowland communities of north east especially those located within the river Benue drainage basin.

The agency also in a statement issued yesterday by its Chief Press Secretary, Yushua A. Shuaib, said the sudden release of a large volume of cascading water from the reservoir has put so many communities in those areas at risk; and threatened human lives, disrupted socio-economic activities, and caused environmental degradation.

It however added that report from the High Commission of the Republic of Cameroon indicated that if the trend of heavy rainfall experienced this year continues in the next few weeks, more water will be released from the reservoir till October this year.

The statement also directed the Zonal Coordinators for the North East and North Central Zonal Offices of NEMA to liaise with relevant stakeholders and the state to sustain public sensitisation on the dangers of the floods and the need to take necessary proactive measures to avoid the risk to

human lives and the loss of properties.

Already the Benue state government has issued a warning to people living on water plains to immediately evacuate the area.

The Commissioner of Water Resources and Environment, Mr. John Ngbede who sounded this warning yesterday in Makurdi, said the directive became imperative because of the urgency of the situation and the importance government attaches on the lives of its citizens.

The commissioner listed areas to be affected to include Makurdi, Katsina-Ala,Buruku, Guma, Gwer West and Agatu local government areas. He urged residents to immediately evacuate their houses once they see the water level rising, while electricity in those areas should be switched off to avoid fatality.

Meanwhile, the governments of Plateau and Adamawa states where massive flooding have killed over 50 persons in the last three weeks have cried out for assistance from the Federal Government.

Adamawa state governor, Admiral Murtala Nyako (rtd), yesterday lamented the Sunday

flood which wreaked havoc in some parts of the state killing more than 17 persons with property worth millions of naira destroyed and posited that the problem is beyond the capability of the state government. He therefore called on the Federal Government to expedite action with a view to alleviating the plight of residents.

Internally displaced persons (IDPs), who are now camping at Sanda Primary School and Gwadabawa Secondary School in Yola, the state capital have cried out for aid from emergency management agencies as well as public spirited individuals. Other IDP centres are located in Limawa Secondary School in Jimeta and Damare secondary school in Yola town.

Meanwhile, the Kano State Rehabilitation and Emergency Relief Agency on Tuesday confirmed the death of 15 persons in a flood that swept through nine local governments. The Director of Operations at the agency, Shehu Maitama, said that the flood destroyed houses and farmlands estimated at N120 million. Also, more than 2,000 families were displaced by the flood.

The local government areas

Death toll across the states this year Kano Katsina Adamawa Niger Lagos Plateau Jigawa Ibadan

39 4 17 4 12 70 15 100

affected by the flood include Bagwai, Bebeji, Gabasawa, Garun Malam, Karaye, Nassarawa, and Sumaila. Farmlands were washed away in Doguwa and Tudun Wada local government areas.

Kano state government has pledged to send relief materials and medicines to all the victims of recent flood disaster in the state with a view to alleviate their sufferings.

Apart from the effect of climate change, NEMA has identified poor urban planning, improper disposal of waste and refusal to heed to early warning are major factors leading to tragedies after heavy down pours.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

PAGE 3

Nigerian youths not ready to lead, says Obasanjo From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

F

ormer President Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, took a swipe at Nigerian youths saying “many of them failed in position of leadership”.

Obasanjo in a keynote addressed titled: ‘Leadership Foundation, an Underpinning”, delivered in Lagos at the Nigeria Leadership Initiative (NLI) lecture, said Nigerian youths need mentorship.

“Some people said the young ones are better, we have tried the young ones but some of them find themselves in prison, with various

allegations of corruption”.

He said most youths are impatient, “there is no substitute for training and exposure, therefore mentorship is very key”.

He said the greatest pitfall for any Nigerian is not to believe in the Nigeria: “The most important task for me was how to forge a united country and self-reliant economy when I came back 20 years later. Some people told me I will be the last president of Nigeria; truly its seems so because we have MASSOB, on one side, the OPC on another side and the Arewas; people think the center can’t hold...”

Speaking on the dismal performance in the electricity sector, Obasanjo said he could not achieve good power supply due to lack of funds.

“If I had money, I would have worked on the power sector early; we started very late and the oil companies were not helping before we started the NIPP project which cost us a lot.

"There was nothing I wanted to achieve as a president that I did not achieve. I must confess that Nigeria was indeed a pariah state when I came back in 1999. But before we left in 2007, we made it a darling of international world as

we were able to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting, got the international debt written off and left over $45billion in foreign reserves. We would have invested much earlier in the IPP project if not for lack of funds" Obasanjo said.

When asked to comment on the current set of leaders and if they actually fits into the category of leaders Nigeria needs, the former president retorted: "I cannot pass comment on the current set of Nigerian leaders in the open. If I want to do that, I will do so privately, so I'm not going to answer that question".

Man bags 3 years jail for importing fake fulcin tablets From Francis Iwuchukwu, Lagos

A

Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, yesterday, sentenced a middle-aged man, Uzoma Madueke to three years imprisonment with hard labour for importing fake fulcin tablets into Nigeria.

The court, presided over by Justice Okon Abang, stressed that it was rather sad that Madueke chose to intentionally indulge in a venture that could result in the death of Nigerians.

The convict was charged before the court by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), for importing the fake drug.

He had earlier pleaded not guilty to the commission of the crime, but later accepted culpability.

The offence, according to the one count charge signed by MHA Baba, was committed on June 25, 2009 in Epe area of Lagos state.

During the review of facts, NAFDAC's lawyer, Chris Okeke told the court that Madueke intentionally imported the fake drug, so as to make maximum profit not minding the side effect of his action to Nigerians.

Again JTF escapes bomb blast, kills 1 in Borno From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

O L-R: Representative of Minister of Health, Mr. George Obumneme, representative of wife of Lagos state governor, Mrs. Arinola Sodipe, and Managing Director, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Mr. Martin Woolnough, during the launch of iron fortified Golden Morn, yesterday in Lagos.

Photo: NAN

FG slams GSM operators over poor coverage

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

T

he Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Mobolaji Johnson, yesterday, scored the four major telecom service providers low in the coverage of the country.

This is in spite of the additional 101 million lines generated since the inception of the mobile phone services.

Speaking with State House correspondents, after briefing President Goodluck Jonathan on her Ministry's 2012 budget performance, the minister said Nigerians should not be deceived, insisting that mobile penetration in the country remain the lowest in Africa.

"In terms of penetration we are 60 percent, forget about 101 million telephone lines; that is the number of subscribers. But when you look at the mobile penetration in Nigeria we are about 60 percent

...Calls for investment in infrastructure which is actually one of the lowest in Africa.

"So there is a lot of work to do.

When you talk about quality of service, what is the reason for the poor quality of service? It is the first part that I mentioned, poor infrastructure…

"Let me give you an example of the UK versus Nigeria. The UK in terms of geographical land mass is one third of the size of Nigeria and the population is about 67-167

million which is about one third of the size of Nigeria.

"Today UK has over 3 million square kilometre of fibre-optic cables across the country. They got up to 50-60 thousand base stations, servicing 67 million people… We have about 100 thousand square kilometres of fibre-optic cables covering 1 million square kilometres of the country. We have 20 thousand base stations trying to serve all of us…"

Mrs. Johnson, though admitted that the communication industry has grown very quickly in the country, she however, posited that the network providers must invest more in infrastructure so as to expand penetration and deal with poor quality service.

"We need to have more base stations, we need to roll out more fibre optic cables and government’s role is to make the process as easy as possible”.

peratives of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF), yesterday, escaped a bomb attack and subsequently killed the person suspected to have planted an improvised explosive device (IED) around the Sports Complex in Ramat Square area of Maiduguri, the Borno state capital shortly after the blast.

Spokesman of the JTF, Lt. Col. Sagir Musa who confirmed the incident in a statement, said there was a blast in the area when an explosive device concealed in a wheelbarrow by a suspected Boko Haram member exploded around 8:35am yesterday.

It was gathered from a source that the explosion which was targeted at the JTF troops occurred when a wheel barrow pusher with a bomb inside his barrow targeted a patrol vehicle of the JTF but missed it before the bomb went off.

The impact of the explosion, our reporter gathered, also damaged residential buildings in the area.

10 dead in trailer, bus crash on Abeokuta-Lagos Expressway From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

A

midnight accident at Obada-Oko along the Abeokuta-Lagos Expressway has claimed 10 lives and left one person critically injured.

The accident occurred when a

passenger bus with Lagos registration number CZ269 MUS collided with a trailer around midnight.

The accident was confirmed by the Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, Itori Unit Command, Mr. Fatai Bakare.

Bakare stated that the Lagos-

bound trailer was driving on the inward Abeokuta lane when it collided with the bus at Obada-Oko Adigbe Junction.

“All the corpses have been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Abeokuta and Ifo General Hospital.

“The only survivor is critically injured and receiving treatment at the FMC. “Again, we have to say it that it is very important for motorists to keep to their lane while on the highway to forestall future occurrence”, Bakare warned.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

THE PAGE 4 REPORT

2015: The year they don’t seem to know at PDP The ruling Peoples Democratic Party has never been known to be modest when talking about itself or elections. When it is not boasting about being the biggest political party in Africa or about being the best thing to happen to Nigeria since the dawn of governance, it will be insisting that it will rule for the next 60 years.

But with the recent flurry of confusing and conflicting statements and or utterances coming from the Presidency and chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), it may not be presumptuous to assume that the ruling party is very much unsure about 2015. With Reuben Abati’s opinion piece, “The Jonathan they don’t know” penned four days ago, the PDP chairman Bamanga Tukur’s denial of endorsing anyone for 2015 only yesterday and the National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh’s apparent wakeup call on elected officials a day earlier, it safe to assume that they know something the rest of Nigerians don’t about the year of the next general elections.

By Abdu Labaran Malumfashi

T

he past two weeks have witnessed some soul searching from the Presidency and the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), with an incomprehensible opinion piece coming from the former and two bewildering statements from the later in the space of five days.

As a PR effort for his principal, last week’s opinion piece by Presidential spokesman Reuben Abati, ‘The Jonathan they don’t know’ must no doubt rank as a classical case of the old age rhetorical question; with a friend like this, who needs an enemy?, coming at a time when the President himself has made it easy for “the cynics, the pestlewielding critics, the unrelenting, self-appointed activists, the idle and idling, twittering, collective children of anger, the distracted crowd of Facebook addicts, the BBM-pinging soap opera gossips of Nigeria, who seem to be in competition among themselves, to pull down President Goodluck Jonathan”.

Ostensibly a rebuke to the “army of sponsored and selfappointed anarchists; many of them don’t even know why or how they should attack the President”, Reuben Abati’s fawning piece , as in “President Jonathan is a clever, methodical and intelligent man, who is very adept at wrong footing all the persons who make an effort to second-guess or under-estimate him”, only help to underscore the Presidency’s panic about the widespread disenchantment of the populace with the Jonathan-led administration, which appears clueless as obscene corruption and acute insecurity hold the nation in an expiating grip. And the opposition is not relenting in keeping the people abreast of the government ineptness. Given the deluge of negative reactions that trailed it, the piece was a spectacular PR disaster.

Reacting to Abati’s opinion, one writer has this to say; “Where was Mr. President when the intelligentsia, his immediate community and others asked that the rule of law should prevail at

the last gubernatorial election in Bayelsa? Was that election not fraught with the highest form of impunity even when Nigerians pleaded for a level playing field? If the President needs the support of the people to do his work, how come he has refused to re-instate the President of the Court of Appeal, despite pleas from the masses? Of what benefit is it to Nigerians if ‘President Jonathan was the first Nigerian leader to appoint a woman as his Chief Economic Adviser and took affirmative action in political appointments to a higher level by reserving 35% of all appointive positions in government for our women folk’, yet more than 55% of Nigerian women are faced with poverty, disease, neglect and live below a dollar?”

And in an unusual statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh two days ago, the PDP tasked President Goodluck Jonathan and other elected members of the party to be ready to make personal sacrifices by putting the nation and the people first above themselves, warning that its 2015 tickets will only be given to performing officials.

“The 2015 re-election ticket for its members would be anchored strongly on credible performance while non–performing appointed officials would be shown the way out as well as be blacklisted.

“Our focus on the performance chart of our members in government is a crucial pedestal to achieving our pact with the people whose mandate we have.

“Those who have been lukewarm; those on the borders of average must wake to the reality that the re-awakened destiny of our party, the pact which gave us mass appeal, is leaving them behind. The choice is to shape in or ship out,” the party declared.

And just yesterday, National Chairman of the party Alhaji Bamanga Tukur issued a statement denying that the party has endorsed some aspirants ahead of the 2015 general elections.

In the statement, the party chairman said that,”My attention

has been drawn to media speculations that our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has anointed aspirants ahead of general elections in 2015. This information is speculative and completely false.

“I therefore, use this medium to call on party members, supporters and the entire Nigerians to disregard sensationalism as we move quickly to carry out reforms that will justify our existence as a ruling party. This allegation is false and our party has not anointed any persons for any position.

“For the time being, the party’s attention has been devoted to critical reforms that will guarantee quality life to our people, reconciliation in all aspects of our political life and instilling internal democracy in our political process. While we appreciate the concern and goodwill of the Nigerian people, we acknowledge the fact that reforms in any country come with pains, anxiety and apprehensions. This is a necessary sacrifice confronting us as a nation today. This apprehension may have been responsible for the pre-emptive speculation of premature endorsement of aspirants ahead of the 2015 elections.

“Democracy is not all about elections and I enjoin all Nigerians to make meaningful contributions towards the political, economic and social development of our Country. We in the Peoples Democratic Party are presently pre-occupied and committed to fulfilling our electoral mandate and have no time for the politics of 2015. The need for rapid infrastructural development and the welfare of our people is, and will be our major concern in the years ahead”.

But two week ago, Benue state Governor, Gabriel Suswam said in an interview with a national daily that any talk of 2015 elections now was idiotic.

Governor Suswam said that he considered it “total nonsense that just a year after elections, the talk of 2015 has arisen! It means

President Goodluck Jonathan

PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur they are not serious about working. Any serious-minded person should know that there is time for election and time for governance.

“This is a time for good governance without which we will remain stagnant. It’s idiotic for anyone to begin to discuss 2015 now.”

A day earlier in Abeokuta, a member of the PDP’s Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Ebenezer Babatope disclosed that the hierarchy of the party had not started discussing whether Jonathan would be given the ticket to fly the again in 2015.

He told newsmen that, “I am a member of the Board of Trustee of PDP, we have not started

discussing on what will happen in 2015.

“The future is not in our hands, the future is in the hands of God. For those who are saying it are politicians. When we come out, Nigeria is going to respect our position.”

Given that from 2003 to date ‘the biggest party in Africa’ and one that ‘will continue to rule for the next 60 years’ has always relied on the electoral umpire, security agencies and the electoral tribunals, as against the electorates, to “win” its landslide victories, the attempt by the PDP to appear Mr. Nice three years ahead of a general election year is as bewildering as it is unexpected.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

PAGE 5

Auto accident kills 5 injures 7 in Bauchi From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

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R-L: Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Malam Mohammed Sani Sidi, and Director of Planning of the Agency, Dr. Charles Agbo, during the emergency meeting on the release of water from Lagdo Dam, in the Republic of Cameroon, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Assist police unmask killers of Oyerinde, AIG begs journalists From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

T

he Assistant InspectorGeneral of Police Zone 5, Benin, Hashimu Salihu Argungu, yesterday, described as 'unfortunate', the contradicting reports between operatives of the State Security Services (SSS) and the police over the killing of Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde, the

Principal Private Secretary to Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo state, and urged journalists to assist in investigating the death of Oyerinde through informative and educative reportage.

Argungu who made the assertion at Edo state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), attributed the unhealthy rivalry among security agencies

to competition for undue credit.

According to him, "If today, I arrest anyone with Indian hemp, I will hand them over to the NDLEA instead of parading them.

Everybody wants undue credit", he added.

The police boss hinted that unnamed Nigerians who are bent on working at cross purpose to sabotage police investigations would be resisted.

reportedly collecting the sum of N1million from him.

According to reports from the area, those killed include, Iliya Dan Inna and Bala Barau Danbadin.

Two people that were injured during the attack were taken to Batsari Hospital where one was treated while the other with complicated wounds was referred to the Katsina General Hospital for further treatment.

The deputy public relations officer of the Katsina state Police Command, ASP Shehu Koko Muhammad, confirmed the incident and said the police has commenced investigation on the matter.

Meanwhile, the caretaker chairman of Batsari local government, Alhaji Lawal Aganku, has condoled with the families of the dead and those injured in the incident.

Robbers kill 2 in Katsina From Lawal Sa'idu Funtua, Katsina

D

are devil armed robbers on Monday, killed two persons and injured two in an attack on Batsari town in Katsina state.

The robbers, who stormed the town in the early hours of the fateful day, attacked the house of one Alhaji Mannir Bara'u where they shot him on the leg after

FCT police arrests 20, recovers weapons, ammunition, vehicles

By Lambert Tyem

T

he Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, yesterday, paraded 20 suspected criminals, 17 vehicles, three AK47 rifles with 6,340 rounds of life ammunition from syndicates.

Parading the suspects for involvement in the car theft at the command headquarters, FCT Commissioner of Police, Adenrele Shinaba, listed the recovered vehicles to include Honda Accord, Nissan Sunny, Toyota Corolla, Infinity jeep, Toyota Prado jeep, Honda Pilot, Honda CRV jeep and Toyota Camry.

Shinaba advised car owners to be wary of car thieves and to be

conscious of where they park their vehicles.

14 cars were recovered from one Promise Okafor, who claimed to be a lawyer and car dealer.

Paraded along Okafor were Michael Nweke, Chimezie Emanini, Amarachi Eneh and John Nuhu.

Okafor claimed that he did not know that the vehicles were stolen, insisting that he bought the cars from Emanini and others when he was convinced that they were genuine.

He said, "I am a lawyer and also a car dealer. I import cars and also sell. I bought a Honda Accord from Chimezie when he showed me documents which proved that the car was genuine."

Okafor however failed to respond to questions on how he came about the other vehicles that were recovered from him.

The CP also paraded Paul Egwu, Samuel Chukwu, Nnamdi Umeh, Suleiman Ali, Ifeanyi Udoh and Aliyu Ali for snatching three cars.

t least five persons have been confirmed killed while 7 others sustained injuries in a ghastly motor accident in Tirwum village, along Bauchi/ Maiduguri road in Bauchi state.

The Bauchi state Sector Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps, (FRSC) Mr. Olatunji Sunday, confirmed the incident to newsmen in his office yesterday in Bauchi.

He said: "Among the 14 passengers that were involved in the accident, five persons were confirmed dead, which includes two females, two males and a child. The seven other persons that were injured include two females and five male while two other persons were not affected by the accident. After we got information about the accident, we sent our rescue team to the crash site and evacuated all the affected victims to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Hospital and the police took possession of the victim's properties so to avoid being stolen by hoodlums".

The Sector Commander blamed the cause of the accident on over speeding and the

cautioned tanker drivers against parking indiscriminately on the roadside without adequate warning signs.

He said the Commission has been sensitizing drivers of heavy duty trucks on the consequences of parking their vehicles on the roadside without adequate warning signs. " In any circumstance should a trailer, truck or lorry breakdown on the road, the drivers of such vehicles should indicate that there is a vehicle on the road by putting either leaves, triangle sign or stones.

Over time we have observed that tanker drivers are the most stubborn set of individuals to deal with because they always pose as a threat to other road users", he fumed.

Our correspondent gathered that the accident involved a 14seater Mitsubishi bus with registration number XA657GW and trailer tanker with registration number XG810JJA. The accident it was learnt happened when the driver of Mitsubishi bus who was overspeeding ran into the tanker that was parked on the road side.

Taraba pledges to support NTA for enhanced efficiency From Yusha'u Alhassan, Jalingo

T

he Taraba state government has reiterated its commitment to support the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) to enhance its efficiency in the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Emmanuel Bello made the remarks yesterday while receiving the new General Manager of the NTA in

his office.

He assured the General Manager that government would do everything possible to solve the pressing problems of the station.

The General Manager, Sunday Ibrahim who was in the commissioner's office to familiarise himself with the government and the people of the state, said NTA would continue to partner with the state government to project the activities of the state.

Debt burden slows Kogi’s development From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

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or Capt Idris Wada's administration to have proper bearing in the state, a lot of efforts at enduring the huge debt incurred by the past administration of Alhaji Ibrahim Idris have to be settled.

Findings have shown that huge debts were left behind by the immediate past government, especially in settling contractors.

A source close to the seat of government revealed yesterday that 50 percent of allocations coming to the state is used in offsetting contract bills which has made it difficult for the government to function properly.

The source further said for Capt Wada to perform maximally, he should remove himself from the apron strings of past administration of Alhaji Ibrahim Idris.

Tinubu appointed LAUTECH pro-chancellor From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

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he governments of Oyo and Osun states have appointed former Lagos state governor and leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as

Pro-Chancellor of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomosho.

This was contained in a statement issued in Ibadan on Tuesday by Dr. Festus Adedayo, the Special Adviser to Governor

Abiola Ajimobi on Media.

According to the statement, the choice of Tinubu, a financial expert, accountant and administrator, was arrived at after extensive deliberations between the governments of the two owner-states.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

Triplets at risk as parents seek financial help From Godswill Uche, Damaturu

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he parents of triplets, Malam Mohammed Isa, a security man at the INEC office in Damaturu and Malama Zainab Isa, a house wife of Nayinawa Ward in Damaturu, the Yobe state capital, have appealed to the state government and wellmeaning individuals and NGOs to come to their assistance to be able to cater for and save the lives of the three babies delivered on Thursday the 23rd of August, 2012.

"We do not have the

strength to cater for the children in terms of food and clothing and other necessities of livelihood", they said.

The babies, all male, who were delivered on at the Maryam Sani Abatcha Maternal and Child Care Center in Damaturu, were still in good health as at the time our correspondent visited the hospital.

The Chief Nursing Officer, Charity Simon, told our reporter that "the mother needs nourishing food to help her get back to herself as she had just delivered, and the children also need supplements if they are to

survive while the father too needs financial assistance to be able to run the home".

She also said: "to tell the fact, without outside assistance, the children would hardly survive because I don't think the father would be able to cater for them. Having one baby now in our present condition, we know how it is not to talk of three. So if there is going to be any help from anywhere, it would be welcome and appreciated".

The mother of the babies was still weak and sickly in her speech and appearance at the time our reporter visited.

RSUST ASUU crisis: ABU lecturers go on warning strike tomorrow From Agaju Madugba, Kaduna

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he Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) says it is set to join the one-day strike, on August 30, as directed by the national body, with ASUU members of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST).

A press statement from ASUU yesterday explained that the action had become necessary due to what it described as the continued onslaught against its members at the RSUST. The statement signed by the ASUU chairman, Dr. Muhammad Kabir Aliyu, further noted that members are protesting the "inappropriate" reappointment of the Acting RSUST Vice-Chancellor, Prof. B. B. Fakae.

According to the statement, "at the centre of the crisis is the Acting Vice-Chancellor whose illegal re-appointment generated widespread rejection and abhorrence among the university community.

"The re-appointment is sanctioned by both the ProChancellor and chairman of the university's Council, Justice A. G. Karibi-White, and the Rivers state governor and Visitor to RSUST, Rt. Hon. Chibuike RotimiAmaechi, against the rule of law.

"This is not acceptable by our union and the ASUU-ABU branch condemns the illegal act in its totality and demands that due process as provided for in the laws must be adhered to.

"The issue at stake is that few months to the expiration of Prof. Fakae's tenure as Vice Chancellor; the position was advertised as required by law, but against the law, the outgoing Vice Chancellor applied and got shortlisted and even interviewed.

"Surprisingly, the entire process was supervised and chaired by Hon. Justice KaribiWhyte, the retired judge of the Supreme Court, in his capacity as chairman of the Governing Council. Even though he was the governor's candidate, Prof.

Fakae came last at the end of the process.

"The Visitor, in a show of power, dissolved the Council and thereafter the state government announced Prof.

Fakae as Acting ViceChancellor for the university.

"The ASUU-ABU Zaria wishes to seize this opportunity to reassure members of ASUURSUST that the congress of the Ahmadu Bello University is in total support of the current action by the national body on the matter and will continue to support and participate in any action(s) to defend our members at RSUST and any other branch, in order to bring normalcy and progress to the university system."

Recruitment: Army nabs fake lieutenant in Delta From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

L-R: Representative of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Malam Bashir Mohammed, Controller General, Federal Fire Service, Mr. Olusegun Okebiorum, Controller General, Nigerian Prisons Service, Mr. Zakari Ibrahim, and Minister of Interior, Comrade Patrick Abba Moro, inspecting the Fire Alert Control Room, during the commissioning of National Fire Alert Centre and unveiling of smokcom, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Perjury, forgery: S/West PDP gives FG 14 days ultimatum to commence Tinubu's trial From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

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he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), South-West has given the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Mohammed Bello Adoke, 14 days to commence the trial of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) leader and former governor of Lagos state, Bola Tinubu, for forgery and perjury.

The party said it was on record that Tinubu did not attend Government College, Ibadan as he stated in his profile and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) FORM CF. 001 in 2003, adding that; "it insults the sensibilities of

Nigerians and the integrity of the country for liars and document forgers like Tinubu to be sermonising about good governance".

PDP Zonal Publicity Secretary, Hon. Kayode

Babade said in a statement issued in Ibadan, that: "Until people who commit crimes are made to pay for their crimes, no matter their status, Nigerians will continue to see criminality as a way of life".

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he 4 Mechanize Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Benin, has arrested a fake 'Lieutenant' identified as Goodluck Furupagha.

The suspect was said to have been involved in several recruitment scams until his arrest a fortnight ago by 3 Battalion troops deployed along Ibusa Road in Asaba, Delta state.

A statement by the force Public Relations Officer, Capt .Roseline Oluwaseun Managba for Brig-Gen. Abel Umahi, Commander 4 Mechanize Brigade, said: "The arrest of the fake lieutenant was made possible by our officer who

Corruption would not be tolerated in Lagos judiciary - CJ tells support staff From Francis Iwuchukwu, Lagos

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he Chief Judge of Lagos state, Justice Ayotunde Philips, yesterday told support staf f o f t h e L a g o s High Court that the judiciary under her watch would not tolerate acts of corruption.

The CJ, represented by Magisrate Tajudeen Elias, stated this while speaking at the opening ceremony of a workshop on promoting Magistrate Courts Ethics, Integrity and Improving Citizens' Access to JusticeThe role and Responsibility of Magistrate Courts

Registrars, organised by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Projects (SERAP), in conjunction with the Royal Netherlands Embassy Abuja.

Justice Philips stressed that the welfare of support staff would be given top priority while her administration lasts.

disguised and presented himself as a prospective applicant".

When the Battalion got to Ibusa to enforce the arrest of Furupagha who demanded for the sum of N200, 000 for him to be recruited into the army, the man in disguise pleaded with the fake officer to collect the sum of N100, 000 as bait which led to the arrest of the suspect.

The army revealed that Furupagha had admitted to have duped several persons on the pretext of helping them to join the army; just as it listed the items recovered at the suspect's residence at Ogwashi-uku where a search was conducted.

Items recovered include, six copies of Nigerian Army e-recruitment forms, passports and documents.

Two copies of Nigerian Navy e-recruitment forms, passports and documents and six copies of Nigerian Army Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC), online application forms.

Others are a pair of camouflage uniform with a lieutenant's rank and two Nokia phones.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

Taraba CAN laments seizure of mission schools FromYusha’uAlhassan,Jalingo

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araba state chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend Timothy Yahaya says the taking over of mission schools in the late seventies led to destruction of moral values in the country.

Yahaya made the remarks in Jalingo Taraba state capital while reacting in an interview with our reporter on the current security challenges facing the nation.

According to the clergyman, the takeover of such schools led to the breeding of barbarians because people that are trained without moral and spiritual values would eventually become criminals and enemies of the nation.

The CAN boss pointed out that Nigerian universities which are supposed to be institutions of learning have been turned into jungles of cultism thereby undermining the principles behind their establishment.

PAGE 7

2012 Hajj: Sultan tasks states on timely payment of pilgrims’ fares

By Maryam Garba Hassan

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he Sultan of Sokoto and the National Amirul Hajj, Muhammad Sa’ad

Abubakar, has called on states Amirul Hajj to ensure that their governors direct the complete payment of intending pilgrims fares, particularly the sponsored

pilgrims to avoid delays.

The Sultan who was speaking at the stakeholders meeting organised by the National Hajj Commission f Nigeria (NAHCON)

yesterday in Abuja, said the delay of payment of pilgrims Hajj fares by states, brings set back to the early preparations made by the commission to ensure a hitch free exercise.

L-R: Chairman, Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Sam Amadi, Commissioner, Market Competition NERC, Mr. Eyo Ekpo, and Chairman, Senate Committee on Power, Senator Phillip Aduda, during the inauguration of NERC Customers Forum, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

He however, commended the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on the early nomination of the members of the team of Amirul Hajj before the Ramadan which he described as ‘unprecedented’.

According to him, this was the first time the team of Amirul Hajj was nominated early, a development he said will go a long way in achieving the smooth conduct of the hajj operations.

The Sultan also thanked the Federal Government for the approval of subsidy of foreign exchange rate of N146 to 1$ for pilgrims and airline carriers to enable them pay for services locally and internationally.

Fielding questions from the media, the vice chairman Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Mohammed Sani Saleh, said the essence of the meeting was to discuss the arrangements made by the Commission and all stakeholders for this year’s Hajj and to tidy loose ends before the commencement of the exercise in September.

Nigerians tasked on attitude change

By Maryam Garba Haasan

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Advert

igerians have been urged to have a change of attitude towards the country which has the potentials to make great changes in Africa.

The call was made in Abuja by a Sierra Leonean lecturer and former Head of Department of History at the University of Maiduguri, Dr. David Komore, at the public presentation of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Tetfund) sponsored Journals of Professionals Associations.

Komore who described Nigeria as “a great country with great people”, said it is saddening to hear

Nigerians condemning the country when it is the envy of other countries in the world despite the challenges it is facing.

He said only when the citizens change their attitude towards it will they appreciate the potentials it has which can take it to greater heights.

According to him, the performance of Nigeria at the just concluded London 2012 Olympics would have been a success story if her citizens who are making other countries of the world proud will return home and work for the country rather than building foreign countries at a time their fatherland needs their services.

Komore said other

countries of the world do not hate Nigeria as the citizens are made to believe but are afraid of her capabilities and the greatness of the people and what they can do if given the chance.

He commended Tetfund for initiating the sponsored journals of professional associations project, which he said was the first country to initiate and emulated by his country, Tanzania, Mauritius and Ghana.

‘When my country advertised entry for scholarly journals to be published by the government, 10 out of the 12 entries received was from Nigeria, that is to show you how blessed the country is with scholars”, he said.

Edo/Delta boundary clash gets committee after 21 years From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

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he Edo and Delta states Boundary Dispute Committee was yesterday inaugurated after 21 years of existence.

Barr.

Friday Ogierhiakhi, representing Orhionmwon South Constituency in Edo state House of Assembly is

chairman of the committee.

The protracted boundary dispute has so far claimed the lives of over 30 in separate attacks, one of which consumed the District Head of Iguelaba in Orhionmwon local government area of the state.

Ogierhiakhi who also oversaw the inauguration, said the move is in line with

the commitment to fast track settlement at the shortest possible time among Ondo, Kogi and Delta states.

The District Head of Orogho in Orhionmwon local government area of Edo state, Engr. Osayande Akenzua, pleaded with the committee to intervene through their traditional rulers in Delta state to stop the killing of his subjects.

PAGE 8

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

L-R: Anambra state Commissioner of Police , Mr Bala Nasarawa, his Imo state counterpart, Baba Adisa Bolanta, AIG zone 9, Mr Solomon Olusegun, and Enugu state Commissioner of Police , Alhaji Musa Daura, after AIG’S meeting with Commissioners of Police within zone 9, yesterday in Umuahia, Abia state. Photo: NAN

L-R: Director-General, Benin Republic Customs Service, Colonel Soussia Theophile, and Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko, during a two-day working visit of Colonel Theophile to customs headquarters, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

R-L: Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Archbishop John Onaiyekan, and Permanent Secretary FCTA, Engineer Anthony Ozodinobi, during a visit by the Archbishop to the Minister, yesterday, in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

L-R: President, American University of Nigeria, Yola (AUN), Dr. Margee Ensign, Eugene Uwiringiyimana, a foreign student from Rwanda, former Vice-President and founder of AUN, Atiku Abubakar, Donodien Ishimwe, another foreign student from Rwanda and Chairman, AUN Board of Trustees, Alhaji Ahmed Joda, during the Fall 2012 matriculation and pledge ceremony of AUN, on Monday in Yola.

PAGE 9

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

Anniversary: ‘Taraba relies too much on fed revenue’ From Yasha’u Alhassan, Jalingo

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t been observed that Taraba state over-depended on the statutory grant from the Federal account in the past twenty one years of its creation, for survival.

The Chairman, Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board in the state, the Reverend Innocent Solomon made the observation while baring his mind on the 21st anniversary of Taraba state.

The Reverend said God had blessed the state with abundant human and natural resources that have remained untapped in the past 21 years of the creation of the State to propel its development.

He said though the state made some progress within the period under review, it had more wasted opportunities than progress and development.

Solomon, who is also the Taraba state Vice Chairman of the Christian Association of

Nigeria, CAN, explained that although Governor Danbaba Suntai had made proper utilization of resources , such efforts were not complemented by wealthy indigenes within and outside the state.

The chairman emphasized the need for human development with a view to reducing the high rate of illiteracy in the state and called for the enforcement of the law passed by the State House of Assembly which discourages laziness, sycophancy, idleness, ignorance and begging to engender self-reliance.

The clergyman urged the state government to initiate a summit of youth, women, elders here and in Diaspora to brainstorm on issues bothering the state in order to propel its development in all sectors.

Meanwhile Taraba citizens have been asked to cooperate with one another and mount intensive prayers for the development of the state.

One time Commissioner of

Health in the State Jonah Wachap who stated this while speaking with our reporter on the anniversary celebration of Taraba State, said the creation

of the State has brought about infrastructural development, unity and massive transformation .

Also in his remarks on the

Lovers in court for alleged burglary, theft

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or allegedly burgling a house and dispossessing the occupants of valuables worth N420,000, two lovers were yesterday charged before an Ojo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

The defendants – Happy Odili, 27 and Kingsley Nwachukwu, 27 – are facing trial on a three-count charge of conspiracy, burglary and stealing.

When the charge was read to them, they pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, ASP Friday Eze, told the court that the two, who are unemployed and residents of Okokomaiko and Cassidy areas of Ojo in Lagos, allegedly committed the offence on June 10.

Eze said that the defendants allegedly conspired and burgled the residence of Mr. Kennedy Ehinebo at Igbeyinadun, Monkey Village, Iba New Town, Lagos.

The prosecutor said that the defendants allegedly entered their victim’s premises at about 4.30 a.m., removed six burglary proof iron rods valued at N85, 000 and window louvres valued at N335, 000.

He said that luck, however, ran out on the duo as they were apprehended by a vigilante group in the area, which handed

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L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications and Technology, Dr. Ibrahim Daudu, Minister of Communications and Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, and Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Rueben Abati, briefing journalists after their meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday at the State House, in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Cleric seeks divorce over wife’s lack of support

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“She has refused to give her support in every way possible; she insults me at will and had become violent. She moved out of our home two years ago; there is no more love between us.’’

The cleric pleaded with the court to dissolve the union, which has produced a 5-yearold daughter, to enable him forge ahead in is pastoral duties.

The respondent, a petty trader, who broke down in tears during her testimony alleged that the petitioner had failed in his duty to provide for his family.

“When I married him, he had a paying job; but had from the very beginning neglected me financially. Taking up a pastoral assignment was simply

a guise to further neglect his responsibility.

“He never brought home money. I paid the hospital bills when I had our daughter; I’ve made provisions for her up till date.

“Many times he would leave home for weeks without telling me and still return empty handed, that was why I left home.

“I am willing to return to him if he is ready to be responsible for us again,’’ Olufunke said.

The Court President, Mrs. Modupe Bajulaiye, ordered that the parents of both parties be present at the next hearing.

She adjourned the case to September 19. (NAN)

them over to the police.

Eze said that the complainant (Nwachukwu) later at the police station, identified the items allegedly stolen as his properties.

The prosecutor said that the offence contravened Sections 285, 337 and 409 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State 2011.

Magistrate T.O. Shomade granted each defendant a N400, 000 bail, with two sureties in like sum.

He adjourned the case to Oct. 12 for mention. (NAN)

Wada laments failures in mathematics and science subjects From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

astor Israel Oluwatoke, 37, of the Christ Apostolic Church, yesterday sought the dissolution of his five-year-old marriage over his wife’s lack of support for his pastoral calling.

“My wife has refused to support my pastoral calling. I have fallen out of love with her”, the pastor told a Shomolu Customary Court in Lagos.

Oluwatoke, who resides at No. 24 Titilayo St., Ije-Ododo, Ijegun in Lagos, said that his wife, Olufunke, 33, refused to attend his ordination ceremony in April at Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Idioro, Mushin, Lagos.

He said, “It was a shame for me not to have my immediate family support me; it almost cost me the appointment.

anniversary, the Commissioner for Education, Yakubu Agbaizo said the vision for the creation of Taraba State has become a concrete reality.

overnor Idris Wada of Kogi state has lamented the failure rate in mathematics and science related subjects in secondary school saying such spells doom to the quest for sustainable development in the country.

The governor made the observation at a workshop orgamised for retraining of selected mathematics teachers of federal unity schools in Lokoja, the state capital yesterday.

Wada, who was represented by his deputy, Arc. Yomi Awoniyi decried the rate of failure in mathematics and called for collaborations by stakeholders to boost teaching and learning methods for the subject, which he said was the bedrock of sustainable development of any nation.

He said that the apathy

associated with the study of mathematics, resulting in failure rate in the nation was worrying and no longer acceptable, calling for new concepts and strategies aimed at updating the knowledge of mathematics.

Wada assured that his administration would give priority to cutting edge methods aimed at improving mathematics, and promised to partner with NMC in training teachers in the state’s public schools, just as he called for domestication of the centre’s programmes nationwide.

Earlier in his remarks, Acting Director, Chief Executive of NMC, Prof. A.R.T. Solarin, said the workshop was aimed at reawaking interest and to de mystify the phobia that has characterized teaching and learning of mathematics over the years .

Al-makura committed to poverty alleviation – Aide

By Miriam Humbe

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he newly appointed Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to Nasarawa state governor, Alhaji Sani Musa Mairiga has commended his boss, Governor Tanko Almakura for executing projects aimed at poverty alleviation in the state.

Mairiga made the commendation while speaking with newsmen in Abuja yesterday, saying that Almakura was fast moving the state forward judging by his commitment to liberate his people from the shackles of ignorance, poverty and backwardness.

The SSA said when the Governor assumed office on May 29, 2011, he pledged to serve diligently because he

believed that service to humanity was service to God. “When Governor Almakura came on board, the reality on ground was one of dilapidation, near absence of basic infrastructure, widespread poverty, and inefficient healthcare system and below average performance in the education sector. There was also poorly motivated public service, unharnessed economic potentials and poor funds management that deterred the development of the state,” he added.

Mairiga further said that the Almkura administration was steadily making progress in his efforts to address the daunting development challenges by embarking on the construction of road networks, , installation of traffic and street lights among others in Lafia, the state capital.

PAGE 10

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

Grandsons don’t ascend Attah Igala throne - Kingmaker From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

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he Chairman of Forum of 3rd Class Chiefs in Kogi state, Chief Livinus N.A Enemaku has debunked the claim by a local tabloid in the state that claimed to have stumbled on a document that allows a grandson to ascend the throne of Attah Igala.

He said members of Igala Traditional Council comprises of the first, second and third class chiefs, were aware that there is no by-law and edict that empowers a grand son to ascend the throne of the paramount ruler of Igala Kingdom when the direct sons are alive.

Chief Enemaku who is the

Obaje Otalu of Okpaga in Itobe in Ofu Local government area in the state, at a press conference in Lokoja yesterday said as enlightened traditional rulers from various professional backgrounds could not be ignorant of law stressing that the State edict number 7 on appointment and deposition of chiefs in 1992 and

the law number 23 on same issue was very clear and unambiguous.

The traditional ruler who expressed sadness about the publication, said it intended to create anarchy in the Eastern Senatorial District which has been known for peace.

He said the attempt to cause

crisis would fail as the people of the Igala Kingdom will always remain law abiding.

“We are still mourning the demise of our revered paramount ruler, Alhaji Aliyu Obaje and the burial process has not been completed and the paper is publishing un-authenticated document to mislead the public.”

NTDC wants hoteliers to install CCTV cameras

By Miriam Humbe

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Adamawa state Governor, Alhaji Murtala Nyako (middle), inspecting one of the flooded areas, yesterday at the bank of River Benue, in Yola South Local Government Area of the state.

Photo: NAN

We won’t allow another civil war - Gen Akirinade From Bimbo Ogunnaike, Lagos

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chieftain of the defunct National Democratic Coalition NADECO and former Chief of Army Staff, General Alani Akinrinade (Rtd) has announced plans to convene a Yoruba nation’s conference in the light of present realities in Nigeria.

“I like a federation that works but the way Nigeria was structured today, it is dubious nation. I don’t want a second civil war in this country because there is no country that fights two civil wars and survives it. We have fought for unity of this country against Biafra. Nobody will come out and fight another region in this

…convenes Yoruba nation’s confab country as it happened in 1967 to 1970,” Akinrinade said.

The conference, which is scheduled to take place in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, would be attended by prominent Yoruba leaders. Top on the agenda would be issues affecting the race in the present day Nigeria.

Akinrinade, who made this disclosure at a press briefing in Lagos Monday said, “We have failed to take advantage of our large size to the benefit of the majority.

Today, every segment of the country is shouting at each other.

The Ijaw people are crying of their

land degradation and nothing has been done so far to ameliorate the problem. Agreed, some of the militants were sent abroad for training but the majority of the Ijaw are suffering on their land.”

Akinrinade noted that the Yoruba needed to sit down again to revalidate the position they took in 2005 when a similar Yoruba nation’s conference was held during Obasanjo’s administration.

“We don’t want Nigeria to go into abyss but the way the nation is going today, we are on the road to 2015 prediction. Nigeria is not far away to disintegration. If we

allow such to happen, it is going to be the fault of all of us. It is not outside the possibility for Nigeria to stand again but we need to talk.

Instead of each section of the country talking to each-other from far-off as it was today, we all need to sit down together and discuss the way forward,” he said.

He added that that after the Yoruba nation’s conference in Ibadan, “consensus of the meeting would be made available to other nationalities in the country and we expect all other nationalities will do same as the Yoruba to fashion ways out of the present quagmire.”

Teachers Council inducts 45 Ilorin COEDS graduates From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

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he Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) has inducted 45 graduates of Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) at the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin.

The Chief Executive Officer/ Registrar of the Council, Prof.

Addison Wokocha while conducting the induction, said the TRCN would arrest and prosecute

any unqualified teacher found teaching in any school in Nigeria.

He noted that the council was empowered by the laws establishing it to prosecute any person found guilty stressing that such person would serve two years imprisonment and the employer would be sanctioned.

Wokocha disclosed that TRCN has cleared over 1,000 Nigerians to teach abroad without necessarily writing professional

qualifying examination before being employed adding that the graduates could teach anywhere as the PDE programme provides them the pedagogy to teach after the induction to protect TRCN certificate.

“In line with our mandate, this is what we are out to achieve by promoting excellence in education through effective registration, certification and licensing of teachers, and promoting

professionalism through accreditation, monitoring and supervision of teacher education programmes.

“TRCN has successfully established Teachers Investigating Panel (TIP) in every state of the Federation and the FCT. Also established to further instill discipline among teachers is the Teachers Discipline Tribunal (TDT) which is domiciled at the TRCN headquarters in Abuja. ”

he Director-General of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe has called on hoteliers to ensure adequate security in their premises by providing among other things, Close Circuit TV Cameras, CCTVs, in the interest of their guests and their businesses.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Monday, Otunba Runsewe said the call became necessary in view of the gruesome murder of a post graduate student of Nasarrawa State University, Miss Cynthia Osokogu by her Facebook “friends” in a Lagos hotel.

“But for the CCTV, it would most probably be difficult to trace the suspects who are now being held by the police”, the DirectorGeneral stated.

He reminded hoteliers of the need to register their premises with the corporation in accordance with the law so as to“ put all registered hotels in a database and on our website for prospective guests ”, as only four of the five hotels [names withheld] patronized by the alleged killers were registered by the Corporation.

He pledged to work with the Corporate Affairs Commission to get the details of the profile of hotels, other hospitality outfits and their owners.

…hails Bayelsa govt over completion of hotel

By Miriam Humbe

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he Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe has hailed Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa state for completing the state-owned hotel which had been left abandoned for a long time.

In a statement released in his office in Abuja, the DG observed that the hotel will help to generate revenue for the state and create jobs not forgetting its intrinsic aesthetic value and contribution to eco-tourism.

According to Otunba Runsewe, the creation of jobs was of utmost importance as it would go a long way in addressing security issues by curbing youth restiveness in the Niger-Delta region.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

MONEY SENSE

Investment tips for amateurs

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any amateur Investors often make investment decisions without doing any proper research. They either invest blindly or get influenced by other decisions ignoring hard facts. This leads to mistakes which jeopardize the primary objectives of their investments.

To become a smart investor one has to take wise and calculated decisions. Investments which are planned for goals such as supporting the income or providing for retirement have to be based on a detailed research to avoid any dissatisfaction.

Although there are many savvy individuals who make their investment decisions after analyzing the real facts, still large number of investors gets attracted to short term tips available through different sources and end up making big mistakes.

Here are some basics which amateur investors should consider while planning their investments.

1. Read Before You Invest: For any kind of investments understanding the basics concept is a necessity today.

There are many good books available which explains these concepts in a very simple and illustrative manner.

With internet as a valuable resource, many write-ups can be found highlighting the basics of investing in different avenues.

Whatever mode you select, reading about your preferred investment avenue helps in selfawareness and making more efficient decisions.

2. Know Your Risk Profile: You can be an aggressive investor or a medium to low risk taking individual. Knowing your risk profile is very important to select the right asset class. If you lose your sleep when markets are highly volatile then exposing yourself higher to equities in the initial stage will not be a wise decision. Hence, analyze your risk tolerance level before making any investment decisions.

3.

Diversify your Investments: Many investors try to concentrate on few stocks or sectors to generate higher returns from their portfolio. But most of them ignore higher risk

Quote If it exists, it's possible.

- John P. Grier

Do you know what the CBN says about your bank charges?

Guide To Bank Charges (Bankers Tariff), Effective January 1, 2004. (V) SECTION 9: INTERNAL TRANSACTIONS

associated with a concentrated portfolio. It’s wiser to have a portfolio diversified across asset classes so that you benefit from wider opportunities and if there is underperformance from any asset class, it does not affect your entire portfolio. Even within equity portfolio, diversifying across different categories like Large cap. Midcap etc. is more beneficial. Increase your exposure to specific sectors or stocks only if you have done your homework and are sure of your selection.

4. Avoid Relying on Tips: There are many small broking companies or individuals who will approach you with tips having unrealistic expectation on returns. They will pound you with emails, on television or will use print media to ensure their investment ideas reach you.

Avoid any such tips for investment. Relying on your own research is the best strategy to invest your money.

5.

Plan Your Investments: Planning your investments and sticking to it is necessary for achieving the desired results. Many a time’s investors change their investment strategy on basis of what others are doing which is not the right approach. If you have planned some investments and have built a strategy to achieve your goals, stick to it unless there are fundamental

changes in the underline avenues.

6.

Adopt Periodic Rebalancing: When you choose allocation of your investments, it changes with rise or fall in value of any asset class or within investment category.

By adopting rebalancing at periodic intervals you can stick to the asset allocation strategy you have planned thus avoiding any overexposure which may not match your risk profile.

7. Avoid Being too Greedy: Its wiser not to wait for unjustified rise in your investment values. Booking your profits at regular intervals will ensure you earn the desired income before the tied turns against you. So if you have invested in equities and have reached targeted returns then booking profits will be a wiser approach then to wait for the next rise. You can keep a trigger in your investments which book your profits when a defined profit level is achieved.

Success of your investment strategy hinges on how well you research. You may take help of professionals or do it yourself if you are a financial wizard!!! In both the scenarios learning investment basics helps in avoiding too much dependence and unrealistic expectations which makes you a smart investor.

Tips on wealth creation C

reate an organisational structure with simple, minimal hierarchies; provide personal development and in-house training for executives; maintain flexibility and a rapid decision-making capability; leverage the advantages of a small company and use these to grow and excel.

1.

Maintaining austerity in good times strengthens profits and accelerates the development of the company, and averts the bitterly drastic adjustments in

PAGE 11

times of crisis.

2 . Stay focused on modernisation, growth, training, quality, simplification and the continuous improvement of production processes. Increase productivity and competitiveness; reduce costs and expenses by using global benchmarks.

3 . Companies should never be limited by the size of the owner or manager. Do not be a big fish in a small pond.

Minimise investment in nonproductive assets.

4 . There is no challenge that we cannot overcome by working together with clear objectives and knowing the tools we have at our disposal.

5.

Money that leaves the company evaporates; this is why we reinvest profits.

6 . Corporate creativity is not only applicable to business, but also to solving many of society’s problems. This is what we do through the Group’s Foundations.

7.

Firm and patient optimism always yields its rewards.

8.

All times are good time for those who know how to work and have the tools to do so.

Our premise is and has always been that we leave with nothing; that we can only do things while we are alive and that businessmen are creators of the wealth they temporarily manage.

SECTION 10: ELECTRONIC BANKING

Concluded

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

PAGE 12

EDIT ORIAL EDITORIAL

T

The North’s 41 “wise men”

he constitution and inauguration of a 41-member Peace Committee last week in Abuja by the Northern State Governors Forum (NSGF), no doubt, underscores the concern of the Northern leadership over the dire security situation besetting the northern part of the country in the past couple of years, with a particular vengeance in the last one, no thanks to the murderous insurgency of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunnah Ladda’awatih wal-Jihad (better known as Boko Haram), on the one hand, and the ethnoreligious crises in Plateau state, on the other.

But the initiative also exposes the depth of the North/South dichotomy in this country. While well-meaning Nigerians saw, welcomed and lauded the initiative as a commendable and courageous effort by the northern governors to tackle not only insecurity but also underdevelopment in the region, a section of the media prefers to see it in a negative light. For some of such media, the initiative of the governors in constituting the panel was nothing but a panic measure, while for others the effort was belated, while still others question the purpose of the committee. All these, coming from the same media that was unrelenting in accusing, or lending space to others to accuse the Northern leadership, of

“deliberately refusing to call Boko Haram to order”, even when the leaders are no less targets of the deadly insurgents.

Regardless of what the killjoys think, we at Peoples Daily are one with our well-meaning compatriots who believe in and view the initiative as a product of sincere and genuine concern by the northern

“

With their impeccable credentials and varied backgrounds, we are particularly confident that nothing but the very best would come from the committee in line with their mandate governors to arrest the region’s drift toward the abyss on account of insecurity and underdevelopment.

While inaugurating the peace committee, Niger state Governor and Chairman of the Northern State Governors Forum, Dr. Babangida Mu’azu Aliyu stated that the decision to constitute the high powered committee of eminent Nigerians of northern extraction was borne out of the recurrent incidents of violence

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”

and wanton destruction of lives and property, which are threatening to cripple the economy of northern states and paralyse socio-political activities.

We are confident that given the eminence and calibre of the members of the peace committee, most of who have peaked and or excelled in their various professions, there is no reason to doubt that their effort will be rewarding. The 41 “wise men” include Ambassador Zakari Ibrahim (chairman), Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), Justice Umaru Adbullahi, Bishop Hassan Kukah, Sheikh Yusuf Sambo Rigachikun, AIG Hamisu Ali Jos, (rtd), Rev. Kalla Abari, HRH, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari (the Emir of Ilorin), HRH, Dr. Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa (the Lamido of Adamawa), HRH, Nde Joshua Y. Dimlong (Ngolong Ngas), Dr. [Mrs.] Nguyan Feese, Hajiya Mariam Uwais, ProfessorsTijani El-Miskin and Shedrack Best. With their impeccable credentials and varied backgrounds, we are particularly confident that nothing but the very best would come from the committee in line with their mandate. And with their credibility and names, made in the course of decades-long careers, at stake, we are doubly confident that they will leave nothing to chance in ensuring that they do not betray the confidence reposed in them by the NGF and Nigeria at large.

OUR PEOPLE

OUR VISION

CHAIRMAN MALAM WADA MAIDA, OON, FNGE DIRECTOR/ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF RUFA’I IBRAHIM EDITOR, DAILY ABDULAZEEZ ABDULLAHI

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER ALI M. ALI

HEAD, ADVERT/MARKETING HUSSAINI ABDULRAHMAN, CNA

ACTING EDITOR, WEEKEND JAMILA NUHU MUSA

MANAGER, ADMINISTRATION HASSAN HAMMANYAJI

HEAD, LAGOS BUREAU ADESOJI OYINLOLA

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

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

By Paul Adepoju

I

t was with a rare blend of shock and utmost surprise that I read Dr. Reuben Abati's write-up on a Sunday morning, right in the presence of the Lord where nothing is hidden before the Most High. As expected, the veteran journalist dwelt more on portraying the president as a leader who has the interest of the nation at heart.

He also fired word missiles at the self-appointed social media activists thus: "we have a lot of unintelligent people repeating silly clichĂŠs and too many intelligent persons wasting their talents lending relevance to thoughtless conclusions."

I agree with Abati on the contamination of public commentary, I however disagree with his assertion that lots of the commentators are unintelligent while the intelligent ones are wasting their talents, since he belonged to the same demography before pledging his allegiance to the presidency.

Obviously, he knows more about what a larger percentage of Nigerians do not know about the man - Goodluck Jonathan, a man he also criticized from a distance prior to his appointment as the president's media henchman. So it's not unexpected for him to publicly clamour for fairer consideration of the president who could go down in history as having the lowest approval rating.

Having a closer relationship with people in government is something that has proven severally to be counterproductive for the machinery of

PAGE 13

The President Nigerians know governance because it clouds one's objective assessment of the situation at hand.

On the notion that the president has good intentions for Nigeria, Abati and everyone at the presidency should know that Nigerians do not doubt that. As a matter of fact, all past presidents had (and still have) good intentions for our nation. The bone of contention however is not unrelated to the inability of the president to bring his brilliant intentions hanging somewhere in the skies to reality.

Despite national and international outcries that characterized the military junta, former heads of government such as Generals Sani Abachi and Gbadamosi Babangida took the oath because they all had good intentions for the nation.

Extending this beyond the scope of government, one could unequivocally say that even the Nigerian contingent to the 2012 London Olympics had good intentions; they wanted to make the nation proud but their good intentions were inconsequential.

Same could be said of the president.

As the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces whose primary role is to ensure the safety of Nigerians, the spate of suicide bombings, ethnoreligious crisis, extra-judicial killings and several others could make Nigerians doubt the intention of the president. In

other words, Nigerians aren't doubting GEJ's intentions, they just aren't sure he can handle the challenges of his office effectively since thousands of homes daily mourn the demise of their loved ones as a result of circumstances that past presidents would have controlled effectively without bloodshed.

On alcoholism in Aso Rock, Abati ought to know that the Nigerian Constitution is silent about drinking alcoholic beverages at the presidential villa hence it's left to the occupant, current occupant, to decide whether he will perform better under the mild or strong influence of emu oguro (fresh palm wine) or ordinary zobo drink. All Nigerians care for is a vibrant president who is tackling all their problems.

One of the major reasons why the presidency is being tongueand word-lashed extensively are his visits to countries where the governments are doing well; his inability or reluctance to introduce such reformations to better the lots of Nigerians whose taxes, sweats and shares of the nation's oil wealth are fuelling the presidential jets.

As a veteran journalist who has written copiously on politics and government, Dr. Abati can't expect the president to enjoy the support of all Nigerians; neither will they cheer him on since this isn't a kindergarten class!

I guess they need to be reminded that Nigeria is the world's largest black nation and the president is responsible for the fate of over 150 million people belonging to more than 300 ethnic groups; people who are vast and diverse as shown in recent world studies that described them as the happiest, the most spiritually faithful, most unfaithful, and most sexually active - yes we are.

So, instead of attempting to force the love of Jonathan down the sore throats of Nigerians, Abati could do Nigerians, especially the loyal readers of his Friday and Sunday tirades on the pages of Guardian newspapers, much good by using his closeness to the president to give him a frank assessment of what Nigerians really want.

Despite the fact that the president feels he's being unfairly crucified by the media and activists who are always asking him to resign, he should know that Nigerians aren't asking him to bring the moon to bar beach, or the sun to the oil creeks; they only want security and the basic things of life in addition of signs that show that the president truly care about the plight of Nigerians by keeping to his promise.

Abati's carefully written and scrutinized piece left out the various tell tale signs that made many Nigerians lose hope on the president's ability to restore fading hope.

A BBM broadcast is currently circulating; it is laced with the president's various promises while campaigning across the nation. So far, none of them has been satisfactorily fulfilled.

He also reneged on a number of promises including his pledge during the fuel subsidy uproar to reduce his foreign trips and entourage.

However, like some fellow Nigerians, I'm having second thoughts about the man Goodluck Jonathan. Obviously, lots of things are wrong with his administration but he's making some risky bold steps which if successful could change the public perspective about him from a weakling to an intelligent president. PHCN is one of such.

So, instead of wasting public resources in recruiting media experts to "rebrand" and make the presidency "look good" to Nigerians, the president and his numerous committees need to work harder, sacrifice more, travel less and tackle more problems that will make life easier and safer for Nigerians.

Unlike Reuben Abati, Nigerians don't see the president every day, but they see his handiwork in the high pump price of fuel and the incessant bomb blasts up north. According to them, the president they know is not working hard enough.

Paul Adepoju is reachable on info@adepojupaul.com

Key performance indicators and Jonathan’s ministers

By Uddin Ifeanyi

I

t was with mixed feelings that I read in the papers recently that President Goodluck Jonathan had signed performance contracts with members of his cabinet, in a bid, as one such report put it "to improve service delivery and accountability in government". Finally, I there is an outside chance that the eerie silence on the federal government front (that has invited all manner of unbecoming comparisons of it and its predecessors in office) is about to succumb to the scream of activity, as government puts "our" money where its mouth has long dwelt: providing the "dividends of democracy" to the people.

The main numbers are growing worse, no doubt.

Unemployment is trending north, aggressively. Inflation is stuck, bull-headed, in the midteens. And someone has taken the right foot off the accelerator for output growth.

Alarming, though, this all is, evidence at the street level is even more appalling. The expedients to which our people have to resort to square the circle of daily existence verge on the unspeakable. Largely, this is because an increasingly smaller portion of the economy now accounts for most of the wealth created in the current democratic dispensation.

Consequently, anything government can do to correct this problem cannot but be welcome. Key performance indicators (KPIs), where they are properly used, are handy measures of progress towards achievement of stated goals.

They acquire much of their salience, though, only after clarity is reached on where the organisation that has recourse to their use is headed, and once it is clear on whose behalf specific action plans have were agreed. In certain respects, these measures of how much progress is made towards agreed goals, have become necessary at the top levels of government because "the characteristic hallmark of bureaucratic management is that it lacks the guidance provided by considerations of profit and loss in judging the success of its operations in

relation to the expense incurred and is consequently obliged, in the effort to compensate for this deficiency, to resort to the entirely inadequate expedient of making its conduct of affairs and the hiring of its personnel subject to a set of formal prescriptions". In the light of this reasoning, and given the widespread use of this tool, it is a scandal that this government is just setting KPIs mid-way into its tenure.

Ludwig von Mises, who I just borrowed from extensively in the preceding quote, recommends restricting the activity of the state "to the narrow field that liberalism assigns to it", as part of society's never-ending defence against the instinctive arbitrariness of government. One only hopes that the performance contracts entered into between the

“

Jonathan administration and it's ministers will proceed down the path that sees the bureaucracy gradually removed from that space proper to each Nigerian's free exercise of his/her economic and political freedom. In our specific instance, though, where legacy arrangements have seen governments' ramose operations reach into and beyond every department of our people's lived experience, I imagine that this objective will be that much harder to realise.

Unfortunately, the federal government is minded to make this process that much more difficult. Or what is the point of setting performance indicators while promising that no one will be scathed thereby?

"Consequence management" is the handmaiden of the process by

All of which would have been okay, if the federal government, in adopting KPIs for its ministers, did not also create the sense that this move is a branding thingy. Adopted in response to the belly-aching of newspapers that ceased long ago, according to it, to represent the people, and now instead represent their jet aircraft-owning proprietors.

which any organisation adopts KPIs. If the goal is to upgrade "the quality and quantity of service that Nigerians get from the entire government machinery" then the way to go is to reward people and processes that conduce to this objective; while promptly jettisoning those that impede it.

In other words, ministers who fail on their KPIs must be "scathed" in order that those who do well are encouraged to exert themselves the more. Better still, why not create a space in which stakeholders are invited to help control the measurement process? That is, publish the KPIs, and have beneficiary communities help with a 360 degrees appraisal of their implementation?

All of which would have been okay, if the federal government, in adopting KPIs for its ministers, did not also create the sense that this move is a branding thingy.

Adopted in response to the bellyaching of newspapers that ceased long ago, according to it, to represent the people, and now instead represent their jet aircraftowning proprietors.

Government therefore conceptualises this initiative as a public relation gesture: all motion, no movement; all heat, no fire. Yet, the truth is that we have a very strong requirement to make ministers (and the government they represent) more accountable.

Uddin Ifeanyi is on www.facabook.com

PAGE 14

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

State police: A needless controversy F

By Idongesit Mbat

or many years now, the debate for the creation of State Police in Nigeria has endured. There has been a plethora of strong arguments put forward by those in favour of the proposal and those against it. I have listened with growing passion to the postulations of many eminent scholars, lawyers, clergymen, human rights activists, governors, legislators, student leaders and other opinion leaders on the issue.

One spectacular thing about this whole debate is that both the pros and the cons agree that a State Police is good and desirable for a federal state like Nigeria. The only point of disagreement is the 'foreseeable controversies' that will greet the implementation and eventual operations of the arrangement by reason of an unknown and undefined factor called "the Nigeria Factor".

The more I listened to the pros and the cons, the more the controversies seem to thin out while the main issues that seem to generate the controversies become more and more apparent.

I will now address some of the arguments put forward by both the proponents and antagonists of state police and attempt to deliver a verdict on whether the controversy is necessary at all.

The first issue I like to address, is what I prefer to call the controversy of control. The question of who will eventually control the apparatus of a State Police is a veritable source of controversy. This would be a needless controversy if our leaders

understand and believe that generated by sympathy to always matter the intent, content or tone democratic principles do not allow for becloud our sense of reasoning. Who of any 'presidential order' to the dictatorial tendencies and undue says the responsibility of maintaining police, the police officer to personal interference with law and order rests solely on the implement such order is expected constitutional, legislative, legal and governors? Such responsibility should to apply discretion and legislative processes. It will also be a rather be collective and not a one-man professionalism and act within the needless controversy if both the business. Why should one man, in a confines of the law. He is the leaders and the policeman. The led accept to build president is not. If a just and this is true, then egalitarian the Controversy of society placing Control of State Peoples Daily welcomes your letters, opinion articles, text the 'common Police is messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written good' as focal unnecessary. contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters - 150 point in decision Secondly, words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your name and making.

The there is also the a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be addressed Controversy of Controversy of to: Control is clearly Sectional Interest. seen by The question of The Editor, whether state statements Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, police will promote usually made by 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja. sectional interests some of our or ethnic governors Email: let ters@peoplesdaily-online.com sentiments in its anytime there is SMS: 07037756364 operations is also breakdown of unnecessary. The law and order within their domain. Statements such democratic setting, think he should main source of this controversy as : "I don't have control of the police in have the 'power' to give orders to the again is the actions of some state my state", "The Commissioner of Police police and expects 'total obedience' even governors who have embarked on in my State does not take orders from though it contradicts professional some sort of 'ethnic cleansing' of their states' civil service. The sole reason me" or "The Commissioner of Police ethics and legal procedures? does not report to me". With due respect From the ongoing debate, I have given by these governors was to the governors who have expressed come to the understanding and inability to pay salaries! This their frustrations this way, I feel such almost tempted to conclude that it is smacks of shallow-mindedness and statements are unfortunate and the unfortunate desire of some state lack of visionary leadership. But, unnecessary because at best they governors to be given such 'absolute surprisingly today, some of these could only generate some level of powers to control' the state police that governors have become the sympathy for our "State Chief has put most people on the con-side of proponents of state police. This is yet Security Officers" but will be greatly this debate. The question is: Will any another reason why those against flawed if looked at from a different democratic setting or are we as state police are afraid. Although this perspective. civilized people willing to grant such is a genuine reason to be afraid, such I indeed sympathize with these absolute power to any one man? Even fears should not deter us from governors for 'their inability' to with the present structure of the implementing changes that will maintain law and order within their Nigerian Police Force, I do not think turn around the fortunes of our domain but let us not allow emotions the President has such powers. No society.

If state police can work in other civilized societies, it can work in Nigeria. But the problem with Nigeria is that when good ideas are 'borrowed' for implementation, the features that make that idea work where it was copied will be negatively doctored to suit personal, party, cabal and even sectional interests. Just like the concept of democracy was 'imported' into Nigeria, the practitioners never believe in the tenets and ideals of democracy. They would rather prefer the Nigerian version that has deliberate loopholes to enable and encourage what would not be possible in other democratic societies.

To assuage this genuine fear of sectionalism, let us point to some ready facts. It is an incontrovertible fact that many non indigenes are working in the employ of most, if not all the states of the federation. I am sure you know at least one non-indigene working in any of the states, civil service. I know at least an Igbo indigene in the Lagos State civil service. I also know at least one Akwa Ibom indigene in Katsina state civil service. It will be unthinkable for any state to contemplate setting up a state police force without considering recruiting qualified nonindigenes residing in the state. Nonindigenes also contribute positively to the economic and social development of that state.

consumers to ascertain genuineness of drugs before purchase. This is called Mobile Authentication Service, in addition to the use of Radio Frequency Identification among many others.

Apart from these high- tech approach, the Agency, to ensure that enforcement and monitoring personnel catch up with prevailing circumstances and challenges has embarked on aggressive up- grading of facilities at their various laboratories across the country to meet World Health Organisation (WHO) and other international standards. At no other time has NAFDAC officials received relevant trainings than in the present dispensation.

The agency is also penetrating deeply into new areas provided for in its mandate but which were hitherto not adequately covered by its activities. Such areas include checking the quality of fertilisers

and other unwholesome food and drug products as according to him, these are the crux of the matter.

And knowing where most of these products enter the country from, NAFDAC has entered into mutually beneficial relationships with governments of the manufacturing countries.

This is in addition to synergies with other sister agencies like the Nigerian Customs Service, Nigerian Immigration Service, Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), NDLEA and many others.

The Customs for example now allow NAFDAC access to their system where officials of the Agency are able to view the contents of a container and if they believe that the container may have something that is of interest to them, NAFDAC can insist on inspecting the container.

There is also closer collaboration with local governments and traditional rulers who have bought into the campaign to stop drug and food proliferation in their communities. In states like Jigawa, Edo and Kano for example, local government's are setting up NAFDAC desks with officers assigned to monitor and arrest offenders. Kano has in addition set up mobile court to speedily try people who are caught hawking drugs.

WRITE TO US

Idongesit Mbat wrote in from Lagos.

NAFDAC: new strategies, effective results

By Bonaventure Melah

T

he National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) under Dr. Paul Orhii's leadership has introduced new and dynamic ways of waging the war against the proliferation of food and drug substances in Nigeria using modern technologies. The result of these innovations has been a massive reduction in the number of such dangerous health- related products coming into the country while local manufacturers are facing the worst fights of their lives. The on-going revolution has been found to be more effective probably because it predicates on strengthening the institution itself rather than personalisation of the campaign as was the case in the past.

One of such novel idea is the use of TRUSCAN, a handheld device using Roman Spectroscopy to detect counterfeit products. With this technology, NAFDAC officials can quickly scan imported products at the Ports and release them on time without compromising their quality.

Nigeria is now the first country in the world to use it to detect quality of medicines. Following its success in Nigeria, the Food and Drug Administration

agencies in the United States, Germany, Sweden, Canada and many others have also started using it.

Again due to the successes recorded with the TRUSCAN experiment, another cuttingedge device called the Black Eye which was manufactured in Israel has been introduced by NAFDAC. The Black Eye compares a tablet that you are trying to check and tell you whether it is genuine or fake and if you ask from the machine, it will break the product down into its component and tell you what it contains; active pharmaceutical ingredients or it contains so much inactive pharmaceutical ingredients. It helps NAFDAC to work faster now because it can take up to 1000 different tablets at the same time and break them down and tell you which one is good or bad.

There is also the deployment of a mobile system that works with the use of text messages by

“

brought into Nigeria to ensure that they are safe and of the required standard as well as ensuring that ways and manners in which foods are processed and packaged by fast food companies operating in the country conforms with international best practices.

The only Medical Doctor in the world who is also a Lawyer and Biomedical Scientist, Dr. Orhii''s wealth of experience and knowledge acquired in different academic and management fields has been brought to bear in a renewed and unusual determination to deal with the task at hand. His deep knowledge of legal technicalities and delivery have combined to engender positive deviation from the manner and ways offenders of the Act establishing NAFDAC are investigated, arrested and prosecuted.

He speaks passionately on the need to root out the menace of fake, counterfeit, adulterated, expired

There is also closer collaboration with local governments and traditional rulers who have bought into the campaign to stop drug and food proliferation in their communities.

Bonaventure Mebah is on facebook.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

By Jaafar Jaafar

T

hey in this piece refers to all the liars, the scorecard-brandishing sophists, the subdued, appointed activists, the paid and overpaid, twisting, collective men of anger, the distracted, clueless leaders on Facebook, the guileless BBMpinging lot of Nigeria, who seem to be in competition among themselves to muddle the affairs of their government.

Last weekend, the presidential spokesman Mr. Reuben Abati was in the news.

He is still in the news. He will also be in the news.

As a dramatist, he acted just according to the president's script. His, aside acting the stuntman, was to both edit and dirty - what the president scribbled to him. In a plain language, what Abati often does was to add akamu into palm oil in order to increase its viscous quantity not quality.

While trying to defend their teetotalism, they end up behaving like drunkards. Does the following sentence really come from sober individual, a mind that did not guzzle bowls of kai-kai before taking the pen?

I doubt.

The word "they," he said in his latest piece, "refers to all the cynics, the pestle-wielding critics, the unrelenting, selfappointed activists, the idle and idling, twittering, collective children of anger, the distracted crowd of Facebook addicts, the BBMpinging soap opera gossips of Nigeria, who seem to be in competition among themselves to pull down President Goodluck Jonathan."

Are they glorifying the idleness of "idle and idling" Nigerians, for whom they failed to provide job opportunities?

Are they unhappy that

By Wale Odunsi

H

onestly I will always love this country.

Reason: at least one thing amuses me daily. Thus, arithmetically, it is a place you get 365 jokes annually. If it were in human form, Nigeria and not Ali Baba would presently be regarded as the Doyen of Contemporary Comedy.

Since the return of presidency's attack dog (sorry attack lion aka Doyin Okupe), the chief executive officer of the President's image-making department has been fidgeting.

It is comprehensible. Like naija's weather, where the sun sometimes in a twinkle of an eye take over the dark clouds, the gentleman suddenly found where the offensive corner of his voice is situated, spitting contagious barrage of projectiles, the type that would make Agni green with envy.

Come to think of it, Agni and Abati (which I will subsequently call "Him" in this piece) do have a seeming semblance. Not just in names but in description. Agni in case you don't know is the Vedic god of fire. He has two heads; one

PAGE 15

The Jonathan “they� don't know Nigerians are becoming social media savvy?

Sad enough, Abati ascribed himself a role even our goofing First Lady and Perm Sec in-situ Patience Jonathan does not, at l e a s t publicly, a s c r i b e herself. The spokesman said he sees t h e president "up close and personal" everyday, as if it bears any relevance to the piece apart from its name-dropping effect.

Sometimes I wonder why people have to open their mouth unnecessarily.

Statements like "I have spent the last 14 months working with President Jonathan. I have followed him everywhere..." or "as one who sees him up close and personal each day..." or "well, I have enjoyed the privilege of eating at the President's table" only show the emptiness of Abati's recent messages. He seems to write to impress Nigerians, rather than to express government's position on issues.

Before the clandestine appointment of Doyin Okupe as Senior Special Assistant to the president on Public Affairs, Abati has been silent on issues.

It was really golden. Now that the once benign Rottweiler has suddenly grown teeth, he joins his vicious mate to go after the social media activists rather than the hardliners of the traditional media. Abati once tried his friend Dele Momodu,

marks immortality and the other marks an unknown symbol of life. "Him" (as we now know) too has two; one marks a man with an undying comrade spirit of (hitherto) fighting for the masses and the other marks a sturdy bullet-proof, ready to shield his principal even if it means going six-foot down.

"Him" has infuriated not a few "They" and I wish him well in his new found passion of dissing his boss's critics. That he similized Mr Jonathan with Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, and Kwame Nkrumah is not even an issue. Anyone has a right to his/her opinion whether sensible or not. If I like, I can compare my father to Jesus Christ and whoever thinks it amounts to blasphemy should take me to Heaven's court; Gani Fawehinmi will be me my attorney.

However, the description of the rest of us (or "They" according to him) as "cynics, the pestle-wielding critics, unrelenting, self-appointed

differentiates Abati and Okupe's roles, it appears that they have the same role. As someone similarly posited, Abati's role is to pour apu flour into Corn Flakes when there is no milk, while Okupe's role is to pour salt into milk in the absence of sugar. It's either that their perception on issues is hinged against this narrow prism or that they are deluding the president in order to save their necks.

Abati wants to tell us about the president we don't know. He boasted he saw President Jonathan play squash and table tennis at State House squash court and Bayelsa Government House. And so, he knows him more than anybody else.

Now, Nigerians should tell us whether the clueless man they know can, in a squash court, play volley, trickle boast, dropshot, good length shot, mizuki, corkscrew or lob. These require some degree of agility, mental clue and stamina. Do you see these in the man they know? Or, do you see the mental ability in the president to loop, spin, smash, backswing or cork-spin while

playing table tennis? With my about-two-decade break in playing table tennis, I see Abati's principal as a pushover I can 'cantab' in the ping-pong game.

They say we don't know him.

But we know him.

Hausa say that when a dog keeper is holding a party, the dog only got to know when it sees food on ground. So we will judge the p r e s i d e n t according to what we see on ground.

Naught.

They don't know we have a president that cannot fight corruption. A president who entangles Nigeria in a web of $45 billion debt despite taking the nation's mantle of leadership in a solvent state. A man who was accused by former President Olusegun Obasanjo of mismanaging the foreign reserves to the tune of $35 billion.

A president who cannot get the country an Olympics medal despite spending billions in medal chase. A president who thinks 1,600 buses can transport 160 million Nigerians (in his calculation, each bus will carry 100,000 people!). A president who refused to reinstate Justice Salami despite the National Judicial Council, NJC's recommendation. A president who orders a governor to appoint his wife permanent secretary. A president who increased the pump price in the name of subsidy removal but dined and wined with subsidy thieves in the name of "dialogue". A president who reinstated the Director-General Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

despite her gross incompetence and public fury. A president who pays billions of dollars to militants but fails to pay the entitlements of NITEL and other government agencies' workers.

When the president recently said he would assess his ministers based on their scorecard, I couldn't help but laugh aloud.

Jonathan should first fire himself and his kowtowing deputy, Mohammed Namadi Sambo before firing any member of the effete crowd that is Jonathan cabinet.

Ace Nigerian comedian, Klint The Drunk, recently tweeted that if a JAMB candidate applying for medicine scored only 65 points, then he is not fit to be a native doctor.

Going by Jonathan's performance so far, I don't think he is qualified to be the chairman of Okada riders' union or chairman of Jigawa (not Ibadan) chapter of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

I am not undermining the president. I draw inference based on his scorecard, abi?

But this is Nigeria, a place where a motor park thug stands a better chance of holding a political office than a rocket scientist, nuclear physicist or a globallyregarded automobile designer.

This is a country where qualified aspirants who despite their lofty ideas and articulation, will end up with a few votes at polls, while someone who can mainly differentiate between catfish and tilapia will get millions of votes. This is simply because the godfathers consider that a sound politician may not play to the gallery.

And a nincompoop will.

activists, idle and idling, twittering, collective children of anger, distracted crowd of Facebook addicts and BBMpinging soap opera gossips of Nigeria" is the height of "Him's" ill-mannered disposition to his former friends. Yes, formers friends, since he has chosen to be for them and against us.

Twitter, BBM, Facebook et al are medium he and his Oga used/uses to communicate with family, associates and Nigerians. By cursing the users, he is telling you and me to "go and roast in hell if you're uncomfortable with villa's happenings".

It is utterly surprising that "Him" is scared of sack; I thought he used to say he wasn't. Sigh. I imagine "Him" if that happens.

It is either a High Blood Pressure, returning to The Guardian, overseas trip for a refresher-course or becoming a full-time media consultant.

Whichever he selects, we will for a job well-done - give him a rousing welcome on a carpet I can't yet tell the colour. But what I can tell is we shall list

his peccancies from day one of his appointment in paperback.

I can also tell that just like his predecessor did, he will write a book about his job at Aso Rock. Already, he has given an "expo" in the contentious article; "I have spent the last fourteen months working with President Jonathan. I have followed him everywhere. I can write a whole book on his Presidency so far, but you won't get to read that until much later. I have heard that some people are protesting that they will not buy the book if it gets written. Well, your choice." Bros! true true na our choice, abi na you dey feed us!

Let's see if the book will be as hot as Segun Adeniyi's Power, Politics and Death interesting but rather expensive since they all wanna be millionaires (pardon my American accent). I am sure pirates are working on that.

"Him's" book may be titled "The Rise of a Shoeless Ijaw Son" or "An Achiever and His Fellow Countrymen" or GEJ: Triumph in The Face of Boko

Haram Fiasco". I have more and will name his book only if he leaks the manuscript, free of charge so long I am given credit.

Here's my counsel to "Him; please desist from bawling out crackers and focus on issues; there are a thousand and one begging for answers/ explanation.

"Him" unfortunately does not know he is too big for name-calling and cat and dog fights. Unless "Him" wants to start doing the bidding of our unofficial assistant President, Madam Umblerrah, in order to save his head from the hovering axe.

Hahaahaaaa!

Well, since someone has promoted himself from an attack dog to attack lion that roars at every step around his territory, it is in order to christen Abati an attack elephant that 'trumpheting' the ants of the forest till they go underground. Chai! I still dey laugh.

and he emerged bruised by the Ovation publisher's heavy Though one can't easily understand what really

Firing tantrums and ignoring real issue

Wale Odunsi is reachable on wodunsi@yahoo.com

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

Over 100 nurses in FCT undergo training in Gwagwalada

By Josephine Ella

T

he Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria in collaboration with the Department of Nursing of the Health and Human Services Secretariat have embarked upon a five-day training programme for 110 nurses in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The workshop which is the ninth session of the Mandatory Professional Development Programme for nurses and midwives in the FCT, commenced on Monday and is expected to last till Friday this week.

It drew participants nurses from both FCT hospitals,

government agencies, parastatals and private health facilities in Abuja.

Speaking to journalists at the FCT School of Nursing in the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, where the workshop is taking place, the North Central Coordinator of Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Mr. Salau Yahaya said the training was to among others, ensure professional handling of patients.

“We want to change the orientation of nurses towards patient care. We want them to be agent of change, we want the ideal nursing care to be given to our patients after this workshop.

“We have found that the problem we have is not that the nurses are not performing but the therapeutic relationship between patients and nurses is a bit poor so we want to improve that so that the objective now will be that when they go back, they will be more sensitised. “ The human relationship between patients and nurses will better off so that patients can have ability to express themselves without been bullied by anybody where they find themselves,” he explained.

He said that the nurses would be subjected to a pre test and post test after the workshop which will determine their certification.

“Unlike other workshop, we have a three credit load programme, where we give them a pre test and post test which you must pass before you are certificated. It is not just a workshop.

If they do not pass, they need to come back again to rewrite and pass the test before they can be certified,” the coordinator said.

Also speaking, the FCT facilitator of the programme, Mr. Lakareks James said that participants are required to pay 20,000 registration fee before being admitted for the programme which is a continuous one.

He said that nurses who failed to renew their licenses as required

are liable to be penalised by the council.

On her part, a representative from the FCT Department of Nursing, Mrs Bosede Frank said that the Health and Human Services Secretariat of the FCT administration was committed towards ensuring quality service delivery by all nurses in FCT hospitals as well as private hospitals.

Frank, who is a member of the organising committee for the programme added that the secretariat would ensure that all nurses participate in the programme as at when due for renewal of their licenses towards achieving the overall objective of the programme.

Police arraign driver, 20, for alleged theft, joint act

T

Cross section of participant nurses at the ninth session of the Mandatory Professional Development Programme for nurses and midwives in the FCT, yesterday in Gwagwalada.

Man charged for sodomising another man A

28-year-old man, B e s t w o o d Chuckwuemeka, was arraigned on Monday at a Karu Magistrates Court for sodomy.

The police prosecutor, Corporal Umar Mohammed, told the court that on August 8, 2012, a man from Gidan Mangoro, Abuja, reported to the accused to the divisional headquarters, Karshi, Abuja.

Mohammed said that the accused had sexual intercourse with the complainant on his bed when the complainant was fast asleep.

The prosecutor said that the offence was contrary to Section 284 of the Penal Code.

When the charge sheet was read out, the accused pleaded not guilty.

He told the court that he

had returned from a night club drunk and “thought I was sleeping on the same bed with my girl-friend and I started romancing him”.

The Magistrate, Nafisat Buba, said that alcohol should not be seen as an excuse for committing the offence “Despite being under the influence of alcohol, the accused should not use that as

an excuse to commit the crime, “she said.

The magistrate granted the accused bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.

She said that one of the sureties must be a civil servant on Grade Level 09.

She adjourned the case September 17, 2012 for further hearing.

Teenager arraigned for raping 14-year-old girl

T

he Police have arraigned an 18-year-old man on a two-count charge of rape and criminal intimation, contrary to Sections 282 and 396 of the Penal Code.

Chris Udoh, who resides at the Police Housing Scheme, Kurudu District, Abuja, was

said to have forced a 14-yearold girl of Ajata village, Abuja, into an uncompleted building and raped her on August 18, 2012.

Police prosecutor, Pascal Njukwu told the court that after raping the girl, Udoh threatened to kill her if she told

anyone about it.

He said the accused admitted committing the offence during investigation.

The accused, who pleaded guilty to the charge, said the girl “is my girlfriend’’.

“Yes, I did it but the girl is my girlfriend,” the accused

said.

The Magistrate, Mr Shuaibu Ahmed, denied the accused bail, saying that the case of rape should be referred to a high court.

He adjourned the case of criminal intimidation to October 10, 2012. (NAN)

he Police on yesterday arraigned a 20-year-old taxi driver, Idris Ahmed of Piwonyi village, Airport Road, Abuja, before an Abuja Senior Magistrates Court for joint act and theft.

Police prosecutor Paul Anigbo told the court that the case was reported at the Lugbe Police Station by one Racheal Odeh of Zone 5, Lugbe, Abuja, on August 27, 2012.

Anigbo said that on August 26, Odeh boarded Ahmed’s Taxi from Area 3 Junction to Lugbe where she resides.

He said that the accused, on reaching new Kuchingoro stopped his vehicle under the pretext of discharging a passenger and connived with the same passenger, who forcefully snatched the complainant’s handbag from her.

The prosecutor said the handbag contained a Nokia C1 phone, perfume, roll-on, a pair of shoes, jewelry, a make-up bag, a school identity card and the sum of N19,960.

He said the offences contravenes the provisions of Sections 79 and 287 of the Penal Code.

Ahmed, however, denied the allegations, saying: “I do not know the person that snatched the complainants’ bag because he is also a passenger whom I picked along the road’’.

The Senior Magistrate, Mrs Ann Akobi, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N50,000 and a surety in like sum.

She said the surety must reside within the jurisdiction of the court and must ensure that the accused was present in court always.

Akobi added that the surety must have a reasonable means of livelihood and a definite address that must be verified by the prosecutor.

She further said that the surety must affix his passport photograph alongside that of the accused on the bail bond, and adjourned the case to September 14, 2012 for further hearing. (NAN)

PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali to get 170 boreholes

By Usman Shuaibu

A

Hauwa Hamidu, a JSS 3 student of Parliament International Schools, Apo, Abuja receiving the best Prize for Literature from Alhaji Abdullahi Bono, Zannan Bauchi, at the School's Speech and Prize giving day ceremony recently, while Mallam Abdullahi Yelwa, the Chairman of the Governing Council of the institution looks on.

Photo: Miriam Humbe

Two farmers charged with attempt to sell minor T

wo farmers, Joseph Danjuma, 43, and Victor Habu, 35, on Tuesday appeared before an Abuja Senior Magistrates Court for allegedly attempting to sell a minor.

Prisca Ojuanam, prosecuting for the police, told the court that on July 18, 2012 the accused were caught at Giwa Hotel, Jikwoyi, Abuja where they conspired to sell

the minor for unlawful purpose.

Ojuanam said the accused persons had collected N100,000 from one Mr Ali Bwala to sell the minor to him and Habu was providing Danjuma with a telephone number to reach Bwala.

She said that the offence contravenes Section 287 of the Penal Code, and punishable under Section 97 of the Code.

The accused persons, both of Wassa, Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna state, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Counsel to the accused persons, Mr Mamman Audu, applied for their bail.

In his ruling, Senior Magistrate, Mr Emmanuel Iyanna, granted bail to the duo in the sum of N100,000 each and two sureties

each in like sum, who must be residents within the jurisdiction of the court.

Iyanna said the sureties must have a genuine means of livelihood, and must also provide copies of their utility bills which must be verified by the court.

He adjourned the case to September 9, 2012 for further hearing. (NAN)

Motorists complain of inadequate parking space

M

otorists in Abuja have complained of inadequate parking space within the federal capital city centre, a development which some of the people, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) blamed on improper planning of the Federal Capital Territory(FCT).

A civil servant, Mr Solomon Egba, blamed the FCT administration for not expanding the parking space and for not building more parks within the city.

He said that the authorities had not made effort to provide enough parking space yet they used the opportunity to extort money from people found parking on the roads.

“The security men at the Eagle Square car park usually lock the gates in the afternoon while the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) officials use the opportunity to tow vehicles and booked people to pay huge amounts before releasing their vehicles.

“Everybody knows that it is wrong to park on the road but in the situation where there is no place to park, the people will have to use any available space because if you don’t

have a business you will not come out,’’ he said.

Mrs Wonuola Amosu who works in the Central Area, said the situation was becoming worse daily, adding that the government should do something about the situation.

“Sometimes I rove about for hours before getting where to park after paying N100 gate fee; any day I don’t find where to park my car, I normally park along the road where some designated government official will charge me N100 per hour.

“It is the government’s responsibility to provide enough parking space because people are trooping into Abuja every day,” she said.

A banker, Mr Ambross Ogah, told NAN that the government could make more money by providing more car parks at the Central Area. ”If the government officials are focused, they should know that shops, gardens and recreation centres and parking spaces could generate huge money for the city’s development if it is well managed.

“It is not asking people to pay N100 per hour that is important but paying to get a space at all times but

here in Abuja, you will pay the money without getting where to park your car and the authorities are less concerned,’’ Ogah said.

A taxi driver, Alhaji Musa Yaha, said it was difficult for them to move around the Central Area because there was no place to park. “ Most of the time, the FRSC officials, the VIO and other security agents hired by the government arrest us.

“All the money I made yesterday was what I just paid to bail my car from the FRSC’s office just because I packed and picked a passenger in front of the Federal Secretariat.

“Before I will be allowed to enter the park to pick a passenger, I have to be a registered taxi driver which will cost me more; even people that are registered always complain of not finding where to park their vehicles,’’ he said.

The FRSC Head of Operation at the Eagle Square, who refused to disclose his name told NAN that the officials were carrying out their lawful duties for security reasons and to prevent people from causing accidents.

“This is a public place, some

people like to misbehave and purposely refused to use the parking lots that the government provided and they cause obstruction along the road which can lead to accidents.

“Most of these offenders are the government officials and the taxi drivers; in order to assist them to obey the traffic rules; we remove their vehicles and release them after proper identification.

“Our service is helpful because most of the vehicles that we remove from the roads are safe and protected from car thefts; also we remove the vehicles to save people from accidents,” he said.

An official of the Transport Secretariat FCDA, who pleaded anonymity said the administration was aware of the situation, adding that the authority introduced the pack and pay policy to cub indiscriminate parking in the city centre.

The official added that there was no place mapped out by the administration for vehicles apart from the central car park at the Eagle Square and another one behind the Central Bank. (NAN)

member of House of Representatives, representing Abaji, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) at the National House of Assembly, Hon. Isah Egah Dobi disclosed that his administration has proposed to construct 170 boreholes in his constituency in this year’s budget.

Dobi, who made the disclosure while speaking to Peoples Daily in Dobi, said that his administration would continue to carry the people of the constituency along.

He said that his administration had provided a purposeful leadership capable of satisfying the aspirations of the rural dwellers.

While commenting on the 2013 chairmanship election cross the six area councils, Dobi advised the politicians to shun politics of bitterness.

DPat Foundation solicits support from FCT administration

By Usman Shuaibu

A

Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) based in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dpat Foundation has appealed to the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed and the Gwagwalada council Chairman, Hon. Zakari Angulu Dobi to provide equipment such as sewing machines, computers and catering facilities for the organisation.

The President of the foundation, Mrs. Patience Ardey, who made this appeal in an interview with Peoples Daily in Gwagwalada, said this would enable the NGO to offer vocational training to more people in the area.

According to her, the foundation was established to train apprentices in fashion designing, soap making, event management, catering, hair dressing, bead making among others.

She said the foundation had trained a lot of disabilities across the six area councils and was willing to offer more assistance to many others if adequate facilities were at its disposal.

Ardey added that the foundation had trained a good number of commercial sex workers in the FCT and as well organised seminars on HIV/ AIDS pandemic.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

PAGE 17

Customers queue to buy suya meat, yesterday in Central Area, Abuja.

A young woman taking home newly bought plastic water storage drum, yesterday Teenage girls buying oranges while hawking groundnut, yesterday in Area 1, Abuja. at Nyanya market, Abuja.

A man carrying used water bottles to make a living, yesterday in Wuse 2, Abuja.

An elderly man taking a nap beside his shop, yesterday in Kubwa, Abuja.

Photos: Justin Imo-Owo

BUSINESS

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

Email: amunuimam@yahoo.co.uk

PAGE 19

INSIDE

- Pg 20

Arik Air adds Lagos-Douala to route network

Mob: 08033644990

Siemens to spend N2.9 bn to reduce gas flaring in Nigeria

By Muhammad Nasir

S

iemens Limited Nigeria (SLN) has signed a 2.9 billion naira ($18 million) contract with Shell Petroleum Development Company Nigeria (SPDC) for the Supply of four Siemens Gas and Export Centrifugal Compressors to be used for Shell’s Southern Swamp

Associated Gas Project.

Nigeria, which is rated the second-worst gas flaring country in the world, with 1.5bcf/d volume of gas flared in 2010, will experience a reduction in associated gas (AG) flaring with the execution of the project which is due for 2014.

The reduction will save Nigeria an estimated $2.5 billion

(N400 bn), which it loses to nonoptimal exploitation of the gaseous by-product of oil exploration due to capacity underdevelopment.

Also the reduction of the flaring which contributes 40 percent of Africa’s largest oil producer’s emissions would result in a greener Nigeria.

Siemens a global brand

dedicated to environmental sustainability signed the Shell contract following the Nigerian Content Certification it received recently from Nigerian Content and Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

The Nigerian Content

Orient refinery ready in 12 months- MD

T

he management of Orient Petroleum Resources Plc (OPR) has said that its refinery, which would be sited at Nsugbe-Umuleri in Anambra, would to be completed in the next 12 months.

This is contained in a statement in Awka yesterday by the Managing Director of the company, Mr. Nnaemaka Nwakwa.

It stated that the company was going to further strengthen the Nigerian oil sector and contribute positively to the nation’s economic activities.

“The 3Dimension Seismic contractor is still working and following the interpretation of the data, OPR plans to drill some high capacity wells to guarantee the crude oil feed stock for the Orient Refinery.

“The phase will facilitate the fast tracking and early completion of the refinery expected in the next L-R: Minister of National Planning, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman, Chief Economic Adviser to the President, Dr. Nwanze Okidegbe, and President, Nigerian Economic Society (NES), Professor Akin Iwayemi, during the opening of 53th annual conference of NES, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

NNPC, South African investors pledge to rehabilitate petroleum infrastructure

By Muhammad Nasir

S

equel to the visit by the South African High Commissioner, Kingsley Mamabolo’s last week seeking for economic ties with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), in the oil and gas sector, a business delegation from the country has expressed its readiness to collaborate with the Corporation to bring on board cutting edge technology to help rehabilitate the oil and gas pipelines in the country.

In a statement issued yesterday by Mr. Fidel I. Pepple, for the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, noted that the leader of the business delegation, Mr. Stephan Mcburger said the visit was to explore the abundant potentials in the Nigerian petroleum sector by the various business investors from South Africa.

“We are here to introduce cutting edge technology that will help in rehabilitating the NNPC oil and gas pipelines that cut across the country and this will also create job opportunities for the army of youths in the country,” Mr. Mcburger

revealed.

According to him, the various business investors from South Africa will also help in training Nigerians on the job that will help in sustaining their numerous investments in Nigeria.

Earlier, the Group Managing Director of the Corporation, Engr. Andrew Yakubu stated that the NNPC is ready to collaborate with investors willing to develop the oil and gas sector of the economy stressing that the draft Petroleum Industry Bill forwarded to the National

Assembly by the Federal Government for consideration and passage into law would create the enabling environment for investors and bolster investment in the Oil and Gas Industry in Nigeria.

Represented by the Group Executive Director Corporate Services, Dr. Peter S. Nmadu, the GMD averred that the PIB when passed into law would provide a veritable platform for investors from different parts of the globe to invest in the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors of the petroleum industry in the country.

By Aminu Imam

C

ontrary to speculations that the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has foreclosed sale options for the bridge banks, Mustafa Chike-Obi, managing director of AMCON, said both options of core investors or listing on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) are being explored.

Chike-Obi, in an interview recently, said the corporation would consider both options and weigh the cost and benefit to the corporation before taking final decision.

However, some analysts are of the opinion that having a core investor will ensure smooth operations of the banks.

Ease your employees into change

C

conflicts, emotions, and stresses related to the change. In these conversations, give everyone’s ideas serious consideration. Be honest, admitting when you’ve made a mistake or you don’t have an answer.

• Protect your team. Shelter them from interference, stand up for them to get the resources you

12 months.

“OPR’s refining activities will contribute significantly to the supply of petroleum products for consumption in Nigeria, as well as export abroad, thereby conserving foreign reserves and boost Gross Domestic Product.

“The company’s supply of natural gas from its OPL to the nearby factories will trigger industrial growth and provide economic empowerment for the people and create job opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths in the country.”

The refinery, which got its Environmenntal Impact Certificate (EIC) in 2005, would be fed from the two oil blocks, OPLs 915 and 916.

The oil field covers an approximate area of 2,158 square kilometres, lying predominantly in Anambra but extending into Kogi, Edo and Delta and Enugu states.

We’re exploring options on sale of bridge banks – AMCON

Management Tip of the Day hange can be scary. But the best leaders smooth over the transition by supporting their teams and advocating for them. To foster this kind of environment, try these three things: • Create a “safe” space.

Individuals should feel comfortable bringing up any

certification is a policy of the Federal Government to develop the capacity of its oil and gas sector through the facilitation of adequate participation of indigenous companies and local experts in the bid process for government contracts.

need, and show courage in sticking up for your people.

• Manage workload.

Overwhelmed employees will have more trouble handling change.

Effective leaders are masters of pacing work. Prioritize tasks to minimize confusion and chaos.

Source: Harvard Business Review

“It is not a matter of weighing options, but AMCON should look for core investors who shall be main drivers of the banks. Most banks that are successful are usually identified with main investors who take policy decisions affecting the banks rather than leaving it in the hands of many shareholders, whereby decisions on key appointments and policy decisions are through consensus. It requires competent core investors taking the shots for the direction of these banks,” says a top industry operator.

However, Chike-Obi said what AMCON is concerned with at the moment is ensuring that the banks are run well, adding that the essence is to ensure that the recently appointed advisers, Citibank consortium and Renaissance Capital, are to evaluate the value of the three banks, Mainstreet, Keystone and Enterprise and advise the corporation on the best way to maximise value in the sale of the lender.

While Citigroup is responsible for Mainstreet Bank, Renaissance Capital consortium is expected to do same for Keystone and Enterprise banks. The advisers have a time frame of between three and six months to complete their assignments.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

PAGE 20

COMPANY NEWS Ethiopian Airlines

E

thiopian Airlines, which also operates daily flights into Lagos, has taken delivery of Africa’s first Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

The 787, which so far is operated only by two Japanese airlines, is Boeing most advanced plane. It is made out of lighter, composite material-50 percent of the plane is carbon fibre, allowing airlines to save on fuel costs.

The Airline says the aircraft will first be used around routes on the Continent. It added that the Plane’s maiden flight is to carry 250 select customers and VIPs, who will fly around Mount Kilimanjaro on the Tanzania-Kenya border.

Egypt Air

Arik Air adds Lagos-Douala to route network

A

rik Air is to begin scheduled commercial services between Lagos, Nigeria and Douala of Cameroon.

The first commercial flight on the new route, which starts tomorrow, will be operated three times weekly, on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

The new Lagos-Douala route is Arik Air’s second foray into Central Africa, coming after the inauguration of Lagos-Luanda (Angola) route on December 13, 2011.

The Lagos – Douala route, the airline said, will be served with a Boeing 737-700 Next Generation aircraft. The 737700 is a two class compartment and the configuration is 12 Business Class seats and 112 Economy Class. Business Class passengers can enjoy a 44" seat pitch, cradle style seat while Economy Class passengers will equally enjoy plenty of room on

the 1hr 10min flight with a seat pitch of 34".

Arik Air’s Executive President/Managing Director, Mr. Chris Ndulue said of the new service: ”This is another exciting moment for us all at

Arik Air launching our first new international destination in 2012. Douala is our 10th African point and the third sub-Saharan destination. The importance of Douala as Cameroon’s

….as Bombardier seeks to partner Arik as Nigeria’s carrier

T

he recent investment drive of the Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Oduah, which saw her visiting the world’s third largest aircraft manufacturer, Canadianbased Bombardier Aerospace, has given birth to the invitation of Arik Air to a meeting as one of the carrier chosen to represent Nigeria among a select business partners in Montreal, Canada.

The chairman of Arik Air, Sir Arumemi-Ikhide is said to be one of four partners of Bombardier Aerospace invited for the meeting, which will dovetail into the Premier C-Series (Bombardier’s

Next Generation aircraft) event in Charlevoix, Quebec from today Wednesday.

The meeting between the Chairman and Bombardier Aerospace led by the President of Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, Mr. Mike Arcamore, will seek to strengthen the existing business relationship between the major airlines.

Key areas of collaboration is said to include establishment of maintenance facility, support services, training and exchange of personnel and future of aircraft order by the Nigeria carrier.

Arik Air and Bombardier

E from

gyptAir says that it has recently recovered

O

sun state government has revealed that it is set to raise a N30 billion bond from the capital market, in order to finance developmental projects.

Commissioner for Finance, Economic Planning and Budget, Wale Bolorunduro, who disclosed this in Osogbo recently, said arrangements had reached an advanced stage and awaiting the approval of the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adding that “in the next one month ,we will hit the capital market.”

He also said the bond would be used for viable projects like roads, especially the road linking the state capital, Osogbo to Gbongan, observing that the road was bad and an embarrassment to the state.

Aerospace relationship has seen the former taken delivery of three brand new Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft, making it one of Bombardier’s biggest customers in Africa.

The airline is the first airline in Africa to operate the Bombardier CRJ900 and the Q400 aircraft and currently operates four CRJ900 and two Q400 aircraft.

NAMA MD preaches peace, appoint eleven General Managers

P

the impact of the uprising in Egypt and that its services have equally grown from two flights to a current five out of Lagos; six out of Abuja and five flights out of Kano airport, respectively.

The General Manager, EgyptAir in Lagos, Khaled El Rafie stated in his opening remarks at an Award dinner for its travel agents and partners that EgyptAir has made a lot of progress, especially in the last one year.

He also revealed that the carrier has also been able to improve its relationship with travel agents by signing up more of them onto its Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) platform by adding 75 new agents presently.

Osun state

commercial capital and home to the country’s largest port makes it imperative for Arik Air to connect the city with Lagos which is also Nigeria’s commercial capital’’.

Arik aircraft in mid flight

No plans to sell NCAT – FG

By Muhammad Sada

T

he Federal Government has no plans, and has never contemplated selling off the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria as is currently being speculated.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by Joe Obi, the special assistant media to the aviation minister noting that circulating this malicious rumour have clearly ulterior motives that are not in tandem with the current administration’s desire and determination to reposition the college as a premier aviation training institute on the African continent.

The speculation is only intended to malign and distract the Management of the college from its clear objective of

repositioning the college as a veritable source of manpower development and recruitment for the aviation industry in Nigeria.

According to the statement, “At the inception of the current dispensation at the aviation ministry, government had always stated its desire to enhance the capacity as well as improve the revenue base of the college by embracing and entering into partnerships and collaboration with other reputable training institutions across the world. Government does not intend to depart from this goal as it sees such partnerships and collaboration as the necessary ingredient for the repositioning of the college as an aviation training hub on the continent.

For the avoidance of doubt,

Government wishes to reiterate its vision to reposition NCAT to become the aviation training hub in Africa, enter into partnerships and collaborative ventures with reputable training institutions across the globe in order to accelerate the growth, expansion and development of NCAT and achieve the target of producing one out of every three pilots in Africa, amongst several others.

However, these partnerships and collaboration do not any way amount to, or even approximate an attempt to sell the college as is currently being maliciously peddled in some sections of the media. The general public, especially stakeholders in the aviation sector are therefore advised to disregard the sale rumour as nothing can be further from the truth” it added.

eace among staff in a sensitive sector like aviation has been described as indispensable in order to ensure safety of live and the country’s airspace even as the federal government has embark on a transformational agenda for the sector.

Managing Director of Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Mazi Nnamdi Udoh while addressing engineers of the agency during their special general meeting in Lagos urges them to eschew division and blackmail that are inimical to the growth of the agency.

At the gathering of the National Association of Aeronautical Engineers (NAAE), the umbrella body for NAMA engineers across the country, Udoh said petition writers within the system should have a change of heart and join hands with others to ensure that the organisation attain greater heights in its duty of ensuring safer skies adding that, ‘people writing petitions within the system do so due to lack of knowledge’’.

“We must resolve all our differences and move forward in unity. We must not dwell in the things of the past.’’

Meanwhile, NAMA has also elevated new 11 deputy general managers to the position of General Managers.

The notice of their appointment was contained in a memo from the office of the Director of Finance and Administration of the agency, Mrs. Elizabeth Agom.

Among those who were promoted include Mr. E.O.Anasi, from the Directorate of Safety Electronics and Safety Services (DSEES), H.K Okoro (Air Traffic Operations, and R.N Odibikuma, ATC Planning including Mrs. Sule M.A (Human Resources) and E.A. Ogunbusuyi (Electromechanical).

The rest are Mrs. M.O. Dokun, (Terrestrial Services), P.O.Abbah (Operations), L.I.Chinyere (Operations), Ofoegbu (NAVAIDS) F.N.Anukwe (DSEES) and F.I. Nwankwo (DSEES).

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

PAGE 21

Our pilgrims are exploited yearly because we have no national air carrier, says Travel & Tours chieftain The absence of a national air carrier for the nation has been a source of concern to many Nigerians, particularly practitioners in the tourism sub-sector of the economy. Some practitioners see it as a major bottleneck to efforts aimed at boosting the sector. In this interview with Miriam Humbe, Chairman, Board of Directors, Baitil- Atiq Tavels and Tours, Alhaji Umaru Sani gives an insight into this challenge which has particularly hampered Hajj and Umrah operations over the years among other issues. Excerpts:

T

here appears to be concerted efforts made by the Goodluck Jonathan administration towards boosting the tourism sector to the extent that it could rank second to the oil and gas sector as the highest revenue earner for the nation’s economy. In the light of the above, how well can you say the tourism sector has fared under this dispensation?

The tourism industry has had its ups and downs within this period. On the one hand, you will see that there are many travel agencies coming up and they acquired the appropriate licences likeSimilarYou +1’d this publicly. Undo the Air Transport Association (IATA) and so on.

The first thing that will come to the mind of somebody is that if Nigeria’s tourism is developing, why is it that Nigeria does not even have a national carrier of her own? Formerly, we had the Nigeria Airways which had so many aircrafts which flew to so many international destinations like America, Brazil, Saudi Arabia and Britain. Now Nigeria regrettably does not have a single national carrier.

Every other country has their own national carriers; you see, like Egypt Air, Ethiopia Air, Ghana Air, Saudi Arabian Air etc. Sometimes we are ashamed when we meet our counterparts abroad, when we start talking about national air carrier, they start wondering why Nigeria doesn’t have a national air carrier. So I am wondering whether this is development or not. But at the local level, may be, there are some developments. I learnt that the Ministry of Aviation is trying to come up with one form of policy or the other which will encourage tourism. There is no doubt about that but when people talk of tourism, what comes to mind is travelling by air into other countries and you will see that for our economy even, you will find that the British Airways is dominating the market to Britain. And take it or leave it, as for the money they charge, there have been serious debate in the first quarter of this year that we should ban British Airways from coming to Nigeria.

If the absence of the national air carrier turns out to be affecting tourism development negatively, what are the challenges faced by tour operators, particularly those of Umrah and Hajj?

Tour operators; it is just as the

nothing else, even the Saudi Arabian airlines, we expect that they will give concession during Hajj, but it is unfortunately the other way.

The whole scenario seems to be playing down to the fact that we do not have a national carrier. In the absence of one, how can the discomfort experienced by pilgrims embarking on Umrah and Hajj every year be minimised, if not completely eliminated?

Chairman, Board of Directors, Baitil- Atiq Tavels and Tours, Alhaji Umaru Sani saying goes, home is home and yours is yours. Tour operators are at the receiving end of other airlines; like for instance, Ethiopian Airlines, Egypt Airlines, Emirates, Qatar, all these airlines carry Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. But then, they do it at their own convenience.

I will tell you what I mean;

We know under normal circumstances, what passengers are charge for a ticket to Saudi Arabia. But when it comes to Hajj, they skyrocket the price.

They don’t pay normal price. You see, if it were Nigeria airways, they would do it with the interest of Nigerians at heart. And who are the people going for Hajj?

They are Nigerians. If for

“

If for example, Nigeria has an airline of its own and we have so many people going to Saudi Arabia, believe me, once there is concession by Nigerians, everybody will follow Nigeria Airways.

Well, the problems of Umrah and Hajj pilgrims are many but you can look at them by dividing them into two; the problems in Nigeria and the problems in Saudi Arabia. In Nigeria, you can see that even now as I am talking to you, there are thousands of Nigerians who don’t have visa. They want to go for Umrah but there is no visa and this visa now is being hoarded in one way or the other.

For example, under normal circumstances, visa should not be more than 70 or 80 thousand naira. But you will see that as at the few weeks before the Ramadan, there was no visa to Saudi Arabia at all and this is the period people mostly travel for Umrah. People go for Umrah first week of Ramadan, second week of Ramadan, the third week, which is when people mostly want to go. But you can see that those who had visas for the third week were only a negligible minority.

For example, if we assume that 20, 000 Nigerians will go for Umrah, I feel that not up to 10,000 ended up getting the visas at all. Then the remaining 10,000 who wanted the visa by all means and at all cost were paying through their noses. And the visa was going for N250, 000.

A few weeks before then, people were paying 80 or at most, 90 thousand naira, but see what happened afterwards. And there were people who were ready, even to pay N150 or N200 thousand naira. So, Nigerians are continually being exploited and it is one of their difficulties.

Coming to the airlines also, you can see that Nigerians have no option other than following airlines at the convenience of such airlines. Sometimes you see that when you go for booking, they say they are fully booked and there is nothing you can do.

Then you go through hoarders who booked or even the airline managers, that’s the tragedy.

The airline managers, many of them will use personal companies of theirs. They will

book all the seats and when you come; they will tell you ‘no seats’.

Then they will say however, they will direct you to, maybe if you can go to so and so place, maybe they will have. When you go there, they actually will have but in reality, it is their own. This is one of the evil practices of the airline managers in Nigeria.

So what can government do in terms of regulating this ‘monopoly’ so to say, in order to effectively address this problem?

It is simple. You see, in simple rudimentary economics, we believe in the theory of interaction of demand and supply. If for example, Nigeria has an airline of its own and we have so many people going to Saudi Arabia, believe me, once there is concession by Nigerians, everybody will follow Nigeria Airways. And I am telling you that it is an area where the country will make a lot of money, because a lot of Nigerians go for both Christian and Muslim pilgrimage. In Nigeria, as you know, we go for Umrah and Hajj and thousands go every year.

Last year, almost 100 thousand pilgrims went for Hajj from Nigeria.

Nigeria is making concerted efforts at boosting her tourism sector and becoming the tourism destination for Africa. With all of these challenges around, what is that missing link that needs be put in place for the country to maximise her tourism potentials?

First and foremost, the tourist attractions in Nigeria should be strengthened. We have many of them. Jos in Plateau state used to be a tourist attraction; in Bauchi we have the Yankari Games Reserve. In Rivers and Cross Rivers, there is the Obudu Cattle Ranch and so on. But the most important thing that will boost tourism in this county is peace.

Many people are afraid of coming to Nigeria because of the prevalence of violence. This will not attract tourists. If you make comparison between tourism in Nigeria in 2012 and tourism in Nigeria as far back as 10-20 years ago, you will see the difference.

The gap is very wide.

So the government must ensure that peace returns to Nigeria before anything else.

Then after peace, tourism attractions and other businesses can in turn, attract tourists.

There are no two ways about it.

The peace aspect is by far more important than anything else.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

PAGE 22

Are NAFDAC’s new strategies yielding positive results?

In this report, Ayodele Samuel takes a look at the use of modern technologies to detect fake drugs and how its saving millions of lives.

T

he National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) under Dr. Paul Orhii’s leadership has introduced new and dynamic ways of waging the war against the proliferation of food and drug substances in Nigeria using modern technologies.

The result of these innovations has been a massive reduction in the number of such dangerous health- related products coming into the country while local manufacturers are facing the worst fights of their lives.

The on-going revolution has been found to be more effective probably because it predicates on strengthening the institution itself rather than personalization of the campaign as was the case in the past.

One of such novel idea is the use of TRUSCAN, a handheld device using Roman Spectroscopy to detect counterfeit products. With this technology, NAFDAC officials can quickly scan imported products at the Ports and release them on time without compromising their quality.

Nigeria is now the first country in the world to use it to detect quality of medicines. Following its success in Nigeria, the Food and Drug Administration agencies in the United States, Germany, Sweden, Canada and many others have also started using it.

Again, due to the successes recorded with the TRUSCAN experiment, another cuttingedge device called the Black Eye which was manufactured in Israel has been introduced by NAFDAC. The Black Eye compares a tablet that you are trying to check and tell you whether it is genuine or fake and if you ask

from the machine, it will break the product down into its component and tell you what it contains; active pharmaceutical ingredients or it contains so much inactive pharmaceutical ingredients.

It helps NAFDAC to work faster now because it can take up to 1000 different tablets at the same time and break them down and tell you which one is good or bad.

There is also the deployment of a mobile system that works with the use of text messages by consumers to ascertain genuineness of drugs before purchase. This is called Mobile Authentication Service, in addition to the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFI) among many others.

Apart from these high- tech approach, the Agency, to ensure

that enforcement and monitoring personnel catch up with prevailing circumstances and challenges has embarked on aggressive up- grading of facilities at their various laboratories across the country to meet World Health Organisation (WHO) and other international standards. At no other time has NAFDAC officials received relevant trainings than in the present dispensation.

The agency is also penetrating deeply into new areas provided for in its mandate but which were hitherto not adequately covered by its activities. Such areas include checking the quality of fertilisers brought into Nigeria to ensure that they are safe and of the required standard as well as ensuring

“

It helps NAFDAC to work faster now because it can take up to 1000 different tablets at the same time and break them down and tell you which one is good or bad.

Fake drugs being destroyed by NAFDAC’s officials recently.

NAFDAC, D-G, Dr. Paul Orhii that ways and manners in which foods are processed and packaged by fast food companies operating in the country conforms with international best practices.

The only medical doctor in the world who is also a Lawyer and Biomedical Scientist, Dr. Orhii’s wealth of experience and knowledge acquired indifferent academic and management fields has been brought to bear in a renewed and unusual determination to deal with the task at hand. His deep knowledge of legal technicalities and delivery have combined to engender positive deviation from the manner and ways offenders of the Act establishing NAFDAC are investigated, arrested and prosecuted.

He speaks passionately on the need to root out the menace of fake, counterfeit, adulterated, expired and other unwholesome food and drug products as according to him, these are the crux of the matter.

And knowing where most of these products enter the country from, NAFDAC has entered into mutually beneficial relationships with governments of the manufacturing countries.

This is in addition to synergies with other sister agencies like the Nigerian Customs Service, Nigerian Immigration Service, Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), NDLEA and many others. The Customs for example now allow NAFDAC access to their system where officials of the Agency are able to view the contents of a container and if they believe that the container may have something that is of interest to them, NAFDAC can insist on inspecting the container.

There is also closer collaboration with local governments and traditional rulers who have bought into the campaign to stop drug and food proliferation in their communities. In states like

Jigawa, Edo and Kano for example, local government’s are setting up NAFDAC desks with officers assigned to monitor and arrest offenders. Kano has in addition set up mobile court to speedily try people who are caught hawking drugs.

The results of these efforts are very much encouraging as can be testified by the drastic reduction in major cities across the country with Nigerian now looked at as the global leader in the fight against counterfeit medicine.

Many countries especially from Africa including Sierra Leone, Ghana and Uganda have sent their people to work in NAFDAC laboratories, studying how things are done here, and why not? Statistics show that incidence of fake medicine is presently at about just 5 percent in Lagos, Abuja, Kano and in Kaduna while Jigawa is even less.

But the NAFDAC boss is not relenting as he said the battle is still raging “Counterfeiting is like a balloon filled with water; you push it on one side, it goes and waits for your hands, and if you want to take the hands, it can bounce back even stronger.

“So, that is what we saw when NAFDAC fought counterfeiting and reduced it to 15.7 percent, but by 2008, we found out that more than the 64 percent of the anti-malaria drugs in the circulation were either fake or substandard. So, you cannot celebrate that you have gained some victory, especially now that it is even more dangerous,” Dr. Orhii had told reporters.

And that underscores the reason why Dr. Orhii is working fervently with the National Assembly, the Nigeria Bar Association and other relevant agencies to ensure that the Acts establishing NAFDAC is reviewed to provide stiffer penalties up to life imprisonment and confiscation of property for the merchants of death who feed fat on the blood of their fellow country men.

PAGE 24

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

Volvo XC60 comes with distinctive qualities

E

very company in the luxury business has recently developed midsize crossovers with plenty of comfort and convenience features. But let's not forget that crossovers are meant to deliver utility as well, and it's this quality that makes the 2013 Volvo XC60 a top choice for families.

Chief reasons include a comfortable cabin, unique familyfriendly features and top-notch crash scores. If these descriptors sound pulled from a Reagan-era review of a Volvo wagon, it's no mere coincidence. Although the crossover (car platform-based) SUV has essentially replaced the station wagon as the go-to family vehicle, the basic requirements haven't changed. With its handsome, sleek styling, the Volvo XC60 certainly won't be confused with your aunt's trusty old 740 wagon, but it really plays the same role in family life.

The modern look carries over inside the XC60. Soft curves and interesting details express the distinctive qualities of Swedish furniture, while a variety of highquality materials and classy trim accents give off a uniquely upscale vibe.

While the 2013 XC60 might not look like a Volvo of old, it still puts a priority on safety. It is one of the few vehicles to earn a perfect five stars in the government's recently revamped crash tests. Of course, avoiding a collision in the first place would be preferable to taking the hit and, rest assured, the XC60 has plenty of features designed to prevent an accident from occurring.

And we weren't exaggerating about the appeal the XC60 has to families. Dual, built-in booster seats in the back mean that mom and dad no longer have to go to any trouble to convert the backseat from familyfriendly to a night out with friends.

The adults will like the backseat as much as kids, since it's more accommodating than the rear seats in most of the XC60's rivals.

As for those competitors, the well-rounded Audi Q5 comes closest to matching the XC60's family friendliness, while being a tad more luxurious as well. The MercedesBenz GLK350 isn't as roomy or

family-friendly as the Volvo, but it boasts unrivaled build quality, added refinement and a similar emphasis on safety. You could also consider SUVs from non-premium automakers, such as the Ford Edge or Nissan Murano. These are good choices all, but when it comes to providing family-friendly transport in a stylish, luxurious package, it's hard to beat the 2013 Volvo XC60.

The 2013 Volvo XC60 is a luxury SUV that seats five people. It is available in 3.2, T6 and T6 R-Design trim levels. Each is available in standard, Premier Plus and Platinum sub-trims, while the 3.2 gets an additional Premier subtrim.

Standard features on the XC60 3.2 include 18-inch wheels, roof rails, automatic headlights with washers, automatic wipers, heated mirrors, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eightway power driver seat with memory functions and adjustable lumbar, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, "T-tec" fabric upholstery, a leatherwrapped wheel and shifter, a splitfolding 40/20/40 backseat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and an eight-speaker sound system with a CD player, HD radio, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface.

The 3.2 Premier and T6 add silver-painted roof rails, tinted rear windows, keyless ignition/entry, a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery and an eight-way power passenger seat. The T6 differs with its more powerful engine.

Added perks of the Premier Plus sub-trims include active xenon headlights, front and rear parking sensors, a power liftgate, a cargo cover and power-folding rear head restraints.

Springing for the top Platinum trims adds a rearview camera, a navigation system, real-time traffic and a 12-speaker surround-sound audio system.

The R-Design model pumps up the T6 with extra power, a sporttuned suspension, 20-inch alloy wheels, special styling features, twin chrome exhausts, special interior trim, a sport steering wheel and sport seats.

Source: Edmunds.com

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

PAGE 25

By Udenna Orji 07055652553

Renovations you should and shouldn't -do yourself Shadowline

Pg 28

Continental

Guardian

Granite

Roofing

Metals USA Allmet roofs now in Nigeria • SteelTech Projects Limited appointed Sole Distributor R oofing is certainly a status symbol. A local proverb says "The roof is the crown of a building". Most people spend fortunes just to ensure their buildings get roof designs and quality materials that will depict their high social status.

This has led to constant research on how to manufacture leading, long-lasting, high quality roofing materials.

New roofing products and designs are churned out regularly, rendering their predecessors obsolete. But the

arrival of Metal USA Allmet Stone Coated Steel Roof Tiles is poised to raise the stakes in topnotch roofing in Nigeria.

The initial cost of installing a Stone Coated Steel Roof by Metals USA may be more than with other roofing materials.

However, the money a homeowner can save is significant, because an Allmet roof will be the last roof you ever buy as it carries a minimum 50

years warranty. The roof adds to your home's beauty and to its resale value.

Insurance companies may lower your homeowner's insurance premiums by as much as 35% due to the proven protection of an Allmet Stone Coated Steel Roof. If lightning does strike your Allmet Stone Coated Steel Roof, the energy safely dissipates throughout the entire roof surface, and can exit into the

ground. Also, because metal roofing is not combustible or flammable, it is an even smarter choice when severe weather is a possibility.

Whatever the style, color or finish of your current roof, there is most likely an Allmet Stone Coated Steel Roof that will match the appearance of your home. An Allmet Stone Coated Steel Roof can take extreme weather conditions and still look and protect like new

for a lifetime. The roofs come with impressive warranties including a 120 miles per hour Wind Warranty, a 2.5 inch Hailstone Warranty and a Non-Prorated Warranty for the Lifetime of its Owner (transferable). Also be sure to talk to your chosen roofing installer about their workmanship warranty.

The roof is distributed in Nigeria by housing technology giant, SteelTech Projects Limited.

PAGE 28

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

Renovations you should and shouldn't -do yourself

By Udenna Orji

I

t may not seem too difficult to install a new kitchen sink or a dimmer switch for your dining room.

But when that sink won't stop making awful gurgling noises or that dimmer box winds up melted, many homeowners find themselves going to a professional.

Most professionals often go to work in some homes and discover things that homeowners had already attempted to do by themselves. More often, they find out that somebody had got hurt before the professionals were called in.

One homeowner installed plumbing too close to their walls. When a carpenter later installed a doorframe, the nails punctured the pipes, leading to some strange leaky walls.

But other Do-It-Yourself projects have had much more damaging results. When one homeowner's deck collapsed, the barbecue on the deck fell eight feet onto people below, spilling charcoal and burning them.

That doesn't mean there aren't home improvement projects where a little sweat equity will save you money and hassle. What you should do - and what you should leave to the professionals - depends largely on how safe the project is and how costly mistakes are to fix.

What you should not

do on your own Plumbing. Unless you're fixing a drain or unclogging toilet, there aren't a lot of plumbing projects you should do by yourself. Messing with the plumbing can lead to expensive mistakes.

A sudden pipe burst can fill your home with water in minutes.

Plumbing that's not properly tested can leak and pool, causing water damage and an even worse problem, with possible several health consequences - mold.

Decks. Decks seem like something people can do on their own and a great project to get underway on the weekend. But decks have collapsed and it comes from not having that experience how to properly attach the deck to the house. The problem with decks is that they can and do collapse, and cause major injury and damage.

Electrical. There are so many electrical codes you have to follow when installing your own electric that it's even hard for electricians to keep up. Improperly installed electric can cause fires at any point, putting everyone in the home and the home itself at risk. You're even at risk during installation, when a major shock could kill you.

Demolition. People often ask, "How much can I save if I do the demolition myself? But too many things go wrong during demolition and more often than not, they're hugely costly to repair. One

homeowner was ripping out cabinets when he broke off the water shutoff valve, blasting water out of the pipes. By the time the homeowner got to the basement to turn off the water, his basement and first floor was flooded with water.

What you can do yourself Painting. The worst thing that can happen when you paint yourself is a bad paint job. Use plenty of painter's tape, ask about a good primer and buy enough paint.

Tiling. While you need to be patient and exact with tiling, a vinyl tile floor is certainly possible to do yourself. A tile backsplash will add value to your kitchen and is such a small job that you'll pay a premium for a contractor, Crossman said.

Plaster-board work.

While installing large-scale plaster-board may be too much for some homeowners, others are perfectly capable of tackling this project. Start with a small space, like a bathroom, and see how it goes. And anyone can patch some plaster-board. It just takes patience and the right tool.

Trim work. Try trim work. The worst that you're going to do is cut some pieces short. Consult with people who have done this project before, make sure you're level and you've cut the right size pieces, and this is a project most people who do things by themselves can tackle with relative ease.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

BOOK REVIEW

By Toni Kan Onwordi

F

or the Love of Flight is Lola Shoneyin’s third collection of poems and it goes a long way in cementing what is, already, a well deserved reputation as an important literary voice and poet who also happens to write fiction and children’s stories. She also remains the most prolific female Nigerian poet working now or at any other time in the history of Nigerian literature.

The collection extends what is a trademark confident, sure footedness, underlined by and reflected in poetry that is at once sassy, saucy, engaging, literary and also wickedly playful. Her style can be both lyrically evocative and also stinging, laced with acerbic barbs that draw blood.

Beginning in 1998 with “So, All This Time I Was Sitting On an Egg,” Lola served literary notice that she was not a poet to be glossed over, another female poet producing “well behaved” and politically correct poetry. Her poems were going to be loud and sassy and politically incorrect.

She was going to tackle issues that evince a deeply reflective nature as well as a public engagement and concern with issues that are fiercely and unapologetically feminist.

The journey progressed with the publication in 2002 of her sophomore effort “Song of a Riverbird” but it is in “For Love of Flight” that she attains a higher measure of literary maturity that helps extend her poetic range. The poems in this collection, while focusing and continuing with her basic concerns are more measured and more lyrical. They are also less strident and overtly, for want of a better word, aggressive.

But this does not mean that age has mellowed Lola Shoneyin’s fiercely independent and critical streak. Her poetry still packs a massive punch especially in the overtly political poems in the last section of the book, “No Roost for the Wicked,” but it is also in those poems that we find the weakest (and also most recent) in the collection because in writing poems of a very public and politically topical nature, Lola sacrifices art for message.

Reading Lola Shoneyin’s poetry presents a literary dilemma especially in the deeply reflective personal poems, those collected in the early sections of the book, “Nesting” and “The Beak Generation.” As you read the poems, the question persists seeking an elusive answer, whose voice are we hearing? Is the poet persona Lola Shoneyin; poet, mother, wife and teacher or a literary doppelganger, an invention set forth on paper to mess with our minds?

Some of the poems are easy to decipher as they detail extremely personal incidents, family milestones if you wish, in Lola Shoneyin’s interesting life; the morning after a birth in “Bath Day,” a tender moment between mother and son in “The

PAGE 29

For The Love of Flight

The book front cover Head Story” where the son says to her “how great it would have been/if he had grown out of my head, like an ear;” honeymoon in Minnesota in a poem of the same title and the quietly menacing “Intruder.”

There is also, what I regard as the standout poem of the collection, For Kiitan, a painfully, evocative narrative poem recalling the loss of an unborn child. The sad news is communicated without words by a young doctor who is flummoxed by the discovery made during a routine examination.

“The young doctor smears the gel belly-down I spot the tension in her wrinkled brow.

Is anything wrong? I ask” And there is indeed plenty wrong because another doctor soon arrives to deliver the shocking news: “Soon, another doctor marches in She prods my prince’s imperfections And tells me that his nerves will never ripen And that his brain is shriveled like a rotten nut.

I fall to the floor Like an over-beaten mat.”

Reading “For Kiitan” is akin to watching a woman undress and lay herself bare, but there is nothing sexual or physical, it is rather a psychic unraveling; a true spontaneous overflow of powerful emotions recollected in tranquility and set down in lyrically evocative verse.

At the end, after labour is induced and the child is expelled

out of the womb before his time, we read: “Let him be enthroned in a crystal jar, To be observed and revered like a fallen star.”

Toni Morrison, who has written extensively and with keen psychological insight about motherhood and sacrificial love wrote in Sula that when it comes to a mother and her children, there is no thin love. To quote her, “Love is or love aint. Thin love

Lola Shoneyin, the author

aint love at all.” You get the sense of Morrison’s meaning when you read ‘Jolademi,” clearly the second stand out poem in the collection.

It is an ambiguous and disturbing poem that focuses on motherhood and motherly love and one that recalls parts of Morrison’s Sula, especially Eva’s relationship with her son, Plum, the one she sets on fire to save him from himself.

Lola Shoneyin writes.

“It has been four years now since I spat him From a lip in my womb Yet every night, he wants to crawl in.”

The clingy child and the loving mother are so enamored of each other that we read: “God, if I could birth this boy again, I would.”

There are other disturbing poems with hints of the dark and noirish undertones as in “The Lost Daughter,” “Adulteress” and “Mother Full of Pride” where we read: Lay you finger upon my lips, mother.

Feel the blood deep bruises, Glossed over with purple….

Where were you when he widened my mouth With his tongue and spat down my throat, Licked my ears and made me promise not to tell?”

And this, again, is where the dilemma presents itself; whose voice are we reading? The voice of the poet who has acknowledged her parents, thanking them for their unwavering support or that of her literary other self?

Other poems help in extending the question of the literary voice. These are poems like “Split Reed at Water Front” with the sexual encounter on the beach as in “the quiet rustlings of ruffled lace?” “Cannibal,” “Out of Tune,” “Fancy” and “Charm” as well as the s e x u a l l y charged and sweetly illicit “Distance” where we read: “I flatter the guests Fret about the salt in the stew.

M y husband will not look at me.

He knows, he knows it’s you.”

L o l a Shoneyin’s poetry evinces the makings of a sensitive and accomplished poet who tackles serious domestic and issues of the day with l i t e r a r y aplomb. Her subjects can be both deeply

and intensely personal and at the same time political as in “Out of Tune” where a fledgling lover’s spat provides the basis for political commentary : “We were scatting along fine ‘til things stalled in midsession….

Then later on the sofa, we talk biology: How what the gut rejects Will burst from the mouth.

Politics: how what creeps into the north Will ravage the south …and the hopeless state of our union.”

Never has the word “union” been put to such devastatingly personal and public use.

What emerges is the sense that with Lola Shoneyin’s deft handling of even the most challenging subject matter, the lines between the personal and the pubic are left blurry because her examination of deeply personal issues can resonate all too easily with universal echoes.

The poems in the last section “No Roost for the Wicked” as we pointed out earlier are some of the most recent and least accomplished and it is easy to see why because despite the effort to hide identities through clever anagrams and names that are not mentioned, the dramatis personae are easily identifiable.

Lola Shoneyin’s angst is both political and religious and she is almost quixotic in her literary exertions. In “Opium”, she writes: “My people have gone mad They have gone mad For Christ.”

Bola Ige, Olusegun Obasanjo, the missing Musa Umaru Yar’adua as well as the dueling matadors of Ekiti all make cameo appearances. Lola’s wit is cutting and sarcasm drips from poems like “Big Love’ where she writes: “There was once a king Who ruled with a knife He lusted and lay With his own son’s wife.”

Sentimental attachment to Bola Ige leads somewhat to hagiography in the ironically titled “History” where we read about Bola Ige: “Yes, yes! Never knew a more cultured guy.

He swirled the truth around his mouth And blew it straight into government lungs, Like cigarette smoke.”

And the question asserts itself; man of culture yes, but was he really a role model with his family life and all? And as a career politician, was he not part of the system that brought the rot?

Editorial sloppiness slips into an otherwise stand out collection published by Cassava Republic where “my” is misspelt as “by” and “dessert” as “desert” on pages 37 and 38 respectively.

Aside from those, Lola Shoneyin proves with this new collection and with unequivocal conviction too, that she is not just a shock jock but a sensitive poet with a mastery of her craft.

Source: African writer.com

PAGE 30

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

Artists, art lovers call for standardisation of arts/crafts A

rt lovers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have called for government’s support to ensure that Nigerian arts and crafts are standardised to meet international standard.

Mr David Adulugba, an art lover, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that Nigerian arts and crafts were the best in the world but needed to be improved.

He also called on financial institutions to ensure proper funding of the sector to address the challenges of achieving standard, artistic and quality production.

Adulugba said that the lack of funding, poor level of commitment, accessibility, cultural difference, poor presentation of arts, and high tariffs were major factors facing arts and crafts standard and quality.

“Good orientation, level of commitment, innovation and creativity must adhere to global competition.

Good infrastructure must be provided to create enabling environment.

“Cultural differences must be

considered in all aspect of product development.

Good presentations, proper display of good and sales point are also of necessity,” he said.

Mrs Rosemary Oti, an artist, said that a legislation that would enhance increased productivity in the industry was of essence, adding that reduced tariffs in some target markets was also important.

She said that arts and crafts

modification was required to make the product appealing to customers and to meet regulatory requirements.

Moses Alabi, an arts trader, said that Nigeria and African handicrafts were considered across the globe as the most original and unique handmade possessions.

“Many countries are interested in patronising Nigerian craftsmen because Nigerian crafts convey designs, which are distinctively

Nigerian, reflecting our culture.

“Foreigners are interested in handicrafts that depict the culture of African people, considering this fact, interested exporters stand the chance of earning substantial income by exporting arts and crafts,’’ he said.

He said that standardisation of arts and crafts would ensure an increase in sales, higher profits, economies of scale and reduced vulnerability. (NAN)

Title: Leaders Among Rule

By Arthur Apeh ALexanra Ojima

Many have been mention But, one can be chosen, Many have been ruled But, one can be lead, Leader among rulers.

Grandpa told me story of Grandma told me story of But, mine is different, How do you mean? Leader among rulers.

President of Mayors hails Badagry Festival

D

r James Walls, President, World Congress of Mayors, has commended the organisation of 2012 edition of Badagry Festival, which came to an end at the weekend.

Walls told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at Badagry Grammar School, venue of the grand finale that “the organisation of the event was good.

“The festival was good, innovative and showed the heritage of the people and their awareness about it,” he said.

Walls hailed the Africa Renaissance Foundation for putting up the package.

He, however, said that the event should be well promoted with a view to making the blacks in Diaspora to come back home to invest in it.

Mr Sewanu Fadipe, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Inter-Governmental Relations, told NAN that “the festival is very rich in content and our people are becoming more aware of it and the value attached.

“What we witnessed today is the real culture of the people of Badagry. For example, the Sangbeto Masquerade we see here is the modernised version of the old one.”

Gov.Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, represented by Mr Cornelius Ojelabi, the Commissioner for Rural Development, praised the organisers of the event.

NAN reports that the festival showcased the heritage and socioeconomic potential of Egu people.

PEOPLES POEM OF THE WEEK

President, World Conference of Mayors, Dr James Walls (left), being installed by Akran of Badagry, De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I (middle), as Yeniwa of Badagry Kingdom, at the weekend in Badagry, Lagos state.

Photo: NAN

Gov. Okorocha inaugurates board for Ikemba Odumegwu-Ojukwu centre

G

overnor Rochas Okorocha of Imo has inaugurated an 18-member Governing Board for the Ikemba OdumegwuOjukwu Centre, Owerri.

The centre, established by the state government, is for carrying out research into Igbo history, culture, language, politics, economy and other issues affecting the people.

Inaugurating the board, Okorocha said that apart from research purposes, the centre was also established to immortalise the late Odumegwu-Ojukwu ,whom he described as the foremost Igbo leader.

The governor urged the board to promote research into various aspects of the life of the Igbo with a view to rekindling good values of life in the people.

He stressed the need to inculcate in the youth virtues of good leadership and hard work as well as change the negative perception of the Igbo in some quarters.

“The Igbo are hardworking and this centre should protect our culture which serves as a mirror with which we are seen,” he said.

The governor commended the board members for their appointment.

The Chairman, Council of Traditional Rulers in Imo, Eze Samuel Ohiri, urged the board to be committed to the ideals behind the establishment of the centre.

Ohiri stressed the need for the promotion of Igbo culture and language and reminded the people that any race whose language died would lose its identity.

Mr Emeka OdumegwuOjukwu (Jnr), the son of the late Ikemba Nnewi, urged the centre to ensure that it propagated the ideals of his father, which included justice, hard work, and self-worth.

“My father was an Igbo man to the core, he was also a Nigerian and an African.

“As you run this centre, bear this in mind and you would be doing him more honour,” he said.

He commended the Imo government for immortalising his father and added that the Odumegwu- Ojukwu family would always remain grateful to the people for the honour.

The Chairman of the Board, Prof. George Obiozor, pledged that the members would be committed to ideals of the centre.

Obiozorsaid that it was high time the people tried hard to rebuild their image which was erroneously perceived by others.

He commended the state government for appointing them.

Members of the board include Prof. Fabian Osuji (DirectorGeneral), Prof. Anya O. Anya, Dr Alex Obi, Prof. Fred Onyeoziri, Prof.

ABC Nwosu, Igwe A.I. Ofuebe and Mr Nick Onyechi.

Others are Prof. Omako Oko, Dr Agom Eze, Chief Tyndale Aneke, Mr Maxwell Agu, Chief P.C. Onuoha, Prof. M.J. Echeruo, Prof.

Ebere Onwudiwe, Prof. B.A. Okorie, Prof. Augustine Esogbue and Prof. S.J. Cookey. (NAN)

What bring joy to humanities?

What bring hope to humanities?

What bring good life to humanities?

Name!

You are a needed material to man, I am good luck everlasting Joiner.

QUO TE UOTE “Some people will never learn anything because they understand everything too soon.”

–– Alexander Pope

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

PAGE 31

Scholarship awardees enjoined to be good ambassadors Stories by Joy Baba

C

harge d' Affairs of the People's Republic of China to Nigeria, He Meng, has charged Nigerian students who won scholarship awards to study in China this year to be good ambassadors of Nigeria in China.

Meng gave the charge in Abuja last week during a reception organized in honor of the awardees.

The embassy's Charge d'affair, said China is a country that accommodates both the rich and the poor since it is the number one country in terms of food production noting that China is the biggest trade partner of African continent.

Mr. Meng further described China as a country that is far away from Nigeria yet share a lot of cultural values with her.

Nigerians have values for family life so does China since they both recognize extended

A

ccording to relevant Chinese regulations, all Nigerian visa applicants must come to the Embassy or Consulate in person for interview and other procedures of Chinese visa application since the embassy or Consulate does not have any authorized organization or person as agent for Chinese visa application. The Chinese Embassy or Consulate also does not charge extra fees for the visa application, except for the stipulated ones based on relevant Chinese regulations.

Consular Jurisdiction Of The Embassy Of The People's Republic Of China In Nigeria can located in all the 36 states including the federal capital Abuja. following states: Abuja, Kwara, Oyo, Niger, Kaduna, Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Anambra, Imo, Rivers, Enugu, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Nasarawa, Benue, Ebonyi, Cross River, Taraba Documents Required Business Visa (F Visa) 1. One completed visa application form with a recently taken passport photo stuck on; 2. Visa Notification Form issued by an authorized unit in China (Visa notification refers to the form of visa notification issued by departments of the Chinese government, or companies and social organizations authorized by the Chinese Foreign Ministry); 3. Qualified original invitation & guarantee letter with signature and stamp from the applicant's sponsor and business partner in China. The letter should state clearly applicant's name, position and passport number, applicant's company name, address and telephone number, purpose of visit, duration of stay and specific

families, love for village and their region. The two countries he also said have respect for elders and love peace he stated.

Nigeria and China are good friends and enjoy good relationship this he said the two countries hope to make better.

Deputy Director in the Federal Scholarship Board Nigeria, Dr Nwade Chioma lauded the effort of China in assisting Nigerian students with scholarship. She said China has offered 41 Nigerians scholarships in the past four years, while Nigeria had offered the Chinese 14.

Most of the scholarship offers are at the post graduate level, Chinese government offers Nigerian students who have excelled in their studies and profession scholarship on yearly basis. This year, a total of 13 people consisting postgraduate students and military officers attending seminar were offered scholarship.

Charge d'Affair Chinese Embassy Abuja, Mr. He Meng addressing audience at the reception.

Photo- Joy Baba

itinerary in China; 4.

Qualified original introduction letter with the full name, title, date & signature of the issuing person from applicant's company. The letter should state clearly applicant's name, present occupation and position in the company, purpose of the visit, intended duration of stay, city intended

to visit, name and address of applicant's business partner in China, items and quantity of goods planned to order and purchase; 5. The original and one photocopy of the applicant's ID card. (The original will be returned to the applicant after the interview) 6 .

The original and one

How to apply for Chinese visa (I) photocopy of the certificate of incorporation of the applicant's company. (The original will be returned to the applicant after the interview); 7. Hotel reservation in China and round-trip ticket between Nigeria and China; 8. Recent bank statement of account; 9. One photocopy of the

applicant's passport Bio-data page and, visa pages with Chinese visa if any; 10. Any proof of business connection with the inviting company in China (e.g. fax of business negotiation, contract, agreement, quotations of goods, invoices, bill of lading.); 11. A list of the documents submitted.

India offers scholarships to Sokoto students

A

t least forty students from Sokoto State will benefit from scholarship awards offered to the state by India to acquire skills in Information Technology (IT), agriculture and health care.

Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mahesh Sachdev, said this when he paid a courtesy call on the

Sokoto state Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wammako at the Sokoto state Governor's Lodge, Abuja on Thursday.

The Indian envoy said the offer is to enable Sokoto to brace up to the developmental challenges through enhanced capacity training in information technology which will

expand the students horizon in entrepreneurship, banking, security, financial and security services to provide jobs for the teeming young population.

He said Sokoto's progress is intertwined with the progress of India adding that 15 institutes in India will admit Sokoto studentsfor

L-R Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria Mahesh Sachdev presenting a document of his achievements to Sokoto state governor, Aliyu Magatakarda Wammako in Sokoto state governor's lodge, Abuja.

the training.

He urged the Sokoto State government to nominate people who are qualified and young enough to come back and apply their services to Nigeria.

Sachdev, charged Sokoto state government to embrace cotton agriculture by adopting the genetically modified seed which India can provide the expertise. He said over 19, 000 Nigerians are being trained every year by Indian institutions who have been absolved into the Nigerian economy.

In the area of health, the Indian envoy said India could assist Nigeria to reduce the level of travelling abroad for medical services by bringing the services of Super Specialty Hospitals in Nigeria. He said that over 8,000 Nigerian doctors based in the US could be attracted back home to assist with their expertise.

Responding, Governor Wammako, lauded the initiative of the ambassador saying the state will take full advantage of this opportunity in terms of agriculture, health delivery, information technology and youth employment.

"I can assure you that Sokoto state has all the potentials and requirements for investors to come. We are investor friendly, peace loving and I can assure you that the programme will soon take off," he said.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

PAGE 32

Riots grip Kenya’s Mombasa after killing UN envoy condemns outbreak of violence in South Sudan

M

s Hilde Johnson, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for South Sudan, has condemned an attack by armed insurgents in the country's eastern Jonglei state.

Johnson noted that the violence was a deliberate attempt to undermine the country's progress towards peace and reconciliation.

According to media reports, on August 23, armed fighters, believed to be loyal to a renegade leader named David Yau Yau, attacked South Sudanese troops stationed in the Nanaam area of Pibor County in Jonglei.

A statement by the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), made available to PANA in New York on Tuesday, stated that, ``24 soldiers were killed in the fighting while numerous others are still reported missing or injured''.

It quoted Johnson as saying that, ``I strongly condemn this attack and reiterate UNMISS' call on all communities, institutions and actors engaged in the Jonglei peace process and related security operations to stay the course in making further progress and in consolidating the gains made to date''.

The statement also said that, ``in the immediate aftermath of the attack, the UN peacekeeping mission provided support to the South Sudanese armed forces, assisting in the evacuation of the wounded and providing aerial transportation to local government officials travelling to visit communities in the area." (PANA/NAN)

Shopkeepers have reported looting and hotel owners say it is difficult to pick up guests from the airport [Reuters]

S

tone-throwing youths have clashed with the police in the Kenyan port city of Mombasa in a second day of violence prompted by the killing of a Muslim religious leader accused by the US of helping fighters in Somalia.

Police fired tear gas and warning shots on Tuesday as youths barricaded streets with burning tyres in the predominantly Muslim Majengo neighbourhood.

Mobs moved around Mombasa's city centre, taunting police who arrested some of the protesters.

Mombasa has a big Muslim minority.

Shopkeepers reported looting in some areas of Kenya's second biggest city, a tourist hub with a major Indian Ocean port.

The unrest began after armed men killed Aboud Rogo on Monday, spraying his car with bullets in an attack many Muslims in Mombasa blamed on the police, who denied involvement.

Rogo was the spiritual leader of the Muslim Youth Centre (MYC), a group viewed as a close ally of Somalia's armed Islamist group, alShabab.

One person was killed in riots on Monday when protesters torched some churches, raising fears that the unrest may become more religious in a city where grenade attacks blamed on Somali fighters and their sympathisers have already strained Muslim-Christian relations.

Police and Muslim leaders had

described the church burnings as impulsive, not premeditated. On Tuesday the gangs of youths appeared to focus their anger more on the police.

Church leaders scrapped plans for a peaceful march for fear it might incite further clashes in a country where overall relations with minority Muslims have been relatively good.

The Supreme Council of Muslims in Kenya condemned the violence, especially the targeting of churches.

Pirates seize Greek oil tanker off Togo

P

irates have seized a Greekowned oil tanker and its 24 crew off the coast of Togo, a maritime group reports.

The attackers exchanged fire with a Togolese patrol boat but escaped on the tanker, the International Maritime Bureau says.

Piracy is said to be increasing in West Africa, with six ships seized in

2012.

Ships are usually held for several days and the cargo transferred to a waiting tanker, before the crew of the original ship is freed.

This is a different method to that used by Somali pirates, who demand a ransom for the ships they capture and often keep both vessels and crew for many months until they are paid.

China.

Morsi then travels to Iran on Thursday to attend a meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement, the first visit by an Egyptian president since the 1979 Iranian revolution.

The two countries do not have formal diplomatic ties, but Morsi has shown early signs of wanting to thaw their long-frosty relationship.

Morsi articulated a bit of his foreign policy in an interview on Monday with Reuters news agency, saying he wanted a "balanced" foreign policy that was not "against anyone".

He denounced the Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, saying that his regime should "disappear from the scene". And he tried to reassure Israel, which has recently expressed concern about a military buildup on the Sinai Peninsula, which Egypt says is necessary to hunt down militant groups.

"Egypt is practicing its very normal role on its soil and does not threaten anyone," Morsi said, "and there should not be any kind of international or regional concerns at all from the presence of Egyptian security forces."

Egypt’s Morsi steps out onto world stage

M

ohamed Morsi, Egypt's newly elected president, will arrive in China on Tuesday for the first leg of a highprofile foreign trip that will also take him to Tehran.

Morsi will spend three days in Beijing meeting with officials, including his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao, for talks focused mostly on business and investment. He brings with him a delegation of seven ministers and several dozen Egyptian businessmen.

Morsi will sign a number of development contracts while in China, according to a report in the

state-run Al Ahram. They include plans for a new power plant, a water desalination plant, and dozens of grain silos and bakeries.

His spokesman, Yasser Ali, told China's official Xinhua news agency that the trip "has a political aspect, including finding a solution to the Syrian crisis, and an economic aspect, including increasing the Chinese investments in Egypt".

Trade between the two countries has increased exponentially over the last few years, and now totals nearly $9bn, most of it Egyptian imports from

"This kind of violence goes against our faith. The protesters shouldn't hide behind Islam or any of its teachings," the council's secretary general, Adan Wachu, said.

"These are criminals and should be treated as such."

Kenyan police appealed on Tuesday to the public for information on Rogo's killing. Raila Odinga, Kenya's prime minister, has condemned Rogo's "horrific" murder, adding the government was "committed to bringing whoever was responsible to justice".

Rogo had been accused by the UN of using the MYC group as "a pathway for radicalisation and recruitment of principally Swahilispeaking Africans for carrying out violent militant activity in Somalia".

He is also alleged to have introduced Fazul Abdullah Mohammed - the late head of alQaeda's East Africa cell, shot dead last year in Somalia's war-torn capital Mogadishu - to at least one of the men who helped him carry out the twin US embassy bombings in 1998.

The bombings in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam killed 224 people.

Al-Shabab, for its part, urged Kenyan Muslims on Tuesday to protect their religion at all costs and boycott next year's presidential election. It condemned what it called a "witch-hunt" against Muslims by the Kenyan authorities.

"Muslims must take the matter into their own hands, stand united against the kuffar [non-believers] and take all necessary measures to protect their religion, their honour, their property and their lives from the enemies of Islam," al-Shabab said in a statement posted on the social media site Twitter.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

Asia and Middle East

A

t least 12 people have reportedly been killed and dozens wounded when a car bomb exploded at a funeral in Damascus, Syrian state television said.

The bomb targeted a funeral procession in the mainly Druze and Christian suburb of Jaramana on the southeastern outskirts of the

PAGE 34

Deadly car bomb hits Damascus funeral Syrian capital on Tuesday, state TV said.

"Another 48 people were wounded," state TV said, in what it called "a terrorist car blast".

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based opposition body which monitors the violence in Syria, said the attack targeted the funeral of two President Bashar al-Assad supporters who were killed in a bomb attack on Monday.

"In the suburb of Jaramana, a car laden with explosives hit a funeral held for two regime supporters," said the watchdog.

"Dozens of people were injured in Tuesday's blast, and several ambulances were seen at the site of the explosion," Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP, adding that most of Jaramana's residents support Assad's regime.

Activists reported that a

bombing in a Damascus suburb on Monday night killed two people, described as regime loyalists; and an improvised explosive device went off in the suburb of Jaramana, injuring several.

On Tuesday, several buildings in the area struck by the blast suffered heavy damage, said an AFP photographer at the scene, adding that that the facade of one building was completely destroyed.

The attack came amid a marked escalation of army shelling targeting the eastern belt of Damascus, home to some of the rebel Free Syrian Army's best organised battalions.

Activists said Syrian fighter jets made rare sorties on the outskirts of Damascus on Monday, killing at least 60 people in its eastern suburbs, the same day a Syrian military helicopter crashed while under rebel fire.

No charges in Afghanistan Quran burning

S

Tuesday's car bomb hit the suburb of Jaramana on the southeastern outskirts of the Syrian capital [AFP]

ix US army soldiers and three marines have escaped criminal charges for burning copies of the Quran and urinating on the corpses of Taliban fighters in Afghanistan, but have received administrative punishments, according to US military officials.

A military investigation concluded on Monday that miscommunications, poor guidance and soldiers' decisions to take "the easy way instead of the right way" resulted in the burning of Quran copies and other religious books at a US base in Afghanistan early this year.

US military leaders widely condemned both the Quran burning and the urination, which was captured on video.

The Quran burning triggered Afghan riots and retribution killings, including two US troops who were shot by an Afghan soldier and two US military advisers who were killed at their desks at the interior ministry.

The exact punishments were not disclosed on Monday, and it was not clear whether the lack of criminal

charges would trigger any protests in Afghanistan.

Administrative punishments could include demotions, extra duty, forfeiture of pay or a letter in their file. They also could stall future advancement and end military careers.

Aimal Faizi, a spokesman for Afghanistan's president, said Hamid Karzai's office would review the decisions and wait until Tuesday to respond.

The news on the punishments came late at night in Afghanistan.

Afghan officials have claimed the Quran burning was intentional, and the incident reinforced perceptions in the country that Americans are insensitive to the Afghans' religion and culture.

Discipline against a Navy sailor in the Quran burning was dismissed. The navy said the sailor was found not guilty of any alleged misconduct. The Marine Corps said it will announce discipline against additional marines in the urination case at a later date.

Myanmar president reshuffles cabinet

T

Typhoon Bolaven was expected to eventually make landfall in flood ravaged North Korea late on Tuesday [EPA]

hein Sein, Myanmar's president, has announced a major cabinet reshuffle in what is seen as a move seeking to advance the Southeast Asian's reform agenda.

In a statement on his website, Thein Sein announced on Monday that he had changed nine of the 29 cabinet posts.

The shake-up is the biggest since Sein's government took office from the former military junta in March 2011 and launched a wave of dramatic reforms that have

Chinese fishermen killed in typhoon

A

t least five people have been killed and a dozen people are missing after a typhoon with winds of up to 170km per hour (kmph) struck South Korea's west coast, forcing two Chinese fishing vessels to sink.

Coast guard rescuers pulled 13 surviving Chinese fishermen from the vessels that capsized off the southern shore of the Jeju island, along with five dead, the emergency services said.

Typhoon Bolaven was expected to eventually make landfall in North Korea late on Tuesday, hitting already

damaged farmlands as the country struggles to feed its 24 million population.

Emergency authorities and refiners reported little damage from Bolaven as it tracked through the Yellow Sea, dumping heavy rains on the southern island of Jeju and along the Korean peninsula's coastal regions.

China's Meteorological Administration issued warnings of possible flooding in the coming days that could affect corn and soya crops in parts of its three northeastern provinces that produce about 30 per cent of

corn output and 40 per cent of soya.

In South Korea, schools were closed for the day in the capital region and in the south, but financial markets, industrial and energy installations and government services remained in operation as the storm steered off the coast.

Hundreds of international and domestic flights serving South Korea were cancelled, most scheduled to depart or arrive at the main gateways in Incheon and Gimpo, the transport ministry said.

The storm was expected to

hit the southern part of North Korea's west coast, near the farming regions surrounding the capital Pyongyang, the South's national weather service said.

The North, which has trouble feeding its people even in years with good harvest, has said heavy rains in July and August inundated farmlands and triggered landslides, killing hundreds and leaving families homeless.

The UN World Food Programme and an alliance of South Korean aid groups have offered to provide food aid.

surprised the world and prompted Western powers to ease crippling sanctions.

Rumours about a possible government shake-up have circulated for months.

The reshuffle brings in 15 new deputy ministers.

Bridget Welsh, associate professor of political science at Singapore Management University, says the reshuffle is another important marker of change.

"It brings in a whole slew of reformers into key ministries that are actually part and parcel of opening up the economy," she told Al Jazeera on Tuesday.

Among the most prominent changes is the replacement of former information minister Kyaw Hsan, widely seen as a hardliner.

He was replaced by Aung Kyi, labour and social welfare minister, who has also acted as a liaison between the government and Aung San Suu Kyi, a pro-democracy opposition leader.

The information ministry oversees local and foreign media and the film industry, and has supervised the approval of visas for foreign correspondents.

Kyaw Hsan was kept in government, however, and appointed to head the co-operatives ministry.

PAGE 34

Europe and Americas

I

saac has achieved hurricane status, shortly after US President Barack Obama warned of the likelihood of significant damage from flooding.

The storm reached hurricane strength on Tuesday with maximum wind speeds of 120km as it bore down on the northern US Gulf Coast, the National Hurricane Center said.

"Reports from an air force reserve hurricane hunter aircraft indicate that maximum winds associated with Isaac have increased to 120km/h," the center

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

Obama warns of flooding from Hurricane Isaac

said. "On this basis, Isaac is being upgraded to a hurricane."

The president has told people in its path to take the "big storm" seriously and to follow directions, in a televised statement at the White House at 14:00 GMT on Tuesda "I want to encourage all residents of the Gulf Coast to listen to your local officials and follow their directions, including if they tell you to evacuate," Obama said.

"We're dealing with a big storm and there could be significant flooding and other damage across a large area. Now is not the time to tempt fate. Now is not the time to dismiss official warnings. You need to take this seriously."

Obama noted that the hurricane was expected to make landfall later in the day, and said he had managed a wide-ranging effort by federal and local governments to make

Belgian murder accomplice on verge of freedom

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elgium's highest court is considering whether to grant conditional early release to one of the nation's most despised criminals even though the accomplice and former wife of a paedophile and child killer let two of his victims starve to death.

The Court of Cassation said on Tuesday it can only rule on procedural issues in the decision by a lower court to allow Michelle Martin to go live in a convent after serving barely half of her 30-year sentence for her part in the mid1990s kidnappings, rapes and killings of Marc Dutroux.

Judicial sources have said the court is likely to follow a legal opinion already issued by its advocategeneral, or senior legal adviser, who has pronounced appeal grounds inadmissible or unfounded.

The overwhelming expectation is that Martin will be granted her freedom and in southern Belgium's Malonne, where the Clarisse convent is willing to host her, security forces are already preparing her arrival.

The tribunal is examining two challenges to the legal procedures followed when a regional court reached its initial decision on July 31 to free Martin.

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French court has opened a murder inquiry into the 2004 death of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, prosecutors said, following claims by his wife that he may have been poisoned.

Tuesday's announcement comes after Suha Arafat last month asked a court in the western Paris suburb of Nanterre to launch a murder investigation following revelations that a Swiss institute had discovered high levels of the radioactive element polonium-210 on Arafat's clothing.

That substance was found to have killed former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko in London in 2006.

Arafat died in a Paris military hospital in November 2004, a month after being airlifted - when his health collapsed - from his battered headquarters in Ramallah, where he had been effectively confined by Israel for more than two and a half years.

Allegations of foul play have long surrounded Arafat's demise after

One of these joins Jean-Denis Lejeune, whose daughter Julie was one of the Dutroux and Martin's victims, as well Laetitia Delhez, who survived a kidnap ordeal.

The other is by the prosecutor, Claude Michaux, for the western Mons court that decided to release Martin.

Dutroux was jailed for life in 2004 for the kidnap and rape in the 1990s of six young and teenage girls, and the murder of the four of them

who died.

Martin, 52, was given a 20-year sentence the same year for helping Dutroux hold victims prisoner, and for complicity in the deaths of two girls, found starved to death in a locked cellar.

The former schoolteacher, who married Dutroux in 1983 and had three children by him before their divorce in 2003, had also served time in the 1980s for previous kidnappings.

preparations.

His appearance was a reminder of the power of an incumbent president to intervene at politically advantageous moments, as he projected an image of strength and competence, just as Republicans met for their convention.

The event to nominate White House candidate Mitt Romney in Tampa, Florida, will try to create the opposite impression of Obama,

making the case that he has failed in the Oval Office.

Isaac is bearing down on New Orleans seven years after the Bush administration's botched handling of the much bigger Hurricane Katrina became a political disaster and left a doom-laden case study for future presidents.

Al Jazeera's Tom Ackerman, reported from New Orleans, where some 50,000 people were set to evacuate from New Orleans.

Colombia seeking peace with FARC rebels

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olombia's president has said his government will seek peace negotiations with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, the country's largest guerrilla group, to end five decades of war.

In a televised address from the presidential palace on Monday, Juan Manuel Santos said his government would learn from the mistakes of so many previous leaders who tried but failed to clinch a lasting ceasefire with the armed group, which is known by is acronym, FARC. "We have had exploratory conversations with the FARC to seek

an end to the conflict," Santos said, confirming weeks of rumours that his government had started behindthe-scenes discussions.

The government may also reach out to the National Liberation Army, known as the ELN, another guerrilla movement, he said.

Meanwhile, government troops will continue operations, Santos said.

A successful peace agreement with the rebels would secure Santos a place in history as the leader who ended a conflict that has killed tens of thousands over the years and left the Andean nation's reputation in tatters.

Tropical storm heads towards New Orleans

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Michelle Martin is particularly loathed for letting the two of her husband's victims starve to death [File: AFP]

esidents of the low-lying southern US coast have been boarding up homes and waiting anxiously behind fortified levees as Tropical Storm Isaac rolls over the Gulf of Mexico, threatening to become a full-blown hurricane.

Forecasters predicted Isaac would power up to hurricane strength, which starts at winds of 119km per hour (kmph), later on Tuesday and be at least a Category 1 hurricane by the time it is expected to reach the swampy coast

France 'opens Arafat murder inquiry' French doctors who treated him in his final days said they could not establish the cause of death.

An investigating magistrate, yet to be named, will lead the French probe into possible premeditated murder, a legal source said.

A lawyer for Suha Arafat told Europe 1 radio that the French court was correct in recognising its jurisdiction to investigate the case, since Arafat died in France.

"The tests done in Switzerland showed that Mr Arafat, in all likelihood, died through poisoning," lawyer Marc Bonnant said. "This hypothesis must be proved, and if that's the case, then it's premeditated murder."

Suha Arafat has said her suspicions were raised when the hospital where her husband was treated acknowledged that they had destroyed his blood and urine samples.

The Palestinian Authority

plans to exhume Arafat's body from a limestone mausoleum in Ramallah for an autopsy and Tunisia has called for a ministerial meeting of the Arab League to discuss his death.

Yigal Palmor, spokesperson for Israel's foreign ministry said:

"This does not pertain to us. The complaint lodged by Suha Arafat with the French police does not address Israel or anyone in particular. If the French justice system has decided to open an investigation, we hope that it will shed light on this matter."

Arafat's widow and daughter lodged a murder complaint on July 31 in the Paris suburb of Nanterre [Al Jazeera]

of southeast Louisiana early on Wednesday.

The focus has been on New Orleans as the massive and slowmoving storm takes dead aim at the city devastated by Hurricane Katrina seven years ago, but the impact will be felt well beyond.

The storm's winds could be felt more than 320km from the storm's centre.

Early on Tuesday, Isaac was a large and potent tropical storm packing top sustained winds of 113kmph.

The storm system was centred about 200km southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River at and moving northwest at 19kph, according to the National Hurricane Centre in Miami.

Although Isaac's approach on the eve of the Katrina anniversary invited obvious comparisons, the storm is nowhere near as powerful as Katrina was when it struck on Aug. 29, 2005. Katrina at one point reached Category 5 status, with winds of more than 252 kph, and made landfall as a Category 3 storm.

Simon and Crystal Naquin decided to bring their teenage sons to a shelter in New Orleans because they were afraid the camper they call home might flood, situated as it is between a navigation canal and lower Bayou Caillou.

Simon Naquin said he rode out hurricanes when he was younger, but doesn't do that anymore since seeing the damage wrought by hurricanes Andrew, Katrina and Rita.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

PAGE 35

Thailand restaurant where customers eat in bird nests

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t £283 for a meal for two, it's not cheap‌ although it certainly is cheep.

Because this is the world's only restaurant where diners are seated in a bird's nest.

The giant wicker pods, which look just like the straw-meshed abodes of our feathered friends, are perched in tree tops 16ft above the ground.

Once nestled inside, diners get an eagle-eyed view of the stunning rain forest and surrounding coastline of the luxury Soneva Kirl Resort in Thailand.

And you needn't worry about getting out of your tree should you require a wine top-up as a 'flying' waiter - transported on a zip-line - is on hand to deal with your every request.

Each two-seater pod has a landing strip where the acrobatic server can perch to take orders and delivers food and drink.

And, rather than take a ladder up, diners are gently hoisted up inside the pod by a winch which allows the nest to go up and down.

Boasting that the tree-top chefs have taken 'haute cuisine

to new heights', the Sonova resort serves traditional Thai delicacies, including fish caught from the surrounding shores.

Its website suggests visitors, who pay 14,000 baht for a meal for two - about half a month's wages for most Thais - 'feast on

organic fare by starlight overlooking the midnight blue Gulf of Thailand'.

The resort, on the island of Koh Kood, also offers a service of dropping travellers off by speedboat on a deserted beach to enjoy a picnic.

Airborne service: A waiter harnessed to a zip-line delivers food while flying through the rain forest

Twitch way to the restaurant? A waiter serves bird's nest diners at Soneva Kirl Eco Resort in Thailand

Bride dies in horror photoshoot river plunge extreme shock.

The woman, who had married on June 9, was being photographed by the river as part of a 'trash the dress' photo shoot, in which people pose in elegant clothing in unusual

environments.

The bride's husband or other family members were not present for the photoshoot.

However, her cousins and her brother rushed to the site after hearing of the tragedy.

Gown horror ... river bride Maria drowned in

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Tragic bride posing for photographs near a waterfall in her wedding dress drowned after her gown became waterlogged and dragged her into the gushing river.

Maria Pantazopoulos, 30, who has not been named by police, was standing on a rock when she slipped and fell on Friday afternoon.

Her lifeless body was still clad in the wedding dress when divers pulled her rom the Ouareau River, north of Montreal, Canada, several hours later.

River water had seeped into

the gown, making it heavy during the photo shoot.

The woman was heard yelling "I'm slipping, I'm slipping, I'm slipping" before tumbling off the rock around 2.30pm, local reports said.

Quebec provincial police spokesman Sgt. Ronald McInnis said: "She was doing the photoshoot in about 6in inches or 1ft of water when part of her wedding dress got soaked and became extremely heavy.

"She started slipping and falling down when the photographer grabbed her but she was too heavy that he

couldn't pull her from the edge.

"Another person tried to grab her but also was unable to save her from falling into the river."

Two cops rushed to the scene, took off their uniforms and dived into the water to find her.

Divers and Zodiac boat rescue teams scoured the area but it was hours till they found the bride in a stagnant pool downstream.

The woman's body was salvaged at 6pm around 100feet away by a local diver who volunteered to help.

The wedding photographer and an assistant are believed to have been hospitalised for

Loss ... Maria Pantazopoulos died in the tragic accident

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

Being thinner helps beat breast cancer O bese women treated for breast cancer are more likely to suffer a relapse than slimmer patients.

A study has shown for the first time that overweight women have worse outcomes from the most common form of the disease.

It found women who are obese when diagnosed have a higher chance of dying prematurely.

Researchers believe the causes are hormonal.

Their results suggest that extra body fat causes hormonal changes and inflammation that may drive some cases to spread and recur, despite treatment.

Previously, it has been suggested that a greater risk of the disease returning in heavier women might be due to undertreatment with chemotherapy drugs.

It was feared they may have been receiving doses aimed at

slimmer sufferers because their body size had not been taken into account.

The latest study of almost 7,000 female patients was led by Dr Joseph Sparano, of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine’s Montefiore Medical Center, in New York.

‘We found that obesity at diagnosis is associated with about a 30 per cent higher risk of recurrence and a nearly 50 per cent higher risk of death, despite optimal treatment,’ he said.

‘Treatment aimed at interfering with hormonal changes and inflammation caused by obesity may help reduce the risk of recurrence.’

The study compared the health outcomes of obese and overweight patients with others who took part in three trials sponsored by the National Cancer Institute.

Participants had to have

Women who suffer from obesity when treated for breast cancer are more likely to relapse.

Losing weight after diagnosis may reduce insulin which may be effective in cutting the risk of recurrence of breast cancer.

Lucozade: 3 x sugar of a donut S PORTS drinks can contain up to five times more sugar than a donut, an investigation by The Sun found.

Famous “energy” brand Lucozade has 4.8 teaspoons of sugar in a 500ml bottle.

That is three times the 1.5 teaspoons in a McDonald’s donut.

Another brand, Gatorade, has a massive 7.5 teaspoons of sugar per 500ml.

And Powerade ION4 Isotonic — promoted by Olympic heptathlon gold medallist Jessica Ennis — has 4.87 teaspoons.

4Move Isontonic Drink contains 9.6 in a slightly larger 700ml bottle. And a study at Oxford University last month found a bottle of 4Move packs 196 calories — and it would take 20 minutes of jogging just to burn that off.

The market for sports drinks, which promise improved endurance and hydration, is worth £1billion and growing.

But the European Food Safety Authority says anyone

exercising less than 45 minutes should stick to drinking water.

Sports drinks are only needed by “active individuals performing endurance exercise”.

Kinvara Carey, of the Natural Hydration Council, said: “For most people, water is the only fluid you need.”

Source: TheSun.co.uk

Sweet truth ... sugar content in sports drinks

normal heart, kidney, liver, and bone marrow function, excluding patients with other significant health problems. As a result, researchers were able to disentangle the influence of obesity from other factors.

The researchers found that increasing body mass index – or BMI, the relationship between

weight and height – significantly increased women’s risk of cancer recurrence and early death. This was despite optimal treatment including chemotherapy and hormonal therapy.

There was a stepwise relationship between increasing BMI and poor outcomes only in women with hormone receptor-

positive breast cancer. This is the most common type and affects twothirds of sufferers.

Dr Sparano said it was ‘biologically plausible’ that increasing weight leads to greater risk of recurrence via higher insulin levels.

It was uncertain if losing weight after diagnosis could cut the risk of recurrence, but some studies suggest it reduces insulin levels, which ‘might be effective’, he added.

Catherine Priestley, clinical nurse specialist at Breast Cancer Care said: ‘We know a healthy weight is beneficial for reducing the risk of a range of health conditions.

‘So, while this study may be useful, it’s important to put this into perspective. There are a number of key features of breast cancer that will influence the risk of it coming back and each person’s predicted outlook will vary.

‘For those who have been diagnosed, there is emerging evidence that maintaining a healthy weight, as well as being physically active may help reduce the risk of the disease returning.

‘However, this can be really difficult as weight gain can be a common side-effect of treatment.’

Dr Stuart Griffiths, head of commissioned research, Breast Cancer Campaign, said: ‘The findings provide further evidence that obesity can have a detrimental effect.

‘Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of breast cancer, particularly after menopause.

‘Obesity can also affect the chances of survival for those with the most common type of breast cancer, so it is vital patients are given support on how to control their weight.’

The findings are published online in CANCER, a journal of the American Cancer Society.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

Need a cigarette? How going for a jog could ease your cravings

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mokers who are trying to cut down or quit should work out the next time their cravings threaten to overcome them, say researchers.

A study that combined the data from 19 previous clinical trials found that a bout of exercise helped quitters reduce their nicotine cravings.

‘Certainly, exercise seems to have temporary benefits, and as such can be strongly recommended,’ said Adrian Taylor, a professor of exercise and health psychology at the University of Exeter, who led the study.

However, whether this translated into a greater chance of stopping smoking completely was unclear.

In the trials used for the study, smokers were randomly assigned to either exercise - most often, brisk walking or biking - or some kind of ‘passive’ activity, such as watching a video or just sitting quietly.

Beat those cravings: Jogging may prove a good distraction from smoking

Overall, people said they had less desire to smoke after working out than they did before, although the reason for this was unclear.

Prof Taylor said exercise may serve as a distraction, while being active might also boost people’s mood, so that they don’t feel as great a need to feel better by smoking.

None of the smokers in the study, published in the journal Addiction, was in a quit program or using nicotine replacement products, such as gums or patches.

Since nicotine replacement therapy curbs cravings, exercise might have less of an effect on smokers using these products.

Around one in five adults smoke in the UK today but two-thirds of these wish to quit. Each year around 100,000 people die from smoking-related conditions such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart disease.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

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Jonathan’s men should speak less – Sen Ita Enang INTERVIEW In this interview with some journalists in Abuja, Chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Senator Ita Enang opens up on a number of national issues and observed that drastic steps must be taken to reduce the tempo of political discord in the country. Richard Ihediwa was there. Excerpts:

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hat is your reaction to the debate over the establishment of state police and the controversy?

I am becoming a lot more concerned over the issue of state police. I am disappointed in the way the argument is going. It appears to be going in the direction of the north against the south and that is not the aim of the discussion. The aim of the discussion is to point out the advantages and disadvantages.

I have heard many arguments for and against the issue. These are matters that we should take as inputs in deciding whether or not to have state police. What I plead now is that we should not allow the debate on whether or not we should have state police to degenerate to a sectional thing.

The unity of the country is receiving serious threats; we are witnessing some regions making serious declarations.

Some states now even have their coat of arms, flags, national anthems and all that.

Are you satisfied by the actions so far taken by the Federal Government to address these things?

I have been more concerned than you and I think that the President should take serious and decisive actions to nip all these in the bud. Some of these states adopt these as ways of creating their own identity and boosting their own tourism and their statism; but I believe that this should also go far enough to inculcate the love for the country. I am a lot concerned about the action of Bayelsa state.

The governor, Seriake Dickson is my friend and my colleague. We worked together in the House of Representatives. I was chairman Rules and Business and he was Chairman House committee on Justice. He left the House to be governor of that state. I remember also that he was Attorney General of that state and this is the state of the President. I believe that the President should not just take that this is the matter of the state

or that it is a matter of the law of the state. Agreed it is a matter of the law of the state and persons who are aggrieved should go to court; but coming from Bayelsa state, the state of the president.

As a seasoned lawyer and former attorney general of the state, the governor may have serious justification for doing it. He may have a reason for playing up the federalism in Nigeria, that being a state within the federal constituency of Nigeria, he can do certain things within the limits of statism without compromising the integrity of Nigeria. He may be practicing federalism at an advanced stage. People can go to court either to seek to nullify it or affirm it. It is the declarations of court in this instance that will enable us practice this federalism more.

In any case, I think it is the actions by a particular side that triggers reaction by the other side.

We should not wait for reactions that will lead to confrontation before we start consultations.

There have been calls for the President to resign. We should not allow any action to get to that stage. I think the President should devote at least a week for meeting with strategic groups to hold strategic discussions to bring down the political discord that is heightening in the country. I am sorry that I am saying this as a member of the PDP, but at my stage and given what this country has invested in me up till today, it will be wrong if I see what is happening and say I am a member of the PDP and say it is the job of the President and not say anything. Again he should advise his men to speak less on certain matters because most volatile matters are raised by certain people within the system and it blows up.

Just few months ago the Osun state government changed the name of the state to from Osun state to State of Osun and it generated so a lot of controversies to the extent that the that governor was accused of treason. Is there a parallel with what happened in Osun and Bayelsa?

Senator Ita Enang There is no parallel line there.

The states are named in the constitution; you cannot even add one vowel there. You cannot rearrange it. That one is unconstitutional and if you say you are the State of Osun, then they cannot send revenue to State of Osun. There cannot be a governor for State of Osun. There cannot be a House of Assembly for State of Osun. So it cannot happen. Everything will be as it is in the constitution. So it not akin to what is happening in Bayelsa.

The controversial issue of onshore/offshore dichotomy is always rearing its head in national discourse. What do you think is the solution to this?

I want everybody to accept that this was a political solution to solve the problem of revenue allocation at that time. I also urge the President and other interested parties to accept and recall that there was a time in this country when we were producing about 700,000 barrels of oil per day and today we are producing 2.7 million barrel per day. We must accept the fact that this oil comes from the land and backyard of certain people in certain part of this country; the south-south people What we should be asking for now is not the abrogation of the onshore/offshore dichotomy; it should be the extension of the

literal meaning of off shore to cover the continental shelf, that is the entire maritime boundary between Nigeria and other countries. If the land is not part of Nigeria then Nigeria cannot take oil from it. So we will be seeking for extensions. It will be akin to say that if you have solid mineral in Kano that is below 10 meters deep, the whole amount of money from that solid mineral will go to the Federal Government. No there should be derivation for the people of Kano. Therefore if any part belongs to Nigeria then the derivation should come. We should also talk about the situation. The people are only taking 13 percent of derivation.

87 percent goes to the Federal Government and it shared to all the states. Is it the 13 percent that goes to the Federal Government that will make the country poor?

That is not right. Let us encourage states in the north which have solid mineral to explore the solid mineral and pay the revenue into the federation account and take percent of it. They should not allow a situation where the minerals are mined and proceed is taking hundred percent by the state government and those who do the mining and nothing goes to the federation account. They call it illegal mining. So if you call illegal mining, you take all the revenue to the individuals in the state and those you assigned the plot, then the other people are

producing and paying into the federation account and you are taking 87 percent, that is what you said you want to take all.

These are the kind of things that is causing tension and the declarations here and there. And come to talk of it; of all the oil that we mining, who are the owners of the oil blocks? How many persons in the south-south have oil blocks? Go and check and you will see that that they are from the north.

I want the president of this country, the minister of petroleum and the federal character commission to look at the ownership of oil block in this country. No single person from Akwa Ibom state owns an oil block. Let us revoke the entire oil block and reallocate it on the bases of the equality of zones and states. Let us reallocate it using the quota of those who are from the oil bearing states let them have some percentage of the oil block. Those who are from solid mineral states, let them have some percentage of the solid mineral mining block. I wonder why we are not taking oil from the Bauchi trough, Benue trough and the Chad basin. Niger republic is taking oil from the Chad basin using lateral drilling.

They are drilling oil from Borno and it is suspected that it is people from Nigeria that own this oil block. They even have refineries refining the oil they have taken from the Chad basin, drilling literally from Nigerian ground and they have used that to feed their refinery and I understand we are importing from Niger.

This is what should be the discussion now and not the abolition of the onshore/offshore dichotomy You clocked 50 yesterday.

Looking back at the journey so far, what will you say?

I will give all glory to God because he has been so faithful, so precious and good to me. I started my political career at a very young age. At about 25, I was a councilor and at about 28 I was at the state House of Assembly and in my midthirties I was in the House of Representatives and at 50 I am in the Senate. I look back with gratitude to God. I see myself as a person whom Nigeria has invested in and whom Nigeria has also so much invested in. I have been given a lot of political opportunities. I feel committed to serving the nation to the best of my ability. I will do everything to make sure that Nigeria survive as one country and that we experience growth in every sector and that good governance is sustained.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

2015: PDP denies endorsing anyone

By Lawrence Olaoye

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he People Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday denied endorsing anyone ahead of the 2015 general elections.

The National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, in a statement stated “My attention has been drawn to media speculations that our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has anointed aspirants ahead of general elections in 2015. This

information is speculative and completely false.

“I therefore, use this medium to call on party members, supporters and the entire Nigerians to disregard sensationalism as we move quickly to carry out reforms that will justify our existence as a ruling party. This allegation is false and our party has not anointed any persons for any position.

“For the time being, the party’s attention has been devoted to critical reforms that will guarantee quality life

to our people, reconciliation in all aspects of our political life and instilling internal democracy in our political process. While we appreciate the concern and goodwill of the Nigerian people, we acknowledge the fact that reforms in any country come with pains, anxiety and apprehensions. This is a necessary sacrifice confronting us as a nation today. This apprehension may have been responsible for the pre-emptive speculation of pre-mature endorsement of aspirants ahead of the 2015 elections.

“Democracy is not all about elections and I enjoin all Nigerians to make meaningful contributions towards the political, economic and social development of our Country. We in the Peoples Democratic Party are presently pre-occupied and committed to fulfilling our electoral mandate and have no time for the politics of 2015. The need for rapid infrastructural development and the welfare of our people is, and will be our major concern in the years ahead,” Tukur said.

Ideal local government administration crucial to true federalism –Senator Ojudu From Inumidun Ojelade, Osogbo

A L-R: Oyo state Director of Public Prosecution, Prince Wasiu Adetunji, Commissioner for Justice, Mr Adebayo Mutalubi Ojo, and Director of Litigation Centre, Ministry of Justice, Mrs Olabinpe Olakojo, during a press briefing on the bills passed by the state House of Assembly, recently in Ibadan.

Group wants Benue lawmaker arrested for corruption From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

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group known as ‘Concerned Benue Citizens Coalition’ has raised alarm over the fraudulent activity of a member of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Kenneth Iyo, representing Gwer West State Constituency who collected over N1.6 million for a trip to South Africa for legislative workshop but refused to travel. Addressing newsmen

yesterday in Makurdi, leader of the group Mr. Philip Agbese said the trip was sponsored by the State government and viewed Hon. Iyo’s action as ‘criminally intended’, ‘wicked’ and a calculated attempt to subject the tax payers to unnecessary hardship which should not be allowed in the society. He likened the act to those committed by Hon. Hermen Hembe and urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to as a

matter of urgent national concern arrest, prosecute and the bring activities of Hon. Iyo to book. The petition was equally copied to the Benue State Commissioner of Police urging him to arrest the culprit so as to forestall any plot by him running into hiding before the full wrath of the law catches up with him and his coconspirators. Hon. Iyo could not be reached for his reaction as his cellphone was permanently switched off.

Jonathan's visit: Anambra orders closure of markets

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he Anambra government has ordered the closure of four major markets in the state ahead of President Goodluck Jonathan's planned visit to the state on Aug. 30.

The markets are the Onitsha Main market in Onitsha North and other markets in Ogbaru, Onitsha South and Idemili North local government areas.

The state Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Chief Joe-Martins Uzodike, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Awka that the decision was to forestall any security breach.

Uzodike also announced a restriction of

vehicular movement in the areas between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m on the day of the visit.

"All markets in Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Ogbaru and Idemili North local government areas shall be closed between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. tomorrow.

"This is to pave way for easy flow of traffic during the president's visit in the areas," the commissioner said.

He appealed to the traders and transport operators as well as residents to regard the measure as a necessary sacrifice for the betterment of the state.

According to him, the President's visit will pave way for the creation of 5,000

jobs and change the fortune of the state in many other ways.

The President is expected to, among other projects, inaugurate the Orient Petroleum Oil, SABMiller Brewery, Orange Drugs Company, Krisoral Company and the Onitsha Inland port.

The Onitsha Bridge Head gate will also be renamed after Dim Chukwuemeka Ojukwu during the visit.

Gov. Peter Obi had said that the President would inaugurate projects executed by both the private sector and his administration during the visit.

(NAN)

Adamawa Assembly approves 10 new special advisers for Nyako

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he Adamawa House of Assembly has approved 10 new special advisers for Gov. Murtala Nyako.

The approval yesterday in Yola was in response to a letter to the house by the governor requesting for it.

Alhaji Ishaq Bala (PDP- Yola North) moved the motion for the approval,

which was seconded by Mrs Wilbina Jackson (PDP-Guyuk), The unanimous approval by the House was done through a voice vote.

The House also deliberated on a letter from the governor requesting for approval of Mr Sabiru Danyari, as the state AuditorGeneral.

The House, presided over by the Speaker, Alhaji Ahmadu Fintiri, however, directed its Clerk to invite Danyari to appear before it on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the house had, in June, approved 50 special advisers for the governor. (NAN)

member of National Assembly, Senator Babafemi Ojudu has said for Nigeria to be seen as practicing true federalism, all the states in the country should have their own constitution in same way it was practiced in the First Republic.

Senator Ojudu made this assertion while delivering the 21st anniversary lecture of the creation of Osun state titled ‘Strengthening Grassroots Development Through Local Government Creation: The Constitutional and Legal Challenges at the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding in Osogbo.

Ojudu charged Osun state to lead the process of states having their own constitution as it was in the First Republic, adding that anyone who is not comfortable with this important principle of federalism should go to court.

The legislator held that the attempt by the military-imposed constitutions since 1979 to subvert a fundamental principle of federalism by turning local governments into creations of the central government has brought all sorts of problems not only for local governance in Nigeria, but the relationship between the centre and the states.

According to Ojudu, “Those who have sworn to take what they do not deserve and deny others their patrimony, would do all they can to block the possibility of a truly federal system. Those of us who are committed to ensuring a federal system that works and preventing a systemic collapse cannot afford to give up on many tasks that confront us.”

He said the former Lagos state governor, Senator Ahmed Bola-Tinubu, attempted to create local governments in the state during his administration but was stopped by the Federal Government even when there were glaring discrepancies in the exercise all over the country.

“Kano and Jigawa states continued to expand its number of LGAs, such that Kano state now has 46 and Jigawa which was taken out of old Kano state has 26 LGAs. That adds up to 72 LGA for old Kano state against Lagos state’s 20 LGAs” Ojudu stressed.

The Lawmaker held that the allocation of revenue on the basis of the number of LGAs is the fundamental reason for the injustice in the number of LGAs across the federation.

He added that this is also why the military, in their lack of sense of fairness and justice, created these LGAs at the centre and enshrined them in the constitution.

Ojudu noted that to draw money from the federal purse on the basis of the territorial splitting of a state for local administrative purposes is a crime against federalism.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

PAGE 39

Controversy trails IPAC election

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

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Action Congress of Nigeria party members in Egbeda and Ona Ara Local Government Areas of Oyo state protesting imposition of local government chairmen on them by the state governor, on Monday in Ibadan.

Photo: NAN

Lands ministry’s staff lock out Controller

From Nankpah Bwakan, Jos

T

he protesting Staff of the Federal Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Jos on Monday lock out the Controller, Arc M.M Laminu over alleged injustice meted to them.

Part of the issues that the members of staff are protesting is the alleged incompetence on the side of the Controller to discharge his responsibilities effectively and that he short changes them in the payment of their allowances and entitlements.

The aggrieved staff mobilized very early morning on Monday at the office of the Controller, and locked up the office and offices of other high ranking staff of the ministry, chanting solidarity songs, demanding for the removal of the controller.

The personnel of the National security and Civil Defense Corps who were also occupying a portion of the Federal secretariat averted what might have degenerated into a possible breakdown of law and order as some staff who were not in support of the protest were combat ready to clash with their protesting colleagues.

However, the embattled controller, Arc Laminu denied all the allegations leveled against him stressing that the actions of the staff was against civil service law and was uncalled for. He acknowledged that the staff had written a petition on the matter to the Ministry bringing his reputation to question and they could not even copy him but he managed to get wind of the petition.

Laminu said the aggrieved workers should have awaited the outcome of the petition rather than

taking laws into their hands by mobilizing against some of the policies introduced to sanitise the Ministry. According to him, the aggrieved members of staff are looking for ways to destabilize him.

He threatened that appropriate disciplinary measures would be taken against the protesting staff who violated laid down procedures in complaining on any issues in the civil service that workers many feel comfortable with in the system.

According to him, the state Commissioner of Police had since been informed of the action of the staff in order for him to call the aggrieved staff to order before further breakdown of law and order. He said the Commissioner had assured him of adequate security.

It was gathered that the Controller is currently operating in an undisclosed location within the state for fear of the unknown.

CISLAC urges legislature to stick to constitutional role

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he Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), a pro-democracy group, yesterday called on the National Assembly to limit itself to the constitutional role of making laws and oversight functions.

The Executive Director of CISLAC, Malam Auwal Musa, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja yesterday.

Musa said the call became necessary to ensure that the lawmakers were better committed to their constitutional responsibilities and not involved in any corrupt practise.

According to him, “this will avoid turning the institution into an avenue of looting and stealing of public treasury''.

He said the legislature had a

responsibility to oversight the executive and the judiciary, adding that “we cannot allow corruption to take over the work of legislatures.”

Musa said that legislature had a major role to play in the evolution of the nation's democracy, stating that “failure of legislatures to maintain their role, then our democracy itself is at risk.”

“We must encourage the legislature to discharge its constitutional role to enable it checkmate the executive, the judiciary wrong doing and the society in general, `` Musa said.

He advised members of NASS as the apex legislative body in the country to shun any action that would implicate the members or make them to be part of corruption.

The CISLAC boss expressed

concern over the growing level of corruption in the country, pointing out that it brought about the increasing level of poverty, insecurity and unemployment among teeming youths.

“Corruption has become rampant and wide spread across all sectors, both at local and international institutions in Nigeria.

“This is a very sad situation; especially given the effect of corruption to the nation's economy.

“Poverty has increased tremendously and there are collapsed infrastructure as a result of persistent corruption,'' Musa said.

Commenting on companies involved in the recent fuel subsidy fraud, Musa said ``if any of the indicted companies refund the money it is a good omen”.

he Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) election for the positions of National Chairman and Secretary for a period of one year was recently held in Abuja amidst commotion and disagreement.

Trouble started when some of the political parties insisted that the election must be postponed to enable the intending contestants indicate interest and campaign for votes for an election that will be held on a date that would be communicated to all the members of the council.

One of those who pushed this view was the immediate past chairman of IPAC, Osita Okereke, who cautioned that the election amounts to coup if there was no time and notice for it, warning that conducting the election, aside setting a negative precedence, will also have a reprisal effect.

Against this argument, most of the political parties argued that since the number of members that were present was up to the required quorum of 50% according to the IPAC Code of Conduct, they have the authority to conduct the election.

Based on this, the ex Chairman of the Council, who is also the Chairman of Citizens Popular Party (CPP), Maxi Okwu, moved the motion for an electoral panel to be nominated for the purpose of the election.

In protest against this motion, an aggrieved member of the Council tried to disrupt the nomination of the electoral panel, and was almost rough-handled by other members, but for the intervention of the security operatives invited to maintain peace.

While the election was midway, Chairman of a political party who was alleged to be working for the immediate Chairman of IPAC, Osita Okereke, came in and circulated a letter from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which forbids IPAC from holding the election.

It would be recalled that INEC, had earlier issued a letter to IPAC, directing it to conduct election for new set of leadership for the Council, reminding it that the tenure of the past Chairman and Secretary led by Emmanuel Okereke and Shittu Muhammed, expired since March.

However, the letter was discountenanced and the election held resulting in the emergence of Shittu Mohammed of the Republican Party of Nigeria (RPN) and Emmanuel Mok of the National Transformation Party (NTP) being elected both Chairman and Secretary of IPAC. Meanwhile, the immediate past Chairman of IPAC, Osita Okereke, has dismissed the election exercise as mere sham, since it failed to comply with the Code of Conference, in addition to the letter from INEC which discountenanced the legality of the election.

Delta loses ex-Speaker From Dave Eniwomake, Asaba

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s Delta state marks the 21st Anniversary of the state creation, news filtered in yesterday that the Former Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Young Daniel Igbude died suddenly.

The Speaker who drove himself to St. Luke, a privately owned mega Hospital, Asaba, at about 4pm yesterday for a routine check was said to have collapsed and died before medical attention.

Though the details of his death were sketchy as at press time, a close family source confided in our correspondent that “the speaker who was impeached from his position in

2006 following allegations ranging from high-handedness, apparent fraud to disloyalty, had been on medication for an undisclosed ailment for several years.”

Igbude who was also attacked by gun-men few months after his removal from office contested against the incumbent, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan in the 2007 governorship election.

In the build up to the 2007 governorship election in the oil rich state, he was one of the aggrieved members of the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who fell out with the camp of the convicted former governor of the state, Chief James Onanefe Ibori after the PDP primary election in the state in 2007.

Okene violence: Group faults Karaku's arrest transferred to Abuja.

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

K

araku Youth Foundation (KYF) yesterday described the arrest of former chairman of Okene local government and special adviser to Gov Idris Wada, Yahaya Karaku as politically motivated.

Karaku was arrested by the police on the 2nd of August, 2012 in connection with the attacks on the Okene branch of Deeper Life Bible Church as well as the Okene LGA secretariat. He has since been

The group accused the caretaker chairman of Okene LGA, Mallam Ahmed Ogembe of being behind Karaku's arrest.

According to a statement signed by the group's coordinator, Alh Majeed Dahiru, Karaku was a peace loving politician who wouldn't be involved in any form of violence.

"Furthermore, we are calling on the President, an avowed believer in due process and rule of law, to as a matter of urgency order the immediate release of Karaku," the statement said.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

L-R: Akinrun of Ikirun, Oba Rauf Adedeji, Speaker, Osun state House of Assembly, Hon. Najeem Salami, Guest Speaker, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, Osun state Deputy Governor, Mrs Titi LaoyeTomori, and representative of Ekiti state Governor, Mrs Kehinde Daramola, during the 21st anniversary lecture on the creation of Osun, on Monday in Osogbo.

S/West PDP cautions Yoruba leaders on unity From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

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he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in South-West has cautioned Yoruba leaders against any agenda capable of further causing disunity among the people.

The party described a conference organised by a new group that called itself ‘The Yoruba Assembly’, scheduled for Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on Thursday as a direct attack on the Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF) meeting convened by respected Yoruba leaders last Thursday at the Ikenne Country Home of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Zonal Publicity Secretary of the party, Hon. Kayode Babade, said in a statement issued in Ibadan that “since there was a meeting of the YUF last week Thursday at the instance of Yeye Oodua, Chief HID Awolowo, holding another meeting eight days after is suspicious.

“Although we have a lot of respect for General Alani Akinrinade (rtd), Convener of the next Thursday meeting, we however, hasten to warn that any agenda by shadowy politicians in Yoruba land capable of causing further disunity among the Yoruba people will not be supported by the PDP. “Our attention has been drawn

to newspaper adverts announcing a meeting tagged; ‘The Yoruba Assembly’ at Ibadan on Thursday and we wish to state that we in the PDP are not part of the meeting.

“Our reason is that the only person whose voice was generally respected as that of the Yoruba Nation was the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

“It is therefore questionable that last week, a meeting of the Yoruba Unity Forum was held in Awolowo’s residence in Ikenne with none of the promoters of the next Thursday meeting in attendance.

The Yoruba people spoke so clearly at the Ikenne meeting and nothing must be done to diminish the

importance of the decisions taken there.

“It is therefore very suspicious that some people who shunned the meeting of Yoruba leaders in the home of Awolowo will be organising another meeting eight days after?

“We in the PDP therefore wish to dissociate ourselves from the so called Yoruba Assembly scheduled for Thursday in Ibadan, and we shall continue to be suspicious of such gatherings until those organising them are able to tell the entire Yoruba people why they have not been attending the Yoruba Unity Forum meetings,” Babade said.

CNPP makes case for tackling corruption in the country

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he National Publicity Secretary, Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) Mr. Osita Okechukwu, said yesterday that for there to be a Sovereign National Conference, corruption must be fought to the barest minimum.

He made the remark in Abuja yesterday while reacting to the calls from some quarters for a Sovereign National Conference.

Okechukwu noted that if corruption was tackled, then whatever resources that were available would be harnessed for the

welfare of Nigerians.

He advised that “all hands should be on deck” to fight corruption “so that the billions of dollars frozen from the Nigerian Treasury would be used to invest in critical infrastructure like railway and electricity”.

Okechukwu called on government to be committed to the welfare of its citizens and fight the material conditions that were leading to the agitation for a Sovereign National Conference.

“The material condition is as a result of the corrupt and inefficient

nature of the centre, those clamouring for the conference are not democratic”, Okechukwu added.

“If they are democratic, they should realise that a democratic process to return delegates to the conference should be elective.’’

He said the energy that is poured on how to convene the conference should be translated onto stemming corruption and inefficiencies in the country.

The CNPP National Publicity Secretary equally said that there was no need for a new constitution as clamoured by some Nigerians.

He added that amending the 1999 Constitution could still lead us to where we are going to, a modern Nigeria.

“The constitution is good and could be made better, it is a useful document. However, the problem the constitution had was the way past administrations handled it.

Okechukwu then pointed out that chapter 2 of the constitution which states the fundamental objectives and the direct principles of state policy is the sole of every constitution and should be adhered to by government. (NAN)

Constitution ammendment: Lawmaker urges NASS not to scrap LGs

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en. Mohammed Lafiagi (PDP Kwara), has urged the National Assembly not to scrap the local government system in the review of the 1999 C o n s t i t u t i o n t o guarantee development at the grassroots.

He made the appeal in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria at Ilesha Baruba, in the Baruteen Local Government Area

of Kwara.

Lafiagi, who condemned the call by some Nigerians for scrapping of local governments, added that since the system was closer to the people at the grassroots, it should be allowed to remain.

He said for any meaningful development to be made at the level, local authorities must be fully involved.

The senator canvassed for more

power and resources for the councils to live up to expectation of the electorate.

“The problem confronting local government councils in the country would soon be overcome. Nigerians should think of how to solve the problem militating against their (councils) non performance.”

Lafiagi also commented on the security challenges facing the country and expressed optimism

that the nation would soon overcome them.

He said the challenges were a stage of development for the country which had happened to many developed countries.

“Any nation aspiring for greater heights must face challenges.

Nigeria cannot be an exception and security challenges should be seen as events that must be overcome. “ (NAN)

PDP Chieftain advocates for legislation to bolster employment

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he PDP Deputy Treasurer in Sokoto State Muntari Mapia yesterday called on the members of the National Assembly to come out with legislation that would further guarantee the provision of more employment opportunities in the country.

Mapia told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto that Nigerians wanted sustainable workable programmes and policies that would promote the nation’s economic and political growth.

He described poverty and unemployment as key factors responsible for the prevailing insecurity situation in the country.

Mapia added: ‘’ The time has come for the members of the National Assembly to introduce sound economic policies and programmes that would revamp the nation’s ailing companies to create additional job opportunities for the teeming unemployed Nigerians.

“It is only through job creation that poverty would be a thing of the past. This would only be possible through sound economic policies capable of moving the country forward.’’

He called on wealthy Nigerians to complement the efforts of the government by setting up small scale industries as a means of generating more employment opportunities for young Nigerians. (NAN)

Kebbi Electoral Commission screens candidates for council polls

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he Kebbi State Independent Electoral Commission (KESIEC) has commenced screening and verification of c a n d i d a t e s who would contest the local government elections in September.

The Chairperson of the commission, Hajiya Ada Sani, made the confirmation during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.

She said that 800 contestants from different political parties had obtained nomination forms and would be screened in line with the guidelines.

“Out of the 800 contestants, the PDP, CPC and ACN would contest chairmanship election in all the 21 local government areas and 225 councilorship positions while other parties would contest in few areas.”

The screening and verification would be conducted by a committee comprising the chairperson of the commission, electoral commissioners, representatives of the Police, SSS, NDLEA and NOA. NAN reports that 10 other committees have been established to ensure smooth conduct of the elections slated for Sept. 15. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

PAGE 41

CAF U-17: Niger’s defeat of Zambia alarms Eaglets’ coach

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Garba Manu

olden Eaglets’ Head Coach, Manu Garba, yesterday admitted that Niger Republic, are serious threat to the team’s qualification for the 2013 African U-17. The Eaglets have a qualifying game against the Nigerien next month.

Garba in Calabar said that his fears were heightened with Niger national U-17 team’s victory against Zambia at the just-ended Airtel Rising Stars Africa Championships held at the weekend in Nairobi, Kenya.

“Although Niger defeated Zambia via penalty shootout after a pulsating goalless draw in extra time, the victory is an indication of how good they are.

“Consequently, the Eaglets would have to be mentally strong to dislodge them. The Nigerien Under-17 team must be very good to have won the tournament in Kenya and we must respect them when we meet. We respect all our opponents and we would be ready to play against them,’’ he said.

The Eaglets are currently camped in Calabar, ahead of the qualifiers with their Nigerien counterparts on Sept. 9 in Niamey.

Meanwhile, Golden Eaglets’ Chidera Ezeh at the weekend led River Lane FC to win the maiden edition of the Enugu North Under-17 Championship, with a 5-0 thrashing of Dynamos FC. The former Under-15 star striker, who was released to feature for his local team, said he was so glad to captain the team to win yet another trophy.

Dosu begs corporate sponsorship for Federation Cup

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ormer Super Eagles goalkeeper, Joseph Dosu, yesterday begged multinational corporations to assist the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to return glamour of the Federation Cup by sponsoring of the tournament.

Dosu made the plea after Sunday’s Federation Cup final which was not only watched by scanty crowd but brought winners poor monetary reward.

Peoples Daily Sports recalls that Heartland FC of Owerri

that retained the by beating Lobi Stars 2-1 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, received N2m, the Runners-up N1m while Prime FC. which defeated Kano Pillars in the losers’ final, got N500,000.

“The Federation Cup is a big tournament and I am calling on private organisations to fully take part in its sponsorship and not to leave it to the government alone.

“The tournament can only

thrive better with the active participation of the private sector and they will also help to restore its glamour,” he said.

He commended the Lagos State Government for accepting to sponsor the tournament and rewarding the three top finishers. It would be recalled not a dime was paid to any team last year.

Heartland FC, with the victory would represent the country in the Confederation Cup next season.

Heartland players showing off the Federation Cup after beating Lobi Stars to win it back-to-back on Sunday

FCT SWAN lauds NFF, demands further improvement

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he Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) FCT chapter has lauded the executive committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) taking painful but appropriate steps to restore sanity in Nigerian football.

Though the body said there were still so much to be done to fully return Nigeria to the comity of African soccer powers, the association observed that the Aminu Maigari-led board has lately re-jigged and repositioned football as evident by the successes recorded in continental games.

“The FCT SWAN firmly believes that the Aminu Maigari-led board of the NFA has taken huge steps toward taking Nigeria football to a new height in the last two years,’’ the chapter’s chairman, Kayode Adeniyi, said yesterday.

Adeniyi, who spoke on the board’s two years anniversary, praised the board and its leadership for the efforts so far made to improve the game and added that in spite of the duanting terrain it has operated some gains were clearly visible.

“We urge the members not to relent in their efforts, as we can only give them a pass mark. This is because if you look at what they have gone through, in terms of court litigations disputing the

...NFF Praises Gov. Fashola

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he Nigeria Football Federation has applauded Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola for his “personal commitment and drive” which played no mean a part in ensuring the success of this year’s Federation Cup final.

NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari said in Abuja yesterday that the football-loving Chief Executive of Lagos State has set new standards in genuine efforts at developing the beautiful game in Nigeria.

In a letter to Governor Fashola, NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari said,”The NFF commends Your Excellency for your donation of a new, giant, all-silver trophy for the Federation Cup, and for dignifying the occasion with your presence, coupled with a number of other steps that will surely bring back the glory and glamour of the oldest football championship in our country.”

Pls use pics of Garba Manu, (lead), Caption…….Heartland players showing off the Federation Cup after beating Lobi Stars to win it back-to-back on Sunday.(Dosu), Aminu Maigari (SWAN)

Aminu Maigari legitimacy of the board, and what they have been able to achieve in two years, one will have no option but to praise them,’’ the chairman said.

It would recalled that the Maigari-led board was elected and sworn in on August 26, 2010, but was subjected to series of litigations over legitimacy and controversies for months.

Albeit he admitted that failing to qualify for the 2012 Nations Cup was hard to understand as were failure to secure places in the All Africa Games and the London Olympics, subsequent developments are positive pointers.

“We failed to qualify for the last Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, and I’m sure Nigerians will be very happy if the Super Eagles qualify for the next one in South Africa.

“Not only that, Nigerians will be hoping that the Super Eagles qualify for the FIFA World Cup of 2014 and also go on to do well at the competition,’’ he said.

Adeniyi noted that while Nigeria failed to qualify for some major football events in 2011, there had been an improvement in 2012.

“This year has been different, as the Falconets are currently in Japan for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and they have qualified for the quarterfinals where they will face Mexico.

“The U-17 women’s team, the Flamingoes, are preparing for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Azerbaijan, while the senior women team have also qualified for the 2012 African Women Championship (AWC) in Equatorial Guinea.

“Also, the Super Eagles are in the final round of the qualifiers for the 2013 African Nations Cup, while the Flying Eagles are in the final round of the series to qualify for 2013 African Youth Championship (AYC).

“The board also has three trophies to point at as what it has added to the association’s honours, namely the 2010 AWC, the 2011 AYC and the 2011 COPA Lagos Beach Soccer Tournament,’’ he said.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

Heartland abolish sign-on fees from next season

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ederation Cup holders, Heartland FC of Owerri are set to abolish the contractual monetary agreement with players tagged ‘signing-on-fees’ effective from the 2012/2013 season.

The Owerri-based outfit have had fair share of contentions with players over the signing-on-fees in the outgoing 2011/2012 NPL season and want to avert the recurrence in subsequent seasons.

Instead of the signing0n-fees, Heartalnd management is

Brendan Ogbu, Heartland striker

contemplating paying an enhanced salaries to players, according to the General Manager, Fan Ndubuoke.

“One of the challenges I’m going to face before the next season commences is to make sure we’ve stable template of running the club so as to avoid strikes and other distractions that brought us down from having a go at the league title.

“Until they started the strikes and we drew two homes matches against Sunshine Stars and Kano Pillars, we’re in the run for

the league shield. And if sign-on-fee has been a problem, in fact, its part of the things we’re going to look at and find a lasting solution.

“I’m aware there are clubs in Nigeria that don’t play sign-on-fees, they pay enhanced salary and they don’t have history of players’ strike.

“What is the need promising players sign-onfees of N10 million and month to month, year to year, the players don’t get it.

“Its better to be honest to put on the table what a

KFN director urges technical officials to be computer literate

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mmanuel Peters, Technical Director, K i c k b o x i n g Federation of Nigeria (KFN), has charged the federation’s technical officials to acquaint themselves with the internet, in order to keep abreast with trends in the sport.

Peters disclosed on Monday in Lagos that the World Association of

Kickboxing Organisations (WAKO) has announced information on such seminars to be held in 2012/2013 on its website.

“Technical officials should avail themselves of the opportunity to be internet-compliant, as well as its social media network, to have information on WAKOorganised seminars and make effort to participate.’’

Peters said that participating in such seminars would afford them the technical officials the opportunity of familiarising themselves with WAKO rules and procedures, as well as their officials.

“Our officials can only have good communication with WAKO officials by being part of the seminars and

building a network of contacts which can help them to improve their knowledge of the sport,’’ he said.

The director, however, urged the National Sports Commission (NSC) to support the federation to organise programmes, especially at the grassroots, to discover talents.

“We really need the

NSC to assist us by funding our planned programmes because they are a platform for young athletes to exhibit their talents,’’ he added.

Peters also charged board members of the KFN to commit their resources and also source for sponsors to keep the federation’s activities alive, instead of relying solely on the NSC.

club can pay, its better for a player to be paid N300,000 or N400,000 per month to solve his problems than for him to wait for a sign-on-fee of N10 million that never comes.

“That’s another way of looking at the issue, so we’re weighing the options, we’re discussing and interacting with other club owners, we hope agreement would be reached before the start of next season and the perennial problem of signon-fees will be solved once and for all,” Ndubuoke told supersport.com.

Ndubuoke, who admitted that the season has ended for his wards, assured that Heartland will give Nigerians worthy representation in the CAF Confederation Cup competition.

“We hope to challenge for the continental title but NFF must come in to assist clubs at the continent especially by getting involved in the game’s politics,” he said.

Heartland are on 52 points with a home tie against Akwa United to end the season.

Hockey League: Bayelsa Queens, Yobe Desert Queens for semi-finals

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ayelsa Queens of Yenagoa and Yobe Desert Queens of Damaturu yesterday in Abuja qualified for the semi-finals of the 2012 IEI National Premier Hockey League Finals.

The teams qualified after finishing first and second respectively in the Women’s group A of the competition holding at the astro-turf hockey pitch of the Abuja National Stadium.

The Yenagoa side topped the fourteam group with seven points from three matches, won two, drew one and with four plus goals.

The Desert Queens although also finished second in the group with seven points, had two deficit goals difference, after winning two matches drew one, scored three goals and conceded one.

They had beaten Benue Amazons 2-1 on Monday and also beat Ondo Flickers 1-0 yesterday, while the Ondo side finished third in the group with a point and with no goals in its kitty.

In Group B, Plateau Queens of Jos were leading the pack with four points from a win and a draw in two matches and with one match left to play.

They had beaten Kaduna Flickers female 3-0 on Sunday and had drawn 1-1 with the Edo Flickers of Benin on Monday. The team was scheduled to face the I-G Babes in its third match.

The group’s other three teams were also in contention for the semi-finals.

Edo Flickers have three points from three draws in three games, while

both the I-G Babes and Kaduna Flickers have two points each.

The third and fourth-placed teams in both groups will however go on to play in classification matches scheduled for Wednesday at the same venue, while the semi-finals will hold on Thursday.

In the men’s competition, Niger Flickers of Minna were leading Group B with seven points from two wins and a draw after three matches.

They had beaten the Police Machine of Kano 3-0 on Sunday and Plateau Tigers of Jos 2-0 on Monday.

Union Bank of Lagos which drew 11 with the Minna side on Tuesday was in second place with five points from three matches.

They had beaten Plateau Tigers 20 on Saturday, the opening day, and had drawn 0-0 with the Ondo Flickers male team of Akure on Sunday.

The Ondo State team was trailing them in third place with four points from two matches, while Police Machine and Plateau Tigers were yet to score or earn a point after two matches each.

Group of the male competition has the Yobe Desert leading with four points from two matches, while the Kaduna Flickers male side and Kano State had two points each.

The group matches would be concluded tomorrow, while the semifinal and classification matches would come up on Friday. The finals would hold on Saturday.

Novak Djokovic

Roger Federer

US. Open: Federer spuns favourite tag

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oger Federer began his campaign for a record sixth US Open with an easy 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 win over America’s Donald Young yesterday, but insisted Novak Djokovic remains hot favourite to deny him an 18th major.

Top seed Federer, playing in his 52nd consecutive Grand Slam tournament, brushed aside 81st-ranked Young, who only last week stopped a run of 17 defeats in a row but who now stands at three wins and 22 losses in 2012.

Federer, who won his 17th Grand Slam trophy courtesy of his seventh Wimbledon title in July, goes on to face German veteran Bjorn Phau for a place in the last 32.

The Swiss star’s win was also the first step on his way to erasing the disappointment of 2011, when he squandered a twosets-to-love lead and match

points to lose to eventual champion Djokovic in the semifinals.

“For me, Novak goes in as the favourite because he’s the defending champion.

He’s probably won most titles on hard courts in the last couple of years. It’s where he feels most comfortable,” said the world No 1.

“He’s beaten me the last couple of years here as well.

It’s strange for me to be the favourite just after beating him a couple of times.”

Djokovic stands to win the biggest pay day in the history of tennis of $2.9 million if he wins the New York title, his prize money bolstered by a $1 million bonus for his overall success in the US Open build-up events.

Although he trails Federer 16-12 in their head-to-head meetings, and lost at Wimbledon as well as the final in Cincinnati last week, Djokovic beat Federer in the semifinals of the US Open in

2010 and 2011.

Federer, who reclaimed the world No 1 ranking after an absence of two years following his win at Wimbledon, is adamant that staying at the top is not his priority.

“I am happy to be world No 1, but it’s not what drives me during this year’s US Open.It’s actually trying to get the title or get closer to that title because first the focus is completely elsewhere,” he said.

Federer won five titles in succession in New York from 2004 to 2008, but was runner-up to Juan Martin del Potro in 2009 before Rafael Nadal and Djokovic claimed the two most recent editions.

Young, meanwhile, will see his world ranking slump to around 120 next week as a consequence of his failure to match his best performance at a major, a run to the last 16 at the US Open in 2011.

PAGE 44

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

New WBO ‘King’ awaits challengers

Felix Sturm, one of his likely challengers

Arthur Abraham, new WBO champion

New WBO super-middleweight champion Arthur Abraham plans to fight Daniel Geale or Felix Sturm in Germany in December.

Geale, the IBF middleweight champion, and Sturm, who holds the WBA super-middleweight title, meet in Oberhausen on Saturday.

Abraham, who took the WBO belt from Robert Stieglitz at the weekend, intends fighting again in Nuremberg on December 15. He has set his sights on Geale, an Australian, or German compatriot Sturm.

The 32-year-old Abraham, who beat Stieglitz on points, has previously tried to get a fight against Sturm.

Having held the IBF middleweight title from 2005 until 2009, he is keen on fighting the winner of the bout between Geale and Sturm.

“We have twice made Sturm an offer. The last offer was for over two million euros,” Abraham’s promoter, Kalle Sauerland, said on Sunday.

“He has always declined. Sturm will have watched the fight against Stieglitz and wondered whether he really wants to fight Arthur.”

Abraham’s win over Stieglitz closed the chapter on three frustrating years since the former middleweight champion stepped up to super-middleweight in 2009.

He suffered three defeats in four bouts during the Super Six series.

He lost to Britain’s Carl Froch and American Andre Dirrell in 2010, and against Andre Ward, also from the US, in May 2011.

Abraham, nicknamed King Arthur, needed to restore his credibility on Saturday. Stieglitz was unable to attend the post-fight news conference because of cuts and heavy bruising around both eyes, but Abraham failed to hide his emotions.

“For the past two years I have taken a few low blows and fought with myself internally,” he admitted.

“Now I am a happy man again.

“I am looking forward to eating my mum’s fried potatoes. I can’t look at restaurant food anymore.”

Armenia-born Abraham saved his best for the last minute of each round. He opened three cuts on Stieglitz’s face before ending the champion’s threeyear reign.

“I asked myself during the fight, ‘Arthur, where the devil have you been hiding for the last two years’?” Sauerland said. “We went very far down, but now we are back at the top.”

Referee urges taekwondo federation to implement annual programmes

F

erguson Oluigbo, President, Nigeria T a e k w o n d o Referees Association (NTRA), on Monday advised the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) not to relent in implementing its annual programmes.

He said executing the annual programmes would prepare athletes

Chief Jonathan Nnaji, president, TFN

for international tournaments and also enable them to be actively occupied.

Oluigbo said victory could only be achieved through hard work and constant participation of athletes in national championships.

He said that the outcome of such championships should be used to evaluate the progress of the athletes.

According to him, the activities of the federation should not end in paper work alone because but also through its proper implementation so that it would translate into victory at intercontinental Games.

“Our problem is not planning, it is executing, we have a lot of good planners, a good egg heads, a lot of good technocrats

but most of the times we don’t put our plans to action and flow it up from the mind.

“We need to now to do just what London did, immediately after the Olympics they announced that they have already entered into camp that they have budgeted 195 million dollars per year for the next four years for Rio.’’ Oluigbo urged the NTF to embark on aggressive grassroots development to hunt for talents in order to make provisions for them to go into periodic camping in advance.

He said the exercise should be done nationwide and suggested that martial arts athletes should be given the opportunity to showcase their talents in various weight categories.

The referee also emphasised the importance of engaging experienced coaches to handle the talent hunt at the grassroots.

“We need to start

hunting for talents in advance; after that, we should invite them to camp and start grooming them to be among the efficient few for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

“And that means, we must have responsible and accountable coaches in taekwondo, who must be given the duty of hunting out from state to state the best athletes available; putting them together at a centre and starting periodic training; they train for a short period and are sent home on holiday.’’

He said Nigeria was blessed with a lot of talented young taekwondoists that needed to be identified through local competitions.

“Talents abound all over the country; what we need is regular competitions to discover them and endeavour to give them comprehensive follow-up programmes to develop their skills.’’

Hosni Abd Rabo, Pharoahs’ forward

Egypt recall Shikabala for Nigeria

T

he Egyptian Football Associations has announced that the Egyptian national team will play two friendly matches next month with Nigeria and Benin.

Diaa Al Sayed the assistant coach confirmed this to supersport.com saying that they accepted the offer from the sponsor.

“We have an offer to play two friendly matches against Nigeria and Benin and the head coach Bob Bradley has accepted it” he said.

“The first match will be against Nigeria on the 7th of September and the second will be against Benin on the 11th”he added.

Smarting from their Afcon ouster and not taking any chances for Brazil 2014 Bradley has rolled out the big guns including those based outside of Egypt to face Nigeria. This will be totally different from the last squad that faced the West Africans during their 3-2 win.

Only left out is Mohammed Zidan who is seemingly still in the national dog house after he left the team camp last time to start negotiation with other clubs.

Rather Bradley has re called Shikabala after he expelled him from the team due to his problems with former Zamalek coach Hassan Shehata.

The new squad will now include : Essam Al Hadary “ Merreikh – Sudan” Adam Al Abd “ Braiton – England”. Ahmed Said “Lierse – Belgium “ . Ahmed Samir “ Lierse – Belgium”.

Ahmed Al Mohammady “ Sunderland – England”.

DoDo Al Gabas “Lierse – Belgium”. Mahmooud Abd Al Razek “Shikabala “ Al Wasl – UAE”. Hosny Abd Rabo “Al Nassr – KSA”. Mohammed Salah “ Basel – Switzerland.

Gabriel Reuben, Super Eagles’ midfielder

PAGE 45

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

Pictorial 1/ Swansea winger Scott Sinclair's proposed transfer to Manchester City could be off after reports in Wales suggested the Swans had not accepted City's offer of around ÂŁ6 million.

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2/ Tranquillo Barnetta speaks on why he joined Schalke and the club's goals for 2012/13, as well as his dream of representing Switzerland at Brazil 2014.

4/

3/ Andy Murray produces a patchy performance but still overcomes Alex Bogomolov Jr to make the US Open second round.

4/ Imperial Commander, the 2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, could return to racing in November after a long injury absence.

5/

5/ Ravi Bopara is the fourth England wicket to fall as they chase 288 to beat South Africa in the second one-day international.

6/ Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho says his team's Spanish Super Copa clash with Barcelona today will be a psychological litmus test after their shock defeat to Getafe.

6/

1/

7/ Carl Froch makes his first defence of his IBF supermiddleweight title against American Yusaf Mack on 17 November.

7/

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

PAGE 47

J O K ES Father and Son conversation Father asked his son: Whenever I beat you how do you stop your anger?

Son replies: I start cleaning the toilet.

Father asked: How does that help you?

Son: I clean it with your toothbrush

The old man An old man lived alone. He wanted to dig his potato garden, but it was very hard work. His only son, who would have helped him, was in prison for bank robbery.

The old man wrote a letter to his son and mentioned his predicament.

Shortly, he received his son's reply, "For heaven's sake Dad, don't dig up that garden, that's where I buried the Money!"

At 4 A.M. the next morning, a dozen policemen showed up and dug up the entire garden, without finding any money. Confused, the old man wrote another letter to his son telling him what happened, and asking him what to do next. His son's reply was: "Now plant your potatoes, Dad. It's the best I could do from here."

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Quick CrossWord (15) ACROSS

FACTS

1 Take up (a space) (6) 4 The Odd __, Neil Simon play (6) 9 Become happier (5,2) 10 __ Tuck, Robin Hood’s friend (5) 11 Roadside area (3-2) 12 Sorcerer (7) 13 Fashionable race meeting (5) 15 Scrape mark on a shoe (5) 20 Person who interrupts a public speaker (7) 22 Force, urge (5) 24 Just warm (5) 25 Snack made from roasted grain (7) 26 Violent confusion (6) 27 Publicity notice (6)

DOWN 1 Supernatural (6) 2 In texture, like toffee (5) 3 Involved in (5,2) 5 Tender (5) 6 Form a twosome (4,3) 7 Archimedes’s cry of discovery! (6) 8 Frog’s eggs en masse (5) 14 Wages given to indisposed employees (4,3) 16 Abrupt and terse (of speech) (7) 17 Section of a dance band (6) 18 Chardonnay of Shiraz, for example (5) 19 Saturn of Mark eg (6) 21 Stay in digs (5) 23 Item used to give someone a call (5)

Yesterday’s answer

Going nowhere: British National Party 'truth truck' gets stuck under bridge on its way to halal meat demonstration.

11. The average person who stops smoking requires one hour less sleep a night.

12. Laughing lowers levels of stress hormones and strengthens the immune system. Six-year-olds laugh an average of 300 times a day. Adults only laugh 15 to 100 times a day.

13. Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair.

14. The human heart creates enough pressure while pumping to squirt blood 30 feet!

15. The brain operates on the same amount of power as 10-watt light bulb.

The cartoon image of a light bulb over your head when a great thought occurs isn't too far off the mark. Your brain generates as much energy as a small light bulb even when you're sleeping.

16. The brain is much more active at night than during the day.

17. The brain itself cannot feel pain.

While the brain might be the pain center when you cut your finger or burn yourself, the brain itself does not have pain receptors and cannot feel pain.

18. The fastest growing nail is on the middle finger. And the nail on the middle finger of your dominant hand will grow the fastest of all. Why is not entirely known, but nail growth is related to the length of the finger, with the longest fingers growing nails the fastest and shortest the slowest.

19. The lifespan of a human hair is 3 to 7 years on average.

Source: Weird facts

www.peoplesdaily-online.com

. . . putting the people first

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

QUO TABLE Q UO TE UOT QUO UOTE I think I am the most criticised president in the whole world, but I tell this noble audience that before I leave, I will also be the most praised president — Pr esident J ona than a A’s 52nd Jona onathan att the NB NBA President Annual General Conference

SPORTS Shehu Kaikai: A one-man ACF LA TEST LATEST

Mourinho: Barça clash a psych test

R

eal Madrid coach Jose Mourinho says his team's Spanish Super Copa clash with Barcelona today will be a psychological litmus test after their shock defeat to Getafe.

Real Madrid fell to a 3-2 first leg defeat at their Catalan rivals' Camp Nou home on 24 August, but Mourinho said he would be happy if his squad put in a similar show in the return leg at the Bernabeu.

"To me the fundamental thing tomorrow (today) is to know what players I have, what individual and collective psychological profile I have, and whether the situation against Getafe was a chance situation or whether tomorrow we are going to repeat exactly the same type of team psychological profile," the coach said.

Drogba, Anelka contracts under threat

S

hanghai Shenhua's marquee signings Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka could soon be back on the market, with the club facing a financial crisis.

The Shenhua chairman, Zhu Jun, who owns a 28.5% stake in the club, is demanding more control over how it operates, and if his request is not met, he is likely to withdraw his funding.

Jun had an agreement with the Chinese Super League outfit that, if he invested £15 million over a two-year period, he would be able to increase his stake to more than 70%.

The other stakeholders are five separate state-owned companies, who have reportedly failed to put any money into the club, while Jun has spent over £60 million since he became involved with Shenhua in 2007.

Shares should have been transferred in 2009, and the delay has angered Jun. Colombian forward Giovanni Moreno missed the club's game at the weekend, fuelling speculation that Shenhua had been unable to pay his transfer fee to former club Racing of Argentina.

ADVERT: BUSINESS: NEWS: LAGOS:

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I

have avoided the use of pejorative name Kaduna mafia to describe this extraordinary gentleman because of its obvious negative connotation. Let me call him a oneman ACF (The Arewa Consultative Forum). The truth is if any reporter goes to Kaduna looking for a group of men and women, meeting regularly in the name of Kaduna mafia, to design good or evil for the North and against the interest of Nigerians, he or she will come back disappointed because no such group can really be pin-pointed.

But there is a large number of people, in the North and Nigeria who know a versatile and influential Nigerian who together with others pull levers beyond what anyone could imagine. He is a social crusader engaged in doing public good day in day out. So if a Kaduna mafia however exists in one person doing public good and promoting righteousness in public conduct, both by businessmen and those in government, Shehu Kaikai captures my imagination of that mafia.

Shehu has intellectual rigour and deep reasoning. He is a knowledge and ideas hub. But because he is neither Wole Soyinka nor Father Kukah, the rest of the country outside the North is not used to his name as they should.

Again, he is quick to answer that he is non-political. But Shehu acknowledges and appreciates his own capacity for deep thinking, wisdom and enlightenment. They are endowments he places at the disposal of his community and the Visio 2010 of which he was a very, very useful member.

On account of this alone, he has become a powerful force behind North’s political, traditional and business elites. He cut his teeth in industry in Kano after his education in Barewa College, Zaria and the U.K. He rose to become an executive director in one of Kano’s most prosperous leather industries in the 80s before they appointed him as Commissioner of Industry in his native Katsina State. But it was while he was in Kano that he made the greatest impact on industry. When he became the Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in the city, he grew its membership to the point that a new branch for Sharada became imperative. A new one was added to the main branch at Bompai. Together with a handful of others, as National Vice Chairman, Shehu got MAN to look beyond Lagos to take interest in the plight of Northern industries. When he left to become Commissioner, MAN in Kano slumped. And in Katsina, Shehu’s

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MUSINGS By

Garba Shehu garshehu@yahoo.co.in mistake was to swallow, hook line and sinker the military’s rhetoric of openness and accountability. He thought those who picked him from the Industry and made him Commissioner meant their words when they mouthed words like honesty in the public service. They did not, and he paid a price for this wrong assumption.

As a social activist, Shehu deliberately makes it a point to engage with politicians, traditional rulers, opinion leaders, column writers, the business leaders and the media to bring knowledge and enlightenment to them without asking for a fee. He speaks to successive Sultans, Emirs and Chiefs who call him by his first name and do not hesitate to pick his calls. Based on his background in industry, policy makers, businessmen and industrialists alike cherish his regular visits or calls.

This man doesn’t only mouth peaceful co-existence, he lives it.

His philosophy of life is live and let live. Shehu is the activist who raises his voice to correct wrongdoing whenever and wherever he sees it. He is that man on his way to the office who does not ignore it when sees a dead body on the pavement or a broken tree blocking the passage of traffic. No, unlike many others, Shehu will

call the police and will be on the neck of the local government until the ugly sight is removed. He is a member of his neighborhood, the community and the society with a focus and a mission. He maintains a meticulous and excellent record on inter-ethnic and inter-religious relations. This should not surprise anyone considering the best of the upbringing that he and many of us got from Barewa College, Zaria.

I recall the late Chief Sunday Awoniyi saying Barewa College taught you to live and let live and to take a stand and never to sit on the fence.

When Shehu lost his charming daughter Farida in the tragic Dana air crash, it was like the whole country had lost a dear one. Farida as said by her friends, was exactly like daddy – public spirited. Fathers passing their baton to their own kin are a heartening process.

I chose to focus on Shehu, a man working to entrench Northern values and standards at a time the Northern States Governors’ Forum has set up a high-profile committee to reconcile and mend the broken North. It is true that the NSGF has witnessed a burst of energy, vision and courage since its take-over by Governor Babangida Aliyu. But while I do not say it is a bad idea what they have done, especially

“

There is a large number of people, in the North and Nigeria who know a versatile and influential Nigerian who together with others pull levers beyond what anyone could imagine. He is a social crusader engaged in doing public good day in day out. So if a Kaduna mafia however exists in one person doing public good and promoting righteousness in public conduct, both by businessmen and those in government, Shehu Kaikai captures my imagination of that mafia

given the state of the Nation – a country which has a population of millions below poverty line and yet with no hope of betterment and opportunities in future, there is really little to expect from any such workmanship by a committee. Adamu Ciroma said more than twenty years ago that if you don’t want to solve a problem, set up a committee to deal with it.

Based on these, there is good reason for the NSGF to abandon the broken models and try something new. The crises in the country cannot be cured by these old recipes. To cause peace to return to the North, there is a need to try a different delivery mechanism.

My considered view is that credible individuals such as Shehu with a vast network of contacts; men who are capable of energizing other social activists across ethnic and religious divides as well as the bustling network of civil society groups may be commissioned by the NSGF to lead the charge of reconciling Northerners with Northerners.

This work requires a big effort, to be carried by men and women who will roll up their sleeves and enter the fray. Emirs and Chiefs are colourful and are respected. They are used to being served rather than they serving others. Let them keep their place. NSGF should call out social workers and activists like Shehu to charge them into the field in view of the ineffectiveness of committee systems.

Influence doesn’t necessarily depend on money and social status.

The late Indian sage Mahatma Gandhi cuts the image of a malnourished figure but he turned out to be one of the greatest forces of historical change the world has ever known. Through sheer force of his intellect, tenacity, commitment and publicspiritedness, characterized by a life of austerity, he set in motion the process that ultimately led India to independence from the British Colonial domination. His strategy of passive resistance and swadeshism (rejection of foreign made goods) worked like magic.

Despite his modesty and relative obscurity, Shehu KaiKai falls in the category of unassuming men like Gandhi that represent a force for social change. He has the integrity, the intellect and the credibility to be trusted and be taken seriously by the people.

People like him can exert more influence than governors that seem detached from the realities of the people. His social activism should be put to use by Northern leaders at this point when a once formidably united region now seems mortally threatened by interminable violence.

Published by Peoples Media Limited, 35, Ajose Adeogun Street, 1st Floor Peace Park Plaza, Utako, Abuja. Lagos Office: No.8 Oliyide Street, off Unity Road, Ikeja, Lagos, Tel: +234-09-8734478. Cell: +234 803 606 3308. e-mail: contact@peoplesdaily-online.com; pmlnewsdesk@gmail.com ISSN: 2141– 6141