Peoples Daily Newspaper, Thursday 30, May, 2013

www.peoplesdailyng.com

Vol. 11 No. 9

Thursday, May 30, 2013

. . . putting the people first

Rajab 21, 1434 AH

N150

Trained dogs arrest 50 insurgents in Borno Mid-term report: Jonathan scores self high

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Faults media rating of ministers

By Lawrence Olaoye

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resident Goodluck Jonathan has criticised media rating of his cabinet members, questioning the ‘criteria’ employed by some newspapers to score their performance within the last two years of his administration.

Jonathan, accompanied by his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, spoke yesterday at the presentation of the mid-term report of the transformation agenda to mark this year’s Democracy Day celebration held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

The event had top government functionaries including the Vice-President, Arc. namadi Sambo, Senate President David Mark, Secretary two the Government of the Feederation (SGF) Anyim Pius Anyim, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, Chairman PDP BoT, Chief Tony Anenih, PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and prominent cabinet ministers in Contd. on Page 2

L-R; Wife of Vice-President, Hajiya Amina Sambo, Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, President Goodluck Jonathan, and First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, during Democracy Day celebration, yesterday at the International Conference Centre, in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Lebanese turns residence to arms ‘depot’ in Kano From Edwin Olofu, Kano

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igerian Army Special Forces have raided a warehouse stuffed with sophisticated military hardware at Bompai, a highbrow area located within the precinct of Police and Immigration headquarters in the commercial city of Kano.

A senior security source told our reporter on condition of anonymity that the discreet operation was carried out

following a tip off by a suspect who is under investigation.

Our correspondent gathered that the house used as the warehouse belongs to a foreigner suspected to be a Lebanese. The warehouse is located in Gaya road Bompai, 500 meters away from the State Police Headquarters and the headquarters of the Nigerian Immigration Service.

The special troops were said to have stormed the house after the resident was arrested, and upon

search of the bungalow, cache of arms and ammunition were discovered beneath the sitting room and some wardrobes in the house that were used to stock-pile weapons.

The security source further revealed that highly sophisticated military hardware that include, about 40 Air to surface missiles, 50 bombs, about 200 Rocket Propel Launchers, 8 AK 47 Riffles, 200 military hand grenades, uncountable number of live

ammunition and some military hard wares were found.

He added that the weapons of war were taken to the headquarters of the army in Bukavu Barracks and two suspects, both foreigners, were arrested in connection with the startling discovery.

However, an eyewitness who doesn’t want his name mentioned in print, who lives in the same neighbourhood said he counted over 300 AK 47 riffles and saw while peeping from his house

soldiers moving out ammunition using shovels into some large containers from the house.

The source said they were astonished with the discovery, adding that he also saw six soldiers lifting a military hardware into a military truck, while others were carrying the ammunition into trucks.

The suspect simply identified as Ta’al who is in his late fifties

Why Lamido can PDP NEC: Plot to rule Nigeria suspend pro-Amaechi — Obasanjo >>3 govs thickens >>5

Contd. on Page 2

PAGE 2

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

News CONTENTS News

2-10

Editorial

12

Op.Ed

13

Letters

14

Opinion

15

Metro

16-18

Business

19-22

Stockwatch

23

S/Report

24-25

Earth

26-27

Update

28-29

Interview

30

Governors Forum and the bumpy road to 2015, Page 4

Int’l

31-34

Strange World 35 Digest

36

Politics

37-38

Newsxtra

39-40

Sports

41-45

Leisure

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

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Trained dogs arrest 50 insurgents in Borno

By Joy Baba

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fforts of the specially trained Military Police dogs participating in the cordon and search phase of Special Operations against terrorism in the country have led to the arrest of over 50 terrorists who were trying to infiltrate Maiduguri.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, BrigGen. Chris Olukolade, yesterday in Abuja.

The statement also said more than 15 of them were arrested

with arms.

The statement further said that various attempts being made by the insurgents to escape to enter towns and cities in the north east as troops dislodged them from their forest bases, have been foiled by the dogs.

According to Olukolade, cordon and search has been intensified as the forests in the North East are being combed for terrorists.

“At Deseri forest, three Hilux vehicles mounted with antiaircraft were destroyed, one Golf car and four motorcycles were also recovered.

Rep to invite NCAA over Dana air compensation From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

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ollowing what is described as the shoddy payment of compensations to families of victims who lost their lives in the June 2012 Dana air plane crash, the chair of the House of Representatives committee on Aviation, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha has said the National Assembly is not satisfied with compensation so far paid by DANA Airline to victims families.

Speaking with aviation correspondents in Lagos, Onyejeocha declared that the house will intervene into the DANA compensation with a view to addressing the issue.

The lawmaker told reporters the committee will invite the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority NCAA to

examine what has been done by the management of DANA airline.

“We need to invite NCAA and know how far they have gone, I read in the papers that only few families have been compensated and I felt very bad. I know that the National Assembly will wade into it and that of Representatives in particular.

She explained that the only way to console people was for the authorities involved to do what they were supposed to do according to the law and nothing short of it adding that DANA air crash was one crash too many that would have been avoided.

She said Nigerians have learn lessons from the crash adding that there was still hope for the aviation industry.

Mid-term report: Jonathan scores self high Contd. from Front Page attendance. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, was absent at the event. Also absent were former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Head of State, Gen. Mohammadu Buhari and former Military President Ibrahim Babangida.

Former leaders of the country including Chief Yakubu Gowon, Alhaji Shehu Shagari and Chief Ernest Shonekan were however present at the occasion alongside former Chief of General Staff, Gen. Oladipo Diya.

Two government functionaries, the minister for National Planning and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Dr Shamsudeen Usman and The SGF, had earlier taken on the media for inaccuracy and falsification.

Indicating that in some cases media rating are sentimental, President Jonathan exonerated two of his ministers- Shamsudeen and his counterpart in the Industry, Trade and Investment ministry, Dr Olusegun Aganga, observing that a newspapers scoring of their output as average was wrong.

He explained that while Aganga’s efforts had secured high foreign direct investment (FDI) for the country, thereby boosting its economic growth, Shamsudeen,

who also got superlative appraisal from him, was praised for his ministry’s upgrade of the nation’s data bank.

According to him, “sometimes people assess governments based on their heart beats. Two ministries - National Planning and Trade and Investment were given average. These two ministers’ performance in the last two years is unprecedented. In terms of businesses, he (Aganga) has attracted to the country. In spite of our security challenges, so many businesses want to come to Nigeria. Before now (the) trade investment ministry was like a dead end, but that has changed.”

On the minister of National Planning, he said “Until Shamsudeen came on board before 2011, we never even knew we had a Planning Ministry.

That is why I asked what was the criteria.”

The President who disclosed that he wasnot scheduled to talk at the function, however added “But because I am going to present a document that will enable Nigerians assess us, let me crave your indulgence I am going to talk.”

Jonathan continued: “Only on Monday, one of the dailies did an assessment of the ministries and performance of ministers. The first thing I looked for but didn’t see is the criteria that were used to assess

Lebanese turns residence to arms ‘depot’ in Kano Contd. from Front Page has lived in the house for the past five years, alone, without family members, the source said, adding that Ta’al lived a secluded life as he hardly associates with people in the neighbourhood.

He added that the suspect hardly receives visitors and doesn’t drive flashy cars except a white Toyota Hilux, and doesn’t keep late hours.

Ta’al is said to be an Engineer working with a construction company but has since left the

company and has no visible means of livelyhood.

His securityman that has worked with him in the last five years is also cooling his feet in detention at the time of filling this report.

Security operatives have blocked all the entrance leading to the house.

When contacted, the JTF spokesman in Kano, Captain Ikedichi Iweha, said he would find out and get back to our reporter in due course.

the performance of the ministers.

Because when people mark you, (they should) mark with marking scheme.”

“A number of comments about the performance of this administration are based on the heart-beat of people; those who want to write and assess (should) prepare (their) marking scheme, compare with previous government and so on and so forth.”

He urged the media and the populace that wants to embark on examination and rating of his administration to employ empirical tools of verification that are measurable and discernible, emphasizing that the canon of any remarkable assessment must have a criteria akin to a marking scheme used to grade students examinations. “Develop your marking scheme and mark us,” he insisted.

The Vice President in his remarks noted that the transformation agenda is aimed at reversing the despair of Nigerians, adding that in the last two years the administration has pursued resolute course to expand the democratic space by ensuring that rule of law prevails just as accountability and free elections are promoted.

He added that the economic outlook of the country has improved as the key indices have been getting better, thus attracting global and domestic confidence on the local market.

Sambo, who acknowledged that security challenges have been contentious within the period under review, however pointed out that the incumbent administration has done well in the provision of infrastructure, development of education and resuscitation of the environment.

Equally commenting, Jesse Jackson, founder of Rainbow/ PUSH (People United to Save Humanity), a US-based nonprofit organization, said the anti-dote to any challenge that Nigeria may face anytime is the application of justice.

He praised the Jonathan

administration for its achievements, saying he has never seen such a passionate transparency in his years of association with governments across the world. He drew applause from the audience as he repeatedly reeled out the qualities that stand the country out, indicating that “Nigeria matters.”

Similarly, the former interim president of Liberia, Prof. Amos Sawyer, posited that Nigeria must continue to promote social justice and build human capacity of its citizens for the sustainability of development and democracy in the country.

He expressed satisfaction that Nigeria was among the best countries conforming with the highest standard expected of the members of the APRM. “Nigeria is demonstrating the best practice in how it is institutionalising the APRM process throughout all level of governments, federal, state and local.”

Commenting on Tambuwal’s absence at the national event, a Presidency source noted that the Speaker has been avoiding national events of recent disclosing that the widespread opinion about him in the Presidential Villa is that the Speaker is an All Progressives Congress (APC) man in the PDP. This perception may not be unconnected with the way Tambuwal emerged the Speaker of the House contrary to the zoning arrangement ratified by the PDP. Former President Obasanjo, on his own, was the guest of the Jigawa state governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido while he shunned the President’s Mid Term reports in Abuja.w Lamido is suspected to be nursing a Presintial ambition by 2015 and Obasanjo’s reference for Lamido ahead of Jonathan, according to political observers, speaks volumes. The Jigawa event was also attended by the governor of Central Bank, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

PAGE 3

News

Why Lamido can rule Nigeria - Obasanjo From Ahmed Abubakar, Dutse

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ormer President Olusegun Obasanjo has described Jigawa state as the most investors-friendly state in the federation.

He also described the state Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, as a person who exhibits good governance and qualities good enough to rule Nigeria.

Obasanjo spoke yesterday in his key note address at the opening ceremony of a three-day Jigawa State First Economic Summit held yesterday at the Sir Ahmad Bello Hall Dutse.

The Obasanjo said the country has to exploit its population strength of over 170 million people

from the widely acclaimed land of opputunities for too long to translate that to a land of actuality”.

He said the country’s problem is that of leadership, adding that governments must invest in the people’s education in order to overcome poverty, redundancy and criminalities.

He explained that good governance is key for any practical and factual economic development plan: “The government is not expected to invest directly but to provide enabling environment for private investors to exploit”.

“The way Sule Lamido has revitalised the Jigawa state Education sector, adequate provision of good roads network,

infrastructures, social security, free trade, has now made the state to be a haven for investors, and to the best of my knowledge, today there is nowhere in Nigeria where investors can have confidence in doing business that is greater than Jigawa state” “I am optimistic that, this summit would help in making out long term economic plan that would lead to the successful economic development that would be translated in to the increase of employment, wealth creation, poverty reduction and improve the well-being of the people of the state and Nigeria” Obasanjo said that he chose Lamido for the people of Jigawa.

In his welcome address,

Lamido started by recalling his inaugural speech six years ago that, “as you all might be aware, our state manifests the worst indices of underdevelopment” “It was the electioneering campaign tour that exposed me to the problems of our people in that most pathetic degree, the tour brought me face to face with the uniquely unmitigated case of underdevelopment called Jigawa state”, he said.

The Governor observed that as he settled down in office he discovered that the elites in the state are living in a world of their own that ensured total dis connect with the ordinary citizens Lamido said the resolve to run the government under best

practices in governance has helped to liberate the state from the pains and agony of under development.

He said, “today, we want to announce to the whole world with all the noise we can muster that we are ready and our doors are now opened to take Jigawa to the next level”.

In his speech the chairman of the summit Lord Paul Boateng said he had the conviction that the state can become a ‘Super Eagle’ in the economic world.

Lord Boateng stressed that, “Nigeria is Africa’s biggest direction for foreign investment” however warned that “we must also need to recognize that Africa is the father of its own progress”.

APC not for personal aggrandizement — Buhari

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

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L-R: Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Jigawa state Governor, Alhaji Sule lamido, and Chairman, Jigawa State 1st Investment Summit, Lord Boateng Duke of Aykem and Wembly, during the opening ceremony of the summit, yesterday in Dutse, Jigawa state.

Bus driver commits suicide over sack in Benin …As 74-year-old man two years for raping minor

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

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middle-aged man, identified as Patrick Essien yesterday committed suicide after he was allegedly sacked.

Patrick, father of three was found dangling from the roof of the toilet at the residence where he lived at Imasabemwen Street off Siluko Road in Benin City, Edo State Capital.

Some tenants who lie at the same residence with the disease told Journalists Patrick whose

corpse has now been deposited His corpse was said to have been taken away by Police had complained earlier he was sacked from the transport company where he was working, but declined comment on name of the transport company.

They said a co-tenant went to the toilet and knocked severally without any response only to peep and saw a body dangling from the roof.

They explained that the late driver has been living at the residence for the past 14 years

without any wife or children but that he told them he had a wife and three kids somewhere.

According to them, “We saw him this morning. He said he was sacked and we later found him dead in the toilet.”

Meanwhile, a 74-year-old man Clement Omorogbe has been jailed for two years by an Egor Magistrate Court in Edo State for raping a minor in November 2010.

The convict was arraigned on two count charge of indecent assault.

Presiding Magistrate, Eboh Braimoh in her judgment said there were increasing cases of the rape.

She declined option of fine for the convict to serve as deterrent to others.

The convict wanted to talk to Journalist but an official of the prison service refused A member of the Child Protection Network, Jenifer Ero, described the judgment as another victory for a rape victim.

The victim who is now 13 yearsold was present in court.

eader of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Gen. Muhammad Buhari, has said that the evolution of All Progressive Congress (APC) was not for personal aggrandisement, but for national cohesion.

Buhari stated this at the inauguration of constituency projects by member representing Zaria constituency at the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajuddeen, in Zaria, Kaduna State yesterday.

Represented by the state chairman of CPC in Kaduna, Alhaji Ahmadu Yaro-Cocacola, he said APC, if elected, is determined to foster national unity and restore hope to Nigerians.

He appealed to electorate to remain humble and peaceful during and after 2015 general election, with a view to electing credible candidates into various elective positions for the progress of the nation.

Buhari lauded the efforts of the lawmaker in bringing the dividends of democracy close to the people and called on other members to emulate him.

In his speech, the Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Sani Sale, appealed to the people to join the band waggon of what he described as liberation vanguard.

He said that CPC lawmakers had distinguished themselves in honour and service to humanity, hence the need for people to rally round the party.

Responding, Tajuddeen said that the gesture was aimed at giving all manner of people a sense of belonging, and gave the assurance that more dividends of democracy for his constituency were in the pipeline.

The ceremony featured presentation of gifts to winners of inter primary and secondary schools quiz and football competition, in addition to the inauguration of ICT/ skills acquisition centre, wall fence and solar bore holes, among others.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

The Page 4 Report

Governors Forum and the bumpy road to 2015 The logjam in the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) over substantive elected chairman has nosedived with two governors laying claims. Abubakar Ibrahim examines the intricate web of intrigues and its implication for the presidential race in 2015, and the likely fallouts if the current trend of events continues.

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y all accounts, the Second Republic democratic dispensation will be remembered with nostalgia for the supremacy enjoyed by the leadership of the National Party of Nigeria over political office holders. The erstwhile chairman of the NPN, Chief Adisa Akinloye called the shots and pulled the reins especially when official policy matters were digressing from the party’s manisfesto.

Even the powerful President Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari deferred to him to the extent that Chief Akinloye got red-carpet reception in the world’s capitals. But things suddenly changed in this dispensation, reason not far from the gargantuan duel between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his vice, Atiku Abubakar shortly after the 2003 general elections.

Before then, Atiku had the privilege of direct relationship with the governors who found him more accessible and a more sagacious politician to deal with than the dismissive and combative Obasanjo who had little tolerance of ‘lousy’ politicians. Under Atiku, the hitherto centralized political command structure known with the NPN was relaxed, inadvertently leaving governors with absolute control of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) structures in the states.

The result was bitter for Obasanjo who had to virtually kneel down for Atiku to get a second term of office. From then and against normal practice, the president took party leadership, kept the power to anoint national party chairmen and expanded the scope of delegates to conventions and primaries and knocked out the founding fathers while the governors held the power to determine state party executives and delegates with vice grip.

The tradition went thus far to the benefit of President Goodluck Jonathan’s electoral ambition in 2011 with the PDP governors’ overwhelming support except a few dissents.

But as the 2015 date for another round of election approaches, that unity was jolted.

Resurrecting the zoning debate, chairman of the Northern States Governors Forum and Niger State governor, Muazu Babangida Aliyu told the nation of a gentleman’s agreement limiting President Jonathan to a term.

Speaking on a political programme by Liberty Radio, Kaduna in February, Aliyu said thus: “I recall that at the time he was going to declare for the 2011 election, all the PDP Governors were brought together to ensure that we were all in the same frame of mind. And I recall that some of us said given the circumstances of the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua and given the PDP zoning arrangement, it was expected that the North was to produce the President for a given number of years.

“I recall that at that discussion, it was agreed that Jonathan would serve only one term of four years and we all signed the agreement. Even when Jonathan went to Kampala, in Uganda, he also said he was going to serve a single term.”

Analysts believe that though President Jonathan has not announced his ambition officially, the comment ruffled some feathers

President Goodluck Jonathan in President Goodluck Jonathan’s camp. The Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, who is widely acclaimed as his political godfather said there is nothing wrong in seeking a second term more so when the constitution allows it. Since then, little has been left secret in the vehement push, though repeatedly denied, of the president’s intent from the restructuring of the party’s national executive, the choice of the Board of Trustees chairman and the formation of the PDP Governors Forum, a parallel body created to check the NGF chairman, Governor Rotimi Amaechi “for constituting himself into a trade union.”

However, the current political climate seems to make the road bumpier for the president. Aside from more strength acquired in the Forum by mega merger partners in the All Progressives Congress(APC)-the Action Congress of Nigeria(ACN), Congress for Progressive Change(CPC), All Nigeria Peoples Party, All Progressive Grand Alliance(APGA)-,

the ruling party governors hell-bent on a change of guard to the North or rather have presidential intention, have constituted a cog to the control strategy of the president.

Analysts also believe that the rude removal of Governor Diepreye Sylva of his home State of Bayelsa, the recent nullification of proAmaechi exco of PDP have all rang the alarm bell for other governors determined to survive further onslaughts.

Furthermore, former President Obasanjo has added to the rumours of fallout with Jonathan by the vitriolic criticism of government policy on security and jobs, adding to speculation of the hand of Esau but the voice of Jacob in the challenges facing the president.

This much was demonstrated last Friday when the incumbent Chairman of NGF, and Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi, trounced his Plateau State counterpart, Jonah Jang, by 19 votes to 16, to retain the coveted seat in a keenly contested poll in Abuja.

“

It remains to be seen, what PDP’s next step will be after the suspension of Amaechi. However, with the president’s power of resource allocation and criminal prosecution, watchers are looking at the possible reuse of divide and rule tactics.

As it were, there is every indication that the strong arm tactics being deployed by the president’s camp may damage the road to 2015.

Jang was allegedly propped up a few hours to the election by Jonathan, backed by some top brass of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who wanted Amaechi out at all cost. But one important cost the Jonathan camp may have ignored was the reaction of Governors Shehu Shema and Isa Yuguda who were initially prepared for the post but dumped. Similarly, Governor Murtala Nyako may not have forgiven the national chairman, Bamanga Tukur for throwing out his loyalists from the Adamawa state PDP structure.

Both Messrs Amaechi and Jang belong to the PDP, which has 23 out of the 36 members of the Forum. The position of the vice chairman of the Forum was picked up by the Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, of ANPP, who emerged unopposed following last minute withdrawal of the Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, a member of Labour Party, LP, from the contest.

Akpabio and the suicidal jump However, in a curious twist of events, some governors led by the Chairman of PDP Governors Forum, Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, rejected the result of the poll which was conducted by secret ballot, saying it was rigged in favour of Amaechi and by Saturday, Jang has claimed victory, blaming the crisis in the NGF on the ambition of some governors for the 2015 presidential race.

Jang is right on this score if we consider the popularly flaunted Lamido/Amaechi posters and the rumoured Kwankwaso and Speaker Aminu Tambuwal aspirations not to talk of the alleged Shema/Akpabio ticket and more to come. However the intrigues have yet to abate. Pundits are beginning to question the rationale behind the fielding of Jang, considered very unpopular in the north for mismanaging security and the state’s economy and likening it to Jonathan’s resolve to once again polarize the upper north and the middlebelt for his ambition. But in the calculation of many, the push and shove within the ruling party is likely to sway the pendulum to the opposition who may turnout to be the new destination of disgruntled PDP governors.

Powerful as the governors are, their exodus has its own chain effect. It reminds Nigerians whether Jonathan intends a massive shakeup of the PDP ala Obasanjo-era re-registration exercise which flung out the founding and other angry members. Leaving the Rivers state PDP structure with a minister, Nyesom Wike tells us where the road leads to. Can PDP afford to lose its states? Probably, that is what Atiku foresaw recently when he called on the founding fathers of the party to join hands in saving it from implosion.

It remains to be seen, what PDP’s next step will be after the suspension of Amaechi.

However, with the president’s power of resource allocation and criminal prosecution, watchers are looking at the possible reuse of divide and rule tactics.

As it were, there is every indication that the strong arm tactics being deployed by the president’s camp may damage the road to 2015. Moreso, the 2011 post-election violence has spurred northern political and traditional stakeholders into a reassessment of their stand in a highly discontented region. Not only that, other national stakeholders in the south feel that it is time to restore the security, unity and stability of the nation. However, barring any miracle, only time has the capacity to unravel the fortunes of the Nigeria in the months to come.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

PAGE 5

News

Plot to suspend pro-Amaechi govs thickens

By Lawrence Olaoye

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ndications emerged yesterday that the call for the convening of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting by some governors may not be unconnected with moves to engineer the party’s apex body to sanction those governors that worked for the emergence of the Rivers state governor, Rotimi Amaechi, to emerge Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF).

Amaechi had beaten the PDP consensus candidate, Jonah Jang, Plateau governor, with 19 to 16 votes in the recently conducted NGF election.

Since the election, elite governors’ club has been factionalized with both governors laying claims to its leadership. Already, he Jang’s faction would be commissioning its headquarters in Abuja today.

It was learnt that several pressures have been mounted on the PDP’s leadership to wield the big stick by meting out disciplinary measures to those governors on its platform who betrayed the consensus Arrangement to vote Amaechi.

Already, Amaechi has been suspended from the party even

as the PDP National Working Committee has empanelled J.K. Gadzama committee to investigate Amaechi for alleged anti-party activities on his refusal to order the re-in statement of the suspended Obio/Akpor LGA Executive Council of Rivers state.

Those governors suspected to have bungled the consensus arrangement by withdrawing heir supports to the PDP candidate for the NGF chair include those of Niger, Sokoto, Adamawa, Jigawa, Kebbi and Kano states.

An impeccable source with the party who craves anonymity disclosed that the PDP leadership has been uncomfortable with certain comments coming from some of its governors of recent.

He said “the party leadership believe that the NGF election is a show of rebellion by those suspected to have voted against Jang and felt something must

be done to serve as deterrent to others who may want to take party supremacy for granted.”

The source disclosed that at least fourteen governors on the platform of the party who are silidly behind Jang are seriously pushing for punitive measure on those six governors who are deemed to have indulged in antiparty activities.

Meanwhile, some of the governors Amaechi’s camp have been in the forefront of the call for PDP NEC ostensibly to drum for the dissolution of the Alhaji Bamanga Tukur led NWC. Some of them have complained about Tukur’s leadership style because he had refused to accord them undue recognition they hitherto enjoy under the party’s immediate past leadership.

But Tukur had variously harped on party discipline

and supremacy just as he had argued that the PDP financial independence would help in building the party into a strong institution hat would not be receiving dole-outs from the governors and othe political office holders on the platform of he party.

Tukur’s perceived independent mindedness and his refusal to know-tow to the whims and caprices of some of the governors, according to a source, is at the heart of the clamor for his removal.

The source added “the governors attitude at the NGF election has shown clearly all those who have no respect for the party but would do anything to further their personal interests.”

He said the NEC would rely on provision of Article 58 (1) to activate disciplinary measures on the governors. The Article

Navy holds free medical rhapsody in Abuja

By Joy Baba

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Boko Haram claims victory over Nigerian Army in new video

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espite the declaration of a State of Emergency in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States, the insurgent Boko Haram claims they are winning the war against government forces.

This was stated by Abubakar Shekau, the Boko Haram leader in a video which is the group’s first since the emergency declaration, according to an online report.

President Goodluck Jonathan made the emergency declaration about a fortnight ago which has led to increased troops presence in the three states in order to dislodge the insurgents and ensure peace in the area.

The Nigerian military has said several times that it is achieving success against the insurgents and has killed some, arrested scores of insurgents, dislodged several of their camps, and freed kidnapped victims.

However, in the video made available to PREMIUM TIMES yesterday, Abubakar Shekau, the Boko Haram leader, said the group is actually winning the war against the soldiers.

Mr. Shekau displayed identity cards of soldiers he claimed his group had killed in their operations. He also displayed a destroyed armoured tank he claimed his men bombed.

The Boko Haram leader said that this battle is not just against whom his group is battling in the bushes, but against all government officials. He said that any public servant, from a primary school teacher to the highest public servant, police officer, soldier, irrespective of religion is their enemy.

None of the claims of the insurgents, or indeed the army, can be independently verified as the battle by the Nigerian military against the insurgents intensifies.

which was invoked aganst Amaechi states “Subject to the provisions of this constitution, the party shall have power to discipline any member who (b) says or does anything likely to bring the party into disrepute, hatred or contempt; (c ) disobeys or neglects to carry out lawful directives of the party or any organ or officer of the party; (h) engages in any conduct likely to cause disaffection among members of the party or is likely to disrupt the peaceful, lawful and efficient conduct of the business of the party; (m) fails, refuses or neglects to treat a petition, complaints or appeal timeously.”

Efforts to reach the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh,failed as he neither picked the call put through to him nor reply the text message urging him to confirm the story.

L-R: Alhaji Sahabi Isa Garba, Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, and Sokoto state Governor, Alhaji Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, during the Democracy Day celebration, yesterday at the Trade Fair Complex, in Sokoto.

Nigerians deserve democracy dividends not excuses - APGA

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

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s Nigeria marks 14 years of democratic government, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has challenged elected and appointed leaders in the country to work towards providing more democracy dividends for the people rather than giving excuses.

In a democracy day message which the issued by the Chief Press Secretary of the party, Francis Edeh, APGA also emphasised on the need for politicians to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship and adhere to the rule of electoral engagement.

“ We urge politicians to embrace democratic ideals and abhor politics of bitterness and rancor that could abort our emerging democracy.”, the party said.

It also urged Nigerians to participate actively in the electoral process, saying it is the only way Nigeria can evolve a responsive and a responsible government duly elected by the people.

According to the party, “The power of the people to elect or deny election to a government is the only weapon that guarantees a responsible and legitimate government.”

While observing that opposition parties are the glue that holds the fabrics of a democratic nation, the party vows to remain the third leg in the country’s political tripod that will sustain the nascent democracy and determine the outcome of the 2015 general election.

It therefore said it remains a party to beat in the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State, pointing out that the party has delivered abundant dividends of democracy to the people of Anambra state since March 17, 2006 it came to power, thereby making the party the people’s choice in the State.

s part of activities to mark it 57th anniversary, Nigerian Navy yesterday held a free medical rhapsody and free community medical service in Pyakasa, a satelite town in Abuja along airport road.

Speaking at the event, the Chief of Naval Staff, represented by the Director of Naval Medical Services, Rear Admiral Samuel Epelle said Nigerian Navy regularly holds medical rhapsody and free community medical services as a grass root out reach social service for rural communities during major events such as Navy week.

According to Ezeoba, “the services rendered will include; blood pressure checks, eye examination and and issuance of free eye glasses where necessary, de- worming exercise for children and adults.

“There will also be public health talks by the naval medical experts on such topical issues as, HIV/AIDS, malaria, environmental, personal and oral hygiene”.

Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Dele Ezeoba

Vice

PAGE 6

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

News

Reps query Works Ministry over N200 billion abandoned projects

By Lawrence Olaoye and Mohammed Umar Puma

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he House of Representatives has perfected plans to open comprehensive investigations into the Ministry of Works over abandoned projects worth N200 billion.

Chairman House Public Accounts Committee, Rep Solomon Adeola, who made the disclosureTuesday when officials of the Ministry led by its Permanent Secretary,Dr.A K Mohammed, appeared before the Committee sais over 28 queries

were raised against it by the office of the Auditor -General of the Federation,AGF, for the Financial year ended on 31st,2010.

The committee also disclosed that it had uncovered another N17billion reportedly paid out to contractors as mobilization fees for projects eventually abandoned.

A Contractor, JMK Nigeria limited, was alleged to gave received about N2.2billion from the Ministry as mobilization fees only for it to sub-let the same contract to another Contractor.

The Committee immediately

directed its Secretariat to write to the Corporate Affairs Commission,CAC, tofurnishitwithnecessaryinformation about those behind the Company with a view to getting at the root of the matter.

Chairman of the Committee, Hon Adeola who made it clear that the Committee was not out to witchhunt any Contractor or the officials of the Ministry accused the Site and District Engineers of the Ministry of collaborating with Contractors to milk the Federal Government of several billions of naira on jobs not done over the years,saying

He said, “it is time we started recommending the erring Engineers for trial because they are the ones on ground to see that all necessary things are done after which they will sign performance job certificates before any money is paid out”.

The Committee then gave the Ministry up till next week to produce relevant documents on the over N200 billion abandoned projects from 1999 to 2008 in order to assist it on the proposed investigation while all Engineers connected with the affected projects are ordered to be produced before the Committee unfailingly.

R-L: Yobe state Gov, Malam Ibrahim Gaidam, expressing condolences to retired Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Alhaji Usman Abubakar, over the cold-blooded murder of his two brothers, Umar Kolo and Umara Kammi by unknown gunmen, yesterday in Maiduguri.

Yero commissions roads, solar boreholes From Mohammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

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overnor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero of Kaduna state yesterday commissioned four road projects worthN6.613 billion and 22 solar -powered borehole water projects worth N187 million in the state.

The Governor also inspected on-going construction and rehabilitation work at the Barau Dikko Specialist Hospital expected to house the Kaduna State University Teaching Hospital in the state.

Speaking while commissioning the 10 kilometres stretch of road and Fourth Bridge that links southern parts of the metropolis to the northern part from the Kaduna Refinery junction to Ungwar Rimi, the Governor renamed the road Sir Patrick Yakowa Way, saying it is a testament of commitment, dedication and continuity in government.

According to him, the N1.7

million 10 kilometres road project and the N4.6 billion Fourth Bridge were started by Vice President Namadi Sambo and continued by successive governments. “ Late governor Patrick Yakowa committed so much time and energy to see to the completion of the road.

We are going to award contract for street light to ensure more security

on the road,” he said.

He also commissioned a solar powered borehole water tank with 2, 500lts capacity at Our Lady of Fatimah Girls Secondary School, Sabo Tasha and another one at the Ungwar Rimi Old Central Mosque which cost N8.5 million each.

He said 46 of the 2, 500lts borehole water projects are ongoing

across the state with 22 completed and commissioned at the cost of N187 million.

Yero while inspecting various ongoing works at the Kaduna State University Teaching Hospital decried the slow pace of work, while urging the contractor and consultant to complete the work by the December 2013 deadline.

JNI wants FG to address poverty in the land From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

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he Jama’atu Nasirl Islam [JNI] has called on the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency to find a lasting solution to the current hardship and difficulties in the country.

The group made this appeal in a Democracy Day goodwill message signed by its Kaduna state chairman Alhaji Jafaru Makarfi.

The statement further

called on the federal the state governments to create more job opportunities and revives all the collapsed industries.

“We call on the Federal Government to enhance the agriculture sector in other to reduce the over dependent on the oil sector. “We also appealed to the Muslim Umma to pray for the survival of democracy despite the challenges we as believers should pray for peace, unity and progress of the country,”

the statement said.

The statement also advised the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary to always put the fear of Almighty Allah in all activities, describing them as the pillars of democracy.

The statement commended Kaduna state Governor, Alhaji Mukhtar RamalamYero, for organizing peace meetings with traditional rulers, religious leaders and politicians in the three senatorial zones in the state.

Kogi teachers begin strike May 31 From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

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igeria Union of Teacher, (NUT) Kogi state chapter has urged its members to down tools as from May 31, 2013 as directed by the national body of the NUT to protest the implementation of minimum wage and other allowances in the state.

The state Chairman of the NUT, Comrade Sani Muhammed Amin, who gave the directive yesterday during a press conference in Lokoja said the strike became necessary in view of the state government lip service towards the implementation of the wages to primary and secondary education as well as treating teachers welfare with levity in the state.

“Kogi primary school teachers have been denied of both minimum wage and 27.5 per cent special allowances while the secondary teachers have not been enjoying the 27.5 per cent special allowances. This is apart from the non implementation of outstanding promotions and annual increment rates as well as non-payment of 2011,2012 and 2013 leave transport grants The union said for the past five years, the state government has carried out several screening exercise with a view to ascertaining the precise staff strength (teacher and non teaching staff) in the 21 local governments without success.

He added that the fruitless screening exercise have gulped millions of hard-earned tax payers’ s money which would have conveniently paid some of the legitimate benefits of the teachers.

According to him, the union had held several meeting with the government and sounded several warnings about the continued neglect of teachers’ welfare but all seems to have fell on deaf ear.

“We have dialogue and even cooperate with the government to no avail, hence we have come to a conclusion that the insensitivity and ir responsive attitude of the Kogi state government towards teachers plight is a direct call on teachers and their union to take their destiny in their hands and join the strike should the state government remain adamant and indifferent to teachers demand,” he said.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

Brifely MCAN begins annual convention

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he 31st Annual Convention of the Muslim Corpers’ Association of Nigeria (MCAN) of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) begins today.

The three-day event with the theme, “Self-Rebranding: Muslim Leaders on Call,” is slated for 30th May to 2nd June, 2013, at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Kubwa in Abuja.

MCAN, which is a platform for the entire Muslim corps member in the country, was inaugurated during the 1978/1979 service year with its Headquarters in Mabushi district of Abuja, and branches all over the 36 states of the federation and the FCT.

By Mohammed Kandi

PAGE 7

News

Kano approves N160m projects for BUK

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ano state government on Tuesday said it had approved N160 million for the construction of some projects at the Bayero University (BUK).

Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso disclosed this when he received the chairman and members of the board of directors of the

Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital at the Government House.

The Governor said the approval was part of his administration’s contribution to uplifting the standard of education in the state.

He said that government would expand the Gyadi-Gyadi

road through Yantsaki link road to the hospital.

Kwankwaso said the state was working with stakeholders towards making the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital a teaching hospital for the Kano State University of Science and Technology, Wudil.

Group scores Yero high on governance

By Stanley Onyekwere

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40th day prayers for late Bilikisu O. Adeiza

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he family of late Bilikisu Onyene Adeiza (Nee Omadivi) whose death occurred on April 26, 2013 at the National Hospital, Abuja has fixed her (fidau) 40th day prayers for June 8, 2013 at Obehira in Okene local government area of Kogi state.

Until her death Mallama Bilikisu was a community and Islamic leader who pooled her meager resources to take care of orphans and the needy.

She is survived by seven children, sisters and brothers, including Prince E. O. Omadivi, a public relations and advertising consultant.

By Abdulwahab Isa

“Kogi Governor, democracy gift”

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ogi State Governor, Capt Idris Wada, has been praised for his developmental projects that have helped reposition the area as the nation marks 14 years of uninterrupted democracy.

Making the assertion while appraising this year’s Democracy Day anniversary, Abu Micheal, Chief Press Secretary to Kogi State Deputy Governor, Yomi Awoniyi, said Wada has continued to execute laudable projects and programs that have given succor to the people to justify their mandate.

He described as democracy gift, the Governor’s ground breaking ceremony of 250 housing units for flood victims and his dogged determination to complete all inherited projects from immediate past administration as worthy of commendation.

From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

He added that the new Pfizer hospital would be used by the North West University.

The Chairman, Board of Directors of the hospital, Alhaji Saidu Sambawa, expressed satisfaction with the efforts of Kwankwaso in transforming the state.

(NAN)

Borno state Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima (left), exchanging pleasantries with state and local governments’ executives of All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), during Democracy Day ceremony, yesterday, in Maiduguri.

Cleric urges politicians to work for national unity From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

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he Spiritual Father and Chairman, the Holy Order of Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church (CSMC) Worldwide, Most Reverend Samuel A. Abidoye, has charged politicians to have the fear of God in their activities and consider the general interest of the country in their dealings.

In a statement in Bauchi yesterday, Abidoye also called on Nigerian leaders to work for peace, unity and progress of the

country even as he called on all Nigerians to intensify prayers for the strengthening of the nation’s democracy in line with international best practices.

He asked Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for peace and stability for the nation, stressing that, “prayer remains one of the major solutions to the nation’s security challenges and other problems including corruption, unemployment and poverty.

“We need to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice and forgiveness

in order to overcome the current challenges confronting the nation, and these challenges, though many can be overcome through fervent prayers.”

Abidoye noted that the level of corruption, poverty and unemployment as well as the current insecurity in the land constituted the greatest challenge facing democracy in the country, and therefore called for proactive and pragmatic measures against the scourge currently ravaging the fabric of the nation.

Group condemns Wukari, Yamtu clashes in Taraba

By Joy Baba

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non-governmental organization (NGO), G20 Club, comprising indihenes of Taraba state resident in Abuja, has condemned the recent violent clashes that erupted in Wukari and Yamtu Development Centre, all in the southern senatorial district of Taraba state.

According to a statement yesterday by its Public Relations Officer, Jerry Edwards, the G20 Club, said that, “we are worried by the reports of violence in parts of southern Taraba which

has consumed the lives of many brothers and sisters with property destroyed.

“We are amazed that Wukari town which serves as the ancient capital of the old Federation, and Yamtu town which are areas known for their peaceful nature of their inhabitants, with a very cordial and tolerant mien, could be turned into such violent abodes.

The group appealed to all religious and communal leaders in the two areas to mobilize their members and encourage them

on the need to live and be their brothers’ keepers.

The group however commended the state government, law enforcement agencies and the traditional and community leaders for their quick intervention in bringing the situations under control.

“We, as a group, are readily available and willing to offer any assistance or advice to the state and local government councils on how to encourage peaceful co-existence of the entire region for utmost development.”

he Yero Frontiers Movement in Kaduna has Governor Muktar Ramalan Yero high for bringing stability within the past five months that he assumed office.

According to the group, Yero’s government has, despite sundry challenges, exhibited strong passion to provide a level playing ground for the achievement of peace, unity and sustainable growth in the state.

Coordinator of the Movement, Alhaji Abduljalal Jumare Rigachikun, who disclosed this during a press conference in Kaduna, said the Governor demonstrated focused leadership and goodwill when he made peace and security as the paramount agenda of his administration.

“This has started yielding results as the people now enjoy peace and security.

“Yero as an astute administrator with utmost sense of responsibility has taken pragmatic steps in collaboration with relevant stakeholders in the education sector, as part of efforts to transform the sector.

“When the Governor was sworn-into office, he among other security measures, procured 40 well-equipped patrol vans for the operation with modern security gadgets to ensure that people in the state sleep with two their eyes closed.

“On his pragmatic step to address the problems of shortage of water in the state, the Governor has shown commitment to improving the operations of the Kaduna State Water Board, as his administration has procured water treatment and chemical for it.

“One of his greatest achievements in the health sector is the establishment of the State Primary Health Care Centre, geared towards attaining affordable health care for the people.

“The administration has also designed a policy of providing free medical care for pregnant women and children under the age of five years.

PAGE 8

Photos Splash

Niger state governor, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu (middle), laying the foundation stone, during the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of a shopping mall, yesterday in Minna. with him are Emir of Minna, Dr. Umar Faruk Bahago (right), and other government officials.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

President Goodluck Jonathan presenting Federal Government mid-term report, during Democracy Day celebration, yesterday at International Conference Centre, in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Kano state Governor, Engineer Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso (middle), discussing with surveyors, during his visit to the permanent site of Northwest University, recently in Kano.

L-R: National Coordinator, Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad, presenting a certificate to Chairman, Hamsal Air, Alhaji Abdulkadir Hamma Saleh who is patron of IHR, recently in Abuja.

L-R: Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, former President Shehu Shagari, and former Head of Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, during Democracy Day celebration, yesterday at International Conference Centre, in Abuja. Photo: Joe Oroye

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

PAGE 9

News Shettima urges collective efforts to overcome challenges in Borno

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L-R: Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, Senator Ayogu Eze, and Senate President David Mark, after the Democracy Day mass, yesterday at St. Mulumba Catholic Chaplaincy, in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Democracy Day: Traditional rulers shun celebration in Kwara From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

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ll the first class traditional rulers in Kwara State and their chiefs were absent at the venue of May Day celebration held at Metropolitan Square along Asa Dam road, Ilorin.

Our correspondent who was at the venue observed that the

traditional rulers who used to be led by the Emir of Ilorin were not at the celebration; and none of them sent a representative.

Besides, the 2015 campaign posters of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed were seen being displayed openly by political groups at the venue with inscription “One good term deserves

Expert urges Nigerians to shun unhealthy diets

By Joy Baba

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s Nigeria marks 14 years of uninterrupted democracy, Nigerians have been advised to take responsibility for their health by changing their unhealthy diets and lifestyle in order to produce a productive workforce for the country.

An expert on healthy living, Mrs. Victoria Kayode, who is the founder of LivinMedia Nigeria Limited gave the advice yesterday at a seminar she organized in conjunction with Baytit Investment Limited in Abuja, tagged, ‘Reclaim your Health’.

The expert said she believed that it is better to stay healthy than looking for healing.

Kayode, who lamented that majority of diseases and sicknesses that are prevalent today are as a result of intake of bad diets and bad lifestyle, said her passion to see people live well and make those that are sick get well, prompted her to go into the field.

Her words: “We see people

moving about with many conditions that are majorly as a result of what they eat, what they do and what they fail to do so, we preach diet and lifestyle change”.

She said her team has been teaching healthy living in churches, schools, mosque, offices, seminars, conferences among others.

However, it was the first time she was organising a free seminar for the general public in the FCT, while she disclosed plans to reach out to those at the grassroots.

“We have been teaching healthy living as our own quota to bring to the barest minimum (if not to eradicate) sicknesses and diseases in our environment for the past 8 years and we believe we still have much ground to cover”, she said.

Highpoint of the event was talks on different health issues delivered by resource persons, Blood Pressure, height and Body Mass Index by experts and responses to questions on health asked by participants.

another”, in front of Peoples Democractic Party (PDP) executives, government officials and other stakeholders at the venue.

While addressing the audience at the occasion, Governor Ahmed disclosed that his two years in office has been fruitful.

He said his promises to improve economic activities, estab-

lish modern agriculture, youth empowerment and human capital development have been fulfilled.

He commended the people of the state for their support and peaceful co-existence and promised to deliver more dividends of democracy to the people before the end of his four years tenure.

Democracy conducive for judiciary, says NBA From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

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hairman of Lokoja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mallam Mohammed Musa has said that the Judiciary flourished more in the last 14 years of democratic governance than the military era.

He stated this yesterday in Lokoja while x-raying the achievements of democracy in the last 14 years.

Musa said with the observance of the constitutional provisions for freedom of speech, the judiciary in the country now had wider jurisdiction under the civil rule, particularly on cases bordering on the economy and politics.

The Rule of Law, he said, has relatively reduced the level of force, coercion and intimidation of citizens, adding that the judiciary enjoys wider latitude as people now have the opportunity to ventilate their grievances and seek justice.

Musa however observed that interferences from politicians and the traditional institution have affected

dispensation of justice and urged political leaders to stop attempts at influencing judicial officers.

He noted that political leaders toyed with the security of the nation because they could not afford to be decisive on issues for fear of losing elections and jeorpadising their political career.

“The nation”, according to him, “now bears the brunt of their collective failure in the area of security and promotion of injustice.”Democracy itself is being threatened by the level of insecurity in the country”.

“The territorial jurisdiction of the country is also being threatened.

The state of insecurity now is worse than the 1967 civil war.”No place is spared now. The insecurity now has no tribal marks and it has no respect for religion, it happens everywhere, anywhere, every how and anyhow any place and at any time.

Democracy some time tends to promote injustice and where there is injustice, there will be insecurity.

Justice is security”, he said.

s Nigeria marked the 2013 Democracy Day, Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno state yesterday declared that leaders, their supporters, political actors and other Nigerians cannot afford to fight one another especially with the challenges of insecurity and other problems confronting the nation.

The Governor addressed public office holders including his deputy, State Assembly members, Secretary to the State Government, Head of Service, Chief of Staff, Commissioners as well as special advisers, assistants, party chairmen at the state and local government areas and other supporters at his residence in Maiduguri.

He called on leaders, political actors and citizens within and outside Borno State to come together as one so that they can focus on addressing the problems facing the nation.

According to Shettima, there are too many challenges begging for attention that should keep everyone busy in finding solutions and decisive steps to address them.

He said Borno was under a trying time that would come to pass, and thanked public office holders in the state for remaining firm in their resolve to serve the government and people of the state in the face of threats.

Shettima described the last two years of his administration as “eventful and interesting times” that have propelled him and his Deputy, Zannah Umar Mustapha, to be stronger and more determined to take Borno to greater heights. “Tough times never last forever”, the Governor reminded his audience.

The Governor also appreciated the role played by the media in what he called “every critical step of the way”, describing the media as “a reliable friend and partner in Borno’s recovery efforts”.

The Deputy Governor, Zannah Umar Mustapha, and Secretary to the State Government, Ambassador Baba Ahmed Jidda, commended Governor Shettima for his “focused, determined and foresighted leadership style” and for his humility, transparency, accessibility and for being highly consultative.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

PAGE 10

News Democracy Day: Fashola inaugurates 1.358km Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge ....pays tribute to late President Yar’ Adua Ayodele Samuel, Lagos agos state joined the rest of the country to mark Democracy Day yesterday, and Governor Babatunde Fashola inaugurated the 1.358 kilometres Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge, Victoria Island.

Fashola also paid tribute to the late President Umar Musa Yar’ Adua, describing him as a statesman and not a politician.

Fashola delivered his address at an elaborate commissioning ceremony of the Bridge that witnessed an array of personalities including the former Secretary to the Federal Government, Mr. Yayale Ahmed, former Governors of Lagos state, Alh. Lateef Jakande and Brig-General Mobolaji Johnson among others.

He said, “with the new cable bridge that would be opened for vehicular movement on June 1st, it is now easy for us to connect two communities separated by water.

“This has brought a compelling need for a 4th Mainland Bridge and possibly a 5th and 6th bridge and expanded ferry services are all now no longer debatable.”

“We are still working ceaselessly to start the commencement of the 4th Mainland Bridge. And to make the construction of the 4th Mainland bridge successful, we have made a lot of progress to soon commence an alternative mode of crossing the Lagoon from Lekki to Ikorodu with the completion of the Ipakodo and Badore ferry terminals, as we race to conclude the Osborne terminal that will complete what I call the Lagos lagoon ferry triangle.”

“All these will bring a lot of relief during the period of the building of the 4th Mainland Bridge as it will provide choice after its completion,” he added.

He said that the primary objective of all the bridges was to provide a transport infrastructure and a strategic traffic management solution aimed at easing traffic congestion in the state.

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Tambuwal harps on sustenance of democracy From Mahmoud Muhammad, Sokoto

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peaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal has challenged politicians in the country to re-direct their thoughts towards the sustainability of the nation’s democracy.

Tambuwal gave the charge yesterday at the celebration to mark this year’s Democracy Day which was held at Trade Fair complex, in Sokoto Wednesday.

He said they could do this by observing the freedom and liberty which are essential to democracy.

He described what is being experienced recently in Nigeria as truly un-democratic.

According to him, “it is only when democracy is put in place that people can elect who they want to occupy the office or elect into the office.

Chairperson, Teenz Global Foundation (TGF), Abuja, Ijeoma Idika-Chima, and other officials of the foundation, in a group photograph with some beneficiaries of its food and clothing donations to over 250 children and women to mark 2013 Children’s Day celebration, on Monday in Angwan Lambu community, in Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa state.

Photo: Stanley Onyekwere

Nothing to celebrate after 14 years of democracy, say opposition parties From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

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pposition parties in Bauchi state have said there is nothing to celebrate in 14 years of democracy of PDP-led administration and the entire country.

The spokesman of the Action Congress of Nigeria CAN in Bauchi state, Mallam Nasiru Ibrahim Darazo stated this while talking to newsmen in Bauchi.

He said democracy was not being practiced in Nigeria because

according to him, democratic government is made for the betterment of citizens but the reverse is the case in Nigeria.

Darazo said the present administration started well but at the end we cannot really define what type of exclusive government they are running adding that “the Bauchi state governor is not always in the state. Nobody knows his where about, the citizens who voted for him don’t see him. He comes around during occasions” He said the state government was unable to conduct the state

local government election because they did not do anything for the people, stressing that “They refused to conduct Local Government election because they are afraid the opposition will defeat the PDP; that was the reason why they were not able to conduct the election”.

Also speaking, the State Chairman of Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Alhaji Aliyu Sa’idu said there was “nothing to celebrate in a state where there is acute shortage of potable water; and the state is bedeviled with poverty, unemployment,

suspension of workers allowances, crippling of the education sector and inability of the government to conduct local government election”.

Sa’idu said, “the PDP-led government in the state has crippled the education sector and failed to address the problem of water scarcity even if it is an inherited problem. It hasn’t been able to solve the problem. The basis for election of people into government is to solve peoples’ problems, not to worsen their problems”

Democracy Day: Reps commend Tambuwal

By Umar Muhammad Puma

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wo lawmakers from the House of Representatives, Mohammed Sani Idris Legbo, and Aminu Sulaiman have commended the efforts of Speaker House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, on his leadership qualities which have given the

house a character.

The two lawmakers while speaking with journalists on democracy day celebration said the national assembly in general and the house of representative in particular have done well in checkmating the excesses of the executive arm of government.

Kutigi said, “I am happy with the achievement of both the upper and lower chambers of the

national assembly.

“But as a member of the House of Representatives, I am proud of the giant strides of our speaker, who has been focused, determined and fearless on issues that are central to the survival of our nascent democracy.

“For instance, when the issue of emergency came the house supported it.

“And when there was an

attempt by the presidency to operate outside the law, we intervened. It is all as a result of a visionary leadership of the house personified in Tambuwal.”

On his part, Sulaiman said, “the House under the leadership of Tambuwal has recorded a tremendous success in terms of quality legislation. He has succeeded in managing the House, despite our number and political affiliations”, he said.

Benue: 2015 posters dominate Democracy Day From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

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lood of posters for 2015 governorship race in Benue state littered the IBB square venue of the democracy day celebration.

The posters which were placed in conspicuous positions in and outside the venue of the event took the shine off the occasion.

Among them were those of the minister of state for trade and investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom;

former minister of state, Niger Delta, Sam Ode; incumbent deputy governor, Chief Steven Lawani; Permanent secretary, Governemnt House administration Dr. Terlumun Nyitse; managing director, Federal Medical Center, Dr. Mathias Oyiegiya as well as some serving commissioners and heads of parastatals who are said to be eying the plum seat.

Similarly, the issue of power shift to Idoma land in 2015 was once again thrown up thereby stirring up controversy.

Deputy Chairman of PDP Zone C, Mr. Moses Ajima who raised the issue, lamented that the Idoma people have continually been marginalized in occupying the governorship seat of the state and as such should be considered in 2015.

Elder statesman and one time member of the House of Representatives, Ugba Uye, who had incurred the wrath of Ajima, maintained that the Tiv people and their Idoma brothers have never had any quarrels, noting that

the issue of governorship in 2015 should not be a problem now.

Governor Gabriel Suswam did not comment on the issue but simply highlighted his achievements in the six years of the government, promising to complete all projects started by his administration.

He particularly harped on the N500 million flood money released to the State by the Federal government, denying claims that he has shared the money with some government officials.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

PAGE 11

Money Sense

Your doctor has insurance for errors, make claim if need be…

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here is an insurance cover now protecting your doctor, nurses or other staff of that hospital you use. Should they therefore commit error during the course of handling you as their patient or a close relative of yours, rather than walk away and bear the loss which could be huge in terms of human life, demand that you get compensated.

Often times people leave the hospital complaining of medical practitioners’ negligence or mishandling of their medical case or that of their close associate, and instead of taking a legal action and asking for compensation they walk home angry and saying it’s in the hand of God. The unfortunate thing is that the hospital would not ask you to go free without paying your bill, even when the error came as result of their mistake. So, why not make your case and claim damages if your right has been trampled upon?

In some cases, medical practitioners commit errors of omission or commission for example, misdiagnosis, neglect, bodily injury, mental injury and sometimes death.

Money Tip: 3 money tips to pass on to your kid

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y baby daughter is six months old, and I always vowed to campaign to get financial education on the national curriculum before she started school. Thankfully we seem to be winning that one and it’s due to start far sooner. Here are my three tips: 1. One of the first things I’ll teach her is why there are sweets by the till in supermarkets. The reason is simple: a company’s job is to make money, so it puts the sweeties there to try to tempt us to buy one more thing, so it can make a little more cash. It’s our job to try not to be tempted, and make the right decisions for ourselves.

This doesn’t mean companies are wrong, just that they’re there to sell to us, not look after us.

2. If you spend money once, you can’t spend it again. In other words, a lesson in opportunity cost. I’m a great believer in letting kids earn pocket money, to teach a work ethic and the real value of cash. By giving them their own money they understand there is a choice: either buy something small this week or buy nothing, wait a few weeks for the cash to build, and have the big toy that you really want.

Learning delayed gratification is crucial.

Quote “The only good luck many great men ever had was being born with the ability and determination to overcome bad luck.” - Channing Pollock: Illusionist, Actor

It is not that you are being wicked or harsh to your healthcare provider or your doctor by asking for compensation over their error, it has been provided through an insurance cover by insurance companies.

The law establishing Health Management Organisations in the country provides that the primary healthcare providers must have a Professional Indemnity Insurance cover.

The insurance cover was to protect them against technical

errors and neglect in the course of their duties. So, that insurance is for you to be compensated in the event of an error on their part.

Fola Daniel, commissioner for Insurance, said the commission has met with the

regulatory authority of the HMOs referring them to the session of the law establishing it, which insists that primary healthcare providers must have Professional Indemnity Insurance.

He said insurance companies are prepared to pay claims when they arise, challenging healthcare providers to take covers for their staff.

Caroline Cole, a medical doctor working with one of the big hospitals in Surulere said it’s not that this insurance does not exist, but hardly do you find people coming for claims.

She noted that many people still do not know their rights, and often ignore these claims even when they feel aggrieved.

She said hospitals would no doubt take the insurance more seriously as soon as people begin to come up with claims.

Experts describe professional indemnity insurance as essential for any individual medical professional or medical establishment providing medical services because in today’s competitive, fast moving environment the potential for errors in the performance of services alleged or actual - is all too real.

So, dissatisfied patients can sue when things go wrong and the financial ramifications can be severe.

Managing household and its financial needs

I

t is normal for financial experts to talk about money as if it is merely a matter of naira and kobo. While this may be true, when you are preparing a profit and loss statement for a business, it is definitely not the case when you are dealing with families, especially families with a baby on the way. Emotions come into play.

This is why figuring out household finances can sometimes be such a knotty affair; there are so many issues to deal with than just money alone.

When you have a baby, your own childhood and the way you were raised will greatly influence how you act as a parent. Perhaps you were an only child. Because of this, you may want to have only one child yourself. Of course, the reverse may also be true and you may want to have a big family, so your children will have siblings you never had.

If you did not have something as a child, you may feel strongly that you must give this thing you lacked to your child. This could be virtually anything: money, toys, a big house, a college education, or love. By the same token, if you had a rich abundance as a child, you may be determined to provide the same bounty to your offspring.

Your partner may be focused inwardly on the baby and not thinking about money as much as you are. Talking about it may initially scare or intimidate her.

She may feel defensive. Reassure her by explaining that you simply feel the need to check in with her and stay in sync on this important subject that concerns you both.

You bring a certain amount of emotional baggage into parenthood. This holds true for your partner as well, and her baggage isn’t the same as yours.

Always keep this in mind when you talk with her about money.

You both may work up a great deal

of emotional heat on topics that, from a strictly financial point of view, are relatively unimportant, but these issues lie at the core of how you see yourself as a parent and your expectations for your child.

Your partner had her own unique childhood experiences.

These experiences, whether positive or negative, will help shape her view about how money should be spent, just as your

childhood informs your view.

Some of the expectations you have about raising children are formed out of your own experience. Other people’s experiences and what they have told you will also play a role. Television programs and the media may have led you to create some unrealistic expectations of what family life is like. All of this will emerge when you talk about the often emotionally volatile subject of money.

PAGE 12

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

EDITORIAL

14 years of PDP-type democracy democratic have led observers to conclude that the military hangover is very much with us and we are yet to see democracy at work. Multi-party democracy is a system where people contest elections on the basis of party manifestoes and once elected, they go ahead to implement the agenda for which they were voted. For example, as a candidate, Olusegun Obasanjo never promised to privatise our national assets.

He promised commercialization. But once

“

O

n May 29, 1999, General Abdulsalmi Abubakar handed over to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo the reins of government at an elaborate ceremony at Eagle Square in Abuja.

The ceremony was witnessed live by thousands of ordinary Nigerians, prominent citizens and a coterie of diplomats and international statesmen. In the 36 states that make up the federation, similar handing over processes took place between the departing state military governors and incoming democratically elected ones.

The elections preceding the handover ceremonies were hotly contested and even as the handing over activities proceeded, many court cases challenging the victories of the sworn in civilians were afoot. Even so, there was hope in the air; Nigeria, it was hoped, had joined the league of democratic countries at last and for good.

However, those hopes were soon dashed by the conduct of the elected representatives of the people. Legislators at the state and federal levels were more concerned about the pecuniary benefits of their offices than the myriads of problems facing the nation. While one could blame their conduct on lack of experience in lawmaking, considering the fact that the legislative arm of government was banned throughout the 14 years of uninterrupted military dictatorship, the actions of the executive arm of government – which survived the military onslaught -both at state and federal levels – were inexplicable.

The activities of state governors and the presidents in the 14 years of so-called

Tragically, while the government doles out fabricated figures about a double digit economic growth of Nigeria, there is little to show in the living standards of our citizens elected, he embarked on a privatization exercise with such a suicidal speed that the whole country lost its breath. The end result is the pocketing of our priced national assets by his close associates, court jesters and top office holders in his government.

In the past fourteen years, Nigeria has earned trillions of dollars from the sales of our crude oil. We have never had it so good. Unfortunately, this fortune has been salted away by thieving officials and their collaborators in this country and abroad.

Nigeria has thus become a rich country with poor people.

Tragically, while the government doles out fabricated figures about a double

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”

digit economic growth of Nigeria, there is little to show in the living standards of our citizens to justify the purported growth. Beyond the misery inflicted on the people by the economic mismanagement of the country, all hopes of changing incompetent elected officers have been frustrated by a fraudulent electoral process. International observers at the 2007 general elections concluded sadly that they had not seen the magnitude electoral malfeasance they saw in Nigeria anywhere in the world. The story of the 2011 is not much different.

Hopes that the 2015 elections will be free and fair were recently thwarted when 35 state governors assembled to elect a leader but could not agree on the result of the election as they split into two groups, each claiming victory. If 35 governors cannot agree on an electoral process, what will happen in 2015 when millions of Nigerians go to the polls?

While all the political parties are to blame for our declining democratic fortunes, we dare say that the ruling party, the PDP, which has a comfortable majority at local government, state and at federal levels, carries the lion share of the blame.

We remind our political actors of the immortal words of President JF Kennedy that “those who make peaceful change impossible make violent change inevitable”. The ongoing acts of terrorism in the country are a pointer to the fact that our people are increasingly becoming weary of our institutions of state and resorting to self help. This is dangerous.

But it is not yet late in the day and our leaders can turn a new leaf to save the country from the impending doom.

OUR PEOPLE

OUR VISION

CHAIRMAN MALAM WADA MAIDA, OON, FNGE DIRECTOR/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF RUFA’I IBRAHIM MANAGING EDITOR ABDUL-AZEEZ ABDULLAHI

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PAGE 13

Opinion Jonathan, it’s too little, too late

By Bayo Oluwasanmi

I

f Jonny Nash were the embedded musician to boost morale of Nigerian troops in the ongoing campaign against Boko Haram insurgents, his choice of song would have been his all time classic “I can see clearly now the rain is gone …” But Nash’s special one for the troops would have been: “Mr. Jonathan, can you see clearly now the smoke is coming …? Can you see clearly now the dialogue is dead …? Can you see clearly now the amnesty is dead …? It’s dead, dead, dead … and it’s too little … and too late … It’s dead, dead, dead … the war is on…”

For the first time in his threeyear old presidency, Mr. Jonathan as a new Commander-in-Chief (sort of) emerged from the trenches as it were, to take charge. In his prime time live TV address to the nation, Mr. Jonathan told weary Nigerians that he had declared emergency rule in Yobe, Borno, and Adamawa states to stem the killing of innocent victims hacked down like trees by Boko Haram loonies.

When the ram’s horn blows a warning shouldn’t the president be alarmed? Against the advice and pleadings of well meaning Nigerians, the self-satisfied president rejected all common sense and tactical approach to the problem.

The Boko Haram terrorists snuffed life from both the dead and the living. Our people staggered from town to town, and village to village. They are like a man who

By Abdulmumin Yinka Ajia

I

hate to write about religion – knowing that it is perhaps the most divisive subject on earth and rational men have been known in recorded history to lose their minds when the issue is about religion. My aim in this paper however is to grieve for our collective humanity and warn trouble makers of all faiths to desist from demagoguery while pointing out that when it comes to religion, no one religion is spotless. At least recorded history tells us this much.

Some lone radical extremists high on drugs commit a crime and everyone becomes an extremist expert. It is particularly galling to hear some sanctimonious nonsense being spouted about by some uninformed, half educated non – Muslims. One uninformed Nigerian on social media even went as far as asking “moderate” Muslims to go all out to not only denounce this atrocity but they should restate their innocence. As Dr. Seema Jilani wrote recently, it is not our job as Muslims to tell you non – Muslims that we are humane, friendly and a benign neighbour – it is your job to tell the difference.

As recently as 1963, the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama was bombed in an act that has been described as racially motivated and were carried out by Christian terrorist. The explosion at the African American Church, which killed four girls; Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, Carole Robertson and Denise McNair was in reaction to agitations for the desegregation of daily life in the American South.

runs from a lion only to meet a bear. The stench of death filled the air. Those who survived were like charred sticks pulled from a fire.

The president, turned into a ping pong ball by the Haramists, was being battered from one end to the other. At last, Mr. Jonathan realized that he would have to change his leadership style and shift his paradigms to effectively mount the cockpit of fire in order to put out the fire. How many lives was Mr. Jonathan willing to sacrifice to the Haramists in order to appease them? Why did it take Mr. Jonathan so long to turn off the tap blood of defenceless victims of the barbarians?

Why did the Commander-inChief choose dialogue and amnesty as the best counter terrorists’ attack? What do we make of his eccentric offer of olive branch to the animals? What was the Commander-in-Chief thinking about? If Mr. Jonathan could not command his troops to halt killings by domestic terrorists, what happens if Nigeria were to be invaded by a foreign army? No doubt, the Commanderin-Chief is neither battle tested nor battle ready!

The last minute presidential decree of emergency issued by Mr. Jonathan is like a shepherd who tries to rescue a sheep from a lion’s mouth but recover only two legs or a piece of an ear. Mr. Jonathan’s action is too little, too late! The Bok Haram terrorists present two parts to any military conquests – the initial assault and the “mopping

up” operation that deals with any lingering resistance. This principle holds true both in military and in politics.

Study the lives of some dictators and you’ll quickly detect some pockets of resistance in their respective administrations: insensitive to the needs of the people, the cruelty that surpassed that of Abacha and ignoring the message of God’s prophets (not necessarily pastors). Pockets of resistance if left unchallenged, can lead to rebellion. Dealing with those pockets is not optional, it is essential if victory is to be achieved. Problems present a leader to his people as a worthy leader. Problems make the people build trust and confidence in the man.

Mr. Jonathan magnified and sustained the butchery visited on our people by the Boko Harams by running away from his problems instead of making the problems his friend and plunge into it like a true statesman. His too little too late response to the insurgents’ hold on Nigeria widens the gap between the people and his administration. As a result, the people felt betrayed and disconnected.

No one is surprised that Mr. Jonathan’s handling of the nation’s problems erodes the remnant trust and confidence Nigerians have in his leadership. We’re confused as to where we came from and where we’re going. If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll end up spinning your wheels – or worse, you could spend years heading in the wrong direction. The question

on everyone’s lip is: Does Mr. Jonathan knows the way? As if adding insult to injury, Mr. Jonathan did not show any concern or feelings.

Rather, in one or two instances the president was having a good time somewhere overseas.

When you know where you should be headed, your priorities become clearer and your actions take on significance. Mr. Jonathan’s signature governing style is failure to quickly recognize when a course of action needs to be taken promptly and how to get the job done.

Two leadership flaws have become the Siamese twins of the Jonathan administration: lack of will and commitment. So far, in dealing with our national problems, Mr. Jonathan has amply demonstrated that he lacks commitment and suffers from a scattered focus.

He looks for excuses, he forgets the big picture, he goes public with private thoughts, he adopts the motto “That’s good enough,” he behaves inconsistently, he creates poor relationships, and he avoids changes.

Commitment moves past the mind and emotions and goes straight to the will. The ancient Chinese said that “the will of a man is like a cart pulled by two horses: the mind and the emotions.” You must get both horses moving in the same direction to move the cart. It is abundantly clear that Mr. Jonathan lacks the will and commitment to govern Nigeria in a more responsive and responsible

fashion. Commitment is when your mind and emotions move forward, whatever the cost. Commitment starts from the heart. Commitment is tested by action. The only real measure of commitment is action.

Talk is cheap, action is expensive!

Commitment opens the door for accomplishments. Commitment enables a leader to make decisions. A leader must determine what’s worth dying for, and then make that the basis for decisions.

Commitment flourishes with public accountability.

Consider the stark contrast between the commitments of two leaders – in fighting terrorism – Presidents Obama and Jonathan.

While Obama remained resolutely committed to his course and his people, Jonathan was AWOL! Mr. Jonathan’s commitment drains away; he follows the path of regression. He followed at a distance and he’s torn between the apathetic and the committed. He’s a man without a country! Take a look at a partial list of content analysis of stories carried by Nigerian newspapers and other media outlets on Mr. Jonathan’s “vows” to root out Boko Haram terrorists.

Mr. Jonathan has for ever been fighting the terrorists with verbal missiles instead of ballistic missiles. Take a look at misguided and misfired verbal missiles by the Commander-in-Chief: It is evident from President Jonathan’s vows of verbal missiles that all he has been doing is whitewashing the pump which will not purify the water. Mr. President, to overwork one’s own fault is to miss valuable free education!

Bayo Oluwasanmi via byolu@aol.com

Woolwich and the rest of us Although city leaders had reached a settlement in May with demonstrators and started to integrate public places, not everyone agreed with ending segregation. Bombings and other acts of violence followed the settlement, and the 16th street church had become an inviting target of right wing Christian fundamentalists. In 1995, Timothy James “Tim” McVeigh an American Christian terrorist detonated a truck bomb in front of a Federal Building in Oklahoma City and In 2011, Anders Behring Breivik, a right wing Christian terrorist perpetrated the Norway attacks that killed close to 70 children on the island of Utoya and bombed buildings in Oslo that resulted in the death of eight people.

On the day of the attacks, Breivik distributed his right wing manifesto entitled 2083: A European Declaration of Independence. In it he lays out his worldview, which includes Islamophobia, support of the Zionist agenda, against feminism and sees Islam and “cultural Marxism” as “the enemy”, and argues for the violent annihilation of what he terms as “Eurabia”, multiculturalism and the deportation of all Muslims from Europe based on the model of the Beneš decree.

In the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and a host of other Western nations, thugs masquerading as Christian militias have killed many abortion

doctors in the name of their faith.

Many like Eric Rudolph, James Kopp, Paul Jennings Hill, Scott Roeder, Michael F. Griffin, and Peter James Knight have resorted to the use of violence and claimed justified homicide in the interest of protecting the life of the fetus.

Violence primarily targeted towards abortion providers has killed at least eight people in the United States; four doctors, two clinic employees, a security guard, and a clinic escort.

Similarly in the United States, there is an underground terrorist organization called the Army of God and has been responsible for a substantial amount of anti-abortion violence. In addition to numerous property crimes, the group has committed acts of kidnapping, attempted murder, and murder. In August 1982, three men identifying

“

as the Army of God kidnapped Hector Zevallos (a doctor and clinic owner) and his wife, Rosalee Jean, holding them for eight days.

In 1993, Shelly Shannon, a very active member of the Army of God, was found guilty of the attempted murder of Dr. George Tiller.

On December 14, 2012, Adam Lanza fatally shot twenty children and six adult staff members in a mass carnage at Sandy Hook Elementary School in the village of Sandy Hook in Newtown, Connecticut. The incident is the second deadliest mass shooting by a single person in American history, after the 2007 Virginia Tech massacre. It is the second deadliest mass murder at an American elementary school, after the 1927 Bath School bombings in Michigan Besides all of these, you have

As a Muslim, I grieve with the human family yesterday but I am not apologizing on behalf of a certain Micheal Adeboloja and his accomplice. The fact that he is a Muslim and was seen chanting the Arabic version of God is Great does not mean he is representing a billion plus Muslims of this world and if we need to tell non Muslims this all the time some lunatic strikes

the war in Iraq and Obama’s drone attacks against defenseless men, women and children in Pakistan and Yemen. There are several other examples. By no means am I trying to paint a picture of apples and oranges as it regards terrorism but the aim of this paper is to affirm as despicable as terrorism is - it is not the exclusive preserve of any one religion.

London mayor, Boris Johnson and the British Prime Minister, David Cameron did the right thing by telling those who care to listen that terrorism of whatever guise can only be defeated if all of us – the human family - stand together in unity to reject extremism.

As a Muslim, I grieve with the human family yesterday but I am not apologizing on behalf of a certain Micheal Adeboloja and his accomplice. The fact that he is a Muslim and was seen chanting the Arabic version of God is Great does not mean he is representing a billion plus Muslims of this world and if we need to tell non Muslims this all the time some lunatic strikes - then those who believe that all Muslims are culpable in a crime committed by a few are not better than the terrorist they seek to condemn. In this time of tragedy, let all people of goodwill, Muslims and non Muslims alike stand shoulder to shoulder to defeat violence wherever it may rear its ugly head.

Abdulmumin Yinka Ajia lives in Abuja, FCT

PAGE 14

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

Letters & Opinion Tears for Pini Jason, my teacher

By Joe Igbokwe

O

n Saturday June 1st 2013 my Oga in the literally world, my mentor and teacher Chief Pini Jason will be buried in Obizi, Mbaise Imo State, Nigeria. He died at the age of 65. Just last week on May 23 2013 in Ogidi, Anambra State, Prof Chinua Achebe, an internationally acclaimed author and one of Africa’s great writers joined the saints triumphant. For Igbo nation and Nigeria to lose such great men of letters almost the same time is something that is difficult to comprehend. To lose two of such great scholars and masters of subtlety in one fell swoop at this critical point in the nation’s history is just too much for Ndigbo. These two men were great intellectuals who spoke truth to power no matter whose ox is gored. They were two great men, who understood the duties of the intellectuals at a time like this and consequently did justice to truth.

A big vacuum has been created in Igbo land and Nigeria and I do not know how we can fill it. Chief Pini Jason, Onunaekwuruoha (voice of the voiceless) was one of the great writers in Nigeria who taught me how to write. Even though I had

back. The search interests in for a new Nigeria the business where social of writing in justice, equity my Secondary Peoples Daily welcomes your letters, opinion articles, and fairplay will School days, text messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written prevail had in my love contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters the past put both for science - 150 words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your of us together subjects led in various me to study name and a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be committees Mechanical addressed to: and this great Engineering. man, and rib And even The Editor, cracker never as I studied Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, disappointed Mechanical anybody. He Engineering at 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja. had the gift of the University Email: opinion@peoplesdaily-online.com the garb, he of Nigeria, SMS: 08134607052 was eloquent, the General fearless, versatile, Studies consummate analyst, historian and Layi Olorude, Prof Lamikanra (GS) still brought me close to yet humble. Chief Sam Amuka, etc. These men taught me how humanity and Social Sciences. In the publisher of the Vanguard to develop skills and styles in 1983, I started picking interest in Newspaper which Pini Jason the literally world. First I started Newspapers and Magazines. enriched with his numerous contributing letters to the Editors When I left the university my writings for 10 years had this to say and from there I moved on. In interest in these periodicals grew of the man of letters in the years 1995 I wrote my first book, Igbos: like wildfire. I then developed great of the locust: “for over ten years, 25 years After Biafra. Incidentally, interest in Nigeria’s great writers weekly, in Vanguard Pini Jason my mentor, my teacher Chief Pini like, Chief Pini Jason, the late has spoken out forcefully and Jason was the Reviewer of that 115 Dele Giwa, Dan Agbese, the late beautifully, what many Nigerians page book. His deep knowledge Chris Okorie, Ray Ekpu, Yakubu thought of privately and have been and the professional manner he Mohammed, the late Chief Bola afraid even to whisper to their put to bear at once catapulted the Ige (in Sunday Tribune) Edwin friends, for fear of their safety book and me to the point of public Mbadinagu, Duro Onabule, Dele especially in these times when recognition.

Omotunde, Dare Babarinsa, Dr some outspoken persons have Since then I have not looked Shobowale, Prof Akin Osuntokun,

WRITE TO US

Oshiomhole goes full cycle

By Francis Ehigiator

L

et me admit that I am one of those who admired Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole when he was the nation’s Labour leader. His leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) was inspiring. He effectively represented the aspirations of Nigeria’s struggling workers and was able to squeeze out from government, amazing concessions and improvement in wages. In his usual all-khaki attire, he typified simplicity, truth and honesty.

His decision to veer into politics in the 2007 political ransition elicited mixed reactions from his admirers. Such decent men, we thought, had no business with politics which is believed to be characterized by dishonesty.

We were persuaded, however, that only decent men could sanitize the system. Oshiomhole would make a difference, so we thought.

Sadly, he has proved us wrongsadly, because his tenure so far as Edo state governor has continued to disappoint with the series of controversies associated with him.

Although, Edo state, as one of the nation’s melting pots of politics, is usually in the news, the state’s media portrayal has largely been negative since November 12, 2008, when Oshiomhole stepped in the saddle as its governor.

All through his first term, Edo was prominent in the news for the wrong reasons: there were several contentions over his style of governance, disputes over his government’s policies and projects as well as arguments over alleged

contract costs inflation. For those of us who live outside of the state, we easily dismissed such scandals as the handiwork of the rival Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

We were wrong. Now it is easy to conclude that if his first term was stormy, recent reports of scandals coming out from Benin suggest that his second term which kicked off in November 2012, promises to be even more controversial. We wonder in amazement how the labour leader-turned politician has turned full cycle.

The twist came last April 4, when the governor threw a lavish party in Benin to celebrate his 60th birthday! The bash was attended by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal and President Goodluck Jonathan’s representative, Senator Ben Obi while the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah was guest speaker at the lecture organized to commemorate the event. Tongues had started wagging about the obvious fraud, one by a man who has consistently dressed himself in saintly robes.

It didn’t take long to dig out the facts: Adams Oshiomhole, prior to the July 14, 2012 governorship election, had gone to the High Court in Benin, precisely on May 4, 2012 to swear to an oath that he was born on the 4th of April 1952. Perhaps, he had forgotten that on November, 12, 2008 at his swearing in as Governor for his first tenure, his citation which stated his date of birth as April 4th, 1953 was

read in his presence and in the presence of the Edo state Chief Judge. In a similar event at his inauguration for his second term in 2012 his citation with April 4th, 1953 as date of birth was also read in his presence and the presence of the Edo state Chief Judge.

What then propelled him to rush to the Benin High Court ahead of the July 14, 2012 governroship election to depose to an affidavit in which he claimed for a fact that he was born on April 4, 1952? Curiously, this was about the period when the opposition PDP raked up allegations about how he had falsified his primary school leaving certificate. Was he trying to make some adjustments in the light of the allegation so as to be in a comfort zone?

“

Unfortunately, these would appear to have worsened the situation as the opposition has continued to dig in.

Consequently, the nation has been riveted by the disclosure which bothers on fraudulent conduct and the propriety of the governor’s continued stay in office, having lied about his age under oath. Indeed, the governor’s response has been amazing. For a man accused of such dishonest and shameful conduct, Oshiomhole has been elusive and his response has been less than typical of him. He only dispatched his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Kassim Afegbua, to try papering the cracks with a response that sidestepped the issue. Afegbua who said the issue had been over-

Oshiomhole needs to come out in the open. If indeed he has lived a lie and willingly fed his subjects and his admirers with falsehood all these years, then it is difficult to believe it was an honest faux pas. He needs to show courage and admit the deceit. Only then will he restore the badly eroded moral authority which a governor requires in the discharge of his duties. The issue hardly calls for subterfuge and his present stance reduces from whatever is left of his democratic credentials

died in their bedrooms and on the streets” I had this to say about Chief Pini Jason, a hero of democracy,in my second book Heroes of Democracy published in 1999: “Chief Pini Jason (Onunaekwuruoha), is one of the most consistent critics of military dictatorship in Nigeria, defender of the defenceless, a man of letters and strong believer in social justice and rule of law. Like Voltaire and Rousseau, Chief Pini Jason believes that society can be changed through (creativity). For 10 years Pini Jason contributed over 140 compelling essays high-lighting Nigeria’s political, economic and social travails and triumphs every Friday...”

I am shedding tears for these great writers, Prof. Chinua Achebe and Chief Pini Jason because replacements will be too hard to find in this present stage and age.

Our brightest and bests are going home to rest with no replacement in sight. This is the tragedy of our times. May the souls of those who died for freedom, peace and defended those who could not defend themselves ,rest in perfect peace with the Lord.

Joe Igbokwe resides in Lagos flogged, described the allegation as laughable and meaningless.

According to him, those accusing Oshiomhole of perjury lacked the competence to discuss issues of honour and morality.

When Afegbua found that his response did not convince anyone, he changed tactic and admitted that the governor is indeed 61, not 60 years old. He said the governor’s true age, which is 61, is reflected on all his travel documents and credentials.

When did he realize this and why were the good people of Edo being deceived? The PDP in Edo State which had drawn the attention of President Goodluck Jonathan to the glaring case of age falsification, asked the President to strip Oshiomhole of the national honour (Commander of the Order of Nigeria (CON) bestowed on him. It also petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, demanding an investigation into the allegation of perjury against the governor. To say that the matter has brought so much discredit to Oshiomhole himself, and diminished his status as governor, is an understatement.

Oshiomhole needs to come out in the open. If indeed he has lived a lie and willingly fed his subjects and his admirers with falsehood all these years, then it is difficult to believe it was an honest faux pas. He needs to show courage and admit the deceit. Only then will he restore the badly eroded moral authority which a governor requires in the discharge of his duties. The issue hardly calls for subterfuge and his present stance reduces from whatever is left of his democratic credentials.

Francis Ehigiator is on Twitter

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

PAGE 15

Comment

Democracy and its expectations

By Kayode Oladele

T

here is a running debate as to whether Nigeria should retain May 29 as its democracy Day or it should revert to October 1. Both days hold significance for Nigerians, but for different reasons. And as such they either elicit animosity or excitement. Advocates of May 29 see it as a day when some people forced the military out of power against their wish. Quite contradictorily, others see it as a day foisted on the Nigerian people by the military; that rather than affirming democracy, it meant the funeral of democracy. Some argue that Nigeria was in a hurry to have something done, to rewrite the history of democracy and hence it wanted to turn a new leaf.

Yet, some have argued that subsequent events after May 29, 1999 did not suggest that much was achieved in democratic consolidation. First, the adherents of this school of thought marshaled the point that those who are beneficiaries of power today or since May 29, 1999 were not those who struggled for it, hence they do not even know, neither do they appreciate the meaning of democracyhaving being mere opportunistic gatecrashers and beneficiaries of the struggle for democracy.

Second, some argued that those who took over power on May 29, 1999 were anti-M.K.O Abiola, to

By Adekoya Boladale

G

od is a democrat, he does not support rigging but God approves those that rig and succeed - Gov Jonah Jang of Plateau state.

For the record, the above statement was made by Air Commodore Jonah Jang, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Nigeria. Mr. Jang as my friend Wale Odunsi described him is the current leader of ‘Janggang’, a special squad put together by the presidency with operation code name ‘Amaechi Must Fall’.

This deadly squad is being funded wholeheartedly by the ever humanitarian governor of AkwaIbom State, Godswill Akpabio.

Let me start by saying that the current tussle for the chairmanship position of the non-constitutionally recognized Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) is shameful and despicable, it is an unnecessary glorification of madness and a charade of stupidity, a pointer to the rot in our nation’s democratic system, a display of gross power intoxication by the gods at the helm of affairs and desperation of the power that be.

It is shameful that the 36 governors who claimed to have been democratically elected and parade themselves as advocates of free and fair election could not peacefully conduct a simple electoral exercise which over the years has been carried out by primary school children in selecting class captains and

the extent that they in one way or another worked to undermine the June 12 struggle.

On the other hand, October 1 was seen as a culmination of the struggle for decolonization, anti-racism and emancipation.

Hence, October 1 is said to be more politically superior to May 29. Indeed, May 29 is said to be an aberration, a political oddity and an anathema that impinges on our democratic credentials as a nation state.

My take on this is that symbols and symbolisms are important in the political life of a people and nation state; hence we shall continue to have emotional attachment to October 1st, as we shall have several political interpretations of May 29. Just like a myth, what is important is not whether it is true or false, but what we make out of our present existence or the use to which we are able to put those symbolisms

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is far more important.

Nigeria is in a social and economic emergency. There is need for concrete and progressive policies that will lift people out of poverty, create jobs, provide efficient infrastructure and ensure decent livelihood to the people.

There is no linkage between the financial, manufacturing and agricultural sectors; and the small scale enterprises. While oil money is in the air, it gives us a delusional sense of growth, while indeed, there is no real manufacturing taking place. Indeed there has been negative growth in the economy due to weak impact on development and minimal effect on toiling Nigerians. The private sector performance continues to worsen what with the poor inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) occasioned by negative international perception.

The cost of running our democracy is too high, relative to

other countries such as Britain or even the United States of America.

There is a retinue of hangers and parasites who feast on the political system, from jobless Godfathers to Political Aides and Assistants who merely parasite on the system.

Sometime ago, a Governor in one of the northern states of Nigeria was reported to have on his pay roll almost 1,000 political aides and assistants. Minimally this would have meant that those aides gulped N300 Million Naira in salary and allowances, monthly. This same amount if properly invested could have saved lives of many mothers and infants in the same state which is reputed to have very high maternal and infant mortality.

We have failed to invest in our people; we have failed to believe in our people. We have taken them for granted, ignored them, ridiculed them and insulted their sensibilities. The other day an elected official paid the arrears

Nigeria is in a social and economic emergency. There is need for concrete and progressive policies that will lift people out of poverty, create jobs, provide efficient infrastructure and ensure decent livelihood to the people. There is no linkage between the financial, manufacturing and agricultural sectors; and the small scale enterprises. While oil money is in the air, it gives us a delusional sense of growth, while indeed, there is no real manufacturing taking place.

of salary of workers and began to celebrate it on the pages of newspapers. When indeed he should have been asked why was the salary not paid in the first place? Nigerians must learn to ask the right questions, and insist on the right answers.

We must hold our leaders accountable; we must demand good governance and justice.

We must demand inclusive and participatory government, But to do this we must also be responsible ourselves, we must meet our civic responsibility, pay tax and abide by the law. There are many good laws, rules and procedures in Nigeria but they are upheld in the breach. The culture of impunity is so repugnant and appalling. Everybody blames it on long years of military rule. But this is a self- defeating assertion because the military had left the turf over a decade ago; yet we have not changed in our values.

For how long shall we continue to be prisoners of the “militarycaused it” mentality?

May 29 affords us the opportunity of a rethink, for sober reflection on what is good for our people, the future of our children and the unborn. We should not be thinking about now, about ourselves but about generations to come. That is how great nations are built, that is what statesmen do for their people.

Kayode Oladele is on Twitter.

Must Rotimi Amaechi fall? governors. This singular act brings doubt to mind on the authenticity of our so called reformed electoral process. The question on the lips of well meaning Nigerians and social critics remains, how on earth did these set of people get into power?

Today I stand to praise the men and women who included the immunity clause in our constitution, or what would have saved Rotimi from the rain of bombs thrown at him.

The desperation of Goodluck Jonathan to bring this man down is alarming; the president has

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done all in his book to ensure he becomes ‘a thing of the past’.

Obviously it is now a taboo to exercise one’s constitutional right to contest any position in the country including but not limited to the position of the president.

Politics can be funny but above all humiliating, or what could have made a 70-year-old man whose earthly days are numbered to take up a ridiculous and illegal chairmanship position. Jonah Jang as history has it has not been able to make any meaningful landmark in his political career, apart from his years of service at

President Jonathan needs to talk to former President Olusegun Obansanjo to learn a thing or two on how to bring down political enemies; you don’t make them heroes. Every attempt by President Jonathan to bring down Amaechi has brought the presidency to ridicule and public condemnation. Like governor Fashola said this is more of a party issue, but the more we try to ignore it and move on with our ‘Nepa-less’ lives, the more we give room for more absurdity

the Nigerian Air force, his sojourn at the governorship position has been of no significance to the people of his state but rather a continuous massacre of innocent citizens and destruction of properties has marked his tenure.

Yet this same man was picked by our ‘shoeless’ president to be the governor of all governors.

As if we have not seen enough, the much praised governor of Ondo state, the generally acknowledged ‘Iroko’, a man who most believe is more learned, allowed himself to be dragged into this craze-party and even made to defend ambiguity. I understand Dr Olusegun like every human would want to pitch tent with a group that is not in any way connected to his enemy but in most situations the enemy of your enemy is not always your friend.

Amaechi has not been so significant in our nation’s political history; in fact he occupies no position in the league of men who have fought hard for our democracy. I have nothing against him but like all other political office holders, I don’t like him. One for the fact that he is a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and secondly that he is a politician who has in one way or another brought havoc to the lives of innocent citizens. He is no saint

and must answer to the way he administered his position as the governor of Rivers State, he must convince us all how he suddenly became a proud owner of a Private Jet but apart from this he still deserves our steadfast support and sympathy with the current political situation and storm raging his life.

I think President Jonathan needs to talk to former President Olusegun Obansanjo to learn a thing or two on how to bring down political enemies; you don’t make them heroes. Every attempt

by President Jonathan to bring down Amaechi has brought the presidency to ridicule and public condemnation. Like governor Fashola said this is more of a party issue, but the more we try to ignore it and move on with our ‘Nepa-less’ lives, the more we give room for more absurdity. Every Nigerian must stand up not for Amaechi but for common sense and fairness. The position of the president is indeed powerful but never in history has it been more powerful than the electorate. The joke is on us all, if we sit down and watch the presidency drag Rotimi through mud without saying a word. We all should note that if Amaechi falls, sanity will fall.

Adekoya Boladale via adekoyaboladale@gmail. com

PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

Metro

INSIDE FCT COURTS Jugde orders man behind bars for stealing generator

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Ever busy Federal Secretariat deserted during Democracy Day holiday, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Adultery: My house help once caught my wife in the act on our matrimonial bed, Man tells court

O

ne Abubakar Okpanachi has before explained an Abuja Area Court that his wife was caught red handed by their house help committing adultery on their matrimonial bed.

In his words: “I have my doubts about the paternity of our three-year-old daughter. I want to carry out a DNA test to ascertain if she is mine.

Delivering his judgment, Malam Haruna Masanawa, struck out the case struck out a case of alleged adultery, physical assault and threat to life involving Abubakar Okpanachi and the wife, Ramatu due to lack of diligent prosecution by the plaintiff.

Masanawa said the parties had requested the court to give them time to settle their differences, which he obliged. ``But they did not come back to the court even after an adjournment. So, this case is hereby struck out for want of

diligent prosecution, particularly on the part of the plaintiff,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the couple, residents of Queen Amina Street in Kubwa, Abuja, had been married for five years with a three-year-old daughter.

Earlier, the plaintiff, Ramatu, in her statement of claim, alleged that her husband was a drunkard and was threatening her life.

She also alleged that he had been maltreating and assaulting her physically and also was keeping late nights.

Ramatu had therefore prayed the court to dissolve the marriage forthwith.

In his submission, the husband denied the allegations, saying the bone of contention between them was that his wife was adulterous.

He alleged that even the paternity of their daughter was ``suspect’’, saying he would have to carry out a test to determine

the paternity.

Police arraign 2 men for allegedly stealing armoured cables The Police on Tuesday arraigned two men, Amos Ayuba and Isiaka Idi in a Wuse Zone 2 Senior Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing armoured cables worth N130,600.

Ayuba, 24, of Durumi, and Idi, 26, of Gwarimpa village, Abuja, were charged with joint act and theft.

The Prosecutor, Mr Francis Tanko, said one Aliyu Mansu reported the matter to the Wuse police station on May 25.

Tanko said Ayuba was employed as a security guard by Hogan Security Company and posted to guard Nigerian Medical Plant Development Company. ``Ayuba conspired with Idi to steal some armoured cables valued N130,600 from the company.’’

The prosecutor said the offence contravened sections 79

and 289 of the Penal Code.

Section 79 stipulates that when a criminal act is done by several persons, each of such persons is liable for that act in the same manner as if it were done by him alone.

Section 289 states that, ``whoever commits theft shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years or with fine or with both.’’

Amos and Isiaka pleaded not guilty to the charges levelled against them.

The Senior Magistrate, Mrs Folasade Oyekan, granted each of them bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties each in like sum who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction.

Oyekan said the sureties should have reasonable means of livelihood and identification and depose to an affidavit of means to the court.

She adjourned the matter to June 13, 2013 for hearing. (NAN)

House help charged with attempt to abduct employer’s son

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n 18-year old house help, Joy Obi, who allegedly attempted to abduct her employer’s son, was on Tuesday arraigned before a Karu Senior Magistrates’ Court in Abuja.

Joy, a resident of Mararaba, Nasarawa State, is facing a twocount charge of joint act and attempt to commit abduction, before Senior Magistrate Omolola Akindele.

The police prosecutor, Sgt. Mohammed Garba, told the court that the case was reported at the Garki Police Station on May 22 by Mrs Joy Dauda of Area 8, Garki, Abuja.

Garba said the accused person and her sister, Peggy Obi, now at large, approached the complainant to employ Joy Obi as a house help. ``The complainant, a career woman, engaged the services of the accused person on an agreed monthly salary of N7,000. ``The complainant did not know that the two sisters had a game plan before seeking employment in her house. ``They attempted to abduct the complainant’s two-year-old son but luck ran out of them when their plan was reported by one Abigail Thomas who

overheard Obi discussing it on phone. ``The accused person was arrested by the police, and confessed, during interrogation, that it was her sister who lured her into attempting to abscond with the child,’’ he said.

Garba said Peggy ran away when she discovered that her sister had been arrested.

The prosecutor said the offence was punishable under the provisions of sections 97 and 95 of the Penal Code.

The prosecutor did not object to request for her bail.

The accused person, who

represented herself in court, pleaded not guilty after the charges were read to her, and she asked the court for bail.

Senior magistrate Akindele granted her bail in the sum of N500,000 and two sureties in like sum who must be civil servants.

She said the sureties must be resident within the jurisdiction of the court and their residential and work addresses verified by the prosecutor before her release.

Akindele adjourned the case to June 10,2013 for further hearing. (NAN)

he presiding judge, of Gwagwalada Upper Area Court in the FCT, Alhaji Babangida Hassan, has sentenced a 25-year-old man, Ibrahim Taiye, to 18 months imprisonment for stealing a power generator.

Alhaji Babangida Hassan, sentenced him to eight months imprisonment for each of the charges.

The police prosecutor, Insp.

Martha Paul, had told the court that Mrs Jenitha Gajera of P.S.P.S, Gwagwalada, had reported Taiye at the Gwagwalada Police Station on May 17.

Paul said Taiye of Gwagwalada Motor Park, was facing charges of criminal trespass and theft.

She said the convict trespassed into the house of Gajera and stole her power generator, worth N60,000. ``The said power generator was recovered from him by the police during investigation,’’ the prosecutor said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the convict pleaded guilty to the charges and begged for forgiveness.

The presiding judge, Alhaji Babangida Hassan, sentenced him to eight months imprisonment for each of the charges.

He, however, gave him an option to pay N12,000 fine on each count of the charges.

The judge also reminded the parties in the case that they have the right to appeal to the High Court of Justice within 30 days if they were not satisfied with the judgment. (NAN) Man, 23, remanded in prison for stealing pumping machine A Mararaba Upper Area Court in Nasarawa State has remanded a 23-year-old man, Usman Danlami of City College, Mararaba, in prison for allegedly stealing a water pumping machine.

The police prosecutor, Mr.Samuel Okoro, told the court that one Joseph Okisa had lodged a report about Danlami at the Sani Abacha Road Police Station, Mararaba, on May 26.

Okoro said Danlami, and one Onney of the same address with him, but now at large, conspired and stole the water pumping machine valued at N25,000. ``The machine belongs to the complainant’s neighbour, and was stolen from a building site located along Rugan Madaki Road in Mararaba,’’ the prosecutor said.

He said the offences of criminal conspiracy and theft contravened the provisions of sections 97 and 287 of the Penal Code.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

The magistrate, Mr Vincent Gwahemba, adjourned the case to June 17 and remanded the accused in prison till the next adjourned date. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

PAGE 16

Democracy Day: Youth group stage walk for peace in FCT

By Stanley Onyekwere

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Pupils of LEA primary school, Kabin Magoro, in Kuje, listening to their teacher with keen interest recently.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

FCT Minister enjoins Army to support democratic institutions

By Adeola Tukuru

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he FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed has called on the Nigerian Armed Forces to continue to support democratic institutions as the nation celebrates Democracy Day. Bala noted this yesterday while receiving the Chief of Air Staff that paid him a working visit.

Senator Mohammed remarked that this call has become necessary especially with the security challenges being experienced in some parts of the country.

The Minister stressed that their support would further strengthen democratic tenets, which by extension will fast track the development of the entire country.

He urged the Armed to key into the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

as the agenda is all encompassing taking care of even minute sub-sector of the society.

According to him, their keyingin and collaboration would go along way in assisting even the leadership of the Armed Forces to leave landmark achievements and legacy for the future generations.

He assured that all plots meant for the Armed Forces in the Federal Capital Territory would be sorted out to enable them commence development in earnest.

While appreciating the security cover the Armed Forces have been providing in and around the 8,000 square kilometers of the Federal Capital Territory, especially the role Nigerian Air Force has been playing at the Abuja Airport, the Minister promised to continue to partner with the Security Agencies in the Territory.

He said that the sales of the

Federal Government Houses in FCT is a continuous process and assured that houses being occupied by the military personnel in Apo, Gudu District will be sold to them in accordance with the regulations.

On the 110 hectares of land the Nigerian Air Force allegedly bought from some land racketeers in Kyami District, Senator Mohammed directed the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority through the Urban & Regional Planning to within two weeks provide a better alternative because the District has already been allocated to genuine owners with title documents.

The Minister warned that anybody wishing to make transaction on any plot of land in the FCT should first make verifications on the status of such plots from the FCT Administration to reduce scam

and corruption pervading the subsector especially as it affects the Area Councils’ plots.

His words: “Kyami District in the Federal Capital City has already been allocated with people holding subsisting legal titles because the District is not meant for Mass Housing projects”.

Speaking earlier, the Chief of Air Staff Air Marshall Alex Badeh complained that the Nigerian Air Force bought some plots of land amounting to about 110 hectares in Lugbe and later discovered that, that Area Council allocation can no longer be accessed.

The Chief of Air Staff praised Senator Mohammed for the good work he has been doing in the Federal Capital Territory and promised to collaborate with the FCT Administration by exploiting new frontiers.

Democracy Day: Don urges government to provide jobs for graduates

By Usman Shuaibu

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Professor of English communications (retired) from the University of Abuja in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Prof.

(Rev) Ernest king Obi Anochie, has called on the Federal Government to provide employments for Nigerian graduates parading the streets across the country.

Anochie, who made the call in a telephone interview with Peoples Daily also urged government to focus on the provision of dividends of democracy for the masses.

He further urged the elected politicians to gear towards providing infrastructural facilities in their constituencies to enable the electorates

feel the impact of their administration, added that the politicians should be responsible towards the needs of the people that voted them in power.

He pleaded with the government to give priority attention to security to avoid killing of innocent Nigerians, as

according to him, government needs to fight insecurity to guarantee peace in the country On education, he urged government to deem it necessary to improve the standard of education in Nigeria and said the education in the

tertiary institutions should be skilled oriented.

Anochie, however, advised Nigerians to contribute their quota towards the policies and programmes of government for the benefit of the society.

n the spirit of the celebration of the 14th democratic reign in Nigeria, some youths under the aegis of National Democracy Stakeholders Group (NDSG) yesterday, staged a solidarity walk for peace and national integration, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The walk, which is an annual event of the group, kicked off yesterday morning from the Eagle Square, Central Business District (CBD) through Federal Ministry of Justice, headquarters, Maitama Suite before terminating at the Unity fountain.

Among those who participated in the walk included Faith based organisations, representatives of the National Assembly, National Youth Council of Nigeria(NYCN), Women in Nigeria Initiative and Students from University of Abuja and Abia State Polytechnic, respectively; while officers of the Nigeria Police and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) provided security backing during the exercise.

Speaking at the event, Coconvener of the National Democracy Stakeholders Summit (NDSS), Dave Ogbole, who described the walk as an outward symbol of the rhythm of the heart of the Nigeria youths, working together as one, seeking to restore peace in the land, noted that more than ever before, the Nigerians needed to begin working for the integration of all interest groups in the country, so as to bring about peace and prosperity.

In his words: “As a nation, it’s time for us to stop thinking of our immediate survival and start thinking of what enduring legacy we must leave behind for the youths and generations unborn”, Ogbole stressed.

On his part, NDSS Convener, Ken Saint Akor, pointed out that events in the last three years do not reflect existence of a true integration of the Nigerian people, hence the need to draw our attention towards achieving lasting peace and meaningful integration in the land.

He however, noted: “And for us to have peace, Justice, which is the perequisite to peace, must be established in the land; this means that our youths will graduate and get work and lot of other social justice.”

“Nigerians marking fourteen years of democracy, shows that beyond every doubt that the people want to be more integrated, but our believe for togetherness shouldn’t be taken for granted, but should be strengthened and enhanced for the ultimate good of all.”

Abuja village wants robust policy to boost tourism activities

A

n official in the Abuja Arts and Crafts Village, has called for a robust policy on tourism, saying it was crucial to boosting the country’s tourism potential.

The Public Relations Officer of the village, Mr Steven Eruada, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Eruada said that a strengthened

national policy on tourism was essential in promoting activities and to attract foreign investors in the sector.

He expressed concern that poor implementation of already existing policy was affecting the development of the sector. ``We also need a thorough reorientation of people to appreciate

the value of tourism. ``The society needs a reorientation and governments should wake up to their responsibilities. ``They should formulate policies to promote tourism and ensure that such policies are implemented to the letter,’’ Eruada said.

According to him, the problem is

that policy will be formulated but it will not be implemented.

Eruada said that more would be needed to boost tourism activities in the country as Nigeria celebrates the Democracy Day. He also urged youths to embrace arts and crafts production, describing it as ``a veritable means of income generation”. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

PAGE 17

Police pension director gets Quadruplets after 26 years marriage

By Adeola Tukuru

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t was joy and happiness at the residence of Mr. Mohammed Abbas, the Director of Police Pension in Abuja who celebrated his God

given Quadruplets after 26 years of marriage.

Mr. Mohammed, while addressing newsmen at the naming ceremony urged as many who are trusting God for the fruit of the womb, to have strong

faith in the Almighty. According to him, he had been married for about 26 years without a child.

Further, he said though it was never funny during the period of waiting upon God particularly in this country of ours were there

are pressure from friends and family, reliance of God kept us hopeful.

Abbas urged couples who are waiting for the fruit of the womb to exercise patient because God is always at work.

FCT Minister appoints new Solicitor - General

By Adeola Tukuru

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he FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed has approved the appointment of Barrister Ibrahim Anas Abdullahi as the new SolicitorGeneral for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Accordingly, the Minister who said the appointment is in acting capacity noted that the office demands a lot of personal initiatives, maturity and professional competence.

He therefore advised him to exhibit a high sense of dedication, diligence and hard work in the discharge of his new responsibilities.

Until his appointment, Barrister Abdullahi was the Director, Advisory Services in the FCT Legal Services Secretariat.

He joined the services of the FCT Administration in 1987 and hails from Okene, Kogi State.

Consumers buying yams yesterday at Bwari market, in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Dietician advises on healthy food for mental health

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Dietician at the Garki Hospital, Abuja, Ms Yemisi Olowookere, has advised the public on foods that play positive role in the overall mind health and mental agility.

Olowookere said that a healthy diet low in cholesterol could encourage good blood flow to the brain, adding that a healthy diet would reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Olowookere said that food such as grilled salmon, spinach, virgin olive oil, blackberries, provide potent anti oxidants known as polyphenols that zap inflammation and encourages communication between neurons.

She said that such food also improved ability to soak up information.

She said that apples could help to improve blood pressure and it prevents the deposit of cholesterol within the arteries.

Olowookere noted that apple was a leading source of quercetine, an anti oxidant plant chemical ``that keeps one’s mental juices flowing by protecting the brain cells.’’

She, therefore, recommended eating of apples with their skin on since that was where one would

find most of their quercetine.

She said that grape fruit contains polyphenols that improves communication between brain cells.

She said that since the brain could not work without energy, choosing whole grains would release glucose slowly into the blood stream, keeping one mentally alert throughout the day.

She, however, recommended brown cereals, whole wheat and brown pasta.

Olowookere also recommended eating of oily fish which contains Omega 3 fats that occur naturally in only

fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, and sardines.

She said that Lin seed oil, soya bean oil, pumpkin seed, walnut oil and soya beans were all good for healthy brain function and extra virgin olive oil was heart friendly.

She also recommended eating more blueberries, oranges, more tomatoes as the Vitamin C present would ensure increased mental agility.

The dietician also said that using broccoli was a great source of Vitamin K known to enhance cognitive function and improve brain power. ``Eating three serving

of leafy, green, yellow and cruciferous vegetable a day can delay cognitive decline by 40 per cent. ``They are packed with nutrients such as folate, Vitamin E and Vitamin K,’’ she said.

Olowookere also recommended eating of nuts as great source of Vitamin E, along with leafy green vegetable, asparagus, olive oil seed, eggs, brown rice and whole grains, healthy food for the brain. ``Having a nourishing, adequate diet gives the brain the best chance of avoiding disease,’’ she said. (NAN)

Metro FCTA commissions model staff clinic for staff

By Adeola Tukuru

I

n line with the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan, the FCT Administration has equipped and commissioned a model staff clinic to service the employees of the Administration while at work.

The FCT Secretary of Health & Human Services Secretariat, Dr. Demola Onakomaiya, who commissioned the model clinic on Monday at Area 11, Garki I District, Abuja, reiterated that the initiative is aimed at improving the productivity of the staff of FCT Administration and spur them to greater heights.

The Secretary recalled that the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed last year promised to establish a model clinic in the office environment of the FCT Administration and that the commissioning is a promise kept.

Dr. Onakomaiya emphasized that globally, health of the workforce is usually a strong indicator to gauge the economic potentials of a country and the Federal Capital Territory is a near perfection of that indices.

He stated that in the FCT Administration, the bulk of the workforce of the various mandate Secretariats are located within the Area 11 Complex and numerous health challenges may negatively impact on the productivity of the workers in view of the man-hours spent in accessing healthcare elsewhere.

The Secretary reiterated the determination of FCT Administration to provide a conducive atmosphere of work through the provision of qualitative healthcare services to the staff of the Administration and beyond.

Speaking earlier, the General Manager, FCT Hospital Services Management Board, Dr. Aminu Muhammed Mai said the FCT Administration has done a lot in the provision of qualitative healthcare services in the Territory in the last two years.

He appreciated the uncommon dispositions of the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed and the FCT Secretary of Health & Human Services, Dr. Demola Onakomaiya to provide quality health services to all the residents of the Federal Capital Territory; saying that FCT has never had it better.

NGO takes campaign on family planning, STI awareness to area councils

By Adeola Tukuru

A

nongovernmental organization (NGO), Rhabi Women Health Centre and Motherless Home is set to take the awareness of Sexually Transmitted Infection / HIV prevention and Family Planning progamme to Bwari, AMAC and Gwagwalada Area councils respectively.

The Director General , Rabi Sani-Santos, told newsmen yesterday that the events which

will take place from June 10th to 11th , 2013, will target over 300 communities in the three area councils .

In her words: “We are trying to create more awareness in these communities because a lot of attention have been shifted from STI and other related illness to HIV. People need to be informed about STI and other symptoms that they have”.

“On the First day of the programme, we intend to carry

out a street jingles by targeting every nooks and crannies in AMAC, while we will be creating awareness , we will be talking to people on the streets by letting them have a short One on One consultations. Thereafter, we will share leaflets and condoms on the streets”. “ On the second day which is the opening day of the events, we are expecting the Heads Of Department (HODs) from different localities, the Public Health Department and

also the Representatives of the Ministry of Health will be present. We will do a workshop where we go in dept on the topic of the day which is the STI/ HIV prevention and Family planning awareness” she said.

According to her ,the organization have been involved in a lot of things ranging from the educational aspects of the less privileged to Health of Women and Children in particular in the last two year.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

PAGE 19

INSIDE

Unity Bank receives global IT certification

- Pg 20

Enhancing local - Pg 21 manufacturing for job creation

L-R: Executive Secreatry, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Hajiya Zainab S. Ahmed, receiving a presentation from Managing Director, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Mr Mutiu Sunmonu at a conference, recently in Lagos.

Photo: NAN

How Jonathan’s SURE-P is helping economy- NSITF Board Chairman

By Aminu Imam

T

he Board Chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and member of the Subsidy ReInvestment and Empowerment Programme(SURE-P) Dr. Ngozi Olejeme has said that the programme initiated after the 2012 fuel subsidy crisis is impacting positively on the Nigerian economy.

Speaking on the sideline of the Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN) Merit Award for her and other deserving Nigerians in Abuja, Dr Olejeme, who is the Convener, SURE-P/FERMA Public Works sub-committee said her subcommittee and the parent committee led by Dr Christopher Kolade have invested heavily in both human and physical sectors of the country.

She said the fruit of this investment will soon come to

light, adding that president Goodluck Jonathan is keen on the development of Nigeria’s infrastructure and economy.

She said Nigeria is lucky to have Mr. Jonathan as the president of the nation and that the SURE-P is yielding the anticipated result with the exemplary leadership of Dr Christopher Kolade.

Dr. Olejeme, who is also board chairman of Trust Fund Pension Plc said since the introduction of the SURE-P programme, hundreds of jobs have been provided for the youths and massive road construction project and rehabilitation are on-going across the country.

She said Nigerians have begun to see the result of the subcommittee’s work in the SURE-P. She said the infrastructural development encouraged by President Jonathan will without doubt impact

positively on investment and economy generally.

According to her, given the massive road rehabilitation her sub-committee is doing , Nigerian roads are no longer death traps as president Jonathan has given them the mandate to achieve a minimal pothole presence across the country.

She said every geo-political zone will feel the impact of the good work the SURE-P is doing.

Dr. Olejeme said the SURE-P/ FERMA Public Work project is an adaptive scaling-up of current FERMA direct labour agency activities.

It is aimed at creating mass employment opportunities through the implementation of a national Road Maintenance Public Works Programme. The programme also focuses on the provision of safe and motorable trunk roads across the

The world’s 25 biggest oil companies - Pg 22

economic zones of the country.

She said the ICAN award will without doubt spur her into accelerating her charity works through her Foundation aimed at empowering womenfolk, and the less-privileged of the society which is her focus.

MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY 2 strategic choices you have to make

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very business leader should be able to create a good strategy. Think of it as the intersection of two critical dimensions: where to play and how to win there.

First, decide the regions, customer segments, product categories, and channels in which you will operate. Strategy is about doing some things and not others, so make clear where you won’t play as well. Then, find a distinctive way to win on

your chosen playing field.

Going to the same market with the same strategy as your competitors is a terrible move.

Choose specific activities that are different from your competitor’s.

For example, if your competitor leverages its supply chain to have the fastest delivery cycle, don’t try to compete on speed.

Instead, focus on customer experience or product quality.

Source: Harvard Business Review

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

PAGE 20

Economy Company News

Skye Bank Plc

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kye Bank Plc has won shareholders’ approval to raise N50 billion in capital to expand its operations and boost its balance sheet, the mid-tier lender said in a statement on Tuesday.

“The bank would raise Tier-2 capital before the end of the third quarter and seek additional funds through Tier 1 issue in the nearest future,” CEO, Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti, said in the statement.

The lender said it won shareholders’ vote last Wednesday to raise the funds by way of debt or equity at home or abroad.

Air travellers to pay N150 for trolleys at Abuja airport - Official

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ir travellers will have to pay N150 for using a trolley at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, an official of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) said on Tuesday.

FAAN’s Regional General Manager, North-Central, Mr. Chris Bature made the plan known when he received a donation of 114 new trolleys from Family Worship Centre, a church in Abuja.

The Resident Pastor of the church, Wale Afelumo, had told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the church made the donation for use at the airport as part of its 20th anniversary activities. ``We are here at the airport to donate 150 trolleys to FAAN as

part of our yearly corporate social responsibility for community development,’’ Afelumo said.

He said 120 of the trolleys would be used at the international wing of the airport while 30 would be used at the domestic wing.

Bature expressed gratitude to the church for the donation and added that FAAN had acquired more than 300 trolleys to replace the old ones.

He said the change was necessary because of the large number of people using the airport.

Bature said FAAN would ensure that the trolleys from the church were used at no cost to passengers but that others would attract N150 to be used.

``There was no particular charge for the use of the old trolleys but a new company has come in and will charge N150 per trolley.

Bature said FAAN had met with the new concessionaires and agreed that the porters to be employed to operate the trolleys would be at no cost to the agency.

He said travellers would push the trolleys themselves in order to monitor their luggage but that porters would assist people with heavy luggage, the aged and the handicapped.

FAAN’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu, said the donation came at a right time when the organisation had a plan to change its old trolleys. ``It is really going to go a long

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UBA

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BA, Nigeria’s fifthlargest lender by market value, plans to increase loans by as much as 40 percent this year to fund oil, power and manufacturing projects.

“We have some deals in the power sector,” besides investments in “oil and gas that have the largest chunk of our portfolio,” Ugochukwu Nwaghodoh, the Lagos-based bank’s chief financial officer, said.

That compares with growth of about 13 percent last year to N659 billion ($4.2 billion), he said.

Unity Bank receives global IT certification

By Abdulwahab Isa

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EU/ UNICEF

he European Union (EU) and UNICEF have signed a N9.75 billion five-year contribution agreement for health, water and sanitation project in several Nigerian states.

The pact is made up a five-year contribution agreement for a rural water and sanitation project in Plateau, Ekiti and Adamawa states worth an estimated N3 billion (€14.75 million) as well as a four-year contribution agreement worth about N6.75 billion (€30 million).

This is to scale up maternal, newborn and child health in Kebbi and Adamawa states.

way in reducing the suffering of our passengers at the airport.

We have had issues with trolleys and passengers had complained bitterly about it for a long time.

“Right here, there are not usually enough trolleys to be used but with this donation, I believe that the members of the flying community will be glad about it.

“We will ensure that this and the new trolleys that FAAN has bought will be used properly,’’ she said. (NAN)

L-R: Director/Account Management, West Africa, MasterCard, Obi Okwuegbunam, Winner, Honorable Idowu Obasa and his wife Shelly, Head, Unit Head, Maintenance & Customer/Marketing Awareness, Unity Bank: Ugo Obasi and Vice-President, Marketing, Sub-Saharan Africa, MasterCard, Tarek Abdelnabi, during the presentation of prize to winner of the MasterCard UEFA Champions League Final promo at MasterCard Head office, Ikoyi, yesterday in Lagos.

Court orders APCON to vet Airtel adverts From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

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he Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) to perform its statutory obligation of vetting advertising materials submitted to it by leading telecommunications service provider Airtel Networks Limited.

Hon Justice M. N. Yunusa gave an order of interim injunction May 24, 2013 compelling APCON to carry out its functions regarding Airtel’s advertising materials and restraining it and its agents or officers “from refusing to vetting, approving or giving consideration to any advertisement whatsoever” from Airtel pending hearing of the motion on notice on June 13.

Justice Yunusa also granted Airtel “an order of certiorari to quash the ruling and

proceedings of the Advertising Standards Panel of May 3, 2103”, an order to prevent APCON from effecting the decisions of the Advertising Standards Panel of May 3 as well as an order of mandamus compelling performance of its statutory function.

Justice Yunusa’s orders followed a motion exparte deposed to on behalf of Airtel

by Tinuola T. Ogundipe-Alatise on May 23 seeking the court’s leave to quash the proceedings of the Advertising Standards Panel of May 3, 2013 which had refused to vet advertising materials submitted to it by Airtel through its advertising agency, STB-McCann.

In refusing to vet Airtel’s advertising materials, APCON cited a court injunction ordering that the status quo be maintained in the dispute between its former advertising agency, Prima

Garnet Communications and its foreign affiliate Ogilvy Africa.

Ogilvy Africa managed the Airtel account in Nigeria (along with its affiliate, Prima Garnet) but lost it following Airtel’s termination of its relationship with Ogilvy Africa as regards the Airtel Nigeria account.

The Chief Executive of Prima Garnet Communications Mr Lolu Akinwunmi is chairman of APCON. Airtel had argued that APCON extended the ordinary interpretation of the status quo order as granted by the court in the Prima Garnet versus Ogilvy Africa suit. Airtel maintains that the status quo order granted by the court had no bearing on its advertisement materials and vetting of same by the regulator.

Justice Yunusa adjourned Airtel’s case against APCON till June 13, 2013.

nity Bank Plc has received the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard Certification, the global information security standard to help prevent card-related fraud.

Presenting the certificate to Unity Bank, Mrs. Adedoyin Odunfa, Managing Director of Digital Jewels, which is the consulting firm on the project, said Unity Bank - which currently issues MasterCard and Interswitch Verve cards to its customers - had demonstrated leadership in the industry, being the 5th bank to receive the certification in Nigeria.

Mrs. Odunfa said, “After achieving the ISO270001 last year, Unity Bank has shown that is one of the banks at the forefront of good security and compliance by now attaining the PCIDSS certification. You are the second bank in the country to have attained both of those certifications. That is quite a formidable feat given that there are several other banks who may claim to be more technological advanced than Unity Bank.”

She however advised Unity Bank’s management not to rest on its oars.

“It is a feat that is evidenced by the fact that it is a global certification and not a local one and so I will like to say that having attained this, yes, we congratulate ourselves, but we must look forward and ensure that we are able to sustain this certification. That is extremely important,” she said.

Thanking Mrs. Odunfa for the certification. Unity Bank’s Managing Director, Ado Yakubu Wanka said the bank is aware that banking is about confidence and as the world economy moves towards card related transactions, it becomes more important for customers to know that their data is safe with their bank.

“The Central Bank has launched the cashless project.

It is a reality. That is where the whole world is going. This is why we as a bank are ensuring that our processes are aligned to that future reality. Lagos has gone cashless. They are now moving to Kano, Port Harcourt and The FCT.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

PAGE 21

Entrepreneurship

Enhancing local manufacturing for job creation

Friday Okondia

By Hauwa Anaja

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he local manufacturing industry in Nigeria has continued to employ many youths despite glaring challenges of poor infrastructure and incentives.

This is why the popular saying: “Man must eat”, which is very common with middle and low-class Nigerians has continued to be the major encouragement that drives local manufacturing in the country.

It is no more news to say that the manufacturing sector has the potential of employing millions of youths, but one thing that also poses a challenge to local manufacturing and has remained unnoticed is people’s perception of locally made goods.

This is the dilemma many manufacturers like Friday Okondia, a welder and gates maker based in Kubwa metropolis of the FCT face daily in their business.

For Friday, after learning for five years, the hope for a brighter and greater business future was confronted with many challenges.

“I started training in my job 1998 and finished from my master in 2003 and am on my own now, thank God. “It wasn’t really easy starting on my own, before I established my own business, I was doing jobs for people, and whenever I got paid I saved some of the money then from there I started my own business.”

Ten years down the line, Friday is grateful for how far his business has gone.

Now I have a working space of my own which I pay N30,000 yearly, and with a good working space like this, I now train people too,” he said.

“Right now I do employ some of my friends and other colleagues in the gate making business whom I trained with and started this job

together; sometimes when I have a lot of work, I pay them to assist, and we help ourselves by getting jobs for each other,” Friday added.

As helpful as Friday is to his colleagues, he finds himself still operating on a small scale, one problem he ties to the soaring cost of welding materials and the level of patronage.

“Our materials are very expensive but you know to start this job, if you don’t have the money you can’t go for the foreign machines.

So we find it better and easier to buy the local machines than the foreign ones because they are cheaper for us. We don’t even have to travel far to get them we can get it in Dei-Dei market in Abuja.

“One of the welding machines I have goes for about N25000, but the foreign ones range from N50000 to N70000. It’s not as if the local machines do not help us make better stronger and more

beautiful gates, no and it doesn’t necessarily mean the foreign ones are better to work with either.

“The reason why we don’t use those foreign machines is that our electricity current in Nigeria here is low current and the foreign machines need full current to operate well. But the local ones whenever the current is low, we can increase it because we have option of putting it in low, medium or high mode but the foreign ones are not built to suit our own electricity so, they may make the work easier, but they are not very useful to us because they don’t work well with our own kind of light.

“Sometimes we have to use generator too and you know how expensive it is to run such big machines on generators,” Friday further explains.

“But many people don’t know this; in fact the major challenge

we have is that we Nigerians we don’t really value our own thing.

Nigerians prefer to buy gates made with foreign machines and foreign materials, some even buy gates made abroad but they don’t realise that our own is stronger, so that factor is really affecting our market,” he laments.

This too, he said, contributes to the cost of making gates and thus affects the price.

“We have gates of N200,000 N150,000 and the simple ones cost like N70,000. The price of materials and work determines the price,” Friday said.

This situation however has not stopped Friday and his likes to continue manufacturing their products as it is believed that things will get better.

“The business is very profitable and it will even get better if people learn to patronise us more,” Friday stated.

PAGE 22

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

Business Feature

The world’s 25 biggest oil companies

1. Saudi Aramco - 12.5 million barrels per day (bpd) Saudi Aramco is by far the biggest energy company in the world, generating more than $1 billion a day in revenues. Sitting on more than 15 billion barrels of oil in the Rub al-Khali desert, Aramco’s biggest field, Ghawar, can do 5 million bpd.

2. Gazprom - 9.7 m bpd Russia’s Gazprom is the world’s largest producer of natural gas. Controlled by the Kremlin, Gazprom’s monopoly on gas deliveries to much of Europe provides President Vladimir Putin a prime lever for projecting power in the region. Gazprom’s profits are more than $40 billion a year.

3. National Iranian Oil Co. - 6.4 m bpd Iran has been forced to curtail oil production due to international sanctions, but remains a huge oil and gas producer. To skirt sanctions, Turkey and India have reportedly been paying for Iranian oil with gold. The Strait of Hormuz remains the world’s most significant choke point for oil. Iran has threatened to close the Strait if attacked.

4. ExxonMobil - 5.3 m bpd Exxon’s $40 billion in annual profits don’t seem like a lot when you consider their $400 billion in sales. It takes giant projects to “move the needle” for the Big Unit.

5. PetroChina - 4.4 m bpd The largest of China’s three state-controlled oil giants, PetroChina also has the highest market cap of any of the publicly traded giants. The company already produces more oil than ExxonMobil, and considering the estimates of massive shale gas under China, could someday vie with Gazprom as a regional gas power.

6. BP - 4.1 m bpd Bob Dudley is seeking to turn the giant formerly known as British Petroleum around.

Selling assets, settling lawsuits, promising improvements, BP may not maintain its 4.1 million barrels per day for long; it is in talks to sell its 50% stake in Russian venture TNK-BP, which provides a quarter of production.

7. Royal Dutch Shell - 3.9 m bpd Shell is hoping this summer to start drilling for oil in Alaska’s Chuckchi Sea. For years, since leasing off-shore blocks from its federal government, Shell has been perfecting its drilling plan and preparing the Kulluk floating drilling rig, pictured here in the Puget Sound by Seattle.

8. Pemex - 3.6 m bpd Production from Mexico’s biggest field, Cantarell

(pictured) has plunged from 2 million bbl per day to roughly 600,000 now. State-owned Pemex is working to replace that shortfall with other fields.

9. Chevron - 3.5 m bpd Chevron bought Atlas Petroleum in 2010 for $4.3 billion to gain acreage in the Marcellus and Utica shales.

With gas prices low, some expect a bigger deal to come.

10. Kuwait Petroleum Corp. - 3.2 m bpd Kuwait’s oil company was originally formed in 1934 by what are now Chevron and BP. In 1975 the company was nationalized. Kuwait’s fields suffered greatly, by fires set

by Saddam Hussein’s forces in 1990.

Kuwait’s biggest field, Burgan, continues to be operated by Chevron.

11. Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. - 2.9 m bpd Abu Dhabi is the seat of power in the United Arab Emirates. It is currently taking advantage of its strategic position adjacent to the Strait of Hormuz to build a pipeline to Fujairah, alleviating any chance of its crude exports being bottlenecked by an Iranian blockade.

12. Sonatrach - 2.7 m bpd Most of the output from Algeria’s national energy company is in the form of natural gas, much of which Algeria exports to Europe.

13. Total - 2.7 m bpd After French President, Francois Hollande imposed new taxes on oil inventories in July, Total CEO Christophe de Margerie said the move would cost Total nearly $200 million in 2012 and hurt France’s already ailing refining sector.

14. Petrobras - 2.6 m bpd Former CEO Sergio Gabrielli passes the baton to new Petrobras boss, Maria das Gracas Silva Foster last February. The company is striving to develop massive ultra-deep oil fields offshore.

15. Rosneft - 2.6 m bpd Sibling to Gazprom, Rosneft is Russia’s state-controlled oil company.

16. Iraqi Oil Ministry 2.3 m bpd Iraq will likely zoom up the ranks of the world’s biggest producers as its giant untapped fields come on line. Russia’s Lukoil’s contract with Iraq pays it just $1.15 per barrel extracted.

17. Qatar Petroleum - 2.3 m bpd The vast majority of Qatar’s production is in the form of natural gas, which gets shipped as LNG around the world.

Qatar shares the world’s largest natural gas field, which lies under the Persian Gulf, with Iran.

18. Lukoil - 2.2 m bpd

Love em or hate em, oil and natural gas companies keep the world running, and will for many years to come. The following 2012 ranking of the world’s biggest is based on the combined volumes of oil and natural gas that these companies produce each day.

Lukoil was formed in 1991 by former Soviet deputy oil minister Vagit Alekperov, who still runs the company and owns a 20% stake worth some $13 billion. Though Lukoil is investor-owned, Alekperov is still careful to consult Vladimir Putin.

19. Eni - 2.2 m bpd Eni is Italy’s oil champion.

CEO Paolo Scaroni has in recent years made landmark joint ventures with the likes of Venezuela’s Pdvsa and Russia’s Rosneft. In Iraq Eni is expanding the giant Zubair field.

20. Statoil - 2.1 m bpd The Norwegian government owns 67% of the shares in Statoil. The company has invested some $20 billion in the U.S., including the $4.7 billion acquisition of Bakken-focused Brigham Exploration in 2011.

In May CEO Helge Lund (L) inked a new joint venture with Russia’s Rosneft.

21. ConocoPhillips - 2 m bpd This year, ConocoPhillips spun off its refining business as Phillips 66 to focus on upstream operations. It may not have wanted its refineries, but strangely, Delta Air Lines did.

22.

Petroleos de Venezuela - 1.9 m bpd Known as Pdvsa, Venezuela’s oil company seemed to be the personal piggy bank of late President Hugo Chavez, who allegedly starved the company of capital to pay for social programs. Output is down 25% since 1998.

23. Sinopec - 1.6 m bpd Sinopec is China’s biggest

refiner. This year, Sinopec cut a sweeping shale venture with Devon Energy. Chairman Fu Chengyu was seen at at the NBA Finals as a guest of Oklahoma City Thunder owner, and Chesapeake Energy CEO, Aubrey McClendon. 24.

Nigerian National Petroleum 1.4 million barrels per day 24. Nigerian National Petroleum Corp. (NNPC) -

have also been calling for the head of Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, shown here attending an OPEC meeting in Vienna.

25. Petronas - 1.4 m bpd Malaysia’s state oil giant mades its headquarters in the landmark Petronas Twin Towers, seen in the background of this photo. Petronas has recently expanded abroad, and is in the process of acquiring

Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke

1.4 m bpd Amid a crackdown on corruption in Nigeria’s country’s oil industry, President Goodluck Jonathan has recently sacked several executives of NNPC. Critics

Canada’s gas-focused Progress Energy for $5.4 billion.

(Note: 2012 working interest production volumes calculated

by Wood Mackenzie reflects oil plus the energy equivalent in natural gas.)

(Source: Forbes)

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

PAGE 23

Stock Watch

Report as at Tuesday, May 28, 2013

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

PAGE 24

PAGE 25

SPECIAL REPORT

State of emergency, democracy, civil rights and matters arising

By Chijioke Okoronkwo

with minimal loss of lives and materials,’’ he said.

The senate president expressed concern that in some of the local government areas, the insurgents were “flying their own flag, collecting taxes and running a parallel and illegal government”.

Mr Solomon Dalo, a human rights activist, said the declaration of a state of emergency was an indictment on the security agencies, adding that emergency rule would escalate the situation, ``The best way to curtail Boko Haram is to show them love and compel them to drop all arms,’’ he said.

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) also faulted the declaration of a state of emergency in the affected states.

ACN National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said that if the use of force was capable of ending the Boko Haram insurgency, it would have ended a long time ago. ``There is nothing new in the president’s action. It is more of the same: deployment of more troops to the affected states and the use of tougher, scorched-earth tactics against the insurgents,’’ he said.

In spite of the declaration, President Jonathan has remained undaunted in the amnesty and dialogue option, as he recently directed the release of some suspects, especially women and children.

Alhaji Kabir Turaki, Chairman, Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North, said the presidential directive was in order.

Turaki, who is also Minister of Special Duties and InterGovernmental Affairs, said that the release of wives and children

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resident Goodluck Jonathan who had on April 17 set up an amnesty committee to enter into dialogue with members of the Boko Haram sect, was compelled to declare a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states on May 14.

According to Jonathan, recent developments in the affected states make it imperative for government to take extraordinary measures to restore normalcy.

He said: ``After wide consultations, and in exercise of the powers conferred on me by the provisions of Section 305, sub-section 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, I hereby declare a State of Emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

He directed the Chief of Defence Staff to immediately deploy more troops into these states for more effective internal security operations. “ But in the meantime, let me make it clear that within the purview of this proclamation, the governors and other political office holders in the affected states will continue to discharge their constitutional responsibilities,’’ Jonathan added.

Analysts say that the ``state of emergency’’ was done with a human face, as elected political office holders were still allowed to function.

A professor of Political Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Jonah Onuoha, said the emergency rule was the last resort to restore normalcy.“We all know that the President employed various means to negotiate with the Boko Haram members to stop security challenges in these states to no avail. ``Jonathan even approved amnesty to Boko Haram members which ordinarily they did not merit, all was in a bid to restore peace but they rejected the offer.

Onuoha said that without the emergency rule, the activities of the sect would become a serious threat to the unity of the country.

Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, the President, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), said that the

Some minilitary personnel on duty president’s action was timely. ``Having examined the situation, the Conference of Catholic Bishops believes that the steps taken by the Federal Government so far are apt and in the interest of all Nigerians. ``We welcome the president’s efforts in seeking to bring our challenges under control. ``We believe that given the

serious nature of the crises, the president must use all available resources and opportunities required to resolve the tension in various parts of the country.’’

On the amnesty committee set up by government, Kaigama said the conference was in support of the committee, but said that the programme must be aimed at achieving results. ``The programme should

be geared towards genuine repentance and reconciliation, rather than appeasing the minds of a few criminals’’. ``We note the various initiatives to resolve the Boko Haram issue, such as the setting up of the amnesty committee. ``We, however, insist that genuine amnesty should mean offering pardon to repentant militants and not appeasing

criminals and their sponsors to stay calm,’’ the CBCN president said.

Senate President David Mark said the upper legislative house was in support of the president’s action. ``We would like to support the Federal Government in this proclamation of the state of emergency in the three states. ``We also would like to

remind the president that the Federal Government must fund the operations there properly and adequately. ``As the operation is going on, relief and all medical materials should be as quickly as possible, moved to the area so that the people can benefit from government’s presence ``We want to emphasise that all the democratic

structures must be left in place and must be allowed to operate fully and actively. ``They must also be involved in all the efforts that the Federal Government is putting up to bring this ugly situation to an end,’’ he said.

Mark also urged the amnesty committee to intensify efforts to bring the situation to an end and explained that government

adopted the emergency rule option as a last resort. ``We are conscious of the fact that there was lawlessness; there was anarchy and mayhem in most of the places that are involved in the declaration of state of emergency. ``We appreciate the fact that government must take every possible step to bring this to an end as quickly as possible,

Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General OA Ihejirika

Minister of Interior, Abba Moro of some suspected Boko Haram members would facilitate the committee’s assignment. ``In the course of our interaction, we come across some categories of vulnerable

“

There is nothing new in the president’s action. It is more of the same: deployment of more troops to the affected states and the use of tougher, scorched-earth tactics against the insurgents

persons and we feel government should intervene even before we conclude our reports,’’ he said.

Turaki said those released would be handed over to their state governments for support and rehabilitation.

As there is no known alternative to peace, stakeholders stress the need for every Nigerian to join hands with the government in its efforts to restore peace to the troubled parts of the country.

They, however, advise that ``government should not take any action that will promote criminality and lawlessness.’’

Source: NAN

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

PAGE 27

Mother Earth

What’s the ecological state of Nigeria?

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n 1976, the federal government commissioned the study of the ecological state of the country. The study which was meant to find out more about the ecological state of the country was carried out by FORMECU between 1976 and 1995, and the report entitled, “Nigeria Land-Use and Vegetation Maps”, was submitted to the authority that commissioned it for appropriate action.

When I stumbled on the report that was not made public in 2003, I did a cover story headlined: “We shall meet at the Benue-Belt.”

The report gives an over-view of the Nigeria Ecosystems. It proclaims that between 100 and 150 years from now, only “BenueBelt” would likely remain of the Nigeria’s Landmass, should we remain lukewarm to the increasing menace of the various ecological problems that are eating out the heart of our landmass like cancer.

Going by the report, Nigeria’s Landmass is going through a dismal tunnel, and if not checked, the end which is, “the Benue-Belt”.

It is not an alarmist’s talk. Taking a cursory look at the ‘Nigeria LandUse and Vegetation Maps,’ would make your heart skip. We may be lukewarm believing that our generation would not reap from our present uncaring attitudes towards the conservation and protection of our environment.

The report emphasized, that if the seriousness ecological problems deserve was not given, generations of our children and grand-children would find themselves within the “Benue-Belt”, with their number heavily depleted, to perhaps 2.5 million from the present 160 million people in Nigeria.

It stated that, “Out of Nigeria’s total land area of 923,768 km, 698,462 km or 75.6 percent is prone to one type of ecological problems or another.”

According to the report, the Arid-zone has extended southward from latitude 120N to latitude 10 30 N. Main areas affected are Borno, Kebbi, Sokoto and Yobe States, which is characterized by harsh climate with a long intense dry season coupled with disastrous drought and a short erratic unreliable raining season that last for about 120 days every year.

Desertification is the bane of the Sahel and Sudan-Savannah Ecological Zone as classified by the Federal Government, comprised of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, Gombe, Jigawa, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara states.

The southern borders of the Sahel and Sudan Ecological Zone had moved from 50 to 100 km south of their positions since 1978. Lake Chad which has been predicted could vanish in this century if action is not taken, has receded beyond the borders of Nigeria and remains so far most of the year. Other rivers that have been adversely affected are Komadogo, Yobe, Gongola,

Sokoto-Rima, Hadejia-Jama’are.

In addition the main areas affected are Kebbi, Sokoto, Bauchi, Kano and Yobe.

Desertification, it stated has increased from 1.1 million hectares in 1978 to two million in 1995.

Sand dunes in areas of Borno, Kebbi, Sokoto and Yobe states have increased to 480,000 hectares in 1995 from 80,000 hectares in 1978. Now doubt that today’s figure would have been twice what it was in 1995.

In the same report, the estimated soil erosion occurrence in Nigeria is wind erosion which is predominantly in the north with high velocity wind that is most active during the dry season. This it stated covers 127,218km2 and gully erosion which is nationwide, but more acute in the south-east with areas of 18,517km2 sheet and other types are nationwide but more severe in areas devoid of vegetation with areas of 552,727km2.

The main areas affected by gully erosion are Anambra, Bauchi,

Borno, Kano, Kebbi, Sokoto, Yobe, Imo and virtually the whole Niger Delta region.

Over the years, efforts have been made at different levels of government to control this myriad of environmental problems. Most of the efforts so far have been in the area of study and documentation without giving them the attention they deserve in terms of control measures.

In the first place, a study supposed to be a piece of work that is done to find out more about a particular problem. In this instance, the study was commissioned by the federal government to find out more about the ecological state of the country.

After such a study and report made available to the authority that commissioned it, mechanisms were supposed to be put in place, for programs of action. As it were, don’t be surprised that the report would have gathered enough dust in the file cabinet of the authority

ENVIRONMENT WATCH

By Ambrose Inusa Sule, mnes globenviron@yahoo.com 0703-441-4410 (sms only) that supposed to, abnitio, map out programs of action to check-mate these avoidable eco-problems for the generation that would succeed us. That’s what usually happens in our clime.

Though, there may have been a long list of efforts by the government at different levels to protect and conserve our environment; the question is; are these efforts actually geared towards a long term to attain sustainable development for generations that would succeed us?

Looking at all the efforts made so far in this country towards environmental sustainability, I have not seen anything futuristic in their designs and contents.

Unless something is done now by the authority to check the metastasizing environmental problems in the country, in order

to avoid going through the dismal tunnel, the end which the report has already predicted. Authority should engage in efforts to salvage the environment and avert a cataclysmic end.

There’s no doubt that the simple reason why we have gotten to this precarious state of our environment, is that past administrations did little or nothing to reverse this downward trend with billions of Naira meant for ecological problems annually, either been diverted or out-rightly embezzled.

If we do not want our children’s children to meet at the ‘Benue-Belt’ with their number heavily reduced, we should as a matter of urgency embark on a very serious action programs to curtail the prevailing ecological problems. Tomorrow might be too late.

Erosion has remained one of the major ecological issues facing Nigeria

Katsina govt advises citizens to prepare for heavy rains

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he Katsina State Ministry of Environment has advised residents of Daura and Katsina towns and their environs to prepare ahead of heavy rainfall and likely flooding during the year.

Commissioner of E n vironment, Alhaji Aminu Ibrahim, said in a statement in Katsina that people in the affected communities should heed to advice to avert crisis.

He said that the warning was based on the alert received from

the Nigerian Metrological Agency (NIMET) which forecast heavy rains in the areas during the year.

He advised residents to maintain clean environments and clear drains and water ways of refuse to avert flooding.

The commissioner urged the

residents to imbibe the habit of self-help and communal efforts in evacuating the water ways.

He advised the two local governments to ensure that all blocked drains and water ways were cleared to allow the free flow of water. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

PAGE 26

Mother Earth FG’s gazette of 24 new NESREA regulations commendable, says agency’s DG

By Mohammed Kandi

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irector-General, N a t i o n a l o f Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) Dr Ngeri Benebo, has extolled the Federal Government for endorsing 24 new regulations formulated by the agency.

Benebo, according to a statement issued in Abuja recently, said: “It is worthy of mention that for the first time in Nigeria, we have 24 new regulations formulated by NESREA and already Gazetted by the Federal Government.

According to the DG, the agency had already begun the enforcement of the new regulations by clamping down on environmental offenders and meting appropriate sanctions.

“These regulations are of international standards and are not in any way weak and not functioning, they cover all aspects of the environment which are regulated by NESREA. “Of course, the first thing about regulation is making sure the necessary laws are in place and certainly we already have them now in Nigeria. But what NESREA has done goes beyond just formulation of environmental laws,” she explained.

She added that the agency was recording great success, especially on the toxic wastes saying “NESREA had effectively stemmed the importation of toxic waste in to the country.”

Benebo said it had returned several vessels of toxic waste back to their countries of origin through an effective networking,

Members of the National Committee on Ecological Problems (NCEP), Ecological Fund Office, and the Office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation, during Nigeria’s 2nd Eco Fair in Lagos recently adding that “NESREA has been able to effectively checkmate the importation of toxic waste into the country, saving Nigerians from contacting diseases that will

emanate from such wastes.”

“Through our effective networking and enforcement activities, the agency has succeeded in putting a stop to

e-waste importation. No fewer than 10 toxic waste vessels have been returned to their ports of origin and some were even charged to court.

“Before now, Nigeria was

considered a safe haven for importers of e-waste and the country was one big e-waste dump if you recall the Koko toxic waste episode,” Benebo stated.

“I believe very strongly that in our educational curriculum, this particular concept should be introduced right from the primary school such that in the secondary school and the university, the same thing is being discussed.

“Majorly, what I expect should be done there is how do you relate with the environment without inflicting injuries and if one should inflict injury, you should know what to do to ameliorate such injuries; by this all of these problems will come to an end.

“In any event, remember that desertified areas of the world locate between latitude 15 degree North and 30 degree South of the equator; it is standard; it is the advancement that has caused problem now, but we had a way of halting it; get yourself educated.

“What do I do? Afforestation programme incorporated with the planting of shrubs will really assist, but some people don’t even know that this is a problem; so, people should be educated about the nature of the problem and what to do because when a problem comes and you recognise it, solution is by the side.”

Isah, an expert in Geomorphology in environmental management, said that environmental education was a complex process, covering not just events, but a strong underlying approach to societal building as a whole.

He said that environmental education would provide people with the awareness needed to build partnerships, understand NGO activities, develop

participatory approaches to urban planning, and ensure future markets for eco-businesses.

According to him, it increases life-threatening thinking, problemsolving, and effective decisionmaking skills, and teaches individuals to weigh various sides of an environmental issue to make informed and responsible decisions.

He said that the programme would change people’s attitudes concerning their environment and motivate them to improve or sustain the environment.

The expert said that afforestation was not the only solution to desertification, adding that the species of trees planted should also involve shrubs to check environmental degradation and sheet erosion. He said tree-planting would also check the incidence of

sheet and gully erosion.

“When soil infiltration capacity has been exceeded, surface run off generates; those soil resource that has been displaced, will now be moved away from there to other locations and that is known as soil erosion.

“And two problems will be in place; at the point of origin where those soil resources have been moved from, there will be a decrease in the nutrient status of the soil; at the point of deposition, there will be sedimentation problem.

“Therefore, once afforestation programmes are being embarked upon, such efforts should equally incorporate the need to plant shrubs that will assist in breaking powers of rainfall at ground level.

With that, they serve as shelter belt.”

Expert urges Environmental Education in school curriculums

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he Head, Department of Geography, Kogi State University, Prof. Jimoh Isah, has called for the inclusion of Environmental Education in the curriculums of schools at all levels of education.

Isah told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that people lacked basic knowledge about the environment and should make an effort to learn about the environment.

According to UNESCO, Tbilisi Declaration (1978) environmental education is a learning process that increases people’s knowledge and awareness about the environment. It also includes education in associated matters which seek to develop the necessary skills and expertise to address environmental challenges.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2013

PAGE 29

Emergency Update YOUTHS FOR PUBLIC SAFETY

By Abubakar Jimoh abujimoh01@yahoo.com

Disaster Mgt: Understanding self-help, mutual-help and public-helpevacuation

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NEMA, North-East Zone supplying potable drinking water to citizens in Yobe and Borno States as the ongoing Emergency Rule restricts their movements.

Civil Defense partners NEMA on disaster management

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n apparent solidarity towards disaster management in Nigeria, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) has expressed its readiness to support and cooperate with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) towards creating the desired synergy in addressing disaster situations in the country.

Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Dr Ade Abulurin, who led the top officers of the Corps on a visit to NEMA said, the organisation recognises the coordinating roles of NEMA and therefore was in the office to pledge its support for efficient and effective disaster management in

the country.

A statement issued by NEMA’s press officer, Manzo Ezekiel, the Commandant-General said the recent experience of disasters especially the 2012 flood have indicated the need for closer cooperation among all organizations involved in disaster management to achieved the desired goals of saving lives and property.

He said the NSCDC as one of the first responders in disaster management has offered its availability having the advantage of wide national coverage with offices in all the local government areas and personnel which could be utilized for any disaster situations.

Dr Abulurin urged NEMA to help facilitate the acquisition of modern equipment for the first responders and urged all stakeholders to also cooperate with the Agency.

Responding, Director-General NEMA, Muhammad Sani-Sidi appreciated the gesture by the NSCDC saying that “there is enough capacity to tackle disaster in Nigeria only if all organization involved could come together to create the required synergy.”

He said disaster management should be seen as “the responsibilities of all for Nigeria to achieve the desires of increasing community resilience and reducing vulnerability to hazards.”

n Nigeria, despite the unremitting sensitization that disaster management is everyone’s responsibilities, individuals and states still view government as a solitary responder of emergencies no matter the intensity.

Information filtering from various degrees of global disasters shows that tragedies have had alarming impact on the people due to negligence on their own part.

In 2011, Committee for Policy Planning on Disaster Management, Japan came up with such ideas to familiarise its people with personal, mutual and public responsibilities in distress situations. The fundamental ideas led to the formulation of “SelfHelp”, “Mutual-Help” and “PublicHelp” in the country.

According to the committee, the basic ideas of disaster management should legally stipulate the philosophy and the roles of “selfhelp”, where people and enterprise protect their own lives and assets; “mutual-help”, where people of the community, enterprises, volunteers, relatives organizations and others collaborate to protect the safety of the region, and “public-help” by the central and local governments.

Similarly, these three basic concepts are always emphasised upon by the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Muhammad Sani-Sidi, who stated in his book titled Disaster Management is Everybody Business: “It is therefore, everybody’s business and we must all put our hands on deck to ensure effective disaster management by regularly evolving strategies, policies and programmes so as to reduce loss of lives and property in our communities, thereby facilitating development.”

Apparently, collective teamwork among the three concepts—SelfHelp, Mutual-Help and Public-Help will help at individuals, states, and national level to significantly reduce the impact of disasters and effective capacity building for and coordination of relief operations, preparedness, response, and recovery activities.

More importantly, “Self-help” could be encouraged and promoted by persistently educating citizens to drive with care and obeying traffic rules, avoid building on waterways, observing proper precautions against fire outbreaks, seeking due professional consultations before erection of building, confirmation and memorization of Emergency Free Toll Calls during normalcy, understanding disaster management information sources and methods of utilization.

“Self-help” programme are normally organized by the disaster management actors. Just as Youths Against Disaster Initiative (YADI) is currently doing across the six geopolitical zones in the country; by organising and training “self-help” volunteers in the communities and encouraging them to spread the awareness among their members by repeating what they had learned during the training programme.

It therefore becomes necessary, based on previous experiences that, communities have the capacity

to directly respond to and reduce the risks of disasters much more that any organisation, agencies or governments. It is in view of these needs that the NEMA boss, Alhaji Muhammad Sani-Sidi, has been working tirelessly with local and international experts to develop a series of community “self-help” and education tools to make disaster management effective and accessible at the community level.

Consequently, many practical “self-help” resources like the “self-help” manual, activity books and other resources that teach community based disaster management and environmental stewardship have recently been developed.

“Mutual-help” should also be encouraged by offering support to voluntary disaster management organizations, NGOs, and volunteers. In this case, measures for accepting volunteers in various disaster management areas such as securing safety during activities, providing information on affected people’s needs, and other issues should be well established.

Also, “mutual-help” can involve assistance between agencies, organizations, and jurisdictions that provide a mechanism to quickly obtain emergency assistance in the form of personnel, equipment, materials, and other associated services. The primary objective is to facilitate rapid, short-term deployment of emergency support prior to, during, and after an incident.

The initiatives and diversity of activities by NGOs, associations, foundations and other actors should be recognized, respected and appreciated. Also, bottom-up disaster management plans should be organized in order to promote awareness-sharing regarding disaster management activities and collaboration by diverse actors in communities.

“Public-help” involves assistance from the federal, state and local governments as case may be. For instance, as part of the federal government’s effort towards the nation’s socio-economic sustainability, NEMA was mandated to ensure effective coordination in each phase of disaster management.

The state governments through their respective SEMAs should serve as first responder in the event of emergency.

Moreover, the level of vulnerability of hazards at state and grassroots’ levels will determine the necessity for NEMA’s interference.

For manageable hazards within the capacity of the state and local councils, the SEMAs and LEMA would have to discharge their Constitutional responsibilities on disaster management appropriately and make effective use of the ecological and other funds in their disposal. The states are expected to set a pace and ensure functional administrative capacity at grassroots level for the Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) to operate.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

PAGE 28

Emergency Update

Nigeria lost N2.6 trillion to flood in 2012- NEMA boss Stories by Mohammed Kandi

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final comprehensive assessment of total losses resulting from the 2012 flooding which ravaged many states of the federation has shown that Nigeria lost a total of N2.6 trillion.

Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Muhammed Sani-Sidi, according to a statement issued by the agency’s Press and Public Relations Unit in Abuja, made the disclosure while addressing the 4th Global Forum on Disaster Risk Reduction in Geneva, Switzerland recently.

The Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction is the world’s foremost gathering of stakeholders committed to reducing disaster risk and building the resilience of communities and nations.

Sani-Sidi said: “The comprehensive Post Disaster Needs Assessment conducted from November 2012 – March 2013 with the support of the World Bank and Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), United Nations, Development partners and relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies put the estimated total value of infrastructure, physical and durable assets destroyed at US$9.6 billion. The total value of losses across all sectors of economic activity was estimated at US$7.3 billion. The combined value of these damages and losses was US$16.9 billion.”

He described year 2012 as “one of the most challenging for Nigeria in recent history” with the unprecedented flood that ravaged several states of the country, affected over seven million people, displaced 2.3 million people, killed over 363 persons and damaged about 597,476 houses.

According to him, “Nigeria as a country believes that it has the responsibility to increase the tempo of activities in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and enlist the support of every one in confronting the hazards risk in the country especially with the consequences of climate change and global warming steering everyone in the face.”

“The flood was a classical case of how disasters can reverse development in a developing country like Nigeria. However the calamities wrought by the 2012 floods offer for our country an important window of opportunity to address difficulties and longstanding development issues,” he said.

“It brought all stakeholders together as never before to address the consequences of the flood, plan to reduce the vulnerability

NEMA’s North-West Zonal Coordinator, Musa Illalah, presenting relief materials to the Chairman of Kaura Local Government Area on behalf of the Internal Displaced Persons at Fadan Attakar Camp in Kaduna State. of our people and increase their resilience”, he told the gathering consisting of dignitaries from over 150 countries around the world,” the DG explained.

Sani Sidi however, criticized some aspects of the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005 – 2015 which is already approaching its end especially concerning the practice of DRR at the country level.

He said consultation on post 2015 in six geo-political zones and the Federal Capital in Nigeria indicated that the participation of women and children will be critical

to the successful implementation of any framework on DRR beyond 2015.

“Nigeria appreciates the collaboration with the UNISDR in engaging the citizens on the Post 2015 Hyogo Framework for Action.

As we approach the end of the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005 – 2015, we wish to state that, we have noticed some gaps between principles as practice of DRR at the country level.

“We want to see more participation of the people at the local level and the inclusion of conflict resolution as major area of risk reduction. The global community

has indeed benefited a lot from the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005 – 2015 as blue print for disaster risk reduction.

“We propose that the gap identified in the implementation of the framework in different nations should be addressed to take the benefit of the HFA beyond 2015,” Sani-Sidi informed.

However, the Global Platform which is organised by United Nations’ Office for Disaster Reduction remained a biennial forum for information exchange, discussion of latest developments and partnerships building across sectors, with the

aim to improve implementation of disaster risk reduction through better communication and coordination amongst stakeholders.

Moreover, Nigeria will host the Special Representative of the Secretary General on ISDR, Margareta Wolstrom in Nigeria from 17 -19 June 2013. The visit is part of our advocacy strategy to increase political will at the highest level in disaster risk reduction, and encourage the participation and collaboration of major stakeholders in disaster risk reduction as well as in building a resilient nation and communities.

...Refutes alleged 6, 000 Nigerians fleeing to Niger Republic

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he National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) yesterday denied media report that about 6, 000 Nigerians have fled the country into the Republic of Niger in an attempt to escape from the operations of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Borno State.

Director-General of the Agency, Muhammad SaniSidi, who disclosed this during a press briefing yesterday in Abuja, described the allegation as “unfounded and not true”.

“The report that 6, 000 Nigerians have fled the country into the Republic of Niger is unfounded and not true. We wish to therefore, call on the media and concerned Nigerians to direct all further inquiries on the matter to NEMA for clarification,” Sani-Sidi said.

According to him, “We want to state categorically that from information available to us; about 2,367 persons have crossed the border from Kashagar, Baga and Kuros communities all in Borno

State to Diffa in the Republic of Niger. Out of this figure 126 are Nigerians while the remaining are citizens of the Republic of Niger who have returned home due to the ongoing crises in the North East.”

“We also wish to add that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in collaboration with the Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Nigerian Embassy in Niamey have already registered the 126 number of the displaced Nigerians that have crossed into the Republic of Niger with a view

to providing them with necessary humanitarian supports,” he explained.

The DG, who urged Nigerians to shun all form of speculations, however, informed that the Agency operates an “open door policy” saying NEMA was ready to clarify on crucial national matters at all times.

On casualty figures in areas under emergency rule, Sani-Sidi said, “Only the military can provide accurate information as to the casualty figures, NEMA is only an humanitarian Agency responsible for

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

PAGE 30

Interview

Democracy has transformed education sector to the envy of other sectors- Paiko Jibrin Paiko is the Executive Secretary of the National Agency for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non- Formal Education (NMEC).

In this interview with Maryam Garba Hassan, the educationist and author of a number of books bares his mind on government’s education policies and their implementation, the achievements recorded in the sector under civil rule, his take on the report of the Orosanye Presidential committee which recommended that the agency and some others be merged, among other issues.

Excerpts.

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t’s been 14 years of democracy in the country. Do you think it has added any value to the education sector in terms of policies, their implementation and quality?

Compared to the previous governments this administration is serious and committed to transforming the sector in accordance with the national policy. This is the first time budgetary allocation for the sector has been increased; apart from the budget for security which is the major challenge now education is second and this is the highest allocation in the history of Nigeria.

In terms of policies and their implementation, the present dispensation has developed several unique policies that have improved the quality of education delivery in the country. Look at the Almajiri school integration into basic education, which is the first time any government will take interest in the well- being and future of this group of children, the campaign for school dropout boys and girls in the South East and Northern parts of the country to go back to school, and a host of others.

I can say that the present leadership of the ministry of education; the two ministers in particular, carry along everyone in the activities of the sector, they work in collaboration with all principal officers.

For the mass literacy agency in particular, luckily, in 2001 we got the support of the MDG through the then Senior Special Adviser to the President on MDG, Hajiya Amina Al- Zuabair and it is still on. About N1b was released in trust to UNESCO to revitalize adult and youth literacy in the country. MOU was signed in Paris between the minister of education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i and UNESCO in 2011, afterwards UNESCO started in earnest.

Although, the total amount needed for the programme is N12b.

Presently, a strategic framework has been developed to revitalize adult and youth literacy in the country for the next 3 years and beyond. A work plan has also been developed for the first year and the subsequent years will follow later. This is apart from the regular budget being remitted to the National Commission for Mass

Literacy, Adult and Non- Formal Education, NMEC. We have already started the practical implementation of the programme in April and May; we had discussions, with 6 universities, one from each of the 6 geo- political zone. These universities were anchored to develop a master training package and at the commission level, we developed facilitators’ hand book to conduct training in all geopolitical zones by these universities. 11 Masters Trainers were selected for each state including NGOs. The plan is to do a state level training where about 111 state facilitators are to be trained from the funds, so, the total we are expecting is 4104.

It is from this programmes’ we will review the various curriculum materials that are available. We are talking about the primers, the girl child, out of school, integrated Qur’an school curriculum. We are even going to look at the previous radio programme which the states’ Commissioners for education have been anchoring in the last 10 years, all these will be looked into to see how we can move forward with the literacy programme in the country.

Just last week we had the commissioners, of education forum meeting where I made presentation on adult and youth vitalization programme in Nigeria and the aim was to get support from them because we realized that from states we don’t have facilitators and for the training the state governments should be able to pay them because by law the state should pay not the agency, and the minimum monthly stipend is N7500 per facilitator.

Some states pay less than that while FCT pays up to N10,000 and some are not even paying. That was why I was happy that I was invited to the Commissioners’ Forum meeting so

that I can inform them about the need to pay facilitators. Whatever support the federal government gives we can never succeed if state governments are not anchored in.

We still need N11bn for the programme which was why last year we did a lot of advocacy visits to solicit for the remaining N11b.

Presently, what are those policies implemented by the government in NMEC that has yielded positive results?

The policy guideline which was developed for the non- formal sector is one of them. It is in place for the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) to incorporate as part of our chapter at the national policy of education and the 2004 national policy of education has been reviewed and we have sent our own submission so that it will be reviewed. These are all federal government input.

In what way can the government improve on the quality of the non- formal education sector?

Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) fund is meant for basic education which comprise of nomadic education, out of school boys and girls and even primary and junior secondary education but, UBEC said they are by law allowed to release funds to State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) only and that it is left for the states to allocate certain amount to nomadic education sector and others. Some states agency directors are so powerful that they don’t report to their commissioners but go directly to their governors and that is wrong.

Another thing is that NMEC should be involved in UBEC’S fund, I know the fund is not supposed to be brought to NMEC but to be done at state level, SUBEB should anchor and take care of state agencies, nomadic education unit and primary

we will review the various curriculum materials that are available. We are talking about the primers, the girl child, out of school, integrated Qur’an school curriculum. We are even going to look at the previous radio programme which the states’ Commissioners for education have been anchoring in the last 10 years

Jibrin Paiko SUBEB agencies but unfortunately the emphasize is more on the formal to the detriment of the non- formal and we are talking about the formal having about 10.5 million youths out of school while the non-formal has about 40million, so, we have more challenges.

Is the commission still getting support from international donor agencies and development partners, because if you recall, in 2009 there were allegations of misappropriation during your predecessors time which made such donors to suspend their support to the agency?

The case is still in court so we don’t know whether it was an allegation or not. From early last year to date they are coming back to support us. Last year we went to the World Bank, Action Aid, and European Union to advocate for assistance and we even went to some government parastatal like SMEDAN, MDG and National Orientation Agency (NOA) all with the aim of collaboration and we are still discussing.

Last year you said there were 59million illiterate Nigerians. What is the agency doing in that regard and what is the present population of illiterate in the country?

The framework developed is now in place not only for the revitalization programme nationwide, all other organisations have to anchor into that framework because it was developed by all stakeholders with the expertise and support of UNESCO. The figure for illiterate varies from people to people and organization to organization. At the meeting of forum of commissioners’ of education I was queried over the statistics I have but the one generally accepted is that there are over 40m illiterates in the country. And for the revitalization programme the plan is to provide for 5million adults and the aim is to start with some pilot local governments. At present about 3 local governments have been selected in each state by an MDG

programme. We are support to hold a national mass literacy launch last year to appeal for the remaining 11b needed for the programme.

Last year the minister of state for education inaugurated a committee to start campaign on national mass literacy of which you are the chairman, but up till now the committee is yet to launch the campaign.

What is happening and how far has that committee gone in that regard?

Yes, we planned doing a mass literacy launch, like I said before, after the minister of state for education Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, inaugurated the committee with me as the chairman.

After the inauguration, the committee met and made several recommendations but unfortunately we could not do the launching up till today.

What is the present statistics of illiteracy in the FCT? I don’t have the statistics now because of the influx of people into the FCT everyday but in 2008 to 2011 I can tell you that 4million people were made literate during the years under review.

What is your take on the Presidential committee led by Orasanye which recommended that the Commission and others be merged?

Even before the Orasanye committee, there was an education summit chaired by President Jonathan in 2011 and the report of that summit recommended that NMEC and nomadic education be supported by UBEC fund. The Orosanye committee did not say we should be scrapped but merged because the 3 agencies perform similar functions. This is left for the government to decide because what I know is that whatever happens our role will still be performed and will still be relevant. The repercussion of the merger will be felt by the states who are presently finding it difficult to success not to talk of funding the activities of the commission at state level.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

PAGE 31

International

The millennial parent

By Sarah Kendzior

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have a friend who was the first in his family to go to college. He grew up poor in the rural Midwest and earned his BA from a top school in the region. But when the recession hit in the early 2000s, he could not find a job.

He decided he needed more training and applied to graduate school. When Harvard accepted him, he was thrilled.

Within one generation, his family’s highest level of education went from a high school diploma to an Ivy League degree.

A Harvard education was supposed to provide opportunity. But with the degree came debt. Now in his early 30s with children of his own, my friend’s social mobility has stalled. He wants his sons to have the same quality of education he did, and the professional advantages that came with it. But he does not see how this is possible. When his sons are old enough for college, he will still be paying back his own student loans. With wages stagnant and tuition fees well outpacing inflation, there is little chance he will be able to afford their education. His children will be back where he started. Mobility was a mirage.

“It kind of sickens me to think I might have to say to my kids, ‘Hey, I went to Harvard but you can’t’,” he said.

“The whole thing is turned inside out.

People imagine that you are supposed to build legacies around things like that, and instead they can’t go there because I did.”

My friend is part of the so-called millennial generation: young adults born roughly between the late 1970s and the late 1990s. While the start and end dates of the millennial generation are up for debate - and the idea of inherent generational traits is dubious - people of this age group share an important quality. They have no adult experience in a functional economy.

Millennials are a favourite target of the media, who portray their economic plight as a character flaw. In a recent cover story, “The Me MeMe Generation”, TIME declared millennials “lazy, entitled narcissists who still live with their parents”. While generational trolling spares no cohort, there was something particularly callous about TIME’s depiction of young adults facing the worst economy since the Great Depression.

“Have you seen your intern on Rich Kids of Instagram?” Atlantic’s Elspeth Reeve writes, noting that theTIME portrayal seems modelled on privileged interns able to work for free. “If so, he or she is probably not the best guide to crafting the composite personality of a generation that fought three wars for you.”

“Adults still living with their

A report reveals that colleges give “merit aid” to wealthy students who can afford to pay nearly full tuition [AP] parents” is the classic millennial trope. What is forgotten is how many millennials are parents themselves. As of 2010, 34 percent of US residents aged 18-29 had children, according to one poll. Fewer than one-third of people in this age group have a full-time job. They have minimal savings and the highest student loan debt in recorded history.

Most cannot afford cars, homes, health insurance or other material goods once considered basic elements of life in the US. A generation that can barely stand on its feet is in charge of another generation’s welfare.

Being a responsible parent means planning for the future. But when many millennial parents look into the future, they see a void.

Financial journalist Gillian Tett notes how economic polarisation creates different cognitive maps. “If you were to ask wealthy Americans to visualise the future, they might well describe it as a carefully calibrated road along which they expect to travel,” she writes. “But if you ask poorer Americans, who are

scrambling from pay cheque to pay cheque, they are more likely to perceive the future as a chaotic series of shortterm cycles.”

Millennials are almost uniformly poorer Americans. Those who are financially secure tend to have family wealth. According to a 2012 Pew survey, 38 percent of millennials say their current financial situation is linked to their parents’ financial situation.

Millennials are chastised for leaning on elders, but the new rules of the economy demand it. Unpaid internships are often prerequisites to full-time jobs, and the ability to take them is based on money, not merit. Young adults who live off wealthy parents are the lucky few. They can envision a future because they can envision its purchase. Almost everyone else is locked out of the game.

Dependence may be the primary trait of the millennial generation, but it is a structural dependence, caused not by “laziness” or “narcissism” but by a lack of options or social mobility.

For millennials much more than for

“

In the meantime, millennial parents surrender their dreams in favour of survival. That is what a good parent does. It is much harder to surrender a child’s dreams as well

the generations which immediately preceded them, the future is determined by the past. The son is indebted to the debt of the father.

When I ask millennial parents about how they see their children’s future, they tell me they do not like to think about it.

It is one thing to discover, as an adult, that the rules have been rewritten, that the job market will not recover, that you will scramble to survive. It is another to raise a child knowing that no matter how hard they work, how talented they are, how big they dream, they will not have opportunities - because in the new economy, opportunities are bought, not earned. You know this, but you cannot tell this to a child. The millennial parent is always Santa, always a little bit of a liar.

Some may argue that the children of millennials do not have it so bad. Even if their parents cannot save enough to pay for college, surely they can apply for scholarships. But in the new economy, scholarships are increasingly reserved for the rich. According to a report from the New America Foundation, colleges give “merit aid” to wealthy students who can afford to pay nearly full tuition at the expense of aid to low-income students.

The goal is to increase the university’s prestige by building an affluent student body. But the consequences for social mobility are so dire that the authors of the study argue for government intervention.

“Federal action is needed to ensure that colleges continue to provide a gateway to opportunity, rather than perpetuating inequality by limiting college access to only those who are rich enough to be able

to afford it,” they write.

The children of the millennials have been born into a United States of entrenched meritocracy - what Pierre Bourdieu called “the social alchemy that turns class privilege into merit”. Success is allegedly based on competition, not background, but one must be prepared to pay to play.

“This reliance on un- or underpaid labour is part of a broader move to a ‘privilege economy’ instead of a merit economy - where who you know and who pays your bills can be far more important than talent,” writesjournalistFaraiChideya, noting that this system often locks out minorities. By charging more for a year’s college tuition than the average median income, universities ensure that poor people stay poor while debt-ridden graduates join their ranks. By requiring unpaid internships, professions such as journalism ensure positions of influence will be filled only by those who can pay for them. The cycle of privilege and privation continues.

The economy may seem bad now, but the true test will come in the next two decades, when the children of the “screwed generation” reap the meagre harvest of their parents’ lost opportunities.

Perhaps, then we will return to the ideal of equal opportunity because we will have witnessed the long-term consequences of its erosion.

In the meantime, millennial parents surrender their dreams in favour of survival. That is what a good parent does.

It is much harder to surrender a child’s dreams as well.

Source: Al Jazeera

PAGE 32

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

International Kenyan president urges parliament to rethink defiance K enya’s president urged members of parliament on Wednesday to accept a planned pay cut, one day after they defied him and voted to raise their salaries to 130 times the minimum wage.

Uhuru Kenyatta, who won a closely fought March 4 election, had said cutting lawmakers’ salaries would ease public sector wage demands and free up cash for investment aimed at stimulating economic growth.

But instead of accepting a cut imposed by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission, parliament voted on Tuesday for a pay rise, in a show of open rebellion to Kenyatta who has no power to enforce the wage reduction.

“This continuing paralysis is not in the national interest and it is imperative that this matter be brought to an appropriate and sustainable conclusion within the law,” he said in a statement.

Kenyatta said he and members of his office would take the cut set by the salaries commission, and

Uhuru Kenyatta urged parliamentarians to follow suit. Members of parliament were not available to comment as the assembly had gone on a scheduled recess.

Already among the world’s best-paid lawmakers, MPs on both sides of the house voted overwhelmingly for higher pay,

overturning the commission’s legal notice, saying their pay cut had been illegally implemented.

They raised their pay to an average of 851,000 Kenyan shillings ($10,000) ($10,000) a month, compared with 532,000 set by the salary team, giving them 130 times the minimum wage of 6,498

shillings ($76).

Lawmakers argue that they need high wages because constituents expect them to provide charitable support. Some also say that lawmakers could be vulnerable to bribes in parliamentary votes if their salaries were too low.

The salary increase could trigger wage pressure from representatives in the country’s newly-demarcated counties, as well as teachers, police, and doctors, economists say.

The parliamentary vote angered the public and civic rights groups which said they would challenge it in court.

Kenyatta, 51, son of the nation’s founding president, is keen to trim the public sector wage bill which now stands at 50 percent of annual government tax revenue.

His coalition has promised to deliver free maternity care, laptops to primary school children, better roads and a million new jobs a year in a country of 40 million people where unemployment runs at 40 percent.

Tunisia court ‘convicts 20’ over US embassy attack

A

Tunisian court has sentenced 20 people to twoyear suspended jail terms for involvement in an attack on the US embassy in Tunis in September 2012, their lawyer says.

Four people died in clashes when the embassy and a neighbouring American school were attacked.

Islamist protesters had tar-

geted the compound over an antiIslam film made in the US. In recent months the government has taken a tougher stance with extremists.

Earlier this month, one protester died when police clashed with the supporters of the radical Ansar al-Sharia movement in a suburb of Tunis.

The defendants’ lawyer Anwar

Oued Ali told the AFP agency on Tuesday: “We will see with their families if they want to appeal. If they want to, we will do it.”

Only nine of those sentences are currently in custody, Mr Oued Ali says.

There was no official announcement of the verdicts.

Also on Tuesday, one man died after clashes between police

and street vendors in the town of Bizerte over the enforcement regulations on their trade.

Interior ministry spokesmen said that the vendors pelted police with rocks and petrol bombs at police, who responded with tear gas.

Local media reported that the man died of smoke inhalation.

Over 350 rebels killed in strategic battle in Sudan

S

udanese army has announced that it liberated the strategic area of Abu Karshula in the South Kordofan State from the rebels of the Revolutionary Front.

“The armed forces managed to enter Abu Karshula town and killed over 350 rebels in a recent battle which liberated the strategic town of Abu Karshula in South Kordofan, forcing the remnants of the enemy to flee the area. We are currently carrying out combing operations to clear the area from the rebels,” Sudanese army spokesman Al-Sawarmy Khalid Saad told Xinhua.

“The armed forces and the Mujahideen have defeated the rebel forces in a battle that lasted for five hours, leaving more than 350 rebels dead and many others injured,” the deputy coordinator of the People’s Defense Forces, said.

He added that the battle would not end with the liberation of Abu Karshula, but would continue until the rebels are repulsed from all locations.

In April 2012, the rebel Revolutionary Front Alliance, which brought together the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/ northern sector, the Justice and Equality Movement in Darfur as well as the Sudan Liberation Army/Abdul-Wahid Mohamed Nur faction and MinniMinawi faction, attacked Um Rawaba and Abu Karshula areas in North and South Kordofan States.

On Monday, the Sudanese army announced the liberation of Abu Karshula from the rebels Locals rejoice with men of the Sudanese army in Abu Karshula. of the Revolutionary Front Alliance.

South Sudan expects first oil to arrive in Port Sudan mid-June

S

outh Sudan expects its first oil to arrive in Sudan’s export port in mid-June as both countries are continuing to implement oil and trade deals despite Khartoum’s renewed accusations over rebel support, Juba’s ambassador to Sudan said.

The neighbours, which fought one of Africa’s longest civil wars, agreed in March to resume cross-border oil flows and end tensions plaguing them since the south seceded in 2011.

South Sudan has started since then to pipe oil to two treatment plants in Sudan to be readied for exports, the first time since the landlocked new nation shut down its production of 350,000 barrels a day in January 2012 in a row over export fees.

On Monday, Sudan’s President Omar Hassan alBashir threatened to close the export pipelines if South Sudan supported insurgents operating on Sudanese soil, claims long denied by Juba.

But South Sudan’s ambassador to Sudan, Mayan DutWol, said he was relaxed about Bashir’s speech, describing it as “emotional” outburst of the president he has got used to since growing up in Khartoum.

“I am not shocked,” said Wol in an interview. “We know the president, we know him,” he said, laughing.

He said bilateral meetings have been going on normally since the speech for both sides to work out details on oil, trade and border security deals signed in March.

“The oil is flowing... We expect it to arrive on the 13th, 14th or 15th in Port Sudan,” he said late on Tuesday, adding it would be loaded on vessels around June 20.

The neighbours have fixed a technical problem at a pumping station at a Sudanese export facility, which forced South Sudan last week to halve production to 105,000 barrels a day, he said.

Oil is the lifeline for both countries struggling with high inflation, weakeningcurrencies and high unemployment.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

PAGE 33

International

Asia and Middle East

N

epal is marking 60 years since the first ascent of Everest, celebrating the summiteers whose success has bred an industry that many climbers now fear is ruining the world’s highest peak.

Four days of ceremonies which have been dubbed the Everest Diamond Jubilee conclude on Wednesday with a gala at the former royal palace in the capital Kathmandu in honour of the first successful climbers, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay.

The 1953 British expedition changed mountaineering forever and turned Hillary, a New Zealander, and Norgay, a Nepalese guide, into household names and heroes in many

Nepal marks milestone of Everest conquest parts of the world.

“Hillary and Tenzing were rock stars of the 1950s and into the 1960s,” Hillary’s son Peter said.

“The biggest thing about 1953 is that they were going into the unknown.”

Among the climbers honoured

by Nepal on Wednesday was Italian Reinhold Messner, the first climber to scale Everest without using bottled oxygen and the first person to climb all of the world’s 14 highest peaks.

“I am here in Nepal again for filming ... not any more for climbing,” Messner said, adding he did reach the base camp of Mount Kanchenjunga during his visit.

“I am full of energy and full of enthusiasm for this country.”

Nepalese officials offered flower garlands and scarfs to the climbers who took part in the ceremony.

They were taken around Kathmandu on horse-drawn carriages followed by hundreds of people who marched holding banners to mark the anniversary.

A host of famous mountaineering figures are expected to attend a gala later in London on Wednesday, including Kancha Sherpa, the last remaining member of the 1953 expedition.

Sherpa, who is 81, remembers the expedition as an arduous but

ultimately joyous affair, although he regrets that the glory is not more equally shared among the team.

Sherpa said that he and fellow sherpas cut down 20 trees and carried logs up the mountain which were then used as ladders to pass the treacherous Khumbu Icefall, just above the Everest base camp.

Peter, and Norgay’s son Jamling, both now mountaineers, will join Queen Elizabeth II at a diamond jubilee event at the Royal Geographical Society in London.

Hillary, like many others in the mountaineering community, is now concerned about the commercialisation of Everest, which

is more popular than ever but is also increasingly overcrowded and filthy.

Temba Tsheri Sherpa, an Everest veteran who now runs an expedition company, lamented the changes he has seen over time.

“Everest has turned into a playground for people with all sorts of interests,” he said. “All they want is to set new records and they seem to be willing to pay thousands of dollars in order to fulfil their dreams”.

This season alone 540 people reached the summit, including an octogenarian, the first female amputee, the first women from Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, and the first armless man.

Deadly ‘US drone India, Japan seek early agreement strike’ in Pakistan on civil nuclear pact

A

t least six suspected militants have been killed and three injured in a drone strike in north-western Pakistan, security officials have said.

They said the dead and injured were local fighters, and included a local commander of the Pakistani Taliban.

The missiles hit a house close to the town of Miranshah.

The strike comes a week after President Barack Obama issued new guidelines for tighter scrutiny of the drone programme and stricter targeting rules.

A security official in Miranshah said Nasiruddin, a Pakistani Taliban commander from the Ladha region in South Waziristan, was among those killed.

There has been no word from the Taliban in relation to the strike.

US drone strikes are a major point of contention in Pakistan, and were a key issue in its recent elections.

A Pakistani foreign ministry official condemned the strike the first for almost six weeks - as a breach of sovereignty, Reuters news agency reported.

“Any drone strike is against the territorial integrity and

sovereignty of Pakistan and we condemn it,” the official, who declined to be identified, told Reuters.

The latest attack comes at a particularly sensitive time, the BBC’s Richard Galpin in Islamabad says, Nawaz Sharif, leader of the Pakistan Muslim League, is about to form the next government following elections earlier this month.

The inaccessibility of the area of the attack - which is effectively out of bounds to foreign journalists - means it is impossible to confirm the identifies of those killed.

Local residents said a compound was hit on Wednesday morning about 3km (1.8 miles) east of Miranshah, the administrative centre of the North Waziristan tribal region.

They said it was being used

by Pakistan Taliban fighters from neighbouring South Waziristan region who moved their bases to the area in 2009 to escape a military operation.

Pakistan initially offered covert support to drone strikes but has over the years become more defiant, saying such strikes are “counter-productive” and a “violation of sovereignty”.

President Obama says it is a “hard fact” that drone strikes have killed civilians.

J

apanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his Indian counterpart agreed on Wednesday to speed up talks on a deal to allow Japan to export nuclear plants and to strengthen security cooperation as both sides keep a wary eye on China’s military clout.

The Indo-Japanese summit meeting follows Chinese Premier Li Keqiang’s visit last week to India, which has been shaken by a recent border spat with China and is cautious about Beijing’s friendship with rival Pakistan.

Japan, for its part, has been locked in a territorial dispute with China over a group of East China Sea islets.

“In the political and security area, maritime security cooperation will further be strengthened ... On civil nuclear cooperation, negotiation will be accelerated toward the early conclusion of the agreement,” Abe told a ceremony alongside India’s Manmohan Singh.

Unable to rely on a coal sector crippled by supply shortages and mired in scandals, India is pushing

ahead with constructing nuclear reactors despite global jitters over safety. Hundreds of millions of Indians still live without power and factories suffer frequent blackouts.

A civil nuclear energy pact with

India would give Japanese nuclear technology firms such as Toshiba Corp and Hitachi Ltd access to India’s fast-growing market when they search for opportunities overseas to offset an anti-nuclear

Shinzo Abe

Sectarian violence erupts in Myanmar

M

yanmar’s government has called for calm after mobs burned down a Muslim orphanage, a mosque and shops during a new eruption of religious violence in the northeastern Shan state.

Authorities imposed a curfew late on Tuesday in Lashio, about 700km northeast of Yangon, after a mob of 200 local residents surrounded a local police station demanding they hand over a Muslim detainee.

Nay Win, 48, a Muslim from a nearby township, was arrested after allegedly setting fire to Aye Aye Win, 24, a Shan Buddhist, earlier in the day after the two had an altercation at a petrol station, Lashio police said.

“According to witnesses, she was not burned seriously but has injuries on her face and arms,” Sai Sam Min, a member of parliament from Lashio, said.

“We imposed the curfew at 9pm (14:30 GMT) on Tuesday to control the angry mob which included Buddhist monks,” a police station spokesman, who asked to remain anonymous, said.

“A mosque and a religious school and some houses were destroyed by the mob, but there were no deaths or injuries”.

A local hospital said it had received four people with slash wounds but their injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.

Wayne Hay, reporting from Yangon, said the situation in Lashio had already been brought under control by police.

He said he had received reports that some officials in Lashio, including the fire department, “did very little” to stop the Buddhist mob from attacking Muslim establishments.

Myanmar’s recent sectarian violence has been partly blamed on the 969 movement, launched in February by an extremist monk in Mandalay named Wirathu, who encourages Buddhists to shun Muslim-owned shops.

There are less than 2,000 Myanmar Muslims living in Lashio, sources said, of the city’s estimated population of about 130,000.

The incident in Shan state is the third outbreak of anti-Muslim violence to flare up in Myanmar this year.

On April 30, in Oakkan, about 100km north of Yangon, Buddhists went on a rampage after a Muslim woman allegedly bumped into a monk, breaking his begging bowl.

One Muslim man was killed, and a mosque and 77 houses were set on fire.

In March at least 44 people were killed in sectarian strife in in Meiktila, 450km north of Yangon, where at least 8,000 people, most of them Muslims, were left homeless in riots prompted by an apparent row at a Muslim-owned gold shop.

Deadly unrest last year, mainly targeted at Rohingya Muslims in the western Rakhine state, left about 200 people dead and tens of thousands displaced.

Jim Della-Giacoma of the International Crisis Group says Myanmar needs to address the issue of sectarian violence before it gets worse.

PAGE 34

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

International

Europe and Americas

EU shifts policy focus in quest for growth

A

fter three years of deep spending cuts, the European Union confirmed a shift in policy on Wednesday, telling countries they must focus on structural economic reforms to boost growth, while not abandoning budget discipline.

In a long-flagged move reflecting growing frustration among eurozonegovernments and voters over the hardships of austerity, the European Commission announced that several countries would have more time to meet deficit targets.

The change of emphasis comes as the euro zone struggles to escape a second consecutive year of recession and record high unemployment that has provoked concerns about social unrest.

The EU’s executive said budget

cuts would still have to be made, but since financial markets have calmed after three years of crisis, there was now more “breathing space”, time that should be used to make long-needed reforms.

“The social emergency in many parts of Europe and the increasing level of inequalities in some regions add to the pressing need for reforms,” European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said as he presented the Commission’s recommendations for 23 of the EU’s 27 member states.

“The fact that more than 120 million people are now at risk of poverty or social exclusion in Europe is a real worry,” he said. “We need to reform, and reform now. The cost of inaction will be very high,” he said.

France, Spain, Slovenia and

Poland were all given two more years to bring their deficits below 3 percent of GDP, while the Netherlands, Portugal and Belgium got one more year. At the same time, Hungary and Italy were removed from a list of countries on “budget watch”, along with Romania, Latvia and Lithuania.

Perhaps the most closely watched recommendations were those made to France, the euro zone’s largest economy after Germany, and to Spain, the fourth largest, with both in recession and afflicted with high unemployment French joblessness is above 10 percent and set to grow while in Spain it is 27 percent, with more than half of young people without jobs, giving rise to fears of a lost generation.

Showing just how far the 17-nation euro zone is from returning to health, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development said on Wednesday that the currency bloc would shrink 0.6 percent this year.

Because debt-laden governments cannot afford to jump-start growth through public spending, they must reform the way their economies are run, largely by tackling inefficiencies in labormarkets, pension systems and public services.

The Commission emphasized the need for labor markets to be made more flexible and on the opening up of product and services markets. It also called for Germany to push wages up in line with productivity so that domestic demand is increased.

French arrest suspect in soldier’s stabbing

F

rench authorities have arrested a man suspected of stabbing a 22-year-old French soldier. Prosecutors say that he has admitted to the attack and was probably motivated by “religious ideology”.

Paris prosecutor Xavier Molins said the man, named as Alexandre D and who turns 22 on Thursday, was a convert to Islam who had bought two knives and said a Muslim prayer shortly before stabbing Private First Class Cedric Cordiez in the neck on Saturday.

The suspect, who was detained on Wednesday, carried out the attack just days after the killing of

a British soldier in London by men shouting religious slogans.

“He was known [to police] but we cannot speak of radical Islamism,” Manuel Valls, French interior minister, told iTele television. I remain very cautious.”

The suspect, known to police for crimes such as theft and possession of firearms, was arrested in a Paris suburb early on Wednesday after being identified through fingerprints, a police source told Reuters news agency.

AFP news agency identified the site of arrest as Yvelines, just west of Paris.

Cedric Cordiez was attacked

from behind with a knife or boxcutter while patrolling the La Defense business neighbourhood, a busy underground shopping and transport hub, west of Paris.

He was released from hospital on Monday.

David Chater, reporting from Paris, said: “We have a few details that have been released by both the Interior Ministry and the French police “Apparently they got to him by having very, very clear CCTV images of the actual attack, and they saw this 22-year-old man praying before the attack.

“He was wearing a black sweater apparently with a belt

around it. They say the indications are that this was a pre-planned attack, then he launched the attack on the soldier, stabbing him in the left of the neck.”

French police have said the knife attack may have been inspired by off-duty British soldier Lee Rigby’s murder in London on May 22 by two men shouting religious slogans.

The key suspect in the London attack, Michael Adebolajo, was captured on video carrying bloodied knives and a meat cleaver after the attack, saying he had murdered Rigby because British troops were killing Muslims.

UN anticholera plan in Haiti ‘failing’

U

N efforts to tackle cholera in Haiti are “almost nonexistent”, a charity says, as the world body faces court action for inadvertently starting a cholera epidemic in the country.

Late last year, the UN launched a $2.2bn-appeal (£1.5bn) to improve water supplies in Haiti.

But Medecins Sans Frontieres says this has had almost no practical effect.

The UN is accused of negligently allowing peacekeeping soldiers to pollute Haiti’s water with cholera.

The epidemic, which is spread by infected sewage, has killed more than 8,000 people since late 2010.

“There have been grand plans - a 10-year $2.2bn project,” Duncan McClean, a senior manager for MSF, told the BBC. But the UN plan had not been implemented, he added.

“I travel regularly to Haiti; the impact on the ground today is almost non-existent.”

The UN plan to improve drinking water and sewage outlets - which MSF says is unfulfilled - was widely seen as the international body’s attempt to deflect calls by the victims of cholera for financial compensation.

Six Bosnian Croat ex-leaders convicted of war crimes

A

UN tribunal has found six former Bosnian Croat leaders guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the 1990s Balkan wars.

They were convicted of persecuting and murdering Bosniaks (Bosnian Muslims) and other non-Croats in a plan to create an ethnic Croat state in Bosnia.

The court in The Hague jailed JadrankoPrlic, the leader of the self-proclaimed state, for 25 years.

The other five men received prison sentences ranging from 10 to 25 years.

They are:Bruno Stojic - former defence minister of the breakaway Herceg-Bosna mini-state - 20 years in jail, Slobodan Praljak former militia head - 20 years, MilivojPetkovic - former militia head - 20 years, ValentinCoric former commander of Bosnian Croat military police - 16 years, BerislavPusic - ex-head of prisoner exchanges and detention facilities - 10 years A three-judge panel at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) convicted the wartime leaders by a majority decision.

The judges ruled that murders, persecutions, rape and torture of Muslims “were not committed in a random manner by a few undisciplined soldiers” but were

part of the plan to remove Muslims from the self-proclaimed HercegBosna state in 1993-94.

They also said it was a religiously-motivated campaign, describing how mosques were blown up and Muslim prisoners were forced to recite Christian prayers.

Referring to the forcible expulsion of the Muslim population from the eastern part of the city of Mostar, the panel said: “Muslims were woken up in the middle of the night, beaten and forced to leave their apartments, often still in their pyjamas. Many women, including a girl of 16, were raped by HVO (Croatian Defence Council) soldiers”.

The aim of the Bosnian Croat campaign was to carve out an ethnic Croat mini-state, annexing it later to become part of a greater Croatia.

The judges also concluded that late Croat President Franjo Tudjman was a key participant in the plan.

The six defendants - who voluntarily surrendered themselves to the tribunal’s custody in 2004 - showed no emotion as the court’s verdict was read out.

The trial - which began in 2006 - was the tribunal’s longest running case, the BBC’s Anna Holligan at The Hague reports.

The six former leaders are now expected to appeal

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

PAGE 35

Strange World

Iraqi farmer says he is addicted to eating scorpions

I

smail Jasim Mohammed, a farmer from Samara, Iraq, claims he consumes at least one live scorpion every day, and experiences symptoms of withdrawal if he goes three days without eating a nasty stinger.

When people like David Gracer started preaching about the benefits of eating bugs, I don’t think they meant potentially deadly live scorpions. But that hasn’t stopped 34-year-old Ismail Jasim Mohammed from feasting on them for the last 15 years. Tired of getting stung by scorpions around the village of Agelam, near the Iraqi city of Samara, the farmer decided to turn the tables and give them a taste of their own medicine. One day, he caught a live scorpion, put it in his mouth and ate it alive. He actually liked the taste and he has been snacking on them ever since.

Obviously, he was stung in the mouth a few times throughout the years, but Ismail says that helped him develop an immunity to the scorpion venom. These days, the man is addicted to his unusual

diet, and says he eats at least one scorpion a day. If he goes three days without consuming a nasty critter he experiences signs of withdrawal.

There is no shortage of scorpions around Agelam in the summer, but they are hard to find in the winter months, so in order to satisfy his bizarre craving all year round, Mohammed stocks up on bugs during the summer, and keeps them alive around the house. His wife and children are scared of the dangerous stingers and loath seeing Ismail eat them but they’ve gotten used to scorpions at the dinner table.

Doctor Omar Ibrahim, from the Samarra Hospital examined the farmer and confirmed the scorpion toxin has no effect on him.

Ismail Jasim Mohammed is not the only person who has developed an immunity to venom in a rather unusual way. Steve Ludwin has been injecting snake venom into his bloodstream for over 20 years, to boost up his immune system.

Ismail Jasim Mohammed

Guy walks 1,000 miles in the name of love

I

n our part of the world, grownups are known to build tree houses for their kids, but there exists a parallel culture on this very planet, where the grown-ups themselves live in tree houses.

I’m talking about the Korowai tribe of Papua, Indonesia, that has engineered and survived in towering tree homes as high as 114 feet above the ground. The tribe inhabits an inaccessible jungle located 150 km inland from the Arafura Sea, and was completely isolated from the world, until 1974, when they were discovered by a Dutch missionary. The Korowai tribe consists of a small society

of traditional family ties, hunter gatherers who have been quite popular with the press for their cannibalistic tendencies.

However, what’s most fascinating about the Korowai people is the way they have designed their homes. There are a few reasons why they live up in the trees – to protect themselves from swarming mosquitoes, evil spirits, and of course, troublesome neighbors.

What better way to escape the pesky next-door-neighbor than to hide up in a tree? Ideally, a Korowai tree house is constructed in a clearing, with a large Banyan or Wambom tree serving as the

main pole. Once a suitable tree has been located, its top is removed.

The floor frame is laid down first, made from branches and covered with sago palm. Walls and a roof are added, bound together with raffia. Additional poles are added to the corners for extra support. The average tree home ranges between 8 to 12 meters above ground level, but some go as high as 35 meters.

Each house is sturdy enough to accommodate up to a dozen people.

The Korowai people even have house warming traditions for their tree homes. Every new home is blessed by smearing animal fat at the threshold. A typical Korowai

home is inhabited by a whole family group, pets included. Larger homes have separate fire pits and living spaces for men and women.

Quite understandably, fire is one of the major dangers to these treedwelling tribals. That’s why they have specially designed fire pits – with cut-away floor sections in case of accidents. Even with their superior construction techniques, the lifespan of each tree home is only 5 years.

Ever since their discovery, the Korowai tribe has been an object of fascination for the outside world.

Several articles have been written and documentaries made about

their way of life. Their practice of cannibalism has been a cause of some sensation, but the truth is that the practice is only used by the tribe for criminal justice. The family of the victim is permitted to kill and eat those accused of the crime. The Korowai tribe is not just adept at constructing tree houses, but they are also excellent hunter-gatherers and horticulturalists, practicing shifting cultivation. One of their prime means of income since the early 1990s has been from selling tours into the Korowai region. And to think that just over three decades ago, they did not even know that a world existed outside of their own!

Woman paints the man of her dreams two months before meeting his real-life version

C

hloe Mayo, an amateur artist from Surrey, England, painted a depiction of her dream man two months before meeting him on an online dating site. She was so shocked by the resemblance that she hid the painting for fear he would think she was a stalker.

In 2009, Chloe, who was single at the time, painted a romantic image of her holding hands with a tall, dark, bearded man. The 31-year-old didn’t think too highly of her artwork, so she just left it in a corner of her living-room and forgot all about it. Shortly after, she started looking for love on the internet, and ended up messaging Michael Goeman. The pair seemed to have a lot in common, and after two months of chatting, they decided to meet in person. The moment she laid eyes on him, Chloe was shocked by his resemblance to the man in the painting. Fraid he might think she was some kind of stalker, she put the hid the painting under the bed and

only showed it to Michael after they went on a few more dates. “He was due to come over to my house and I thought that if he saw the picture he would think I was a stalker and a bit weird, so I hid it under my bed,” Chloe said. “About a week later I mustered up the courage to show him and although he looked a bit confused, he saw the funny side when I explained what had happened.”

Luckily, Michael wasn’t put off by his painted clone, and the two continued their relationship. Eighteen months after they first met, he asked Chloe’s hand in marriage, while vacationing in the south of France. Today, the painting is hung in their lounge, and all their friends have started calling Michael, “the man in the painting”. “I never would have thought I’d have predicted my husband and I don’t normally believe in that sort of thing, but I suppose it must be fate,” Chloe Chloe Mayo with suitor Mayo concluded.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

PAGE 36

Digest

Terrible night’s sleep?

Blame your mobile phone

By Emma Robertson

E

lectric lights, including those which illuminate laptop computers, smartphones and tablets, often play a key role in causing people to sleep badly, a leading expert has warned.

Artificial lights disrupt the body’s natural rhythm, affect chemicals in the brain and drive people to use stimulants like caffeine to stay awake longer, according to Harvard academic Professor Charles Czeisler.

Writing today in the journal Nature, the professor of sleep medicine at Harvard Medical School called for research to help develop ‘behavioural and technical’ ways of counteracting the ill effects of artificial light on modern sleeping patterns.

The decline in the number of hours slept per night is affecting public health, including a greater risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, depression and stroke in adults and concentration problems in children, he said.

While all electric light affected

circadian rhythms - the natural body clock - and sleep, night-time exposure to LED lights like those

in phones and computers was ‘typically more disruptive’ than standard electric light bulbs, he

Poor sleep has been linked with health problems including obesity, heart disease and depression

Screen breaks: Illuminated screens have been found to affect the body’s circadian clock - the genetic mechanism which helps regulate sleep - ‘more powerfully than any drug’

said.

‘There are many reasons why people get insufficient sleep in our 24/7 society, from early starts at work or school, or long commutes, to caffeine-rich food and drink,’ he wrote.

‘But the precipitating factor is an often unappreciated, technological breakthrough: the electric light.

‘Without it, few people would use caffeine to stay awake at night.

And light affects our circadian rhythms more powerfully than any drug.’

Between 1950 and 2000, the average person in the UK increased their use of artificial light sources by four times, with a parallel rise in sleep deficiency, Prof Czeisler said.

Artificial light inhibits sleeppromoting neurons in the brain and the nightly release of the hormone melatonin, which aids sleep, while activating neurons that boost alertness, he said.

It fools the brain into delaying its ‘second wind’, which kicked in during the afternoon to see people through to sunset before electric

light was invented, until much later in the day.

He said that as a result of modern technology ‘many people are still checking email, doing homework or watching TV at midnight, with hardly a clue that it is the middle of the solar night’.

In a study, 30 per cent of all working adults in the United States and 44 per cent of night workers reported getting less than six hours sleep a night on average.

Fifty years ago less than 3 per cent of the US adult population slept so little. And around the world, children are sleeping 1.2 hours less on school nights than a century ago, he said.

‘Technology has effectively decoupled us from the natural 24-hour day to which our bodies evolved, driving us to go to bed later,’ he said.

‘And we use caffeine in the morning to rise as early as we ever did, putting the squeeze on sleep.’

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

Teenage girls who exercise are less likely to be violent

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irls who engage in regular physical activity are less likely to engage in violent behaviour, according to a new study.

The research, presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies annual meeting in

The study, carried out

by Columbia University in New York, found that physical exercise did not reduce violent behaviour in boys, unless it was a team sport

Washington, DC, analysed results of a 2008 survey completed by 1,312 students at four inner-city secondary schools in New York.

The survey included questions on how often students exercised, how many sit-ups they did and the time of their longest run in the past four weeks as well as whether they had played in an organised sports team in the past year.

Students also were asked if they had carried a weapon in the past 30 days or if they had been in a physical fight or a gang in the past year.

The results showed that females

who exercised regularly were at a much lower risk of behaving violently.

Females who exercised more than 10 days in a month had decreased odds of being in a gang and those who did more than 20 sit-ups in a month had lower odds of carrying a weapon or being in a gang.

Girls who reported running more than 20 minutes the last time they ran had decreased odds of carrying a weapon.

Those who participated in team sports in the past year had decreased odds of carrying a weapon, being in a fight or being in a gang.

‘There is a need for innovative methods to identify potential interventions to address the issue and lessen the burden it is having on our society,’ said lead author Noe Romo, primary care research fellow in community health in the Department of Child and

Adolescent Health at Columbia University, New York.

Interestingly, exercise was not ass o c i a t e d w i t h a decrease in violent behaviour in males, which could be because a larger proportion of males than females did not answer all of the survey questions, Dr. Romo said.

‘This study is only a start,’ concluded Dr. Romo.

‘It suggests a potential relationship between regular exercise and decreased involvement in violent behavior.

‘Further studies are needed to confirm this association and to e v a l u a t e w h e t h e r exercise interventions in inner-city neighbourhoods can decrease youths’ involvement in violence-related behavior.’

Source: Dailymail. co.uk

Regular exercise has been shown to make girls less aggressive

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

PAGE 37

Democracy Day: We must learn to live together in Nigeria, says Gombe Commissioner INTERVIEW

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ow would you assess Governor Dankwambo’s administration in Gombe state as we celebrate Democracy Day? The last one year has been quite eventful, wonderful, and amazing. The good people of Gombe State have witnessed the beginning of a new era that has ushered in an unprecedented level of transformation not seen before.

His Excellency, Alh. Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo has redefined governance. He has shown that good governance is possible.

The projects being executed so far are testimonies that Gombe State is entering the best days of her life.

You dont need anybody to coerce you because the achievements are visible for everyone to see. Even the worst critics cannot deny that something good is happenning in Gombe State.

The number one priority of His Excellency is education. The transformation taking place in the educational sector is quite amazing.

Our primary and secondary schools have been slated for a complete turn around. Already construction and reconstruction works is going on in earnest in some schools.

The same goes for our tertiary institutions, especially the School of Basic Studies, Kumo, the new College of Education, Billiri and the State University.

Contracts for about 51 miles of roads spanning the whole state is being executed. While some are completed, others are at various stages of completion. The same goes for the gully erosion control projects in Gombe which are at various stages of completion and the multi billion naira Gombe water reticulation and expansion project extending to Kwami, Bojude, and Gadam. We have a lot more happening in the housing, agriculture, rural development, health and other sectors.

Construction of 450 housing units has started in earnest, 25 tractors were refurbished and 35 new ones purchased to reactivate the Tractor Hiring Unit; 20,000MT assorted fertilizer purchased is ready for distribution at heavily subsidized rates to farmers; delivery of 200 brand new tractors from Pakistan is being expected; beautification of Gombe township and installation of street lights is ongoing. A mini power project is coming up at the Balanga Dam; 50 transformers were procured and installed in various communities and 50 more deliveries is being awaited.

Contracts for the purchase of earth moving equipment for the provision of rural roads and dams

Rev. Habu Dawaki is the Commissioner of Information and Orientation, Gombe State and former State Coordinator of Goodluck Jonathan’s Support Group. Dawaki, a motivational speaker, writer, columnist, author and the host of ‘Moment of Destiny’, a daily motivational programme on radio, in this interview with our Correspondent, David Hassan, enumerates the achievements of Gombe state Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo and counsels the people to imbibe the spirit of tolerance. Excerpts:

Rev. Habu Dawaki have been awarded. Plans for an International Conference Center; an ultra modern motor park, a modern secretariat, a children and women hospital have all reached advance stage. The specialist hospital is being expanded and lots more. It’s amazing that someone can achieve this much with so little resources within a space of just one year.

But I believe the most significant achievement of this administration is the restoration of sanity in the society. Before now, you cannot walk the streets without fear of being molested or maimed by restive youths popularly refered to as Kalare. Before now, you can hardly sleep with your eyes closed because dangerous weapon carrying youths are all over our streets, in offices and even houses unleashing mayhem on the populace but this have been contained.

About 1200 of these restive youths were trained as marshalls under the Tolba Youth Rehabilitation and Reorientation Program.These former derelicts and rejects of society are now engaged as responsible citizens serving as marshalls and they are contributing meaningfully to the development of the state.

Another set of 330 restive youths recently graduated from the Leadership Training Center, Shere Hills, Jos and will soon be effectively engaged. The last one year has clearly demonstrated that we have a visionary, purposeful, and well focused leader. It has shown that

we have a leader who is determined, dedicated, determined, devoted and committed to taking Gombe State to higher heights. We have a leader whose actions do not violate his words.

Going back to the educational sector, it was so bad that out of about 18000 pupils who sat for WAEC and NECO, only about 18 have the requisite requirement for admission into Universities. Come to think it, if these young ones are neglected, how do you grow future leaders. But we thank God for the turnaround. The transformation going on is genuine, tangible and visible to all.

Apart from finance, what are hose other challenges facing the administration?

Finance is actually a challenge in Gombe in view of the great vision of His Excellency. Remember Gombe State is about the second to the last on the table in terms of allocation from the federation account.

But we have a leader who, from his background, is effectively and efficiently using our meagre resources to perfom wonders. Well, challenges are a part of life and they come in various dimensions. There are unemployment challenges and many more but governance is all about solving problems for the common good of the people. With God’s help, we shall overcome every challenge. The most pronounced challenge is security which has bedevilled the nation especially the north. A lot has been done and more efforts are being made

towards addressing the situation by security agents. Better believe me, Gombe is a safe haven in the north east sub-region.

Do you believe that active involvement of Clergy men improves the quality of governance in the country?

The active involvement of the clergy may not be the right question. What we need at this point of our development is good people, right thinking people, visionary leaders. We need men and women who think, talk and sleep Nigeria. Passionate people who think in terms of the general good of the citizens. Men and women who are willing to make sacrifices in order to bring meaningful development to their people. I believe we have many of these kind of people in every sector including the clergy. Chances are if we identify these class of people without being sentimental about their background, ethnic group, faith and lots more, we will make tremendous progress. I believe the clergy has a lot to contribute to moving our states and nation forward.

You played active roles in President Jonathanbid campaigns in 2011.

Appraising his stewardship, do you still feel strongly convinced to support him?

Every era has its challenges and President Goodluck Jonathan encountered his own peculiar challenges. I believe at the time we did what we did, it was the right thing to do for the progress and unity of this country. Moreso, President Jonathan represents a symbol of what should be the Nigerian dream. A nation where every citizen can aspire to any level irrespective of his/her background, tribe, religion and lots more.

Well, I dont know of any leader who was not criticized at one point or the other in Nigeria. Sadly, many Nigerians are used to seeing only the negative side of things. We cannot sell ourself short expecting the world to celebrate us. I think we need to have a dramatic change of attitude in this country.

No matter our differences, once a leader emerges, we need to rally round him and give him all the necessary support he requires to move our nation, state, local government or organization forward instead of looking for ways to pull him down.

Mr President has a

transformation agenda and he is working on it. We need to be patient with him. He is doing his best to move this nation forward.

I believe this nation will not only experience peace, it will make progress How has Gombe state been able to manage its admixture of the two major religions in the country without crisis?

I see Gombe State as a mini Nigeria. We have about 22 different ethnic groups with literaly different cultures professing diferent religions living together in harmony inspite of their differences. The good thing about the good people of Gombe State is the fact that they have learnt to understand their differences and accepted each other.

Amazingly, there are many families in the state where you find parents practicing different religions and the children practicing either Islam or Christianity. Nigerians can learn about peaceful coexistence from that.

We all profess to serve this one great and all powerful God. The God who knows everything from the beginning to the end. This same God created all of us different and gave us different tribes, langauges, abilities and lots more. He made the Hausa, Tangale, Tera, Fulani, Bolewa, Igbo, Yoruba, Tiv, I can go on and on. I believe it is ignorance to look down on anybody simply because of his or her tribe, religion, background and so forth. If God wanted all of us to be the same, He would have done so.

Remember, none of us chose our parents, place of birth, state of origin or nation. Some of us practice the religion we profess simply because we were born and grew up in a certain enviroment. Chances are, if one was born in a different environment, the situation would have been different. We must learn to accommodate, appreciate and respect each other. We must come to the table of brotherhood, redefine our values, and think in terms of how to make our land great.

I have always said man is the only thinking animal. Tragically other animals know how to live together even though they dont think but man with all his thinking faculties dont seem to know how to live with his fellow humans. It is a tragedy we all must work hard to avoid.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

PAGE 38

Politics

PDP chieftain tasks North Central elites on youth education

By Abdulwahab Isa

I

mmediate past non-Executive Director of CBN and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Director of Finance, Chief Joshua Ozigi Omuya, has tasked elite class in Kogi Central to commit enough resources to development of youth education.

Omuya said a quality education to the restive youths remains the surest way to stem the tide of youth’s restiveness and hooliganisms in North central.

The PDP chieftain offered the suggestion recently at an annual lecture organized by Club 10 Nigeria Family Luncheon at Hotel Debras in Adavi Local Government.

He expressed worry over the falling standard of education saying the trend if unchecked could have negative impact on youths.

He charged all Ebiras to ensure something was done immediately, pointing out that if his call was ignored, Ebiraland would become something else in the next 50 years.

Omuya frowned upon the way the language, values and traditional norms of Ebira nation were being eroded.

The occasion also featured the commissioning of a borehole financed by the club at Manaka market in Obehira and the re-launch of the native Ebira cloth made into caps and wrappers. Ebira cloth has been a symbol of unity of Ebira people and has been promoted by the Club since 1996.

Meanwhile, a new executive has been constituted to steer affairs of the 37 years old club. Alhaji Kashim Merezu Ojirobe, a deputy Director in the Federal Ministry of Defence, Abuja has emerged the National President .

LG poll: Kwara commission lifts ban on campaigns

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he Kwara Independent Electoral Commission yesterday lifted the ban on election campaigns to enable candidates in the forthcoming council elections sell their manifestoes to the electorates in the state.

The Chairman of the commission, Dr Uthman Ajidagba, announced the lifting of the ban at his maiden press briefing in IIorin.

“Notice is hereby given to all political parties, relevant stakeholders and general public that we hereby notify them of the commencement of 2013 Local Government electioneering campaigns.

The chairman said the commission would continue to monitor the activities of political parties in the state to ensure orderliness and decorum.

Ajidagba gave an assurance that the commission had put in place necessary arrangements to ensure the successful conduct of the election.

He solicited the cooperation and understanding of all political parties and contestants in ensuring a successful council poll in the state.

(NAN)

L-R: Former Minister of State for Health, Chief Gabriel Adukwu, former Nasarawa state Governor, Alhaji Aliyu Akwe-Doma, and former Oyo state Governor, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, during Democracy Day celebration, yesterday at the International Conference Centre, Abuja yesterday.

Photo Joe Oroye

Ihedioha, Shema, others task Nigerians on nation building

By Lawrence Olaoye with agency reports

T

he Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Emeka Ihedioha, on Wednesday in Abuja called on Nigerians to remain steadfast and committed to the task of nation-building.

Ihedioha, who was speaking as Nigeria marked this year’s Democracy Day, commended Nigerians for their patience and resilience in preserving the unity and integrity of the nation.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Oke Epia, the Deputy Speaker said that Nigerians had continually been tasked to make sacrifices for the country, adding that they had been so responsive and understanding. ``They (citizens) deserve commendation and encouragement from leaders and those in authority,’’ the statement said.

Ihedioha urged leaders to double their effort in delivering good life to the people and to leave legacies, which generations to come would be proud of. He called for all hands to be on deck to move the country forward at

all times.

In another development, Gov. Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State has urged the people to stay with PDP because of achievements it recorded in infrastructure and human developments.

Shema made the call yesterday in Katsina while commemorating the Democracy Day in the state. ``People should not forget the good things done by PDP for their development; everyone uses infrastructure provided by the party in one way or the other,’’ he said.

He thanked the people of the state for giving him the mandate to serve them in the past six years.

Shema said his administration had paid WAEC/NECO fees for students, provided fertilisers for farmers at subsidised rate, constructed and sold houses to people at lower rate, among others. ``We should all thank the Almighty God for the achievements we have recorded so far,’’ he said.

In his remarks, the PDP National Deputy Auditor, Sen. Umar Tsauri, commended the Shema administration for executing

numerous projects that had direct bearing on the people.

Tsauri urged the people to continue to support the ruling party for them to be able to enjoy more dividends of democracy.

Also speaking in Jos, Sen. Gyang Pwajok, said that Plateau had played a key role in the emergence of Nigerian democracy.

Pwajok, who represents Plateau North, said in a lecture tagged: ``Bequeathing a lasting legacy’’ which he delivered at event organised by the Plateau Radio Television Cooperation (PRTVC) to mark democracy day celebration.

He said that the people of Plateau did not only play key roles in the democratic dispensation alone, but that their impacts were also felt during military regimes in the country. ``The people of Plateau did play key roles in the emergence of the present democratic dispensation in Nigeria. ``We pioneered the emergence of the coalition G18 that metamorphosed into various political parties that subsequently fought for

enthronement of democracy we are celebrating today. ``Even in the pre-independence era, in the struggles for independence itself, and the formation of different political parties, our impacts were felt in that regard. ``In the various military regimes, Plateau people left indelible marks.

We fought for the unity of Nigeria, especially during the civil war, which resulted in many of our strong and agile sons and daughters losing their lives,’’ he said The lawmaker added that Plateau had a lot to celebrate in Nigerian democracy, adding that the state administration had done well in providing dividends of democracy for the people.

He said that the administration of Gov. Jonah Jang had a trinity of programme which, according to him, were centred on infrastructure development, human capital development and funding. ``This government has also made frantic and relentless efforts in tackling insecurity and insurgency on the Plateau,’’ he said. (NAN)

Akeredolu, stakeholders, urge FG on sustenance of democracy

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ome Lagos-based lawyers have urged the Federal Government to uphold sincerity and transparency in official conduct to ensure the sustenance of the nation’s democracy.

The lawyers made the call in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) as the nation celebrated the 14th Democracy Day. Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), a former President of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), urged the government to prioritise the welfare of the citizenry, adding

that all hands must be on deck to ensure positive transformation of the nation. ``Nigeria as a nation requires true democratic leadership, and this can only be realised if the government constantly placed the welfare of the people as a priority. ``Today’s democracy will be a mere aberration, if efforts are not put in place to redress visible wrongs in the society and evolve workable means to move the nation forward.’’

Akeredolu, therefore, urged Nigerians to continue to pray for the nation to ensure the

preservation of democratic governance.

Mr Ebunolu Adegboruwa, a lawyer and human rights activist, opined that democracy was characterised by good governance and the principle of the rule of law.

He commended the Federal Government for its efforts towards the socio-economic transformation and underscored the importance of ensuring that the masses reaped the dividends of democracy. ``I commend the people of Nigeria for joining hands to

strengthen democracy since military rule had become a thing of the past. ``The institutions of government are also commended for their role in moving the country to where it is today,’’ he said Adegboruwa, however, urged Nigerians to continue to preserve democracy so that the efforts of the nation’s past heroes would not be wasted. ``We must strive to wage war against that cankerworm called corruption, which threatens to ravage our prestigious nation.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

PAGE 39

News Extra Al-Makura inaugurates N2.03bn digital equipment for state broadcast service

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NYCN pledges to pursue youth development programmes T

By Etuka Sunday

he new President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Mr. Yakubu Shendam, yesterday congratulated Nigerians as the nation celebrated Democracy Day. Shendam in a press statement in Abuja, called for the unity among all strata of Nigerians, irrespective of political, tribal or religious inclination.

He thanked the all delegates for their presence and

overwhelming support in the successful and peacefully congress held in Makurdi, Benue state.

He appealed to stakeholders to join him in the interest of nation building that will transform the lives of the teeming youth in Nigeria.

In the statement, Shendam however condemned the attitude of some young people who use violence as means of expressing their grievances.

According to him, “I want to assure Nigeria’s youth that my leadership will do everything

possible to see that governments at all levels carry them along and plan policies with youths at the core of all objectives.”

Meanwhile, the Minister of Youth Development, Alhaji Inuwa AbdulKadir, on Tuesday pledged to partner with the Nigerian Youth Council to move the nation forward.

AbdulKadir made the pledge when he received the 24-member newly-elected executive of the council in his office in Abuja.

The Minister observed that the coming together of the council’s

representatives at the congress held in Makurdi, Benue, this month, showed their willingness to foster unity.

He promised to partner with the council in agriculture and ICT, to divert the energies of young people to productive endeavours to strengthen the nation’s economy.

“We assure you of our support by engaging young people meaningfully in the Ministry’s programmes, to strengthen the cause of youth development,” the Minister said.

overnor Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa on Wednesday in Lafia, inaugurated the new digital outfit of the Nasarawa Broadcasting Service (NBS).

Al-Makura inaugurated the newly installed digital equipment as part of events marking his administration’s second anniversary.

He said the digitization was in compliance with requirements of the International Broadcasting Organisation (IBO) and the NBC that all broadcasting outfits should migrate from analogue to digital system by 2015.

He pointed out that when his administration came on board, the services of the station were epileptic and its signals confined to Lafia metropolis and its environs. ``We saw this as detrimental to other parts of the state as they were completely kept in the dark about policies and programmes of government. ``Indeed, the situation at the time was counter-productive to the development objectives of government,” he added.

According to him, government sees the migration to digital equipment as an opportunity to upgrade the station to narrow the communication gap with the people and to meet international broadcast standards.

He called on the members of staff to redouble their efforts by performing optimally, adding that ``government is committed to providing a conducive working environment for them while also ensuring training and re-training of staff.’’ ``Let me remind the management and members of staff of NBS that your commitment and dedication to your duty is R-L: Nasarawa state Governor, Alhaji Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, and Senator Abdullahi Adamu, during the senator’s condolence visit imperative, especially in this era of to the governor over the death of policemen and SSS officers in Alakyo, on Tuesday at the Government House, in Lafia. competitiveness and the need for self-reliance by government agencies in terms of revenue generation,” he said.

“In order to avoid a repeat of averted had thorough investigation by his Media aide, Rafiu Ajakaye, He said government had resolved From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin said he was saddened by the latest this ugly incident, we call on the been done into that sad incident of to improve its media organisations ormer gubernatorial candidate round of disruption of public peace state government and the police 2012. by approving payment of weighing “While we acknowledge that a of Action Congress of following the alleged shooting of a authorities to thoroughly investigate allowances to workers in the state greater number of our policemen are Nigeria(ACN), Muhammed student by a policeman attached to a this matter. media outfits. law-abiding and dutiful, we cannot “We recall that a similar incident bullion van.

Dele Belgore (SAN), has urged the Al-Makura also said that “We urge caution on the side of avoidable shooting had led to shut our eyes to the excesses of some government was intensifying state government and the Police efforts to reposition the Nasarawa Command to properly investigate of the security agencies especially the killing, also in Ilorin, of one bad eggs in the Force.

“We therefore urge the security Publishing Company Limited and the recent shooting of a student of the police and the Kwara State Muyideen Mustapha Opobiyi, who the Government Printing Press to the Kwara State Polytechnic, by the Polytechnic students who are was involved in the fuel subsidy agencies to always exercise restraint and professionalism even in the face protest of January 2012.Maybe this genuinely irked by the alleged complement the services of the NBS. police in Ilorin. latest shooting would have been of provocations from the populace.”

Belgore, in a statement yesterday shooting of their colleague.

(NAN)

Belgore wants probe of police shooting in Ilorin

F

Ogun govt spends N3.2bn on free textbooks – Amosun

O

gun state government said on Wednesday that it had spent N3.2 billion on the purchase of free textbooks and other instructional materials.

Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun, who disclosed this in his second year anniversary broadcast to the people of the state in Abeokuta, said that the books were distributed to all public primary and secondary school

students..

According to him, a total sum of N5.44 billion has been paid as monthly subvention to all state-owned tertiary institutions from 2011 to date.

He said that the construction of 15 of the proposed 28 model colleges spread all over the 20 Local Government Areas in the state was on course.

The Governor pledged that the

projects would be ready for use as from the next academic session.

He said that his administration had continued to allocate between 22per cent and 25 per cent of its annual budget to education in line with UNESCO’s recommendation.

Amosun explained that the health sector had undergone transformation with the establishment of 100 health care centres and the renovation of

existing health institutions.

He said that the state recently took delivery of medical equipment worth two million dollars, adding that installations in various hospitals had commenced.

Amosun said that 89.9 per cent of pregnant women in the state now attend ante-natal clinic, thereby reducing the child mortality rate by 33 per cent.

Amosun solicited the support and understanding of the people in his mission to rebuild the state.

According to the governor, his two years of governance were full of challenges and successes. ``You will agree with me that we have continued to achieve great strides in all areas of the five cardinal programme of our mission to rebuild ogun state. (NAN)

PAGE 40

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

News Extra BRIEFS

Mystery fire: Misau victims still hunted by inferno

V

ictims of the recent Misau mystery fire disaster in Misau local government area of Bauchi state who migrated to other parts of the council are still being visited by the mystery inferno, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

NAN reports that as a result of the incident some residents of Gurgeldi ward in Misau town of Bauchi State have been rendered homeless, following the outbreak of ‘strange fire’ incident in the area.

Malama Hajara Yusuf, a victim, said she had been visited twice by mystery fire.

Subsidy removal not designed to cause hardship, says Yuguda From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

B

auchi State Governor Mallam Isa Yuguda has declared that removal of fuel subsidy by Federal Government was not meant to increase hardship on the people rather it would pave way for more allocations of funds to states from the federation account.

Mallam Isa Yuguda made the declaration while interacting with

Government owned media, BRC, BATV, Globe FM and NTA to mark the democracy day celebration which was monitored in Bauchi, He then called on Nigerians to support total removal of fuel subsidy to enable states governments get more funds to execute people oriented projects.

He said the monthly allocation for the state was only 3.5bn which he described as insufficient for the

government to meet the yearnings and aspiration of its electorate and pointed out that the delay in completion of some projects were due dwindling of resources and assured that the long awaited Alkaleri – Futuk and Ningi – Burra road will be completed before the end of this year.

The Governor said government is committed to settle the arrears of pensioners adding that the state

government is working hard to ensure that the Federal government releases its part of the funds for onward releases to the beneficiaries.

On the internally generated revenue Yuguda said the state got only 200mn against the set target of over 1bn and attributed the problem to nonpayment of taxes and urged people to always pay their taxes to enable government to execute more meaning full projects.

Adamawa Assembly passes 33 bills in five months - Speaker

S

peaker, Adamawa House of Assembly, Alhaji Ahmadu Fintiri, said that the House had passed 33 public interest bills within this year.

Fintiri said this at a news press briefing to mark the 2013 Democracy Day in Yola on Wednesday.

He said that the Assembly had recorded achievements toward meeting the needs and expectations of the electorate.

“More than 33 public interest bills have been given accelerated passage between January and May this year.

“Our success is anchored on the fact that we have made the hopes and expectations of the people our guiding principle, ” Fintiri said.

Kwara sinks 330 boreholes

T

he Kwara state government said on Wednesday that it had sunk 330 bore holes across the 16 local government areas of the state in the last two years.

The Special Assistant to the Governor on Rural Water, Alhaji Oba Mahmud, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ilorin that 100 bore holes were sunk in Kwara Central Senatorial District.

He said 125 boreholes were sunk in Kwara South Senatorial District while the remaining 85 were done in Kwara North Senatorial District.

L-R: Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr. Osita Chidoka, Adamawa state Governor, Admiral Murtala Nyako, and Secretary to Adamawa State Government, Hon. Kobis Aris, during the Governor Nyako’s visit to FRSC headquarters, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

ASUU protests abduction of members in Benin From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

T

he Academic Staff union of Universities (ASUU), Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State chapter, yesterday protested the reported abduction of over 10 of its members and their spouses in seperate operations by unknown gunmen suspected to be kidnappers; describing it as unacceptable.

The union’s position by its Chairman, Prof. Fred Esumeh and its Secretary, Stanley Omoisoje, the wife of Prof. Raymond Aluede, Dean of Faculty of Education who was abducted while returning from work recently.

It stated that if drastic steps are not taken by authorities concern to curb the ugly trend, the institution

of learning may slide because of fear, giving the circumstances which ‘’Prof.

O.P.G Nmorsi of the Department of zoology, Prof. (Mrs) C. O Isiramen of the Department of Religious and Cultural Management and the Wives of Prof. J.E.A Osemekhian and Dr Ken Imarenezor of the Department of Physics and Microbiology’’ were also abducted.

It said: ‘’In fact, kidnapping of members of ASUU or their wives now occur on a daily basis’’...We believe that this ugly trend has become a pattern and pervasive because little or noting has been done to apprehend the hoodlums as they seem to be having a field day in their nefarious activities’’.

Meanwhile, Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice,

based in Benin City has called on President Goodluck Jonathan and the security agencies in the country to always respect and protect human rights as the nation marks its 14th Democracy Day anniversary.

In a press statement signed by the Executive Director of Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ, Reverend David Ugolor, urge the president and the 36 states’ governors to always consult with the people before carrying out project execution as it is expected in an ideal democratic dispensation.

“Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice as a network committed in the struggle for the entrenchment of good governance call on the president and the

36 states’ governors to be more transparent, accountable and most importantly to always execute people oriented projects as a way of truly reminding the people that they are no longer in the military regime where things sometimes were done without consultation or their consent”.

According to him, the nation security agencies should shun all forms of human rights violation and abuses was a common incident during the military era in the country.

“We specifically call on our security agencies to always respect and protect the fundamental rights of the people which is one of the glorious benefits of democracy and shun all forms of human rights violation and abuses which was a common phenomenon observed during the military regime”.

Aliyu re-affirms commitment to transform Niger

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he Governor of Niger State, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, has said that the government will not go back on its determination to transform the state along its vision 3:2020.

He made this known yesterday in Minna in his Democracy message sent to people of the state via text message,

advised the people of the state to continue to pray for the success of the administration just as he also pledged to continue to work for the overall development of the state.

In the message, Governor Aliyu who is also the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum said that the people should be more security

conscious for the socio economic growth of the state.

“It’s democracy day lets consolidate on the gains of the democratic rule and Rededicate ourselves to the pursuit of peace, unity and socio-economic development of our dear nation”.

“Nigeria will surely be great” Governor Aliyu continued. The

governor marked the 6th year of his administration also Tuesday.

Democracy Day in the state was marked in a low key manner. Apart from the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of a N4.6b shopping mall in Minna performed by governor Aliyu no other ceremony took place.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

PAGE 41

Chicharito to lead Tricolore against Eagles

M

anchester United star Javier Hernandez (Chicharito) and Mallorca forward Giovanni Dos Santos will lead the Mexican national team in the friendly against Nigeria on Saturday, May 31 in Houston.

The duo was named among the 23 players for Tricolore going into their packed campaign in June. Like Nigeria, Mexico will play World Cup qualifiers in June before heading to the Fifa Confederations Cup in Brazil.

Manager Jose Manuel de la Torre will use the game against the African champions to prepare his side. Only six of the called up lads play in Europe while the remaining 17 are based in Mexico.

Full squad is listed below: 1 Jesús Corona - Cruz Azul 2 Gerardo Torrado - Cruz Azul 3 Pablo Barrera - Cruz Azul 4 Jesús Molina - América 5 Francisco Javier Rodríguez - América 6 Diego Reyes - América 7 Raúl Jiménez - América 8 Aldo de Nigris - Monterrey 9 Jesús Zavala - Monterrey 10 Hiram Mier - Monterrey 11 Severo Meza - Monterrey 12 Oribe Peralta - Santos 13 Alfredo Talavera - Toluca 14 Héctor Herrera - Pachuca 15 Ángel Reyna - Pachuca 16 Jorge Torres Nilo - Tigres 17 Carlos Salcido - Tigres 18Guillermo Ochoa - Ajaccio 19Giovani Dos Santos Mallorca 20 Andrés Guardado Valencia 21 Javier Aquino - Villareal 22 Héctor Moreno - Espanyol 23 Javier Hernández Manchester United

Javier Hernández

Ideye hits camp as injury-free Eagles shape up for Mexico

By Patrick Andrew

U

kraine-based lethal finisher, Brown Ideye, hit the Super Eagles camp in Houston, USA yesterday to bring the total number of players available for selection for Saturday morning international cracker against Mexico to 23.

Confirming this yesterday, Team Secretary, Dayo Enebi Achor, disclosed that Ideye, who partnered injured Emmanuel Emenike during the AFCON finals, arrived in camp hours after the team landed at the luxurious Westin Galleria and Westin Oaks Hotel Hotel in Houston.

He also trained with the rest of his colleagues even as the team shapes up for the ‘Game of Continental Kings’ which both the Eagles and the Tricole will use to gear up for the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals qualifiers.

Speaking to the American media, head Coach Stephen Keshi, said there was no injury scare in the team noting that the Eagles will give the North American champions a run for their money.

Judo federation to hold tourney July

D

r Musa Oshodi, the VicePresident, Nigeria Judo Federation (NJF), says the body would organise an open championship from July 18 to July 26.

Oshodi confirmed yesterday in Ibadan that the championship would precede the camping for discovered athletes ahead of the international tourney scheduled to hold later in the year. ``There is a concerted effort by the board members to revive the comatose sport in the country. We have therefore agreed to make the tourney annual to bring life to the federation. ``We will ensure that there are programmes all-year round to make the sports association vibrant. This will attract the support of the Federal Government,’’ he said.

He urged sports journalists in the country to give coverage to other sporting associations apart from football, adding that lack of coverage had hindered the growth of other sports. ``I want to beg the press to give at least one quarter of the publicity given to football to other sports in order to make them grow,’’ he said.

Oshodi also called for sponsorship of sporting events in the country, saying it would further enhance growth of sports in the country.

Brown Ideye However, he reiterated that the main priority is not victory but to use the match to experiment particularly in the top nine position as well

as use it to assess some of the fresh legs he called up ahead of the busy World Cup qualifiers and the FIFA Confederation Cup finals.

“We are delighted with the level of top grade friendlies provided for us and we promise them and the entire Nigerian people that we will not disappoint them in the quest to make Brazil 2014 World Cup.” Also, he assured that, “We have a new understanding to take Nigerian football to the highest height and we can only do that with the national team making it to the Brazil 2014 World Cup,” Keshi said in a telephone conversation with the team’s Media Officer, Ben Alaiya.

Nigeria play Kenya and Namibia away in crucial 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches on June 5 and June 12 respectively, before flying into Brazil through South Africa.

The two teams are preparing for big dates in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup tournament in Brazil, with Nigeria to play World and European champions Spain, South American champions Uruguay and Oceania champions Tahiti in Group B. Mexico, in Group A, will clash with host Brazil and Italy (who have NINE World Cup titles between them) as well as Asian champions Japan.

Neymar arrives in Barca Monday as Monaco present Falcao tomorrow

B

arcelona’s new catch and Brazil star Neymar will be presented to his new club on Moday, according to Brazil’s technical director Carlos Alberto Parreira.

The former Santos player signed a five-year contract with Spanish giants Barcelona, but has permission permission to head to Barcelona after playing for Brazil in Sunday’s friendly match against England in Rio de Janeiro.

The 21-year-old star, whose full name is Neymar da Silva Santos Junior, revealed on Tuesday that he was keen to join Barcelona but wanted first “to focus on the Confederations Cup to try to win the title for Brazil.”

The Confederations Cup, a dry run for next year’s World Cup, will be held in Brazil from June 15 to 30.

Brazil, winner of five World Cups and three Confederations Cups, are preparing for next month’s tournament with two friendly games, one against England on Sunday in Rio’s iconic Maracana stadium, and another against France on June 9 in the southeastern city of Porto Alegre.

Meanwhile, Colombian striker Radamel Falcao, who has been acquired by Monaco will be officially

tomorrow at an end-of-season celebration, according to sources close to the principality club.

The party, which will be held in a marquee near to Monaco’s Stade Louis II, will be attended by Prince Albert and the club’s billionaire Russian owner Dimitri Rybolovlev.

With Atletico Madrid playing their final league game of the season away to Zaragoza tomorrow, Falcao is not expected to be present, but it is believed that Rybolovlev will take the chance to announce the striker’s

signing.

Different sources say that Falcao is set to sign a five-year deal with Monaco but that a clause will allow him to leave for a major club in June 2014.

Monaco and Atletico have already reached agreement on a transfer fee.

While the player’s release clause currently stands at €60 million, reports in the Spanish sporting press indicate that the fee will be 45 million euros, with Falcao earning a net salary of 14 million euros per year.

Neymar

Ramadel Falcao

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

PAGE 42

Sports Turkey Minister begs Drogba over racist act

T

urkey’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Suat Kilic, has met with Didier Drogba and Pierre Webo following racism controversy in the country’s football.

Kilic invited the Ivory Coast international, who recently joined Galatasaray, and the Fenerbahce’s Cameroonian forward to a lunch to discuss the issue.

Photographs of a fan carrying banana and showing it to the black players during a meeting between their clubs last week dominated the headlines in the country.

Webo’s two goals handed Fenerbahce a 2-1 win over the Turkish Super Lig new champions.

“When I was watching, I thought that he would just throw the banana onto the pitch, I did not have the slightest idea that it was a racist gesture,” Kiliç said.

“The incidents saddened us like you,” referring to his guests.

“That was not the first time in the world, it happens. I am really happy in Turkey and I know that it was just an individual act,” Drogba told reporters after their meeting with the minister.

“I think it is best not to speak of it. The more we speak, the worse it gets,” he said. “That was just not right. We know what racism is but we are very comfortable in Turkey.”

Shema hands Katsina Spotlight N73m lifeline T

he Katsina state government and sponsors of Spotlight FC has breathed a lifeline into the team with the provision of N73 million for the prosecution of its campaign in the Nigeria Professional Football League this season.

Team Coordinator, Ayuba Umar, who disclosed this yesterday, said the succour handed to Nigeria National League side, is meant to cater

for their logistics as well as boost their prospect for promotion to the NPFL, next season.

He explained that N43 million of the amount was released in March while the balance of N30 million was paid into the club’s account this month.

According to him the money was for match expenses, salary and the sign-on fees of players and club officials. ``The remaining N30 million

was released this month and was also used in the payment of second round league matches, second quarter salary and the remaining 50 per cent sign-on fees for players and officials. ‘’Part of the money was also used for the establishment of a feeder team in which indigenes will be recruited.’’

The coordinator said the feeder team was to produce more talented players for the pro-

league group A team.

Umar, who said the team was second on the table after the first round league matches, expressed the hope that the club would be promoted to the elite league at the end of the season.

He commended the state government for its continued support to the club, and appealed to corporate organisations to assist the club to achieve more results.

Lewis warns Froch against complacency

Carl Froch left when lost to Andre Ward

F

ormer heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis has warned Carl Froch against lowering his guards if he must get into global reckoning.

Lewis believes Froch has yet to show real champion’s sterner stuff and therefore must raise the bar of his performance to fight the likes of Andre Ward and be respected at the world stage.

The American believes the

Scotman is local champion in spite of his increasing status noting that unless he steps up his quality and performance against topclass fighters he would simply remain a local star.

Froch retained his IBF supermiddleweight title and took Mikkel Kessler’s WBA belt with a unanimous points decision win over the Dane in London on Saturday night.

Lewis says Froch will have to improve significantly to beat the American. “He’s really going to have to go to camp and fix up some of his technical issues,” Lewis told BBC Radio Five’s Sportsweek programme on Sunday.

“He cannot fight the same way he fought in this fight. Against Andre Ward he has to be a little scared because Ward is a serious hombre.

“He’s coming to fight and he’s

looking for that knockout. If he sees a chink in your armour in any way he will seize that opportunity.”

Froch has only lost twice in his professional career, but one of those defeats was against Ward.

Lewis admitted he was impressed with the way the Briton took the fight to Kessler. “Let me tell you he felt really comfortable in there.

“He basically threw a lot of the boxing out of the door and he was just going in there for a smash-up.

He boxed really well, he was in control.”

However, Kessler did connect with a powerful punch in the sixth round and that was an area of concern for Lewis.

“There were a couple of sticky moments that I was concerned about but he did very well. He showed he can take a punch,” Lewis added.

“I was surprised at Kessler because although he looked like the better boxer he just didn’t have the heart for it. Froch had the heart and the willingness. He just wanted to show everybody that he’s a banger.

“He really dug deep. If I was his trainer I would have told him [before the last round] he had won the fight and he did not need to risk anything. But he wanted to risk it and he wanted to go in there and knock Kessler out.”

Roland Garros

Azarenka, Radwanska in 2nd round as Ferrer, Tsonga in 3rd

D

Didier Drogba

ouble Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka reached the second round at Roland Garros on Wednesday but Agnieszka Radwanska’s hopes of playing little sister Urszula for a place in the last 16 were dashed.

Azarenka clinched a 6-1, 6-4 win over Elena Vesnina – her fifth win in five matches against the experienced Russian – and will next face German 19-year-old Annika Beck, the 2012 junior champion, for a place in the third round.

Roland Garros has been Azarenka’s least successful Grand Slam. Having reached at least the semifinals of the other three majors, the 23-year-old Azarenka’s best run

in Paris saw her make the last eight in 2009 and 2011.

But she was relatively untroubled on Wednesday against Vesnina, with whom she reached the final of the women’s doubles in 2009.

Breaks in the second and sixth games of the opening set gave her the foundation for victory in a match held over from Tuesday because of rain.

She was 2-1 up with a break in the second before the 28-year-old Vesnina rallied to level at 3-3.

But it was a brief respite for the world nunmber 38 as Azarenka hit back straightaway to seal the tie after 78 minutes.

Polish fourth seed Agnieszka

Radwanksa, who has never got beyond the fourth round, eased past Mallory Burdette of the United States 6-3, 6-2.

She had been scheduled to tackle her sister for a place in the last 16, but Urszula, who put out Venus Williams in the first round, crashed out 6-3, 6-3 to German qualifier Dinah Pfizenmaier, the world number 127.

Czech seventh seed Petra Kvitova and Russian 12th seed Maria Kirilenko were also early winners of their delayed first round matches.

Meanwhile, David Ferrer, a semifinalist in 2012, made the third round at Roland Garros also

yesterday, beating compatriot Albert Montanes, 6-2, 6-1, 6-3.

Sixth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, France’s best hope of a first men’s champion in Paris for 30 years, defeated Finnish veteran Jarkko Nieminen, 7-6 (8/6), 6-4, 6-3.

Tsonga, a quarterfinalist last year when he squandered four match points against Novak Djokovic, next faces either compatriot Jeremy Chardy or Roberta Bautista Agut of Spain.

Croatian 10th seed Marin Cilic ended the hopes of Australian teenager Nick Kyrgios, the world number 262, by winning 6-4, 6-2, 6-2.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

PAGE 44

Sports Transfer page

Carvalho joins Monaco, Cavani dream Madrid, Barcelona move N Falcao may follow

Ricardo Carvalho

M

onaco have signed Real Madrid defender Ricardo Carvalho and French media reports say Atletico

Madrid striker RadamelFalcao will be next for £50m.

And 27-year-old Falcao, thought to be a target for Chelsea

and Manchester City, also looks set to join Monaco.

The French second division champions, backed by Russian Dmitry Rybolovlev, have already spent £60m on Porto duo Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez.

Carvalho, who won 75 caps for Portugal before his retirement from international football in August 2011, has joined on a free transfer.

He links up with former Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri, who steered Monaco back to Ligue 1 having been appointed in May 2012.

Colombia international Falcao has scored 70 goals in 88 games for Atletico since moving to Spain from Porto in August 2011.

Fiorentina open to Jovetic bids

F

iorentina have confirmed that in-demand forward StevanJovetic “wants a new experience”, and that the club are prepared to sell the player if they receive the right offer.

Jovetic, 23, has been widely tipped for a big-money move this summer, with the likes of Arsenal, Juventus and Manchester City among those reportedly interested.

SandroMencucci, the Viola general manager, has now revealed that the Montenegro international is seeking a move elsewhere, but said that any potential suitors will have to meet the club’s valuation, believed to be around €30 million.

Mencucci went on to add that midfielder AdemLjajic, who has also attracted interest from around Europe, looks set to stay at the

L

KoloToure

for Uruguay’s busy upcoming schedule, which includes a friendly against France on June 5, a World Cup 2014 qualifier against Venezuela on June 11, and the Confederations Cup, which begins June 16.

With Cavani’s current contract still having four years left to run, and Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis reportedly unwilling to accept anything less than the €63 million release clause, a summer transfer is far from certain.

Cavani

Grenier deny Arsenal link

A

rsenal target Clement Grenier has admitted he has already made a decision about his future, but is not prepared to reveal it just yet.

The Gunners, in particular, are keen to priseGrenier, 22, away from Lyon where he emerged from the youth academy to become a bona fide first-team regular last season.

A pair of sublime free-kicks, scored in the last two games of

the Ligue 1 campaign to help OL clinch a return to the Champions League, merely added to the lustre that Grenier has developed this season.

Almost offloaded to Nice, against his wishes, last summer, the France Under-21 international was only retained when YoannGourcuff, 26, sustained a knee injury early in the campaign.

StevanJovetic club.

Fiorentina finished fourth in Serie A this season, just two

Liverpool sign Toure from Manchester City iverpool has agreed a deal to sign Manchester City defender KoloToure.

apoli striker EdinsonCavani says he dreamed as a boy of playing for Real Madrid or Barcelona and “nobody knows yet” what his future holds.

Cavani, Serie A’s top-scorer last season, has been heavily linked with a move to Madrid in the Spanish press, while Manchester City and Chelsea are also thought to be very interested in taking him to England.

The 26-year-old is currently back in South America preparing

The 32-year-old Ivory Coast international will move to Anfield on 1 July when his contract at Etihad Stadium expires.

Toure has made 102 appearances for City since joining from Arsenal for £14m in July 2009 and was part of the team that won the Premier League in 2011-12.

But he played only 13 games in 2012-13 and was left out of the club’s Champions League squad.

Toure joins the Merseyside club following the retirement of fellow central defender Jamie Carragher and with uncertainty over the future of Slovakia international Martin Skrtel.

In seven seasons at Arsenal, Toure won the FA Cup twice and was part of the ‘Invincibles’ squad that went through the 2003-04 season unbeaten to win the Premier League.

points off Champions League qualification.

Vermaelen to stay at Arsenal

Clement Grenier Vermaelen

T

homas Vermaelen insists he is still happy at Arsenal and will battle to regain his place in the team.

Vermaelen, 27, was named Arsenal captain last summer, but he endured a difficult campaign and lost his place in March as Arsene Wenger instead opted for Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker.

That has led to speculation the defender could move on this summer amid suggestions he could lose his place with the Belgian national team ahead of next year’s World Cup, but he insists he is not seeking an exit.

Arsenal has been linked with a move for Swansea centre-back Ashley Williams, who could be sold this summer.

Reina remains coy over Barcelona

P

epe Reina has once again spoken about a “hypothetical” move to Barcelona but stressed that he remains very happy at Liverpool.

Victor Valdes is widely expected to leave Barcelona this summer, having decided against renewing a contract that runs out in 12 months’ time, and Reds goalkeeper Reina has been strongly linked.

Reina began his career at the Camp Nou, leaving in 2002 to spend three years at Villarreal before moving to Liverpool, and has spoken on several occasions about a move back to Barca.

His father, Miguel, who played in goal for Barca between

1966 and 1973, has also suggested his son would be a good longterm replacement for Valdes.

Reina, speaking in Spain at the launch of his new personal website, www.pepereina25.com, said: “I do not believe I would consider moving to another club.

Reina

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

PAGE 45

Sports

IOC reconsiders wrestling, 2 others for 2020 Games W

restling, Squash and baseball/softball beat off five other sports to remain in contention to be added

to the Olympic Games programme in 2020.

Since February when the decision to drop these sports

Daniel Igali, President Nigeria Wrestling Federation

were taken, there had been a high-profile global campaign against the decision, especially for wrestling.

Eight sports presented a bid to the International Olympic Committee executive board in St Petersburg yesterday pleading for inclusion in the 2020 Olympic Games. The three above were successful.

The IOC dropped wushu, wakeboarding, roller sports, karate and sport climbing from the shortlist, but will decide on one remaining place in the programme in September. “It was never going to be an easy decision,” said IOC President Jacques Rogge.

A space was freed when wrestling was originally dropped in February - though it was then allowed to reapply.

It remains in the running after the IOC executive board voted for it following 30-minute presentations by each international federation.

Baseball and softball were dropped as individual sports after 2008 in Beijing, while squash has never been played

at the Olympics, although it is a Commonwealth Games sport.

The IOC initially recommended the removal of wrestling after assessing the performance of all 26 sports at the London Games, but it could now be granted a reprieve.

Softball had a presence at the Olympic Games, solely for women, between 1996 and 2008. It was then dropped from the programme for 2012, as was men’s baseball, which had appeared sporadically at the Olympics since 1904.

Whichever sport succeeds in the September vote will be added to the 25 core sports, plus golf and rugby sevens.

To remain relevant to sports fans of all generations, the Olympic programme commission systematically reviews every sport following each edition of the Games.

The commission uses 39 criteria in determining a sport’s suitability for the Olympic Games, including youth appeal, universality, popularity, good governance, respect for athletes and respect for the Olympic values.

Golf and rugby sevens are the latest sports to be added to the Olympics and will debut at Rio.

Scala wants Warner, Blazer to face law

F

ormer CONCACAF leaders Jack Warner and Chuck Blazer should face the full force of the law for their alleged misdemeanours during the two decades that they ran the confederation, Domenico Scala, the head of FIFA’s Audit and Compliance Committee said yesterday.

“In the case of Jack Warner and Chuck Blazer this has far bigger implications than just (FIFA’s) Ethics Committee, or the rules of the game,” Scala said at a rare media briefing the day before FIFA’s annual congress starts.

“There is sufficient suspicion that they have gone against the law and this will become an issue for the FBI and the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) in the case of taxation.

“So here the Ethics Committee and the world of FIFA stops - and people who have gone against the law will have to deal with the law.”

Former FIFA vicepresident Warner from Trinidad & Tobago, who was the president of CONCACAF for 21 years, and Blazer of the United States, his general secretary for most of that time, were both members of FIFA’s executive committee.

Warner turned his back on football after being implicated in a bribery scandal in 2011, while Blazer has also left the game although, on a technicality, he is suspended from FIFA’s executive committee until Friday.

The two men were vilified in a report commissioned

by CONCACAF, the

63rd FIFA Congress begins today in Mauritius

M

auritius is to host the 63rd FIFA Congress today and Friday, at the Swami Vivekananda International Convention Centre in Port-Louis, the Mauritian capital.

According to the MFA, the meeting at the FIFA executive committee level started on Tuesday with the work agenda highlighting major FIFA Competitions such as the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

The agenda also include the

upcoming FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil, June 15 – June 30 and FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco, along with various male and female world tournaments under different age groups.

The MFA said discussions during the 63rd Congress would focus on several issues such as goal-line technology, Club Protection Programme and threats posed to football (discrimination, racism and match manipulation).

Jack Warner

Chuck Blazer

confederation responsible for soccer in North and Central America and the Caribbean, and published at their Congress in Panama in April after the examination of 5 000 documents and the testimony of 38 individuals.

“If you read the CONCACAF integrity report it does not say anything positive or polite (about them),” said Scala, a 48-year-old Swiss industrialist who is charged with enforcing new financial controls at FIFA as well as guiding the body’s reform process on to the statute books.

“It’s a horrible document so therefore whatever they are saying today is frankly useless and worthless because, over an extended period of time, they abused the system.

“I cannot judge on the other

cases (of FIFA corruption) as I have no insights but I think it is a stretch to say now that what happened in CONCACAF happened in all the confederations.”

Scala said he had spoken to Warner’s successor as CONCACAF president, Jeffrey Webb, adding: “I said this to the new CONCACAF president - this issue is now one for the government e n t i t i e s a n d has passed (beyond) the FIFA world.”

Scala said that as a result of greater scrutiny of FIFA’s planned development grants, projects in seven countries had been halted because of concerns over accounting.

“From now on, no matter what went on in the past, we are going to make sure that FIFA’s development money is used for the purpose it is intended,” he said.

CAF Committee: Onigbinde bears no grudge over exclusion

N

igeria’s CAF and FIFA instructor, Adegboye Onigbinde has said he is not pained missing re-nomination for the Africa’s football body standing committees for the period of 2013 and 2015.

Onigbinde has been a regular on the CAF technical committee but that slot has been assigned to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) executive member, Yusuf Ahmed Fresh.

NFF president, Aminu Maigari and his immediate predecessor, Sani Lulu as well as first vice-president, Mike Umeh, chairman of technical committee, Barrister Chris Green and Emeka Inyama among others were named into various Caf committees.

The former Nigerian manager said the choice of nominees is strictly a domestic affair and not a birthright of any individual.

“The issue of nomination is strictly Nigeria’s domestic affairs as such I’ll be fooling myself to expect the present dispensation to put my name on any of the Caf standing committees when they are the ones that insisted on removing my name from the South Africa Afcon list and minute same to caf.

“First, I’ve been on the CAF technical committee for 25 years, so it won’t be unexpected for people to think it’s time to make a change.

“I think I should sit down and watch events unfold, I’ve paid my dues in Africa and in the world as such I have no reason whatsoever to entertain any form of regret rather I feel a strong sense of fulfilment.

“However, that’s not to say I don’t have more to offer to Nigeria if genuine request is made. Note I’m not the only one removed on the CAF list. Sani Toro and Dominic Oneya, among others were removed, too.

“Of course, it’s only natural for those at the helm of affairs to try to fill their names and friends by rubbishing those who were there previously.

“But new persons must break into the ranks if ever they’ll do that to make impact in the committees. CAF and FIFA still communicate to me on regular basis.

“I’m preparing letters of gratitude to CAF and FIFA for finding me worthy to serve in several committees. I never see myself as indispensable.

“Anybody, who serves Nigeria and expects thank you is merely preparing for heart attack. I’m neither expecting thank you nor a heart attack. I’m fulfilled with my contributions in every assignment I’ve found myself,” he said to supersport.com.

Adegboyega Onigbinde

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

PAGE 43

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THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. OKOYE OBIORA CHUKWUDUM 2. NWANZE GODWIN 3. ERIOBUNA NWOKEDIE 4. EJIDIKE ONUORA GABRIEL 5. OKOYE JOHN NNAEMEKA

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. PASTOR LEON SESSOU 2. PASTOR JAMES SUNDAY TOKUNBO 3. DEACONESS ANTHONIA SESSOU 4. PASTOR IDOWU SUNDAY

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. PASTOR PAUL UZONWANNE PRESIDENT 2. PASTOR MRS MAGDALENE UZONWANNE 3. JULIET OGHALI SECT 4. OGHALI DONATU

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1. TO UNITE THE MEMBERS OF COMMUNITY 2.TO PROMOTE THE WELFARE OF MEMBERS. 3.TO PROTECT THE INTEREST OF MEMBERS.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1. TO DISSEMINATE THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST & ASSEMBLE FOR FELLOWSHIP 2. TO PROVIDE BASIC NEW TESTAMENT DISCIPLESHIP TO ALL.

ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL,CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: OKOYE OBIORA CHUKWUDUM

ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL,CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL,CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

IJAW ENTREPRENEURS FOUNDATION

APPLE OF GRACE SOCIAL CLUB OF NIGERIA

JOLBOD CENTRE FOR INT’L HEALTHCARE AND PSYCHIATRIC

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CLUB HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CENTRE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. EZEAGWU CHIDOZIE JOHNPAUL - PRESIDENT 2. EJEMENU GIBSON SOPURUCHUKWU - SECRETARY 3. CHIJIOKE ODIKA 4. NWAOGWUGWU CHINEDU

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. MRS AMINAH ESTHER ALLISON 2. MRS ADESINA SIMBIAT JOLAADE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. JIMMY BOMO OKOROH 2. MR SEIFA TOBI 3. MR TIMI GREEN MADUBUIKE 4. MRS IRENE EBIERE MUSAH 5. MR EBIZIMO KOROYE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1. TO SHAPE THE AFRICA ECONOMY BY 2050 WITH AN ENTREPRENUERIAL VISION OF CREATING WEALTH AND SOCIAL JUSTICE. 2. TO PROVIDE ECONOMIC AND ENTERPRISE MECHANISMS TO IJAW ENTREPRENUERS ALL OVER THE WORLD THROUGH APPLICATIONS OF INDUSTRY BEST PRACTICES, LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL NETWORKS AND STRENGTHENING OF BUSINESS STRUCTURES. 3. TO GROW AND ESTABLISH YOUNG PROSPECTIVE ENTREPRENEURS TO BECOME FUTURE CAPTAINS OF INDUSTRY WITH THE AIM OF CREATING ECONOMIC INDEPENDENCE, INCREASED VALUE FOR SERVICES PROVIDED. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL,CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1. TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE OF ITS MEMBERS.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1. TO RENDER HEATHCARE AIDS TO PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS AND ENTIRE POPULACE WITH ANY AILMENTS. 2. TO FOSTER CO-OPERATION AMONG THE MEMBERS.

ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL,CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARR. TOBE LORDLY

ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL,CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE ORGANISATION OF EXPERIENCED YOUTH OF EBIRA THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ORGANISATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. ENGINEER. ADAMS ADIEZA JATTO 2. BARISTER. BUNYAMEEN UTHMAN ALIYU 3. COMRADE ABUBAKAR YUSUF MOMOH 4. ALICE JAMES (MRS) 5. LAMIDI ABDULRAHMAN ABE 6. ADIBA MOMOHJIMOH RAJI 7. SALAWU ALABI ADAMU THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1. TO PROMOTE THE WELFARE AND WELLBEING OF MEMBERS AND TO PROMOTE A FORUM FOR DISCUSSIONS ON ALL MATTERS ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL,CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

THE OIL OF JOY ASSEMBLY THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

CHANGE OF NAME I, MR JOSEPHAT IKECHUKWU NWOSU WAS BORN ON 3RD MARCH 1978 AND NOT 3RD DAY OF MARCH, 1968 AS INDICATED ON MY INTERNATIONAL PASSPORT NO. A02872808 ISSUED ON 6TH DAY OF APRIL, 2011. NIGERIAN IMMIGRATION SERVICES AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME I, MR JOSEPHAT IKECHUKWU NWOSU WAS BORN ON 3RD MARCH 1978 AND NOT 3RD DAY OF MARCH, 1968 AS INDICATED ON MY INTERNATIONAL PASSPORT NO. A02872808 ISSUED ON 6TH DAY OF APRIL, 2011. NIGERIAN IMMIGRATION SERVICES AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. PASTOR OLANREWAJU BUDFORTH 2. PROGRESS NUHU ABDULMALIK 3. EPPIE DADA 4. BARR. MRS PEARL AMARACHI TAMUNOIBM DOUGLAS THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1. TO PREACH THE GOOD NEWS OF JESUS CHRIST ALL OVER THE WORLD. 2. TO ORGANIZE CRUSADES, SEMINARS AND CONFERENCES. 3. TO CARRY OUT INTERCESSORY PRAYER SESSIONS FOR SALVATION OF SOULS. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL,CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARR. MRS PEARL AMARACHI TAMUNOIBM DOUGLAS

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

PAGE 12

PUBLIC NOTICE

CHRIST AWARENESS CHURCH INTERNATIONAL THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. PROPHET ADEBISI MUKAILA MICHAEL CHAIRPERSON/FOUNDER 2. MR SUNDAY TUNDE ODUOYE 3. MR J. OLUFEMI FAYEUN 4. MRS DORCAS AYOBAMI ALAO THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1. 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST TO THE WHOLE WORLD 2. TO PROMOTE CORE CHRISTIAN VALUES, BELIEFS AND PRINCIPLES AS ESPOUSED BY THE HOLY BIBLE. 3. TO EQUIP MEN AND WOMEN FOR LEADERSHIP, BUSINESS, FAMILY AND GOSPEL MINISTRIES. 4. TO BRING ALL PERSONS TO THE SAVING KNOWLEDGE OF GOD AND JESUS CHRIST HIS SON THROUGH THE STUDY OF THE HOLY BIBLE. 5. TO ENGAGE GENERALLY IN HUMANITARIAN WORKS CAPABLE OF REDUCING POVERTY IN THE SOCIETY, ETC. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL,CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: OLADIMEJI O. OLANIRIAN ESQ 40A, ALATISE SHOPPING COMPEX PEPSI COLA AREA, NEW IKIRUN ROAD OSOGBO, OSUN STATE, NIGERIA.

PUBLIC NOTICE PARK ROAD AND SHOP GENERAL GOODS TRADERS ASSOCIATION, GWAGWALADA ABUJA

ASSOCIATION FOR ADVANCEMENT OF SPORTS IN MBAISE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. ODO CELESTINE FRIDAY 2. STANLEY EKEKE 3. NZEKWE FIDELIS IKECHUKWU 4. REUBEN EZEIGWENEME 5. EBEREM JACK OGBONNA 6. NZEKWE SAMPSON OBINNA THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1. TO PROMOTE ECONOMY WELFARE OF MEMBERS. 2. TO PROMOTE BUSINESS ENTERPRISES OF THE TRADERS. 3. TO PROMOTE SPIRIT OF ONENESS, GOODWILL, LOVE AND HARMONY AMONG MEMBERS. 4. TO REDUCE POVERTY AMONG MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL,CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: ODO CELESTINE FRIDAY (08065377490)

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

TIMBER PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGER-DELTA

CROSSRIVER INDIGENES DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. VINE NMELU DINNIE 2. HON. IZONFADEI AJOKO 3. IFEANYI ONEDIGBE 4. ASABORO SUPERIOR 5. NDUBADEN AGBADAKIRI

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. SENATOR VICTOR NDOMA-EGBA (OFR)SAN 2. SENATOR PRINCE BASSEY OTU 3. SENATOR PROF. BEN AYADE 4. SENATOR KANU AGABI 5. HON. DR. MRS ROSE OKO 6. WINIEFRED EKANEM OYO-ITA 7. ELDER (HON) LEKAM OFEM OKOI 8. RTD CP LAWRENCE ALOBI (MON) 9. ELDER ETENG IBIANG ETENG 10. NDABO EDEM ARCHIBONG

CHAIRMAN SECRETARY

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1. 1. TO HELP IN BUILDING THE NATION 2. TO CREATE SOUND FOREST MANAGEMENT AND AWARENESS OF ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF FOREST PRODUCT. 3. TO SECURE RECOGNITION OF THE BENEFICIAL INFLUENCE OF THE TREES AND FOREST ON CLIMATE, THE CONSERVATION OF LAND AND WATER RESOURCES, AND CONSERVATION OF WILD LIFE. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL,CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1. TO PROMOTE DEVELOPMENT 2. TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE OF MEMBERS AND THE SOCIETY. 3. TO FOSTER FRIENDSHIP AND PEACE AMONG MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL,CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: KAMIL ABDULRAHEEM (07037970193)

PUBLIC NOTICE NSUKKA OFUOBI PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION ABUJA THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. SUNDAY UGWUOKE CHAIRMAN 2. AMORHA OBINNA SECRETARY 3. IFEANYI ABAH 4. CLEMENT ASOGWA 5. NATHANIEL EZE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1. TO PROMOTE THE UNITY AND WELFARE OF MEMBERS. 2. TO SERVE AS A FORUM OF SOLVING PROBLEMS FACING THE MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION WHO ARE INDIGENES OF NSUKKA IN ABUJA. 3. TO MAINTAIN CLOSE RELATIONSHIP AMONG ALL NSUKKA BROTHER’S IN ABUJA. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL,CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: AMORHA OBINNA ESQ (08062631263)

PUBLIC NOTICE

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public of the loss of Original Statutory Right of Occupancy with new file No. FCT 20004 and old file No: FCT 59 R.O dated 12/8/2004 in respect of plot No: 284 approximately 1100:00SQ.M. In Cadastral Zone B02 of Durumi, belonging to IBRAHIM DANLAMI got missing.

All efforts made to trace the said document proved abortive. If found, kindly return to the nearest police station. FCDA and the general public to please take note.

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. HRH. JOHN CHINEKEZI OGU 2. THOMAS SEDE 3. ADEWALE OTITOJU 4. JOAN UGOCHI OGU THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1. TO PROMOTE INTEREST IN SPORTS IN THE COMMUNITY FOOTBALL. 2. TO ORGANIZE FOOTBALL COMPETITIONS THAT WILL INVOLVE YOUTHS OF THE COMMUNITY IN ORDER TO HARNESS TALENTS AND DEVELOP SUCH TALENT. 3. TO ORGANIZE AND PROMOTE OTHER FOOTBALL/SPORTING COMPETITIONS WHERE THE PEOPLE OF THE COMMUNITY WILL BE INVOLVED AND DEVELOP THE SPIRIT OF SPORTSMANSHIP, COMMUNALISM AND HARMONIOUS COEXISTENCE. 4. TO ADVANCE THE INTEREST OF SPORTS ACTIVITIES WHICH WILL ENGAGE THE YOUTHS OF THE SOCIETY. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL,CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE ZION ARK OF COVENANT BIBLE CHURCH THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. PASTOR VICTOR GREAT KWENTOA 2. PASTOR IFEOMA RITA KWENTOA 3. MASTER SAMUEL GREAT IFECHUKWUDE KEWNTOA THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1. TO SPREAD THE GOSPEL OF GOD ALL OVER THE WORLD. 2. TO PREACH THE GOOD NEWS ABOUT REDEMPTION THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL,CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public of the loss of the Original Offer Letter in respect of plot No. 727, Dakibiyu District Wuye, Abuja issued in favour of FELIX OSAGHAE, belonging to ALHAJI ABDULKARIM UMAR got missing.

All efforts made to trace the said documents proved abortive. If found, please contact the nearest police station. General public take note.

PAGE 47

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

Leisure Some Interesting Facts About 400 billion gallons water is used worldwide each day.

The moon is one million times drier than the Gobi Desert.

From a distance, Earth would be the brightest of the 9 planets. This is because sunlight is reflected by the planet’s water.

Earth travels through space at 66,700 miles per hour.

Asia Continent is covered 30% of the total earth land area, but represent 60% of the world’s population.

The world’s deadliest recorded earthquake occurred in 1557 in central China, more than 830,000 people were killed.

The Persian Gulf is the warmest sea. In the summer its temperature reaches 35.6 degrees centigrade.

Sunlight can penetrate clean ocean water to a depth of 240 feet.

Louisiana loses about 30 square miles (78 square kilometers) of land each year to coastal erosion, hurricanes, other natural and human causes and a thing called subsidence, which means sinking.

Only 3% water of the earth is fresh, rest 97% salted.

Of that 3%, over 2% is frozen in ice sheets and glaciers.

Means less than 1% fresh water is found in lakes, rivers and underground.

The total surface area of the Earth is 197 million square miles.

The word “Arctic” comes from the ancient Greek Arktikos, or “country of the great bear.”

Though the Greeks had no knowledge of the polar bear, they named the region after the constellation Ursus Major, the Great Bear, found in the Northern Sky. About 540 volcanoes on land are known. No one knows how many undersea volcanoes

h a v e e r u pted through history.

A huge underground river runs underneath the Nile, with six times more water than the river above.

Angel Falls in Venezuela is the worlds highest waterfall, The water of Falls drops 3,212 feet (979 meters).

The deepest depth in the ocean is 36,198 feet (6.9 miles or 11 kilometers) at the Mariana Trench, in the Pacific Ocean well south of Japan near the Mariana Islands.

In 1934, a gust of wind reached 371 km/h on

Mount Washington in New Hampshire, USA. Average 100 lightning strikes occur worldwide every second.

Earth is tipped at 23 and 1/2 degrees in orbit. That axis is what causes our seasons.

The deepest hole ever made by humans is in Kola Peninsula in Russia, was completed in 1989, creating a hole 12,262 meters (7.6 miles) deep.

Earth’s atmosphere is actually about 80 percent nitrogen. Most of the rest is oxygen, with tiny amounts of other stuff thrown in.

Say what?

SUDODKU

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Adventurous: The Austrian climber Alex Luger, 25 took on the towering torrent in temperatures of -18C with just a pair of ice picks to haul himself to the top, in Switzerland Source: Dailymail.co.uk

www.peoplesdailyng.com

QUOTABLE QUOTE Develop your marking scheme and mark us.

. . . putting the people first

THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

SPORTS LATEST

2014 World Cup tickets to go on sale

Q

ualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup is in full swing and the first teams to book their places for next year’s showpiece event will be known in June, when Asia will have their final and decisive matches.

Fans are already eagerly awaiting the opening of the first ticketing phase for the tournament, which takes place in 12 cities across Brazil between 12 June and 13 July 2014.

As of 20 August 2013, football fans around the world will have the opportunity to purchase tickets. Ticket prices and all further details on the ticket sale will be available on FIFA web site from 1 July 2013.

Swansea needs £200m to remain in EPL, says manager

M

anager Michael Laudrup believes only a huge financial investment will enable him to improve on Swansea City’s ninth-place finish in the Premier League.

He said: “Unless we find a couple of hundred million pounds I think last season we achieved nearly the maximum we can in terms of the table.

“There are always things you can improve, but there are not many higher positions we can look at.

Laudrup’s first season in charge is being hailed as the most successful in Swansea City’s history.

In addition to their ninth-place finish in the Premier League, the Swans won the Capital One Cup, which earned them a place in the Europa League.

However, improving on that success will be a major challenge, according to the 48-year-old, who was appointed manager of Swansea on 15 June 2012 following the departure of Brendan Rodgers to Liverpool.

Laudrup wants to strengthen Swansea’s squad to meet next season’s challenge, specifically targeting a striker to share the goalscoring burden with topscorer Michu.

Selling Joe Allen , Scott Sinclair and Danny Graham has generated funds for recruitment, and the club are set to face a similar scenario this summer as they decide whether or not to sell Ashley Williams.

ADVERT: BUSINESS: NEWS: LAGOS:

0803 0805 0814 0805 0803

— President Goodluck Jonathan challenging critics of his government

Democracy and expectations in Nigeria T

here have been hue and cry over whether Nigeria should retain May 29 as its democracy Day or it should revert to October 1.

Both days hold significance for Nigerians, but for different reasons.

And as such they either elicit animosity or excitement. Advocates and adherents of May 29 see it as a day in which some people forced the military out of power against their wish. Quite contradictorily, others see it as a day foisted on the Nigerian people by the military; that rather than affirming democracy, it meant the funeral of democracy.

Some argued that Nigeria was in a hurry to have something done, to rewrite the history of democracy and hence they wanted to turn a new leaf in authoritarian rule.

Yet, some have argued that subsequent events after May 29, 1999 did not suggest that much was achieved in democratic consolidation. First, the adherents of this school of thought marshaled the point that those who are beneficiaries of power today or since May 29, 1999 were not those who struggled for it, hence they do not even know, neither do they appreciate the meaning of democracy-having being mere opportunistic gatecrashers and beneficiaries of the struggle for democracy. Second, some argued that those who took over power on May 29, 1999 were anti-M.K.O Abiola, to the extent that they in one way or another worked to undermine the June 12 struggle.

On the other hand, October 1 was seen as a culmination of the struggle for decolonization, anti-racism and emancipation. Hence, October 1 is said to be more politically superior to May 29. Indeed, May 29 is said to be an aberration, a political oddity and an anathema that impinges on our democratic credentials as a nation state.

My take on this is that symbols and symbolisms are important in the political life of a people and nation state; hence we shall continue to have emotional attachment to October 1st, as we shall have several political interpretations of May 29.

Just like a myth, what is important is not whether it is true or false, but what we make out of our present existence or the use to which we are able to put those symbolisms is far more important.

Ordinary Nigerians are unhappy, disenchanted with, and disappointed by the political class.

This is because every where they turned they find failure or defeat.

The promises of the struggles of independence have been betrayed.

The promises of the struggle for June

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GUEST COLUMNIST Kayode Oladele

President Goodluck Jonathan 12 have been betrayed; the promises of the struggle of antimilitarism have also been betrayed. The electoral promises of the political class to the people have been betrayed. The civil servants have betrayed the people, the private sector operators have betrayed them, and the bankers have also betrayed them. It is a galore of betrayal, nationwide.

Undergirding this betrayal is greed and corruption. The cost of corruption in Nigeria is socially and economically heavy and burdensome. Poverty and crime, unemployed and underdevelopment are some of its social consequences.

We are paying the price of bad governance and the culture of impunity in Nigeria. Nobody cares about the public interest; everyone is so inward looking and individualistic that we are losing the meaning and essence of patriotism. But where will all this take us? Failure rate at WAEC is over 80%, failure rate in JAMB is over 70%; unemployment rate is almost 50 million, PHCN of Nigeria cannot meet the minimum 6,000 Megawatts set for it in the past 10 years. The EFCC cannot conclude the prosecution of corrupt politicians due to the inherent weakness of Nigeria’s criminal justice system and the corruption in the judiciary. The Police have remained the chief extortionist agency in Nigeria with even an Inspector-General charged with corruption and unaccountable police funds. Many state Governors

left office richer than their states.

Everywhere we turn we find ignorance, poverty and disease.

Infrastructure have collapsed, the notion of the public good has disappeared and a new discourse whose root is to be found in the head offices of the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Trade Organizations (WTO) has taken over in Nigeria.

Our role as a developing country is now being re-conceptualized as that of perpetual or permanent dependence. Our leaders are hardly keen about how to get the country out of poverty as many of their actions plunge the nation further into poverty and want. All we are concerned with is poverty management, as if the management of poverty is the catalyst or recipe for economic growth. Several other countries of the world whose takeoff point was the same as Nigeria’s have made marked improvement on the development template-Brazil, Malaysian, Indonesia, Singapore, South Korea and so on.

What is worse about Nigeria is that we have not only witnessed reversal but worse still; we have witnessed a decline and negative development. Most of our key industries are shut down, the private sector has weak absorptive capacity, and there is a process of de-industrialization taking place.

The privatization of enterprises by BPE has not made such enterprises efficient neither has it made them to have an impressive absorptive capacity. The logical consequences of all this can be seen in the soaring and alarming unemployment rates.

Nigeria is in a dire situation of social and economic emergency.

There is need for concrete and progressive policies that will lift people out of poverty, create jobs, provide efficient infrastructure and ensure decent livelihood to the people. There is no linkage between the financial, manufacturing and agricultural sectors; and the small scale enterprises. While oil money is in the air, it gives us a delusional sense of growth, while indeed, there is no real manufacturing taking place. Indeed there has been negative growth in the economy due to weak impact on development and minimal effect on toiling Nigerians.

The private sector performance continues to be experience doldrums and inertia with poor inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) occasioned by negative international perception.

The cost of running our democracy is too high, relative to other countries such as Britain or even the United States of America.

There is a retinue of hangers and parasites who feast on the political system, from jobless Godfathers to Political Aides and Assistants who merely parasite on the system.

Sometime ago, a Governor in one of the northern states of Nigeria was reported to have on his pay roll almost 1,000 political aids and assistants.

Minimally this would have meant that those aids gulped N300 Million Naira in salary and allowances, monthly. This same amount if properly invested could have saved lives of many mothers and infants in the same state which is reputed to have very high maternal and infant mortality.

We have failed to invest in our people; we have failed to believe in our people. We have taken them for granted, ignored them, ridiculed them and insulted their sensibilities.

The other day an elected official paid the arrears of salary of workers and began to celebrate it on the pages of newspapers. When indeed he should have been asked why was the salary not paid in the first place?

Nigerians must learn to ask the right questions, and insist on the right answers.

We must hold our leaders accountable; we must demand good governance and justice. We must demand inclusive and participatory government, But to do this we must also be responsible ourselves, we must meet our civic responsibility, pay tax and abide by the law. There are many good laws, rules and procedures in Nigeria but they are upheld in the breach. The culture of impunity is so repugnant and appalling. Everybody blames it on long years of military rule. But this is a self- defeating assertion because the military had left the turf over a decade ago; yet we have not changed in our values. For how long shall we continue to be prisoners of the “military-caused it” mentality?

Finally, it is the people that make history, not individuals; hence Nigerians must crave for the government they want and struggle for it. People must make demands on their leaders and insist that governance must be inclusive and participatory.

Kayode Oladele is reachable via LinkedIn

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