Peoples Daily Newspaper, Friday, August 31, 2012

www.peoplesdaily-online.com

Vol. 9 No. 15

Friday, August 31, 2012

. . . putting the people first

Shawwal 13, 1433 AH

N150

L-R: Representative of Borno state Governor, Ambassador Bab Jidda, Enugu state Governor, Mr. Sullivan Chime, Niger State Governor, Dr. Mua'zu Babangida Aliyu, Director, German Agency for International Cooperation (GAIC), Mr. Hern Klaus Brükner, Rivers state Governor, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, Katsina state Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Shema, and Plateau State Governor, Mr. Jonah Jang, yesterday in Berlin, during the Governors Forum Trip to Germany to understudy the German Federal system of government.

Photo: NAN

NLC mobilises against Fire guts Katsina N5000 note emir’s palace It will devalue naira - NBA There's no going back - CBN

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem and Muhammad Nasir

T

he Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has started mobilising against the proposed introduction of N5000 by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) with its leaders describing it as a policy labour fronts in the country "must be prepared to vigorously oppose".

The Nigerian Bar Association also yesterday said introducing

State Police will not be abused, says South-West >> PAGE 2

the new denomination will further devalue the naira.

However, the CBN has insisted that there is not going back on the controversial policy saying it got approval from President Goodluck Jonathan since December 2011.

NLC President, Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar, who gave the position of his union at the 8th Biennial Delegates' Conference of the Metal Products Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (MEPROSSAN) in Lagos

yesterday, insisted that such a policy was designed by external interest to destroy the nation's economy and called for collective action in opposing it.

His words: “Comrades, the recent proposal by the Central Bank of Nigeria is one of those policies we must be prepared to vigorously oppose. We see in the proposal a policy contradiction that completely exposes our policy makers as playing the devil's Contd on Page 2

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art of the palace of the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir, was yesterday gutted by fire which broke out in the early hours of the day.

A source in the palace said the fire which started at about 2 am raged for almost four hours before it was put out by members of the fire service and the people living around the palace.

Eyewitnesses said the fire razed the rooms of the two wives of the emir with their valuables completely destroyed.

When contacted, the

$15m Ibori bribe: SSS’s staff Keyamo accuses details leaked FG of cover up online >> PAGE 3

Secretary of the Emirate Council, Alhaji Umar Kabir Mallam

From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

>> PAGE 4

Contd on Page 2

PD INDEX

30h Aug, 2012

CBN RATES $ £ EURO CFA RIYAL

BUYING 154.8 245.6 194 0.2748 41

S ELLING 155.8 247 195 0.2948 41.5

PARALLEL RATES EURO £ RIYAL $

BUYING 201 257 40 159

S ELLING 203 259 42 161

2,000 Nigerian students, others risk UK deportation >> PAGE 5

PAGE 2

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

CONTENTS News

2-11

State Police will not be abused, South-West govs reply Jonathan

Editorial

12

Op.Ed

13

By Lawrence Olaoye, Abuja & Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

Letters

14

Opinion

15

outh-west governors yesterday disagreed with President Goodluck Jonathan that the nation is not ripe for the introduction of state police on grounds that it would be mismanaged by the governors, insisting on its desirability albeit with constitutional provisions that would guide against abuse of the force.

The views of the governors were articulated by Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state, while speaking at the 2012 Yoruba Assembly held at the Oyo State House of Assembly, Ibadan.

According to the governors, as long as there were laws guiding the operations of state police, those who have expressed their opposition to

Metro

16-18

Business

19-20

Islam

26

Feature

27

Discourse

28

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it would be assured that it would not be subjected to abuse.

This is coming as President Goodluck Jonathan recently declared that the Federal Government would not consider the creation of state police as being variously canvassed by southern governors.

The President argued that the introduction of state police would drag the nation back into the conundrum of sectionalism that could further injure its unity.

He said state police would be abused by governors who had already made nonsense of the nation’s local government system by abusing the concept of state electoral commissions. Jonathan, like the northern governors, also pointed at the defects inherent in the practice of regional police in the First Republic.

Meanwhile, Governor Ajimobi also stressed the need for Yoruba to be more aggressive in the fight against marginalisation and to be more united, adding “the problem we are facing is the uncooperative attitude among the Yoruba.

“We must all fight for the course of the Yoruba. We need to be more aggressive. The late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo was so bold and courageous in his fight against marginalisation and in ensuring the progress and development of the Yoruba nation.

“It is unfortunate that we Yoruba, who used to be preoccupied with the progress of our race, have now deviated.

What we are more concerned about nowadays is acquisition of wealth and material things. This is why we have found ourselves in the present situation.

“The course of the Yoruba should not be politicised. We may not all be in the same political party but our goals and aspirations should be for the progress and development of the race. The issue is majority in unity. If we are all united, things will definitely change for the better for us in Yorubaland”, he said.

The governor appealed to Yoruba elders not to rest on their oars but that they should show more concern for the emancipation of Yorubaland “so that we can put an end to the issue of marginalization in the scheme in Nigeria”.

In his welcome address, the Convener of the Assembly, General Alani Akinrinade (rtd.) said the forum was called to reflect on how to make Nigeria conducive to the development of Yoruba civilisation.

Maiduguri residents pay money to Boko Haram – JTF

T

he Joint Task Force (JTF) in Maiduguri, Borno state capital has said residents of the city were paying money to the members of the Boko Haram sect and directed that they should refrain from such.

Online media last night quoted the force spokesperson Sagir Musa as saying that the residents were paying members of the sect for

Contd from Page 1

International 32-34 36

Politics

37-40

Sports

41-47

Columnist

and ammunition. A day after the operation, some members of Boko Haram went to the market and made them to pay compensation for the arms and ammunition recovered by the JTF”.

Musa said that in a similar operation by the Task Force in Gamboru market where a large quantity of ammunition was

recovered, the traders were made to pay compensation, which they did without reporting to the JTF. He admonished residents of Maiduguri, saying they should “desist from such unpatriotic acts as both the giver and receiver of such monies would be treated as terrorists and be seriously dealt with”.

NLC mobilises against N5000 note

2015: Opposition alliance will fail – Gemade, Page 37

Digest

illegal arms recovered by the JTF. Wednesday, warned residents of the city, to refrain from paying money to the militant sect, Boko Haram, for illegal arms recovered

by JTF. Musa in a statement released on Wednesday, said “the Task Force recently conducted a search operation in Monday Market and recovered some arms

48

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

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advocate.

“Most of these policies are clearly not designed by them but obviously by institutions outside our shores. Comrades, we must collectively oppose this and we must not allow the CBN continue with this clearly unnecessary project.

“We believe the CBN should not supervise the total collapse of our economy with the introduction of a policy that has historically led to the total collapse or subjugation of the economies of some countries in Africa, Europe and South America”.

The NLC leader said there was no genuine reason for the introduction of the new currency saying the over N40 billion earmarked for the project, which is also in contradiction to the policy of cashless society should instead be channelled to infrastructural development.

“There is no genuine reason for the introduction of N5000 note in a country that is dwindling in production and suffocating under high inflation. While our government complains about lack of funds to reactivate infrastructures critical to economic development, the CBN is planning to spend over N40 billion to produce new denominations of our currency.

“Since we now know our country has over N40billion, and possibly don't know what to spend it on, we suggest the money and any such money should be spent

on the power sector, the informal sector and roads to ensure the growth of our economy if the government is serious about achieving industrial heights in the year 2020”, he said.

The union acknowledged the call by the Senate for the suspension of the project and urged the National Assembly to review the entire structure of the CBN to ensure the bank will not continue to mortgage our collective future with such policies that further drench our economy."

The out-going President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Joseph Daudu, also criticised the plan by the CBN to introduce the N5,000 note.

In a speech in Abuja at the Annual General Conference of the association, Mr. Daudu said that the proposal would further devalue the naira.

“The CBN’s introduction of the N5,000 notes would devalue the naira and it is against the cashless policy being currently promoted by the bank”, he said.

He also said that the introduction of the N5,000 note would promote money laundering, adding that it would create more avenues for corrupt politicians to manipulate the electoral process.

Mr. Daudu stressed that the introduction of the currency is a contradiction of the cashless policy being promoted currently by the central bank.

“The proposal by the CBN is shallow and should not be allowed

to further damage the already fragile economic system”, he said.

However, replying its critics, the CBN yesterday vowed to go ahead with the introduction of the new N5000 note with effect from next year.The apex bank said those opposing the policy need to settle down to understand its gains, adding that it is best for the country's economy.

Briefing newsmen in Abuja yesterday, CBN Director of Corporate Communications, Ugochukwu Okarafo argued that the introduction of N5000 notes will not lead to inflation and increase in the prices of goods as is being insinuated saying the apex bank is not increasing the money supply.

“It has been a long time we restructured our currency and this time, we believe the currency is due for a comprehensive restructuring. We have to stay ahead of counterfeiters. We also need to move with the world”.

Asked if the bank is coming up with a direct policy to avoid inflation that may arise from the currency review, he insisted that the CBN does not have the magic wand to stop inflation, urging Nigerians to patronize locally made goods as part of ways to control inflation.

“The talk of inflation cannot be backed by any economic theory. I challenge those who are saying this to come forward with their facts”, he said.

He informed the reporters that President Goodluck Jonathan had approved the policy since

December, 2011, adding that the CBN is in touch with the National Assembly to get its approval adding that the new currency restructuring will go on as planned.

Listing the gains, the CBN spokesman said the new currency will assist traders in reducing the volume of cash they carry about to conduct their businesses. He contended that most Nigerians ask for higher denomination of currencies when they go to bank and wondered why they are criticizing the N5000 notes.

Okarafo further argued that the country will save a lot of tax payers' funds in printing N5000 notes than the lower denominations, saying that it costs the CBN a lot to produce, process and transport currencies. He also debunked the insinuation that the new policy will cost the government N40 billion.

Fire guts Katsina emir’s palace Contd from Page 1

declined to comment over the incident. Also the state Chief Fire Officer in the area, Alhaji Ali Kassim said he will not comment over the issue until he receives clearance from higher authority.

Sympathizers thronged the palace though the emir’s chamber, where he receives guest was under lock and keys.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

PAGE 3

Hoodlums attack police vehicle

S

ome hoodlums attacked a police van in Lagos, vandalised the vehicle and later escaped to the creeks.

The police team were on a routine patrol at Majidun area of Ikorodu in Lagos yesterday morning when the touts who have been disturbing public peace in recent times suddenly attacked the vehicle.

The police resisted the attack and chased away about 10 miscreants who escaped to the riverine areas not far from the area.

Lagos police spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, confirmed the story saying that the miscreants attacked police team on patrol at 10am. The police are yet to ascertain the cause of attack.

President Goodluck Jonathan (right), commissioning the Orient Petroleum Exploration, yesterday at Aguleri Otu village, in Anambra state. With him are Managing Director of the company Engineer Nnaemeka Nwawka (left), Chairman of the company, Cheif Emeka Anyaoku (back right), Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Dizeani Alison-Madueke (back 2nd left) , and former Vice-President, Chief Alex Ekwueme (back left).

Resuscitation of PH Refinery commences today

$15m Ibori bribe: Keyamo accuses FG of cover up A

By Muhammad Nasir

From Francis Iwuchukwu, Lagos

L

agos radical lawyer and rights crusader, Festus Keyamo, yesterday, said that attempt by the Federal Government to recover the alleged $15 million bribe deposited in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), through the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is shameful and an attempt at covering up a crime.

He said such move by the government will weaken its pledge to the fight against corruption and prosecuting criminals.

The radical lawyer in a statement made available to Peoples Daily, charged the Federal Government, Delta state government and all other parties

to withdraw from the case which he described as national embarrassment.

It would be recalled that the $15million bribe money was allegedly given by former Delta state governor, Chief James Ibori, to former EFCC chairman, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, to prevent him from investigating Ibori.

The Federal Government, through the office of the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation, recently applied to court that the money be forfeited to it.

The Delta state government and the duo of Chibuike Achigbu, a businessman and Dr. Andy Uba, the former Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs to President Olusegun Obasanjo, have also claimed in court that they were

the channels through whom the money was given to Ribadu, but for a different purpose other than bribe.

“If in the next few days, the Federal Government fails, refuses and/or neglects to take appropriate steps to terminate the case in court and properly investigate all the suspects in this matter, whether the principals or proxies who participated in laundering and offering this money as bribe or otherwise, I will be left with no other option than to proceed to court to bring the suspects to justice”, Keyamo stated.

He also called for the arrest and arraignment of Malam Nuhu Ribadu, for conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and perjury as regards the proceedings in Asaba

when he swore on oath or procured another person to swear that he was given a bribe.

According to him, this was necessary because, it was either Ribadu lied of being offered $15 million bribe or Uba, Ibori and Achigbu are all lying that it was not a bribe.

“Both versions cannot be correct and any version that is false amounts to a crime under our laws”, he said Keyamo said since the 170count charge against Ibori, which included a count of giving the $15 million bribe, was struck out by the Federal High Court sitting in Asaba and the EFCC appeal against that decision is still pending, he advised the government to wait for the outcome of the case.

Absence of death certificate, Senator wants Sanusi sued others stall payment of claims over N5000 notes would have adverse effect on the to DANA crash victims

By Richard Ihediwa economy of the nation and urged

By Abdulwahab Isa & Ngozi Oyeakusi

T

he National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has attributed the delay in effecting the second tranche insurance claims payment to the families of victims of the Dana Air crash to the failure on the part of victim's families to present death certificates and letters of administration.

The commission stated this yesterday in Calabar, Cross River state at the on-going training for Insurance correspondents and pledged that an elaborate stakeholder meeting involving NAICOM, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dana Air, the

underwriters, would addressed the press next Thursday to clarify issues.

Commissioner for Insurance and CEO of NAICOM, Fola Daniel, gave assurance that all claims would be paid to the families of the victims.

“As far as Dana Air crash is concerned, let everybody be assured that all claims would be paid. What happened is a national tragedy and the claims would be settled. Prestige Assurance is the lead underwriter and we will hold it 100 percent responsible for claims payment. Whether coinsurer defaults or not, that is not a problem, as far as we are concerned Prestige Assurance remains the lead insurer”, he said.

C

hairman Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Ita Enang has challenged Nigerians, especially members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to take further steps to stop planned introduction of N5000 notes by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Enang, who said he is opposed to the proposal, challenged the elite, especially lawyers to sue the CBN and get a court pronouncement about the policy, which has already received very wide public criticism.

The lawmaker, who spoke yesterday in Abuja at the 2012 Reunion of Class of 85 Nigerian Law School, lamented that the policy

the class to take interest in the matter as well as other anti-people policies and help by seeking declarations on them.

He argued that the CBN erred in announcing a key monetary and economic policy without consulting the National Assembly and the Nigerian people.

“I want the NBA and in particular the law class of 1985 to take interest in this matter and join the debate because if we keep quiet today, it will affect our currency and our country tomorrow. I want us as body to stand up and discuss this matter, I am not asking for discussion only. We should get court pronouncements on such issues in the interest of the people”, he said.

ctivities leading to the resuscitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery are expected to commence today as the Federal Government is billed to receive the technical and commercial proposal for its turnaround maintenance (TAM).

The disclosure was made recently by the Group Executive Director, Refining and Petrochemicals, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Tony Ogbuigwe, in a keynote address he presented at the International Conference On Petroleum Refining and Petrochemicals, organised by the University of Port Harcourt and the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), with the theme: “Sustainable Refinery Turn around Maintenance”.

Ogbuigwe said the schedule for the TAM of the refinery has been firmed up; adding that the evaluation of the proposal would follow immediately while the contract would be awarded by October.

According to him, the contractors would move to site immediately in October and commence detailed planning and mobilisation of manpower and heavy equipment that would be expected to last for about four months.

We goofed

T

he caption of the photograph we used to illustrate Aisha Yolah’s column, “Sifting fact from fiction”(11) on the back page of yesterday’s edition of this paper read “Late King Ibn Saud of Saudi Arabia”. We have since discovered that the king is very much alive; the person who is dead is his younger brother, Crown Prince Nayef. We sincerely regret the error — Editor

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

PAGE 4

SSS’s staff details leaked online

By Bashir Adigun and Jon Gambrell

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ersonnel records of former and current members of State Security Service (SSS), including home addresses and names of immediate family members, leaked onto the Internet in a threatening message that claimed to come from a radical sect that’s killed hundreds of people this year alone, The Associated Press has learned.

The leak of personal data of more than 60 past and current employees of the SSS remained easily accessible on the Internet for days and had details about the agency’s director-general, including his mobile phone number, bank account particulars and contact information for his son.

Many of the agents listed who could be reached by the AP said they received no official warning from the spy agency that their information had been posted online nor been otherwise alerted. The material has been deleted from the comment section of a website, but the security breach astonished spy service veterans and calls into question whether the nation’s intelligence community, whose agents already have released suspected terrorists out of religious and ethnic sympathies, are too compromised from within to stop the violence now plaguing Africa’s most populous nation.

A senior intelligence official said authorities were aware that the leak had happened and that many were embarrassed by it.

He spoke on condition of anonymity as information about the leak was not to have been made public.

Marilyn Ogar, a spokeswoman for the State Security Service, declined to

Adamawa flood: 5 births, 57 pregnant women in camps From Blessing Tunoh, Yola

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ive women have so far put to bed while 57 pregnant women have so far been registered especially in Gwadabawa, Damare, Limawa, Bwaraji, Sandaand Numan refugee camps in Adamawa state.

The Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Muhammad Sani-Sidi who is leading the rescue and relief agencies in the state, has urged other people living within the flood prone areas to move to designated camps for safety from the surge which might increase if more water is released from Ladgo Dam in Cameroon.

It was a hectic task for staff of NEMA as they moved from camp to camp to assess and provide relief materials to the victims.

The DG commended the effort of Adamawa state and other stakeholders, who within 24 hours of receiving alert, embarked on public announcements and evacuation of people within the areas to be affected to the camps.

answer questions Thursday about the posting of the information.

The State Security Service, created in 1986 by then-military ruler Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, monitors domestic dissent locally, an oil-rich nation of more than 160 million people. Though geared toward stopping terrorism and destabilizing coups, the agency routinely faces criticism for targeting government critics.

In Abuja, the nation’s capital, the agency operates out of cars made to look like the many green taxis that roam the streets. Plainclothed agents of the service routinely question foreign journalists at airports, border crossings and on city streets if they see reporters conducting interviews. Agents carrying assault rifles often guard major events in the country.

Many agents for the typically secretive agency are preoccupied with concealing their identities, as most try to blend unnoticed into society.

The information leak came in two postings earlier this month on a website that provides rewritten news on Nigeria. The first posting threatened to kill agents of the State Security Service on behalf of Boko Haram, a radical sect responsible for more than 660 killings this year alone in the country. The second posting simply offered a block of text containing biographical and other details about the agents.

Though the comments have been removed, the AP is not identifying the website involved as cached versions of the comments remain online and intelligence service agents have been killed by Boko Haram members in the past.

The list includes former and current agents across the country, including Director-General Ekpeyong Ita. Those reached by

SSS Spokesperson, Marilyn Ogar the AP, who were willing to talk, expressed disbelief that sensitive information like that could make its way to the Internet.

“I was shocked to see my details posted on the Internet,” said one former agent, who declined to be named out of safety concerns.

“I’ve not heard anything from anybody. I was surprised that such information could be leaked.”

Another man on the list said he simply once served as a doctor to help the agency on an on-call basis only. The list appeared to include lower-ranking agents, as well as one-time state directors for the agency.

Some of those contacted suggested that the list appeared to come from the agency’s pension department, as it mostly included retirees and listed bank account information for nearly all those named. It was not immediately

clear if the information had been hacked from the outside and obtained or taken out by an agency employee or someone with access to the material.

The release of the information comes as the nation’s intelligence agencies have made a series of blunders in trying to fight Boko Haram in Africa’s most populous country, with some likely influenced by ethnic or religious sentiments. Intelligence agencies allegedly released a suspected Islamic radical in 2007 who later masterminded Boko Haram’s suicide car bombing of the U.N. headquarters in August 2011 that killed at least 25 people and wounded more than 100 others, officials previously told the AP. A leaked U.S. diplomatic cable also show U.S. officials complained in 2008 about Nigeria’s government quietly releasing

other suspects into the custody of Islamic leaders as part of a program it called “Perception Management.”

Another U.S. diplomatic cable complains that State Security Service agents nearly let a suspected bomb maker trained by the Somali terror group alShabab onto an international flight, despite an Interpol notice for his arrest. The agents who allegedly tried to release Mohamed Ibrahim Ahmed “not only knew about the Interpol notice, but simply said they did not want to hold him any longer,” the February 2010 cable read.

Ahmed, an Eritrean, pleaded guilty to charges in June in a U.S. federal court that he supported terrorism by associating with alShabab, a terror group with links to al-Qaida. He faces up to 10 years in prison.

Most of those on the leaked list of agents reached by the AP said no one from the federal government or the spy agency warned them that their personnel information had appeared on the Internet. Instead, colleagues and other former agents called each other to spread the news and later contacted the State Security Service themselves to report the breach.

It is unclear if the person who posted the information online really does have ties to Boko Haram, which has targeted security officials in the past.

Violence has been centered mostly in the country’s Muslim north. One retired agent who spoke to AP said he was grateful he lives in the largely Christian south, away from the sect’s attacks.

“It’s worrying that they have access to that,” the agent said.

“Those living in Abuja (and the north) are the ones who should living in fear.”

Source: Associated Press

FCTA sets up anti-corruption transparency unit

By Josephine Ella

T

he Federal Capital Territory, FCT Administration yesterday, set up an Anti-Corruption Transparency Unit (ACTU) to ensure a corrupt-free administration.

Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Mr. Ekpo Nta, while inaugurating the five-man committee to run the unit, advised the FCT administration not to engage in frivolous transfer of members in order to achieve the intended objective.

Ita, who was represented by the Head Anti-Corruption Transparency Unit in the ICPC, Kuatsa Justine, also cautioned members to do their jobs as partners and not turn antagonists on the civil service.

He revealed plans by the ICPC to reactivate its corruption index reviews of ministries and agencies with a view to curtail

corrupt activities in the various institutions of government.

While presenting the terms of reference to the committee, the FCT Permanent Secretary, Engr. Anthony Ozodinobi, who was represented by the FCT

General Counsel/Secretary of Legal Secretariat, Barrister Ima Obong Douglas Okpongete, said the committee inauguration marked the place of administration fight against corruption.

Mr. Yakubu Ozigis is the chairman of the committee and Olumide Peter is to serve as the secretary while Mrs. Amanebo Fatima, Barr. Abubakar Yakubu and Malam Yajiwa Yakubu are the other members.

Ex-militants largesse illegal and indefensible –ACN From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

T

he Action Congress of Nigeria has described as illegal, unconstitutional and indefensible the USD 40 million being paid annually to some ex-militants ostensibly to guard the country’s pipelines.

A statement issued in Abuja yesterday by its national publicity secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said “one of the main causes of the overheating of the polity today is the reckless manner political power is exercised and monopolised by a few individuals.

Regrettably, some actions and inaction of this administration

have lent credence to the widely held belief that this administration is waging and exerting power only for the benefits of a section of the country, the party added.

The party recalled that on the 22nd of January 2012 it issued a press release in which it queried the rationale behind the memo that was presented to the Federal Executive Council that month seeking the Council’s approval for a so-called strategic concessioning partnership between NIMASA and Global West to enforce regulatory compliance and surveillance of the entire Nigerian maritime domain.

In the same press release the

party expressed serious concerns particularly because the Federal Government actually withdrew a bill before the National Assembly that would have carried out the same functions now being outsourced to a private firm.

“We state again emphatically that it is totally unacceptable and unconscionable – even unprecedented especially in a fragile federation like ours – for any government to hand over the security of its entire maritime domain to a private firm or a group of ex-militants for that matter given the far reaching implications of such a decision for trade, security, ports and shipping of the country.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

PAGE 5

Director General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe (right), launching a pictorial book titled "Nigeria Tourism", yesterday in Abuja. With him is Director of Communication of NTDC, Mr. Akin Onipede (left).

Photo: Mahmud Isa

UK: 2,000 Nigerian students, others risk deportation

By Abubakar Ibrahim with Agency Report

M

ore than 2,000 foreign students face possible deportation from Britain after their university was stripped of its right to authorise visas.

Though, the number of Nigerians to be affected is not clear, many Nigerians are known to have secured admissions to such institutions through agents in Nigeria.

London Metropolitan

University lost its "highly trusted status" because a survey found more than a quarter of its foreign students did not have permission to be in the country, Immigration Minister, Damian Green said yesterday.

A "significant proportion" of students did not have a good standard of English, Green said, and there was no proof that half of those sampled were turning up to lectures.

The students have 60

days to find a new sponsor, or they could find themselves at risk of deportation.

Lilian Owhor, 20, from Nigeria, is about to start her second year reading forensic science.

She said, "I'm really worried because this is my future.

"I have come in today to get my transcripts, as I will have to see if I can transfer to another university.

"I haven't been very happy since yesterday.

My friends have told me to have hope.

"The university have said they would help us. I contacted them yesterday before the final decision was announced but I haven't spoken to anyone yet today.

"I haven't told my parents. I am just hoping I don't have to go back to Nigeria. My fees are around ÂŁ11,000 per year.

I have already spent a lot of money on my education here."

Emmanuel Egwu, 24 from Nigeria is the international student officer at the university's student union and about to begin his third year reading forensic science.

He said, "I have lost my job, not just my place at this university. I came over here in 2009 and I have invested a huge amount in this university.

Terrorism: Ihejirika commends Nigerian soldiers From Blessing Tunoh, Yola

T

he Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Azubuike Ihejirika has commended officers and men of the Nigerian Army for their gallant fight against terrorism in the country.

Ihejirika who particularly lauded men serving in the north which has been under siege by faceless insurgents, also urged them to be unrelenting in defending the country at all times.

He gave this commendation at the 23rd Armoured Brigade in Yola, the Adamawa state capital during the official commissioning of the new multi-million naira Brigade Headquarters complex funded by the Adamawa state government.

Represented by the General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Jack Nwaogbo, the COAS also commended Governor Murtala Nyako's effort and confessed that no Brigade in the country has constructed such an edifice.

Governor Nyako in a remark commended men of the Nigeria Army for services rendered to the entire country which has provided an atmosphere of security in the country.

Commander of the 23rd Armoured Brigade, Major General John Nwaogo had earlier said a wireless facility with coverage capacity of about 1kilometre has been put in place adding that the former structure

Lamido advocates forum for former legislators From Ahmed Abubakar, Dutse

G

overnor Sule Lamido of Jigawa state has called for a forum of former federal legislators of the first, second, third republic and beyond to brainstorm on the best way to move democracy to the next level.

The governor, who spoke when the forum of members of the House of Representatives in the Third Republic paid him a courtesy call in his office in Dutse, identified the legislature as an indispensable factor in entrenching true democracy in any society.

He said such a forum would promote national unity and friendship

among former members which should carry along, legislators of the first, second, third republic and beyond, to achieve their objectives.

Earlier in his speech, leader of the delegation, Tanko Yusuf, House of Representatives (1992/ 93) said the forum sent the delegation to officially invite the governor for an award in Abuja later in September.

He said the decision to honour Governor Lamido was reached at the last plenary session of the forum held in Benue state because of his spectacular achievements in his effort to emancipate the common man through people-oriented policies and programmes in the last five years.

would now be used as a guest house.

He said the new edifice has been sparsely furnished with the Brigade's savings to motivate soldiers adding that living quarters were also renovated in Biu, Taraba state and Mubi barracks.

Briefs

Guards arraigned for burglary From Francis Iwuchukwu, Lagos

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ix security guards were on Wednesday, arraigned by the police before a Somolu Magistrates Court for allegedly burgling some offices and stealing N331, 000 at JMG Limited Gbagada, Lagos.

The suspects include Chibuzor Iwuala, 28; Musa Ibrahim, 28; Benjamin Markus, 31; Canice Ibe, 32; Festus Akande, 66; Conelius Onoja, 24.

The accused are facing a two-count charge of stealing and negligence but have pleaded not guilty to the charge.

US firm to invest in Nasarawa From Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia

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s a fall out of the recent visit by Governor Umaru Tanko Almakura of Nasarawa state to the United States to woo investors, a US investor, Marvin Goosh, chairman/CEO, Goosh Companies LLC, in Texas, has shown interest in partnership with the state government to explore solid minerals.

Goosh, who led a delegation to the Nasarawa state Government House on Wednesday, said they were in the state in line with the quest of the Nasarawa state government to further develop infrastructure in the state by partnering with reputable firms.

Kogi to join oil producing states soon From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

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ollowing discovery of oil wells in Odeke, Echenyo and Amambo in Ibaji local government area, Kogi state is soon to join the league of oil producing states in the federation.

Capt Idris Wada, the state governor made the disclosure in a press statement, after the inauguration of Orient Petroleum's Production facility, in Agulere Otu, Anambra state.

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

Kwara Poly expels 45 students Briefs Kebbi sacks for exams malpractices 2 GMs T T From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

he Management of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, has expelled 45 students of the institution for alleged examination malpractice and in the same vein, withdrawn a National Diploma certificate from a female Higher National Diploma student.

The Assistant Registrar (Academic) of the polytechnic, A.O. Yahaya, in

a statement on behalf of the Registrar, said the students expelled over examination malpractice suffered the fate after the governing council of the of the institution approved the report of the Academic Board on the alleged malpractice.

The statement indicated that 30 of the affected students were from the school's Institute of Finance and Management Studies (IFMS), 10 from the Institute of Basic and Applied Sciences

(IBAS), three from the Institute of Technology (IOT) while the remaining two are from the Institute of Environmental Studies (IES).

In a similar vein, the certificate withdrawn was on account of alleged false claims about her ND certificate and 'unruly behaviour'.

Yahaya on behalf of the

Registrar said the decision was taken after the management considered report of the Students Disciplinary Committee on her matter.

"She was caught with a fake National Diploma certificate of Lower Credit instead of Pass and after an exhaustive deliberation; the committee resolved that she should be withdrawn".

Abuja zoological garden to introduce exotic animals From Francis Iwuchukwu, Lagos

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buja Zoological Garden would soon undergo an expansion to house more exotic animals which had been in high demand by fun seeke r s , Mr. Alfa Yinusa, Head Maintenance Officer, said yesterday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondents, who visited the garden, reported that it already acquired monkeys, gorillas, ostrich, geese, tortoise, peacocks and crocodiles.

Yinusa said that the contractor handling the project was on ground to evaluate the site that could be suitable to house the animals.

He added that due to the level of patronage and the increasing demand of the people, the management of the garden deemed it fit to increase the number of animal.

NAN reports that since the garden went into Public Private Partnership (PPP), it had witnessed a face lift.

He said with the PPP initiative, the garden now received visitors, stressing that there had been request by customer to increase the animals as they were becoming bored with the existing ones.

Yinusa said that animals like anaconda, other species of monkeys and gorilla among others would soon be added. (NAN)

Nasarawa set to deal with erring workers he Nasarawa state government is resolved to discipline erring workers in the state civil service, warning that it would no longer tolerate laisser-faire attitude as well as truancy from all workers under the employ of the state government.

Mrs. Victoria Titi Monde, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, handed down the warning in a press briefing Wednesday, shortly after the weekly executive council meeting, which held at the Government House, Lafia.

She warned that it would no longer be business as usual for workers who show laisser-faire attitude and play truancy during working hours, adding that in order to check this trend, her ministry has been directed to produce and keep time-books for workers in the state.

Mrs. Monde stressed that, henceforth, workers are expected to sign-in their time of coming to work as well sign-out at the end of the day.

She said this has become necessary so that workers in the state could justify salaries collected at the end of the month.

deliberately politicising the process of appointing the vice chancellor of the university without recourse to due diligence; adding that the process has grave implications to the initial agreement on university autonomy which ASUU has pursued.

Yakubu told newsmen that "Based on the issues highlighted

and the continued breach of laid down procedures and regulation by the Visitor of RSUST, the national body of ASUU directed that all branches of the union nationwide should observe 30th August as work-free in solidarity with RSUST branch on their current struggle to restore sanity to that university".

From Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia

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L-R: Nasarawa State Governor, Alhaji Tanko Umaru Al-makura, with an American Investor, Mr. Marvin Goosh, during the latter's visit to the governor, yesterday in Lafia, the state capital.

Photo: NAN

ASUU wants Jonathan to wade into RSUST face-off From Nankpah Bwakan, Jos

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he Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Jos branch has appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan and the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar to wade into the face-off between the ASUU branch of Rivers State

University of Science and Technology (RSUST), and Governor Rotimi Amaechi over the appointment of a vice chancellor.

Addressing a press conference, the chairman and secretary of ASUU in UniJos, Dr. David Pam Yakubu and Dr. John Galadima respectively, accused Governor Amaechi of

From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

he Kebbi state government has announced the removal of two General Managers of Kebbi Urban Development Authority (KUDA) Alhaji Babangida Gwandu, and that of the Birnin Kebbi Main Market, Alhaji Mansur Babangida.

Alhaji Buhari Halidu Jega, the Head of Kebbi State Civil Service, who made the announcement in a release on Wednesday, directed the managers to hand over the mantle of leadership to their immediate deputies.

Some of the staff of the Board who spoke to our correspondent said the general manager of KUDA was accused of misappropriating funds collected from communication companies for the installation of masts and underground cables; while the other had to do with controversy surrounding market congestion and allocation of stalls.

NUJ

From Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia

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embers of the Nasarawa state chapter of the Correspondents' Chapel, has announced the boycott of activities of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).

This followed the resolution reached at the end of an emergency congress of the chapel, following the sudden removal of the secretary and treasurer of the NUJ, Ahmed Tukur and Abdullahi Ogoshi respectively.

In a statement issued after the meeting, signed by chairman and secretary of chapel, Chuwang Dungs and Aloysius Omalo, members of the chapel, observed that the process leading to the congress of the NUJ yesterday, when the decision to remove the two officials was taken, was flawed, adding that it was masterminded without due regard for the constitution of the union.

UI strike

From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

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ll academic activities were yesterday paralysed at the University of Ibadan as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) stayed away from classrooms in compliance with the directive from the national office of the Union.

The national leadership of ASUU had directed its branches to stay away from work yesterday in solidarity with their colleagues at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology over flagrant abuse of law and dueprocess in the appointment of the institution's vice chancellor.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

PAGE 7

Strike: Magistrates’ court employees in Nasarawa lament idleness

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mployees of the Nasarawa State Judicial Service have complained of idleness as the strike embarked upon by magistrates in the state continues.

A cross section of the employees who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the magistrates’ courts in Mararaba yesterday, described their experiences as “boring and frustrating”.

A registrar at a Senior Magistrates’ Court in Mararaba, who simply gave her name as Amina, told NAN that the court had remained idle since the commencement of the strike.

“The court has been without any judicial business since the magistrates started their strike about two weeks now, but we have

been coming to work daily”, she stated.

“The experience has been very boring because of the idleness the strike has put us into and we don’t know when the action would be called off”, Amina said.

Mr. Emmanuel Anzaku, a judicial officer, also told NAN that the experience had been “somehow frustrating but we have to come to the court daily and unfailingly too”.

“We are not magistrates, so we cannot stay away from the office.

“It is our obligation to report to the office daily, but the major problem is spending money on transport every working day, only to come and remain idle”, he said.

Anzaku, however, appealed to

the Nasarawa state government and the state Judicial Service Commission to look into the grievances of the magistrates with a view to solving them “to enable the courts to come alive again”.

Mrs. Happiness Onuoha, a legal practitioner, told NAN at the court premises that lawyers were not comfortable with the prolonged strike.

“The stakeholders in the magistrates’ grievances should come together for a positive agreement to make for prompt resolution of the impasse”, she advised.

“There is a compelling need for prompt resolution of the dispute because we, legal practitioners, have been losing our appearance allowances since the strike

started”, Onuoha lamented.

NAN reports that the strike notice, issued by the Magistrates’ Association of Nigeria (MAN), Nasarawa state chapter, and signed by one, Habila Abundaga, the Public Relations Officer (PRO), is still pasted on the courts’ notice boards.

The notice reads in part: “Following government and Judicial Service Commission’s failure to look into our demands, as contained in our communique, and in line with the congress resolution of 4th August 2012 to commence an industrial action, we hereby declare that all magistrates in Nasarawa state down tools indefinitely with effect from midnight of 21st August, 2012. (NAN)

Bauchi to establish GIS From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

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he Bauchi state government needs the sum of N297.4 million for the automation of lands and geographic information system (GIS) in the state.

The Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Alhaji Aminu Hammayo, who disclosed this while briefing newsmen shortly after the state executive council meeting, said the exercise is in line with the global best practices of land administration.

He explained that the system will reduce the rampant cases of fraud and vices associated with land administration, as well as improve service delivery.

Hammayo while shading more lights on the outcome of the meeting, also defended the tariffs hike at the Yankari Resort and Safari in the state, saying the investment in the sub-sector has to be recouped.

Suswam’s aide warns council chairmen From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

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L-R: Bauchi state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sani Malami, Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Mohammed Dhamina, Commissioner for Education, Alhaji Ibrahim Aminu, and Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Environment, Alhaji Hammayo Aminu, during a news conference on their achievements, yesterday in Bauchi.

Photo: NAN

PRADIN lauds Lagos state procurement law

By Morufat Ojulari

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he National Coordinator of Procurement Observation and Advocacy Initiative (PRADIN), Mohammed Bougei Attah, has noted that so far, the 2011 Lagos State Public Procurement Law appears to accommodate all elements required as provided in the global procurement procedure.

Attah, who made this observation in Lagos during a training workshop organised by the Lagos State Civil Society Partnership (LACSOP), said the law is distinct unlike others in the country because it is people oriented.

The PRADIN coordinator recognised the Lagos state law to be constructively put together as it conforms to the 2000 World

Bank Country Procurement Assessment (CPAR) by further ensuring that the provisions of the law met with international standards.

Attah dismissed as un-serious the decision of Delta, Kogi and Rivers states to fraudulently twist the law in favour of the state’s leadership, recommended Lagos state government incorporates the critical role of

professional organisations such as the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) among others in the planned amendment of the procurement law.

He therefore urged other states, such as Osun where the procurement law is currently repealed, to emulate the Lagos state law and pass same for the benefit of the people.

Nigeria plans roadmap for UN resolution on women, peace, security

By Maryam Garba Hassan

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n view of the current global security challenges and the need for a holistic approach to peaceful resolution of crisis in Nigeria and the world, the Nigerian government is to develop a roadmap for the full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on women,

peace and security.

A statement issued yesterday in Abuja, by the Assistant Director at the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Saghir el Mohammed, said the minister, Hajiya Zainab Maina, disclosed this.

According to her, “The overall goal of the process is to develop a national action plan

for the implementation of UN Resolution 1325 in order to contribute to the national agenda on women, peace and security.

Hajiya Zainab who described the move to kick start the process as “a plus for women, children and other vulnerable groups in the country”, said government is concerned about the growing vulnerability of

women, children and other young persons and decided to make use of the international instrument to ensure that women’s natural role of nurturing mankind and as caregivers, is harnessed.

It would be recalled that Resolution 1325 was adopted by the UN Security Council at its 4213th meeting on October 31, 2000.

he Special Adviser to Governor Gabriel Suswam on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Solomon Wombo, has advised council chairmen in the state to allow the various political parties carryout their campaign activities lawfully in line with constitution, stressing that the administration respects the rule of law as well as the fundamental rights of the citizenry.

Mr. Wombo who gave this advice during a meeting with the 23 local government chairmen yesterday in his office, also tasked them to create and sustain peaceful atmosphere at the grassroots preparatory to the local government polls.

He further urged the council bosses to promptly pay salaries of their workers while reiterating the call on them to continue to improve the internally generated revenue, IGR to address development challenges in their areas.

Benue decries illegal movement of fertiliser From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

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enue state government has decried the transport of fertiliser at odd times from Makurdi, the state capital to local government areas.

To check this trend, it has set up a monitoring team to supervise the movement of fertiliser from the warehouses to the councils.

Senior Special Assistant to Governor Gabriel Suswam on Public Utilities, Mr. Gaddaffi Asemanya, who disclosed this to newsmen yesterday, frowned at the influx of farmers from the rural areas to access fertiliser in the state capital.

PAGE 8

Grandaunts at the fifth graduation ceremony of skill upgrading, yesterday in Bauchi.

L-R: Lecturer, Babcock University, Mrs Christianah Owopetu, Principal, School of Nursing, University College Hospital, Mrs Fehintola Ogunde, Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital (UCH), Professor Temitope Alonge, during the joint graduation ceremony of school of Nursing, Midwifery, Peri-operative and occupational health, yesterday in Ibadan.

Photo: NAN

Students of University of Ibadan watching the Nigeria under20 female team match against their Mexican counterparts, yesterday in Ibadan. Photo: NAN

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

Photo: NAN

L-R: General Manager, Seplat Petroleum Ltd., Mr. Bright Oghor, Managing Director, Eternal Energy Service, Mr. Diran Fawibe, and Coordinator, Corporate Planning and Strategy, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr Timothy Okon, during the conference on Energy Deregulation; Prospects and Challenges to the economy, yesterday in Lagos.

Photo: NAN

PAGE 9

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

Taraba community condemns rumour over District head From Yusha’u Alhassan, Jalingo

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eople of Darofai District in Karim Lamido Local Government area of Taraba state have pledged their

unalloyed support and loyalty to the District Head, MohammedUsman Maigona.

A spokesman of the people, Abdulkarim Baba stated this when they stormed the state

House of Assembly in support of the District Head.

Baba who presented a paper to the Speaker stating the position of the Darofai Community on the District

head, said they were satisfied with Maigona’s reign.

The spokesman said they visited the House to douse the misinformation and rumours peddled against the District

head by people who are not from the area.

He maintained that the District Head was qualified to occupy the traditional stool because his clan was among the three ruling houses in Darofai.

Responding on behalf of the Speaker, Majority Leader of the House, Charles Maijankai thanked the Darofai Community for conducting themselves peacefully, assuring that the leadership of the Assembly forward their position paper to the executive arm for necessary action.

Maijankai said that government could not impose any leader on the people.

. . . Demands LG From Yusha’u Alhassan, Jalingo

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L- R: Chief Executive Officer, Imperial Farms, Chief Bassey Essien, and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, during the signing of agreement, between Ministry of Agriculture and oil palms estate owners, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

‘Only citizenship right can guarantee equity’ From Ahmed Abubakar, Dutse

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he executive Director, Advocacy Nigeria, Hajiya Bilkisu Yusuf has faulted the former external affairs minister, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi that settlers should be given seats in the State House of Assembly as a bonding mechanism to douse the ill-feelings created by the issue of citizenship.

She said, rather than advocate for quota for settlers in the State house of Assembly, the professor should have critically x-rayed citizenship

right which is the only thing that can bring about equity.

Akinyemi who had earlier made the submission in a paper titled “the need and justification for State creation” during the 21st anniversary of the creation of Jigawa State, said the present day Nigeria needed such bonding mechanism since there are settlers in every state.

According to Yusuf, “The issue of creating allocation or quota representation defeats the issue of nationalism, a Nigerian should be a Nigerian, free to live in any part of the

Jigawa to prosecute okada riders without uniform From Ahmed Abubakar, Dutse

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Joint security task force committee have been designated around the Dutse local government council area of Jigawa to arrest and prosecute any motorcycle rider popularly known as ‘achaba’ operating in the state without uniform.

Speaking to Peoples Daily yesterday, the Chairman of Dutse local Government council, Alhaji Sunusi Abdulazeez Dan kofa said the decision was part of a measure to checkmate crimes.

Alhaji Dankofa said, “Dutse

local government which also constitute the state capital, must be secured from the increasing influx of the motorcycle riders to the state for bussiness”.

He said the decision was arrived at after a security meeting comprising the police, adding that the achaba riders mostly came from neighbouring states because Dutse is rapidly developing with good road network they have found convenient to operate. ”Any Okada rider found doing business in Dutse without uniform and registration number would be prosecuted”, he stressed.

country and you are a citizen if you have acquired the residency period in that place, that is the most important thing. ”You made a very good case against creating State based on ethnicity or other primordial considerations, but it underscores citizenship. Who is a citizen? What does the residency clause in the constitution say that empower people to become a citizens of States where they have lived. If people have lived in places for over 300 years, are they settlers?, she asked.

She cited Plateau state where the Fulanis got 48 hours to move out of the place where they had grown up and yet

they do not have another State.

Yusuf said while the issue demands the look at citizenship right critically to know how long a person needs to live in a place to become a citizen, it was instructive to also look at the issue of representation across other sectors.

“We have to look at what other people have to say in terms of federalism. How can we make the federalism tally with our reality what are our most important issues, is there a type of federalism that we will adopt that will prevent corruption? It is one of our major issues in this country. I think we should look at that as our own reality”, she said.

N11bn fraud: Police set to arraign Saraki

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he Police, Special Fraud Unit (SFU) in Lagos has said it is almost ready to commence the prosecution of former Kwara state governor, Senator Bukola Saraki for allegedly defrauding the defunct Intercontinental Bank of N11 billion in unsecured bank loans.

The Unit Commissioner, Ayotunde Ogunsakin, who disclosed this yesterday, also explained that the delay in the process was to pave way for a thorough investigation to ensure a full proof prosecution that would

not fail in court on grounds of technicality.

Ogunsakin in an interview with a media house in Lagos said the matter involved an important personality and some other individuals adding that it would be open.

The Unit had in May, interrogated Saraki’s wife in the case in which there are allegations that the former governor had connived with his protege, Mahmoud Lai Alabi, to defraud the defunct Intercontinental Bank of N11 billion in unsecured bank loans.

ommunities in Yangtu Special Development Area(YSDA) in Southern Taraba state have presented a memorandum to the Taraba state House of Assembly requesting the upgrading of the Development area to the status of a local government.

Leader of the Communities, Lazaru Ikoti who presented the memo to the state Assembly committee on Cabinet Affairs, said that since the creation of YSDA, significant development had been recorded.

Ikoti praised the House for creating the special development area, stressing that the move has enhanced unity among the people in view of the relative peace enjoyed there.

According to him, the community is aware of the constitutional constraints, hence the presentation of the memo to the Assembly for consideration before the commencement of constitutional amendment by the National Assembly.

Responding, the Chairman, House Committee on cabinet affairs, Emmanuel Dame, promised that the House would look into their demand, at the appropriate time.

In another development, the Nyankwala community in Wukari Local Government has presented a petition to the state House of Assembly over incessant boundary disputes between Nyankwala and Gindin Dorowa also in Wukari Local Government Area.

The petition which was presented to the House by the Member Representing Wukari 2 Constituency, Ishaya Gani prayed the House to intervene on the lingering dispute which started since the year 2000, for amicable resolution by the two communities.

Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Peter Abel Diah who presided at the sitting referred the petition to the House committee on security as well as ethics and privileges to conduct public hearing within two weeks.

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

Fight against unemployment should not be FG’s alone - DG From Iliya Garba, Minna

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he Director-General, National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Malam Abubakar Mohammed has said that the fight against unemployment should not be left to the Federal government alone and enjoined the state government, politicians and all public spirited

individuals to join hands in the fight against the great scourge.

He made this known yesterday at the workshop on “Skills acquisition training in an ever changing environment” organized for officers of vocational skills development department in Minna, Niger State, saying that the forum was for capacity building of its officers to enable

them tackle various challenges in the ever changing environment.

The Director General, represented by the Director of SmallScale enterprises department, Mr. Kunle Obayan said that 3,600 people comprisinggraduates and non graduates are being trained yearly to be able to stand ontheir own.

Malam Mohammed reiterated that the NDE has a 25 years standing

and have training centres in all geopolitical zones in the country but regretted the lack of fund as the major problem facing the directorate.

The DG said that the theme of the workshop was relevant in the present day operations of the NDE which is tandem with global trends in technological advancement, “the NDE moves ahead with time in the development of emerging

skills to address the problem of unemployment”.

He said NDE over the years has taken advantage of the potentials in the area of employability of the labour market, adding that “it is pertinent to know that one of the major causes of unemployment is attributed to lack of functional and marketable skills on the part of the unemployed.”

33,614 pass NABTEB exams From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

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A teenager caught after allegedly stealing a laptop from a car parked at the First Bank, Central Area, Abuja yesterday.

Photo: NAN

Flood: Foundation accuses FG, Adamawa of negligence

By Josephine Ella

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he Foundation for Public Private Partnership in Nigeria yesterday, took a swipe on the federal and Adamawa state governments for their alleged failure and insensitivity to the plight of the Adamawa people.

The founder, Engineer Saidu Njidda, who addressed a press conference in Abuja against the backdrop of last Sunday’s massive flood that swept through communities in Adamawa, killing about 17 persons, blamed the two

governments for the disaster.

He told journalists that the conference became necessary “to highlight the oversight of the Federal Government as well as the non-sensitivity of Adamawa state Government to the plight of our people by refusing to implement an identified engineering solution to the flood problem”.

Njidda described the efforts of the National Emergency Management Agency(NEMA) as inadequate, saying “the DG of NEMA was providing a nonsustainable solution and approach to the problem, through an

Nasarawa correspondents chapel boycotts NUJ activities From Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia

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embers of the Nasarawa state chapter of the Correspondents’ Chapel, has announced the boycott of activities of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).

This followed the resolution reached at the end of an emergency congress of the chapel, following the sudden removal of the secretary and treasurer of the NUJ, Ahmed Tukur and Abdullahi Ogoshi respectively.

A statement issued after the

meeting, signed by chairman and secretary of chapel, Chuwang Dungs and Aloysius Omalo, observed that the process leading to the congress of the NUJ yesterday, where the decision to remove the two officials was taken, was flawed, adding that it was masterminded without due regard for the constitution of the union.

The chapel thereafter resolved to dissociate itself from the decision reached at the NUJ congress, and would not be part of any activity inconsistent with the constitution of the union.

emergency basis”.

He enumerated efforts made so far by him and other good citizens of the state as well as professionals in the federal ministries, departments and agencies towards mitigating the continued death of Adamawa citizens and destruction of their properties.

According to him, the Dasin Hausa Multi-purpose Dam in Dasin village of Fufore Local Government of Adamawa state, which he had tried to drive for the past four years , when constructed, “will be the sustainable solution not

only in mitigating the Lagdo dam excess water floods and killings of our people, but in providing the required power generation of about 300MW”.

“The people of Adamawa and the adjoining communities to take their destiny into their hands as these authorities have not shown commitment in salvaging them”.

“It is evident that all what the government is interested in both the state and federal level is to give out blankets and sacks in an emergency procurement by NEMA,” Njidda added.

Flood: Guri LG procures N12m said thousands of farmlands in sandbags nine out of the ten political wards From Ahmed Abubakar, Dutse

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ollowing the devastating flood that ravaged some communities, the Guri local government council in Jigawa state has procured and distributed polythene bags worth N12 million to communities threatened by flooding for embankments.

The council chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Bulama Zugo who disclosed this while sympathizing with the victims,

were washed away by flooding in the area.

He said 5,000 houses including the newly constructed local government staff quarters were washed away by the rainstorm.

Bulama then appealed to the state and the federal government to come to their aid.

In a related development, the chairman of Kiyawa local government council, Alhaji Dahiru Madaki Katuka has sympathized with the victims of rainstorm at Gurum Bayan Gari in the area.

he National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), has released its May/June 2012 NBC/ NTC examination results.

Registrar/Chief Executive NABTEB, Dr. Olatunde Aworanti who revealed this yesterday at a press conference in Benin City, said, of a total of 143,755 candidates, 33,614 candidates had credit passes in English language and mathematics representing 23.4 percent.

According to him, 59, 100 candidates had credit passes in five Subjects, excluding English language and mathematics; even as 5, 878examination malpractices were recorded across 1750 centres.

Further breakdown of the results showed that 2895 candidates were certified as Craftsmen excluding 16 Engineering trades, six construction trades, nine miscellaneous trade and business trades.

Police seeks Lagos residents’ support over security challenges From Ojebola Matthew & Aramode Matthew, Lagos

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he Nigerian Police Force has called on residents of Lagos state to support it in tackling security challenges in the state.

Speaking at the one year anniversary of area "M" police command, tagged: “1st security and safety award 2012”, the Officer-incharge, Special Anti-robbery Squad (SARS), Lagos state police command, Superintendent of Police Abba Kyari said the community must help the police in maintaining peace because it could not do it alone.

Speaking on the award, Abba commended the organizers for thinking it wise to honour police officers for their tremendous contribution to the growth of the country.

Also in his speech, the guest lecturer, Rtd. Major Alexander Babatunde Panox urged residents to assist the police with useful information to aid them in discharging their legal duty to expectation.

During his remark, a resident of LASU-Iba, Mr. Folusho Ojo said the dwellers really felt the impact and effectiveness of the area 'M' police command within the one year of its commission.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

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n the fun-o-meter, I’d probably rank back- toschool shopping right above getting a flu shot and preparing income taxes. Never mind the hassle of figuring out what our kids need for the coming school year and dragging them to the mall, it’s just so expensive.

By trial and error – and sound advice from fellow parents – here’s a developed a back-toschool budgeting checklist: First, calculate how much you can afford to spend on schoolrelated expenses without blowing your overall budget or racking up debt. Scoring bargains won’t help your bottom line if you end up paying interest on unpaid balances.

Next, make a comprehensive list of anticipated expenses for each child and build in a cushion for unexpected costs. Try these strategies: Examine previous years’ bills and compare notes with other, more experienced parents.

Ask the school which supplies they expect you to buy. Pool resources with other families to take advantage of volume discounts and sales.

Spread clothing purchases throughout the year so your kids won’t outgrow everything at once; plus you can take advantage of off-season sales.

Review school dress codes so you don’t waste money on inappropriate clothing.

Before buying new clothing or accessories, look for “gently used” items in the closets of your older kids, friends and neighbors, at garage sales, thrift and consignment stores, and sites like Craig’s List.

Find out how much extracurricular activities (athletics, music, art, etc.) cost.

Account for uniforms,

MONEY SENSE How to save on backto-school shopping

· Callable Bonds: Bonds that give the issuer the right to redeem the bonds before their stated maturity. · Capital Gain: The amount by which the proceeds from the sale of a capital asset exceed its original purchase price. · Capital Markets: The market in which long-term securities such as stocks and bonds are bought and sold.

membership dues, private lessons, field trips, snacks, etc.

Compare the cost, convenience and nutritional value of school lunches and snacks versus food you prepare yourself. Learn your school’s policy on immunizations and see what’s covered by your insurance – or which ones you can access free at health fairs or community clinics.

Factor in public transportation, school bus or carpool expenses. Although shopping online can save money,

time and gas, don’t forget shipping and return costs, which could undo any net savings. If your kids are old enough, put them in charge of online comparison shopping.

Clip newspaper and online coupons. Many stores will match competitors’ prices even if their own items aren’t on sale. Plus, many consolidation websites post downloadable coupons and sale codes for online retailers.

Mobile shopping apps let instore smartphone and mobile browser users scan product

barcodes and make on-the- spot price comparisons, read reviews, download coupons, buy products and more.

Some parents wrestle over whether or not to take their kids on shopping trips. I think it’s worth the effort so they can hear and absorb your decisionmaking process and understand what’s available to spend. My kids are probably sick of hearing me say, “I’m going to buy this brand of underwear because it’s cheaper, which will give us more money.

Saving money is vitally important. Savings can serve as cushion during periods of financial uncertainty such as unemployment. It is important to invest any savings as wisely as possible in order to fully provide for your financial needs. Savers should cautiously consider the various options available to investors today. Each one offers important benefits.

O

Quote The man who can drive himself further once the effort gets painful is the man who will win.

— Sir Roger Bannister: Iconic Olympic runner, Neurologist

Glossary on banking and finance terms (II) · Call Option: The right to buy the underlying securities at a specified exercise price on or before a specified expiration date.

How to invest money wisely Instructions 1.

Examine your financial goals. ne of the first steps to investing money wisely is careful consideration of one’s financial goals. Are you nearing retirement? Or just starting your career? Do you have children? Do you want to buy a house? Do you like to travel? Do you have parents who depend on you for financial support?

2. Make a financial plan. Once you’ve figured out your financial needs think about

PAGE 11

making financial plans. Your financial plans should have a time frame and include immediate, intermediate and long term goals. Immediate goals may include a trip to Paris six months from now. An example of an intermediate goal is saving enough for a down payment on a house in two years. Long term goals can include saving for retirement or for a baby’s college education.

3. Diversify. One of the best possible ways to invest money wisely is to diversify.

Diversification means investing in various kinds of investments.

An example of a diversified savings plan is one that includes investment in a rental property, stock portfolio and United States savings bond(s).

Diversification is important is because it helps protect your investments from losses. The housing rental market may

falter in a given time frame while stocks rise.

4. Learn about taxation laws.

Another important aspect of wise investment is careful consideration of taxation laws.

Not all investments are taxed equally. If held long enough stock market profits can be subject to a lower rate of taxation. Rental income may be deductible under certain circumstances.

An investment that pays lower interest can be more beneficial if that investment is subject to lower rates of taxation.

It is wise to consult with an accountant or read up on tax law before you purchase any investment.

5. Reassess your needs periodically. Once you’ve decided on a plan of investment action it is important to periodically reassess your investment goals. As you

approach retirement you may wish to invest in less risky forms of investments to protect yourself against losses. If you purchase a house you may need more monthly capital to fix the house.

If you want to further your education you may wish to reduce your monthly earnings to qualify for student loans or national educational grants.

Tips & Warnings One of the best ways to achieve your financial goals is consistency. Set aside a sum of money each month and put it away. Do this every single month starting at an early age. Invest in stocks each month whether the market is soaring or crashing.

Pay your bills on time to avoid a bad credit rating. Do not take on more debt than you can pay back.

Think about the financial consequences of everything you do and you should reap the rewards of wise investing.

· Certificate of Deposits (CDs): Savings instrument in which funds must remain on deposit for a specified period, and premature withdrawals incur interest penalties. · Closed-end (Mutual) Fund: A fund with a fixed number of shares issued, and all trading is done between investors in the open market.

The share prices are determined by market prices instead of their net asset value. · Collateral: A specific asset pledged against possible default on a bond. Mortgage bonds are backed by claims on property. Collateral trusts bonds are backed by claims on other securities.

Equipment obligation bonds are backed by claims on equipment. · Commercial Paper: Short-term and unsecured promissory notes issued by corporations with very high credit standings. · Common Stock: Equity investment representing ownership in a corporation; each share represents a fractional ownership interest in the firm. · Compound Interest: Interest paid not only on the initial deposit but also on any interest accumulated from one period to the next. · Contract Note: A note which must accompany every security transaction which contains information such as the dealer’s name (whether he is acting as principal or agent) and the date of contract.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

PAGE 12

EDIT ORIAL EDITORIAL

Oil in North: Enough of the lip service

T

wo weeks ago, Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko of Sokoto state disclosed that there was abundant crude oil in the state. By “abundant”, the governor must mean commercial quantity.

Making the disclosure when the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, paid him Sallah homage, the Governor enthused that “when fully explored and exploited, the oil deposits will certainly boost the socio-economic status of the people of the state as well as the nation’s economy.”He assured that his government “will soon write the Federal Government on the issue with a view to complying with the necessary guidelines”.

But have we not heard that many times before? For years, we have heard about “oil deposits” in Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Gombe and Jigawa states, among others, with no evidence yet on the ground to support the claims.

In June 2010, Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa state told the speakers of the 19 Northern states’ Houses of Assembly that “an expert on oil exploration came to me nine months ago with an aerial survey showing the floor of oil within Africa.

“To my pleasure, the oil in Sudan, sipping through Chad, the oil in Algeria, in Libya sipping through Niger really has a huge valley somewhere around Gumel, Babura, Sule-Tankarkar and Birniwa local governments of Jigawa state.” He said the state (Jigawa) sits on the richest oil wings in the world because the river of oil flowing underground in this area is huge”.

And in the same month, Chairman of the Northern State Governors Forum (NGF) and Niger state Governor, Muazu Babangida Aliyu, issued a statement commending the federal government's decision to commence crude oil exploration in the Benue and Lake Chad

Trough, saying that exploration would not only benefit the region, but also add to the revenue base of the country.

To be sure, it is not unlikely that there would be oil in the North since it has been discovered in neighbouring countries in basins with similar structural settings such as Doba, Doseo and Bongor (amounting to over 2 billion barrels) in Chad Republic, Logone Birni in Southern Chad and Northern Cameroun (over 100 billion barrels) and Termit-Agadem Basin in Niger

“

Given the twin evils of acute underdevelopment and insecurity bedevilling the North, a permanent salvation lies not with the transient hydrocarbon, but the more permanent agriculture (amounting to 1 billion barrels).

But initial exploration of oil in the North commenced in the Chad Basin 1976 with pretty little achieved since then apart from collecting seismic data. Even after the federal government and the Northern Nigeria Development Company (NNDC), which is owned by the 19 northern states, signed a Production Sharing Contract (PSC) agreement in 2006 in respect of four oil blocs allocated to the later for oil prospecting in the Lake Chad Basin, not much, if any, progress has been reported by either of the parties.

In February this year, the Federal Government reportedly intensified efforts

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”

towards oil exploration in the northern part of the country, with the Minister of Petroleum Resources Mrs. Diezani AlisonMadueke saying that "Though it is too early to be categorical, there is a possibility that we may find oil in commercial quantity in the Chad Basin because of the discoveries of commercial hydrocarbon deposits in neighbouring countries of Chad, Niger and Sudan which have similar structural settings with the Chad Basin. Therefore, it is prudent to aggressively explore the Chad Basin for possible hydrocarbon deposits.’’

At a time when most of the nation’s earnings from oil are spent on the President’s geo-political area and its people under one guise or another, it is our strong belief that if the Northern political leadership does not seize the initiative, oil exploration in the North would perpetually remain only on the lips of the policy makers in Abuja. But while doing that, the region must pay more attention to agriculture, the nation’s erstwhile cash cow before the advent of oil revenue.

With the government paying a handful of ex-(?)Niger Delta militants a staggering N5.6 (S39.5 million) billion annually, on top of the hundreds of billions being spent on amnesty and training of the former militants, now, more than ever before, is the time for the North to sit up and look beyond any oil it might have and concentrate on what it has comparative advantage, which is agriculture.

The NSGF must therefore come out with a winning agricultural policy beyond the dubious annual distribution of fertilizers to farmers and little else. Given the twin evils of acute underdevelopment and insecurity bedevilling the North, a permanent salvation lies not with the transient hydrocarbon, but the more permanent agriculture.

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HEAD, LAGOS BUREAU ADESOJI OYINLOLA

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

By Ibraheem A. Waziri

T

he mechanism of progress that made the Hausa the most vibrant and enterprising nation in the whole of West Africa in the past, is still here. It is not laziness as some people say; nobody comes from any other region to produce for them the food they survive on daily. Those seeking for an answer as to why Northern Nigeria is in its weak position despite the fact of its elites holding onto power for decades should try some reading in classical power and relational politics and its implication on groups’ socio-economic development. In this, one will see that the North is where it is today only in respect to the popular saying that one cannot eat their cake and still have it as it is with all other natural phenomena.

The seemingly correct explanation is the Northern elite, who are responsible for expanding the paradigm and worldview of average Northerners situating them at par with their counter parts across the world, got power, in the composition of Nigerian nation, in the late 1950s and in order to keep to it they chose the option of eliminating the middle class among them, because the likely thing to happen is the middle class, if allowed, might grow in economy, influence and strength enough to wrench power from the upper class. This is what happened when Gowon in the early 70s and Shagari in the late 70s, allowed their own to grow strong in the military. They just did away with them in 1975 and 1984 respectively and clung to power making sure they did not make the same mistake their predecessors made.

They

By Victor Ehikhamenor

A

s much as I cringed reading some of Dr. Reuben Abati’s words this past Sunday, a sense of eiyaaa overwhelmed me.

It was so obvious that the task before the erudite ex-columnist was to catch a porcupine with bare hands.

Abati’s piece reminded me of my mother when I was in primary school. I was flogged silly by the labour master for not bringing “handwork” to school one time and hell almost broke loose.

Handwork required tedious work, and it was a necessity and part of the school program. At this particular occasion I came to school empty handed and the labour master could not bear my audacity of hoping he would not ask me for it.

When I had no tangible reason for not bringing handwork, he went berserk and finished an entire cane on my bare legs and sent me home. My mother, seeing the cane marks all over my legs as if I was a runaway slave, decided to go to my school and start a civil war.

She was literally flying out of the door when my father stopped her. And what I will never forget was he reminded her that -Yes it is true that the punishment was excessive, but Victor did not do what was required of him, hence the punishment.

PAGE 13

North’s vicious cycle of poverty continued the practice of axing their own economically, intellectually and otherwise.

On the other side, the other regions, especially the Southwest, were not faced with anything of political control of Nigeria and as such they continued to strengthen their middle class as the upper class realized the need to empower their own as a comprehensive defence against the onslaught of Northern upper class elite. The middle class served as an armoury to the upper class. They continued the battle for them until the early nineties when IBB annulled the popular June 12 election.

Then came the climaxes, the June 12 was ethnicised and regionalised, the South West had a good number of media outfits and middle class individuals with the right education and economic resources to sustain the fight while in the North of early nineties, very few among the middle class could do well in countering the others in the intellectual fight at the level of resources. At the end of the day, after the demise of Abacha, the Northern elite were confronted with no option than to dash power to the South West in 1999. They have won the fight.

When Obasanjo realized his bearing and started targeting these Northern elites it still remained that they had none to defend them save the few middle class created during Abacha regime under the Buhari PTF. Many young Northerners then have merited contracts and made a couple of millions. They were

the ones who established focused media houses, maintained Newspaper columns, and started getting back at Obasanjo and his policies.

And, of course, the era of Obasanjo was the era of South West participating in national politics. Even though they already have a vibrant middle class, and sound economic structure that benefited from the regime’s economic considerations at the centre, it is evident that they also suffered from what the North earlier on suffered from as their elite started a battle for of control of the region’s social and cultural resources. This war recorded many casualties as even people like Bola Ige had to take exit, brutally killed. Also the control politics did not allow their governors to work in unison with progress of the region. In fact they were rated among the worst in performance.

On his part, Obasanjo had to seek for loyalists outside his own region because trusting and elevating his regional men in the centre might lead to excessive ambition which in turn might result in a palace coup akin to what happened to his predecessors like Gowon and Shagari and their people who they trusted with the leadership of the military.

This is about the story of Northerners in Nigeria and what came up in their economic development. It is also the reason why there was no time when Northerners talked much about their economy more than the time of Obasanjo’s leadership.

Being it they left the leadership position of the country and the upper class were being attacked

by Obasanjo mercilessly. Of course, it was also then that the leadership in the North achieved most, in terms of performance for its masses more than the many years it clung to power at the centre.

This is why some of us think the North can have meaningful economic development only if power is made to stay away from its elites for several years for them to do a rethink. Then it is hoped they will have learnt their lessons and will work assiduously to develop the region.

The point must be stressed here given the pronouncements of the governor of Niger state, Alhaji Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, who tried to attribute the present economic predicament of the North, as widely to an international conspiracy. If indeed there was a conspiracy it was a northern political class conspiracy. As it is now, the solution to the problem is not going to be a short term one as the generation of youths without the relevant skills necessary for survival in formal economy now as the ones to be produced in the recent future are very much in the league of the 86% - quoted percentage of the poor - among us.

So an affirmative action, with the intent of taking care of our distant future, which appeals to laws and legislations, is the only options.

The solution, though good, is not totally in the much taunted revitalisation of the agricultural sector in the North. After all, the

sector, if revitalised, may end up serving the economic needs of others if there is not enough skilled manpower and the right national and international market strategies. It is important for the government to invest hugely in human capital development as Northerners need to have more of world class exposure both academic and entrepreneurial necessary for survival in the capitalist world.

We certainly, also, cannot continue in the pretention of creating a welfare state. No, how can a government continue to afford free education for all as the Bauchi state House of Assembly was recently heard saying it would put Qur’anic schools and almajirai in the state’s budget.

This is not practicable as even the formal Western-type schools that are government owned are not maintained adequately. So instead of us to continue sailing in a dream boat, legislation must be made and enforced that will compel parents to bear more of the responsibility of educating the children they produce; religiously it is their duty.

Failure to address issues at this level signals the triumph of anarchy as it is seen in the threat we are facing from the monsters of poverty in Northern Nigeria due to, largely, among other things, our neglect of legal provisions in the formation of family units in both religion and our secular living.

Ibrahim A. Waziri is at Iya Abubakar Computer Centre, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

My mother could not defend that position, she dropped the case reluctantly and treated my wounds. And I went to school with my handwork the next day.

Somebody, an editor or a personal assistant, should have stopped Abati’s “The Jonathan They Don’t Know” before it made it to the public space. Not that the president’s spokesman should be censored, but this particular offering was necessarily unnecessary.

I don’t know if Abati realizes there may be an incontrovertible “handwork” missing from “them” that is making his labeled “they” cabal i.e. “the cynics, the pestle-wielding critics, the unrelenting, self-appointed activists, the idle and idling, twittering, collective children of anger, the distracted crowd of Facebook addicts, the BBMpinging soap opera gossips of Nigeria” scream and lash out like my labour master. Abati couldn’t have forgotten so soon that he was once a “they” before he became “them” and he should have a better communication stratagem to handle “they’s” restiveness.

I don’t know Abati personally; I have only met him through his writings, in the past as a hardhitting fire spitting critic/ columnist and in his current

reincarnation as the president’s image Laundromat/megaphone.

The more I read him these days the more it is clear to me that it is not easy walking with a leftleg shoe on a right foot. Many people knew exactly where Abati stood in the past and now that his pendulum has swung to a different direction, they are not heedless either.

Nigeria may be a country that needs Lasik surgery for its myopic malady, but Abati’s potshots at government are too recent to recess into the abyss of the national sub-conscious.

When Dr. Abati joined Dr. Jonathan, if I knew him well I would’ve congratulated him with a handshake. I am not averse to serving one’s country under a democratically elected government, and Nigerians voted for President Jonathan en masse.

If the best minds shun public offices, hoodlums and political agberos take over the country and turn it to a madhouse – and we have seen that happen too many times.

The only way Nigeria can begin to build itself from debilitating socio-political rubbles is when people like Abati accept public office and serve the entire country in truth and honesty, no matter the challenges.

Abati has a job to do and I respect him tremendously for attempting to do it the best way he thinks, but you cannot dance atilogwu to owambe drumming. He wants to maintain his old dance steps in a different disco hall and it is painful for many Nigerians to watch. And I do not want to believe that the arrival of an “attack lion” in the Villa has put peer pressure on the once calm and calculated intellectual.

The president’s spokesman cannot afford to be rattled to the extent that he lists the president’s table menu of boiled plantain and cassava bread just to prove a point.

Or even direct vituperations at “they” that voted his employer to power.

Angry responses to critics do not shoo them away, it energizes them. This is a country where in the past, military guns and letter bombs couldn’t shut critics’ mouths. The pen is mightier than the sword, but both “they” and “them” are equally armed with that same pen now. And Abati’s latest criticism is like tying raw meat around one’s neck and walking around in a hungry lion’s den.

Words are too powerful to be misused and this is something Abati knows too well. The words -

“The thing about the President’s critics is that they just cannot accept that someone with his simplicity can be President,” is way too pedestrian to explain away a people’s SOS cry for good governance.

The ever lingering woe with President Jonathan’s administration is simply and squarely miscommunication. I find this ironic, considering that he is Nigeria’s first Facebook commander-in-chief and the least unflappable. Trying to deflect beer parlour and internet “gist” and genuine criticism of President Jonathan in a day’s work will not cut it.

That Abati is an intelligent man is unquestionable, but he must help the president articulate some of his successes so far, not just in traditional media but also in the social media arena that was once courted by him.

Abati was not hired as an attack dog/lion and he should not suddenly be goaded into one. And for the record “they” do not particularly care if the president wedges his head in bed with a bottle of VSOP Ogogoro as long as the country he governs is moving towards the right direction.

Victor Ehikhamenor is on Twitter (twitter.com/ victorsozaboy)

Abati’s unnecessary necessity

PAGE 14

By Babayola M. Toungo

T

his generation of Nigerians may as well be the last set of Nigerians if the record of Goodluck Jonathan’s leadership quality and style is anything to go by. A leadership steeped in ethnic assertiveness and abrasiveness with a ‘to hell with you’ attitude towards anyone outside the creeks of the Niger Delta. A style of leadership based on provincialism, peopled by militants (ex or not), old men once indicted by a reformist government now desperately trying to reinvent themselves because ‘their son’ is in the saddle and pseudo-intellectuals like Atedo Peterside, who got the best opportunities Nigeria had to offer.

Goodluck’s government is fuelled by exploiting the fault lines in our body politics – regional, religious and ethnic – and this is why I belief, if allowed to continue, will bring the end of the country as we know it today. I say this with all sense of responsibility.

The manifestations of this dangerous style of leadership reared its ugly head right from when Goodluck was Vice President and was desperate to shove aside the then sick ‘Yar adu’a. Goodluck had to rely on whipping sentiments to make his case and thus began the ascension of ethnicity in national discourse. Dinosaurs like Edwin Clark were resurrected from the dead to make a case for one of “their own”. The north was blackmailed (of course with the connivance of some northern quislings) into feeling guilty and the national assembly concocted a so-called ‘doctrine of necessity’, a contraption alien to the Constitution, just to please a segment of the country.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Goodluck’s campaign last year was a defining moment for the country because at a point in time we were

By Ifeanyi Izeze

W

hen the Holy Bible say “my people perish” it was emphatic they did not perish because they lack resilience for militancy or ordinary graah -graah. They perish for “lack of knowledge” and in this context knowledge about the mechanics and mischief of politicking at the national stage. Is it not interesting that some supposedly highly -placed people of the south-south and their followers or rather village people, for whatever reasons, could be so gullible to buy wholesale and had continued to widen the gap in the relationship between President Goodluck Jonathan and the Rivers state governor and chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), Chibuike Amaechi. Whosoever is involved in ensuring this partition is sustained and even fortified for sure have other reasons.

Whose interest is the continued divide between Jonathan and Amaechi going to serve at the end of the day? Does the president need any governor whether for or against to perform and show the Nigerian people that he is trying no matter how small or slow? If a government is delivering on the social contracts with the citizenry, such performance would speak for itself because it would be glaring and cannot be denied even by worst oppositions and critics. But a situation where the government is

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

Why we must get angry at our leaders threatened with Armageddon should Bakare for delivering a sermon on foreseeable future, are northern in case Goodluck was not elected. The ‘How to Change Government governors and northerners threat was given by no less a person Peacefully’. May-be because Pastor prepared to face a future without than the minister of Information, Bakare is not from the south–south. ‘federal allocation’? Are we truly Labaran Maku. Rather than this The seditious nature of the actions of building structures and dangerous brinkmanship Diigbo and the Bakassi people was not infrastructures meant to endanger diminishing, it is escalating and viewed as serious as that of a harmless economic growth and prosperity? subtly adopted as state policy. With Pastor’s homily. Is the federal Where are those northerners the likes of Asari-Dokubo, a confessed government sending the wrong running from pillar to post just a killer, joining the fray, I am afraid signal to Nigerians? Are we therefore year ago telling us that Goodluck is we are beginning to see the makings to infer that while some get away the best thing to happen to Nigeria? of the end of Nigeria as it exist today. with murder, others won’t?

While states in the south are The most recent brinkmanship The government of Goodluck involved in one economic programme or by Goodluck’s the other, our people is the governors are recent declaration busy buying up of autonomy by estates in Dubai, the Ogoni people, Peoples Daily welcomes your letters, opinion articles, text South Africa the unending messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written and Europe. Or insults and blame contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters - 150 building new game on northern words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your name and government leaders by Clark, a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be addressed houses that does the passage of a to: not have any law by the Bayelsa economic State legislature The Editor, impact on the on state anthem, Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, populace. It is flag and coat of okay for Clark or arms, the 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja.

Dokubo to insult declaration of Email: let ters@peoplesdaily-online.com us as long as the independence by SMS: 07037756364 oilfields in their the people of backyards can Bakassi and the incoherent threats by Dokubo of Jonathan will go down in history as continue to fund our consumerism. starving the north by denying them the government that polarised Our insatiable thirst for corruption access to the ports to ‘import’ food and Nigeria the most. The acrimony of has made us shameless and bringing out the guns. his ascension was based on the fact undignified. Genuflecting before The common denominator for some people decided to build his case Dokubo or Tompolo is now the fad.

While Goodluck Jonathan belief these acts – south – south. What is of purely on his ethno-religious interest to me is the lack of reaction identity. His campaign put more it is okay to “allocate” to Dokubo, from the federal government with emphasises on this same ethno- Tompolo, Ateke Tom and Boyloaf the minister of information telling religious hue than on any tangible $40million per annum to “guard” Nigerians that government isn’t programme or manifesto and his pipelines, our governors are aware of the declaration of autonomy government seem to be stoking the retching up issues that the by the Ogoni people led by Goodluck embers for the continuation of this presidency believed are “settled” Jonathan’s namesake – Goodluck same dangerous trend. I am not while some are going round with a Diigbo. That is the height of insult to optimistic that Nigeria will survive begging bowl asking the deaf to give poor struggling Nigerians. It took the this bluster if the president continues them more. How did we come to SSS (the secret police) less than forty- to tow this path. But be as it may, if this sorry pass? Where are those soeight hours to “invite” Pastor Tunde the country breaks up in the called leaders who always claim to

WRITE TO US

be working for our interests? Am yet to hear anyone condemn the “allocations” to these militants who can cause their underlings to drive all the way to Abuja without fear of molestation by security personnel.

While all northern cities are turned into barracks, with gun totting soldiers at every corner, bringing to a halt most businesses, militants can have unfettered access to the nation’s capital, driving from the creeks in convoys. Our leaders, those at the front row of Goodluck’s campaign train, are nowhere to be found now that the chips are down. The poor are left to their devices and this is what we are reaping in the form of unmitigated violence.

This attitude of the leadership is what makes Boko Haram tick. The spate of terrorism has nothing to do with religion or ethnicity but rather a product of ‘use and dump’ insolence of our political class. These boys are denied education and therefore denied any future. With no stake in a polity they believe they had a hand in making, they turn to violence in order to vent their bottled up anger.

They lay waste whatever they survey indiscriminately. This monster has to be tackled by our governors and other leaders of the region even if the federal government is lukewarm about tackling it. If we fail, then we should be prepared for the long-term effect of this madness.

While Goodluck is pampering his kindred (the militants), our governors believe they can wish Boko Haram away. Getting angry at Clark, Goodluck or any of the lot seems to be a misplacement of anger.

Our anger should be directed at our leaders to make them realise the folly of their ways.

Babayola M. Toungu wrote in from Yola, Adamawa state.

Lamido/Amaechi 2015 ticket?

yet to convince the ordinary Nigerians that against all odds installed it that “yes we can”, how do you expect the electorates to begin to sing “yes we believe” except because faith as defined in the Holy Bible “is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen yet.”

How could any reasonable person think or even believe that Amaechi was installed as the NGF chairman to make sure Jonathan did not succeed as a president? Meanwhile, the other side of the divide thinks that Amaechi was put there to enable his south south brother do whatever he wanted with little resistance. If Jonathan is working, is he not going to do it from his office? If he is not working, it is in his office also as the president. So how is it that Chairman of the NGF is the one making sure the president does not perform? This assumption is evil and vexing because it is an outright expression of a disable mindset to think that a governor (even the league of governors) could make a sitting president fail in his office. Even if the president is not performing because there are people who want to make sure he fails, at least there should be sparks of ability to perform which nobody not even satan can take away from him. Is it not so? But what do we have today?

Interestingly, a recent newspaper report had it that

“Obasanjo backs Lamido/Amaechi ticket for 2015.” Is this not absurd and a well-packaged mischief deliberately intended to strengthen the slug line between the duo of Gov. Amaechi and President Jonathan. As reported, Lamido and Amaechi will slug it out with President Goodluck Jonathan and Vice -President Namadi Sambo if Jonathan decides to contest the 2015 poll. Guess who is pushing the ticket? Former President Olusegun Obasanjo of all people! The question is: who planted this story, which at best was speculative, as the lead on prominent Abuja-based national daily? And what did the person intend to achieve?

As was said by an analyst, it is also important to warn that the logic of that story is not its truth or falsehood but hanging Sule Lamido and Amaechi’s perceived presidential ambition on Obasanjo’s sponsorship was intended to make it unacceptable to Obasanjo’s many political enemies. This story no doubt is fundamentally a product of intrigue, manipulation and misinformation geared towards causing strife in the ranks of both northern and Southern political leaders and that’s why it’s worrying.

Sule Lamido and Amaechi –two governors who have shown undisputable strong leadership models are obviously the target of the mischief.

Is it not surprising that the ticket as canvassed will be Lamido/ Amaechi? Why are the proponents not talking of Amaechi as the presidential candidate and Lamido as his vice since the ticket is to unseat a south-south president who is claiming his zone still has one more term to complete their stay at the presidency? Dragging Amaechi into all these was an outright mischief. Let’s even assume President Jonathan would not contest for whatever reasons and the slot returned to the North, is the choice of the vice presidential candidate from the south south more important than the choice of the presidential candidate from the section that should produce him?

As it stands today, almost everybody who has been in politics as governor in the north wants to be the PDP presidential candidate: Sule Lamido, Babangida Aliyu, IsaYuguda and Bukola Saraki, amongst others want to be the president of Nigeria at the same time by wresting power from Jonathan at the PDP primaries except he decides not to contest. If Governor Lamido is being propped up by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, as reported, and Yuguda, Aliyu and Saraki are hinging their aspiration on their contacts within the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and PDP Governors’ Forum,

why was it easier for the Obasanjo candidate to see no other person to pick as vice other than the Chairman of the governors’ forum who should naturally be better disposed to his governors colleagues who are hinging their support on the forum? You see the mischief?

If it is true as reported that the PDP governors and the Northern Nigeria Governors Forum, will speak with one voice on who they would support for the presidency, we should rather wait until then and not drag Amaechi into the northern calculation which is pretending to ignore the strongest presidential contender and amongst the well-groomed and most-qualified from the region under the current PDP platformformer Vice President Atiku Abubakar who has never hid his intention to take a shot at the presidential contest come 2015.

We need to be reminded that when Jonathan decided to contest against the will of the North in the 2011 election, almost all the Northern Governors rose against that decision but as events unfolded, we all saw how their nay turned to aye and the ayes had it. Nigerians should shine their eyes, let us no one deceive us again.

Ifeanyi Izeze can be reached on: iizeze@yahoo.com (2348033043009)

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

PAGE 15

Disturbing contradictions in new Lagos traffic law

By Charles Omole

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here is clearly no substitute to reading the over 80 pages of the law yourself, but I will try and highlight eleven salient things you must know about this well intentioned but badly drafted law.

Smoking is prohibited while driving. Schedule 1, item 10 make you liable to a N20K fine for a first offence of smoking while driving. So you have to suspend the habit until you arrive your destination if you are not to infringe the law.

There are lots of new restrictions on motorcycles in the new law. A typical example is item 21 of schedule 1 that makes it an offence to use a horn designed for a car on a motorcycle. So all motorcycle riders should read this law in full or obtain legal advice on its provisions. It has a lot of new liabilities for motorcycle riders in the state.

Tailgating an emergency vehicle is now an offence based on item 24 in schedule 1. So think twice before trying to sneak behind an ambulance when you are stuck in traffic. You could be N20K worse of for a first offence.

You are liable to pay N50,000 fine if your car breaks down on Lagos roads and causes obstruction. In addition item 36 of schedule 1 also make you liable for the cost of then towing your car away from where it breaks down; and this starts from N10,000. While I can understand the need to pay for the towing away of a broken down vehicle; I cannot understand why Lagosians must

By Akintokunbo A. Adejumo

A

re our laws, regulations and Constitution made for a moral and religious people? From the way we flout, ignore, and bastardise our laws and politicians cast aside or deliberately misinterpret and twist the Constitution every day to satisfy their selfish interests, on a daily basis in this country, I daresay, No! Are today’s Nigerians virtuous and moral, or have we become corrupt and vicious? Let’s think it through with a few examples.

There was a recent newspaper report of how traders (Nigerians) exploited their young people who had come to take the post-UTME screening examinations of the Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa state, by selling to them writing examination materials like pencils, pens, biros etc at grossly inflated prices, thus taking advantage of the poor young people.

That’s Nigerians’ inhumanity to Nigerian. And they were bold and happy to say this despicable act of theirs out. They never saw anything wrong in their cheating actions. Fair enough.

Assisting one’s fellow man in need by reaching into one’s own pockets is praiseworthy and laudable. Doing the same by reaching into another’s pockets is despicable, dishonest and worthy of condemnation.

Our society, like any other society consists of psychopaths and criminal, the only difference is that with Nigerians, the criminals and psychopaths seem to have been having the upper hand since the inception of this country. And the inexplicably and ironically, it is the same people who are downtrodden, looted from, raped, abused and ignored by the rulers who invariably encourage, support and

now pay N50K as fine for a broken down car. By nature many broken down cars cause traffic obstruction.

That is because they are unexpected and unplanned incidents. But it is now a traffic offence in Lagos for your car to break down. This will be used to exploit the people and must be repealed in my opinion.

In addition to 4 above, Failure to display reflective warning sign at the car breakdown point attract an additional N20K fine. This is stated in item 42 of schedule 1. It seems drivers of old vehicles are now in trouble in Lagos. But get yourself a reflective warning sign (Triangle) if you want to avoid this penalty.

It is now an offence to drive a Right Hand vehicle on Lagos road.

Schedule 3, item 28 prohibits driving of right hand vehicles in Lagos; without giving any exemption. So I wonder how you get your imported right hand car to the mechanic village to have it converted without breaking the law.

I guess you may need to tow the car from the port. So importers beware.

It is now an offence to drive without a Spare Tyre. Item 36 of Schedule 3 makes it an offence to drive without a spare tyre in your car. SO beware; otherwise you are liable to a fine of N20,000 for a first offence.

Any staff of Lagos State Ministry of Transport can technically enforce any of the provisions of this law including arrest and impound of car. The law defines Authorised Officer very broadly indeed as including LASTMA, State Vehicle

Inspection Service officials and any staff of the Ministry of Transportation. This is a recipe for abuse and confusion and a mischief charter. So beware.

Contradiction exists on the issue of production of drivers licence on demand. Schedule IV section 15(p) states that a driver will have 24hrs to produce his licence at a designated office in Lagos. But this contradicts other sections of the law. With this contradiction in place, I will carry my licence around if I were you.

Implementation will depend on the quality of LASTMA official you get.

There is no explicit prohibition of eating or drinking while driving in my reading of the law. But Schedule 1, item 40 makes it an offence to “count money or otherwise engage in other activities when driving”.

What exactly are other activities we are not told? So this is another broad provision that can be interpreted at the discretion of Lagos state official involve. Who draft laws like this?

With so many vague provisions and broad interpretation of possible infringement. It is the worst legal drafting I have ever seen.

Every private vehicle 5yrs old (from date of manufacture); must submit to an annual roadworthy test and obtain MOT certificate from Lagos Ministry of Transport. This certificate must be carried in the car at all times as failure to produce it will be an offence under Schedule IV section 11. No exemption is stated for visitors to Lagos from other states.

It is quite apparent that there are

many good provisions in this law; but its bad drafting and poor use of language (added to an overzealous LASTMA) means it is going to be hell for many drivers in Lagos. But I reserve my greatest pity for visitors to Lagos from other states in Nigeria; given that many of these restrictions apply only in Lagos out of 36 states.

Lessons have not been learnt by the state government from the problems besetting the poor implementations of previous legislations, like the Tax laws; yet more are being created. There is little independent adjudication available and the officials are always reluctant to use the established dispute resolution afforded by the courts in their quest for speedy collection and meet their targets.

If Governor Fashola focuses purely on revenue targets being met and not on how they are making it happen; then he is burying his head in the sand. And as for LASTMA and its shenanigans; a whole book can be written about the atrocities of its officials. This is made more petrifying when you realise that many of the LASTMA officials were the Area Boys and Thugs of yesterday who got the job purely on the basis of political patronage; without much training and clearly without paradigm reorientation. LASTMA Officers covering road signs indicating one way road limitation and then hiding behind trees to catch unsuspecting motorists. Lagosians whose cars breakdown on the road only to have unsympathetic

LASTMA officials tow the car to their impound for obstruction. The list goes on and on. And the stipulated fines in some of these legislations for road offences are iniquitous. When a law imposes a fine of N20,000 and above (which is more than basic monthly salary) for simple road contravention; it is an invitation to corruption for the officialdom and penury for the people. The implementation realities are just wrong; regardless of the intentions of the government.

The state government should stop enacting any new legislation (in these areas) for a period (except there is an emergency) and focus its attention on getting the implementation of existing statutes right. Independent Tribunals should be established if need be to facilitate an independent oversight of disputes on the road traffic and on tax and planning matters. People should be treated as innocent until proven guilty. They should be accorded the respect they deserve in a democratic society. And definitely more officials should be brought to book for acting beyond their powers and abuse of their office.

The state government needs to win the hearts and minds of Lagosians if it is to succeed in its noble dream of transforming the state. So simply reeling out more laws will not succeed if proper implementation is not the focus of executive attention by the governor.

Charles Omole can be reached on www.facebook.com

A people beyond redemption? indeed, celebrate these criminals. It is hypocrisy of the highest order.

Corruption equals power, greed and money. For some, there simply is not enough to satisfy them. These people are usually found in the political parties, civil service, banking and private sector, so actually, virtually every section of the society. Everything is a fight for power. Having more power means you can then get more powerful, and therefore more corrupt and richer. You need to be rich to be more powerful, therefore you must be corrupt. And in the end? The rich get richer, the poor get poorer. When both die, they get buried six feet under without taking any of the riches and power with them. But we never seem to think of that inescapable fact of life (and death).

A corrupt society is a society ruled by immoral, wicked men (and women); criminals elected by the populace, supported by the populace, and shielded from punishment by their political allies.

Actions deliberately contrary to the laws of nations and to universal principles and constitutions are crimes, as are the orders that command such actions. Blind obedience does not suffice to excuse those who carry them out.

Politicians are the same all over the world, that is, someone who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making. This includes people who hold decisionmaking positions in government, and people who seek those positions, whether by means of election, inheritance, coup d’état, appointment, electoral fraud,

conquest, divine right, or other means. Politics is not limited to governance through public office.

The Nigerian politician, or political leader, or political office holder is not an alien. He/she is just a Nigerian that went into politics. The reason why they went into politics should ideally be for service and for truly patriotic reasons of seeking betterment for the people they represent in government. Alas, that is what differentiates the Nigerian politician from most of the rest of the world’s politicians. However, you don’t change the Nigerian by changing the politicians; rather you change the politicians by changing the Nigerian.

Everywhere I go, or rather every function that involves politicians and government officials are always chokingly full of flattery, insincerity and hypocrisy. The MCs and organisers outdo each other, piling praises upon their torturers and oppressors, never having the heart and the daring to tell them the truth that these officials are thieves; that we, the electorate, the public, the society, elected them to SERVE us, not for us to serve them.

Do we as a people, as a society, or as rulers and followers, have any sense of responsibility or morality or conscience to each other, to our country, to our fellow-man, to the poor, to our environment, to our young people, to our women, to our men, to the disabled in the society, to our born and unborn generation?

I look on every day as my people always try to cut corners on everything; to prove and demonstrate that they are smarter than the next man/woman; examples abound to prove my theory

on this issue of the average Nigerian thinking he/she is smarter than the rest of the people.

The most common example is on the road, drivers, commercial or private, cutting dangerously in front of you because they are the only ones in a hurry to get where they are going, and you are not smart enough to drive dangerously as themselves. Another example is jumping queues in banks, bus-stops, petrol stations, events or any other occasion where there needs to be order so that there will be a smooth attendance.

Take our market-places, and the market women and other traders will never give you the real price of a commodity at first instance. You have to haggle and barter. It is a cultural thing, you will hear my dear people say and if you are not savvy, you will end up paying five thousand Naira for a commodity that actually cost less than five hundred Naira, and the moment you turn your back on the trader, he/she will be murmuring to him/ herself, mugu (fool). Is that a good culture or tradition?

And the contractors and banking officers are not left out.

They too must play the game of being smarter than the civil servants and politicians from whom they are getting juicy contracts and deposits, and to whom they must pay bribes – examples are our fuel subsidy scammers – so that they can also perpetrate their fraud on the Nigerian public.

We even try to get one over our fellow man in sports, thinking we are smarter than our opponents by fielding overage athletes and footballers (and we rarely succeed

even at that) And these are people who eventually get national merit awards, Politician or Governor of the Decade, Best Senator of the Planet, Best Local Government Chairman in the World, Banker of the Universe, Industrialist of the Cosmos; Best Governor since Lord Lugard, etc. We celebrate and reward mediocrity, indiscipline, greed, corruption, hooliganism, thuggery, deception, deceit, adultery, selfishness and lawlessness and criminality.

Because a thief and corrupt politician is from my family or ethnic group or same religious faith, I see nothing wrong in his crimes, and I fail to condemn him.

And we, hypocrites and sycophants that we have become because of lucre, clap and kow-tow to them on the street. The rulers are untouchable because we make them feel untouchable; we make them feel like they are mini-Gods to be cared for, wined and dined, praised and thanked for doing the work we employ them to do; worshiped and adored for electing them to do things that will make our lives better, and which they are definitely not doing.

That is why I ask, perhaps, that are we, as a people irredeemable, and are we beyond redemption because our culture and hang-ups and complexes cannot let us? We can’t seem to grow out of the confines of those bad portions of our culture that are holding us back from progress, development and betterment. Am I being too hard on my own people?

Akintokunbo A. Adejumo lives and works in London, UK

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

Agency for mass education tasks uneducated adults on education

By Adeola Tukuru

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Water vendors waiting for their customers near Mpape market Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

17-year-old boy rapes pregnant woman A

17-year-old boy, Jacob William of Dangbana village is presently languishing in prison for raping a pregnant woman.

A Karu Magistrates Court in Abuja, sentenced the convict to five years imprisonment for the illicit sexual affair with the sixmonth pregnant woman.

Police prosecutor, Pascal

Njokwu said that the accused was charged with raping and causing grievous hurt contrary to Sections 282 and 241 of the Penal Code.

Njokwu said that on August 13, 2012 at about 7.30 p.m.

Evelyn Stephen, 23, also of Dangbana village, reported the case at Jikwoyi Police Station.

The prosecutor told the court

that the plaintiff had gone into a nearby bush to ease herself when the accused attacked her with a knife, injured and then raped her.

“She was rushed to the Nyanya General Hospital for treatment.

During police investigation, the complainant was discovered to be married and six months pregnant,” Njokwu

said.

The accused pleaded guilty to the charge.

Presiding Magistrate Christopher Oba sentenced him to five years imprisonment without an option of fine for causing grievous hurt.

The convict was given 30 days to appeal the sentence.

The Magistrate also ordered that the convict be charged to a high court for rape. (NAN)

Gwagwalada women get poverty alleviation loans

By Usman Shuaibu

T

he National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in collaboration with Dpat Foundation have given out N400,000 non-interest loan to

women at Ibwa II and Wuna villages in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) to alleviate their poverty.

Revealing this to Peoples Daily in a chat in Gwagwalada,

the President of DPat Foundation, Mrs. Patience Ardey, said that NDE had assisted many rural women through the foundation.

She explained that the loan which was given to women would

not attract interest, adding, that it was to encourage them to engage in any business of their choice.

Patience said that NDE would continue to partner with the foundation to put smiles on the faces of rural women in the area

Labourer steals TV from Dei-Dei viewing centre

A

n Upper Area Court in Kubwa, Abuja, on Wednesday sentenced a 22year old labourer, Dennis Bala, to six months imprisonment for theft.

The convict was, however, given an option to pay N9, 000 fine.

Prosecutor, Garba Abdul told the court that Bala was arraigned on a three-count charge of joint act, burglary and theft.

He said the matter was reported at the Police Area Command in Kubwa on August, 22, 2012 by Linus Danisa.

Abdul said that the convict in collaboration with one other suspect, now at large, entered the complainant’s TV Viewing Centre at Dei-Dei village, Abuja, and stole 21-inch television.

He added that other items stolen

included two DSTV decoders, two ceiling fans, two DVD players, three amplifiers and four electric cables.

Abdul said the items were recovered by the police during investigation.

Bala pleaded guilty to the charges and asked the court to temper justice with mercy, saying that he would not commit such crime again.

In view of the plea, the prosecutor applied that the convict be tried summarily.

The presiding Judge, Lawal Mannir, sentenced the accused to six months imprisonment with an option of N3, 000 fine for each of three count charges.

Mannir also ordered the police to release the recovered items to the complainant. (NAN)

he Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Agency for Mass Education has called on uneducated adults in the FCT to identify with various programmes introduced by the agency.

The Coordinator of Abaji Zone, Alhaji Zubairu Liman, who made the call in an interview with journalists, said there is the need for adults to enrol for the programmes run by the agency.

He explained that the programmes conducted by the agency included basic literacy, post literacy, Ajami, nomadic and continuing education as well as skills acquisition programmes.

Liman also noted that basic literacy was designed to train adults, who could attend school but postliteracy was for those who attended school in the past but could not complete their education for one reason or the other.

While encouraging Nigerians to register for the programmes, he shed light on nomadic education which he said, teaches Fulani’s how to read and write while Ajami is a programme for Muslims.

On continuing education, the coordinator said the agency awards Junior Secondary School certificate to their granduands.

He said that the syllabus was equivalent to other conventional school, as he disclosed that their students in the senior section had sat for WAEC and NECO examinations this year.

Liman said that the program has been monitored by the Education Resource Centre (ERC) and the FCT Education Secretariat.

He therefore, implored residents of Abaji and its environs to avail themselves the opportunity provided by the FCT administration to acquire education, as according to him, the fees are affordable. ”The programme have less free because no school fees are charged but sundry charges aimed at assisting the common man, “ said Liman.

The Abaji Zonal coordinator said the agency has trained both youths and adults on skills acquisition programmes and vocational programmes such as hand set repair and computer training among others.

Commenting on strength of teachers in the centres, he assured that they have very qualified teachers.

Court strikes out case against 17-year-old student

A

n FCT Upper Area Court in Kubwa on Wednesday struck out a case of assault against a 17-year-old student, David Enyijo, for want of diligent prosecution.

Enyijo was standing trial on a three-count charge of use of criminal force, assault and

causing hurt, and had pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Prosecutor, Corporal Igonor Oshodi, had told the court that one Jonathan Musa complained that the accused used a hard plastic object to inflict injury on his face.

He said that the offences

contravenes Sections 263, 264 and 242 0f the Penal Code.

At the resumed hearing of the case on Wednesday, Osshodi told the court that his three witnesses were not in court and applied for a short adjournment to enable him produce his witnesses.

The defence counsel, Mr Hope

Imoukhuede, opposed the application, and told the court that it was not made in the interest of justice, but to “deliberately twist the wheel of justice”.

He said that the prosecutor had asked for adjournment severally on the same grounds, but had never produced any witness, and

then applied that the matter be struck out for want of diligent prosecution.

The Judge, Alhaji Muhamed Lawal, ruled that the case had suffered series of adjournments at the instance of the prosecutor, and then struck out the case for want of diligent prosecution. (NAN)

PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

Residents decry poor sanitary condition of FCT markets

S

ome residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) yester day complained about the poor sanitary condition of markets in the nation’s capital city, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

A cross section of people interviewed by NAN correspondents said the markets had heaps of refuse and could cause health problems Mr Sunday John, who is a resident of Wuse, decried the dirty environment at the Wuse Market, adding “there are toilet facilities in this market but some people will prefer to urinate in the open around the market”.

“You still see some traders staying close to such areas trading and some hair dressers giving services around such places and people will be inhaling the unclean air, “ she said.

At Karu market the story is not different, Chidera Nwoke, a resident of Karu, expressed displeasure about the state of the market, especially during the rainy season.

“I wonder if anybody is thinking about the health hazards of this dirty environment in spite of the fact that the food we eat are sold here.

“It is disgusting to see that no one seems to care about it; there is no access road to the market. The only entrance to the market now is located at the back of the market. ‘’ The indiscriminate way people urinate opposite the mosque at the market gate, will make you refuse to eat anything when you get home,” Nwoke said.

Amaka Agu, lives in Nyanya, she said that the heaps of refuse around the Nyanya market has reached an unbearable level.

“You can never pass through this market and see the road free without suffering from inhaling the repulsive odour of refuse as well as urination and defecation.

“We now compete with pigs in the area of uncleanliness, AEPA is trying, at least I do see them evacuating the refuse from time to time but the people themselves are not helping matters, “ she said.

At Lugbe and Karimo markets the scenario is characterised with indiscriminate dumping of refuse, lack of access roads, indiscriminate urination and defecation.

However, at the Garki Modern Market, the situation is different as those interviewed said the market was about the cleanest of markets in the FCT. Maria Okoh said she bought her commodities at the Garki modern market though she lives at Lugbe, adding that the sanitation condition at the market made shopping there a delight.

“I live at Lugbe, I do my shopping here because the place is the best in sanitation; I commend those who are making the effort to keep it clean, they should keep it up,” Okoh said.

NAN reports that most markets in the satellite towns of the FCT are temporary structures that are basically make shift, which might be relocated or changed to modern markets. (NAN)

Scavengers searching through the refuse dump at Gosa village in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Bus driver gets five-month sentence for detaining FRSC officer

A

n Abuja Senior Magistrates Court yesterday, sentenced Okechukwu Ifeanyi, 24, of Tungan Maje, Abuja, to five months imprisonment for wrongful confinement.

Police prosecutor Echadu Kelechi told the court that Yunusa Yusuf of Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC) reported the matter

at the Dutse Alhaji Police Station on August 14, 2012.

Kelechi said: “The complainant is attached to Dutse Alhaji Unit of FRSC. He was on routine patrol at Gwarimpa when he saw the accused park his bus with registration number AG 144 XA in an unauthorised place’’.

The prosecutor also said the

accused obstructed free movement of traffic on the highway, which necessitated his arrest.

Kelechi explained that the road safety official entered the accused person’s vehicle and ordered him to take the vehicle off the road.

“In the process, the accused drove the officer to Tungan Maje.

The accused was later

apprehended by the police’’, he further told the court.

Ifeanyi pleaded guilty to charge, saying, “it was a mistake.

I will not do it again”.

Senior Magistrate Ibrahim Mohammed said this was the first time Ifeanyi was committing such offence and therefore, sentenced him to five months imprisonment without an option of fine. (NAN)

DPO urges FCTA to assist displaced persons in Mpape

T

he Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration has been urged to assist those whose houses are to be demolished in Mpape so as to ease the pressure on accommodation in Bwari created by displaced persons moving into the area.

CSP Mohammed Umar, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Bwari, made the appeal on

yesterday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bwari against the backdrop of the imminent demolition of the area.

It would be recalled that following the August 30, 2012 deadline given to residents to quit the area to pave way for the exercise, many of the affected residents have packed out of Mpape.

Umar said the division had taken extra security measures to check crime following the influx of more people to the area, adding that police personnel had been deployed to provide 24-hour patrol.

“Of recent, there has been movement of people from Mpape village to Bwari as a result of the imminent demolition that would affect some houses in the village.

We have decided to ensure that our patrol men work 24 hours to prevent kidnapping, robbery, theft and other crimes in Bwari and surrounding area,’’ Umar said.

The DPO said that burglary and theft cases were common in the area and “we do not waste time in investigating and charging such cases to court.

(NAN)

Vote for credible leader, aspirant advises Gwagwalada residents

By Usman Shuaibu

T

he Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) Chairmanship aspirant in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hon. Safiyanu A. Usman has alleged that for the past 20 years, there has been no meaningful development in the area.

He therefore, urged the masses to vote for the credible candidate that would bring a

radical transformation to the entire people of the council.

He pledged to embark on projects that would touch the lives of the people, if elected as the chairman of the area council in the forthcoming area councils chairmanship election.

The aspirant, who spoke to Peoples Daily in an interview in Gwagwalada, stated that the positive impact of any administration ought to be felt in the physical appearance of the electorate.

He called on the residents of Gwagwalada and its environs to come out en masse to vote for him during the 2013 Area Councils Chairmanship election, said that a vote for him was a vote for progress and development of the entire area.

The Gwagwalada CPC chairmanship aspirant then emphasised that Dobi town had produced a lot of council chairmen into the area council, saying that the people should elect their chairman from the

Gwagwalada municipality this time around.

While assuring that he would fulfil the promises made to the residents if given the mandate to serve, the aspirant said that his administration would partner with the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to boost electricity in the area.

Commenting on the revenue generation, Usman said that he would put a mechanism in place in order to generate tangible revenue for the area council.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

PAGE 17

2 1

4 3 1

. Under-aged groundnut sellers running away from camera lens, yesterday in Jabi, Abuja

2. Keke NAPEP driver over loaded his tricycle with vegetable, yesterday in Garki, Abuja

5

3. A welder working on his client's car, yesterday in Jabi, Abuja.

4. Two young men loaded fire woods in a cart, yesterday in Utako, Abuja.

5

. A physically challenged woman taking care of her children, yesterday in Area 3, Garki, Abuja.

Photos: Justin Imo-owo

BUSINESS

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

Email: amunuimam@yahoo.co.uk

PAGE 19

INSIDE

- Pg 20

Naira firms as oil company, banks sell dollars

Mob: 08033644990

Flour Mills to invest N96bn in Nigeria F

lour Mills of Nigeria plans to invest &600 million (N96 bn) over the next five years in the country as it looks to tap into rising demand for pasta, bread and fast food, an executive said yesterday.

The company’s Chief financial officer, Jacques Vauthier said the firm planned to double its 12,000 tonne per day milling capacity to meet the demands of a growing Nigerian middle class, as it turns more attention to fast and convenience foods.

He said the Nigerian top miller, which has operations spanning pasta manufacturing, cassava processing to packaging, was on track to becoming the world’s largest flour miller.

“We are ready to invest up to 100 billion naira in the coming five years,” Vauthier, who joined the miller in 2011 from local rival Nestle, told Reuters in his office in the commercial-hub Lagos.

“Nigeria’s economy is growing ... GDP per capita is also improving (and) we are here to meet expectations.”

With more than 160 million people, Nigeria has a larger population than Russia and is viewed by investors as a huge potential consumer market, especially as the middle class grows.

Nigerian demand is likely to grow, as it only consumes around 80 grams per person of flour per day, compared with 200 grams in South Africa and 400 grams in Egypt, Vautheir said.

Last week, Flour Mills posted a 32 % rise in profit before tax to 5.1 billion naira in the first quarter on 70 billion naira turnover. Vauthier said flour milling accounted for around 76 % of total group sales.

Flour Mills has a 55-60 % market share in the flour and

pasta business in Nigeria and aims to expand into higher margin retail products like snacks to defend its market share.

The company said this month it will seek shareholders’ approval to acquire a 90 % stake in a privately-held vegetable

and edible oil business, Rom Oil. Vauthier said the firm used part of its N28 billion proceeds from a share sale it concluded in February to part finance its acquisitions but it planned to carry on funding its large-scale expansion through internally generated cash.

He said Flour Mills had invested $160 million (N25.6 bn) to build a 750,000 metric ton sugar refinery which it will commission this year. He said its strategy is to cover the entire value chain for its products from farming to retail distribution.

(Reuters)

A Nigerian boy selling loaves of bread along Aba road in Port Harcourt

No cement importation licence has been issued in 2012

By Adbulwahab Isa

T

he Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has revealed that no licence has been issued for cement importation into the country in 2012, which goes to show that there is been a major transformation in the sector, in line with the Federal Government import substitution policy.

The Director-General, Joseph Odumodu, disclosed this during a visit to Dangote Ibese Cement Plant on Tuesday, adding that Nigeria today has enough cement for local consumption with almost 96 per cent of raw materials used for cement production sourced in Nigeria. Last year the Federal Government spent about N32 billion on importation of cement.

The DG who noted that the Federal Government under the Goodluck Jonathan administration is focused on affordable housing for the majority of Nigerians, said the efforts of the organization has

been to ensure that the products which are inputs in the construction sector meet the minimum industrial requirement. ‘‘Our aim is to ensure that these products made in Nigeria meet the minimum industrial standard. Ultimately, it is about ensuring that consumers are well protected, and that they are using the right product. I therefore congratulate the Dangote cement for a good job.’’

Continuing, he said, “What I have seen today is a

confirmation that the Federal Government should support the indigenisation policy for industrialisation. This is an industry that is owned by a Nigerian, and all we can say is well done, while expecting them to do a lot more,’’ he said. ‘‘We know the number of people that are employed by this, which falls into the industrialization policy of the Goodluck Jonathan administration,’’ he added.

While commenting on the certification status, for

manufacturers that meets Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) standards, he said that Dangote group was the only certified company in Nigeria, noting that the group carries SON along in all its efforts in ensuring that the quality implications of their marketable products are well certified.

It would be recalled that SON, last month conducted a survey where it found that a number of cement brands did not meet the minimum industrial specification, and to this effect,

Management Tip of the Day Recognise employees who step up

S

ome of your most valuable employees are those junior staff who act and contribute far beyond their pay grade. Look out for these individuals so you can recognise them, cultivate their talents, and set them up as examples to others. Here are three characteristics to

spot:·They focus on results.

Because they concentrate on the outcomes rather than the process, they know when to break rules — and it’s not to be rebellious· T h e y h a v e strong interpersonal skills. Despite their junior titles, these stars lead through influence. And they

gain that sway by connecting with others.· T h e y de monstrate high integrity.

They are consistent in their actions and words. When conflicts arise, others look to them over formal leaders for guidance.

Source: Harvard Business Review

it is currently carrying out an enforcement action against those brands.

He further said SON is pleased with what is happening within the cement industry, as this development points to the fact that ‘‘Nigeria is at the verge of meeting the local demand for cement with surplus for export, which is one way we can grow our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a country to the level we aim for.

CBN to sell N143bn in T/bills

T

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Wednesday said it plans to issue N142.97 billion ($903.73 m) in treasury bills ranging from 3-month to 1year maturities at its regular twice-monthly auction on Sept.

6, which is next Thursday.

The apex bank said it will raise N32.97 billion in 91-day notes, N50 billion in 182-day bills and N60 billion in the 264day paper. (Reuters)

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

PAGE 20

COMPANY NEWS FG bonds

T

he real risk-free rate (based on the inflation expectation of 14 % in 2012) of Federal Government bonds is 2.34 %, using the yield on a 10-Year bond (16.34 %) as a proxy as market studies show that returns on the Federal Government bonds across tenors (5yrs to 20yrs) hover between 14.25 % and 16.52 %.

Risk-free rate is the minimum return an investor expects for any investment because he or she will not accept additional risk unless the potential rate of return is greater than the risk-free rate.

Dangote Cement

Nigeria to establish world-class auto-mechanic business clusters T he Federal Government, through its agency, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), is about to establish world-class auto-mechanic business clusters fully equipped with modern technologies.

In a statement by the Agency’s Assistant Director, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Levi Anyikwa noted that the project is expected to employ hundreds of thousands of male and female technicians in auto repairs and maintenance across the country.

According to him, it is a joint

project between the National Automotive Council (NAC), the Lady Mechanic Initiative (LMI) and other stake-holders and that SMEDAN would make available some of its Industrial Development Centres (IDCs) scattered across the country, provide entrepreneurship training, access to working capital and mentoring services to the prospective beneficiaries.

Anyika said in return, the National Automotive Council (NAC) and the Lady Mechanic Initiative (LMI), which already have some strategic sponsors and partners, are expected to provide the qualitative technical

training to existing and prospective auto mechanics using ultra-modern technologies and facilitating the procurement of start-up technologies for the trainees.

“Expected to be part of the collaboration are organisations such as the Nigerian Bottling Company Plc, MTN Foundation, Peugeot, Tata, Honda, Mitsubishi and Global Fund for Women.

Others are Toyota Nigeria, RT Briscoe, Mandillas, Coscharis Group, CFAO, and Sandex Car Care Ltd,” he stated.

He noted that Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), state

Naira firms as oil company, banks sell dollars

D

angote Cement’s new plant currently under construction in Tanzania is expected to help fill the cement supply gap in the country, according to a new report by the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC).

Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC), in the report said the cement deficit in the area has hit 1 million tonnes since 2011 but the new Dangote plant is expected to alleviate this and that Dangote unit will be producing 2 million tons every year and will create 400 new jobs.

The TIC acting executive director, Raymond Mbilinyi, said that in few years the country will not experience such deficit due to the establishment of the new Dangote Cement plant in Mtwara.

Regency Alliance Insurance

A

fter provision of about N481 million as bad debts in accordance with the National Insurance Commission ( NAICOM’s) guideline, underwriting firm, Regency Alliance Insurance Plc in the last financial year ended December 31, 2011 recorded a N262.8 million profits after tax , an increase of 13 % compared to the figure in 2010.

While Premium earned less Re-insurance during the period stood at N1.68 billion, its gross premium for the year was N 2.196 billion as against N2.007 billion in 2010, a 9.4 % increase.

The highlights of the result shows that the underwriting company during the review year paid out over N367 million on claims to its policy holders and clients that suffered losses during the period.

governments, foreign embassies in Nigeria, Development Finance Institutions, Business Membership Organisations and Trade Associations will also be partners to the project.

Speaking while receiving in his office the Founder/Executive Director, of Lady Mechanic Initiative (LMI), Engr. Sandra Aguebor-Ekperuoh, who paid him a courtesy call, the Director-General of SMEDAN, Muhammad Nadada Umar, noted that for small and medium enterprises to achieve their optimal potentials in Nigeria, technological advancement must be embraced to full capacity.

T

Senior Product Manager, Nokia West Africa, Linda Yeo; 3rd week winner of N100,000 in the Nokia Danfo Reloaded Competition, Jibola Bakare and Manager, Planning and Analytics, Nokia West Africa, Fikayo Aremu at the 3rd prize presentation of the Nokia Danfo Reloaded Competition held at Nokia’s Office, Victoria Island, Lagos on Wednesday.

Budget process will be harmonised for IPSAS, says AGF From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

T

he Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Mr. Jonah Otunla has declared the budget process of the governments will be harmonised to become compliant with the provisions of the International public sector accounting standards (IPSAS).

Jonah Otunla made the assertion at a two-day sensitisation workshop for stakeholders holding in Bauchi, with theme: “The Roadmap for adoption of IPSAS in Nigeria”.

It will be recalled that the Federal Executive Council had at its meeting on July 28, 2010 adopted the provisions of the

International financial reporting standards (IPSAS).

He expressed optimism that the General purpose financial statements for 2012 of all the three tiers of government will be International public sector accounting standards (IPSAS) compliant.

The AGF explained that the adoption of the IPSAS provisions was in line with the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan geared towards speedy economic growth and development of the country.

The AGF, who was presented by his Director of Funds, Alhaji Bappayo Shehu described as important the buy-in and

understanding of stakeholders the globally acceptable system for any success that could be made in the process of adoption of the IPSAS by the three-tiers of government.

Otunla further explained that the IPSAS are a set of high quality, independently developed accounting standards aimed at meeting the financial needs of the public sector.

“Several governments are adopting IPSAS as the financial reporting standard because of its inherent qualities of promoting transparency and accountability”, he told stakeholders drawn from the North-East geo-political zone of the country” he said.

he Naira currency firmed against the U.S. dollar on the interbank market on Wednesday, supported by dollar sales by an oil company and some banks towards the close of trading.

The naira closed at 158.05 to the dollar on the interbank market, stronger than the 158.15 it closed at the previous day.

Traders said a local unit of U.S. oil giant Chevron sold about $12 million to some lenders, while some units of foreign banks sold additional dollars in the market to enable them to stay within the stipulated 1 % open position limit.

“The naira actually trended down intraday because of strong dollar buying but strengthened toward the close of trading because some foreign banks sold additional dollars in the market, which provided support for the naira,” one dealer said.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)in July raised the cash reserve requirement for lenders to 12 % from 8 %, and reduced net open foreign exchange positions to 1 % from 3 %, to restrict the money supply and support the local currency.

The Naira has been pressured by global risk aversion but has gained more than 1.25 % year-to-date on the central bank’s measures and a resurgence of offshore investors buying local debt, boosting dollar liquidity in the market.

Traders said the naira will continue to hover around the present level for the rest of the week as trickles of dollars from oil companies should subdue any buying pressure from importers.

At its twice weekly foreign exchange auction, the CBN sold $180 million naira at 155.80 to the dollar, compared with the $250 million sold at the same rate on Monday. (Reuters)

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

A

udit and Investigation

As part of the tax administration process, tax authorities usually carry out routine verification of returns filed by taxpayers to confirm completeness and accuracy.

In addition, tax authorities may when deemed necessary carry out specific review of a taxpayers records in order to ascertain the tax status of the taxpayer, whether the records have been previously provided to the tax authorities or not. These processes encompass the audit and investigation afunctions in the tax administration structure.

Audits of taxpayer's returns are routine and carried out periodically, while investigations are done for a specific purpose or in respect of the specific activities of a taxpayer. Audits should be carried out frequently and within a reasonable period after the submission of returns by the taxpayers to minimize difficulties which may be occasioned by the passage of time.

The tax audit function shall be a highly specialized function and tax audit processes shall be simplified and made as taxpayer friendly as possible. Tax authorities shall promote the use of electronic and other technology related systems in the audit process to reduce time and cost and protect the integrity of the audit process. Tax authorities shall carry out routine enlightenment campaigns on tax audits and there should be frequent forums where tax authorities and taxpayers interact and discuss issues related to the audit process.

Tax investigations shall be carried out in the manner as audits, however, it is expected that the investigation process shall be rigorous than a routine audit.

In addition, tax authorities shall ensure that taxpayers understand the differences between tax audits and investigations given that the outcome of an investigation may lead to legal action against taxpayers.

Taxpayers on their part shall be encouraged to remain in compliance with all tax requirements as this will significantly impact the outcome of tax audits and investigations.

Overall tax authorities shall ensure that audits and investigations are carried out in an open, air and independent manner and taxpayers shall afford the opportunity to make necessary representations and provide relevant information to assist tax authorities carry out a fair and objective analysis of the taxpayer's records before arriving at a decision on the taxpayer's status. In addition any decisions reached by tax authorities on the basis of audits and investigations shall be subject to review and appeal by taxpayers following the normal appeal process provided in the various tax legislation.

Enforcement of Tax Laws (Evasion and Avoidance) It is acknowledged that in every society there are bound to leakages. It is therefore the duty of tax authorities to identify all

PAGE 21

Tax Administration (2)

FIRS Ag. Chairman, Alhaji Kabiru Mashi such avenues for leakages in the Nigeria tax system and minimize or eradicate these leakages.In this regard,two of the major means by which leakages occur in the tax system are tax evasion and avoidance.

Tax evasion can be defined as deliberate refusal to pay taxes or make returns with the intention of fraudulently retaining tax revenue or concealing the actual tax status of a taxpayer.

Avoidance on the other hand is the means by which tax liability is minimized or avoided by exploiting the loopholes in the law.

While evasion is illegal and is a criminal offence, avoidance is not illegal, but it is not encouraged.

One tax evasion mechanism prevalent in the Nigerian system, amongst others is touching which is the employment of middlemen

or fraudulent tax consultants to assist in the filing of fraudulent returns and in the procurement of fraudulent tax clearance certificates.

One of the reasons why touting thrives is the ignorance of tax payers who are regularly fleeced of their monies that they would otherwise have paid to the government as tax.

This ignorance is exploited by criminals in collaboration with fraudulent tax officials (existing, retired, or dismissed) of the relevant tax authorities.

Another reason is time constraint, as many taxpayers are too busy and cannot afford the time it takes to process tax related matters. Another reason is that it does not require a lot of investment to achieve high profits; accordingly it is a very profitable

business venture. Risks o date are low as very few incidences of criminal prosecution and conviction of tax offendance are initiated and completed by tax authorities and law enforcement agencies.

Accordingly, a critical first step to address these leakages is the undoubted need to fully modernize and automates the tax system, improve taxpayer convenience in the assessment and payment process whilst at the same time entrenching effective and modern human resource management practices in the tax authorities. Second is the need to build the performance oriented culture with persons with the relevant skills that are updated regularly overtime.

Third,tax authorities should carry out continuous tax payer enlightenment and education on the unlawful nature and consequences of tax evasion and collaborate with relevant agencies including law enforcement agencies to identify and bring tax evaders into the tax net.

Fourth,Government and all tax authorities must work in a collaborative manner to tackle the leakages in the system. There is need to see the tax system as belonging to all Nigerians and work together to get the best of the system, as any gaps are readily exploited by tax evaders.

Fifth,the process of criminal prosecution cannot be relegated to the background in the quest to collect rervenue,that evasion is a criminal offence and would be viewed with all seriousness by tax authorities and law enforcement agencies.Thie process shall be carried out in line with the provisions of tax and other relevant legislation.

With respect to avoidance, tax authorities and legislations should identify and address the loopholes in the laws to minimize the incidences of tax avoidance.

Where a particular provision of the law is subject to various interpretations which create avenue for avoidance, necessary clarification shall be provided in the form of information circulars

or rulings to resolve any such ambiguity.

Overall, however, it shall be duty of tax-payers and their authorities' agents to ensure that they fulfill their legal duty to compute declare and pay full and correct taxes to the Nigerian government. In this regard, Government shall ensure that tax payers who comply are rewarded and those who do not comply are sanctioned as follows: (a) Reward for compliance Tax authorities should be encouraged to provide incentives and other rewards to tax payers who comply with tax laws. Tax authorities may also hold for a where such tax payers are publicly recognized and honoured. It is hoped that such gestures would elicit favourable.

In response from tax payers and result in higher compliance rate. (b) Sanctions for non compliance In the same manner that rewards and incentives are provided to compliant taxpayers, sanctions and punitive measures may be taken against recalcitrant offenders and noncompliant tax payers. In this regard tax authorities shall explore all avenues in the laws and ensure that full weight of the law is brought to bear o such taxpayers.

Measures, which may be taken by tax authorities include legal prosecution before the courts, freezing of the bank accounts of offenders with lien over monies lodged in such accounts, sealing off and distaining of the premises of such tax-payers, public notices showing the tax status of such tax-payers (name and shame) and application to the court for the winding up of tax debtors and recovery of unpaid taxes, where necessary.

It should be emphasised that tax authorities are at liberty to employ any legal measures to recover taxes and ensure compliance by tax offenders.

Operation and funding for Tax Refunds The tax refund is also an important and integral part of tax administration.

Tax authorities are required to refund excess taxes paid over by taxpayers in order to obtain the confidence and trust of taxpayers.

It is important that tax payers understand that they can recover excess taxes paid to tax authorities in a timely and complete manner.

I this regard, the provisions of our tax laws o tax refund shall be strictly complied with and tax payers should be encouraged to take benefit of these provisions.

Tax Refund Mechanism To be eligible for refund, a genuine case of overpayment must be established by the taxpayer. As provided under our tax laws, the relevant revenue authority is required to subject all claims to sufficient verification and make all genuine refunds within 90 days of reaching a decision on the entitlement or otherwise of the taxpayer to a refund. (To be continued)

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

PAGE 22

Shonekan, Shamsuddeen, others harps on capacity development for successful P-P-P From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

F

ormer Head of State, Chief Ernest Shonekan has reiterated that developing technical capacity and bankable Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects remains the key to unlock private financing of infrastructure projects through the PPPs in Nigeria.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of a week long

National Basic and Advanced PPP Capacity Building workshop at the Centre for Management Development CMD in Lagos, the former Nigeria leader affirmed that infrastructure remain the backbone that will drive Nigeria economic development and the efficiency with which goods and people move around the country.

Chief Shonekan, who is the Chairman, Governing board of

the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), said, “Only by ensuring that this vital sector is developed and efficiently managed can Nigeria rise to the great economic and prosperity our people deserve.”

Minister for National Planning Commission Dr. S h a m s u d d e e n Usman, represented by the Director-General, Centre for Management Development,

Dr. Kabir Kabo Usman said capacity building represent a major advance in Nigeria’s reform process to actualize the vision 20:2020.

He said the commission has design institutional alliances with local and foreign bodies to provide rudimentary skills to all Ministry and Development Agencies (MDAs) in PPP initiatives.

Nigerian business women to benefit from Nokia, MTN and Cherie Blair Partnership

By Muhammad Nasir

W

L-R: Founder, Guaranty Trust Bank and African keynote speaker at the forum, Mr. Fola Adeola, Lagos state Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, and Minister in charge of Trade and Industry in the Office of the Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr. S. Iswaran, during the opening ceremony of the Africa, Singapore Business Forum, yesterday at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, in Singapore.

Aviation: Agencies adopt automation formula in revenue collection

By Muhammad Sada

A

ll agencies under the Federal Ministry of Aviation are to adopt the automation process in all revenue collection with the agencies mostly affected in the exercise include the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

According to a press release signed by the S.A media to the aviation minister, Joe Obi, “before now, all revenues were collected manually, leading to huge losses as a result of the leakages inherent in the manual procedure. First Bank of Nigeria Plc, working with Experts and professional bodies like IATA, SITA, and Avitech; a Software Provider, amongst others is to lead the collection process.

Avitech is to provide the

automation platform and has a tripartite agreement with the NCAA, the airline operators and their individual banks. The Software Provider has been working with the NCAA since December, 2010.

Meanwhile, Heads of the agencies have expressed satisfaction with the automation of the revenue collection process, saying it would greatly enhance their revenue profile.”

…as Aviation minister debunks claims on stopping airlines from flying into Abuja, Kano

By Muhammad Sada

T

he Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah has debunked claims on her alleged order that some foreign airlines, particularly Emirates, Etihad and Turkish airlines be stopped or prevented from operating into the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.

According to a press release by the S.A, Media to the Minister, Joe Obi, “There is no truth whatsoever to these publications as the minister

had at no time even attempted to prevent the said airlines from operating into the said destinations.

To the contrary, the minister has been an advocate of allowing all the international airports in the country to operate direct international flights.

“Perhaps it is pertinent, given the sentiments the false publications has generated to state that the very first tangible projects embarked upon by the current Aviation Minister was the rehabilitation of the Kano and Kaduna Hajj Terminals. The terminals have since been

completed, commissioned and put to use. The Sokoto Hajj terminal is currently undergoing rehabilitation too.

“Moreover, out of the 11 airports currently being reconstructed and remodeled simultaneously across the country, five are domiciled in the northern part of the country. The 11 airports include MMIA and the GAT Lagos, Port Harcourt, Benin, Enugu, Owerri, Calabar, Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, Yola and Jos airports.

Therefore, it is clearly inappropriate to insinuate that the Aviation Minister is anti-North”, he said.

orld’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer, Nokia, in partnership with telecom giant MTN Nigeria and the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women has launched “Business Women,” an SMS subscription service to deliver essential business and entrepreneurship tips to women entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

A research conducted in May by the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, in partnership with the ExxonMobil Foundation, “Mobile Value Added Services: A Business Growth Opportunity for Women Entrepreneurs,” showed that 93 percent of female entrepreneurs in Nigeria were willing to employ valued-added mobile service to tackle core business challenges and 75 percent of the sample felt that addressing these challenges would lead to a significant increase in the value of their business.

The Cherie Blair foundation which empowers women for economic success partnered to create the mobile phone-based service is an effort to balance the disparity between the entrepreneurs who have higher difficulty “scaling up their businesses” compared to their male counterparts.

Founder Cherie Blair said in Nigeria at the launch that the product would give “women the chance to become financially independent and make the most of their talents” which is “key to higher living standards for them and their families.” Mrs. Blair added: “With the extensive reach of Business Women through Nokia Life and content tailored especially for Nigerian women entrepreneurs, this new service has the potential to empower thousands of women business owners.”

Business Women is the latest product from Nokia Life package, an SMS-based information service covering education, healthcare, entertainment and agriculture for emerging markets.

Over 15 million subscribers in China, India, Indonesia and Nigeria are serviced by the package.

Barth. Nnaji resignation: Kwara PHCN workers rejoice From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

A

bout 500 workers of the National Union of Electricity Employees, Jebba Hydro Electric Plc have stagged a matched round the premises of the company jubilating over the resignation of the Minister of Power, Prof Barth Nnaji.

Some of the placards they carried read, ‘The god’s of PHCN is in action, others.’

Congratulations PHCN workers Nnaji sacked, ‘The enemny of PHCN sacked,’ ‘The man that said that his people will not enjoy the fruit of labour dropped’ ‘The man who wanted to put our fate in his hands has resigned,’ ‘The enemy of PHCN is sacked,’ ‘The man who said that our labour will be in vain has been sacked.”

The Chairman of the branch, Mr. Tony Ofuokwu while speaking with Joiurnalists said, “We expect that whoever that is coming in should move round the sectors of the PHCN and have first hand information of what is happening. He should not just sit and decide anything he wants.

“He should consult relevant stakeholders and carry them along in policy initiation and execution. He should be a God fearing man, who has the interest of this country at heart.

A man that will come out to tell Nigerians the truth. He should carry out all stakeholders along in his tenure.”

Flight Schedules Aero

Los-Abj: 06:50, 13:30, 16:30, 19:45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/ Sun); 12:30 (Sun); 16:45 (Sat) Abj-Los: 07:30, 13:00, 19:00 (Mon-Fri/Sat); 10:30, 14:30, 19:30 (Sun), 18:30 (Sat)

IRS Los-Abj: 9:45, 11:45, 2:45, (Mon-Fri); 9:30, 12:45 (Sat & Sun) Abj-Los: 11.30, 3:45, 4.45 (Mon-Fri); 12.00, 14:30, (Sat/Sun) Los-Kano: 6:15 (Mon-Fri); 16:30 (Sat & Sun) Kano-Los: 07:30 (Mon-Fri), 10:30 (Sat & Sun)

Arik Lag-Abj: 07:15, 09:15, 13:45, 15:50, 18:45 (MonFri); 7:15, 10:20, 2:20 (Sat & Sun) Lag-Kad: 10:00, 15:10 (MonFri) Lag-Kano: 12.20 (Mon-Fri);

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

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PAGE 25

Lagos’ Kuramo ocean surge is a tragedy of a different kind From Francis Iwuchukwu, Lagos

O

n Saturday August 17, an early morning ocean surge sacked communities around Kuramo beach in Lagos.

General Manager of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Femi OkeOsayintolu, said the tragedy occurred at about 2 a.m. when residents were asleep, adding that those affected were mainly people living in illegal shanties at the beach front.

“Yes, there was an ocean surge at Kuramo beach very early this morning and we have fatalities,” he said. ``We have just recovered one body and we are in a frantic search for about 15 people still missing.

“We have cordoned off the area and have asked residents to vacate immediately. It is a serious thing, but we are on top of the situation.”

However, it was revealed that no fewer than 16 persons were feared dead in its wake, as the surge sacked communities within the vicinity.

It was learnt that five of the 16 victims were women and another one was said to be a local diver simply identified as Oloruwa.

Reports has it that the first set of victims were 12 traders who were on a passenger boat heading to Kuramo beach when the ocean struck.

The diver, who was in a

Kuramo beach residents

Rescuers removing dead bodies fishing boat, attempted to rescue the traders but unfortunately was himself drowned due to the powerful

ocean current.

Sources said the four other victims were fun-seekers at the beach. They were said to

have been swept off with their cabins.

Oke-Osayintolu said ocean surge was a problem in

communities around beach fronts and had wreaked havoc in the past.

He urged people living or doing business around other beach fronts in the state to leave immediately.

The Lagos state Police Command also confirmed the tragedy.

Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, said immediately the news broke, policemen and other rescue groups were drafted to the scene.

According to her, following the incident, which started at about 7am, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Victoria Island, Mr. Adegoke Fayoade, sent policemen to cordon off the area so that the surge does not consume more people.

Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to Governor Babatunde Fashola; Mr. Hakeem Bello, said the state was on top of the situation.

According to a statement, Bello said following seven days of high waves accompanied by a strong ocean surge which hit the country’s coastline with Lagos being among the worst hit due to its location, the

state government ordered immediate evacuation of the state’s waterfront.

Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Prince Segun Oniru, said the process had started with the immediate evacuation of the Kuramo Beach to make way for movement of sand into the area, even as he explained, had to be taken immediately to avert the disaster of the Atlantic Ocean joining the Kuramo Waters and subsequently the Lagoon.

Oniru, who explained that the state was getting the extreme of this weather condition due to its location, noted that other coastal waterfront areas badly affected from which people would be expected to move included Badagry and Ojo Waterfront areas, Bar Beach, Kuramo Beach, Goshen Estate, Maiyegun and Alpha Beach.

He, however, added that the state emergency service had already been mobilised to continue to monitor the situation and respond accordingly.

But Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), accused the Federal

Government of abandoning the state following the surge that wreaked havoc in Lagos.

Governor Fashola described the development as “an emergency that must be dealt with”, stressing that he would implore the State House of Assembly to make appropriation for Kuramo which erosion challenge, he said, was not included in the budgetary plans for the year.

The Governor also warned residents in the state to be prepared for more ocean surge in what he described as the typhoon season ravaging cities along the Atlantic Ocean.

Fashola described the surge as part of a global environmental challenge which the state government would continue to address with innovative solutions.

Citing Hurricane Isaac which hit Haiti and some states in the United States of America (USA), the governor stated “it is the same Atlantic ocean that is serving Haiti and most of the States and countries of the West African sub-region and Southern Africa.

“To your right is the Indian Ocean and right at the bottom around Cape Town is where the Indian Ocean and Atlantic meet.

“That is the Cape of Good Hope. So, people must understand this that if it is happening in those places, you must expect that there would be consequences down the line. America is going into hurricane season and we are bounded by the same Atlantic.”

He even berated those that blamed the Lagos ocean surge on the negligence of his government, saying the critics were semi –illiterates not aware of global occurrences.

But the Federal Government in spite of blames by the Lagos Government ordered the removal of wrecked ships from coastal areas of the country.

Director, Planning and Research and Forecasting at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Dr. Charles Agbo, during what he termed a post-tragedy inspection of the Kuramo Beach explained that the directive to remove wrecked ships from Nigerian coastlines is a precautionary move against future maritime disasters.

“The Federal Government is committed to preventing maritime disasters at all cost.”

“The first step towards that is to ensure the removal of all wrecked ships from the nation’s coastal areas,” he said.

He revealed that the order, when enforced, will help to reduce incidences of ocean surge.

Kuramo, aside from killing 16 people, including a two-yearold boy and a six-year-old girl, led to the Lagos State government-sanctioned demolition of more than 60 shacks in the area, consequently rendering hundreds of people homeless.

“

Part of the project is the construction of a seven-kilometre wall tagged ‘The Great Wall of Lagos which is to permanently protect Lagos from ocean surge. This is a project, which Lagos PDP sees in its prebendal views, its acute ignorance and its greed-induced myopia, as causing the Lagos Ocean surge “There are many wrecked ships on the nation’s coastline, especially at the Oniru Beach.

“We are in the peak period of rainfall and anything that can cause disaster should be avoided.

“There will be more assessment of the coastal areas from time to time so as to stem the incidence of rising ocean tide,” he added.

The ocean surge around

Survivors leaving the beach

For Lagos State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), it condemned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State for linking the Kuramo Beach surge to the Eko Atlantic City.

The party in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Joe Igbokwe, said the Eko Atlantic City could never be the cause of a universal problem like ocean surge, which in Lagos,

had been reduced to the barest minimum by the proactive actions of the ACN government in the state.

“We challenge the Lagos PDP to tell Nigerians if the Atlantic Ocean suddenly started surging with the Eko Atlantic City. Can the Lagos PDP tell Nigerians when last we experienced an ocean surge vis-à-vis the period the Eko Atlantic City came into existence? We want them to grow up for once and tell Lagosians the history of ocean surges in Lagos and in other parts of the world instead of embarking on a fruitless cutand-paste, attention-seeking mission of provoking mischief for their narrow and selfish interests”, he said.

Igbokwe said a party that could not patch the LagosBadagry Expressway, LagosIbadan Expressway, LagosAbeokuta Expressway and all other federal roads in Lagos in 13 years of governance, was trying to make ludicrous allegations with every natural issue that confronts Lagos.

He said: “Lagosians know that gone are the days when the ocean constituted a constant big threat to big business and residency in the Bar Beach, the Lagos waterfront and the entire Lagos Island. But this is a problem we all grew up to meet and which faced many

governments at the state and federal levels before the coming of the ACN government in Lagos.

“Today, Lagosians are not living ln the constant threat of a massive ocean surge that will sink Victoria Island and Ikoyi, as we used to fear.”

Igbokwe described the Eko Atlantic City as a worldacclaimed project that has attracted foreign and local interests.

He said the Atlantic City was a result of deep, proactive thinking in line with global strategies for economic growth.

“The city, which is being developed by reputable international developers and in strict compliance with international Environmental Impact Assessment and with full compliance with global standards and regulations, offers great economic prospects to Lagos and Nigeria, in line with similar ambitious projects in all parts of the world.

“Part of the project is the construction of a sevenkilometre wall tagged ‘The Great Wall of Lagos which is to permanently protect Lagos from ocean surge. This is a project, which Lagos PDP sees in its prebendal views, its acute ignorance and its greed-induced myopia, as causing the Lagos Ocean surge”, he added.

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

Fundamental conditions of Islam's testimony (I) A llah says: “As for those who say, ‘Our Lord is Allah.’ And, further, stand straight and steadfast, the angels descend on them (from time to time): ‘Fear ye not!’ (They suggest), ‘Nor grieve! but receive the glad tidings of the Garden (of bliss), the which ye were promised!’” [al-Fussilaat: 30] In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. All Praise is due to Allah! We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and we seek refuge in Him from our evils and bad deeds. Anyone who is guided by Allah, is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and final messenger to mankind. May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon His last and final Apostle, his Household, his companions and all his followers until the end of time.

Early this week in our Masjid; Uthman bin Affaan, Wuse II, Abuja, Nigeria, a preacher stood up after Zuhr prayers and charged the congregation of the need for everyone to ascertain his inner conviction of the kalimah before his or her apparent actions and utterances. He quickly reiterated that that would not be possible without an affirmed and well founded knowledge of the precondition of the kalimah. He, at the end of the admonishing he enjoined all Muslims to try to rediscover and reassess their conviction and belief as that is the best determining factor by which true Islam manifests in our collective and individual characters.

Having realized the importance of this precondition of the fundamental attestation of Islam, I decide to take up the clarion and blow it laud to hearing of all fortunate Muslims readers and others who have listening ears! May Allah make my affairs easier!

This kalimah is “Lailaha illallah, Muhammadur Rasulullah”. It is the most important and significant proclamation and profession of acceptance and recognition of Allah as the One and only deity worthy of worship unconditionally by Muslims. it is the announcement that most be well understood by every intending convert to Islam before declaring it to the hearing of all those around him or her. Its declaration aloud, ushers a new entrant into the fold of Islam. It is the golden rule of Islam or Tauhid.

Once it has been understood and professed, the person becomes as clean, as a new born baby, of all sins and blames.

The meaning of this kalimah includes but not limited to a firm and unresolved conviction and pronouncement that it is Allah alone Who is entitled to be worshipped conscientiously. Thus, the word ‘La’ilah’ indicates that no body, whoever that being might be, has any stake of being

“Know, (O worshipped by whatever means, one, thus: except Allah! That the word Muhammad) Therefore, that there ‘illallah’ establishes and reaffirms is no god but Allah, and ask that eligibility of being forgiveness for Thy fault, and for worshipped alone and no-one-else! the men and women who believe: The kalimah consist of i n h e r e n t negation and followed by reaffirmation eligibility of b e i n g

By Husain Zakariyya subservient to Yawale Him alone and without an +234-8052952900 (sms only) associate. islamexplained35@yahoo.com In the beginning, there were many substandard for Allah knows How ye move and compromising explanation of about and How ye dwell In your this kalimah by people who did homes.” [Muhammad: 19] So, when in Surah Fussilaat, not have sufficient knowledge of interpretation. They, without ayah 30, Allah says: “As for those authority of good Islamic who say, “Our Lord is Allah. And, knowledge and interpreted thus: further, stand straight and a. That none should be steadfast, the angels descend on them (from time to time): "Fear ye worshipped except Allah,

without it all fundamentals will be shaky and unsteady. True knowledge about all matters of importance makes it more abiding and conforming to the system and convention.

It was reported that someone asked Wahb ibn Munnabih (d.

110), 'Is not La ilaha illallah the key to paradise?' He replied, 'Yes, but remember that every key has its ridges. So if you come with a key which has the right ridges, the door will be opened for you, otherwise not.'

Similarly, Hassan al-Basri once said whoever declares the kalimah, provided he fulfils its conditions will enter Jannah.

Muslim scholars of the first generation have listed seven conditions of this Kalimah, which

not!" (They suggest), "Nor grieve! but receive the glad tidings of the Garden (of bliss), the which ye were promised!”, it means one must strive to know those thing; actions and utterances that strengthen or weaken the kalimah. In many instances, the Apostle of Allah reiterated the significance of this kalimah by making it the only discerning aspect of one's indisputable submission and commitment to Islam. For example: Ubadah ibn Samit (RD) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “whoever testifies: 'There is no one worthy of worship but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah', Allah has forbidden hellfire on him.”

And: Abu Zarr (RD) narrated that Rasulullah SAW said: “Any servant (of Allah) who proclaimed: 'There is no one worthy of worship but Allah', and then died on that (faith) will enter paradise.”

However, this in on the premise of a full and unobjectionable understanding of the declaration at the onset. that has come to confirm to us that knowledge is the basis of Islam; for

every Muslim must fulfil so that he or she may attain the status of acknowledging the unity of Allah in open and in secret.

These seven are: 1. Al-Ilm (Knowledge of the meaning of the Kalimah, its negation and affirmation) 2. Al-Yaqeen (Certainty perfect knowledge of it that counter-acts suspicion and doubt) 3. Al-Ikhlas (Sincerity which negates shirk) 4. Al-Sidq (Truthfulness that permits neither falsehood nor hypocrisy) 5. Al-Mahabbah (Love of the Kalimah and its meaning, and being happy with it) 6. Al-Inqiyad (Submission to its rightful requirements, which are the duties that must be performed with sincerity to Allah (alone) seeking His pleasure) 7. Al-Qubul (Acceptance which contradicts rejection).

I will try and explain each and every condition stated above with evidences from the Qur'an and Sunnah to the understanding of all my readers, in sha Allah!

1. Al-Ilm (Knowledge of the meaning of the Kalimah, its

ISLAM EXPLAINED

b. That there is no creator except Allah, c. That none has the jurisdiction to judge except Allah.

All these, are in fact partial and incomplete interpretations of the kalimah; they are not independently sufficient to stand the full meaning. The second part, ‘Muhammadar Rasulullah’, connotes to mean an unreserved and fully complied conviction that Muhammad is a servant and Messenger of Allah to humankind and Jinn. That a true believer accepts to follow his examples in all religious and temporal affairs.

Allah says: “Ye have indeed In the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for any one whose hope is In Allah and the final Day, and who engages much In the Praise of Allah.” [al-Ahzaab: 21] Thus, a good understanding of this kalimah, puts one as a natural imitator and copier of the Holy prophet Muhammad (SAW) in every human aspects of earthly and religious inclinations.

In fact, Allah commands His last Messenger, Muhammad (SAW), as He did to all proceeding

negation and affirmation). This means that one has to seek for the knowledge that can undoubtedly influence and persuade him or her to a belief that is steady and unshaken, in close and in open.

To this end, the first revelation of the Qur'an to the Messenger of Allah, was a command to read!

Reading is regarded in Islam as the surest source of knowledge and education to all humankind.

Allah says: “Proclaim! (or read!) In the name of Thy Lord and Cherisher, who created. Created man, out of a (mere) clot of congealed Blood: Proclaim! and Thy Lord is Most Bountiful. He who taught (the use of) the pen. Taught man that which He knew not.”

And Suratul Muhammad, ayah number 30 came with a specific instruction on the inescapability of seeking that an unambiguous knowledge with convincing proofs and evidences of establishing Allah as the Only Deity worthy of submitting to Him in worship under every circumstances. Allah says: “Know, (O Muhammad) Therefore, that there is no god but Allah, and ask forgiveness for Thy fault, and for the men and women who believe: for Allah knows How ye move about and How ye dwell In your homes.” [Muhammad: 19] 1. Al-Yaqeen (Certainty perfect knowledge of it that counter-acts suspicion and doubt).

Al-Yaqeen means conviction - it is that perfect knowledge which thwarts distrust and hesitation.

Allah says: “Only those are the believers who have believed in Allah and His Messenger, and afterward doubt not but strive with their wealth and their lives for the Cause of Allah. Those!

They are the truthful.” [alHujurat:15] Allah made conviction, without reservation or misgiving, a condition of an accurate belief and conviction. This is chiefly because doubt or hesitation is characteristic of the hypocrites, and they are considered members of the Ummah.

Abu Hurairah (RD) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “The servant meeting Allah having testified that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that I am the Messenger of Allah, without any reservation shall enter the Jannah (paradise).”

[Muslim] In another narration from Abu Hurairah (RD) in a long hadith ending with, that the Messenger of Allah said: “…whomever you meet behind this wall, testifying that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, his heart is fully certain of it, give him the glad tidings of AlJannah (paradise).”

This has gone further to prove that the only people with true belief, both in apparent and in hidden, are those who firmly believe in Allah and His Messenger. They believe without doubt or suspicion, first by their hearts, through their words of mouth, deeds, and finally endeavour in the cause of Allah with their wealth and their lives.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

By Dianabasi Effiong

T

he ceding of Bakassi Peninsula is once again on the front burner of national discourse.

Agitators against the ceding of the oil-rich peninsula want the government to revisit the judgment of the Oct.10, 2002, International Court of Justice (ICJ), ceding the area to Cameroon.

The House of Representatives in July, passed a resolution urging President Goodluck Jonathan to re-present Nigeria’s case before the ICJ. The legislators said Nigeria had fulfilled the two conditions for re-presenting such cases before the court.

These are compliance with the court’s ruling and the discovery of new facts on the Anglo-German Treaty of 1913, premised on the British Conference of 1816 on the partitioning of the disputed Nigeria-Cameroon boundaries.

Mr Essien Ayi (PDP-Cross River South) moved the motion which was unanimously adopted without debate.

He said that Article 61 of the ICJ Statue provided for revision of judgment of the court, based on new facts, adding that countries like El Salvador, former Yugoslavia and Tunisia had applied for a review based on that section.

He said that the people of Bakassi insisted on having a United Nations supervised plebiscite, where their right to self determination would be exercised.

He said that there was the need for a review as the judgment was reached in error.

“One of these facts is that the 1913 Anglo-German Treaty relied upon by the ICJ to cede Bakassi to Cameroon is in breach of Article 6 of the General Act of Berlin Conference, that enjoined European powers to watch over the preservation of the native tribes and not to take over or effect transfer of their territory.”

He said the Federal Government should initiate the process toward the conduct of a United Nations supervised referendum in Bakassi.

Rep. Albert Sam-Tsokwa (PDPTaraba) who pleaded with members to allow for the adoption of the motion said that until the ICJ ruling was ratified by the National Assembly, it would not be binding on Nigeria.

Sam-Tsokwa noted that as a country, Nigeria had the right to apply for a review of the judgment.

“We are within the confines of

PAGE 27

Echoes of ceding Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon the law to apply for a review. We have the right to apply for a review under the ICJ laws.’’

According to him, Nigeria has up to October 2012 to seek for the review of the judgment but at the expiration of the date, it can no longer seek any review.

The Cross River Elders’ Forum has also lent its support for a revisit of the ICJ judgment.

The group said it was imperative based on new evidence as the Supreme Court hinged its judgment to cede 76 oil wells hitherto belonging to the state to Akwa Ibom on the ICJ judgment.

The group also requested that appropriate Federal Government agencies should “immediately ask for extension of the 10-year period for the completion of the handing over process of Bakassi, beyond October 2012. ’’ They expressed displeasure at “the twists and dislocations in the handling of the Bakassi matter’’, before and after the ICJ ruling and demanded that “the 76 oil wells be returned to Cross River.’’

Dr Etim Edet, the Paramount Ruler of Bakassi Local Government Area, also called for a return of their homeland which was given out without a referendum.

“Having waited for almost 10 years for the Federal Government to act and show good faith without any hope in sight, we demand for the return of our home land which was given out without a referendum.”

The traditional ruler also demanded “adequate compensation to Cross River and the Bakassi community in perpetuity for ceding their land’’.

Chief Akin Ricketts, the Cross River Commissioner for Information and Orientation, said the Supreme Court judgment, based on the judgment of the ICJ, has wider implications.

“The first is that we have ceded both our national and international territorial waters, which naturally serve as commerce ground for the country.

“If the ceding is allowed, we will lose control of naval ships coming into the country through the bodies of the waters, which the ICJ called territorial waters.’’

“

One of these facts is that the 1913 Anglo-German Treaty relied upon by the ICJ to cede Bakassi to Cameroon is in breach of Article 6 of the General Act of Berlin Conference, that enjoined European powers to watch over the preservation of the native tribes and not to take over or effect transfer of their territory

President Goodluck Jonathan

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal “This is the implication and as a state with vested interest, we should not fold our arms to watch this happen. ’’ However, a legal practitioner in Cross River, Mr Utum Eteng noted that there was no dissenting voice in the Supreme Court judgment.

“The fact that it was a unanimous judgment of the full panel of the Supreme Court, given without a dissenting voice tells the

complete story of a weak or empty case, presented before their lordships by Cross River Government.

Eteng said that Cross River should press for a political solution.

“It will appear from a dispassionate reading of the Supreme Court judgment that it is only when Bakassi is returned to Nigeria, that Cross River may retain the 76 oil wells based on

the Obong Attah and Donald Duke agreement. ’’ Lawyers say that all the necessary legal machinery should be put in place to reverse the ICJ judgment based on new facts.

They say that will, to a large extent, resolve the oil well issue between Cross River and Akwa Ibom as the ceding of the wells stemmed from the ICJ judgment.

Source: NAN

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

PAGE 28

Yuguda on revenue sharing: Nationalism or Political Opportunism? (II)

By Maiwada Danmallam

C

reating and banking on glib sympathy to promote an idea of a detribalized perception of his person isn’t going to work- well at least not with Nigerians who still have some common sense. We all know Yuguda is facing the inevitability of tenure exhaustion.

The quest for higher office shouldn’t becloud one’s sense or capacity for reason and good judgment. Besides Yuguda is neither the first nor the only northerner married to a southerner – the deeper this reality sinks in, the better!

No reason on earth can justify holding a whole nation to ransom due to the financial brigandage and fiscal rascality of the Niger Delta leaders. Is it not clear by simple review of events in the Niger Delta region in the last decade alone, that even with 50% or even 100% allocation of federal revenues the subsisting crop of leadership cannot lift the region out of its perpetual state of socio-economic impotence?

We all know the billions of dollars that have gone to the Niger Delta in the name of rehabilitation, amnesty program etc. There is still nothing to show for it but for a few super rich governors playing God with looted wealth. Yet nobody blames them for the misfortune of the region.

Instead opportunists like Yuguda have embarked on an endless game of chasing shadows. It had to take a London crown court to commit the former Delta state governor James Ibori to prison, after being acquitted

by Nigerian courts for financial crimes against Delta state. Funny enough, after failing woefully to force Ibori to account for his crimes, the federal and Delta state governments are now shamelessly engaged in a war of claims on the Ibori loot. Tomorrow, these same enemies will join forces to fight for more derivation fund to enable them steal more and keep the region in bondage while shortchanging the rest of the country.

Though Yuguda, confessed, as an eye witness too, that if today you go to Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Delta states, there are millions living in abject poverty, with many living in shanties with neither water nor electricity supply. A truly pathetic situation. But, this demonstrate nothing but a mere display of pedestrian cunning to lure the Niger Deltans into thinking that he has a magic plan up his sleeve to save the situation (call it playing Moses if you will). And whatever “plans” it is that he has, should it then be implemented at the expense of the other equally economically traumatised millions of Nigerians from other regions?

Whilst some Nigerians may want to give Yuguda the benefit of the doubt and probably share some of his opinions from their understanding of the need to improve the socio-economic situation in the South-South, my view is that Yuguda should first to explain to us how the colossal amount of monies that went through the region over the last

Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi state decade alone was spent. I reckon, the human and infrastructural decay that is giving him sleepless nights, would have since ceased to do so if he had accurately calculated the volume of wastage and corruption inherent in the region’s administrative structures. Then maybe it would have been the corruption and graft that would be giving him sleepless nights – including the thefts happening within his own state of Bauchi right under his nose. Then, he would not be risking it all by playing “over sabi” on an indefensible argument to retain a reversible injustice done to the rest of the country.

What is expected of Yuguda, and in fact any advocate of one Nigeria, is to address the anger of most Nigerians within and outside the Niger Delta region who feel aggrieved by the sustaining of corrupt leaders in the nation’s oil producing region by the ruling party - PDP. Governors who are using the instrumentality of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Ministry of Niger Delta, and the 13% derivation to loot from the public treasury and keep their people in economic slavery should not be in office. A political elite who have been blackmailing and threatening the whole nation into submission through unchecked subterfuge and oil industry installations sabotage should not be positions of leadership..

Nobody should pretend ignorance of the fact that this much talked about 13% derivation is in the region of N500 billion during the 2012 fiscal year alone. We cannot bury our heads in the sand by pretending not to know that from inception to date, the amnesty

program, supposedly designed to placate the Niger Delta “youth” (the ilk of Tompolo, Dokubo Asari“mujaheed of the banknote” and their political godfathers) has consumed over N200 billion.

NDDC, with a budgetary provision of over N100b this year alone, is solely meant to cater for the Niger Delta region (its elite in reality because the masses won’t smell a dime). Still more, the Ministry of Niger Delta, the bulk of the budget of which is claimed to be for capital projects in the current year, is a no go area for any Nigerian but a Niger Deltan – more appropriately for juicy “potentially abandoned” or never to be executed contracts which will be awarded to “ex”militants and sleazy politicians in the region. Even more damning was the recent analysis by the Northern caucus of the House of Representatives which uncovered a lopsidedness in the budgetary provision for capital projects in the country which shows South-South getting a lion share of about N113billion. This allocation exceeds the meagre N56billion and N40billion going to North west and

North East respectively. North East was lucky to get N65billion.

Lest Yuguda forgets or ignores the fact that even within Northern Nigeria, his geo-political zone, the North East, today remains the most violent in terms of Boko Haram activities and the poorest per capita, according to the UN’s human development index and what is visible to all of us (that’s what should be keeping him awake) .

Furthermore, It deserves being recalled that the local content act, recently passed into law, mandates that 75% expenditure of oil companies must be local content driven. With 10,000 vendors (companies) representing 98% of the total vendors in the gas and oil industry located in the South-South (with corrupt politicians and militants as the owners), one is left flabbergasted with Yuguda’s claim of zero purchasing power in the Niger Delta region. Even if it is so, then should it be the problem of other Nigerians (who are also battling their own economic demons) that thieves in the Niger Delta are refusing employment to their brethren? The robust

“

Given his whole-hearted support to maintaining a skewed formula of revenue sharing, which has been proven to be unjustifiably in favour of South-South, Yuguda may be digging his own political grave at home, albeit inadvertently

economic activities in the Niger Delta is enough to transform the life of each and every citizen in the region to world standard if only judicious, equitable and honest mechanisms for wealth distribution are adopted and implemented. No amount of resources will be enough to provide prosperity to all in any place where greed driven kleptomania reigns supreme.

Perhaps, Yuguda’s ploy is to blame the totality of Nigerians for the Delta’s irrational economic brigandage precipitated by the ongoing misappropriation and misapplication of the collective wealth of the Niger Delta region by its leaders (who incidentally belong to the political party in which he, Yuguda, will always remain an adopted son - agola) to build a support base in case of any future political eventuality. But, in his rush, he is underestimating the capacity of the rest of Nigerians for rational thinking and their commitment to ensuring that their future choices at the ballots will be driven by a collective determination to rid Nigeria of bandits and their side-kicks from ascending positions of leadership.

Surprisingly, aside the likes of Yuguda, who stand to benefit from the acceptance of this weird economic school of thought by generating sympathy towards whatever political ambition they may be nursing when their term expires, this blurred vision is shared by even ordinary citizens of the Niger Delta – the exploited and the downtrodden- who have been brainwashed into perceiving their equally poverty stricken countrymen from the other component regions in the country as the architects of the Delta’s economic misfortune. Entrenching a skewed perspective on such a grand scale,in the minds of the citizenry, is only possible by planting the seed of suspicion on the minds of the majority by leaders through the propagation of ambition laden arguments like Yuguda’s. Same arguments which are blind to the real issues of corruption and theft on the part of those entrusted with the public treasury. It is expected that a man with a banking past and record of career success in the private sector should be at the vanguard of promoting ideas rooted on sound diagnoses of our national rot.

Playing to the gallery and public display of phantom brotherhood across regional divides is not what Nigeria needs at the moment.

Politicizing sensitive economic issues in an endemically impoverished environment is a quicksand that could swallow even the hyper-ambitious.

And ambitions are nursed and success achieved within stable democratic states, not in a state of nature.

Putting one’s personal ambition above the common good and national stability is a good example of how not play politics.

Concluded Dammallam writes from Katsina

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

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08050639900

I was the first northern girl in First Moscow Medical Institute Dr Yalwa Usman is a seasoned obstetrist and Gynecologist with over 22 years experience, she was among the doctors who started manual evacuation (post abortion care) at Asokoro general hospital in the FCT and is presently the Coordinator Reproductive Unit of Maitama district hospital, Abuja. In this interview with Maryam Garba Hassan, she talks about the challenges female doctors face, the rise in cases of Vesico Vaginal Fistulae (VVF) in the north among others.

M

ay we know who you are? I am Dr (Mrs.) Yalwa Usman. I was born and brought up in Kano. I had my primary and secondary education in Kano. After my secondary school education in Government Secondary School Kura, Kano, I left for Moscow to study medicine in First Moscow Medical Institute, USSR, then Soviet Union, in 1980 to 1987.

After my graduation, I did specialization on infectious and international medicine for extra 1 year.

When I returned to Nigeria in 1989, I was employed by the Kano State Hospital Management Board and worked at the Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano, in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology from 1989 to 1998, where I spent 9years before I transferred my services to the FCT. I also have a diploma Certificate in reproductive health in developing countries, from the school of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, London, in 1997, a certificate in Family Planning from the department of obstetrics and gynecology, college of medicine, University of Ibadan and a certificate on Women in Family Planning/ Reproductive Health and Development in Indonesia among others. As a doctor, I feel I need to attend such courses within and outside the country to gain experience so as to give my best in my career.

Presently, I am the Coordinator Reproductive Unit of Maitama district hospital, Abuja, where I coordinate activities of the Heart to Heart HIV/ AIDS unit of the hospital, coordinate the activities of Family Planning and consultation and treatment as well as the manual vacuum aspiration unit, that is the provision of post abortion care services and management of complications of abortion.

I met my husband in Soviet Union who is also from Kano a student of Quantity Survey. A year later, we returned home and got married in 1985 and the marriage

is blessed with five children. The first child was born before my graduation, the second and forth after my graduation and the forth came during my Houseman ship while the last born came when I returned from Liverpool school of tropical medicine where I went to do my post graduate diploma.

Doctor Ibrahim Dada and I started manual evacuation of aborted pregnancy or evacuation at Asokoro General Hospitals in the FCT. I remember I boarded a bus to Asokoro General Hospital, Abuja to start the evacuation unit in the hospital after we discussed with Dr. Dada on the need for us to start manual evacuation of miscarried pregnancies.

What informed your decision to study medicine?

Interest to serve humanity as a doctor is what made me to study medicine. I had always wanted to study medicine and when the opportunity came, I got the backing of my parents who believe in educating their children and here I am today. I must tell you that it was not easy as I was the first and the only northern girl in Moscow studying medicine at that time. So, I had to work extra hard to justify my studying in Moscow and to return home with a good result.

It was after my return to Nigeria that the Kano state government and the Soviet Union started sponsoring Kano state medical students to study medicine in Moscow and on that batch there was another young girl. You can say that my successful study in Moscow was a good example for the younger ones.

How do you juggle the demands of your work, motherhood and being a wife?

It was not easy because it requires a lot of planning and the support of the people around you.

It is not an easy task combining all. There were times when I was on call from morning to the following day and my husband was always there to take care of the children and take them to

Dr. Yalwa Usman school. So, I can say that his support and my determination to actualize my dream took me to where I am today and I thank him for that.

Obstetrics and gynecology department is a busy department where most of the surgeons are men because most of the cases brought to the department require surgery, so it was not easy but it was worthy because I got the support and understanding of my husband.

What was the most challenging case you have ever handled?

Every case is unique in its own but I remember a particular case in Murtala Mohammed Specialist hospital where a colleague and I handled a case of a woman with abdominal pregnancy which is a dangerous case and another case of ruptured uterus combined with Vesico Vaginal Fistulae (VVF) in a woman who had many children.

Those two cases were very difficult to handle but I am happy that we saved both women.

This day, women opt for Caesarean section delivery to natural birth. What is the reason for that?

There is a lot of health awareness now, people are now aware of problems associated with pregnancies because more women now go for ante natal where problems associated with pregnancies are detected early unlike in the past. I don’t think any woman will prefer to deliver her baby through CS as the public is made to believe. For any doctor to decide to deliver a woman through CS, he or she must have medical reasons for that and it is for the safety of both mother and child.

You can say that increase in awareness and medical knowledge is responsible for increase in Caesarean section.

What do you think can be

“

Sometimes the male doctors think they know everything or are better than the woman but the major challenge comes when your male colleagues are answerable to you. You know what that means

done to bring down the number of babies delivered through CS in the country?

Early antenatal by expecting mothers can reduce CS delivery because it is through early antenatal that doctors can detect early when there is problem and find ways to save mother and child. The implication is that with Cs delivery, a woman is given limited number of children she can have which is not so in natural delivery.

The north is said to have the highest number of women suffering from VVF, especially young girls. As an expert in VVF cases, what do you think can be done to tackle this situation?

Vesico Vaginal Fistulae (VVF), which is caused by obstruction labour which occurs when the baby’s head put pressure on the mother’s bladder during labour thereby making a hole in her bladder or the urine passage is common in the North because of early marriage of young girls whose pelvic is not matured during and before delivery, even though it happens to women who have had children before.

VVF can be prevented with early ante-natal. With the creation of VVF Centers in some states, where patients are being repaired by doctors and awareness on the importance and the need for early antenatal, the figure is gradually reducing.

What are the challenges you face as a woman doctor?

Your male colleagues may not understand that as a woman you have other responsibilities at home as a wife and a mother. They always expect you to work like them. Unless you have an understanding boss or colleagues, it is not always easy. You have to redouble your efforts to catch up with them and remain relevant.

Every successful female doctor you see has a story to tell and will tell you how difficult it was at the beginning. Well, for me those challenges I faced made me strong and more determined to be a good doctor and to leave legacy for the younger generation.

Sometimes the male doctors think they know everything or are better than the woman but the major challenge comes when your male colleagues are answerable to you. You know what that means.

How would you assess the performance of female medical doctors in the country?

We are trying and equal to the task.

What is your advice to the younger generation?

They should have interest in whatever they make up their minds to do especially the female medical students as Obstetrics and Gynecology department needs more women, because it strictly deals with women health issues

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 2012 Republican VP choice Paul Ryan promises US ‘turnaround’

epublican vice-presidential candidate Paul Ryan has promised a “turnaround” for America, in a prime-time speech to the party convention in Tampa, Florida.

The Wisconsin congressman said he and Republican White House nominee Mitt Romney would not duck the tough issues.

Arizona Senator John McCain, the 2008 Republican presidential nominee, and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice also took to the podium.

Mr Romney will challenge Barack Obama for the White House in November.

“After four years of getting the run-around, America needs a turnaround, and the man for the job is Governor Mitt Romney,” Mr Ryan said in Wednesday’s speech.

On the second full day of the convention, Mr Ryan also said: “Before the math and the momentum overwhelm us all, we are going to solve this nation’s economic problems.

“And I’m going to level with you: we don’t have that much time.”

In his biggest appearance yet on the national stage, the 42-yearold chairman of the House of Representatives budget committee accepted the vice-presidential nomination.

“We will not duck the tough issues - we will lead,” Mr Ryan said.

“We will not spend four years blaming others - we will take responsibility.

“The work ahead will be hard.

These times demand the best of us - all of us - but we can do this.”

In one of the biggest applause lines of the night, Mr Ryan said: “College graduates should not have to live out their 20s in their childhood bedrooms, staring up at fading Obama posters and wondering when they can move out and get going with life.”

He pledged that a RomneyRyan administration would create 12 million American jobs in its first term and cap federal spending at 20% of gross domestic product.

Speaking earlier, Senator McCain lambasted the Obama foreign policy, saying the president was not true to American values, and that he had abandoned Syria’s people to a “savage and unfair fight”.

“The demand for our leadership in the world has never

Paul Ryan: "College graduates should not have to live out their 20s in their childhood bedrooms, staring up at fading Obama posters.

been greater,” the senator said.

“People don’t want less of America.

They want more.”

Condoleezza Rice praised the Republican ticket in a speech that made no overt mention of President Obama.

“Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan will rebuild us at home and inspire us to lead abroad,” she said. “They will provide an answer to the question, ‘where does America stand?”’

Ahead of Mr Ryan’s address, the Obama campaign released an attack video branding the Republican a politician from “a bygone era”.

The film draws attention to his budget plans that would see tax cuts for the wealthy, while overhauling popular social programmes such as Medicare, in order to reduce government spending.

The video says that Mr Ryan’s vision for the country is “antifemale”, adding that he opposes abortion and has co-sponsored legislation that used the term “forcible rape”.

...His speech 'contained errors' R

epublican vice-presidential nominee Paul Ryan has come under fire for alleged inaccuracies during his convention debut in Tampa, Florida.

Mr Ryan attacked the president for making cuts to the Medicare healthcare programme, but did not say that his own budget plan includes the same savings.

He complained that proposals by a budget commission were not adopted, but did not mention he opposed its report.

Thursday sees Mitt Romney formally accept the Republican nomination.

Mr Romney’s speech to the convention is the challenger’s biggest opportunity yet to make his case to the nation and is one of the set-piece events of the US election calendar.

He and Mr Ryan will challenge President Barack Obama and his Vice-President Joe Biden on election day, 6 November.

In a barnstorming speech to a rapt audience, Mr Ryan promised a “turnaround” for America and said Mr Obama’s administration was tired and out of ideas.

The Wisconsin congressman said he and Mitt Romney would not duck the tough issues.

Mr Ryan, who serves as chairman of the House of Representatives Budget Committee, is known as a leading Washington policy “wonk”, responsible for the budget plans backed by Mr Romney and Republicans in Congress.

But fact-checkers listening to his speech on Wednesday night quickly alleged that he had been slack with his facts.

On a key area of debate, the future of Medicare, the governmentrun health programme for over-65s, Mr Ryan accused the White House of slashing $716bn (£450bn) from the much-loved scheme.

An attendee views the main floor prior to the opening session of the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida, on Tuesday.

But FactCheck.org, amongst others, said Mr Obama’s 2010 healthcare reform law does not cut money from Medicare, but simply reduces the growth in spending on the scheme in an effort to keep it solvent.

In addition, Mr Ryan - who described the Obama plan as “the biggest, coldest, power play of all” failed to note that he proposed virtually the same cuts in his own budget plans.

He accused the president of “political patronage” via his $800bn stimulus plan, passed in 2008.

However, he neglected in his speech to mention that he sought to procure stimulus dollars for energy firms in his home state of Wisconsin, the

Associated Press notes.

The vice-presidential hopeful was also accused of misleading his audience over the timing of the closure of a GM plant in his home town of Janesville, Wisconsin.

That statement earned Mr Ryan a “false” rating from PolitiFact.com, having failed to note that the plant closed under the previous administration of President George W Bush.

The Obama campaign released a web video on Thursday highlighting Mr Ryan’s contentious statements, and dubbing him the “wrong choice for the middle class”.

Despite the arguments over Mr Ryan’s choice of facts, his speech won a rousing reception from the

audience in Tampa.

The 42-year-old Wisconsin congressman, already a seven-term Washington veteran, is a hugely popular figure for many conservatives in the Republican fold because of his determination to take a hard line on fiscal issues facing the US. Correspondents say the choice of Mr Ryan has made Mitt Romney’s candidacy more palatable to conservatives who doubted his credentials during a long primary process.

He tore into the president on Wednesday night, accusing him of running out of ideas and waging a negative campaign.

“Fear and division are all they’ve got left,” he said, adding: “Now all

that’s left is a presidency adrift, surviving on slogans that already seem tired, grasping at a moment that has already passed.

“We will not duck the tough issues - we will lead,” Mr Ryan said.

“We will not spend four years blaming others - we will take responsibility.

“The work ahead will be hard.

These times demand the best of us all of us - but we can do this.”

In one of the biggest applause lines of the night, Mr Ryan said: “College graduates should not have to live out their 20s in their childhood bedrooms, staring up at fading Obama posters and wondering when they can move out and get going with life.”

He pledged that a Romney-Ryan administration would create 12 million American jobs in its first term and cap federal spending at 20% of gross domestic product.

Speaking earlier, Senator McCain lambasted the Obama foreign policy, saying the president was not true to American values, and that he had abandoned Syria’s people to a “savage and unfair fight”.

“The demand for our leadership in the world has never been greater,” the senator said. “People don’t want less of America. They want more.”

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice praised the Republican ticket in a speech that made no overt mention of President Obama.

“Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan will rebuild us at home and inspire us to lead abroad,” she said. “They will provide an answer to the question, ‘where does America stand?”’

President Obama’s renomination will be confirmed next week at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.

PAGE 38

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

Court transfers Imo LG chairmen sack suit to Port -Harcourt

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

A

L-R: Oyo state Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, Osun state, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, and Ogun state Deputy Governor, Prince Segun Adesegun, during the forum of Yoruba Assembly, yesterday in Ibadan.

Ondo guber: PDP inaugurates 7-member committee

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

he Peoples Democratic Party has inaugurated a 7-man committee to strategize for the success of the party’s candidate in the forthcoming October 20th governorship election in Ondo state.

The resolution to set up the 7-man committee which has Chief Oyewole Fasawe, Chief Olusegun Agagu (former governor of Ondo state), Chief Mobolaji Osomo, Sen. Bode Olajumoke, Chief Segun Adegoke, and Dr Ola Oni as members was reached after a protracted meeting held behind closed doors with the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, presiding.

Tukur had at the beginning of the meeting said “We gathered here to rub mind on how to tackle the challenge the party will likely face during the governorship election in Ondo state.”

While ex[pressing the optimism that the party would be victorious in the election, the PDP helmsman said the party was ready to find a lasting solution to the party’s problem of internal democracy in order to achieve victory.

Briefing newsmen on the resolution of the party, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha, the party’s National Organising Secretary, said that PDP stakeholders in Ondo state converged on Abuja to deliberate on how to emerge victorious on Oct. 20.

According to him, the stakeholders discussed issues concerning the poll “thoroughly, critically, objectively and with the decency they deserved”.

“We believe we are on the right path; we believe Ondo state is for PDP and we will reclaim our victory,” he said.

Mustapha said that the “very powerful” seven-member committee was set up by

the national chairman based on the advice of the National Working Committee.

The 7-man committee, he said, has a week within which to strategize and submit its reports. “With the agenda set up by the leader of the party, President Goodluck Jonathan, we were sure of victory,” he said Commenting on the meeting, the PDP governorship flagbearer in the Ondo state election said “We are encouraged by the resolution of the leadership of the party to give the necessary support to the party’s chapter in Ondo state. We are particularly satisfied that the National Working Committee clarified all issues and assured us of maximum support.’’

Oke said the encouragement would motivate the supporters to go to the nooks and crannies of the state to mobilise support for the party to improve on its rising profile.

Group to name institute after Gov Mimiko

A

Non Governmental Organisation, the Mimiko Support Group (MSG), said a plan was underway to establish Mimiko Leadership Institute.

The Coordinator of the group, Mr. Oluseyi, who made this known to newsmen on Wednesday in Akure, said the group had resolved to celebrate and project Mimiko as a global leadership brand. ”This is to ensure that the ideals of Gov. Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo state transcends beyond the 2012 gubernatorial election of the state.”

The coordinator said the institute would serve as leadership training centre based on the ideals and leadership style of the governor.

He said that 150 groups have come

together to pursue the sustenance of the philosophy, adding that professionals and resourceful individuals from all walks of life had not been left out.

According to him, these professionals believe that the leadership qualities exhibited by the governor should be worthy of emulation.

“We are friends Olusegun Mimiko, we have worked with him and we have seen how his programmes, ideas, and initiatives have been applauded and recommended as benchmark for political leaders all over the world,’’ he said.

Adeniyi said that the group would be formally launched on Thursday to endorse Mimiko second term in office.

He said that series of campaign strategies had been lined up to sell the governor to the people of the state.

Meanwhile, Mimiko’s campaign organisation had said the Labour Party governorship candidate would commence his campaign on Thursday at Imade College, Owo. The Chairman of the Mimiko Campaign Organisation, Mr Akin Adaramola, said the party opted for Owo for the take off of its campaign because of the significance of the town to South West democracy.

“The choice of Owo is significant, Owo is historical, it is the home of democracy in the south West and because we have a governor who is following the footsteps of Awolowo and Ajasin,” he said. (NAN)

Bakassi people urge Senate, Ministry of Justice to expedite action

T

he people of Bakassi on Wednesday called on the Senate and Ministry of Justice to expedite action on the directive given by President Goodluck Jonathan to resolve the dispute in the area.

Mr Essien Ekpenyong, representing Bakassi, Akpabuyo and Calabar South Federal Constituency, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

He said that the House of Representatives had called for a review of the judgment passed by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the disputed area before the 2012 deadline.

According to him, the house also called for the right to self determination for Bakassi people, adding that the people had the right to belong to any country of their choice.

“The House of Representatives has held a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan and he has directed the Senate leader to liaise with the Attorney General of the Federation to find a lasting solution to the Bakassi problem. “ We need to do something urgently to protect the rights of the people in that area before the Oct. 10, 2012 deadline, which

marks 10 years of the ICJ judgment.

“It does not mean that the process must be finished within two months but we can start up the process and once it is put in motion before Oct.10, we would have been able to beat the deadline.

“We can ask for a review before the deadline and besides, the people of Bakassi should be allowed to determine where they choose to belong.

“It is their right and the right to self determination is the right of every individual as stated by the United Nations Charter

Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday transferred the case brought before it by the chairmen of the 27 local government councils in Imo State sacked by Governor Rochas Okorocha to the Port Harcourt division of the court for adjudication.

The order of the court staying further proceedings on the matter was however not vacated by the trial Judge, Justice Gladys Olotu.

The Judge had while granting the applicant leave to apply for a judicial review of the action stated that it will operate as a stay of all actions and proceedings in the dispute between the Council chairmen and the state government pending the determination and hearing of the suit.

There was a heated argument yesterday between lead counsel to the plaintiff, Chief Anwa Kalu (SAN) and the trial Judge over procedural approach to the case.

The lawyer had prayed the court for an adjournment to allow him respond to some documents served on him in court by defence counsel, Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN) in view of the voluminous nature of the processes.

This position did not go down well with the judge who insisted on proceeding with the case as against adjournment. Justice Olotu said the highest she could do was to stand down the matter to enable Kalu time to study the documents and respond accordingly.

It was at this stage that the heated arguments commenced, leading to a lengthy submissions on legal authorities by counsel to both parties to the case resulting to a three hour stand down of the case for ruling. While delivering her ruling, Justice Olotu ordered that the matter be transferred to the PortHarcourt division of the court where a sister case is pending.

Ogun tasks new council chiefs on fund management

T

he Ogun government has charged new local government chairmen in the state to ensure prudent management of public funds.

Mr Muyiwa Oladipo, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, gave the charge at a workshop organised for newly elected local government executives in the state.

The three-day workshop with the theme, “Enhancing Local Government Leadership,’’ was organised by the state government in collaboration with the Ken Nnamani Centre for Leadership.

Oladipo urged the council chiefs to maximise their limited resources, noting that 20 councils were presently experiencing financial challenges.

He said that the situation could be ameliorated if council officials initiate developmental programmes and improve internally generated revenue.

The resource person at the workshop, Prof.

Opeyemi Ajewole, urged local government executives to strive toward the attainment of the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) targets.

The don said the local councils, being the closest to the people at the grassroots, were crucial to the attainment of the MDGs. Mrs Hafsat Abiola-Costello, the Special Assistant to the Governor on MDGs, urged the officials to take tough decisions that could engender development in the councils.(NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

PAGE 39

Argungu LG recruits 250 youths, says Chairman From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

A

L-R: Petroleum Minister, Mrs Diezani Alison Madueke, and Former Minister of Information, Professor Dora Akunyili, exchanging pleasantries in Enugu while waiting for the arrival of President Goodluck Jonathan at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, yesterday.

Photo: NAN

Owode market women in Offa LG protest nullification of chairman's election From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

M

arket men and women at Owode main market in Offa town, Offa Local Government Area of Kwara state, including members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Federal Polytechnic Offa, came out en masse to protest over the nullification of the election that brought the council chairman, Prince Saheed Popoola into power as the Chairman.

It could be recalled that the election that brought the local government chairman to office was recently nullified by the Election Tribunal, which called for a re-run election in 90 days time.

Our correspondent gathered

that shops were closed down on Wednesday as early as 8 00am in the town by the association before they moved peacefully across the length and breadth of the market.

While speaking on behalf of the protesters, the Owode Market leader, Hajia Simiat Olatunji, said the administration of Prince Popoola has continued to live up to the expectation of the electorate, adding that he brokered peace among warring associations, intracommunal crisis, which they said could have snow-balled into major crisis in the ancient town.

They also said that he had constructed about 19 heritage roads cutting across the council area, adding that the 'Ifokanbale Housing Estate' being embarked upon would

provide affordable accommodation for the people.

They therefore called on the people of the town to forget their political affiliations and join hands with the present administration in the local government to ensure further growth of the council.

Olatunji added that," the development of Offa local government council should be paramount in the minds of every one irrespective of their political differences in order to bring even development to the populace".

She said that the unity of common front that would transcend political consideration should also be upheld in the affairs of day to day governance of the council.

Sokoto-based lawyer backs Jonathan on state police

A

Sokoto-based legal practitioner , Alhaji Nasiru Binji, agreed with President Goodluck Jonathan on his stand that Nigeria was not yet ripe for state police.

Binji told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto that “the state police could be used to intimidate the members of the opposition, especially during elections.”

The legal luminary urged those agitating for the creation of the state police to drop the idea and think forward for the country.

He also said that “the burning issue of creation of state would not be in the best interest of the nation’s hard-earned unity.”

“Nigeria has come a long way in achieving what we have today.

“Unless it could be shown that the present Nigeria police force is not

professional enough to tackle the current security situation.

“If state police is created, is the manpower going to be imported so as to have a departure from inadequacies of the present police force?” he asked.

He further said that rather than call for the creation of state police, emphasis should be laid on the provision of adequate, ultra-modern facilities that could ensure effective policing in the country. (NAN)

rugungu Local Government Area of Kebbi state has screened about 250 unemployed youth in the 12 wards for the temporary employment across the council.

Addressing journalists yesterday in his office the caretaker chairman of the local government, Alhaji Lawali Maishanu, said that the forms were issued by the state government and are to be shared through the local government areas. He added that the beneficiaries were graduates of Diploma, NCE, HND and BSC who are yet to be engaged in any service across the state.

He further pointed out that the scheme is an opportunity for any graduate who have no job adding that the council has completed the screening which will determine their employment. He added that they will be placed on salary

Third Republic Reps visit Lamido

F

ormer members of House of Representatives under the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the former National Republican Convention (NRC) of the Third Republic, paid a courtesy visit to Gov. Sule Lamido of Jigawa.

In an interview with newsmen in Dutse, the leader of the delegation, Alhaji Tanko Yusuf (SDP) Niger, said that their mission was to fraternise with the governor and to congratulate him on his developmental efforts in the state.

Tanko noted that Lamido was

G

other governors from Enugu, Plateau, Borno, Katsina and Niger on a trip to understudy the workings of the federal system of the German government with a view to replicate best practices in their respective states.

They are expected to copy best practices from Germany‘s federal system of government while studying its links and coordination mechanisms with respect to policy implementation, fiscal systems

and administration.

“The problem is enforcement and I will continue to say that patriotism is one basic requirement that all Nigerians and those who govern Nigeria must face.“ Amaechi said.

The governor stressed that advancements recorded by developed countries were not “rocket science”, adding that with patriotism and zeal to work on the part of those in government these

also in the National Assembly between 1991 and 1993, was living up to expectations, adding : “We are happy he is performing very well. ” According to the former federal lawmaker, Lamido has always been an outstanding politician and a former lawmaker who always championed the course of the downtrodden.

“We are happy to associate and identify with him in view of his transformation policy in the state in terms of provision of basic social amenities to the masses.”

(NAN)

Kaduna holds local council polls December Chairman would pay a nonFrom Agaju Madugba, Kaduna

T

he Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (SIECOM) has fixed December 1, 2012, for the conduct of general elections in the 23 local government councils in the area.

Addressing a press conference in Kaduna yesterday, the SIECOM Chairman, Dr. Hannatu Biniyat, said that each candidate for the position of local government

Gov. Amaechi attributes Nigeria’s problem to poor policy implementation

ov. Rotimi Amaech of Rivers has said the major problem facing Nigeria is the failure by the various governments in the country to implement good policies as well as lack of patriotism.

Amaechi, who is the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Berlin.

The governor is leading five

depending existing vacancies in any department or Ministries and parastals in the state.

The chairman explained that the forms has been returned to the state Chairman, Youth Commission for further action while the council has completed the screening which shows that there will not be any duplication of salary. ‘’If there are some people who have been working with LGa, they will not be allowed to participate in this programme’’ he said.

According to him, out of 5000 youths to be engaged in different schemes in the state, Argungu local government area has about 250 slots. The new scheme is for the youths who have primary and secondary schools certificate.

He urged them to support the efforts of Governor Usman Dakingari to combat the high rate of unemployment in the state and admonished them to be good ambassadors of their area.

could be replicated in Nigeria.

He added that unless both the rulers and the ruled began to give priority to production and technology the country’s desire to be among the 20 most developed nations of the world by 2020 would remain a mirage.

He called on those in government to ensure that the interest of the country and the welfare of the people were critical to them. (NAN)

refundable sum of N200, 000 while the position of a councilor attracts N50, 000, for the nomination forms.

She explained that processes leading to the conduct of the polls are in consonance with the SIECOM Law which the state House of Assembly promulgated recently.

According to her, political parties wishing to field candidates for the elections are expected to conduct primary elections between September 7 and October 26, 2012 while the deadline for the submission of the list of candidates is November 1.

Biniyat said, “on Thursday 8th November, the Commission shall publish the personal particulars of candidates in their constituencies and anyone who has reasonable grounds to believe that any candidate has given wrong information in the forms regarding his or her qualification can apply for certified true copies of the forms and file a suit before the High Court for the candidate to be disqualified.”

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

PAGE 31

ANALYSIS

By Tom Engelhardt

I

n the wake of several deaths among its contingent of troops in a previously peaceful province in Afghanistan, New Zealand (like France and South Korea) is now expediting the departure of its 140 soldiers. That's not exactly headline-making news here in the US. If you're an American, you probably didn't even know that New Zealand was playing a small part in our Afghan War. In fact, you may hardly have known about the part Americans are playing in a war that, over the last decade-plus, has repeatedly been labelled "the forgotten war".

Still, maybe it's time to take notice. Maybe the flight of those Kiwis should be thought of as a small omen, even if they are departing as decorously, quietly and flightlessly as possible. Because here's the thing: once the November election is over, "expedited departure" could well become an American term and the US, as it slips ignominiously out of Afghanistan, could turn out to be the New Zealand of superpowers.

You undoubtedly know the phrase: the best laid plans of mice and men. It couldn't be more apt when it comes to the American project in Afghanistan.

Washington's plans have indeed been carefully drawn up. By the end of 2014, US "combat troops" are to be withdrawn, but left behind on the giant bases the Pentagon has built will be thousands of US trainers and advisers, as well as special operations forces to go after alQaeda remnants (and other "militants") and undoubtedly, the air power to back them all up. Their job will officially be to continue to "stand up" the humongous security force that no Afghan government in that thoroughly impoverished country will ever be able to pay for. Thanks t o a 1 0 - y e a r Strategic Partnership Agreement that President Obama flew to Kabul to seal with Afghan President Hamid Karzai as May began, there they are to remain until 2020 or beyond.

In other words, it being Afghanistan, we need a translator. The American "withdrawal" regularly mentioned in the media doesn't really mean "withdrawal". On paper at least, for years to come the US will partially occupy a country that has a history of loathing foreigners who won't leave (and making them pay for it).

Plans are one thing, reality another. After all, when invading US troops triumphantly arrived in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, in April 2003, the White House

On paper at least, for years to come the US will "partially occupy a country that has a history of loathing foreigners who won't leave (and making them pay for it)" [EPA]

How quickly will the US leave Afghanistan? (I)

and the Pentagon were already planning to stay forever and a day - and they instantly began building permanent bases (though they preferred to speak of "permanent access" via "enduring camps") as a token of their intent.

Only a couple of years later, in a gesture that couldn't have been more emphatic in planning terms, they constructed the largest (and possibly most expensive) embassy on the planet as a regional command centre in Baghdad.

Yet somehow, those perfectly laid plans went desperately awry and only a few years later, with American leaders still looking for ways to garrison the country into the distant future, Washington found itself out on its ear.

But that's reality for you, isn't it?

Right now, evidence on the ground - in the form of dead American bodies piling up - indicates that even the

Afghans closest to us don't exactly second the Obama administration's plans for a 20-year occupation. In fact, news from the deep-sixed war in that forgotten land, often considered the longest conflict in American history, has suddenly burst onto the front pages of our newspapers and to the top of the TV news.

And there's just one reason for that: despite the copious plans of the planet's last superpower, the poor, backward, illiterate, hapless, corrupt Afghans - whose security forces, despite unending American financial support and mentoring, have never effectively "stood up" - made it happen. They have been sending a stark message, written in blood, to Washington's planners.

A 15-year-old "tea boy" at a US base opened fire on Marine special forces trainers exercising at a gym, killing three of them and seriously wounding another; a 60- or

“

70-year-old farmer, who volunteered to become a member of a village security force, turned the first gun his American special forces trainers gave him at an "inauguration ceremony" back on them, killing two; a police officer who, his father claims, joined the force four years earlier, invited Marine Special Operations advisers to a meal and gunned down three of them, wounding a fourth, before fleeing, perhaps to the Taliban.

About other "allies" involved in similar incidents - recently, there were at least 9 "green-on-blue" attacks in an 11-day span in which 10 Americans died - we know almost nothing, except that they were Afghan policemen or soldiers their American trainers and mentors were trying to "stand up" to fight the Taliban. Some were promptly shot to death. At least one may have escaped.

These green-on-blue

Right now, evidence on the ground - in the form of dead American bodies piling up indicates that even the Afghans closest to us don't exactly second the Obama administration's plans for a 20-year occupation.

incidents, which the Pentagon recently re-labelled "insider attacks", have been escalating for months. Now, they seem to have reached a critical mass and so are finally causing a public stir in official circles in Washington.

A "deeply concerned" President Obama commented to reporters on the phenomenon ("We've got to make sure that we're on top of this...") and said he was planning to "reach out" to Afghan President Karzai on the matter. In the meantime, Secretary of Defence Leon Panetta did so, pressing Karzai to take tougher steps in the vetting of recruits for the Afghan security forces. (Karzai and his aides promptly blamed the attacks on the Iranian and Pakistani intelligence agencies.)

General Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, flew to Afghanistan to consult with his counterparts on what to make of these incidents (and had his plane shelled on a runway at Bagram Airfield - "a lucky shot," claimed a NATO spokesman - for his effort). US Afghan War commander General John Allen convened a meeting of more than 40 generals to discuss how to stop the attacks, even as he insisted "the campaign remains on track".

There are now rumblings in Congress about hearings on the subject.

Al Jazeera

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

PAGE 32

By Abdulkadir Isa

V

Kenya police hit

by Mombasa grenade attack

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our policemen have been seriously injured in Kenya's coastal city of Mombasa in a grenade attack.

Regional police ChiefAggreyAdoli told the BBC the officers were on patrol near the Mombasa Pentecostal Church when their vehicle was hit.

It follows two days of rioting that has left four people dead, including a policeman and two prison guards brought in to help with violence.

The riots were sparked by the killing of a radical Muslim cleric on Monday.

Some of the rioters had accused the authorities of carrying out a "targeted assassination" on AboudRogo Mohammed, who was on US and UN sanctions lists for allegedly supporting the al-Qaedaaffiliated al-Shabab in neighbouring Somalia.

However, police spokesman Charles Owino was quoted as saying that al-Shabab killed the cleric in an attempt "to galvanise support among the youth".

The BBC's JamhuriMwavyombo in Mombasa says there is a heavy security presence in the city as President MwaiKibaki has arrived to attend the annual agricultural show.

Two dozen people were arrested on Tuesday in the riots and were charged in court on Wednesday with taking part in an unlawful assembly and in a riot.

They were remanded in custody pending bail hearings.

Our reporter says residents in some suburbs complained on Wednesday of police harassment and beatings after house-to-house searches.

But Mr Adoli told the BBC the searches were justified in order to flush out the trouble makers.

The UN Security Council imposed a travel ban and asset freeze on him in July, saying he had provided "financial, material, logistical or technical support to alShabab".

There has been a heavy police presence following two days of riots

ice- President Mohammed Namadi Sambo led Nigeria delegation to the 16th Summit of the NonAligned Movement held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.

A statement issued yesterday by Mfon Udott, SSA (Media and Publicity) to the Vice -President, said Sambo represented President Goodluck Jonathan and was received by the Nigerian Ambassador to Iran, Mr. Tukur Mani, Minister of State 1 for Foreign Affairs, Professor Viola Onwuliri, and Iranian Minister of Education Dr. Haji Bobai.

Earlier, the leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad , in a world press conference said "we are witnessing major development in the Middle East and North Africa, Europe and the US that indicate public uprisings and awakening as well as the people's firm resolve to form a new order in the international arena".

He stated that the anticolonialist and anti-dictatorial movements by the Middle East region and the public anticapitalist movements in the heart of Europe and the US such as the Occupy Wall Street Movement shed light on many realities marking the commencement of an era that one can hear many voices

Sambo attends summit of Non-Aligned Movement instead of a single voice.

The 16th summit of NAM is being attended by 120

countries and 21 observer countries including the Secretary-General of the United

Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon. The 16th summit is on how to maintain global peace.

Vice-President Namadi Sambo (middle), being received by Iranian Minister of Education, Mr. Haj Ibabai (right), and Minister of State for foreign affairs 1, Professor Viola Onwuliri (left), on Wednesday at Mehrabad Airport, Tehran, Iran for the 16th non-aligned movement summit.

South African Marikana miners ‘face murder charges’

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Six of the 270 arrested miners remain in hospital

orkers arrested at South Africa's Marikana mine will be charged with the murder of 34 of their colleagues shot dead by police, an official has said.

A prosecuting authority spokesman told the BBC that 270 workers would be tried under the "common purpose" doctrine.

They were in the crowd which confronted the police, who opened fire, sparking a national outcry.

Police have not been charged because a commission of inquiry would investigate their actions,

the spokesman said.

During a visit to the mine after the 16 August killings, President Jacob Zuma told workers he "felt their pain" and promised a speedy and thorough investigation of the shootings.

Police said they started shooting after being threatened by large groups of miners armed with machetes.

Ten people, including two police officers and two security guards, were killed during the protests before the police shooting.

Egyptian attack on ‘oppressive’ Syria sparks walkout

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gypt's president has told a summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (Nam) that the Syrian uprising is a "revolution against an oppressive regime".

Mohammed Mursi, making the first visit to Iran by an Egyptian leader since 1979, said the movement had an "ethical duty" to support the uprising.

His comments sparked a walkout by the Syrian delegation.

The Nam summit, which represents 120 countries, will also discuss human rights and nuclear disarmament.

Mr Mursi used his speech to tell delegates: "Our solidarity with the struggle of the Syrian people against an oppressive regime that has lost its legitimacy is an ethical duty, as it is a political and strategic necessity."

"We all have to announce our full solidarity with the struggle of those seeking freedom and justice in Syria, and translate this sympathy into a clear political vision that supports a peaceful transition to a democratic system of rule that reflects the

demands of the Syrian people for freedom."

He compared the antigovernment movement in Syrian to the Palestinians, saying they were both "actively seeking freedom, dignity and human justice", and said Egypt was "ready to work with all to stop the bloodshed".

Mr Mursi's visit is the first by an Egyptian leader since the 1979 Islamic

Revolution, when Iran cut ties with President Anwar Sadat's administration over its signing of a peace treaty with Israel.

Syria's delegation to Nam walked out of the conference room when Mr Mursi began speaking about the conflict, Egyptian and Syrian media reported. Iranian media said they had simply left to conduct and interview.

The BBC's Iran correspondent,

Mohammed Mursi's comments will "really have hurt", the BBC's Jon Leyne says

James Reynolds, says Syria's exit illustrates the strong divisions which could derail the summit.

But Egypt and Iran have also been competing for many years to be seen as the natural leader of the region, our correspondent adds, and that fight is likely to be played out in Tehran.

Analysts believe Mr Mursi's comments are likely to have infuriated both the Syrian government - which says it is fighting an armed terrorist insurgency - and the Iranians, who have been giving staunch backing to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

The US has accused Iran of training militia in Syria to reinforce Mr Assad's forces.

Iran hopes the summit will change the balance of international opinion UN Secretary General Ban Kimoon, who is attending the summit, said Syria was facing a long-term civil war, and warned that "those who provide arms to either side in Syria are contributing to the misery".

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

Asia and Middle East

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hina has signed a deal to buy 50 planes worth $3.5bn (ÂŁ2.2bn) from Europe's Airbus.

The agreement is part of a slew of trade deals signed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the start of a two-day visit to China.

China to buy 50 Airbus planes for $3.5bn An agreement on Airbus plane assembly in China was also signed, according to the Xinhua news agency.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said on Thursday his country would continue to invest in the EU. This is the first significant deal in China for Airbus, whose parent company is EADS, since a dispute between the country and the

Five Australian soldiers killed in Afghanistan

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ive Australian soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan in two separate incidents, defence officials say.

Three soldiers were killed by a man in Afghan army uniform in Uruzgan province on Wednesday, the latest in a series of so-called "green-onblue" attacks.

In a separate incident, two others were killed in a helicopter crash in Helmand province on Thursday.

PM Julia Gillard said that "in a war of so many losses this is our single worst day in Afghanistan".

Ms Gillard has left the Cook Islands, where she was attending the Pacific Islands Forum, to return to Australia.

"In the wake of this news, I have made the judgement call that it is appropriate for me to return," she told reporters before she left.

The BBC's Quentin Sommerville in Kabul says NATO insists its strategy in Afghanistan is still on track, but a central plank of its plan is that foreign soldiers will serve alongside and train Afghans for many years to come.

That may not be realistic, given the ever increasing number of Afghan forces who turn their weapons on their foreign allies, our correspondent says.

Acting defence force chief Mark Binskin said the families of the soldiers had been

notified.

"Australia has lost five men today. They are soldiers who were committed to serving our nation," Air Marshall Binskin told a press conference in Canberra.

The green-on-blue incident is currently under investigation, said an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) statement. A search was underway for the man, who fled the scene.

Air Marshall Binskin said the man opened fire at close quarters when the three soldiers were relaxing at the end of their day, also injuring two other soldiers.

He said that the three soldiers - aged 40, 23 and 21 were based at the Gallipoli Barracks in Brisbane.

The two other Australian soldiers who died, aged 30 and 23, were special forces personnel. They were killed when an ISAF helicopter crashed while attempting to land in Helmand, he said.

"There is no indication of any reaction causing that crash," Air Marshall Binskin said.

Thirty-eight soldiers from the Australian Defence Force have been killed in Afghanistan since 2002.

About 1,500 Australian soldiers are based in Uruzgan province as part of the Nato'sIsaf troops. NATO is training Afghan troops ahead of its pull-out by the end of next year.

Miners killed and trapped in China colliery blast

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gas explosion at a coal mine in south-west China has killed 19 people and left 28 trapped underground, state media say.

Efforts are underway to rescue the remaining miners at the Xiaojiawan mine in Panzhihua city in Sichuan province.

The blast happened on Wednesday evening when about 150 miners were underground, city officials said.

By Thursday morning, more than 100 people had been rescued and taken to hospital, reports said.

Chinese state television said rescue teams had retrieved the bodies of 16 miners who died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Another three people died in hospital.

PAGE 33

The mine is owned by Zhengjin Industry and Trade Co Ltd. Its officials are assisting in a police investigation, the city government said in a statement on its official microblogging site.

Accidents are frequent in China's mining industry, which is criticised for poor safety standards.

Official figures show that 1,973 people died in coal mining accidents in the country last year.

While this represented a 19% drop compared to the year before, some have suggested that actual numbers could be higher as not all incidents may have been reported.

China's central government has introduced measures aimed at improving standards but these directives are often ignored at local level.

European Union over the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

Effective from 1 January this year, the ETS charges airlines for the carbon they emit.

China and other countries say the system is not fair, as it charges airlines for the full journey, not just over European airspace.

Following this in March, EADS chief executive Louis Gallois said

Airbus was facing "retaliation measures" by China.

According to him, China had blocked firms from buying planes made by Airbus. Beijing did not comment on the allegation.

Ms Merkel is in China for the second time this year, as she tries to improve relations and drum up business for European companies.

She is being accompanied by

several ministers, as well as top German executives.

Bilateral trade between Germany and China totalled about $180bn dollars last year. That is nearly double what it was five years ago.

On Thursday, the two countries signed 10 further agreements, in the sectors of communication, energy, health and maritime co-operation, among others, Xinhua said.

China and Germany signed trade deals in aviation energy, environment, health and maritime cooperation

The families of the Australian soldiers who died have been notified

Rescuers are trying to reach those trapped in the mine

PAGE 34

Europe and Americas Brazil cuts interest rates to fresh record low

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razil's central bank has cut its benchmark interest rate to a record low of 7.5% in an attempt to reignite a stalled economic recovery.

The cut, from the previous level of 8%, in the main Selic rate follows recently unveiled government stimulus measures.

The central bank move is the ninth cut in a row since August last year, as the growth rate has fallen dramatically from the 7.5% recorded in 2012.

Now the economy is forecast to grow by less than 2% this year.

The monetary policy committee left the door open for future interest rate reductions, which some analysts expect to happen as early as October.

"If future conditions were to allow for an additional adjustment of monetary conditions, that movement should be conducted with maximum parsimony," the bank said in the statement.

Policymakers face the delicate act of balancing between boosting growth and keeping inflation in check, after it was pushed up by higher global food prices and tax cuts on car sales.

It reversed a downward trend in the 12-month inflation rate that began in September 2011.

The annual inflation currently stands at 5.2%, above the central bank target of 4.5%.

Capital Economics analysts said they expected interest rates to remain low for some time as growth would struggle to pick up.

"We think that the consensus expectation for a strong rebound in growth over the next 6-12 months is overly optimistic and remain of the view that rates will stay lower, for longer, than the market currently anticipates," they said in a note.

President DilmaRousseff's government earlier this month announced the first phase of a major economic stimulus package, which would involve a $60bn (ÂŁ38bn) investment in the country's roads and railways over the next 25 years, with more than half in the next five years.

This includes 8,000km of new roads and 8,000km of railways.

Further announcements involving investment in ports and airports are expected in the coming weeks.

Brazil's successive interest rate cuts have so far done little to accelerate growth

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

Australia joins EU carbon emissions market

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ustralia plans to link its carbon trading scheme with the EU's, enabling firms to use European permits from mid-2015 to emit carbon dioxide (CO2).

The EU's carbon market is the world's largest and the deal is being seen as a significant step towards cutting greenhouse gas emissions globally.

The aim is to have the Australian and EU schemes fully linked from July 2018.

Australia is the developed world's highest CO2 emitter per head of population. It now taxes big polluters.

The carbon tax introduced in Australia last month has triggered fierce opposition. It forces about 300 of the worstpolluting firms to pay a levy of A$23 (ÂŁ15; $24) for every tonne of greenhouse gases they produce.

The EU Commissioner for Climate Action, Connie

Hedegaard, said "we now look forward to the first full international linking of emission trading systems".

"It is further evidence of strong international cooperation on climate change and will build further momentum towards establishing a robust international carbon market," she said on Tuesday.

The deal with the EU aims to give Australian firms more options for meeting their CO2

Gelsenkirchen, Germany: Coal-fired power stations are among the biggest polluters

reduction targets. That could dilute criticism of the government over the carbon tax, which opponents say puts Australian firms at a disadvantage internationally.

Both the Australian and EU carbon schemes are based on capand-trade - they set emission caps for the biggest polluters, forcing them to buy permits if they want to go above their emission targets.

The greenest firms can sell any surplus permits to heavy polluters, creating a financial incentive for industry and power generators to cut emissions.

Each EU carbon permit currently trades at about eight euros (ÂŁ6; $10) per tonne. The EU's carbon market had a turnover of some 90bn euros in 2010, the Euractiv news website reports.

As part of the plan to link up with Europe, Australia will scrap a carbon floor price of 12.4 euros per tonne that it was going to introduce in July 2015. That would have made carbon permits more expensive in Australia than in Europe.

The 300 firms in Australia's scheme can meet up to half of their carbon targets through internationally approved green projects in developing countries.

But in future the maximum will be only 12.5% for UN-certified carbon offsets - green projects that come under the Kyoto Protocol.

Los Angeles driver, 100, hits group of children

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100-year-old man reversed his car on to a pavement and hit 11 people, including nine children from a primary school, in Los Angeles, California.

Four children were in critical condition when firemen arrived on the scene but are all expected to survive.

Parents and children were buying snacks from a stall after school finished on Wednesday when Preston Carter backed a powder blue Cadillac towards them.

Some of the children ended up trapped under the car.

People tried to get the driver's

attention, but it was too late.

A fire captain said the four children who were badly hurt were now stable, in serious condition in hospital.

Mr Carter told a local news station: "My brakes failed. It was out of control." He also said he had a driving licence and would be 101 on 5 September.

When asked about hitting the children, he said: "You know I'm sorry about that. I wouldn't do that for nothing on earth. My sympathies for them."

Police believe he was driving out of the car park of a grocery shop, but drove on to the pavement instead of pulling into the street.

Bystander: "We lifted the car up and we started pulling all the kids out"

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course of Thursday, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said.

Although no longer a hurricane, Isaac still poses a threat to life because of storm surges, floods

Tropical Storm Isaac loses steam over Louisiana ropical Storm Isaac, downgraded from a hurricane, is gradually losing steam but still bringing heavy rains and floods to southern US states.

Isaac is expected to lose its tropical storm status late Thursday as it heads north towards Arkansas and Missouri.

The centre of the storm has now passed New Orleans, seven years after the devastating and much stronger Hurricane Katrina.

Isaac was downgraded from a hurricane on Wednesday afternoon.

At 07:00 (12:00 GMT), the centre of the storm was over Louisiana and would continue to move over the state during the

There was extensive damage in Plaquemines Parish, stretching south and east of New Orleans

and tornadoes, the NHC says.

Along the shores of Lake Ponchartrain just north of New Orleans, dozens of buses and highwater vehicles were sent to evacuate some 3,000 people as waters rose fast - it was waist-high in some areas, the Associated Press news agency reports.

The Louisiana National Guard was working with sheriff's deputies to rescue people stranded in their homes, AP says.

The floodwaters "were shockingly fast-rising, from what I understand from talking to people," Lt Gov Jay Dardenne said.

"It caught everybody by surprise."

Nearly a million people across four states in the region are now without power.

PAGE 35

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

Newborn’s hair sets parents on warpath I t's a look some people spend years, and thousands of pounds perfecting - natural looking highlights.

But one lucky newborn is the envy of women everywhere after being born with a full head of perfect blonde streaks growing amongst his dark brown locks.

Mitchell McKay's striking hair has made him quite an attraction in his hometown of Dumfries, Scotland, with passersby even stopping in the street to admire him.

His parents, Gillian and Lewis, couldn't believe their eyes when they were handed their first child when he was born at the Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary on July 28.

Neither of them can work out where his unusual hair comes from.

They both have brown hair and they insist blonde highlights

don't run in the family.

Mrs McKay said the midwives hadn't seen anything like it before.

She said many were taking photos but she admitted Mitchell was a bit young to go to the hairdressers.

Factory worker Mrs McKay, married to Lewis, a joiner, said: 'When we first set eyes on Mitchell, we couldn't believe what we were seeing.

'He has brown hair with these amazing blond highlights all over his head. He is a beautiful baby but his hair makes him even more noticeable.

'The midwives at the hospital said they had never seen anything like it before and couldn't stop taking photos of him.

'I'm always getting stopped in the street when I'm out and about with Mitchell. People just

can't stop looking at him.

'I tell them that he was born with blond streaks in his hair and everyone seems amazed.

'He's a bit young to go to the hairdressers.'

Baby hair often changes colour within the first six months, and sometimes they shed all their hair before it grows back.

As a result, newborn hair doesn't have much of a bearing on what colour their hair will be when they grow up.

It's common for children who had very light coloured hair as a newborn to have darker hair as they get older.

Eumelanin determines the colour of baby's hair and a lot of eumelanin means a baby will have darker hair. Parents determine whether the child has the genes for making eumelanin in large quantities.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

Unusual: Mitchell's hair caused a stir a the maternity unit and midwives rushed to take pictures of his locks

Court, she wept as she was jailed for manslaughter.

Sentencing Judge Anthony Russell said Makin had been suffering from a depressive disorder at the time of the killing.

He said: 'The facts of this case are appalling There was significant planning. The victim was a fouryear-old child, vulnerable, and someone who trusted you. This was a sustained attack. Chloe must have undergone significant and considerable physical and emotional suffering.

'Finally the physical injuries you have caused to yourself which are permanent and the knowledge that you have killed your only child will be with you for the rest of your life.'

The tragedy occurred in February last year seven months

after Makin was sacked for illegally accessing a computer at the Moorgate Primary Care walkin centre where she worked in Bury.

She had earlier been placed under investigation by the Information Commissioner's Office for leaking patient details to boyfriend Martin Campbell who was working as an agent for personal injuries claim firm Direct Assist.

Campbell, 34, obtained names and telephones of 29 road accident victims who had been treated at the walk in centre, a previous court case heard.

He attempted to sign them up and increase his pay check over a four-month period from December 2009.

He was caught when patients started to complain to NHS Bury in May 2010, saying that a man had called them about their injuries and encouraged them to make a personal injury claim.

NHS Bury then investigated and found the files had been accessed without legitimate reason by Makin, who had been a nurse for almost 15 years.

Makin was immediately suspended and in August 2010 she was dismissed.

In June last year Campbell was fined £1,050 plus £1,175 costs after he admitted seven counts of breaching the Data Protection Act and asked for 22 other offences to be considered.

Makin kept up the pretence of leading a normal life and did not tell her family or friends about her dismissal.

Mr Wright said: 'She did seek further employment but every application floundered. She was applying for jobs but she was getting nowhere.'

The same month Makin made a serious attempt to take her own and Chloe's life by gas. But she had 'come to her senses' and turned the jets off before any serious harm

was caused.

Following the suicide attempt Makin and Mr Campbell separated to her 'great distress' and he left their home in Lea Mount Drive, Bury.

But matters 'came to a head' on Valentine's Day in February 2011 when Makin learnt she was being summonsed to court to face data protection offences.

Later the same day she would try to rekindle her relationship with Mr Campbell but he would tell her that he was taking another woman out for dinner.

'She was in an emotional spiral of dissent into despair,' said Mr Wright.

Makin sent a number of 'angry' text messages to her former lover, saying: 'I'll make sure you pay for this for the rest of your life' and 'I feel really low, really bad. My life is over.'

The court heard Valentine's day would be the last time that anyone would see Chloe alive after Makin picked her up from her child minders at 3pm.

Chloe's body was found three days later on February 17 after her 'frantic' grandmother, Sheila Makin, raised the alarm. A neighbour broke down the door and made the discovery.

Chloe was found dead in her mother's bed in her pyjama's and a dressing gown surrounded by cuddly toys.

Her mother lay unconscious beside her and had slashed her wrists. There was a bottle of antifreeze on the floor.

Chloe had suffered deep wounds to her neck and chest.

The court heard Chloe had tried to protect herself as demonstrated by injuries to her hands. Tests also revealed that she would have been alive for a number of hours following the attack.

Suicide notes were found including a one to Makin's parents' Sheila and Derek

Nurse who stabbed her daughter, 4, to death and tried to kill herself is jailed for 12 years

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nurse who stabbed her fouryear-old daughter to death and tried to kill herself after she was sacked for leaking patient details has been jailed for 12 years.

Dawn Makin, 35, who is now permanently wheelchair bound, was described as a 'model mother' who came from a good Christian family.

But in the months leading up to the death of her daughter she had been unmasked as a health centre 'mole' after she secretly fed confidential data to her boyfriend who worked for a personal injury claims company.

After being investigated by health bosses, Makin stabbed Chloe Burke to death and then cut her wrists and drank toxic fluid in a bid to kill herself.

Today, at Preston Crown

Guilty: Dawn Makin as arrived at Preston Crown court in Lancashire, in a wheelchair, where she was jailed for 12 years today after she stabbed her daughter at the family home

warning them not to enter the bedroom.

And on a photograph of her daughter she had scribbled: 'I am so sorry. I have taken her away from you all but I could not leave her with no money. That would be cruel.'

The court heard that Makin had attempted a 'clean-up' and bloodstained items were found in the laundry basket. Traces of Chloe's blood were also found in the bathroom and kitchen.

Makin was rushed to hospital in a critical condition and later regained partial consciousness but for several months was deemed to be too ill to be interviewed by police.

She was charged with murder ten months later but is now confined to a wheelchair and has been living under 24 hour care in a hospital rehabilitation unit.

Makin's defence, Nicholas Johnson said: 'Dawn Makin will never be released from the prison that she has made for her own body.'

After the verdict, Chloe's father, Michael Burke, said he was shocked at the sentence imposed on his former partner.

He added: 'She has already gone through a great deal of pain and she can't even walk anymore.

'This has been an absolute nightmare.'

He choked back tears as he spoke about his 'bubbly and lovely' daughter.

He added: 'Chloe can rest now, now it's all over. I'm so glad it's over.'

He said Chloe was buried a short distance from his home and he visits her grave often.

Mr Burke also said it was a tragedy that Makin never told anybody about her depression or asked for help.

'She should have come to me,' he said.

PAGE 36

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

Six cups of coffee a day could cut the risk of bowel cancer by 40 per cent D

rinking several cups of coffee every day can significantly reduce the risk of bowel cancer, new research shows.

Volunteers who downed four cups a day saw their risk of a tumour drop by about 15 per cent.

But those who got through six or more were up to 40 per cent less likely to fall victim to the disease.

Tea lovers, however, did not see any reduction in risk, scientists said.

More than 40,000 people a year in the UK are diagnosed with bowel cancer.

The disease has a high mortality rate - around 16,000 a year - because many victims ignore early warning signs and only seek medical help once the cancer has advanced.

Diets high in fat and red meat, as well as lack of exercise, are thought to be among the main risk factors.

Some previous studies have hinted coffee could have a protective effect, although the findings have been inconclusive.

In the latest investigation, researchers at the US National Cancer Institute in Rockville, Maryland, looked at nearly 490,000 men and women who

took part in a diet and health study from the mid-nineties onwards.

They analysed their eating and drinking habits and compared bowel cancer rates among coffee drinkers and nondrinkers.

The results, published in the latest American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, showed a small but significant fall in tumour risk among those on four to five cups a day. But the greatest benefits were seen when consumption topped half-a-dozen cups a day, with the risk plummeting by almost 40 per cent for certain types of tumour.

Previous studies have suggested five cups of coffee or tea every day could slash the risk of a brain tumour by around 40 per cent.

And Japanese scientists found just one cup a day could nearly halve the risk of dangerous cancers affecting the mouth and gullet.

Dr Euan Paul, Executive Director of the British Coffee Association, said: ‘It is particularly encouraging to see that coffee consumption may lower the risk of bowel cancer given that over 40,000 men and women are diagnosed with it in the UK every year, making it the

Previous studies have hinted coffee could have a protective effect against bowel cancer, although the findings have been inconclusive. third most common cancer.’

But he stressed that pregnant women should follow NHS advice to moderate their intake of caffeine to 200mg per

day from all sources, as it can increase the risk of miscarriage in high doses.

Caffeine can increase anxiety in some people and can alter your

sleep patterns so you are not fully rested. Those suffering these symptoms are recommended to cut down their intake.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

How a common virus could increase risk of type 2 diabetes later in life A

common viral infection could increase a person’s risk of developing diabetes later in life - and they may not even realise they have contracted it.

The Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is part of the herpes family and can be sexuallytransmitted. It can also be spread via coughs and sneezes

and it is estimated around half of all adults have been infected.

The virus tends to remain dormant and most people don’t exhibit any symptoms, but if they do they are similar to flu.

However, new research from Leiden University and the University of Tubingen in Germany suggests it is a significant risk factor for type

2 diabetes in the elderly.

They found adults aged 85 and over who were infected with cytomegalovirus were about twice as likely to have type 2 diabetes compared with those not infected.

The team analysed information from more than 500 elderly adults in the Netherlands.

Around half of people in the UK are thought to be infected with the Cytomegalovirus.

Around 80 per cent were infected with cytomegalovirus and 15 per cent had type 2 diabetes.

While 17 percent of those infected with cytomegalovirus had type 2 diabetes, only 7.9 per cent of those without the virus had the condition.

Obesity and aging are known to be associated with insulin resistance, one of the first signs of type 2 diabetes.

However, only a third of these people go on to develop the condition.

Those who develop type 2

diabetes usually have raised levels of biological markers for inflammation such as larger numbers of active white blood cells.

The researchers found chronic infections including CMV can ‘stress’ the immune system. They suggested the virus could be acting directly on pancreatic cells or indirectly by causing the immune system to attack the pancreas.

The study appears in BioMed Central’s open access journal Immunity and Ageing.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

People with type 2 diabetes tend to have their blood glucose levels checked every two to six months.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

Benue LG Polls: Aspirants allege discrimination in sale of PDP forms From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

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spirants in the forthcoming local government polls in Benue state on the platform of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have cried out against the discrimination in sale of forms to them by the party executive.

One of them Mrs. Theresa Ikwue who is eyeing the chairmanship seat of Okpokwu local government said in an interview with newsmen at the party secretariat that it was a ploy to shut the door on credible aspirants from the area.

She accused the party Chairman Mr. Emmanuel Agbo of frustrating her and other aspirants from the area by insisting that they must get clearance from him before forms are sold to them.

She also alleged that the action is a deliberate act to shut out loyalists of the Minister for Interior, Comrade Abba Moro from contesting.

"PDP belongs to us all and we have contributed immensely to the success of the party in Benue State, the party chairman has no right whatsoever to stop aspirants from buying the party's chairmanship form because he is fielding his brother for that position in Okpokwu, we will all resist it because the right thing must be done," Mrs. Ikwue stated.

It would be recalled that the Interior Minister and the PDP chairman have continually disagreed over the conduct of the party congresse in Okpokwu where it has failed to hold because Mr. Agbo doctored the lists of delegate to his advantage.

"We have been told that we should not sell forms to some persons from Okpokwu local government whom we understand are not supporting the Chairman of the Party but are in the camp of Comrade Abba Moro".

"The directive handed us is that they must get clearance from the state party chairman before the forms can be sold to them, that is what we have been telling them", an anonymous source said.

Meanwhile all efforts to get the reaction of the PDP state chairman on the issue failed as he refused to pick his calls.

PAGE 37

2015: Opposition alliance will fail – Gemade …Says PDP in right hands with Tukur

By Lawrence Olaoye

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ormer Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Barnabas Gemade has said that the much touted alliance between the two frontline opposition parties, the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, and Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, would fail.

Responding to questions from newsmen at Legacy House, annex of the PDP

national secretariat, Senator Gemade said opposition parties in the past had severally ganged up against the ruling PDP but all their machinations had been fruitless against PDP. “What is new in the gang up that you think we should be afraid of.

Haven’t the opposition been ganging up before in the history of democracy in Nigeria”, he asked.

Gemade maintained that

even if the CPC and CAN are able to reach an agreement it will not affect the winning streak of the PDP because of the spread of PDP compared to opposition parties that are only on ground in a few states.

“As far as the political equation is concerned, you are talking about six or seven states versus to 23 states. So by simple arithmetic you will tell me whether a party that is on ground in six states is likely to

PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur

dethrone the one that is firmly on ground in 23 states of the federation” Commenting on 14 years of formation of PDP, the former National Chairman of the PDP, echoed said “this is a very good and fantastic party that has had a lot of chequered history because of its constant falling into wrong hands from time to time.

“It is my prayer that the party is in the right hands now, so that we can see a rebirth of a truly democratic institution that we wanted it to be when it was created in 1998.

“This party has a chequered history because of what has happened from time to time. Today we have one of us in the saddle as the National Chairman and our prayer is that the forces that are pulling the party apart will relax their evil pulls so that we can build the whole back to where it is supposed to be”.

Senator Gemade identified the major problem militating against PDP as selfishness on the part of those that won election on the platform of the party who put personal interest over and above party interest.

“Winners of elections in the past at different levels have put their interest far beyond what it required for political institution to serve the people.

In other words, the desire to serve themselves was by far more serious than that to serve the common good and that has been the biggest problem,” he said.

Traditional ruler decries misuse of national budget for constituency projects

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he Oluwo of Owu-Ijebu, Oba Michael Adeshina, in Lagos State, has expressed concern over the misuse of national budget in the name of constituency projects by lawmakers.

Adeshina expressed the concern in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja on the sideline of a programme organised by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources on the effective utilisation of water resources in the country.

He said that the diversion of budgetary alloocation to lawmakers in the name of constituency projects had stalled the completion of various

projects across the country.

“One person because he occupies a privileged position in the parliament says he wants a constituency project then you take government money to do a project that probably doesn’t rhyme into the national water planning and then you say it’s constituency project.

“Which constituency? Is it operating outside Nigeria? Are you doing it with your own money, is it something you are bringing back from Abuja to say this is what I want to do for my people with my own money?

“No. It is the government money, the money that should have been used to benefit all that a few people say come and do this

in my constituency and that reduces the budget available for the ministry and for the water corporations in the various states.

“Constituency projects are hardly completed, in fact, less than 25 per cent are completed and the money is spent.’’

He also urged the Federal Government to continue to maintain a cordial relationship with other African countries who share trans-boundary water sources.

“We have a commission where all those countries are but we must continue to be friends before we can enjoy it.

“In Central Africa, we are bringing water from River Congo, pumping it through

many countries before you recharge it to Lake Chad.’’

Adeshina said that the resuscitation of the Lake Chad basin would boost agriculture and Nigeria’s economy.

“With the water you are getting in Lake Chad, it’s an investment.

“If you recharge the Lake Chad, you will do a lot of irrigation schemes for which you can plant rice, plant wheat instead of importing and so on, that would offset the cost and it will also provide employment.’’

NAN reports that Nigeria requires 14.5 billion dollars to transfer water from Ubangi River in the Congo to recharge the Lake. (NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

Court transfers Imo LG chairmen sack suit to Port -Harcourt

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

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L-R: Oyo state Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, Osun state, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, and Ogun state Deputy Governor, Prince Segun Adesegun, during the forum of Yoruba Assembly, yesterday in Ibadan.

Ondo guber: PDP inaugurates 7-member committee

By Lawrence Olaoye

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he Peoples Democratic Party has inaugurated a 7-man committee to strategize for the success of the party’s candidate in the forthcoming October 20th governorship election in Ondo state.

The resolution to set up the 7-man committee which has Chief Oyewole Fasawe, Chief Olusegun Agagu (former governor of Ondo state), Chief Mobolaji Osomo, Sen. Bode Olajumoke, Chief Segun Adegoke, and Dr Ola Oni as members was reached after a protracted meeting held behind closed doors with the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, presiding.

Tukur had at the beginning of the meeting said “We gathered here to rub mind on how to tackle the challenge the party will likely face during the governorship election in Ondo state.”

While ex[pressing the optimism that the party would be victorious in the election, the PDP helmsman said the party was ready to find a lasting solution to the party’s problem of internal democracy in order to achieve victory.

Briefing newsmen on the resolution of the party, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha, the party’s National Organising Secretary, said that PDP stakeholders in Ondo state converged on Abuja to deliberate on how to emerge victorious on Oct. 20.

According to him, the stakeholders discussed issues concerning the poll “thoroughly, critically, objectively and with the decency they deserved”.

“We believe we are on the right path; we believe Ondo state is for PDP and we will reclaim our victory,” he said.

Mustapha said that the “very powerful” seven-member committee was set up by

the national chairman based on the advice of the National Working Committee.

The 7-man committee, he said, has a week within which to strategize and submit its reports. “With the agenda set up by the leader of the party, President Goodluck Jonathan, we were sure of victory,” he said Commenting on the meeting, the PDP governorship flagbearer in the Ondo state election said “We are encouraged by the resolution of the leadership of the party to give the necessary support to the party’s chapter in Ondo state. We are particularly satisfied that the National Working Committee clarified all issues and assured us of maximum support.’’

Oke said the encouragement would motivate the supporters to go to the nooks and crannies of the state to mobilise support for the party to improve on its rising profile.

Group to name institute after Gov Mimiko

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Non Governmental Organisation, the Mimiko Support Group (MSG), said a plan was underway to establish Mimiko Leadership Institute.

The Coordinator of the group, Mr. Oluseyi, who made this known to newsmen on Wednesday in Akure, said the group had resolved to celebrate and project Mimiko as a global leadership brand. ”This is to ensure that the ideals of Gov. Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo state transcends beyond the 2012 gubernatorial election of the state.”

The coordinator said the institute would serve as leadership training centre based on the ideals and leadership style of the governor.

He said that 150 groups have come

together to pursue the sustenance of the philosophy, adding that professionals and resourceful individuals from all walks of life had not been left out.

According to him, these professionals believe that the leadership qualities exhibited by the governor should be worthy of emulation.

“We are friends Olusegun Mimiko, we have worked with him and we have seen how his programmes, ideas, and initiatives have been applauded and recommended as benchmark for political leaders all over the world,’’ he said.

Adeniyi said that the group would be formally launched on Thursday to endorse Mimiko second term in office.

He said that series of campaign strategies had been lined up to sell the governor to the people of the state.

Meanwhile, Mimiko’s campaign organisation had said the Labour Party governorship candidate would commence his campaign on Thursday at Imade College, Owo. The Chairman of the Mimiko Campaign Organisation, Mr Akin Adaramola, said the party opted for Owo for the take off of its campaign because of the significance of the town to South West democracy.

“The choice of Owo is significant, Owo is historical, it is the home of democracy in the south West and because we have a governor who is following the footsteps of Awolowo and Ajasin,” he said. (NAN)

Bakassi people urge Senate, Ministry of Justice to expedite action

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he people of Bakassi on Wednesday called on the Senate and Ministry of Justice to expedite action on the directive given by President Goodluck Jonathan to resolve the dispute in the area.

Mr Essien Ekpenyong, representing Bakassi, Akpabuyo and Calabar South Federal Constituency, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

He said that the House of Representatives had called for a review of the judgment passed by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the disputed area before the 2012 deadline.

According to him, the house also called for the right to self determination for Bakassi people, adding that the people had the right to belong to any country of their choice.

“The House of Representatives has held a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan and he has directed the Senate leader to liaise with the Attorney General of the Federation to find a lasting solution to the Bakassi problem. “ We need to do something urgently to protect the rights of the people in that area before the Oct. 10, 2012 deadline, which

marks 10 years of the ICJ judgment.

“It does not mean that the process must be finished within two months but we can start up the process and once it is put in motion before Oct.10, we would have been able to beat the deadline.

“We can ask for a review before the deadline and besides, the people of Bakassi should be allowed to determine where they choose to belong.

“It is their right and the right to self determination is the right of every individual as stated by the United Nations Charter

Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday transferred the case brought before it by the chairmen of the 27 local government councils in Imo State sacked by Governor Rochas Okorocha to the Port Harcourt division of the court for adjudication.

The order of the court staying further proceedings on the matter was however not vacated by the trial Judge, Justice Gladys Olotu.

The Judge had while granting the applicant leave to apply for a judicial review of the action stated that it will operate as a stay of all actions and proceedings in the dispute between the Council chairmen and the state government pending the determination and hearing of the suit.

There was a heated argument yesterday between lead counsel to the plaintiff, Chief Anwa Kalu (SAN) and the trial Judge over procedural approach to the case.

The lawyer had prayed the court for an adjournment to allow him respond to some documents served on him in court by defence counsel, Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN) in view of the voluminous nature of the processes.

This position did not go down well with the judge who insisted on proceeding with the case as against adjournment. Justice Olotu said the highest she could do was to stand down the matter to enable Kalu time to study the documents and respond accordingly.

It was at this stage that the heated arguments commenced, leading to a lengthy submissions on legal authorities by counsel to both parties to the case resulting to a three hour stand down of the case for ruling. While delivering her ruling, Justice Olotu ordered that the matter be transferred to the PortHarcourt division of the court where a sister case is pending.

Ogun tasks new council chiefs on fund management

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he Ogun government has charged new local government chairmen in the state to ensure prudent management of public funds.

Mr Muyiwa Oladipo, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, gave the charge at a workshop organised for newly elected local government executives in the state.

The three-day workshop with the theme, “Enhancing Local Government Leadership,’’ was organised by the state government in collaboration with the Ken Nnamani Centre for Leadership.

Oladipo urged the council chiefs to maximise their limited resources, noting that 20 councils were presently experiencing financial challenges.

He said that the situation could be ameliorated if council officials initiate developmental programmes and improve internally generated revenue.

The resource person at the workshop, Prof.

Opeyemi Ajewole, urged local government executives to strive toward the attainment of the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) targets.

The don said the local councils, being the closest to the people at the grassroots, were crucial to the attainment of the MDGs. Mrs Hafsat Abiola-Costello, the Special Assistant to the Governor on MDGs, urged the officials to take tough decisions that could engender development in the councils.(NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

PAGE 39

Argungu LG recruits 250 youths, says Chairman From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

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L-R: Petroleum Minister, Mrs Diezani Alison Madueke, and Former Minister of Information, Professor Dora Akunyili, exchanging pleasantries in Enugu while waiting for the arrival of President Goodluck Jonathan at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, yesterday.

Photo: NAN

Owode market women in Offa LG protest nullification of chairman's election From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

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arket men and women at Owode main market in Offa town, Offa Local Government Area of Kwara state, including members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Federal Polytechnic Offa, came out en masse to protest over the nullification of the election that brought the council chairman, Prince Saheed Popoola into power as the Chairman.

It could be recalled that the election that brought the local government chairman to office was recently nullified by the Election Tribunal, which called for a re-run election in 90 days time.

Our correspondent gathered

that shops were closed down on Wednesday as early as 8 00am in the town by the association before they moved peacefully across the length and breadth of the market.

While speaking on behalf of the protesters, the Owode Market leader, Hajia Simiat Olatunji, said the administration of Prince Popoola has continued to live up to the expectation of the electorate, adding that he brokered peace among warring associations, intracommunal crisis, which they said could have snow-balled into major crisis in the ancient town.

They also said that he had constructed about 19 heritage roads cutting across the council area, adding that the 'Ifokanbale Housing Estate' being embarked upon would

provide affordable accommodation for the people.

They therefore called on the people of the town to forget their political affiliations and join hands with the present administration in the local government to ensure further growth of the council.

Olatunji added that," the development of Offa local government council should be paramount in the minds of every one irrespective of their political differences in order to bring even development to the populace".

She said that the unity of common front that would transcend political consideration should also be upheld in the affairs of day to day governance of the council.

Sokoto-based lawyer backs Jonathan on state police

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Sokoto-based legal practitioner , Alhaji Nasiru Binji, agreed with President Goodluck Jonathan on his stand that Nigeria was not yet ripe for state police.

Binji told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto that “the state police could be used to intimidate the members of the opposition, especially during elections.”

The legal luminary urged those agitating for the creation of the state police to drop the idea and think forward for the country.

He also said that “the burning issue of creation of state would not be in the best interest of the nation’s hard-earned unity.”

“Nigeria has come a long way in achieving what we have today.

“Unless it could be shown that the present Nigeria police force is not

professional enough to tackle the current security situation.

“If state police is created, is the manpower going to be imported so as to have a departure from inadequacies of the present police force?” he asked.

He further said that rather than call for the creation of state police, emphasis should be laid on the provision of adequate, ultra-modern facilities that could ensure effective policing in the country. (NAN)

rugungu Local Government Area of Kebbi state has screened about 250 unemployed youth in the 12 wards for the temporary employment across the council.

Addressing journalists yesterday in his office the caretaker chairman of the local government, Alhaji Lawali Maishanu, said that the forms were issued by the state government and are to be shared through the local government areas. He added that the beneficiaries were graduates of Diploma, NCE, HND and BSC who are yet to be engaged in any service across the state.

He further pointed out that the scheme is an opportunity for any graduate who have no job adding that the council has completed the screening which will determine their employment. He added that they will be placed on salary

Third Republic Reps visit Lamido

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ormer members of House of Representatives under the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the former National Republican Convention (NRC) of the Third Republic, paid a courtesy visit to Gov. Sule Lamido of Jigawa.

In an interview with newsmen in Dutse, the leader of the delegation, Alhaji Tanko Yusuf (SDP) Niger, said that their mission was to fraternise with the governor and to congratulate him on his developmental efforts in the state.

Tanko noted that Lamido was

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other governors from Enugu, Plateau, Borno, Katsina and Niger on a trip to understudy the workings of the federal system of the German government with a view to replicate best practices in their respective states.

They are expected to copy best practices from Germany‘s federal system of government while studying its links and coordination mechanisms with respect to policy implementation, fiscal systems

and administration.

“The problem is enforcement and I will continue to say that patriotism is one basic requirement that all Nigerians and those who govern Nigeria must face.“ Amaechi said.

The governor stressed that advancements recorded by developed countries were not “rocket science”, adding that with patriotism and zeal to work on the part of those in government these

also in the National Assembly between 1991 and 1993, was living up to expectations, adding : “We are happy he is performing very well. ” According to the former federal lawmaker, Lamido has always been an outstanding politician and a former lawmaker who always championed the course of the downtrodden.

“We are happy to associate and identify with him in view of his transformation policy in the state in terms of provision of basic social amenities to the masses.”

(NAN)

Kaduna holds local council polls December Chairman would pay a nonFrom Agaju Madugba, Kaduna

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he Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (SIECOM) has fixed December 1, 2012, for the conduct of general elections in the 23 local government councils in the area.

Addressing a press conference in Kaduna yesterday, the SIECOM Chairman, Dr. Hannatu Biniyat, said that each candidate for the position of local government

Gov. Amaechi attributes Nigeria’s problem to poor policy implementation

ov. Rotimi Amaech of Rivers has said the major problem facing Nigeria is the failure by the various governments in the country to implement good policies as well as lack of patriotism.

Amaechi, who is the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Berlin.

The governor is leading five

depending existing vacancies in any department or Ministries and parastals in the state.

The chairman explained that the forms has been returned to the state Chairman, Youth Commission for further action while the council has completed the screening which shows that there will not be any duplication of salary. ‘’If there are some people who have been working with LGa, they will not be allowed to participate in this programme’’ he said.

According to him, out of 5000 youths to be engaged in different schemes in the state, Argungu local government area has about 250 slots. The new scheme is for the youths who have primary and secondary schools certificate.

He urged them to support the efforts of Governor Usman Dakingari to combat the high rate of unemployment in the state and admonished them to be good ambassadors of their area.

could be replicated in Nigeria.

He added that unless both the rulers and the ruled began to give priority to production and technology the country’s desire to be among the 20 most developed nations of the world by 2020 would remain a mirage.

He called on those in government to ensure that the interest of the country and the welfare of the people were critical to them. (NAN)

refundable sum of N200, 000 while the position of a councilor attracts N50, 000, for the nomination forms.

She explained that processes leading to the conduct of the polls are in consonance with the SIECOM Law which the state House of Assembly promulgated recently.

According to her, political parties wishing to field candidates for the elections are expected to conduct primary elections between September 7 and October 26, 2012 while the deadline for the submission of the list of candidates is November 1.

Biniyat said, “on Thursday 8th November, the Commission shall publish the personal particulars of candidates in their constituencies and anyone who has reasonable grounds to believe that any candidate has given wrong information in the forms regarding his or her qualification can apply for certified true copies of the forms and file a suit before the High Court for the candidate to be disqualified.”

PAGE 40

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012 With Tobias Lengnan Dapam 07036990957

KSB to Don Jazzy and Wande Coal: ‘stop nudity before God stops you’

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op Nigerian female gospel singer, Kenny Saint Best popularly known as KSB has gone tough on Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy and his artiste, Wande Coal over the latter’s alleged X-rated content in his

new music video ‘Go Low’, Naijafilm.com authoritatively revealed.

The gospel artiste, who could not hide her reservation on the music video, lashed out at Don Jazzy and Wande Coal accusing them of promoting

Kenny Saint Best (KSB)

rape cases in Nigeria.

She further asked them to stop bringing back nudity into the Nigerian music videos, which she said had to be stopped or get stopped by God. She told them that God has taken them this far and should not misuse the privilege and become an element for destroying the society with adult contents.

According to KSB, “Naked girl in Wande Coal’s new album is a thumb down from me. We have kids watching. You are bringing nudity back to Nigerian [music] videos to increase cases of rape in our society. It has stopped. Please stop it.

“We don’t want rape cases to increase. Please Wande Coal and Don Jazzy, stop this nudity in your [music] videos before God stops you.

Reacting to the allegation, Don Jazzy, the Marvin boss has said that the allegation leveled against him and his entire Marvin Record crew that they are the reason rape cases is rampant in the country was baseless and need not entertain much comments.

Nigerian movie star, Genevieve, set to wed

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he sudden news of Genevieve Nnaji is definitely going to shock the detractors of the Nollywood most sought after actress, as she is set to say ‘I DO’ soon. www.nigeriafilms.com

finding reveals that the delectable actress and mother of one is already engaged and is telling anyone who cares to listen that she will be called Mrs.....soon.

On her twitter account recently where she flaunts

her engagement ring, she writes this on her status, “kisses especially for U” With this highly romantic statement and display of the expensive engagement ring, sources said the time is around the corner.

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey still highest paid celebrity

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prah Winfrey, the CEO of the OWN network, still reigns as Forbes magazine’s highest-paid celebrity for the fourth year in a row, Forbes investigation revealed.

The publication estimated that Winfrey earned $165 million between May 2011 and May

Abuja upcoming rapper canvasses for young music industry

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buja based young rapper, X-lee, has canvassed for the need to establish a music industry that would cater for young artists.

X-lee who gave this indication in Abuja yesterday, said that the industry will

encourage a lot of young hearts with music talents to do more, adding that it would also create stiff competition amongst young ones.

The rapper who is due to release his single this December said “having a category of award for the

young artists would also mould them and help them become better in the future.

“All the artists making waves in the music industry started from somewhere.

Therefore, we all need to grow and get to the peak of our profession”, the rapper said.

P-Square leads 2012 Headies nominees list, Mode 9, Chuddy K losses for the 2012 edition of the awards.

According to thenetng.com,

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he organisers of the 2012 Headies have released the nominees’ list for this year’s coveted awards ceremony, with PSquare and Bez getting most nominations, thenetng.com authoritatively revealed.

Also, Afro-Beat guru, Femi Kuti was nominated for the Hall of Fame.

Surprisingly, Mode 9 lost out in the ‘Lyricist on the Roll’ category he has always won.

However, ‘Go Gaga’ singer Chuddy K, who was earlier nominated has been dropped from the nominees list. He was replaced by upcoming rapper Flowssick. Others in this category include Davido, Eva Alordiah, and Praiz.

This happened shortly after organizers released the nominees list

According to the headies management, the reason the singer was dropped was that he released a debut album ‘I am me’ in 2010. Next Rated nominees must be unreleased artistes as at nomination period.

‘Evidence has emerged that Chuddy K previously released an album titled “I Am Me” in 2010 and therefore will not be listed in the Next Rated category’, the statement released by the awards organizers said.

Abuja upcoming rapper, X-lee

Michael Douglas to Play Ronald Reagan in Indie ‘Reykjavik’

T P-Square

2012, due to her brand stretching across media.

Forbes also took into account syndication profits from “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” which ended in 2011. But this is also the last year the publication will add in any of her syndication dollars, and Forbes hints that may cause Winfrey to stumble on the list in the future.

As it stands, Winfrey’s haul dropped by $125 million when compared to last year’s earnings, and she squeaked past Hollywood filmmaker Michael Bay for the top spot by $5 million. Bay comes in at No. 2 on the highest-paid celebrity list with an estimated income of $160 million.

Steven Spielberg followed at No. 3 with an estimated $130 million earned between May 2011 and May 2012; Jerry Bruckheimer was at No. 4 with $115 million; and Dr. Dre came in at No. 5 with $110 million, a yearly income boosted from sales of his Beats by Dr. Dre headphones line.

he actor and active Democratic fundraiser, Micheal Douglas, is in discussions to star as the actorturned-Republican President Ronald Reagan, in the indie Reykjavik.

Interestingly, Brit helmer Mike Newell (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire) is in talks to direct the film that once was being eyed by Ridley Scott as a directing vehicle.

It would be recalled that

Reykjavik took place over a few days in 1986, when Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev met for talks in a spa in the Icelandic capital to iron out peace against the backdrop of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

Participant Media, whose mandate is to create awareness of the issues that shape lives, will finance the $10 million film, which is scheduled to begin shooting in Germany.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

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njury-hit Kano Pillars stars Papa Idris and Gabriel Reuben are not expected to train with the rest of the Super Eagles squad until Monday, but medical team has assured that they will be okay before the clash with Lone Stars in Monrovia.

“Reuben is out with a groin he

Group asks Sports Minister to resign

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ollowing the woeful performance of Team Nigeria at the just concluded 2012 London Olympic Games where Nigeria failed to win a single medal, The Concern Citizens of Nigerian (TCCN) Kwara state chapter, has called on Minister of Sports, Alhaji Bolaji Abdullahi to resign.

The group said the failure of the Team Nigeria well reflected on the performance of the Minister since he took full charge of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and reasoned that the honourable thing for the former journalist to do would be to resign from his post. “ We ask for the resignation and the replacement of the Minister for Sports, Alhaji Bolaji Abdullahi, because it is during his tenure as Minister of Sport that Nigeria Olympic team perform woefully, which means he is not the round peg in the round hole”.

The TCCN argued that if the Minister of Power, Prof. Bath Nnaji, could honourably resign following clash of interest between his companies and the privatization processes of PHCN, Abdullahi, accordingly follow suit to allow for sounding rebuilding of the sports sector.

PAGE 41

Eagles medics sweat on Pillars pair sustained in the friendly against Niger, while Papa got injured while in action for Kano Pillars in the FA cup,” according to Eagles media officer, Ben Alaiya.

“Both players like you observed had light work outs on the sidelines.

I said they should not kick a ball until at least next week. I need them to be fully fit.”

Dr Ibrahim Gyaran and Wale Oladejo of the Eagles medical crew

have assured that the duo, who sustained knocks during the Federation Cup, will return to training soonest.

Oladejo gave assurance when reaction to the duo training separately from the squad.

“Normal knocks that footballers get every now and then, they will be fully fit to train with the rest of the squad by Saturday”, he said.

Reuben has become the main stay

of the national team, while Idris has had to play a bit role partly because of injury and with the presence of skipper Joseph Yobo and Efe Ambrose.

Keshi also regretted the injuryinduced absence of Inter Milan midfielder Joel Obi and Nnanmdi Oduamadi, who is also based in Italy.

Obi is still recuperating from a knee injury, while Oduamadi has only recently undergone a hip

injury that stopped him from featuring in the Eagles June games.

“It’s sad that Joel Injury recurred. I was looking forward to having him in the Liberia games but it’s unfortunate. Even though he is better now, he needs time to regain fitness,” Keshi said.

“And for Oduamadi, he underwent surgery recently. I just pray that they are all fit for January (for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa) because we need all our players.”

FIFA U-20

Oparanozie sends Nigeria to semifinals against Korea or USA

By Patrick Andrew with agency report

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ne goal was all needed to edge Mexico and sealed a date against North Korea or USA next Tuesday in the semi-finals of the FIFA U20 World Cup. And it Desire Oparanozie’s extra time goal to turned the table after the Falconets had battled to a barren draw at regulation time but Desire’s 109 minutes nod effectively separated the two sides.

Though Desire, as indeed other of her teammates, wasted several scoring chances during the regular period of the game, rose to respond

to looping p cross from Ugo Njoku even as Cecilia Santiago, who before then was marvelous between the stick, stood rooted as the ball sailed into the net.

Nigeria, beaten finalists in Germany two years ago, were dominant throughout the first stanza, but were unable to find the back of the net as the strikers who included the goal scorer and Francisca Ordega were wasteful.

Nigeria had 29 shots at goal with 15 on target, while the Mexicans had 14 shots at goal with just five on target.

The always dangerous Sofia Huerta, scorer of three goals in the tournament, made a rare

incursion into the Falcontes’ penalty area just before the break to provide some impetus for the Mexicans.

However, the one-way traffic continued immediately upon the resumption, much to the delight of a large and buoyant group of Nigeria supporters, whose tunes and singing resonated around the National Stadium throughout the match.

Approaching the hour mark Santiago again thwarted the Africans with an important block from Gloria Ofoegbu’s effort, and then again a few minutes later from Oparanozie.

Mexico slowly started to make an

impression and enjoyed a rare sight of goal midway through the second half, only for inspirational skipper Nayeli Rangel to push her back-post header narrowly over.

Nigeria’s midfield play became less cohesive and Mexico could have won it in injury time as a corner looped onto the crossbar.

A fairly disjointed period of extra time was enlivened only on a few occasions, notably by Mexico’s Yamile Franco hitting the bar with an angled free-kick.

Meanwhile, hosts Japan thumbed South Korea 3-1 to book a clash with vivacious defending champion Germany or Norway.

Today’s matches: North Korea vs USA Germany vs Norway

Man City draw Group of Death

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anchester City landed the toughest draw in the Champions League group stages as they were drawn against Spanish champions Real Madrid, Dutch giants Ajax and Germany’s back-to-back title winners Borussia Dortmund.

Elsewhere, current champions Chelsea face Juventus, Shakhtar Donetsk and Denmark’s FC Nordsjaelland. While Scottish side Celtic take on Barcelona as well as Benfica and Spartak Moscow.

There were relatively easy draws for Manchester United and Arsenal as the former picked up Braga, Galatasaray and Cluj; the latter Schalke, Olympiakos and Montpellier.

Real Madrid midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo admitted that Group D was the toughest and said: “It is the most difficult group in my opinion and I think that’s the same for most people.

But we are champions of Spain, and we are ready to compete with everybody.’’

GROUP A FC Porto Dynamo Kiev Paris Saint Germain Dinamo Zagreb

Falconets celebrating following their qualification for the semi-finals of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, in Japan yesterday.

GROUP B Arsenal Schalke Olympiakos Montpellier

GROUP C AC Milan Zenit Anderlecht Malaga

GROUP D Real Madrid Manchester City Ajax Borussia Dortmund

GROUP E Chelsea Shakhtar Donetsk Juventus FC Nordsjaelland

GROUP F Bayern Munich Valencia Lille BATE Borisov

GROUP G Barcelona Benfica Spartak Moscow Celtic

GROUP H Man United Braga Galatasaray CFR Cluj

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

Nations Cup Qualifier: Eagles to depart for Liberia on Sept. 7

‘Arugo Monkey’ Ejiogu makes Federation Cup history

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hijoke Ejiogu has become the most successful player in the Nigeria FA Cup after he won his sixth winners’ medal with Heartland on Sunday.

Heartland defeated Lobi Stars 2-1 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos on Sunday to retain the trophy they also won last year and in the process goalkeeper Ejiogu has now emerged as the most successful player in the 67-year-old cup competition.

Ejiogu, who was discovered featuring for Cinderella side FC Arugo in 1999, added the 2012 winners’ medal to his triumphs with Julius Berger (2002), Dolphin (2004, 2006 and 2007) and Enyimba (2009).

Before the 2012 final, Ejiogu was at par with former Shooting Stars legend Segun Odegbami on a record of five cup triumphs.

The highlight of this year’s competition for ‘Arugo Monkey’ was in the semi-finals when he saved from the penalty spot as Heartland stopped giant killers Prime FC 3-0 on penalties after full time scores stood at 0-0.

Ejiogu was yet again modest in his penalty-stopping exploit.

“I am very grateful to God for this victory, but I can tell you that all the players are the heroes, if they hadn’t played well in the match, what could I have done?.

It was due to their hard work that we did not concede a goal and so the opportunity for me to save a penalty in the shootout,” he said.

Joseph Yobo

Nigeria wins gold in Paralympics

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igeria has won her first gold medal in the ongoing London 2012 Paralympics.

Yakubu Adesokan won gold in powelifting yesterday.

The gold medal is a sharp contrast from the London 2012 Olympic Games where Nigeria got no medal.

Mr. Adesokan’s gold is the first by an African country in the London 2012 Paralympics, which started on Wednesday and will be on for the next 10 days.

presently in talks with a top French side, Marseille SC. “They have been consistent with us for eight months and the idea is for them not to rush into slave contracts, as had been the case.

“If they are beginning to get attention from clubs abroad, we are happy for them, because they will enrich the national team and also better the lives of their families.

“I wish them the best but the two of them are expected early for the game against Liberia, “ Keshi said.

CHANGE OF NAME I, FORMALLY KNOWN AS TIJJANI SHEHU NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS AHMADU SHEHU. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REAMIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TO TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME I, FORMALLY KNOWN AS UMAR BAGU NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS UMAR ISIYAKA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REAMIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TO TAKE NOTE. CHANGE OF NAME I, FORMALLY KNOWN AS OLUWATOSIN JESSICA ODUMBO NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS JESSICA OLUWATOSIN TERU. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REAMIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TO TAKE NOTE.

HFN advises clubs for Africa handball tourney on preparation

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he Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) has advised clubs for the 34th Africa Club Championships in Tangier, Morocco, to use the postponement of the championships to prepare adequately.

The President of HFN, Yusuf Dauda, disclosed yesterday in Lagos the championships were earlier scheduled to hold from October 18 to October 29.

Dauda, who spoke on telephone, said that it had been postponed

A Chijoke Ejiogu

r Musa Amadu, General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), yesterday said the Super Eagles players would depart Abuja on Sept. 7 for their Nations’ Cup qualifier against the Liberian national team.

Amadu told newsmen in Abuja that travel arrangements have been concluded for the team which would play the first leg, last round, of the 2013 Nations Cup qualifier on Sept. 8.

“We are making arrangement for the team to travel on Friday, Sept., 7 by 7am, from Abuja International Airport to Monrovia, Liberia.

“The arrangement we are making is the one that will suite the team to enable them train on Friday before they play the game on Saturday and hopefully return to Abuja the next day, “ he said.

The NFF scribe said the players had been motivated to ensure that Nigeria qualifies for the tournament to be hosted by South Africa in 2013.

“You know we were unable to qualify for the last edition in Equatorial Guinea; that’s why the coach has invited 11 foreign-based players to work with the home-based professionals, to have a formidable team.

“We are not taking anything for granted,” Amadu said.

Meanwhile, Keshi congratulated two of the home-based stars, Uche Kalu, who recently signed a professional contract with a Turkish second division side and Ejike Uzoenyi, who is

lhaji Aminu Maigari, Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Wednesday in Abuja said he was satisfied with the achievements of his administration, in spite of challenges.

Maigari made the remark while speaking to newsmen on the achievements of his administration which came into existence on Aug. 26, 2010 after a disputed election.

He said that the challenges of developing football in the country were huge but assured that his administration would not fold its arms and watch things go wrong.

“We are grateful to God for bringing NFF to this position, in spite of all odds and challenges that we believe are coming to an end gradually.

“We have achieved so much; the results are so obvious with the qualification of the U-17 female

indefinitely because of the 18thCongress of the Africa Handball Confederation (CAHB).

“I am aware of the championships postponement. It is an opportunity for the participating teams to beef up their training to make sure that all their wings are flaw-free,’’ he said.

Dauda disclosed that four teams two male and two female would represent the country at the tournament.

The teams are Niger United of

Minna, Safety Shooters of Abuja, Grasshoppers of Owerri and Owena Queens of Akure.

The HFN boss noted that the event was important to the federation because it would boost Nigeria’s ranking in African Handball “We have a lot to gain because apart from our players gaining exposure, it will also increase our ranking in Africa as the championships are being organised by the CAHB,’’ he added.

Dauda disclosed that the federation had taken steps to get sponsors, to enable the teams to compete at the annual championships.

According to him, the federation has written letters to some organisations for assistance and we will also approach some state governors for sponsorships.

Dauda also expressed optimism that the teams would improve on their 2011 performances which, he said, was not too good.

team for the world cup in Azerbaijan.

“The Falconets are already in the quarter-finals of the U-20 World Cup in Japan and by the grace of God they will lift the trophy this time.

“I use this medium to urge Nigerians to pray for them as we have provided all the girls’ need to emerge victorious, “ he said.

The FA boss said the 2010 African Women Championship (AWC) won by the Falcons in South Africa was another major achievement, listing the homebased Super Eagles and the appointment of Stephen Keshi, the team’s Head Coach as the biggest of them all.

He said that the football house

had been flooded with more than 25 court cases but assured that they were giving each of them the desired attention.

Maigari said that he would not be deterred from taking necessary decisions to develop Nigeria’s football, adding that some Nigerians were bent on destroying the structure of the game.

The NFF chairman lamented the poor funding of football in Nigeria, saying it had posed the major challenge to the administration of the sport.

“We lack funding and sponsors but we are doing our best to get more companies to sponsor both male and female teams. The marketing department is working out other ways out in addition to what we

have achieved so far.”

He, however, expressed regrets over the country’s absence at the last Nations Cup, describing it as the worst moment of his two years administration.

Maigari gives self thumb up

Aminu Maigari

12 female NYSC members in Jigawa for Volleyball tourney in Abuja

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welve players of the Jigawa National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Community Development Service (CDS) Sports Club will participate in the NYSC Female Volleyball Championship in Abuja in September.

The team’s coach, Duke Bello, who made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Dutse, said necessary arrangements had been made for the participation.

He said the players were carefully

selected and exposed to rigorous training during their 12 weeks of camping. “The team has been training for 12 weeks to have a good understanding of one another.

“Our players are ready to challenge any team in the tournament and we are confident

of winning a medal,” Bello said.

The team captain, Katherin Kenneth, said they had prepared well and were hopeful of winning the trophy.

“Through concentration and team work, I think we will play well and win the trophy,” Kenneth said.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

PAGE 43

Transfer

The season is over. Clubs are counting their blessing as well as losses and would like to make amends and even beef up their squads where noticeable lapses exist. And the transfer market remains agog just as it was 24 hours after major European leagues dropped the curtain.

And so to keep abreast with latest rumours, we begin daily doses of movements within the market both for players and coaches like.

Stoke City ponder Liverpool player

QPR agree Granero deal

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ueens Park Rangers continued to reshape their squad when they agreed to sign versatile midfielder Esteban Granero from Real Madrid.

Granero, 25, who played 28 times in all competitions for Real last season, has been capped at under-21 level by Spain.

Premier League QPR has signed a host of new players since the end of last season including Julio Cesar, Jose Bosingwa, Rob Green, Junior Hoilett, Park Ji-sung, Ryan Nelsen and Fabio Da Silva.

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toke City have confirmed that they have made a transfer enquiry for Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam and are ready to make a £4 million offer.

Potters manager Tony Pulis has targeted Adam, who appears surplus to requirements under new Anfield manager Brendan Rodgers, after considering alternative deals for Spurs’ Tom Huddlestone and Blackburn Rovers’ Steven N’Zonzi.

He faces opposition from Fulham and Everton, who have both made tentative enquiries for the 26-year-old and Turkish club Fenerbahce are also another potential destination.

Pulis has been told he has to offload players before he can bring in any more signings and £5 million-rated striker Kenwyne Jones has been put up for sale.

Manchester City close in on Esteban Granero Sinclair deal Schalke join hunt for Edin Dzeko

Arsenal target Manchester City striker for Walcott swap

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din Dzeko looks to have become a shock target for Arsenal as they consider their options over the potential sale of Theo Walcott to Manchester City.

Talks between the Gunners and Walcott over a new contract have stalled and, with three days of the transfer window to go, Liverpool and City are considering a move for the 23-year-old.

According to reports,

Arsene Wenger could be keen on taking Dzeko if Walcott makes the opposite journey.

Wenger is a fan of the Bosnian striker and first identified him as a prospect several years ago.

He found himself b e h i n d S e r g i o A g u e r o , M a r i o Balotelli and Carlos Tevez in the pecking order, and Bayern Munich, Juventus and AC Milan have all been linked to him this summer.

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anchester City has agreed a transfer fee of £8 million with Swansea for winger Scott Sinclair.

Swansea rejected a £6.2million offer from Premier League champions City on Tuesday. However, a restructured offer of £6.2 million with add-ons that could see the fee rise to over £8 million has now been accepted.

Sinclair, 23, will now head to Manchester to undergo a medical and hold talks over personal terms ahead of Friday’s transfer deadline.

Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins has already reinvested the money from the sale of the former Chelsea winger in Spain international Pablo Hernandez, after agreeing a fee of around £5.5 million with Valencia.

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Jermain Defoe

regarding his future at White Hart Lane.

England international Defoe found his playing time limited under former Spurs boss Harry Redknapp but has been given a new lease of life by Andre Villa-Boas.

The 29-year-old was included in Roy Hodgson’s England squad for World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine.

Villas-Boas has been linked with a number of forwards including Leandro Damiao, Loic Remy and Willian, but he now appears content with his three strikers Defoe, Emmanuel Adebayor, and academy graduate Harry Kane.

M Dimitar Berbatov

Fulham Land Berbatov from Manchester United

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anchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov is undergoing a medical at Fulham and is closing in on a reunion with manager Martin Jol. Jol gave Berbatov his big break in the Premier League when he signed him for Tottenham in 2006 and the Dutchman is banking on his former player taking a wage cut to join the Cottagers.

Berbatov was heavily linked with a move to Serie A with Fiorentina and Juventus both interested, but the 31-yearold is eager to remain in England for family reasons.

The former Bayer Leverkusen striker joined United from Spurs for £30 million in 2008, but has since slipped behind Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez in the pecking order at Old Trafford.

Everton set to complete Oviedo deal with FC Copenhagen

Griezmann pens extension

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verton hope to complete a £5m deal for Costa Rica international Bryan Oviedo before today’s transfer deadline.

Manager David Moyes has watched the versatile FC Copenhagen player and Everton are now favourites to beat off competition from West Bromwich Albion.

The Danes are resigned to losing Oviedo, 22, after failing to qualify for the Champions League group stage.

Oviedo, who can play on the left side of defence and in midfield, is entering the final year of his contract.

Copenhagen was beaten by French side Lille in the final Champions League qualifying round on Wednesday.

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hampions League side Schalke 04 says they are close to signing Dutch midfielder Ibrahim Afellay on a year’s loan from Spanish giants Barcelona with the transfer window to close tonight.

Schalke’s Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar seemed to think the transfer was a done deal.

Russian side Zenit St. Petersburg is also reported to be interested in signing Schalke’s centre-back Kyriakos Papadopoulos.

Heldt said the 20-yearold centre back will train with Schalke today and the Greek defender is likely to be offered a contract extension until 2017 with the Russians reported to be offering •20 million for him.

Manchester City make move for Maicon

Defoe signs new Spurs deal ottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe has signed a new contract bringing an end to the speculation

Barcelona star

Bryan Oviedo

eal Sociedad’s Antoine Griezmann has extended his contract by a year to 2016.

The 21-year-old winger came through the club’s youth system before making his senior debut in 2009, and has represented France up to Under-21 level.

Griezmann has made over 80 appearances since his debut in 2009, scoring 14 goals.

anchester City have stepped up their bid to sign Inter Milan defender Maicon, but admit there is only an “outside chance” that a deal will go through before transfer deadline day.

Maicon, 31, has just one year remaining on his contract at the San Siro and City are hoping to broker a cut-price deal for a player Inter value at around •6 million.

City manager Roberto

Mancini worked with the Brazil international at Inter for two seasons before leaving the Serie A club in 2008. He is eager to be reunited with Maicon, who can play anywhere on the right flank.

Inter coach Andrea Stramaccioni has named Maicon in his squad Europa League play-off second leg against Romanian side Vaslui, indicating he still has a role if he remains at the club.

Sessegnon signs new contract at Sunderland

Stephane Sessegnon tephane Sessegnon has signed a contract extension with Sunderland that will keep him at the club until 2015.

The ex-Paris St Germain forward joined for a fee of

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£6m in January 2011, agreeing a three-and-ahalf-year deal.

The Benin international, 28, has been rewarded with a new contract after scoring seven goals in 36 league games.

Sessegnon, whose new contract depends on him being awarded an extension to his work permit, was named Sunderland’s player of the year in 2011-12.

He has scored a total of 11 goals in 58 games for the Black Cats.

Valencia rejects £5.1million Swansea bid for Pablo

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wansea has had a new £5.1million bid for Valencia’s Pablo Hernandez rejected.

The Spaniards last week’s £4m offer and want at least £6.3m for the winger.

Hernandez, 27, wants to

reunite with Swans boss Michael Laudrup after the pair worked together at Getafe.

Laudrup said: “A lot of things can happen. The closer we get today’s transfer deadline.

PAGE 44

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

Blatter opposed to age limits for FIFA officials

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IFA President, Sepp Blatter, is against age restrictions for officials in soccer’s governing body.

Blatter, however, added that he would be prepared to accept a limit on the length of time they can hold office.

The 76-year-old Swiss said he was also opposed to standing areas in soccer stadiums, placing him on a collision course with both the Bundesliga and the national league in his homeland.

“I’m in favour of limiting the length of time officials can serve

but against an age limit,” he told Germany’s Sport Bild magazine on Wednesday.

“Capabilities have nothing to do with age. There are 70-yearolds who are young in the head.

But a mandate limit could have a chance.”

A draft revision of FIFA’s statutes includes a proposal to impose an age limit of 72 on officials at the time they are elected.

It would also limit the FIFA president to two four-year mandates and the executive committee members to three

No surprise at Falconets’ win, says Uche

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ormer Super Falcons’ coach, Eucharia Uche said she expected Falconets’ win over Mexico in the quarterfinal of the FIFA Under20 Women’s World Cup in Tokyo, Japan.

The Mexicans stretched Nigeria, losing finalists in Germany two years ago, to the fullest before forward, Desire Oparanozie’s header in the 109th minute sealed victory for the Falconets.

Uche said she was never in doubt that Falconets will survive the Latin Americans doggedness in the nail-biting match.

“The victory was expected given the calibre of players in the Falconets squad.

“I was never shaken in my faith that victory will come the way of the Nigerians even if the game had gone into penalties shootout.

“Virtually all the players in the present Falconets have played at the world stage prior to the competition, they’ve seen it all, tested and experienced.

“I’m expecting the trophy, anything short of the trophy would be a huge disappointment.

“No team at the Under20 cadre at present in Japan should trouble them, they have what it takes to fend off any opposition,” the former Nigerian player told supersport.com.

The Bayelsa Queens’ coach, however, will want the Falconets to try taking their chances in future games.

“They created many chances in the game against Mexico but hardly used them. They should strive to convert their chances at goal in order games to avoid unnecessarily stretching the game into extra time and penalty shootout.

“Though I’m confident of victory even if the next matches go into penalty shootout. No other team parade as many experienced players at the ongoing World Cup in Japan as the Nigerian side.

“Nigeria has the edge over USA or Korea DPR in the semifinals. It’s not names but the quality of players in each team,” said the former Ufuoma Babes finisher.

four-year mandates.

The proposal is due to be discussed at FIFA’s annual Congress in Mauritius next year.

Paraguay’s Nicolas Leoz is the oldest member of FIFA’s executive committee at 83, while senior vice-president Julio Grondona, 80, has been on the committee since 1988.

Blatter is in his fourth term as FIFA president, though he has repeated that he does not intend to stand again at the next election in 2015.

The FIFA president said he remained unconvinced by the popularity of standing areas in Germany’s Bundesliga.

CAF Champions League: ODSG charges Sunshine Stars to win in Tunis

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Sepp Blatter

Referee wants NTF to focus on developmental programmes

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usa Bala, the Head of Tennis Officiating in Nigeria and an International Tennis Federation (ITF)-badged Referee has stressed the need for consistent developmental programmes in Tennis, to enhance the sport in the country.

He said that the absence of junior developmental programmes and regular tournaments was hindering the growth of the sport in the country.

The ITF-referee noted that it was from junior international tournaments that new talents were usually discovered to replace ageing players, adding that the absence of such programmes hindered the development of the sport.

He said: “Nigeria cannot produce players that will represent the country at the Olympics in the next four years because adequate provisions have not been made to develop such players.”

Bala recalled that players to represent the country at the Olympics must be among the best 100 in world ranking, noting that Nigeria’s best tennis player for now was at the 1, 000th position, which he said, was far behind.

“I am not sure we can achieve that in the next four years. I cannot see us producing a player that will achieve the world ranking in the next four years because we don’t have the foundation for that.

“We must have a junior development programme that provides for the players. It is not just about having the players, but having consistent programmes for their development,” he said.

Bala also stressed the need for corporate sponsorships, to enhance the development of certain sporting activities and also create awareness for them among the youths.

“To develop tennis in Nigeria, we need to play more tournaments and get corporate sponsorship for our players. A situation whereby our kids play just one or two tournaments in a year is not good for the development of the game,” he stressed.

The ITF-referee, therefore, charged governments and corporate organisations to invest in players by sponsoring them to international training and tournaments.

“Our greatest problem is that we want immediate results. We want to get a player today and get the player to be playing for the country in the next one year, which is not possible.”

He suggested that the NTF should be given some level of autonomy to enable it to source money from corporate sponsors to develop the sport, pointing out that government could not do it all alone.

he Ondo State Government has charged the stateowned Sunshine Stars of Akure, to defeat the Esperance of Tunisia in this weekend CAF Champions League encounter in Tunis.

Sunshine, who are to leave for Tunis today, were beaten by Esperance last July 2-0 in the opening match of the league in Ijebu Ode. The state Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Alhaji Yekini Olanipekun, in a statement yesterday in Akure, urged Sunshine to revenge their home lost.

“I urged the team to explore the opportunity opened to them after qualification to get their deserved victory by avenging their opening day defeat in the hands of Esperance.

“Although Sunshine had qualified through CAF rulings, they should try and play the game motivationally and get results by defeating Esperance in Tunis.

Sunshine had qualified following CAF’s disqualification of Etoile Du Sahel of Tunisia.

Etoile fans in anger had rioted and caused the abandonment of a group stage match against Esperance FC of Tunisia on Aug. 18 in Sousse, Tunisia.

“I am assuring the team that they have the support of Gov. Olusegun Mimiko in their quest to bring back the trophy to Nigeria,” the commissioner added.

He also assured members of the team of government rewards “if they can do Nigeria proud, by winning the trophy”.

Sunshine are in group A alongside, Esperance, Etoile and Aso Chlef of Algeria. They on Aug. 18 scored a 2-1 away victory against Aso Chlef to consolidate its position in the group. The victory brings the Nigerian club’s total points to 7 after the fourth match day.

Repton Boxing Club of London in Lagos for international bout

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Desire Oparanozie

25-man contingent of Repton Boxing Club of London is expected to arrive in Lagos on Sept. 17 for a three-day international boxing bout against Lagos State boxers.

Olawale Edun, the Chairman, Lagos State Boxing Hall of Fame (LSBHF), the promoter of the monthly “Saturday Boxing Show,’’ disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday.

Edun said in Lagos that the all night bout, scheduled for between Sept. 20 and Sept. 22, would hold at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

He said that the aim of the bout, now in its third edition, was to further expose the state boxers to international competitions and improve on their wealth of knowledge and experience.

The chairman added that the competition was also to keep them abreast of the International Boxing Federation (AIBA) rules and standard of the sport.

“It has become an annual tradition of the Hall of Fame to invite the Repton Club boxers to engage our boxers in an international bout for them to have international exposure.

“This competition will also help the state boxers to acquire more skills and standard to improve their status as international champions in future,’’ he said.

Edun, a former commissioner of finance in the state, said that managing directors, chief executive officers and captains of industries, would be special guests of honour at the competition.

According to him, the international bout, jointly sponsored by LSBHF and the Lagos State Government, is of international class.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

PAGE 45

What's the hue and cry about Mikel and Osaze?

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ventually, the expected happened last Saturday in Lagos. The NFF released the list of the 11-man foreign-based members of the Super Eagles.

Needless to say, Keshi's list was subjected to excruciating inquest simply because the names of Mikel Obi and Osaze Odemwingie were omitted or rather left out.

The NFF technical committee wanted to know why these and some other names were not in the list and Keshi stood his ground after being grilled in a tensed atmosphere.

But their names remained left out.

Keshi was to provide further insight into the reasons for leaving them out of the list. Mikel, the Chelsea "big Boy" albeit he remains essentially a fringe player in the catalogue of Stamford Bridge's leading lights, had, according to Keshi, opted to play only on natural grass.

Of course, the game in Monrovia was as at then likely to be played on artificial turf-astro pitch-

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he Nigeria Triathlon Union (NTU) said yesterday that it would embark on a d e v e l o p m e n t a l programme that would enable it to discover triathletes in schools across the country.

Triathlon is comprised of cycling, swimming and the sprints.

Mohammed Bashir, head coach of the union,

and Mikel felt that it would be inimical to his health.

Well and good.

But pray! If all the other players insisted on playing on natural grass and the host says they cannot provide such turf more so as neither CAF nor FIFA have made it mandatory for countries to play on natural grass only, who would then play for Nigeria?

Would Mikel insist after others have laboured and qualified Nigeria to the 2013 Nations Cup in South Africa where there is no guarantee that all the pitches are natural grass that he would not represent Nigeria unless the South African government or SAFA gives guarantee that all matches will be on grass and not artificial turf?

Were Chelsea his club to play in any country that does not have the 'luxury' of natural grass, would he told the management that he would not play unless it's on natural grass?

Of course, the answer is obvious.

Anyway, Mikel has

always offered superficial services to Nigeria. He has never been missed by the team. The Eagles have played up to this level without him. His position in the midfield has never been lacking, instead the Eagles have discovered better committed and versatile players.

Yes, players not necessary with the exposure and assumed experience of Mikel, whose flair for dragging the Eagles into unnecessary defensive play is legendary: most of his passes are backward, hardly launches attack and has never scored for the team.

Osaze allegedly has attitudinal problem. He had issues with Austin Eguavoen, Berti Vort, Lars Lagerbeck, Samson Siasia and now Keshi. He may have broken records in West Brom, is celebrated there, but what has been his outstanding contributions to the Eagles in all the years he has featured? Minimal, if any!

Compare his service to Ikechukwu Uche's? Who would you give first place consideration?

Besides,

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WATCH DOG By Patrick Andrew

Nigeria Triathlon Union to embark on developmental programme said that although the sport was relatively new, it had a lot to offer to Nigerian sports, if it was well embraced.

Bashir added that triathlon, an international game, when fully accepted, can put Nigeria on the world map.

“Available records show

that there are abundant tri-athletes in the northern states of Nassarawa and Borno, because they are good in cycling. There are also some from Kaduna, who are good in swimming.

“In the southern parts, we have talented swimmers in Bayelsa and Rivers, so

Sturm, Geale in WBA, IBF unification battle elix Sturm, the WBA champion and Daniel Geale, who holds the IBF belt, are set to clash in Oberhausen, Germany. It promises to be a top-shelf fight.

The 33-year-old Sturm fights out of Cologne and has won 17, lost one and drawn two fights since his disputed loss to Oscar De La Hoya for the WBO middleweight belt in June 2004.

He was elevated to WBA super-champion in 2009 and now boasts a professional record of 372-2, with 16 knockouts.

His only other loss was to Javier Castillejo in July 2006.

He later took revenge in a return fight.

Since winning the WBO belt in September 2003, Sturm has fought in 17 “world” title bouts. In his most recent fight, in April this year, he stopped Sebastian Zbik (30-1) in the ninth round.

Geale, 31, is based near Sydney. He has not fought at the same level as Sturm has done but has been in three “world” title fights.

The Aussie won the IBF belt in May 2011 with a split-decision victory over Sebastian Sylvester. He has made defences against Eromosele Albert and Osumanu Adama, whom

Keshi made e f f o r t s , reached out to h i m .

According to the 'Big Boss' he snubbed him by refusing to reciprocate his calls and even when he did he has failed to owoidoho_ng35@yahoo.com inform Keshi of his decision whether he would be responsibility. The onus available for the Liberia association. Its officials repeatedly swore that they lies with him. Should he match or not. fails, he goes to the Unfortunately, in a never remotely considered the fellow in question.

Food slaughter slab alone. rather cynical manner, not Objection to his choice a few have spurned Keshi's for thought?

Watch Dog feels that it's would in all fairness be decision to leave them out. logical where they aren't I don't recall when players the responsibility of a coach to select players he better alternatives or are ever begged to play for where he is seen to have their nation, especially deems fit to feature for the Yes, the team deliberately victimised those set of players who in team. some players. Has he in all ramifications need the belongs to the nation, but this instance? country to boost their if one has been assigned a responsibility should he be So, the hue and cry profile. or allowed to about certain players not Isn't the worth of players gagged Of course, the being in the team are measured by the number perform? latter is a better option. crude distraction to Keshi. of offers that flood their Besides, we are living It's a swan song. It's a mark tables for transfer of of the old retrogressive, services at the end of each witnesses of the attitude of order. An order that led season? Now, if we are to some players called up for national service.

Many Nigeria to the mire that score the duo, where would had been repulsed at their turns the bowels, and one you place them? and that Keshi has the task of A French club alarmed unpatriotic turning around. As he by its name being unprofessional acts, yet some would rather Nigeria works assiduously to free associated with one of the the Eagles from the players laboured fails than see these players quagmire, should we lend vigorously to deny such out of the Eagles.

No, Keshi has the him support?

he beat in March this year.

The only loss on his record of 27-1; 15 was against another Australian, Anthony Mundine, in May 2009.

Geale will probably be the aggressor but Sturm’s experience and superior skills should enable the German to win.

In Verona, New York, Gennady Golovkin and Grzegorz Proksa are scheduled to fight for Golovkin’s regular WBA middleweight belt on Saturday night.

Golovkin, who is from Kazakhstan, is based in Germany. Proksa is from Poland but based in England.

The champion’s record stands at 23-0, including 20 knockouts. He won the belt in December 2010

Felix Sturm

when he knocked out Nilson Julio Tapia the third round.

He has also won each of his three defences against Kassim Ouma, Lajuan Simon and Makoto Fuchigami inside the distance.

Proksa is ranked No 3 by the WBA and has a record of 28-1, with 21 knockouts. His only loss was on a majority decision to Kerry Hope, but in a rematch in July this year he stopped the Briton in the eighth round.

The 27-year-old Proksa is a slick southpaw with good hand speed.

Golovkin, 30, has more power and is expected to apply most of the pressure.

At the Sumiyoshi Sports Centre in Osaka, Thailand’s Tepparith

Daniel Geale

what we need to do is to train them in areas where they are deficient,’ he said.

Bashir added that the union had identified some young tri-athletes between ages 12 and 15, stressing that they were already being groomed by the union for international competitions.

Kokietgym makes the second defence of his WBA junior bantamweight title on Saturday night.

Tepparith, also known as Singwancha, faces Japan’s Nobuo Nashiro.

The 23-year-old Thai has a record of 20-2, including 13 knockouts.

He won the WBA interim belt when he beat Drian Francisco last year and then outpointed Daiki Kameda (22-2) to take the main title.

In his first defence, in April this year, he stopped Tomonubu Shimizu (193-1) in the ninth round.

Nashiro, 30, won the WBA super-flyweight belt in June 2006 when he stopped Martin Castllo in the tenth round.

After making only one defence he lost it to Alexander Munoz in May 2007. But he regained the title in September 2009 when he beat Kohei Kono. He made two defences before Hugo Fidel Cazares took over the crown in May 2010.

Nashiro, whose record stands at 18-4-1; 12, has also had two cracks at the WBC super-flyweight belt, losing to Tomas Rojas and Suriyan Sorrungvisai.

The challenger has been involved in some tough and close fights has and has never lost inside the distance. But the better skills of the champion should give Tepparith the edge.

The coach, however, lamented that poor funding, lack of competitions were some of the factors militating against the development of the game in the country.

He, therefore, pleaded with corporate organisations and publicspirited individuals to identify with the sport.

Triathlon was introduced into the country in 2007.

Festival: Lagos vows to clinch all gold medals in table tennis

L

agos State table tennis Head Coach, Dele Olasunmbo, has vowed that his players would clinch all the seven gold medals at stake at the forthcoming 18th National Sports Festival.

Olasunmbo disclosed in Lagos that although the state won only two silver and three bronze medals at the last festival in Port Harcourt, “it will be a surprise in Lagos.

“My players had greatly improved on their skills and preparation for Lagos festival and are more determined to erase the Port Harcourt record with lots of surprises in Lagos. “We have been on a series of intensive training programmes to earn us the seven gold medals at the Games.

“We are not only going to scale through the preliminary stages at the festival, we will also clinch the seven gold medals at the finals. “I know that other states are also preparing hard, but as the host, we are going to stand out and make the state proud as a strong host,” he said.

The coach boasted that there was no amount of preparation by other states that could upturn Lagos State table tennis squad at the festival, “because they will see what is called table tennis from my players”.

Olasunmbo said that his players had relocated their training venue to the University of Lagos, recently named Moshood Abiola University, as a result of the ongoing renovation at the Lagos State Sports Centre, Yaba.

According to him, the players would go for camping as soon as signal was given by the state government.

He said that the closed camping would be the zenith of his players’ preparation that would further equip them for the festival.

CHANGE OF NAME I, FORMALLY KNOWN AS ESTHER GARBA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS AISHA IBRAHIM. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REAMIN VALID. NIGERIAN POLICE ZAMFARA COMMAND AND GENERAL PUBLIC TO TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME I, FORMALLY KNOWN AS MISS ESTHER NIMMA MUSA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS MRS. ESTHER NIMMA EDOCHIE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REAMIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TO TAKE NOTE.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

PAGE 47

J O K ES Maths question An Ibo boy cried home from school to his dad, when his dad asked him what happened.

He replied that his teacher at school flogged him for giving the wrong answer to a maths question.

His father was very angry and followed the boy to school the next day.

Conversation between the teacher's son and father: Father; why did you flog my child like that yesterday.

Teacher; I asked your son 1plus 1 and he told me 4.

Father; you did not ask him the question properly, he turned to his son and asked him Chidi 1Naira plus 1Naira is what.

Son; daddy the answer is 2 Naira. The father was proud of his son while the teacher was disappointed.

FACTS

26. Earwax production is necessary for good ear health. While many people find earwax to be disgusting, it's actually a very important part of your ear's defense system. It protects the delicate inner ear from bacteria, fungus, dirt and even insects. It also cleans and lubricates the ear canal.

27. Babies are always born with blue eyes. The melanin in a newborn's eyes often needs time after birth to be fully deposited or to be darkened by exposure to ultraviolet light, later revealing the baby's true eye color.

28. Every human spent about half an hour as a single cell.

29. After eating too much, your hearing is less sharp.

30. Women are born better smellers than men and remain better smellers over life.

31. Your nose can remember 50,000 different scents.

32. Nails and hair do not continue to grow after we die. They do appear longer when we die, however, as the skin dehydrates and pulls back from the nail beds and scalp.

33. By the age of 60, most people will have lost about half their taste buds. Perhaps you shouldn't trust your grandma's cooking as much as you do.

34. Your eyes are always the same size from birth but your nose and ears never stop growing.

35. By 60 years of age, 60-percent of men and 40-percent of women will snore.

Source: Weird facts

Quick CrossWord (17) ACROSS 1 Variety of crispy lettuce (7) 5 Unhouse (5) 9 Beyond words (13) 10 Registered on arrival (6,2) 11 Jokes based on words with plural meanings (4) 12 Permissible (9) 16 Get for nothing (4) 17 Assign (8) 19 Until the next world? (2,7,4) 21 Exhaust (3,2)

PHOTO OF THE DAY

22 Go back to an earlier stage of life (7)

DOWN 2 Is unable to (6) 3 Best wishes for your performance!

(5,1,3) 4 Sped (5) 6 __ Lactea, Milky Way (3) 7 Punctuation marks (6) 8 Austria’s chief city (6) 11 Law enforcer’s vehicle (6,3) 13 Mixture of red and yellow (6) 14 Metal mixtures (6) 15 Close of play in cricket (6) 18 Slack (5) 20 Note of debt (inits) (3)

Yesterday’s answer

A tiger and its two tiny cubs walk among the tourists at a Buddhist forest monastery and animal sanctuary in Kanchanaburi province in Thailand, now better known as Tiger Temple Source: Dailymail.co.uk

www.peoplesdaily-online.com

. . . putting the people first

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

QUO TABLE Q UO TE UOT QUO UOTE PDP has no choice but to give North the (presidential) slot in 2015... We deserve it more than any other zone since the country has been divided into North and South.

— Senator Abdullahi Adamu

SPORTS The tragedy of abandoned projects LA TEST LATEST E

FIFA U-20 World Cup:

NFF oficials urge Falconets to be more focused

S

ome officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) yesterday urged the Falconets to be more focused in their semi-final match on Sept.

4 at the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup in Japan.

The officials reacted in Abuja to the Falconets’ quarter-final 10 victory over Mexico on Thursday, noting that the girls were stretched into extra time due to anxiety.

NFF’s General Secretary, Musa Amadu said the players were too anxious to wrap up the game in the first half of the game.

“We are delighted for their semi-final qualification, which is the minimum requirement we gave them. The Falconets would have been able to convert those chances that came their way in the regulated time without going into extra time.

“I noticed that they give away too many set pieces in terms of free kicks and corner kicks, and the Mexicans tried to take advantage of that. So, I think they need to be more focused and concentrated,” he said.

Siji Lagunju, NFF’s Chief Technical Officer, urged the Falconets not to be in a hurry to score but give precise and accurate passes in the semifinals. The quarter-final match is a sign that we are coming home with the trophy and I am sure the players are ready to face any challenge that comes up,” he said.

The Falconets will play either North Korea or United States in their semi-final match on Sept. 4.

Iniesta is Europe's best player

B

arcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta has won UEFA's award for the best player in Europe as he beat team-mate Lionel Messi and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo.

Iniesta, 28, who inspired Spain to retain their crown at Euro 2012, won the vote by 53 sports journalists representing each of UEFA's member nations.

The midfielder landed 19 votes to shock Messi, who had been the favourite for the prize.

UEFA created the honour after France Football magazine combined its traditional European award with FIFA's world player prize.

ADVERT: BUSINESS: NEWS: LAGOS:

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leven thousand, eight hundred and eighty-six (11,886) abandoned projects that will cost an estimated N7.78 trillion to complete! These alarming figures are from the report of the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee (PPAC) set up in March 2011, by President Goodluck Jonathan to look into cases of abandoned federal government projects. If the government does not start any new projects, it will take more than five years budgeting about N1.5 trillion annually to complete them all - and that is assuming no cost-over runs or delays!

Ordinarily, these figures should compel the government to accelerate the completion of all ongoing projects, or at least focus on high priority ones. Unfortunately, this has not been the case: Government would rather continue the weekly charade of awarding new contracts or re-awarding old ones at higher prices during its weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meetings.

As trillions of naira are being wasted in the name of public projects, it is important to understand issues like how projects are initiated, bid for, negotiated and awarded and why they get abandoned. Who and what are really responsible for abandoned projects? Are poor planning, haphazard procurement, and incompetent project management the key causes or is it financial mismanagement? In spite of mobilization fees already paid, why is nobody held accountable when projects are not completed? How far can the Bureau of Public Procurement or other agencies with requisite mandate go to address the root causes of abandoned projects?

There is a need to briefly examine how projects are initiated and contracts awarded. The first step ought to be conception of projects that fit within a scheme of national vision, strategy and development programs. As we have stated in this column, a 27-page "transformation agenda" tucked away in the website of National Planning Commission falls short of this. This "agenda" is largely inconsistent with the Federal Ministry of Finance medium term sector strategies and budgeting priorities for 2011 and 2012. Most projects are therefore conceived out of nowhere and lacking in internal coherence and consistency with other programs.

Next is to plan and design the project in detail. Assume a road is to be constructed between two locations, the rights-of-way must be surveyed, levels taken, alignment finalized, road designed, and detailed drawings, bills of quantities and other bidding documents prepared prior to inviting pre-qualified engineering contractors to submit competitive tenders. The design development process can take anything between some months to more than a year, while it takes a minimum of 5 months from advertising invitations for bids to presentation to the FEC or other approving authority. This suggests

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NASIR EL-R UF AI EL-RUF UFAI ON FRID AY FRIDA elrufai@aol.com

President Goodluck Jonathan that design and procurement processes for any project ought to start at least a year or two before being budgeted for. This only happens in a few foresighted agencies (MDAs).

Typically, nothing happens until the budget is passed and cash backed, then the implementing MDA begins the fire brigade work of compressing this timeline into a few weeks! Most MDAs wait until projects are included in budget or the budget passed before they start project surveys or design or the procurement process. When an MDA spends at least 5 months on procurement, how much time does the contractor have to execute the project and draw down the funds before the financial year runs out?

This becomes a big issue as MDAs are required by law to return all unspent funds to the treasury by the year end.

To understand why projects get abandoned, we must also understand the pervasive lack of continuation in policies as occupiers of political offices change. Whether it is long term development plans or contracts for critical infrastructure, the repeated practice in Nigeria is that once new people are in office, policies or programs of the previous administration are abandoned. This unwillingness to ensure policy continuity is the root cause of nepotism, corruption and impunity, as officials often re-award such contracts to cronies and generous campaign donors at inflated prices.

In this regard, the "democracies" have not fared better than the military in policy consistency.

From Obasanjo’s NEEDS, to Yar'Adua's Seven-Point agenda, and now, Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda – there has been continuity of policy inconsistency within the same ruling party – and turning projects that would have ordinarily

benefited the populace into drain pipes. Critical examples are the N52m Zobe dam in Katsina, commissioned in 1983 by the Shagari regime; not only has several times the original amount been spent on the project, it has not pumped up a single liter of water.

And the Ajaokuta Steel Complex which has gulped about N675bn, but still not produced much steel.

When projects are abandoned, the usual reason given is lack of funds, though often it is the precontract mishaps already alluded to, and project management deficits that are the fundamental causes.

How can funding constraints be blamed for project failures? Should one not wonder why a project is approved in the absence of adequate funds? In fact, section 4 (2) (b) of the Public Procurement Act 2007, states plainly that all procurement shall be ‘based only on procurement plans supported by prior budgetary appropriations; and no procurement proceedings shall be formalized until the procuring entity has ensured that funds are available to meet the obligations and has obtained a “Certificate of ‘No Objection’ to Contract Award” from the Bureau’.

Simply put, the law requires that no contract should be awarded if funds are not available for it from the onset!

It is intuitive that abandoned projects fuel corruption and reduce public confidence in governance.

The excuse of inadequate or delayed funding may sometimes be contrived. Such an inference could be drawn as abandoned projects are more often than not re-awarded at unjustifiably over-bloated sums.

The increased costs are subsequently justified by blaming inflation, exchange rates, labour and materials cost increases amongst others.

If we intend to check the abnormality of abandoned projects, the relevant laws have to be strictly adhered to. Section 63 (1) of the Public Procurement Act which states thus: ‘In addition to any other regulations as may be prescribed by the Bureau, a mobilization fee of no more than 15% for local suppliers and contractors and 10% for foreign suppliers and contractors may be paid to a supplier or contractor …’ must be firmly applied. According to the PPAC, it is not uncommon for contractors to be paid mobilization fees in excess of 50% of the contract sum, often in apparent violation of the law.

While the Executive arm of government is largely to be blamed for abandoned projects, it is not

alone. The National Assembly (NASS) is liable as well by unlawfully and unconstitutionally inserting new, unplanned projects into Appropriation Bills expecting them to be implemented. The NASS has joined the executive branch in ignoring the funding needs of existing projects to completion and commissioning. Take the Zobe dam mentioned; does the representative of that constituency not have the responsibility to pursue and ensure the strict completion of projects in his constituency? If the focus of the government is on development and service to the people, why should officials seek approval for new projects when unfinished ones do not enjoy adequate funding and sound project management?

The Public Procurement Act 2007 established the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) with the National Council on Public Procurement (NCPP), as the regulatory authorities saddled with the oversight functions of monitoring procurement and implementation of federal projects across the country. These statutory functions have been hampered by lots of challenges, including the late passage of the annual Appropriation Acts by NASS and abandonment of the procurement processes by the relevant MDAs if favored bidders turn out to be unsuccessful.

If properly sustained, the Due Process and Certification Mechanism started by the Budget Monitoring and Price Intelligence Unit under Oby Ezekwesili, would have been one of the many benefits of the legislation. This has however not been the case because of policy discontinuities and the cravings of politicians to have unfettered discretion in awarding contracts.

The federal government needs to, as a matter of urgency, comply with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act. The government must curb the temptations or pressures to embark on new projects when so many remain uncompleted or abandoned. Desirable projects must be continued irrespective of whichever administration initiated them. The NCPP, which is yet to be constituted, should be urgently inaugurated to superintend the activities of the BPP, as opposed to the current scenario where the FEC usurps the Council's statutory functions.

As you read this, the Federal Ministry of Finance recently announced the release of N300 billion for capital projects for the third quarter of 2012, bringing the total release for capital projects so far this year to N704 billion out of nearly N1.5 trillion for the year. Most citizens will not feel the impact of this amount because the planning, procurement and project management processes are still fraught with nepotism, corruption and impunity that many projects may end up on the abandoned projects list - after billions have been paid as fungible mobilization advances. Our nation must do better. We must demand that our leaders do better!

Published by Peoples Media Limited, 35, Ajose Adeogun Street, 1st Floor Peace Park Plaza, Utako, Abuja. Lagos Office: No.8 Oliyide Street, off Unity Road, Ikeja, Lagos, Tel: +234-09-8734478. Cell: +234 803 606 3308. e-mail: contact@peoplesdaily-online.com; pmlnewsdesk@gmail.com ISSN: 2141– 6141