Peoples Daily Newspaper, Wednesday 31, October, 2012

www.peoplesdaily-online.com

Vol. 9 No. 58

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Jet crash: CACOL wants Suntai impeached

. . . putting the people first

Pope appoints Kukah to Vatican Council

>> PAGE 3

>> PAGE 3

Zhul-Hajj 15, 1433 AH

N150

Army Chief risks jail for alleged contempt of court >> PAGE 5

Robbers go berserk in Zamfara

Kill village head, 17 others From Salisu Zakari Maradun, Gusau

A

village head and 17 others were massacred in the early hours of yesterday at Kabaro settlement in Dansadau,

Maru local government area of Zamfara state by motorcycleriding gunmen.

Peoples Daily gathered that the gunmen, suspected to be highway robbers numbering

about 30, wielded guns and other weapons.

They descended on the village from different directions, shooting and ordering the villagers to stay indoors but keep

money and other valuables within reach.

An eye-witness, who preferred anonymity, said the village head, Alhaji Maiyara, pleaded with the attackers not

to kill anybody but they ignored him.

“They warned him to keep off but when he did not they killed him instantly because they felt Contd on Page 2

Subsidy thieves won’t go unpunished – FG

By Abdulwahab Isa

F

or the umpteenth time, the Federal Government yesterday vowed to prosecute those found to have defrauded the nation in the Contd on Page 2

PD INDEX

30th Oct., 2012

CBN RATES BUYING SELLING $ 154.76 155.76 £ 248.1886 249.792 EURO 202.21 203.516 CFA 0.2885 0.3085 RIYAL 41.267 41.5 PARALLEL RATES BUYING SELLING EURO 202 205 £ 243 247 RIYAL 40 42 $ 155.5 158.50

Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno state with JSS students of Government College, Maiduguri, after he inspected 20 new classrooms built in the school by the government...yesterday

PAGE 2

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

CONTENTS

Nine die in Bauchi auto crash

News

By Abdulwahab Isa

2-11

Editorial

12

Op.Ed

13

Letters

14

Opinion

15

Metro

16-18

Business

18-19

Property

24

Arts

29

Interview

30

A

n accident on the BauchiJos road on Monday night, claimed nine lives and injured four others, witnesses and officials said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the accident occurred close to Dungel village,

about 12 km to Bauchi town, about 7p.m.

The accident involved a Mitsubishi bus, a Volkswagen Passat station wagon and 406 Peugeot saloon car.

Mr. Ibrahim Gaidam, Public Relations Officer of Federal Road Safety Commission, Bauchi state command, told NAN that the

accident was caused by wrongful overtaking by one of the vehicles.

“We reached the scene after the accident but eyewitnesses told us that wrongful overtaking by one of the vehicles caused the accident.

“The Volkswagen Passat and the bus collided head-on, while the Peugeot, which was coming

from behind, hit the two vehicles.

“The Passat and bus caught fire upon impact, burning to death nine persons, out of whom six were burnt beyond recognition.

“Four others were injured and rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital”, he said. (NAN)

Jonathan lambasts Graham-Douglas

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

P

resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday night, reacted to a protest staged by the Kalabari National Forum and some monarchs in Abuja, in which he was accused of interfering in a boundary dispute between Rivers and Bayelsa states.

The protesters had alleged plans to “cede five Rivers state oil communities to Bayelsa with the connivance of various Federal Government agencies

under the watchful eyes and supervision of his Excellency, Mr. President whose home state, most ingloriously, is the direct beneficiary”.

The President however described the allegations as “irresponsible and most unfortunate considering the status of the persons who reportedly championed the protest.”

According to a statement signed by his spokesman, Reuben Abati, President Jonathan clarified that the statutory

agencies being referred to by the protesters do not take orders from the President. “They are independent bodies. Besides, there are laid down procedures for resolving inter-state boundary disputes”.

“The school-boy style protest is an attempt at cheap blackmail. We find the motive deplorable. It is all the more surprising that a man of Alabo Graham Douglas’ status, a former minister who ought to know what is right, will team up with a group intent on

causing disaffection between the President and his Ijaw kinsmen.”

Jonathan warned the Kalabari National Forum, its members and sponsors, “to avoid the temptation to instigate conflict between the Nembe and Kalabari people of Rivers and Bayelsa states, who are both of the same Ijaw stock.”

He urged all parties to allow the statutory agencies assigned the responsibility of resolving boundary disputes to do their work.

Robbers go berserk in Zamfara Contd from Page 1

Suntai, govt officials and foreign medical care, Page 4

Inter’l Digest

31-34 36

Politics

37-39

Sports

41-47

Columnist

48

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

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

Phones for News: 070-37756364 09-8734478

distracted by his endless begging,” the eye witness said.

“They fired shots from different directions and they killed whoever dared to escape and that was how they took several innocent lives,” Sani Abdullahi, a survivor said.

Another survivor, Haruna Kabir said he heard gunshots from afar and sensing trouble, he took his wife and three children into the bush.

“We had already escaped before they arrived. We dashed into the bush and hid. We could hear the screams of people from where we hid,’’ he said.

The attackers struck at time when the villagers, all farmers, were harvesting farm produce

and shortly after the Sallah celebrations, hoping to deprive the villagers of money and livestock.

Yesterday’s attack came barely a fortnight after a similar attack left 22 people at the Dogon Dawa village in neighbouring Kaduna state.

When contacted, the police public relations officer (PPRO, Zamfara state Command, DSP Hassan Talba declined to comment on killings but said an investigation was on-going over the banditry just as no arrest has so far been made.

It would be recalled that early in the year, about 80 people on motorcycles, had attacked the villages of Dan-Gulbi and Guru in Zamfara state, cutting the throat of some victims.

The attack is believed to be in revenge for the killing of a suspected group of armed robbers by villagers and vigilante groups last year.

A policeman was said to be among the dead, who were primarily from the village of Dan-Gulbi.

Villagers had been preparing for a local market day when the killers struck, the Associated Press news agency reports.

According to a police officer who spoke to the BBC on condition of anonymity, at least 19 people died in Dan-Gulbi and four were killed in Guru.

Attacks were also reported in the villages of Diya and Sabo Kasuwa.

“They went door to door shooting villagers and in some

cases slitting their throats with knives,” a police source told AFP news agency.

Talatu Mai Tasshi, a woman who escaped the violence, was quoted by AP as saying she had hidden in empty sacks as the gunmen stalked other people preparing to sell their goods.

In October last year, armed bandits raided Lingyado village in Zamfara state, killing 19 people in reprisals over the killing of fellow gang members by local vigilantes with the aid of villagers.

In January, armed robbers killed 15 local traders returning from a market in neighboring Katsina state and burnt their bodies along with the truck they were driving in an ambush near the town of Birnin-Magaji in Zamfara state.

Subsidy thieves won’t go unpunished – FG Contd from Page 1

administration of oil subsidy payments.

Aside their prosecution by the competent court of law, the culprits will be made to pay back the amount they defrauded government.

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan represented by VicePresident Arch. Muhammad Namadi Sambo restated government stance yesterday in Abuja at a book presentation Reforming the unreformable – lessons from Nigeria by Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

Reaffirming government’s unflinching commitment to stamp out corruption, President Goodluck Jonathan said no individual indicted for or found culpable of fraud would be spared.

“We are going after those corrupt criminals who stole our

resources with impunity. Those who defrauded the government in petroleum subsidy would be made to pay the stolen fund”, he said.

He expressed government’s determination to wean the economy from dependence on a mono product to agro-businesses sector in order to create jobs for millions of idle youth across the country.

He commended Dr. Ngozi for her painstaking effort at documenting her experience.

In his opening remarks, Chairman of the occasion and former Commonwealth Secretary –General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, attributed the nation’s numerous woes to complete jettison of true federalism structure.

He had traced the Nigeria trajectory to the complete abandonment of the true federalism which he blamed on the military incursion of 1966.

“We must return to true federalism if we must achieve the level of development we aspire and I see this as a challenge”, he said, and called on relevant authorities to work towards reverting the country to true federalism.

Anyaoku applauded the minister for her various efforts to reform the nation economy and noted her book was another source of illumination to ensuring Nigeria move in the right path.

The book’s reviewer, Prof. Paul Collier from Oxford University, United Kingdom, observed that Nigeria back in the 60s had one of the best civil service structures but regretted that had been eroded due to incessant military incursion.

Although he observed that civil servants needed to be reform, the process would remain a hard nut to crack without unity of purpose.

On her part, Okonjo-Iweala said she wrote the book not for commercial gain but to fulfil an inner desire to capture collective efforts since the years of the Olusegun Obasanjo administration to revamp the economy.

She said: “Nigeria is worth fighting for. Don’t believe anyone who tells you Nigeria is a holes case. Change is possible. With the right team, will and commitment, we can make significant progress in the key areas that will make the greatest impact on our peoples.

“That is what we proved in implementing reforms between 2003 and 2006.

Improving the economy and the lives of millions of |Nigerians is a worthy cause that deserves our best effort. We must never give up on our country”.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

Subsidy scam: Court sets Nov. 12 for trial of Ahmadu Ali’s son, others From Francis Iwuchukwu, Lagos

A

Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja, presided over by Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo, yesterday, further adjourned trial of the son of former PDP national chairman, Ahmadu Ali – Mamman Nasir Ali, alongside others till November 12, 2012.

They are being charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence, forgery and the use of false documents.

Others expected to face trial before Justice Onigbanjo alongside Ali include Nasaman Oil Services and Christian Taylor.

At the resumed hearing of the matter yesterday, counsel to the EFCC, Francis Usani, informed the court that the matter had earlier been adjourned till Tuesday for trial, but explained that the commission would not be able to continue with the trial because of what he termed as some pressing issues which would assist the court in the true dispensation of justice.

In response, defence counsel, Toyin Pinheiro, who did not object to the submission of the EFCC said, “We would wait for the amendment of the charge to be effected.

Mamman Nasir Ali as well as other directors of oil-marketing firms in the matter had earlier been arraigned and granted bail.

PAGE 3

Jet crash: CACOL wants Suntai impeached From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

T

he Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL) has criticised Taraba state governor, Danbaba Suntai for allegedly diverting state funds to procure aircraft just for his selfish purpose.

Reacting to news of the governor’s crash last Thursday, the executive chairman of CACOL, Debo Adeniran, noted that it is unfortunate that the ruling class does not care about the plight of Nigerian masses.

“How can a governor of such

. . . demands overseas treatment for aides

a poor state like Taraba whose citizens are peasants afford the luxury of a state’s private jet?

What does he need it for? This shows that the Nigerian ruling class has not learnt its lessons.

The elites are more concerned about their profligate living than improving the standard of living of the Nigerian masses. The millions of naira used to purchase the crashed jet could be channeled to agricultural development in the state”.

Speaking further Adeniran averred that the period Governor Suntai went to the Aviation College he was already a governor of his state which amounted to official corruption and an impeachable offence under the constitution.

“As the governor of a state, you are a full time worker and not entitled to leave of absence. How come he was able to attend his lectures at the Aviation College?

This implies that Danbaba Suntai left the running of

Taraba state’s affairs at the mercy of his assistants to fulfill his selfish ambition. The offence is impeachable! The governor should be dealt with after his recovery to serve as deterrent to others wasting their states’ resources to achieve their selfish ambitions”, Comrade Debo submitted.

The CACOL boss also called for Suntai’s aides to be flown abroad to receive adequate treatment.

NBA frowns at constitution review exercise

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

A

s the review of the 1999 Constitution of gathers momentum, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), said it has some reservations about the process which it describes as not being orderly.

Speaking while inaugurating the NBA Committee on Constitution Review and Law Reform and the NBA Rule of Law Action Group Committee in Abuja yesterday, the association’s President, Chief Okey Wali, said even though the NBA is in support

of amendments to some sections of the constitution in the interest of democracy, it is not comfortable with the process.

According to the NBA boss, there is no clear agenda or known methodology in the ongoing process, saying various government structures are all working towards the said amendment, just as he noted that the one day public hearing session to be held simultaneously in 360 federal constituencies November 10, 2012, as proposed by the House of Representatives cannot produce anything

meaningful to the amendment of the constitution.

“We have decided to attend but without prejudice to our reservations on the inadequacy of the process and on any attempt to any claim to legitimacy if Nigerians are not given the opportunity in the future to effectively participate in the amendment of the 1999 constitution.

“We will continue to call for referendum, at the final stage of the process, thereby giving the average Nigerian a say in the amendment”, he said adding also

that, “Only then could any legitimate claim be made to it being a constitution by we, the people of Nigeria”.

The 12-member committee, which has Charles Edosomwan as chairman, is expected to look at federalism, supremacy of the constitution, devolution of powers, strengthening institutions that consolidate democracy, judicial and justice sector reforms, electoral systems reform, local government system reforms, state creation, regionalism, fiscal federalism and socio-economic rights.

Pope appoints Kukah to Pontifical Council

By Sunday Etuka

P

ope Benedict XVI has appointed Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Sokoto, as a member of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue, Vatican City.

The 13-member Council is the highest decision and policymaking body for the Council for the Holy Father.

Kukah’s appointment follows on the heels of the appointment of His Grace Archbishop John Onaiyekan, Archbishop of Abuja as a Cardinal.

Fr. Sixtus Onuh, Chancellor, Diocese of Sokoto, said that Kukah’s new appointment was an addition to others already bagged by him.

In May, the President of the Conference of Bishops of English and French speaking West Africa announced Kukah’s appointment as the chairman of the Commission on Culture, Interreligious Dialogue and Ecumenism.

In February, he was elected Chairman of the Commission on Inter-religious Dialogue for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.

L-R: Minister of Finance, South Africa, Mr. Pavin Gordham, Minister of Finance/author of the book, “Reforming the Unreformable Lesson from Nigeria,” Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Vice-President, Mohammed Namadi Sambo, Ide-Ahaba of Asaba, Chief Sonny Odogwu and Anambra state Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, during the book presentation, in Abuja, yesterday.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

FG inaugurates state SURE-P implementation c’ttees

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

T

he Federal Government has vowed to begin the implementation of the Subsidy Re-investment and Employment Programme (SUREP) on a nationwide scale following its successful test-run in some selected states.

Inaugurating the State Implementation Committees (SIC) in the Banquet Hall of the State House yesterday, Vice President

Namadi Sambo said government was determined to match it words with action in terms of its promise for employment generation and wealth creation.

He said the inauguration of SICs was yet another significant milestone in government’s resolve to address the challenges posed by unemployment and the need for wealth creation to meet the yearnings and aspirations of millions of women and youths across the country.

The Vice President noted that valuable lessons were learnt from the operation of a pilot scheme of the SURE-P which necessitated the establishment of structures to facilitate implementation at all levels.

“In consideration of the peculiar features in the design of the project, pilot schemes were undertaken in some states and the lessons learnt therefore have helped sharpen the delivery mechanism. Following these

lessons, we are now in a position to start full implementation across all parts of the country.

Speaking of the numerous initiatives by the government to tackle unemployment, the Vice President remarked that there has also been the Graduate Internship Programme through which 50,000 graduates sponsored by the Federal Government would receive training from private companies for a period of one year.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

I

t is such a tragedy and a clear case of the total disconnect between the Nigerian leadership and the led that it had to take the threat of a legal action against government before the three aides of Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba state were flown abroad for treatment, three days after the governor had been taken to Germany for treatment. A qualified pilot, the governor owns the Cessna 208, 5N-BMJ jet which he was piloting when it crashed.

Following last Thursday’s air accident near Yola in Adamawa state, the governor and the aides were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yola, from where he was whisked to the National Hospital, Abuja in an air ambulance on Friday. While at the National Hospital, the governor was visited by President Goodluck Jonathan.

The following day, Saturday, the governor was flown to Germany for better medical attention in a Swiss Air ambulance from the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja.

However, the three aides, Dasat Iliya, the Aide de Camp (ADC), the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the governor, Timo Dangana and the Chief Detail, Joel Dan were only transferred to the National Hospital Abuja from the Federal Medical Center Yola on the day their principal was whisked to Germany by the federal government.

The previous day, the president had told a delegation of Muslims which had paid Sallah homage to him that the federal government would do everything possible to ensure that Governor Suntai received the best medical attention even if it meant flying him abroad.

Irked apparently by the shoddy manner the three aides to Governor Sundai were handled, foremost lawyer and human rights activist, Femi Falana (SAN) on Monday gave the government a three-day alternative to take the three abroad for better medical attention or face a legal action by him to force it to do so.

Speaking at a media roundtable in Lagos yesterday on “Promotion of Ethics and Integrity in the Courts System and Improving Citizens’ Access to Justice: The Role of Lawyers”, the maverick lawyer stated that the treatment given to the governor’s aides ran afoul of Article 3 of the African Charter, which guarantees equal access to life and treatment to all, warning that he and other civil societies would be left with no option other than to approach the court to enforce the African Charter. The three aides were, according to a state government official, flown to Germany too as their principal.

The Taraba state Commissioner of Information, Mr. Emmanuel Bello announced the development to a national daily.

In reacting to the Senate

Suntai, govt officials and foreign medical care A few days after the Nigerian Senate, in a seeming patriotic move aimed at arresting the galloping collapse of education in the country, proposed a bill to ban public officials from sending their children and wards to schools outside the country, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Save Nigeria Group (SNG) called on the lawmakers to also legislate against foreign medical trips by government officials and members of their family. Now, the recent air accident involving Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba state and three aides has made the legislation all the more imperative, in view of the initial neglect the governor’s aides were subjected to, writes Abdu Labaran Malumfashi.

Governor Danbaba Suntai and the wreckage of the crashed plane. proposal to ban wards of government officials from attending foreign schools, the NGOs SERAP and SNG had called on the lawmakers to also ban foreign medical trips on public office holders, their wives and children.

The sponsor of the bill to ban children of public officers from attending schools outside the country, Senator Basheer Garba Mohammed told his colleagues that it was only when public officials identify with Nigerians schools that the sector will receive the required attention.

“My President, my distinguished colleagues, I sincerely believe that the remedy for this sad situation is the need for a sacrifice by Nigerian public officials, both appointed and elected. Let us directly identify with the Nigerian school system by training our children and wards in our private and public institutions.

“Today, in this digital age, the pupils sit on bare floor. You then ask; what manner of leaders of tomorrow are we producing? You may also ask:

Health Minister, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu where are the children of the senators, honourable members, ministers and governors. If our children attend such schools, can we afford to leave them in such a sorry state? The answer is No”, he said.

To be sure, there are a host of other unpatriotic habits that need to be legislated against, but

foreign education and medical trip deserve the most i m m e d i a t e a t t e n t i o n .

Importation of food items and operating foreign accounts may well come later.

Food items Sometime in July, the Minister of Agriculture and R u r a l Development, Dr A k i n w u m i Adesina disclosed that Nigeria spent $10 billion, about 1.3 trillion naira, a n n u a l l y importing wheat, rice, sugar and

fish.

The Minister, who spoke during the kick- off of Federal Government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda and the official commissioning of Cooperative College in Lagos State decried the high level of reliance on importation of agricultural products into the

country, asserting that “the culture of bringing in everything from wheat to rice and other foods has destroyed Nigeria’s agriculture and turned Nigeria into a dumping ground for cheap food products.”

Last year, former President Olusegun Obasanjo lamented that it was ‘shameful,’ that Nigeria spent N155bn annually on rice importation.

Foreign account.

Because of the nauseating corruption in the land, there is hardly a top government official who does not operate a foreign account. Under then President Obasanjo’s watch Transferency International once rated Nigeria as the most corrupt country in the world.

Last year, a court in the UK sent James Ibori, former Delta state Governor to five years in prison for money laundering running into billions of Naira.

After all, the leaders, on whom millions are spent, often needlessly, are only so-called where and when there are followers, otherwise they are nothing but their ordinary mortal self.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

40-year-old woman accidentally shot at Suleja sallah durbar From Iliya Garba, Minna

T

he recently concluded Eid-el-Kabir celebration ended tragically in Suleja, as an unknown royal gunman attached to the Suleja Emirate Council shot a woman to death during the traditional durbar (horse race) that marked the end of the Muslim festival at the palace grounds of the Emir of Suleja, Alhaji Awal Ibrahim.

Our reporter’s checks revealed that the incident occurred at about around 6:15 pm, just as the durbar w a s about to come to an end, as royal gunmen used their Dane guns to fire infrequent shots into the air at intervals to spice the occasion.

It was gathered that one of the several royal gunmen had an accidental discharge that led to the death of a 40year-old woman, Hajiya Isa

Aishatu Abdullahi, who was said to have been standing on the balcony of the palace watching the drama that typified the durbar.

Our correspondent gathered that no sooner had the victim been shot than she was rushed to a nearby hospital in the community, but she died on the way before receiving medical attention.

Following enquiries on the incident, the secretary to the Suleja Emirate Council, Malam Sani Ibrahim, informed our reporter that he did not know what took place in the palace because on the fateful day, he was away to Maje village.

Niger state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Pius Edobor, however denied knowledge of the incident, saying “the police were yet to get any official report”.

Edo recovers N34m from ghost workers From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

N

34 million alleged to belong to ‘ghost workers’ has been recovered by Edo state government. The money was recovered, following the assistance of State Universal Basic education Board (SUBEB).

Commissioner for Local

PAGE 5

Army Chief risks jail for alleged contempt of court

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

A

retired major in the Nigerian Army, Ali Abdullahi and a serving sergeant in the army, Abdul Wahab Yunusa, have asked an Abuja High Court to commit the chief of army staff, Lt.-Gen. Onyeabor Azubuike Ihejirika and Lieutenant Col. Femi Olorunyomi to prison for disobeying its order of October 8, 2012.

Justice U.A. Inyang had on October 8, ordered the defendants to release unconditionally on bail the plaintiffs who were arrested on August 14, 2012 by Lt Col Olorunyomi, a member of military task force in Lokoja for alleged complicity in the killing of two soldiers in Okene on August 12.

The judge’s order was not complied with, causing the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Christopher Eiche to seek legal remedy to regain their freedom.

Major Abdulahi and Sergeant Yunusa (plaintiffs) filed Form 48, which is a notice of consequence of disobedience of a court order; a precondition for a full hearing of a

committal proceedings against the Army Chief and Col. Olorunyomi.

Besides the COAS and Olorunyomi, the Defence Minister and Attorney-General of Federation were also named as codefendants in the matter.

The plaintiffs filed Form 49 on October 29, which is a notice to show cause why order of committal to prison should not be made.

It is a motion on notice seeking court order to commit the defendants to prison for disobeying order of court.

The plaintiffs’ lawyer, Christopher Eiche asked the court to take, “further notice that the COAS and Olorunfemi, the 2nd and 3rd respondents/ contemptnors are required to attend court on the first mentioned day to show cause why an order for their committal to prison should not be made”.

In an 11-paragraph affidavit in support of their Form 49 deposed to by Miss Obosi Costly, the applicants averred that the court granted an order on October 8 releasing them on bail

unconditionally to their counsel.

The plaintiffs had contended that although the defendants were yet to disclose the reasons for their arrest and incarceration at Mogadishu Barracks in Abuja till date, security operatives have since arrested the hoodlums that killed the two soldiers.

In the motion on notice earlier filed by plaintiffs’ lawyer to regain their freedom, they asked the court to declare their arrest and endless detention in Mogadishu Barracks Guardroom as illegal.

Consequently, they asked the court to make an order compelling respondents to release them unconditionally or arraign them before a competent court of jurisdiction.

The trial judge said: “For today, I hereby grant an order releasing the two applicants to their counsel on bail, who must produce them in the court from time to time when the case of the applicants comes up before the court pending the hearing and determination of the suit of the applicants on merit.

Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lucky James, disclosed this yesterday during the presentation of the sector’s allocation to the ministry between January and September 2012.

“We have recovered almost N34 million returns in SUBEB from ghost workers...”, he said.

Kaduna govt to charge hotels 3 percent levy per customer

T

he Kaduna state government will charge hotels three percent tourism development levy on every customer that patronises them, an official said.

Alhaji Suleiman Ibrahim, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, said at a news conference in Kaduna yesterday that the levy would enable the government to generate revenue for development.

Ibrahim said the collection of the levy would begin soon as it

had been approved by the State Executive Council, while hoteliers had been notified.

He said the levy was not peculiar to Kaduna state as it has been in existence in several states, such as Lagos.

The commissioner said money generated from the levy would enable the government to carry out projects and provide a conducive environment for the people “which will ultimately attract foreign investors into the state”. (NAN)

Gov. Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna state, (2nd-r) with the Catholic Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev. Matthew Ndangoso (r) during their visit to the Oct. 28, bomb blast victims at the 44 Army Reference Hospital, on Monday in Kaduna.

Photo: NAN

419: Victim alleges ETB ex-bank manager defrauded her of N40m From Francis Iwuchukwu, Lagos

A

58-year-old business tycoon, Alhaja Mobola Owolabi, yesterday, told Justice Okechukwu Okeke of a Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, how she was allegedly defrauded of N40 million by one Mrs. Yetunde Abatan, a former branch manager, Equatorial Trust Bank (ETB).

The plaintiff, who deals in textile materials was led in evidence by the prosecuting counsel, Mrs. Iormbe Pius.

Alhaja Owolabi told the judge

that she came in contact with the accused in September 2010, when the accused came to her shop at the Lagos Island to buy textile materials.

The plaintiff argued that the accused had introduced the bank to her, and urged her to patronise Equatorial Trust Bank (ETB. The textile dealer explained that the accused made repeated visits to her shop to buy materials including those for her colleagues in the office.

Alhaja Owolabi said that since she felt she had become familiar with the accused, she decided to

open an account with the bank at her branch in Ereko, a suburb of Lagos.

The plaintiff explained that she opened the account in January 2011, but no document was issued to her after opening the account, adding that she operated with the accused based on trust.

She told the court that she called on the accused to come daily and collect proceeds from her daily sales, for deposit in her supposed bank account.

“She came daily to my shop to collect the proceeds from the

day’s sale, depending on the state of business.

“I transferred all my money from my First Bank account, to ETB, in the sum of N20 million.

“In addition, I purchased shares of Dangote company through the bank, worth about N10 million, but was not given any document to cover the transaction”, she said.

She said that the total amount of money allegedly deposited with the accused bank amounted to N40 million.

Alhaja explained to Justice Okeke that problem began in

December 2011, when she demanded for her share certificate from the accused who kept assuring her that it would be out soon.

Alhaja Owolabi said since she was dissatisfied with the way the accused was now handling her affairs, she decided to visit the bank directly to demand for her certificate.

The plaintiff told the court that she was shocked when the bank told her that her name was no where written in the bank’s list as a shareholder or account holder with the bank.

PAGE 6

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

NIGER STATE-A-REFLECTION

I

n democracies all over the world, accountability is a critical component of governance. There is expected to be accountability from government to the people and for the people to demand accountability from government while offering suggestions, observations, and criticisms with the objective of positively driving the collective well being of society towards growth and development across all facets of human existence. It is however expected that in demanding accountability from government, this would be done with all sense of responsibility, decorum, truthfulness, objectivity constructiveness and dignity.

As it is, there is no denying the rights of individuals to hold and express views and opinions about how they are governed but this should not be driven by sinister and malicious motivation.

Criticism of government or any of its actions should have constructive purpose and not be for the goal of incitement or setting the government and the people against themselves which seem to have been the objective of unfair broadsides directed recently at the person and government of Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Dr. Muazu Aliyu, Chief Servant and Governor of Niger State, by some self Babangida Aliyu appointed persons purporting to be speaking on behalf of “the people”.

Otherwise, how would anyone even suggest that six years of this administration has accomplished nothing for the State, when facts on ground point in the contrary direction.

We may recall that on assuming office as Governor in the year 2007, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu set out the vision and mission of his administration for the State captured in the vision 3:2020, that of making Niger one of the 3 leading State economics in the country by the year 2020. It is doubtful, If any government in recent memory ever set out such a policy objective, even though there have been challenges and unforeseen hurdles along the way.

This same government it was that took on the payment of the backlog of unpaid gratuities and death benefits of retired civil servants of previous governments, going back 15 to 20 years, thereby giving these persons who had given up hope their due rights and cause for happiness.

The welfare of serving civil servants has also been boosted under this administration. Despite challenges in implementing the current National Minimum Wage, we must remember that it was this government which introduced bonuses for civil servant, as well as at its own prompting, raised wages in 2007.

It also introduced ICT Training, acquisition of computer, promotions and graduate employment scheme, which engaged over 4,000 young graduates.

The government also introduced a housing programme to address the issue of critical shortage of housing in Minna and other Urban Centres. In Minna, General Wushishi 500 Unit Housing Estates is completed and occupied while despite initial setback, Talba Housing Estate is due to completed by next month and occupied by their owners. Work on the Housing Estates in Bida and Kontagora are progressing at fast pace. It is important to note that this is the first time a deliberate effort has been made to address the issue of public housing in Niger State, by any government in the last 30 years. The last public housing provided in Niger State was by the Federal Government of General Babangida in the 1980’s at Bosso Estate.

Never mind that the Housing Estates built in the 1970’s at 123 Quarters, Airport Quarters, Bosso Low-Cost were sold by the last administration, with no replacement or account of the proceeds of the sales.

This government has also completed abandoned projects which it inherited from previous governments such as Lapai-Gulu Road, Justice Legbo Kutigi Conference Centre.

Also, the problem of bad roads was frontally tackled with the dualization of Minna Township Roads, construction of Kutigi-Fazhi Road, Mokwa-Dabban Road, and Bonu-Gurara Falls Road after years of failed promises by previous administrations, as well as Birgi Lapai-Gwari Road in Minna. It is important to point out that the opening up of these roads is facilitating development and commercial activities along their routes! Meanwhile, work is on-going on Minna-Eastern Bye-Pass, Kwakuti-Kafinkoro Road while other broken down roads in Minna will be tackled soon after the rains.

It is equally important to point out that for the first time ever, government has taken concrete steps to link the communities upland of the Shiroro dam with the dam site through the on-going construction of a bridge across the River Kaduna. Also, this government has ensured justice to those same communities through an electrification project. These communities had remained without these two facilities since the construction of the Shiroro Dam in the early 1980’s despite repeated but failed promises by the Federal and State Authorities.

In Healthcare and Water and Sanitation, the present administration has built and equipped New General Hospitals at Wuse, Gulu and Nasko. The locations of these new hospitals are significant in that they are sited in areas of critical need and where people had in the past gone through difficulties to access this level of medical services, at far off places.

Also, under the Millennium Development Goals Programme, government has refurbished, equipped and supplied drugs to 26-20 bed comprehensive Primary Health Centres in the 25 Local Government Area. Also under the MDG’s 150 solar-powered boreholes at the rate of 6 per Local Government Area have been provided. These have been achieved because the government has remained committed and consistent in paying its counterpart fund of about N500 Million for each programme year. Infact, Niger state is listed presently as the leading state in implementation of the MDG’s in the country.

Equally, government has invested heavily towards solving the problem of water supply in Minna and this is yielding positive results.

It is a similar situation with the State Universal Basic Education Board, where sustenance of counterpart funding has ensured renovation of schools, construction of new ones, supply of books and teaching materials, classroom furniture etc. It may be recalled that before this administration, the State did not have a particularly salubrious reputation for counterpart funding and was frequently listed as such.

An interesting development under this administration is the full blast take-off the state-owned television. Attempt by the previous government floundered and Niger remained the only State without its own television services. This administration has remedied this anomaly with construction and installation of a transmitting Station at Tunga.

What has been done here is, to present a verifiable checklist of some of the things this government has put on ground, for the good people of Niger State to make their own assessment viz at viz the claims by “emergency” guardians of the public interest. There are so many others that have been done, so many on-going and others that would be done before the government runs out its tenure.

Criticism of government, where it is necessary, should be on the basis of unassailable facts rather than on innuendo or ignorance or both. Those who know understand that the workings of government are complex, moreso in a democracy and that governance is indeed a continuous process. To imply that a particular government has not solved all the problems facing the people ignores that governance is like a building block where a successor would build upon what is in ground. In any case, it beggars the imagination to suggest or claim that Niger State has remained the same as the present government met in 2007 – all evidence print to the contrary.

This is however not to acknowledge that there have not been some challenges and unexpected difficulties with respect to some of its projects. Where these have arisen, solutions have been provided to some while with others they are being revisited to ensure that contractual obligations are fulfilled such as the 10 Kilometer Road Project per each of the 25 Local Government Areas. It is expected that this project will be tacked after the rains. What is required is for the Government to be supported, be given time and space to fulfill its developmental objectives of leaving the State better than it met it instead of throwing up obstacles and trying to cause needless distractions.

ILIYASU DHACKO DG-Strategy &Monitoring Niger State

PPMC, KRPC trade blame over Kaduna fuel scarcity From Agaju Madugba, Kaduna

T

he Pipeline Products Marketing Company (PPMC) and the Kaduna Refining and Petro-Chemicals Company (KRPC), yesterday, have traded blames over the persistent scarcity of fuel in Kaduna state.

A statement by the PPMC Public Affairs Manager, Nasir Imodagbe, expressed shock over the crippling lack of fuel in Kaduna, arguing that the "NNPC through PPMC has released enough petrol to sufficiently meet the demand in Kaduna and environs.

"Our tour of the stations within Kaduna metropolis reveals that some unscrupulous marketers are

…As DPR shuts four filling stations deliberately strangulating the market as most of them do not sell.

"We have alerted the DPR about the development and we are working in conjunction with the DPR to unravel the identity of those involved in the unpatriotic act. All those found to be involved will be severely sanctioned".

On its part, the KRPC said it produces about 12.5 million litters of petrol daily and that it does not know how the PPMC handles the distribution of the product.

According to the KRPC Public Affairs Manager, Mohammed Idris, "all I can assure you is that our refinery is working and we churn out

products with no disruption.

"All we do is to hand over what we produce to the PPMC. After that we are not in control."

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Kaduna zone of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Rabiu, confirmed the shoddy activities of some of the marketers and noted that the DPR had already sealed up four filling stations in Kaduna metropolis.

As he put it, "we are aware of the bad activities of some marketers. Today we have sealed four filling stations and right now I am in a police station looking for police to help us arrest some more marketers".

L-R: Acting Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Eucation Commission (UBEC), Prof. Charles Onocha, Nasarawa state Governor, Tanko Al-makura and Minister of State for Education, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, during the minister's visit to Nasarawa state to inspect ongoing Education projects, yesterday in Lafia, Nasarawa state.

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Kano now safe for investment, says Kwankwaso From Edwin Olofu, Kano

D

espite the security challenges the state has witnessed in recent times, Kano state is now a better place for local and direct foreign investment to thrive, the state governor, Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso has said.

Kwankwaso made the assertion yesterday while receiving the Managing

Director of McCormick Property Development Company Ltd., Mr. Jason McCormick in his office in Kano.

He said the government had put in place certain incentives to ensure that investors in the state get value for their investments.

The governor stated that with a good climate, fertile land, emerging public

utilities, hardworking people and security, Kano has great potentials for investment in property and other sectors of human endeavour.

He told the visitors that his administration has embarked upon the creation of three new cities, namely, Kwankwasiyya, Bandirawo and Amana, adding that provision has also been made for the construction of a fivestar hotel at Kwankwasiyya.

theme "The Sincere World" in Tehran, the Iranian capital at the weekend.

He said: "…the media in Iran enjoy subsidies in various forms to help out in the challenge of information dissemination.

This government shoulders 10 percent of publishing costs of local media, 15percent distribution cost among others and 20percent lower than the market price.

"Our support has

manifested in the emergence of more media houses, both print and broadcast with over 15 new newspapers and magazines registered", the minister said.

Also speaking, the deputy minister of education, Mr. Mujibree, said the media attaches significance to knowledge as it helps people to rethink and re-talk about dayto-day challenges, education inclusive.

Media enjoys government subsidy in Iran, says minister From Abdulkadir Isa, Tehran

I

ranian Culture and Islamic Guidance Minister, Dr. Muhammad Zade, has expressed the commitment of Iran towards boosting the role of media in information dissemination.

Zade made this known while declaring open the 19th International Exhibition of Press and News Agencies, with the

PAGE 7

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

Cleric advises Christian pilgrims to be good ambassadors

Kebbi deputy gov solicits support, pledges cooperation with NUJ From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

K

From Mathew Aramunde, Lagos

T

he Superior Evangelist of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Iyanu Oluwa Titun parish in Lagos, Oluwole Gbere has advised pilgrims for this year’s trip to Israel and Jerusalem to be of good behaviour and not tarnish the image of the country.

“Let all of us join hands to work on the image of the country, attract investors as to create employment”, he said.

Gbere who is among the 12man delegation from Lagos state tasked the pilgrims to pray for peace in the country.

Thousands of people attended the harvest event.

Ex-minister advocates more revenue for North From Nankpah Bwakan, Jos

F

ormer Minister of State for Niger Delta, Chief Sam Odey, yesterday said until the problems of hunger, deprivation and joblessness are addressed, achieving peace in the North will be a mirage.

Sam faulted the present revenue allocation formula and called on the Federal Government to review upward the allocation to northern states to enable them provide more dividends of democracy for their people.

Odey stated this yesterday when members of the association of Northern Youths for theAdvancement of Peace, Harmony and Development led by its president, Melvin Ejeh paid him a courtesy call at Senator Jack Tilley Gyado residence in Jos, the Plateau state capital.

He noted that dialogue is the best solution to end the crisis in the North; pledging to support the association in achieving its target to reach out to youths in the region and contribute positively to the advancement and development of the region.

Speaking earlier, Ejeh said the purpose of the visit was to seek stakeholders’ opinion on how to end the crises as well as revive the dwindling economy of the region.

Amirul Hajj for Katsina state, Justice Umaru Abdullahi, (middle) and Deputy Speaker Katsina state House of Assembly (2nd right) with hajj committee members and Pilgrims Board officials from Katsina, during a routine visit to pilgrims’ huts in Mina-Arafat, in Saudi Arabia.

Couple arraigned for neglecting parental duty M r. Sikiru Adebayo and his wife, Fatimo, have been arraigned before an Oyo Magistrate court for neglecting their parental responsibility leading to an alleged rape of their six-year-old daughter.

The couple is facing a twocount charge of negligence of duty by failing to protect their daughter on September 21 at

Opapa area of Oyo which exposed her to danger.

They were also accused of failing to maintain and protect their daughter as parents by placing her under specific guidance which exposed her to unhygienic environment.

Police prosecutor, Sgt. Musa Raji, said the offence was contrary to and punishable

under Section 16(1) and Section 16(2) of the Child’s Right Law of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2006.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Chief Magistrate, Jejelola Ogunbona, granted the couple bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case to December 12. (NAN)

Hajj: 21 Nigerian pilgrims died

T

he death toll of Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia rose to 21 from 14 where it stood a week before the Hajj rites, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

NAN quotes the National Hajj Commission’s weekly public health bulletin “No one” dated Oct. 29, which showed that male pilgrims had the highest mortality rate of 13.

The bulletin shows that Katsina state had the highest figure of four; Sokoto three; while Kano, Lagos, Zamfara and

Ogun recorded two deaths each.

Oyo, Gombe, Yobe and the Nigerian armed forces recorded one death each.

It also stated that 53 patients were referred to Saudi hospitals with 39 cases recorded in Medina, four in Jeddah and 10 in Mecca.

“So far, no single case of delivery has been reported, however, there are two cases of spontaneous abortion reported from Misfallah Clinic in Mecca by female pilgrims from Sokoto and Adamawa states, all

mothers are in satisfactory conditions”, it added.

The bulletin shows that 7,496 Nigerian pilgrims have so far visited the six clinics being operated by the medical mission in Jeddah, Medina and Mecca, with common cold and hypertension topping the list of cases reported at the clinics.

It also highlighted the problems faced during the Arafat and Muna operations, blaming the Saudi authority’s poor response to distress calls.

(NAN)

… Hajj “free” of calamities, says Saudi minister From Ahmed Kaigama, Saudi Arabia he Saudi Arabian interior minister and chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee, Prince Ahmed, has declared this year’s Hajj as free of calamities, deaths, or political demonstrations.

Ahmed said this in Jeddah while talking to journalist, saying strong steps would be taken to regulate the train journey system in the holy site to avoid chaos at the Arafat railway station.

He also thanked all the

T

officials that served the pilgrims under the leadership of governor of Makkah, Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, chairman of the Central Hajj Committee and the commanders of security forces and government officials for their efforts for the successful completion of the Hajj.

Ahmed said the future projects to enhance the comfort and ease of pilgrims include the expansion of the Haram and the mataf (the area of circumambulation around Kaaba).

Referring to the safety and

freedom from accidents during the Hajj, the prince said: “The general atmosphere was filled with spirituality. Pilgrims performed their rites at the holy sites and went back to the Grand Mosque safely”.

Speaking on new facilities planned in the Grand Mosque, Ahmed said, “The King has approved the constructions in Makkah including the expansion of the Grand Mosque and the mataf. A major problem faced by the pilgrims is the narrowness of the mataf, which causes pushing and shoving”, he said.

ebbi state acting governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Aliyu, has called on people of the state to continue to cooperate and support the initiatives of the state government for sustainable development and peace in the state.

He made this call in Birnin Kebbi when the state chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalist (NUJ) paid him a Sallah visit in his office.

He congratulated Muslims for the Sallah celebration, giving thanks to Allah for the sacrifices made.

Alhaji Aliyu also expressed the commitment of the state government to fighting diseases like polio and measles in the state.

He then urged the union to be objective in their reporting as the society always relies on the media.

He hinted that the government is collaborating with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to fight drug trafficking in the society through strict monitoring and public awareness.

In response, the state NUJ chairman Alhaji Tukur Samari, thanked the Kebbi state government for the support and cooperation.

Dakingari sues for peace, condemns Kaduna bomb attack From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

T

he Special Adviser to Kebbi State Governor on Non Indigents, Mr. Mathew Abraham has called on the Muslims and Christians to live in peace in order to promote the country and democracy.

A press statement issued and signed by Abraham, stated that the two religions are one, urging people to learn the spirit of forgiveness.

“We are all one and people should stop discriminating against others by using religion to cheat their fellow brothers and sisters”.

He then condemned the recent bomb attack in a church in Kaduna, adding that people should stop attacking worship areas – whether mosque or church, describing such acts as barbaric.

Mathew then urged the people of Kebbi state to support the administration to realise its mission and vision to achieve peace and development.

PAGE 10

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

‘Tobacco companies undermining smoking control’ From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

T

he Network for Accountability of Tobacco Transnationals (NATT), says journalists have crucial roles to play in exposing the tobacco industry's efforts at undermining the implementation of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and public education on the dangers of smoking.

NATT Africa spokesperson, Philip Jakpor, said this at a one-day journalist training on

FCTC implementation and the fifth session of the Conference of Parties (COP5) organised by the Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) in Lagos yesterday.

Jakpor said the training was part of NATT's philosophy of working with its allies like ERA/FoEN and key media

outlets to counter the lies and other subtle messaging of the tobacco industry to undermine the implementation of the FCTC. Speaking on FCTC Implementation in Nigeria and COP5, Jakpor said it was rather unfortunate that though Nigeria signed the FCTC in 2004 and ratified

Cassava will soon complement petroleum as foreign exchange earner - Ogunsade

T

he South-west chairman of Cassava Growers Association, Dr. David Ogunsade, has said the crop will soon complement petroleum resources as a major foreign exchange earner for Nigeria.

Ogunsade said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Osogbo on Monday.

He said the Jonathan administration had placed premium on cassava cultivation, processing and export to increase the revenue of the nation.

According to him, Nigeria is currently leading other countries in the production of cassava because its physical environment is very conducive for cassava cultivation.

"In the past, farmers grew cassava mainly for consumption and other domestic use, ignoring the investment opportunities which the industry offers.

"With the government's intervention through the provision of high yielding cassava varieties, credit facilities and other farm inputs, farmers are now aware of the enormous potential of cassava", he said.

Ogunsade observed that the favourable environment for cassava cultivation coupled with the availability of foreign market had encouraged more farmers to invest in the crop.

Ogunsade commended President Goodluck Jonathan for promoting cassava as an alternative means of enriching the nation and improving the living standard of many cassava farmers.

(NAN)

L-R: Assistant Director-General, World Health Organisation (WHO), Geneva, Dr. Bruce Aylward, Executive Director/CEO of National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Ado Dogo Muhammad, and Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sumaila Mera, at a meeting of International Monitoring Board on Polio at the Royal College of Physicians, at the weekend in London.

same in 2005, efforts at domesticating the treaty are being stone-walled by the tobacco industry.

Jakpor revealed that some of the activities of the tobacco industry to derail the domestication of the FCTC include sponsored articles to discredit the FCTC process and arguments on its impracticability in Nigeria; claims of job and revenue losses when the National Tobacco Control Bill becomes law; demanding a seat at the table with the claim of being a'stakeholder' when tobacco control policies are being developed; and promotion of so-called Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) donations especially in t o b a c c o - g r o w i n g communities like Iseyin in Oyo state, among others.

He noted that Article 5.3 of the FCTC is clear on the motives of the tobacco industry for carrying out such activities and notes explicitly that "there is a fundamental and irreconcilable conflict between the tobacco industry's interests and public health policy".

Jakpor lamented that the activities of the tobacco industry was particularly noticeable in low and middle income countries like Nigeria which accounts for 80 percent of the annual six million tobacco-related deaths in the world.

He explained that in the lead up to COP5 the media has the key roles of educating the public on the dangers of tobacco use as well as the crucial debates on how to safeguard the FCTC Treaty that will take place in the global convergence in South Korea.

Gombe woos foreign investors to establish industries

By Morufat Ojulari

T

he Gombe state government has begun discussions with some foreign investors for the establishment of four industries in the state.

The Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Alhaji Hamza Wuro Bokki, announced this in Gombe while briefing newsmen on the activities of his ministry.

Alhaji Bokki said the industries to be established include a mini

cement factory, a tomato canning company and a bio fuel outfit where already the government had entered into an agreement with the Nigeria Export Import Bank to serve as its financial adviser with three groups of investors.

According to the commissioner, the administration has also begun discussions with a Bangladeshi investor for the establishment of a garment manufacturing company.

He explained that site for the establishment of the garment

industry has been identified and a committee set up to ensure its successful takeoff.

Bokki further revealed plans for the setting up of an industrial layout where four hundred plots would be demarcated to prospective industrialists.

He explained that the Ministry of Lands had been directed by the state government to provide the land, while electricity, water and road network would be provided in the layout.

Benue NLC chair accuses SUBEB of inflating teachers' salaries From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

T

he Benue state chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Simon Anchaver, has accused the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), of inflating the salaries of teachers to over N2 billion, maintaining that the real amount is just N750 million.

Comrade Anchaver who made this allegation in a chat with newsmen yesterday in Makurdi, said teachers in the state have been paid up to September 2012, assuring that in few weeks time, government would commence payment of the minimum wage to teachers after the committee set up to screen teachers may have submitted its report.

He however, said leave bonuses for teachers would not be consolidated as well as the housing scheme which the state government has since stopped contributing to.

The NLC chairman also dispelled rumours that he is colluding with the state government to deny civil servants payment of their salaries for over three months, insisting that no worker in the state is being owed.

"Benue state is always prompt in the payment of workers salaries. While other states are reviewing salaries of their workers downward, Benue workers have continued to enjoy a good pay package", he maintained.

Reacting to the allegation of inflated wage bill for teachers, the chairman of SUBEB, Hon. Anum Iho, dismissed it as untrue, intimating that the current total salary of teachers not considering the minimum wage is N830 million, contending that N750 million cannot pay teachers salaries in the state.

Hon. Iho also denied claims of bloated number of teachers by the board officials, explaining that in July 2012, the total number of teachers was 25,400 which dropped to 25,300 in August.

ILO to strengthen capacity for international labour standards reporting

By Muhammad Nasir

T

he International Labour Organisation (ILO), in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity has organised a workshop on international labour standards reporting to equip practitioners in various ministries, agencies, organised

labour as well as employers' associations on modern techniques and dynamics in reporting ratified ILO conventions.

A statement issued yesterday

by Samuel Olowookere, the Assistant Director, Press, of the Ministry of Labour and Productivity, said the Minister for Labour and Productivity, Emeka Wogu while declaring open the

workshop, stated that the step is aimed at repositioning the country positively in the ILO, and equipping practitioners with technical knowhow on international labour standard (ILS), report rendition.

"I affirm that this singular act by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) will bridge performance gap amongst

professional officers in the ministry, other agencies, organised labour and employers associations in the areas of report rendition on International Labour Standard as may be requested by the governing body of ILO",Wogu said.

Wogu urged participants to seize the opportunity of the workshop to build their professional

capacities in the areas of ILS reporting which will immensely assist in clearing the arrears of reports pending against Nigeria.

Speaking earlier, The Director of the ILO, Ms. Sina ChumaMkandawire, observed that Nigeria has been lagging behind in ILS report rendition, owing to the lack of necessary capacity on the part of officials responsible for the task.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

PAGE 11

8 ways to be successful in both business and life Compiled By Muhammad Sada hy do some people succeed, while others fail to reach their goals? Here are one business owner's observations about what successful people do that others don't.

I have been a business owner for about a minute. In fact, that would probably be quite generous if you compared me to the business moguls out here or anywhere for that matter. But in spite of that fact, I probably know a lot about business, more than I realize and much more than you would expect, if you knew my background. It is my life as a business owner that has finally made sense of all the data and observations that I have gathered over the years. I spent 20 years of my life working for others, most unknown, some infamous.

Because my jobs were in an executive assistant capacity for the past 20 years I, like all assistants, get to see the workings of the company almost like a fly on the wall.

We get to see the inner workings of the people we work for. We get to hear the opposing view from others who work for the company, both those who are close to the boss and those far removed.

I don't know about other assistants, but for me it's like watching a horror movie where you know what's behind the door but the person opening the door has no idea.

And you are in the audience screaming don't do it! But who is going to listen to you? So you just see and feel certain behaviors and actions and you file them away like you are gathering data for future analysis. Well I am now in that future and this is my analysis.

Life and business are not all that different. Some people would like you to think the rules of the game are different in business, but they really are not. They like to keep the mystery about it, the smoke and mirrors going. But in my own experience, observation of others and readings about the lives of countless others,

W

Quote "Simple, genuine goodness is the best capital to found the business of this life upon.

It lasts when fame and money fail, and is the only riches we can take out of this world with us.

– Louisa May Alcott, Little Men

this is what I believe it takes to be successful in both life and business.

• Letting your gutinstincts keep you safe: This is more than streetsmarts. I believe that gut instinct is not just some strange source but 1- the spiritual essence of us and our connection with the source of life, but also 2- it is a lifetime of observation and learning from experience. I surely have experienced life and I have spent my life observing people. I have the ability to peer into the insides of people.

My mother could do it. She would make these statements about people she barely knew and she'd hit the nail on the head about their very

essence. I too have this ability. The thing is it's not always something you can verbalize but your gut tells you some things right off the bat. This is a very useful thing in the business world and I believe we all have this ability but not everyone taps into it. Being able to read people doesn't mean that you immediately run or become best friends, it means that you proceed with caution filing away the info you've got on hand right now. If there is something queer about a business proposition, keep this up front as you examine it. You know in your gut when something's right and when something's not right.

• A lifetime of selfexamination: I cannot stress this enough. We are a work

in progress. You will make mistakes, your attitude will change and you will grow.

But if you don't take the time to examine yourself and your attitudes along the way, you run the risk of becoming stagnant and brittle. And brittle is a good candidate for crumbling dust. Examine your relationships with people, your business practices, not just your finances. In the end, it is your relationship with people that makes you successful in both life and business. If you find yourself having the same issues arise, it's time for some self-examination. What are you doing to contribute to this issue? What can you do to create a change?

• Open mindedness to new ways of thinking: How many times have we seen people, throughout history, hold on to what they believe is the ONLY way to think, to find the world moving on without them?

It was generally thought the automobile would never catch on; after all, weren't bicycles and trains more than enough? It doesn't mean you have to change your way of thinking or embrace it, just examine it, educate yourself about it and recognize that it may be here to stay.

• Open mindedness to new t e c h n o l o g y : This relates to number 8 but in a business capacity, it is even more important. A pencil and paper may be your preferred method of working on

finances, but you had better know a few things about technology or you and your pencil will be left behind.

Sure you can hire others who know, but what you don't know CAN hurt you. Read!

You can learn so much about anything by reading. And if you were tech savvy you would know the internet is the greatest addition to the library in regard to learning about everything.

• Being streetwise and book-smart: There is nothing more important than having a reasonable balance of both. Naivety can cost you and not being educated to the level you need to function well in your chosen environment can cost

you as well. Don't leave your street-smarts at the door in business environments but temper it with real knowledge as well.

• Education and constant re-education: I am not talking about college degrees here. Though they are a great start, you must continue to educate yourself.

Take part in seminars, read everything, surf the net.

Even when you think you've got it, press on.

• A willingness to give b a c k : First, take care of yourself. Put yourself in a position to give back. I've had the privilege to hear so many people speak about their ideas for new businesses. The first thing they say is that they want to help people and that

they want to give away what they've got.

Andrew Morrison, from Small Business Camp (http:// www.smallbusinesscamp.com) and believer that questions are more powerful than answers (see his book "21 Questions that Will Build Your Business in 90 Days") always asks the question, "Where's the money?" because if you can't support yourself, if you have to close your doors because you are bankrupt, how can you realistically help others? Sure there are exceptions to this, but most people have been able to give back and help others because they helped themselves.

When you've helped yourself, GIVE BACK! I've seen many people become selfish and bitter in this regard. "I had to do it for myself! Nobody helped me!" They begin to dole out help in a miserly manner, looking for something in return including gratitude. They also give with suspicion. They suspect that those they give to will use it to steal something from them. If you watch closely, here is where they will begin their descent.

If you feel like you got where you are on your own, look carefully I say, because you did NOT get to where you are without help. And much of it was given unselfishly and without restraint.

Give generously and from the heart and don't look back.

• How you treat people: I believe in this. I don't think you really have to right to abuse people. Some people think that certain groups of people are okay to abuse. I am not speaking from a standpoint of race here either. These people think that it's okay to abuse "the help" i.e. countless waiters and waitresses, assistants, maids, children. They also think its okay to abuse what they deem "fat people" or people they believe are "ugly". They believe its okay to treat "telemarketers" with disrespect when these are just people doing a job (I'm not talking about rude or abusive telemarketers either!). I believe that the golden rule is truth that still stands, because truth will always stand. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, or your daughter or son, or spouse, etc. I urge you to read "How to Win Friends and Influence People", by Dale Carnegie, over and over again.

Study the lives of the charismatic.

Success was written in their everyday dealings with people. Not on a superficial level but on a deeper connecting level.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

PAGE 12

EDIT ORIAL EDITORIAL

T

Kogi House of Assembly in turmoil

he Kogi state House of Assembly recently became a subject for front page news because of the bizarre conduct of some of its members. On Tuesday, October 16, the Speaker, Hon. Abdullai Bello, and other principal officers were ‘impeached’. Bello, who had survived four previous impeachment plots, was immediately replaced with Hon. Lawal Jimoh.

The motion for their impeachment, raised by Hon. Gowon Paul Haruna, said: “Majority of members of the House of Assembly have lost total confidence in some of the principal officers of the state Assembly.”

Other accusations levelled against the speaker included his decision to recall members of the House for an “emergency sitting” from the Sallah break.

The new leadership of the House immediately visited the state governor, Idris Wada during which they pledged their loyalty and the governor in turn pledged his support for the new House leadership.

Despite the support of the head of the executive branch of the government, peace is yet to be found in the Kogi Assembly. As a result of the tense atmosphere in

there, the House of Representatives has issued a directive suspending it. It says developments there pose a threat to law and order.

Also, the 36 state Assemblies’ Speakers under the canopy of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria (CSSLN) have set up a six-man committee to resolve the leadership crisis

“

It will be in the interest of peace if the ‘impeached’ leaders are restored to their positions.

The mere fact that those who sought to remove Bello and co did not meet the constitutionally required 2/3% quorum of the House makes the impeachment of the former officers illegal plaguing the Kogi Assembly.

The six-man committee, chaired

by Kwara Assembly Speaker, Abdul Rasak Atunwa, has a membership made up of the Speakers from Zamfara, Abia, Ogun, Akwa Ibom and Taraba states; its job is to explore ways of resolving the crisis.

The root cause of the current crisis is to be found in the January

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”

2012, Supreme Court judgement that put an end to immediate past Governor Idris Ibrahim’s elongated tenure. A tussle ensued between Bello and the governorin-waiting then, who is now the governor, Captain Wada.

The judgement did not specify who should take over as governor but the Chief Judge of Kogi state swore in Bello as the acting governor, while the President, Customary Court of Appeal, applied the oath of office to Wada.

It became a situation where two people laid claim to the position of the chief executive of the state.

This, according to analysts, was the genesis of Bello’s problems, as it created a crisis of confidence and consequently polarised the Assembly into two camps.

We at Peoples Daily identify with the efforts of those seeking to reconcile the feuding Assembly members in Kogi. It will be in the interest of peace if the ‘impeached’ leaders are restored to their positions. The mere fact that those who sought to remove Bello and co did not meet the constitutionally required 2/3% quorum of the House makes the impeachment of the former officers illegal.

We must use the Kogi case to demonstrate that we believe in the rule of law.

OUR PEOPLE

OUR VISION

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

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER ALI M. ALI

HEAD, ADVERT/MARKETING HUSSAINI ABDULRAHMAN, CNA

ACTING EDITOR, WEEKEND JAMILA NUHU MUSA

MANAGER, ADMINISTRATION HASSAN HAMMANYAJI

HEAD, LAGOS BUREAU ADESOJI OYINLOLA

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

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

By Philemon Adjekuko

I

t is called the centre of unity. In a sense, it is. The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, is a centre of unity for the looters of the Nigerian state. It is where the oil money via subsidy and juicy oil blocks are shared to the ever dreaded but faceless members of the cabal.

The 8000 square kilometres land space called Abuja means different things to different people. To most ordinary Nigerians, Abuja is just another city in which to struggle for survival. There is hardly any feeling of it as a centre of unity.

Two recent events in the capital territory again brought to the fore the fact that not every Nigerian can make a claim that Abuja belongs to us all. The first is the battle between Turai Yar’ adua and Patience Jonathan over a piece of land in the Central Business District of Abuja.

And the other is the planned demolition of over 19 villages (or shanties) in the territory.

The tussle between Turai Yar Adua and Mrs Jonathan is a grim reminder of how the precious land in the capital territory is gradually been shared to people in and around power.

How does a piece of land allocated for public use end up a private property?

By Tajudeen Audu

T

ax plays a key role in sustainable development and governance all over the world.

The funds provided by taxation are used by the state to support obligations like education, healthcare, public transportation and other social benefits. In Nigeria, Taxation is unfortunately relegated to the background and considered only as an extra source of revenue to oil as the three tiers of government depend basically on revenue from this depleting natural source while paying lip service to boosting tax revenue.

In recent times, Nigeria has been awakened to the reality that over dependence on oil revenue is no longer a thing of vogue. It is also a widely acknowledged fact that over dependence on natural resource is accompanied by a ‘curse’ and if Nigeria is to attain the level of development envisioned by 2020, there is the need to improve on tax collections, which remains the only sustainable alternative.

A good tax system has also being shown to have linear relationship with good governance. Good governance describes the conduct of public affairs and management of public resources by public institutions and individuals. The term good governance presupposes the existence of ‘bad governance’ and a logical question is “what kind of Governance do we have in Nigeria?”

Various international organizations like the World Bank, the IMF and the United Nations has recognized certain standards and characteristics that promote good governance and a common thread in all criteria of good governance are; rule of law, a participatory and all inclusive democracy, equity, transparency, accountability and a responsible leadership that recognizes citizens right and encourages civil society in exposing ‘bad governance’.

It is an acknowledged fact that successive Nigeria governments have recognized the importance of

PAGE 13

Abuja: The speculators live here The answer is simple: paper work.

And at the centre of it all is the office of the Minister of the Territory, the Abuja Geographical Information System (AGIS) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA). Besides, juicy government contracts, oil block and crude oil allocations, cannibalizing Abuja land for profit is the in thing in the Federal Capital Territory.

A recent report by the ICPC told us what we have known all along.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory is the most powerful land vendor in the country. He has powers to single handedly allocate land in the territory to whomever he chooses.

And so he is the darling of most of the “high and mighty” of the country who want to have a piece of the capital territory.

Usually, there are processes and fees associated with land allocation in Abuja. However, if you apply for land with all the required documents, pay the required fees and wait for allocation, you may as well wait for the second coming of Jesus.

The disturbing part is that even government institutions fall into the same quagmire. Most cooperatives

tied to government ministries and agencies battle for land allocation sometimes over many years without success. Ordinarily, such ministries and agencies should be given preferential treatment in land allocation given that their members make up a chunk of those who work in the FCT. In 2009, I applied for allocation under a ministry (since request for application was thrown open to members of the public). Four years later, all I have to show for that application is just an acknowledgement document from AGIS and many stories as to what exactly is going on. Meanwhile, part of the money paid by applicants for that allocation has gone into some pockets.

The consequence of lack of allocation to civil servants is that they are forced to shop for houses in the expensive commercial housing market through mortgages with very hostile terms. The alternative is for many of them to live very far away from their places of work or stay in shanties within town.

As the ICPC report showed, the entire land allocation system is

mired in corruption and lack of transparency. And the scammers in Abuja have latched on to the system to make matters even worse.

Today, buying a piece of land in Abuja is a pretty risky investment.

Even when your land papers are certified okay by AGIS, you may still run into serious problems once you take possession of the land and move to site to begin work. The criminals in connivance with government officials have perfected the art of cloning original land papers or engaging multiple allocations. The government officials also engage in allocation of “hidden land”. These are parcels of land that the geographical system does not capture but exist on ground. Once the right price is paid, these parcels are then entered into the system and processed for sale. The general talk in Abuja is that once you pay the “right price” you will get whatever size of land you want from the Minister’s office. Those who believe in due process have their files gathering dust at the department of mass housing and other offices within the FCDA. Meanwhile, most of original

inhabitants of Abuja are still in limbo. You often hear government officials say that the land owners have been compensated. However, in a recent radio programme, an association claiming to represent the original inhabitants of Abuja relayed believable tales of how the people of Abuja were short changed by every government since the territory was created. From what I heard, it appears to me that they have lost out completely. No one is interested in seriously addressing their plight.

Besides the civil servants, the original inhabitants of Abuja form the bulk of squatters in the over 19 shanties that the FCT minister has marked for demolition. Demolition takes place almost under every minister. Yet no one has given serious thought and made proper provision for these hapless Nigerians to find comfort in the so called Centre of Unity. Everyone who has power over Abuja Land is busy cannibalizing the territory. When are we ever going to start doing things the right way?

Philemon Adjekuko is on Facebook.

Tax reform to promote good governance these good governance criteria and has created institutions in this regard but not much seems to have been achieved beyond sloganizing and tokenism. It is time we took advantages inherent in a good tax system in other to entrench good governance.

‘Death and taxes are the two certainties in life’ is a popular aphorism but how true is this in our country, how certain is payment of taxes beyond the PAYE deductions in some employment income. The aphorism is probably given taxation its due prominence but it is certainly not true in Nigeria where the tax net is very narrow and tax evasion is the order of the day. Taxation is a strong economic and political tool of governance and a good tax system can be effectively used for fiscal management and redistribution of wealth to reduce inequality in the society. Our leaders also need to understand the nexus between a good tax system and good governance. Studies have shown that a good tax system engenders good governance and vice versa because of the congruence between good governance indicators and the characteristics of a good tax system.

A good tax system is characterized by certainty, efficiency, full compliance with the rule of law, equity and fairness to all, all-inclusiveness and reciprocity in the use of tax revenue. The principle of inclusivism ensures none is left out of the tax bracket while reciprocity connotes transparency, accountability and judicious use of tax revenue. This is very important if tax is not to be perceived as an unwanted imposition on the citizens by the leadership but rather seen as a civic responsibility of citizenship for the common good of all. The citizens should be able to voluntarily pay taxes in anticipation of the “goodies” from the state.

Unfortunately, the Nigerian tax system is by no means equitable or all inclusive in practice, the poor pay

a greater proportion of income as tax than the rich due to the lack of political will to implement the tax laws, poor tax administration and the endemic monster called corruption. A lot of persons and transactions in the informal sector are outside the tax bracket.

There is therefore the need for a complete revolution in the Nigeria tax system in line with the basic tenets of taxation so as to boost revenue and increase citizen interest in tax matters. This will enhance transparency, accountability, and also reduce conflicts that results from dependence on natural resources as witnessed in the Niger Delta.

A state that depends on taxes depends on the prosperity and the enterprising spirit of her citizens and the government that depends on this for the delivery of public goods and services will be more responsive to the growth and development of business enterprises-the golden egg laying geese and the economy in general. The citizens that pay tax will in turn hold the government to account in the use of tax revenue and thus ensuring good governance.

The Nigerian tax system suffers from malaise of inefficiency, ineffectiveness and lack of data base.

The low rate of tax education on the part of both the tax payers and the political class, lack of political will and the disconnect between government and the governed has also largely contributed to the week tax system and this has resulted in Nigeria having one of the lowest tax to GDP ratio among ECOWAS countries.

In most developed countries of the

world, the ratio of tax to GDP is in the region of 40% - 50% while in developing economies to like Nigeria, the standard is about 20%.

It is disheartening to note that that Nigeria has one of the lowest tax-toGDP ratios among the countries in the Economic Community of West African states (ECOWAS) as reported by the ECOWAS commission. While countries like Ghana and Cape Verde recorded higher than 20%, Nigeria is still battling to achieve 10% of non-oil tax-to-GDP ratio, a fact attested to by the Acting Chairman of FIRS in his recent address at the inauguration of FIRS field operations group regional management meeting in Asaba.

The frightening aspect is that, while tax revenue continues to rise in actual terms (due largely to increase in oil revenue and corresponding increase in PPT and royalties) the percentage of Nigeria’s tax revenue to GDP continuously declined since 2001 as observed in a survey carried out by ECOWAS. In Africa, Nigeria is also rated No. 42 of 47 countries surveyed by the heritage foundation for tax revenue to GDP ratio in 2011.

This situation needs to be urgently addressed by a concerted effort at revolutionizing our tax practice. What then is the strategy for improved revenue performance and cure of the “curse” or so called “Dutch Disease” that result from over dependence on oil revenue?

The strategy is to strengthen the weak tax system but not by imposition of more taxes or higher

“

This situation needs to be urgently addressed by a concerted effort at revolutionizing our tax practice. What then is the strategy for improved revenue performance and cure of the “curse” or so called “Dutch Disease” that result from over dependence on oil revenue?

tax rates as most people are quick to postulate especially when Nigerian tax rates are compared with that of advance economies, what is needed is better taxes by adhering to the principles of equity, fairness, inclusivity, reciprocity, and tackling the ineffective tax administration for quick wins while addressing the other challenges in a concerted effort with other relevant agencies for longer term changes in the tax culture and practice.

Some of the specific strategies suggested are: Enforcement of tax laws with appropriate steps to ensure penalties on offenders; a drive for a wider tax base to ensure that all taxable entities and transactions are covered; new enforcement and compliance initiatives such as bank transactions providing a window for effective compliance and enforcement and this should be vigorously exploited in a concerted effort with other government agencies.

Others are: improved more upto-date IT solutions for data gathering, revenue collection and access to tax information; media sensitization campaigns to enhance voluntary compliance and improve tax literacy; and aggressive recovery of all outstanding tax debts.

Implementation of the above mentioned strategies along with several others while adhering to the basic tenets of taxation will not only engender good governance but also in no time astronomically boost tax revenue far above the target of N5.12trillion budgeted for 2012.

It must be warned that taxation is a hard sell anywhere in the world and the tax system is a product of political and economic equation which needs to be well balanced by the Government and that is why a strong political will is needed by the leadership if good governance must be achieved through taxation.

Tajudeen Audu is a chartered accountant and tax practitioner based in Abuja

PAGE 14

By Kunle Owojori

T

he tragedy of the four University of Port-Harcourt students lynched and later set on fire on October 6, 2012 in Aluu, a suburb of Port-Harcourt is one direct consequence of the many ills that afflicts the Nigerian society. Such ills in this case include the abject inefficiency of law enforcement and the collapse of morality in the population. But as simplistic as this may be, an even simpler causative was that out of the tens, perhaps a couple of hundred onlookers (as observed from the youtube video) of that horrific event, not one person stepped up boldly to challenge the evil course and attempted to stop the carnage.

Even after the boys have been stripped and beaten to a pulp, and their heads smashed with bricks and other objects – at this point it is conceivable that at least one of them could’ve been saved if they got medical help – not one of the onlookers stepped in and say, enough! Of course we all know the ending, evil had a field day as the dying boys were doused and set on fire through the hands of a few while many more looked on.

Here is the sad part; you can replay this scenario in any part of Nigeria and the odds are that the outcome will likely be the same.

From the Nigerian societal perspective, the vast majority of the population is more likely to look the other way or simply ‘mind

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

Aluu 4: The tragedy of the onlookers their own business’ in the face of there is, at least one dissenting voice led the 19th Century American stark injustice or wrongdoing as in Aluu on that fateful day. It is also women’s rights movement, “The long as it doesn’t directly affect not inconceivable that if the moment we begin to fear the them. On the flip side (and I don’t dissenter had intervened and opinions of others and hesitate to imply that any one society is spoken up with half the boldness of tell the truth that is in us, and are perfect), this onlooker mentality is the mob leader, the boys might still silent when we should speak, the actually not the norm in many be alive today. Who knows, a lone divine floods of light and life no longer flow into other societies! our souls”.

How did we get Re-awakening here? How did our sense of social N i g e r i a responsibility is become a Peoples Daily welcomes your letters, opinion articles, text going to take more nation whose messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written than the usual soul has been contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters - 150 retort to ‘what the virtually words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your name and government seared, losing a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be addressed needs to do’; it’s its humanity, to: going to take us m o r a l the people direction, and a The Editor, resolving to be basic sense of Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, responsible to one responsibility? another.

To The reality is, 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja. underscore the at the heart of Email: let ters@peoplesdaily-online.com power of one voice, the nation’s SMS: 07037756364 I’m tempted to trajectory of appeal to the decline are a minority of people, albeit a forceful bold dissenting voice could have idealism of many historical and bold minority. We lost our way provided courage to a few other figures including Ghandi, Nelson because the majority looked the dissenting voices to not remain silent Mandela, and especially Queen other way for a myriad of reasons, in the face of injustice. Haile Esther in the bible who despite as the few plundered the country Selassie, the former Emperor of personal peril, stood up, spoke up, and raped our collective conscience. Ethiopia said it clearly that, and thwarted an evil plan when We lost our way because the “Throughout history, it has been she risked her own life to reveal to majority chose to bow down at the the inaction of those who could have her husband, King Xerxes, wicked altar of fear, power, and material acted; the indifference of those who Haaman’s strategy to murder the wealth that the evil minority has should have known better; the Jews. That one voice saved a erected, instead of standing up for silence of the voice of justice when it nation. The reality is that most of the higher values of truth, personal mattered most; that has made it us will never attain the responsibility and social justice, on possible for evil to triumph.” combination of rare courage, According to Elizabeth Cady clarity of vision, and personal which decent societies are built.

It is not inconceivable that Stanton, a reformer and writer who discipline that marked the life of

these historical figures. We can however resolve that each one of us will not stand by or look the other way in the face of injustice in our small spheres of life. After all, the only constituent part of any country that has the potential for good or evil is the people. If half of the currently silent majority will stand up and say, “Not on my watch!” to corruption, injustice, and all manners of social vices, it will be a new day in Nigeria.

Our political leaders, if they still care at all for the future of Nigeria, must seek to shift the current trajectory towards citizen-centred leadership and restoring the dignity of the individual. By restoring dignity to the individual, a nation gain more productive and loyal citizens; they in turn create an environment that promotes critical thinking, learning, and a commitment to ethics and good social values. How to restore individual dignity? Well, this is my challenge to the billions-of-nairaand-dollar making/sharing/ appropriating Nigerian political class.

Finally to my fellow citizens, don’t sit on your hands and let ungodly influences rule and reign in your street, town, state, and country. Remaining silent is the same as passive agreement.

Remember the Aluu 4. Be that voice.

Kunkle Owojori can be reached on kaybluewat@yahoo.com

occurred on Nigeria’s soil, and there is an extradition treaty between both countries, the Nigerian government refused to seek his extradition. It should be noted that the treaty, which was signed in 2002, has not reached the enforcement stage. However, the South African government could still have returned Mr. Okah, but the government was afraid that his trial will reignite agitation within the Niger Delta region. Mr. Okah is being held under a controversial anti-terrorism law: “The Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Act, 2004 (Act No. 33 of 2004).”

The trial commenced on October 1, 2010; and the first witness was the Niger Delta Minister, Mr. Peter Godsday Orubebe, who also happens to be a very close confidant of President Jonathan. Right off the bat, he was confronted with a series of lies he concocted. For instance, while he claimed that he visited Mr. Okah (during a previous visit) in the company of an aide and a personal friend, the alternative version of events was that he visited in the company of Abraham Gillow, Rodney Ambaowei and Kene Angozi. Records show that the group stayed at the Southern Sun Hotel, Katherine Street Sandston (Johannesburg).

On the witness stand, Mr. Orubebe claimed that President Jonathan did not know about his visit – a visit he claimed took place on March 15, 2010. How could a siting minister, and who is also very close to the president, not inform his boss/ friend that he was visiting an alleged terror-suspect in prison? Also, the Minister claimed to have spoken to Mr. Okah on October 1, 2010 (the

bring forth disreputable witnesses to the court is nothing new. The government has been at it for decades. Many at times, she had presented before judges, freewheeling and conscienceless liars to help do opponents and the accused in: some of the most reprehensible human beings have been presented as witnesses — witnesses with no regards for the perjury laws of both countries.

One of the most difficult aspects of this case is the public relations (PR) war the Nigerian government has waged against Mr. Okah. The war of calumny and extreme smear is almost unprecedented in the history of Nigeria. It is bad, so very bad that even the media and the reading public believes the lies and misinformation they are being fed by the government and her proxies. It is also unfortunate that many in the Civil Society have also abandoned him (and are indifferent to his ordeal). Frankly, I can think of no Human Rights organization in Nigeria, today, that has shown interest in the matter.

None! As far as they are concerned, this is a “guilty man!”

But no, this man is not guilty.

Mr. Henry Emomotimi Okah is not guilty of the crimes for which he is being charged. You may say we should leave the final and binding decisions to the courts in South Africa. And I agree. But you must know that his prosecution and persecution is about the 2015 and 2019 elections, and about the machinations of a section of the Ijaw elite as dictated by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Sabella Ogbobode Abidde can be reached at sabidde@yahoo.com

WRITE TO US

Henry Okah: The trial, tribulation and parade

By Sabella Ogbobode Abidde

T

“

hou Shalt Not Bear False Witness” is the ninth of The Ten Commandments all Christians must adhere to. All the major religions of the world — Judaism, Traditional African Religions, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and others — all have similar injunctions. And even within the secular and irreligious world, one must not lie in the court of law. Lying is not only immoral, it is unethical. But this is precisely what we see in the case of the Nigerian government versus Henry Okah as is being played out in a South African court in Johannesburg.

Exactly two years after what came to be known as the Independence Day Bombing, the trial of the alleged mastermind, Henry Emomotimi Okah, began. He is being prosecuted for a series of offences; but the major ones are the October 1, 2010 bombing in Abuja, and the March 15, 2010 car bombing in Warri. Mr. Okah has pleaded “not guilty…not guiltynot guilty!” to all charges, and has, from the very beginning, vigorously proclaimed his innocence.

Because the case is currently in a properly constituted court of law, there are certain aspects of the allegations and actual acts that I cannot, privately or publicly, comment on. One must be careful not to make statements that are prejudicial to the case. However, I have addressed those issues that are safe and proper for me to discuss, on my column for The Punch newspaper.

Even though the alleged crimes

day of the bombing), but for some strange reason, he couldn’t recollect the phone number he called, or what number he called from.

Overall, Mr. Orubebe was a monumental embarrassment in court. He was followed by Mr. Sele Victor Ben (Boyloaf’s brother). Sele claimed that he and others sat with Mr. Okah for the planning and execution of the Agip platform attack of December 2006. The truth, the whole truth, and wholesome truth was that at the time this meeting allegedly took place (in Nigeria); Mr. Okah was already in South Africa.

Another attack he credited to Mr. Okah was the Bonga attack (which took place while the accused was in the State Security Service (SSS) detention facility in Nigeria). When confronted with the truth, Mr. Sele Ben became flushed and jumpy.

Sele Victor Ben’s testimony was followed by that of Mr. Zion Amada, aka Stanley, who, from all accounts, was considered the most unreliable.

The biggest lie that cost him his credibility was his claim that he eavesdropped on a conversation Mr. Okah supposedly had with someone who was dead at the time the supposed conversation took place. The fourth prosecution witness was Mr. Tamunotonye Kuna, aka general Obez (who later turned on the prosecution) — denying and recounting the entire statement he supposedly gave to the government.

From all accounts, this was a man who could neither read nor write at the level of a twelfth-grader.

Following Obez was Abel Bulus Achi, a deputy director in Nigeria’s State Security Service.

He embarrassed the Nigerian

government and the prosecution by telling the court to Google the accused to confirm his membership and leadership of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND). The sixth and equally discreditable witness is also an officer of the SSS. He, at various times acted as a deputy to Mr. Achi in the investigation of the Warri bombing.

He completely contradicted his boss and all witnesses before him. The testimony of the state’s witnesses always caused laughter in court as they were seen to be lying and uncoordinated.

After the great embarrassment caused by his first ten witnesses, the prosecutor, Mr. Shaun Abrahams, has been unable to present more witnesses for fear of further embarrassment. As of the end of last week, it appears as though prospective witnesses are now being coached in readiness for future appearance before the honorable court and Judge. As of this writing, the Court has halted proceedings and ordered the prosecutor to only present witnesses that are related to both bombings and corroborating evidence.

Apparently, the presiding judge, Mr. Neels Claassen, has had enough of irrelevant witnesses and time wasting gimmicks. And so it was that on October 16, 2012, a South African media organization, The Post, reported that “High Court Judge Neels Claassen lashed out at the State for bringing in what he deemed totally ‘useless witnesses.’” (http:// www.thepost.co.za/okah-judgelashes-state-for-useless-witness1.1...). But of course, the idea that the Nigerian government would

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

PAGE 15

Crisis of rule of law and culture of self-help T

By Udo Jude Ilo

wo recent events raised grave concern over t he application of rule of law in Nigeria. One was the gruesome mob action in Aluu in Rivers state that took the lives of four university undergraduates. The second was the wanton massacre of about thirty Nigerians in Maiduguri by the military in an apparent reprisal attack following the killing of some soldiers. There are many dimensions and stories around these events but they amplify the growing culture of self-help even amongst state institutions and alarming crisis of rule of law in Nigeria.

These incidents are not isolated.

There are many cases of abuse and impunity. The Nigeria state is incapable of ensuring accountability and consequences of infringements of the law. This translates into two things- the perception that that constitutional institutions cannot protect or provide redress for individuals and the belief that illegal actions taken by individuals cannot be punished. This is a recipe for anarchy and lawlessness.

According to the Constitution, the primary function of maintaining law and order rests with government. It is the primary reason why formal states exist in the first place. To be able to carry out this fundamental duty, government must not just command respect and trust but also must have effective mechanisms for maintaining law and order. It is the capacity to enforce law that makes legislation have any force in the first in the place. Moral persuasion does

By Chido Onumah

I

f you want to appreciate the integrity deficit of the Jonathan administration, look no further than the events surrounding the disappearance and appearance of the First Lady, Patience Jonathan.

For someone who never misses an opportunity to steal the spotlight, it was inevitable that the First Lady’s absence would draw some attention.

And it did. Regrettably, what started as speculation about her whereabouts soon turned into a comic relief and a national embarrassment. When it became apparent that the “resting in Germany” alibi was as lame as it was perfidious, we were told that President Goodluck Jonathan, accompanied by the chaplain of Aso Villa Chapel, Ven. Obioma Onwuzurumba, paid a visit to the First Lady in Germany.

The result of the secret visit, according to reports, “was a short news item aired on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) at 9pm and accompanied by a short video clip (shot and sent to NTA by the Presidency) showing the President and a gorgeously dressed First Lady who was heard saying, ‘Let me take picture with my husband’”.

Reuben Abati, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, put a spin on that senseless but audacious attempt to hoodwink Nigerians. According to Abati, “the video clip aired by NTA was a confirmation that the President’s wife was hale and hearty contrary to what some people wanted Nigerians to believe. The video has put paid to all the lies that people who play politics with almost everything have been spreading. It was clear from that video

not ensure compliance with regulations. There must be punishment that is not just in paper.

The reverse has been in the case in Nigeria for a long time. Criminals, miscreants and misfits walk around the country even when it is obvious to people that such persons should be behind bars.

Sometime, government does not even hold itself accountable. There is this notion that people can get away with anything in Nigeria. Fiefdoms are carved out where individuals rule supreme and the law does not limit their excesses.

The reckless behavior by some politicians continues to reinforce the notion that we are in a country where laws do not matter.

It is easy to look at the Aluu killings or the free reign of terror in Maiduguri and wonder how this could be possible in Nigeria. It is easy to analyze these events as exceptional circumstances. But the truth is that what is happening is a manifestation of what Nigeria has become. People do not have the faith or confidence in the police or our courts. Incidences of police brutality and unprofessionalism have reinforced the notion that the police is not your friend and the police station is the last place you can get objective redress. A criminal can always walk away from the police if he plays the right card. So if you want ‘justice’ get it for yourself. And there is second troubling dimension to this situation. People believe that government has already done enough impoverishing them.

Politicians loot their resources and they are helpless in ensuring justice.

So when an individual is remotely

suspected of stealing directly from the ‘poor’ the backlash is horrendous.

It is a culmination of frustration, poverty and joblessness.

Security operatives in Nigeria more often than not get away with gross human rights abuses and in some cases extra judicial murder.

There are various reports on these issues. As long as individuals are branded terrorists or armed robbers, it is fine to ‘waste ‘them. This has been going on for years but the consistency of these acts in the anti-terrorism effort has been rather extreme. What are the rules of engagement for our joint task force on terrorism? How come there is limited press access to the operations of the joint task force established to contain violence? Who is investigating all these allegations of killings? These are troubling questions that need to be answered.

But there is a more troubling dimension- the culture of impunity that has been perpetuated over the years. Maiduguri is just a manifestation, the problems are systemic. We see it on the roads where security operatives boldly move around with horse whip; we see it when Nigerians are publicly humiliated with punishments like frog jump or rolling in the mud. You see it in the extortions carried out by the police against innocent motorists; you see it in threats and intimidation by people in uniform. In all of these, the security hierarchy defends the indefensible rather than ensure accountability. The hierarchy which is also a product of the systemic failures is defined by those failures.

Government will have to do a lot to reverse this trend.

Gaining back the trust of the citizens goes beyond brute law enforcement. It has to encompass economic, social and political emancipation that qualitatively improves the lives of Nigerians.

People should have a stake. There should be a sense of ownership in the Nigeria project and a government that is seen to be working for the people. It is a gradually process that will start by redefining our governance principles-Nigerians should be the centerpiece of government policies in practice. As long as our oft touted economic growth does not translate to more job, social amenities and human development, government will continue to hemorrhage credibility and Nigerians will continue to resort to self help. Nothing justifies mob justice but we need to create an environment of economic and social wellbeing where we can effectively re-orient the people.

Government will need to take law enforcement more seriously. To get to the big change, you have to start from the little things that affect the big picture. A lot has been written about police reform and lots of recommendations are there for government to work with. But it is important that the mechanism for oversight has to be strengthened so that security operatives who cross the line can get punished. The internal mechanisms in place currently seem not to be working.

There should be a convergence of external and effective internal oversight mechanism. The fact that Governing Council of the Human Rights Commission is not yet

inaugurated is troubling. This is one institution that can play a significant role in investigating human rights abuses and checking the excesses of police and military action around the country. The ability of this commission to work is greatly hampered by this situation.

There must be consequences for police/ military brutality.

Nigeria can never achieve its potentials if the rule of law is undermined. The rule of law presupposes accountability for state and individual actions. The fact that Boko Haram is wrecking havoc in the country and we are not able to stem it is a crisis for rule of law; the inadequacies of state institution and the credibility challenge they have is a threat to rule of law and the fact that 70 percent of Nigerians or more live below the poverty line is fundamental challenge to rule of law.

When people scream about the absence of rule of law, it is viewed by politicians as the hollow exhortation of the human rights community. It is not. Sadly, it is an existential challenge that threatens the stability of the country, the status quo that government presently enjoys and the potential for a prosperous future. It diminishes the quality of life and accentuates the fault lines in the country. Nigeria needs to wake up and begin to appreciate the enormity of the crisis of rule of law in the country. It is a crisis that has the capacity of destroying everything we hold dear as a democracy.

Jude Ilo Udo is of Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA)

that the scene was not an hospital scene”.

I am sure Abati hardly ever listens to his inner voice. If he does, he would know that he and his boss were the ones playing politics with the life of the First Lady. Abati went on to say that “government had been quiet since because it could not afford to be ‘jumping into the fray’ with everybody”. Welcome to the world of fairy tales. We are supposed to believe this and just move on with our lives.

Of course, if you believe Abati’s tales by moonlight, you might as well believe that tooth fairies exist.

His position shows how unhinged the whole apparatus of governance in Nigeria has become. What were we expected to make of the fact that our ubiquitous First Lady, the Marie Antoinette of our time, went AWOL for two months? But let me reassure Abati and his paymasters that even though they have joined the “wrecking crew” of our commonwealth, it is hard to find any Nigerian, including the inveterate enemies of the president, who wishes the First Lady ill health.

The grand secrecy and deception that surrounded the First Lady’s sudden disappearance from public glare for two months was unnecessary and impish. One would think that after what the country went through in the hands of erstwhile First Lady, Turai Yar’Adua and her cabal, our so-called leaders would have learnt a lesson or two.

How mistaken we were! It seems the more things change in Nigeria, the more they remain the same.

Governance has become a huge joke.

Nigerian rulers take Nigerians for granted because they are convinced they are not accountable to the citizens.

As if Abati’s taunts were not enough insult, when the First Lady finally made it back to the country last week after a well-deserved rest in Germany, she cursed, bragged, and like a true Christian, thanked God Almighty for bringing her back safely to Nigeria and giving her a second chance. It is a bit mystifying that somebody who said she was not sick or admitted in any hospital came back and thanked God for giving her a second chance! Nigerians are reputed to be the happiest people on earth, but I am not sure we are a country of 160 million dunderheads.

Typical of the First Lady, her return was heralded by fanfare and welcome celebrations reserved for royals. Since Mrs. Jonathan went to rest and idle Nigerians kept busy speculating on cyberspace that she was in Germany for cosmetic surgery or getting treatment for a life-threatening ailment, the carnival-like welcome ceremony was only proper to confirm she is hale and hearty.The First Lady denied ever staying in a hospital during her trip abroad and in a rambling tone, explained her sojourn in Germany: “Wherever there are good people, there are also bad ones. There are a few Nigerians that are saying whatever they like, not what God planned because God has a plan for all of us. And God has said it all that when two or three are gathered in

His name, that He will be with them.

And Nigerians gathered and prayed for me and God listened and heard their prayers. So, I thank God for that.

God is wonderful and His mercy is forever. At the same time, I read in the media where they said I was in the hospital.”

“God Almighty knows I have never been to that hospital. I don’t even know the hospital they mentioned. I have to explain what God has done for me. I do not have terminal illness, or any cosmetic surgery much less tummy tuck,” the first lady reassured Nigerians.

She may well be correct. She may not have visited a hospital. Perhaps, the Presidency bought an estate in Germany and got the doctors to treat her at home. There is a world of difference and rumour mongers can jump into the lagoon for all they care.

Not done with her tirade, the First Lady added: “My husband loves me as I am and I am pleased with how God created me. I cannot add.

But at the same time, I will use this opportunity to thank my beloved husband and my children and my staff in general and all Nigerians for standing by me during my trial time.

God has given me a second chance to come and work with women of Nigeria, children and the less privileged. I have come to save Nigeria. I have come to work with Nigerians. I am there for them. Once more, I am pleased to be back. I love Nigerians. They are my family.”

If the attitude of the First Lady is borne out of a feeling of guilt, that unlike her, thousands of women die

every year from poor pre and post natal care and millions more do not have access to basic health care because of the poor health infrastructure her husband oversees, she shouldn’t worry. We are used to our rulers getting treatment and possibly dying overseas, particularly in Germany.

If there is a group that should bear any guilt, it is the media. Where was the Nigerian media in this debacle?

It was the same question that was asked during the Yar’Adua crisis. If our journalists couldn’t go to Germany and were happy to join the speculation game, they owned Nigerians a duty to raise pertinent questions when the First Lady returned.

The Patience Jonathan story is an insight into the secrecy that has dogged this administration. But it is not just that. It is also a reflection of the reckless impunity and utter contempt Mr. Jonathan has, not just for the laws of the land but the people he purports to lead.

If Nigerians appear impatient with the current administration, it is for very good reasons. There are really very few options open to us as a nation beyond the current administration.

In the First Lady, this country finally has a savior. Let’s hope the second chance she asked for, which Almighty God has graciously granted her, is not to continue the plunder and deepen the culture of impunity and bad governance.

Chido Onumah is reachable on conumah@hotmail.com

When patience isn’t a virtue

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

PAGE 16

Traditional ruler decries lack of power supply

L-R: Secretary of Health and Human Services, Federal Capital Territory (FCT),Mr. Demola Onakomaiya, Focal Person, Club 25 Nigeria, Ehigie Olayemi Peter and Vice President, Karimat Musa, during a visit by club 25 team to the Minister of State, FCT, yesterday in Abuja.

By Adeola Tukuru

A

Court orders woman to pay N1.5m to landlord A

n FCT High Court, Lugbe, on Monday ordered Mrs Babalola Abimbola of Lands Department, Federal Capital Development Authority, to pay her landlord N1.5 million for reneging in rent payment.

The amount includes N700,

000 one year outstanding rent, N700, 000 as mense profit, (the amount the plaintiff should have gained), N20,000 out-of-pocket expenses and five per cent interest on the judgment sum.

Abimbola, a mother of four, was also ordered to vacate the

two-bedroom apartment on Plot 2, House 370, FHA Estate Lugbe, owned by J.A. Omebishi Ltd. with immediate effect.

Delivering judgment, Justice Angela Otaluka held that Abimbola was a tenant at will having failed to pay her

Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide (middle), watering a plant, during the launch of FCT Year 2012 Tree Planting Campaign at Ushafa, Bwari Area Council, recently.

Photos: Mahmud Isa

rent to the landlord in line with their tenancy agreement, yet was occupying the apartment.

Otaluka also ordered the landlord to immediately repossess the premises currently being occupied by Abimbola.

“The plaintiff’s claim before the court is `uncontroverted’ and unchallenged because the defendant failed to put up appearance in court despite the several hearing notices issued and served her.

“The defendant also failed to renew her tenancy at the effusion of time and still holds over property.

“In the circumstance, the court is of the opinion that the parties are bound by their tenancy agreement, ’’ Otaluka said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the plaintiff had sued Abimbola, claiming six relieves.

The plaintiff had earlier sought an order of court to repossess the property from the tenant, the payment of N700, 000 as mense profit, N150, 000 for renovation, N550, 000 cost of action.

He also sought for 20 per cent interest on the judgment sum and any order the court might deem appropriate. (NAN)

Gwagwalada chair commits to improving staff welfare

T

he Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, FCT, Alhaji Zakari Angulu, the Chairman has given assurance of his administration’s commitment to promoting staff welfare to ensure optimum productivity.

Angulu gave the assurance on Monday in Gwagwalada, while monitoring staff resumption after

the Sallah holiday.

He said the monitoring was to ensure that all political office holders, departmental and sectional heads as well as other staff were at their duty post.

“Normally after every public holiday, we go round to monitor the level of staff resumption.

“I am impressed with the level of staff resumption because

virtually 90 per cent of political office holders as well as departmental and sectional heads are at their various duty posts.’’

According to Angulu, except for some few offices where the departmental or sectional heads are away on holy pilgrimage, all other heads of departments are in their offices.

Angulu commended the staff

for their support, adding that his administration would continue to create an environment conducive for the discharge of their duties.

He urged them to continue to put in their best as the council had been running its generator between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily to make them comfortable as they worked. (NAN)

traditional ruler in Muko Village of Duste Alhaji under Bwari Area Council, FCT, Chief Ibrahim Yahaya Dangana has decried over lack of power supply in the community, and appealed to the Federal Government to provide them with a steady power supply.

The traditional ruler lamented that most of the economic activities in the area have been paralyzed due to lack of power supply.

He stated that the inadequate power supply in his community, the territory and the nation at large does not portray the country as a vibrant nation stressing that most economic and social problem bedeviling Nigeria could be solved when those in position of power make power supply and other basic infrastructure a priority in their plan.

Lawmaker wants more House seats for Abuja

By Usman Shuaibu

A

member of the House of Representatives at the National House of Assembly representing Abaji, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hon, Isah Egah Dobi, has called on the leadership of the National Assembly to create 3 additional House of representative Members to the existing ones in Abuja.

He explained that if 3 additional representatives were created, it would enhance good representations in the Federal Capital Territory.

Dobi, who made the call in an interview, said that his administration would continue to fight for the welfare of the residents in the National Assembly.

He appealed to the people of Abuja especially the Abuja South Federal Constituency to attend the Constitution review that will commence on the November, 10th 2012 to enable then to channel their problems confronting them in Abuja.

The lawmaker further urged the elected politicians in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to deem it fit to come to the town hall meeting on the Constitution review, so as to contribute their quota towards the debate.

Dobi also advised politicians in the territory to shun all political violence, stating that politics is not a do-or –die affair.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

PAGE 18

3 siblings in court for assaulting man T

hree siblings, Uzoma Madukwe, Okechukwu Madukwe and Chioma Madukwe, were on Monday arraigned before a Kubwa Senior Magistrates Court for alleged assault.

The siblings, who are students, were arraigned on a three-count charge of joint act, assault and

criminal mischief.

Police prosecutor Sandra Oparaougo told the court that the case was reported at the Kubwa Police Station on Oct. 2, 2012 by Luke Madubuko, a resident of Tuga Maje.

Oparougo said that on Oct. 2, 2012 the complainant was on his way to visit an acquaintance at

Kubwa when he met the accused in Gbazango, Kubwa.

“An argument ensued between Madubuko and the accused and they allegedly hit him severally with firewood and other dangerous weapons. “’They also damaged his Toyota Highlander car, allegedly stole the sum of N400,000 in the

car and molested a police officer who was sent to invite them for questioning.’’

He said the offence contravened the provisions of Sections 79, 262 and 267 of the Penal Code.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges and the prosecutor applied for an adjournment to enable him present his witnesses.

The defence counsel, Mr Tanko Yau, applied for bail for his clients.

Senior Magistrate Simisola Adeniyi granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with two responsible sureties in like sum.

He said the sureties must reside within the jurisdiction of the court. (NAN)

Insecurity: Cleric urges Nigerians to unite against ‘evil forces’

By Josephine Ella

V

ice President of the Lutheran Church of Nigeria, Most Reverend Rufus Iwuoha has called on perpetrators of bombings, kidnapping, armed robbery and other crimes to desist from such acts that are capable of jeopardizing the peaceful co-existence of the country, urging Nigerians to unite against “these forces of evil”.

The cleric, who made the call at the just concluded three-day Abuja Zonal Convention of the Church in Kado-Kuchi, a settlement near Kado Estate, Abuja, advised Nigerians to be security conscious and give God his rightful place in the scheme of things in the country as a way out of the present security challenges bedeviling the nation.

“It is expedient that we give God his rightful place”, the bishop said, quoting from the scriptures that “Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted; unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good,” he said.

He commiserated with all Nigerians who have been affected by the devastating impact of the flood which consumed human lives, submerged houses and property as well as washing away farmlands.

This was even as he commended the interventions of the Federal Government and other spirited Nigerians towards providing succor to the affected people.

Reverend Iwuoha further advised the relevant authorities to treat or disinfect all affected areas to avoid post-flood diseases which may arise.

Other speakers at the convention includes The Most Reverend Chimaraoke Iweha, who spoke on Episcopacy; The Right Reverend Gabriel Sadadi, Bishop of Lutheran Church, Western Zone; Mr. Ade Bell, a Security consultant spoke on ‘Security Awareness’; while The Right Reverend Victor James, Bishop of Lutheran Church, Abuja Zone, spoke on the theme, ‘Liberated to Serve Him Joyfully’.

The three day convention attracted members from FCT, Plateau, Nasarawa, Niger and Kaduna states.

Activities that took place include bible studies, lectures, songs competitions, bible quiz, drama and prayers for the nation.

A physical challenged man waiting for alms yesterday in Garki Village, Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Man, 19, in court for criminal use of force, assault

T

he police on Monday arraigned one Ibrahim Yusuf, 19, of Jabi, Abuja before an Abuja Magistrates Court for alleged criminal force, assault and theft.

The Police Prosecutor, Cpl. Buba Irimiya, told the court that one Saidu Idris of Jabi Garage, Abuja, reported the matter at the Utako Police

Station on Oct. 19,2012.

Irimiya said that the accused entered the complainant’s house without his consent to sleep and while there, stole his N20,000.

He said the complainant returned home and found the accused sleeping and when he challenged him, the accused started beating him and

raining insults on him.

The prosecutor said that during Police investigation, the accused confessed to have committed the crime.

Irimiya said that the offence contravened the provision of sections 262, 264 and 288 of the Penal Code.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Presiding Magistrate, Mrs Vera Tomtukura, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000 and a surety in like sum.

Tomtukura said the surety must have a reliable address and reside within the jurisdiction of the court.

She adjourned the case to Oct. 23, 2012 for hearing. (NAN)

Businessman in court for receiving stolen property

A

Kaduna-based businessman, Abubakar Salisu, was on Monday arraigned before an Abuja Magistrates Court for allegedly receiving stolen property.

Police prosecutor Egwu Clement told the court that on Oct. 24,2012, one Usman

David, reported at the Life Camp Police Station that somebody had stolen his iron rods valued at N1.6 million.

Clement said that during investigation, the police discovered that Ebuka Onoha, a security man of Daki Biyu, Jabi Village in the FCT, stole the rods

and sold them to the accused.

He said the accused was charged with dishonestly receiving stolen property, which is punishable under Section 319 of the Penal Code, but the accused pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate Habiba Bello

granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000 with a reliable surety in like sum.

She ordered that the surety must be a responsible Nigerian, who must reside within the jurisdiction of the court, and adjourned the case to Nov. 13,2012 for hearing. (NAN)

Driver, 40, charged for recklessness

A

40-year-old driver, Aliyu Asogwa, with Julius Berger Construction Company, Abuja, was on Monday arraigned before an Abuja Senior Magistrates Court for allegedly causing accident through reckless driving.

Police prosecutor

Clement Egwu told the court that the accused committed the offence on Oct. 10.

He said the accused drove his Vibramax vehicle recklessly on Kado Estate roundabout, Abuja, and caused an accident.

Egwu said the accused hit and damaged a Mitsubishi bus with

Reg. No. XU 105 ABC, driven by Pam Peter of Jabi Daki Biyu, Abuja, and put the cost of repairing the vehicle at N330,000.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened the provisions of Section 28 of the Road Traffic Act, but the accused pleaded not guilty.

The Senior Magistrate, Mr Abudullahi Ilelah, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 with two reasonable sureties, who must live within the jurisdiction of the court.

Illelah adjourned further hearing in the case to Nov. 1,2012.

(NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

PAGE 17

The little girl (R) is in obvious pain as she helps her mother to hawk banana in Kubwa, Abuja. Igbo traditional dancers entertaining at a function over the weekend in Apo, Abuja.

Somebody’s loss is another’s gain: Lack of electricity has forced mobile phone owners A busy corner of Garki village, Abuja onto the streets to recharge their batteries

A tea and bread seller known as (mai-shayi) attending to customers yesterday in Area 1, Garki, Abuja.

Photos: Justin Imo-owo

BUSINESS

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

Email: aminuimam@yahoo.co.uk

PAGE 19

INSIDE

- Pg 20

NAMA boss defends revenue automation

Mob: 08033644990

Airtel laments costs of terror attacks, floods From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

A

irtel Nigeria yesterday raised alarm over the massive damage to its facilities caused by the relentless terror attacks on its installations in the North as well as the ravaging flood across the country.

The twin challenges, the company said which have resulted in the unfortunately loss of lives and property, have also led to loss of telecommunications equipment and an attendant degeneration of quality of service.

It said the Federal Government should declare Telecoms Equipment as Critical National Infrastructure and also appealed to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to make the restoration of telecoms facilities in flooded areas a priority focus of its restoration plans.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos on a paper entitled ‘Recent Developments Impacting Telecommunications Operations

. . .Wants FG to declare Telecoms equipment as critical national infrastructure and Quality of Service in Nigeria’, Airtel’s Director of Regulatory Affairs & Special Projects, Mr. Osondu Nwokoro decried the menace of terror attacks on 53 installations, which has disrupted operations in 193 sites across the Northern part of Nigeria.

Mr. Nwokoro also lamented the devastating impact of the flooding in the Middle-Belt, South and Delta States, which has equally affected 32 installations and impacted on the overall

operations of 41 sites across the region.

According to him, due to armed insurgency in parts of the North, the company’s network restoration and roll out of operations as well as the routine preventive 24hours maintenance of telecoms facilities have been totally stalled in Adamawa, Gombe, Kano, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe and Kaduna States.

Similarly, flooding in Lokoja, Asaba, Ughelli- Patani and PataniElele have greatly damaged

telecoms installations and led to further loss of sites and fiber capacities.

“Expectedly, these disasters have resulted in spiralling costs of maintenance in affected locations to thrice the normal rate, consequently leading to colossal financial losses and dipping revenues.” He said.

Explaining that the impact of the disasters on telecoms operators is local, national and international in scope, Nwokoro

bemoaned the fact that the loss of capacity occasioned by these threats often affects quality of service delivery and customer experience leading to a drop in key performance indicators.

According to him, this deplorable operational landscape is even made worse by the whimsical implementation of law and order issues in some states of the federation as construction workers on some locations across the country find it easy to maliciously severe fiber-optic cables that crisscross the land while operators hemorrhage from multiple and conflicting taxation and regulatory intervention.

Raw Material Research Council boss tasks industries on research commercialisation

By Muhammad Nasir

D

irectorGeneral/CEO, Raw Materials Research and Development Council, Professor Peter Azikiwe Onwualu has urged industries in the country to embark on commercialisation of research and development outputs which he affirmed is key to development of Research institute in Nigeria.

Speaking yesterday at a research seminar and prize awards dinner with the theme “Achieving National Transformation through Commercialisation of Research and Development” in Abuja, he said industries in Nigeria need to form partnerships with knowledge centres on research and development like World Bank Step B Project on fruit juice concentrates with FNMAN Limited.

He tasked industries on provision of fund to support establishment of specialised R&D centers in higher institutions of learning to address generic R&D challenges in the industry. He said the concept of backward integration should be strengthened to source inputs for industry to enable local R&D to be used to develop inputs of acceptable industrial standards.

“Industry should work within the partnerships to make their quality requirements for industrial inputs known and challenge local R&D experts to proffer local alternatives but with commitments to accept and utilise outputs,” Prof. Onwualu noted.

L-R: Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri, Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpa and Minister of Environment, Hajiya Hadiza Ibrahim Mailafiya at an opening ceremony of 'DO THE RIGHT THING: 'PATRIOTISM AND ETHICS FIRST', organize by NOA, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

NSE urges agro-allied coys to seek long-term funds from capital market

C

hief Executive of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr Oscar Onyema yesterday advised agro-allied companies to seek long-term development funds from the nation’s bourse.

Onyema made the appeal in Lagos during the presentation of “Facts behind the Figures” by Presco Plc at the Exchange.

He said that the Nigerian agricultural sector could only experience meaningful growth by accessing long-term

development funds from the NSE. According to him, the Federal Government transformation agenda in the agricultural sector will be achieved through proper use of opportunities offered by the capital market.

Onyema said contrary to the current focus on oil and gas, that the agricultural sector harboured the key that would drive sustainable economic development and creation of employment in the country.

The NSE Chief Executive Officer said that in spite of government commitment in leveraging the agricultural sector, it contributed only two per cent to total export figures in 2012 against the previous 70 per cent.

Mr Uday Pilani, the Managing Director of Presco, reiterated the company’s commitment to improve returns to stakeholders in future.

Pilani said their

Management Tip of the Day

I

Make a job offer that they'll accept

f you've found the perfect candidate for your open position, you need to offer the job in a way that encourages that person to accept it. Of course, the specifics of the job will matter to the applicant, but so will your attitude and approach when making the offer:

Don't leave a message or send an email. Get the person live on the phone or in person so you can convey your enthusiasm.

Make it personal. Be specific about why you chose her and what you believe she has to offer your company. Recall details

from the interview process.

Listen. Gently ask questions about the status of the candidate's concerns (these likely came up in the interview), the timing of his decision, and other organizations he may be considering.

Source: Harvard Business Review

commitment was based on the company’s plan to acquire a new jetty that would accommodate 10, 000 metric tonnes of vessels by 2020.

He said that Presco would continue with its on-going expansion programme for sustainable value creation and effective service delivery.

“The company will commence exportation of processed facilities for fertilisers and palm kernel oil by 2020,” Pilani said.

He said that the company was the first fully integrated oil palm with plantations, oil palm mill, refinery and fractionation plants in West Africa.

NAN reports also that the company, in the third quarter ended Sept.30, 2012, recorded a profit after tax of N2.19 billion against the N1.52 billion achieved in the corresponding period in 2011.

The turnover in the period under review stood at N6.88 billion compared with the N5.73 billion recorded in the preceding period of 2011. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

PAGE 20

COMPANY NEWS PHCN

T

he 14 preferred bidders for the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) were approved on Monday by the National Council on Privatization (NCP) in the ongoing privatization programme.

After the sixth meeting for the year, the NCP, in Abuja named CMEC/Eurafic JV Consortium, Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited, Amperion Power Distribution Company Limited, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc Consortium, and North-South Power Limited as the preferred bidders for the five thermal and hydro power stations being sold by the Federal Government to core investors.

On the other hand, billionaire executive, Mr. Emeka Offor who failed the consistency test conducted by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) was forced to settle for only Enugu Disco.

Samsung

Indian airline passenger gets life-term for hijack hoax A

court in New Delhi yesterday sentenced a man to life imprisonment for prompting a hijack scare on an Indian airline, news reports said.

Jitender Mohla, a 45-yearold chartered accountant, entered the cockpit of a flight from Goa to New Delhi in

February 2009, claiming to have a gun and needles.

He also said that he was one of the accused members of a team that hijacked an Indian Airlines plane to Kandahar in 1999.

The pilot alerted authorities that the plane was being hijacked and made an

emergency landing. After questioning, Mohla’s claims were found to be a hoax.

Indian media said the sentence was unusually harsh but the judge excoriated Mohla for his “terrifying act’’’.

“Even if it is presumed that he (Mohla) had no such intention to hijack the

aircraft, it must be attributed that he knew he was on board a flight carrying 160 passengers and his terrifying act, could endanger the safety of the passengers as well as the aircraft in flight,’’ district judge I.S. Mehta said. Mohla can appeal against the sentence in a higher court. (NAN)

NAMA boss defends revenue automation

T

he Managing Director of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency [NAMA], Engr. Mazi Nnamdi Udoh has restated the reasons behind the new policy on the automation of revenue collection in the aviation industry, affirming that it is a strategic drive in revenue generation.

Addressing trade union leaders of the agency in Lagos, Udoh explained that the introduction of the automation would among other things; block

revenue leakages, allow for proper billing of aviation service users and prepare agencies for self sustenance.

According to him, the antagonists of the new policy should ponder on the benefits of the automation which include transparency, accountability and probity, saying, that ‘’we obviously cannot boldly say we have met the criteria above without automation’’.

He emphasized that contrary to the widely held opinion by the

union leaders, no NAMA worker would lose job following the introduction of theautomation system. The automation, he stressed, would not drain NAMA’s purse, just as he likened the automation system to the use of the Automated Teller Machine (ATM), where one could collect money from the automated machine of any bank by paying mere token for the services rendered.

Coordinating chairman of National Union of Air Transport

Employees (NUATE), NAMA branch, Comrade Ade Adekoya, commended Udoh for his expeditious action in releasing the promotion exercise for the year 2011/2012 to deserving staff, the regularization of casual staff, and training among other.

He also called for quick implementation of the newly submitted actuarial valuation report, and make funds available for immediate transfer into the retirees’ respective Retirement Saving Accounts (RSA).

S

amsung Electronics West Africa has commenced the construction of its second Engineering Academy in AdoEkiti, Ekiti State, in line with its commitment to the development of Nigeria’s information technology sector.

Inaugurated in South Africa in March 2011, the initiative premiered in Nigeria with the opening of the first Samsung Electronics Engineering Academy at Government Technical College, Ikeja in Lagos State.

The capacity-building programme is an integral part of Samsung’s vision to fast-track the entry of African youths into the electronics job market, with a view to developing 10,000 electronic engineers across the continent by 2015.

Naira

T

he naira strengthened as offshore investors bought the nation’s short-term debt and oil companies sold dollars to lenders.

The currency of Africa’s largest oil producer gained less than 0.1 percent to 157.20 per dollar as of 11:09 a.m. in Lagos, the commercial capital, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The naira has strengthened 3.2 percent this year, the second- best performer in Africa.

Nigeria sold 111.27 billion naira ($708 million) of 91-day, 182-day and 364-day Treasury bills at an auction last week, the Central Bank of Nigeria said today in an e-mailed statement.

Oil producing companies, which sell dollars toward the end of the month to meet domestic expenses, are the second-biggest source of the currency after the central bank.

Seats at Benin Airport donated by NPDC

Overland Airways’ boss lauds FG over abolition of import duties , VAT on aircraft spares Stories by Suleiman Idris. Lagos

N

igerian growing local airline, Overland Airways has applauded Federal Government for the abolition of import duties and Value Added Tax (VAT) on commercial aircraft and aircraft spares which was announced by the President Goodluck Jonathan while presenting the proposed budget

for 2013 to the National Assembly recently.

Chief Executive Officer of Overland Airways, Capt.

Edward Boyo said it is a step in the right direction for Nigeria considering the “recommendation of the forum of domestic airlines in the past years and removing this impediment to the growth of domestic airlines in Nigeria.”

He said the new government policy will breathe life into the

operations of domestic airlines in Nigeria. It is a welcome development.

Capt Boyo also applauds the efforts of the Minister, Princess Stella Oduah and the DirectorGeneral of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Dr. Harold Demuren for their persistence and perseverance to ensure that this policy becomes a reality.

“The decision to implement a zero duty and

VAT regime on commercial aircraft and spares demonstrates in no small measure the commitment of the administration of President Jonathan to achieving the objectives of the Transformation Agenda in the aviation sector. We can say without equivocation that the benefits of the Transformation Agenda of Mr. President will be felt more in the aviation sector with the new policy.”

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

PAGE 21

Orozo community gets cultural industry centre

By Miriam Humbe

F

or the residents of Gidan Ajia in Orozo community of the Federal Capital Territory, it was a limitless joyful moment yesterday.

Through the gesture of Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, the community for the first time had a feel of modernity with the establishment of Cultural Industries Centre.

They were visibly joyful as they rolled out the drums and welcomed visitors that thronged the area for the commissioning ceremony.

When one looks at it candidly, they had cause to celebrate. This is because the community is deprived of every amenity capable of making life comfortable for its citizens.

Located approximately some forty-five minutes to one hour walking distance from the main road, behind the Federal Technical College, the people have no access to portable water, electricity and health facilities.

Understandably therefore, the Chief of the village, Sule Baba had only one modest request he made on behalf of the people to the Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the MinistryMrs. Ibukun Odusote.

As soon as he was granted audience, Sule Baba sprang to his feet, greeted the people in Hausa language and poured encomiums on the Ministry for the recognition accorded Orozo community by establishing the federal project in their midst.

While pleading with the Ministry not to abandon the project because the millions invested therein would be wasted; he urged members of his community to take full advantage of the centre for their economic empowerment.

As if to make his message land on the right ears with an equal force of weight, the chief paused a while before making his request: he asked the Minister to impress on the Federal Government to remember them and sink a borehole for the village.

Presently, the only source of water has been a hand-held pump which serves the entire suburb. This causes the people to wake up as early as five o'clock in the morning to join an already long queue in search of water. This is even as the community lacks motorable

Representative of Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation and Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Ibukun Odusote cutting the tape to declare open the centre flanked by Director of Culture, Abdulkadir Mukhtar [right] and Chief of Ajia Village, Mal. Sule Baba, [left].

Women making beads from clay at the centre

The ceramics section

roads and only boasts of rough footpaths.

Speaking earlier, the Minister said the aim of the centre duplicated in the six geo-political zones of the country and were being c o m m i s s i o n e d

to ensure the children and youths enrolled and learnt a vocation so as to reduce the onslaught of unemployment and poverty.

Facilities provided at the centre include exhibition halls, galleries, and craft

simultaneously, was for wealth creation and that with the women and youth taking full advantage for economic empowerment, there was no need for the beneficiaries to be poor.

He urged the village Head

shops, boreholes with overhead tanks, generating sets, and sewing machines.

Meanwhile, the centre is equipped with training services for tailoring, bead making, ceramics, tie and dye, traditional hair weaving and knitting, among others.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

PAGE 22

PENGASSAN calls for compliance with Nigerian content Act T

he Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), has called on multinational firms in the oil sector to comply fully with the provisions of the Nigerian Content Act.

The association’s National Industrial Relations Officer, Mr Chika Onuegbu, made the call in Port Harcourt recently in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He said that such a measure would achieve maximum

Forum charts way forward on use of Africa’s natural resources

By Muhammad Nasir

T

he eighth African Development Forum (ADF VIII) has wound up in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with the adoption of a Consensus Statement suggesting better ways in which African countries can use their natural resources to promote people-centered sustainable development.

The 11-page document is the tangible result of the October 2325 forum on the theme “Governing and Harnessing Natural Resources for Africa’s Development.”

It focused on how to generate maximum benefits from the exploitation of Africa’s lands, minerals, fisheries and forests for the benefits of the people.

On land, which has come under intense speculative pressure from local and foreign investors, the document calls for scientific and methodical approaches to land issues that would guarantee transparency, equity and sustainability.

These include strengthening policy, access, property rights, and investment in large scale agriculture in line with the existing Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).

Africa accounts for 60 per cent of the world’s uncultivated arable land that need to be protected against rapacious speculation.

In an open letter to Forum participants, OXFAM said some 50 million hectares had been acquired in 700 transactions in recent years.

However, the mining sector incarnates the paradox of Africa’s natural wealth, where bounty breeds penury. According to the Consensus Statement, Africa ranks first or second in known world reserves of bauxite, chromite, cobalt, industrial diamond, manganese, phosphate rock, platinum-group metals, soda ash, vermiculite and zirconium.

The continent is home to one-fifth of global gold and uranium supplies, while over 30 countries produce oil and gas in commercial quantity.

To resolve this dilemma, the Forum, among other measures, called for the implementation of the African Mining Vision adopted

by African leaders in 2009. The vision sets out how mining can be used to drive the development of their countries.

According to the document, “transparent, equitable and optimal exploitation of mineral resources to underpin broad-based sustainable growth and socioeconomic development is the major challenge for African countries today.”

On fisheries and aquatic resources, the Forum called for the strengthening of policies, legislation, strategies, investment and collaboration among states in various areas to develop the sector.

Greater attention also needed to be paid to the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) action plan on inland, coastal and marine fisheries and aquaculture at the national and regional levels.

Africa loses a million tons of fishery resources estimated at over US $600 million annually to illegal and unreported fishing.

The forum dwelt at length on the need for the sustainable exploitation and preservation of Africa’s forests estimated at 675 million hectares or 17 per cent of global forests. The need for sustainable exploitation of the Congo Basin, the second largest forest in the world, was a recurrent theme at the gathering.

The Statement cited policy, legal, regulatory, economic, governance, equity, knowledge, institutional and environmental constraints as critical to the sustainable management of Africa’s forest resources with a developmental vision.

transformation for the sector within the shortest time possible.

Onuegbu said that the lack of appropriate enforcement of the act had hampered the promotion of local contents and other major issues in the sector.

He decried the laxity of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for not making enough effort to ensure compliance with the provisions of the act.

The association recalled that the board was set up to supervise, coordinate and ensure compliance of the Nigerian Content Act. “It is rather disheartening

that two years after the passage of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, 2010, the country is yet to notice any positive impact of the act.

“NCDMB needs to wake up and aggressively pursue and deliver dividends of the act to our people, communities and country.

“We want to see our people being trained and assigned accountabilities in critical disciplines of the oil and gas sector, not as figureheads for purpose of statistics,’’ Onuegbu said.

He said that the use of contract staffing and

‘casualisation’ had been on the increase because of misinterpretation of the act.

“The way the act is going is contrary to the global trends in the employment in the oil and gas industry,” he said.

Onuegbu said that an NCDMB partnership with labour unions would go a long way in making the act successful.

He said that poor implementation of the act would amount to economic sabotage.

“I know NCDMB cannot do it alone. This calls for the participation of statutory bodies such as immigration, customs, Nigeria Police, among others,” he said. (NAN)

L-R: Commissioner for Insurance, National Insurance Commission, Mr. Fola Daniel, and Chief Technical Adviser, micro-insurance ILO/UNCDF, Mr. Yoseph Aseffa, during a stakeholders' workshop on microinsurance, recently in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

FCMB records N12.1 billion PBT in 3Q From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

F

irst City Monument Bank (FCMB) Plc has recorded an impressive performance for the third quarter ended September, 30 2012 as its profit before tax increased to N12.1 billion.

This represents an increase of 23 percent compared with amount recorded in the preceding year.

The Group Net Revenue for the same period went up by 36 percent (year-on-year) to close at N34.5 billion while net revenue grew by 11 percent (quarter-on-quarter) coming from better margins that saw net interest income rising by 13 percent in the third quarter 2012. Non- interest revenue stood at N6.6 billion indicating

an eight percent growth.

The bank also recorded loan loss provisions of N1.3billion in the third quarter period against the write-back of N0.8billion it recorded in the second quarter. This, it said came from a recovery of previously-provisioned assets from both Fin Bank and FCMB. On the balance sheet side, the bank’s capital adequacy and liquidity ratios remain strong in spite of risk asset growth at 22 percent and 56 percent respectively.

Low cost deposit mix was 58 percent, representing an improvement of four percent (year-on-year) and 14 percent (quarter-on-quarter).

The growing liquidity of the bank was evidenced by the 14 percent (quarter-on-quarter)

growth in balances with other banks to N126.4 billion. Net interest margin also improved to 7.6 percent in third quarter from 6.8 percent in the corresponding period, enabled by a better deposit mix and continued growth in retail loans.

Its risk assets grew by 10 percent (quarter-on-quarter) from N327billion to N363 billion, arising from continued retail loan growth and trade finance growth while nonperforming loans (NPL) ratio fell from 6.4 percent in second quarter 2012 to 4.9 percent in the third quarter.

Commenting on the results, Group Managing Director/ CEO of FCMB Plc, Mr. Ladi Balogun, said “2012’s main activity has been the FinBank

acquisition and merger, which is now complete from a legal and regulatory perspective.

The FinBank acquisition and subsequent merger has added 30 per cent to the balance sheet and transformed the Bank’s liquidity profile. It has taken the Loan-to-Deposit ratio (LDR) from 87 per cent to 59 per cent and the liquidity ratio from 50 per cent to 56 per cent compared to last year and has also doubled our distribution capacity from 130 to 280 branches and 2 million customers.”

He said that while the protracted merger process has been costly, the opportunity for sustainable, rapid, and profitable growth, particularly in the commercial and retail segments, remains significant.

PAGE 24

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

udennaorji@yahoo.com 07055652553

Integax boosts home ownership with Rentto-Own Scheme

FG urged to develop

Developers and mortgage banks seek access to N2.94tr pension funds for mortgage development

infrastructure for mass housing Pg 28

Pg 28

Pg 27

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

PAGE 25

Bedrooms Bedrooms come in all styles, shapes, and sizes, so how do you design your own? We’ve got bedroom decorating inspiration here. We present two masterfully designed bedrooms (and styles) to inspire the creativity in you. Go ahead. Get thinking. See what you can do about those bedrooms in your home. There’s great creativity in you. And you will find out if you will only try.

A Twist on Traditional In this master bedroom, the designer Kathryn M. Ireland decided to use pattern on pattern with fabrics from her own line.

A Coastal Bedroom Designer Tom Stringer gave this antique chandelier a makeover with white paint.

The four-poster bed’s headboard is in Ralph Lauren’s Coastal Stripe.

Decorating your children’s room

Thrill those kids with colour therapy!

Colours affect the mood, character and overall development of your kids. Those frowns, hearty grins, joyful laughter and, yes, even those signs that suggest your kids might have leadership or academic abilities are probably being nurtured by the dominant colour in your kids’ rooms. Here are priceless tips on how you can use colour in wallpaper to influence the mood and character of those little darlings.

C

olour is the first thing to consider when thinking of redecorating your child’s room. It has been proven that colour regulates and has a great effect on the mood and character of individuals, children inclusive.

Wallpaper offers a wide range of colours that paints and other wall-coverings and treatment cannot achieve. The unique blend of colours and design offered by wallpapers cannot be overemphasized. We have therefore taken out time to bring you some very priceless hints on the colour to consider the next time you are thinking of redecorating your child’s room and maybe attempt to move you from the traditional Pink and Blue.

RED – Forms friendliness and creates stimulation.

Red is the symbol of being healthy and active. It is the colour that helps Kids build active and social personality.

Tip: Red easily goes with black

and it creates sporty image if used with white.

YELLOW – Stimulates brain activity.

Yellow colour stimulates creed for rapport and parasympathic nerve that stimulates kids’ brain activity and it greatly improves academic ability. It also eases kids from being sad or nervous.

Tip: Yellow coloured kitchen may increase kids’ appetite.

ORANGE – Inspires pride and leadership Orange is full of energies and therefore gives imagination and pride. Also, it is known to help kids build more active personality.

BLUE – Blue coloured wallpapers may be helpful for kids who need more concentration or who are nervous.

Blue creates comfortable atmosphere. Blue is the colour that controls emotion and good for relaxation. Plain colours with kids or own picture or maps may be suggested rather

than wallpapers with lots of printed pictures.

PURPLE & PINK – Encourage creativity and sensitivity Purple has the shortest light wave length and it stimulates free imagination. Pink colour gives comfort and calmness and stimulates sensitivity. Pastel toned purple or pink coloured bed clothes or wallpapers help kids develop creativity and it is also good for deep sleep.

Tip: Purple bedclothes may help deep and comfortable sleep.

Further tips for creating kids’ room: Create kids’ room according to their growth level.

Create creative and dreamful space.

Check kids’ favourite colours and items beforehand.

Design the colours that match with kids’ growth.

Fill kids’ room with your dedication and love.

PAGE 26

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

Developers and mortgage banks seek access to N2.94tr pension funds for mortgage development

By Udenna Orji

M

ortgage banks and estate developers are currently holding meetings and presenting position papers to the federal government for approval that will enable them access pension funds for mortgage development in Nigeria.

Nigeria’s contributory pension fund, according to the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) is now N2.94 trillion and may hit N3 trillion by end of 2012 The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ms. Ama Pepple has also been holding stakeholder meetings with operators in the housing sector to develop strategies for increasing sources of mortgage finance in order to ensure a successful execution of the federal government’s new Housing and Urban Development Policies which were approved by the Federal Executive Council last June.

Speaking on the quest by housing sector operators to tap from the pension fund, Mr. Mohammed Jibrin, Managing Director of Sun Trust Savings and Loans Limited said “the Pension Reform Act, 2004, has made it possible for people to have a contributory pension scheme in place. The pension industry has an estimated N2.4 trillion of pension funds under management. These are mostly long-term funds and are the most qualified to support the mortgage industry in attaining its millennium development goals.

But these funds, understandably, are mostly

locked up in government treasury bills and bonds. These (pension) funds have to be unlocked and made available for the real estate sector. This is because the funds are basically, as I pointed out, long-term and you may not have the problem we experience today in terms of mismatch in the maturity profile of the loans we grant, because mortgage loans are long term as against the deposits we take that are mostly shorttenured. If you do an actuarial valuation of the pension funds managed by the PFAs (Pension Fund Administrators), the minimum average number of years the money will remain with the PFAs is about 20 years.

This is what we call long term money. This is the type of money you expect should go into the housing and mortgage sector”.

On whether the Primary Mortgage Institutions have been able to sell these ideas to policy makers, Mr. Jibrin said “there have been varied meetings and position papers to this effect. The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ms. Ama Pepple has been holding stakeholder meetings with the sector. She has set up committees, she is doing a great job honestly and the Federal Mortgage Bank has been providing the necessary support to this effect. I am aware that the Minister of Finance and the Coordinator of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, is committed to and looking at the housing sector as a catalyst for growth and employment generation. I know that the housing and finance

minister have been working together to ensure that the housing sector is jump-started seriously this year. It is on top of their radar. The idea is to create jobs in the economy. The Central Bank needs to get involved too by providing the necessary funds and credit guarantees to the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria in particular and to the sector in general. The Nigerian housing sector is one of the most diagnosed sectors of the economy. The issues that are militating against its development are very clear” Adding his voice to mortgage development, Mr. Elias Ovesuor a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) and Managing Partner, U.K. Ovesuor & Partners has blamed Nigeria’s shortfall of over 16 million houses on “the deficient structures of the mortgage industry in Nigeria”.

In his words, “mortgage financing as an instrument for home financing for now, I can say we are having problems with

it. Only a few people are benefiting from it. The housing shortage in the country is about 16 million housing units, but in the last ten years, we have not provided up to half a million housing units. So, to get the 16 million housing units that are in shortage, you will then appreciate the problem at hand in respect of housing provision.

Mortgage in Nigeria, to be candid to you, is still as its infancy”.

As a way out of the problem, the Federal Government has been called upon to develop mortgage policies that will encourage Nigerian banks to grant mortgage loans to Nigerians at a maximum of 9% per annum.

Government has also been urged to check the rising inflationary trend in Nigeria as the trend is causing a steady rise in the cost of building inputs in Nigeria, leading to high costs in property development and sales.

Speaking with Peoples Daily on how to boost homeownership in Nigeria and reduce the

“

There is also the burning need to create awareness to Nigerians about mortgages and Nigerian mortgage institutions. Even contributors to the National Housing Fund (NHF) do not know what they are contributing for. States and local governments should make land available to developers and encourage their workers to get loans from mortgage institutions to buy their own houses

nation’s estimated 16 million units housing deficit, Group General Manager of mass housing developer, El-Salem Nigeria Limited, Mr. Geoffrey Ozoani appealed to government to “come up with very definite policies on mortgage. Definite implementable policies on mortgage that make it attractive for commercial banks to offer mortgage loans to Nigerians because most commercial banks are not providing mortgage facilities”.

He noted that “the fear of our commercial banks is how they can recover their money but a mortgage loan is the easiest loan to recover because the house serves as collateral and usually also rises in value over time. The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) loan is at 6% but if all our commercial banks are encouraged through attractive policies to offer mortgage loans at say 8% or 9%, Nigeria’s housing deficit will drastically reduce. Even in Namibia where I recently returned from, the commercial banks pursue people to come and collect mortgage loans because their mortgage system works perfectly.

According to him, “there is also the burning need to create awareness to Nigerians about mortgages and Nigerian mortgage institutions. Even contributors to the National Housing Fund (NHF) do not know what they are contributing for. States and local governments should make land available to developers and encourage their workers to get loans from mortgage institutions to buy their own houses”.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

PAGE 27

Integax boosts homeownership with Rent-to-Own Scheme

I

ntegax Resourcery Limited, a household name in estate development and mortgage advisory has continued to heed the Federal Government’s call for developers to build high

quality but affordable homes to enable Nigerians become homeowners.

Integax Resourcery has enabled more than 500 people to become homeowners through its famous

JUBILATION BuildEasy Housing Scheme; an affordable homeownership scheme which allows average income earners to become landlords. The icing on the cake is that this Abuja-

based reputable developer also has a Mortgage Assistance package which makes it easy for people with moderate means to become homeowners without much hassle. It has launched a

variation of the BuildEasy Scheme called “Rent-to-Own” which enables you live in one of their choice homes, pay rent until the house becomes yours within 5 years.

FG urged to develop infrastructure for mass housing

M

ass Housing Developer and Managing Director of El-Salem Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Ben Gbade Ojo has called on the Federal Government to develop infrastructure in all areas designated for mass housing as a way of achieving government’s target of reducing the nation’s deficit of 16 million housing units.

Mr. Ojo who made the call in a chat with Peoples Daily in Abuja on Friday stated that “without prejudice to the findings and recommendations of the various committees set up by the Housing Minister to identify problems and solutions to Nigeria’s housing sector, including efforts of professional associations and other stakeholders on the way forward for the sector, I wish to call on the Jonathan administration to please tackle Nigeria’s housing problems through concerted development of infrastructure like roads, electric power and pipeborne water in sites designated for mass housing. Our experience in developing mass housing has shown that the absence of urban infrastructure and escalating cost of building materials have been the bane of estate developers and have effectively stunted efforts at housing development especially on mortgages. While the country waits for the development of the bond market to finance urban infrastructure, we urge the government to create a temporary and targeted intervention fund that will provide infrastructure for serious private sector estate developers and come up with some other measures that will bring down the cost of building materials in the country”.

He said “as the nation gets poised to provide adequate housing for her citizens, it has become necessary to carry out a comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s mortgage sector and mortgage institutions in Nigeria”

President Goodluck Jonathan

Spain reels under foreclosures H

ome foreclosures in Spain, which disproportionately affected lower-income immigrants after the real estate bubble burst, are spreading to formerly well-to-do families and businessmen as they run out of ways to pay mortgages in a deepening recession.

Spanish business people, upper middle class families and their loan guarantors, typically parents of first-time buyers, now account for 60 percent of foreclosures in Madrid, according to AFES, an association that advises homeowners facing repossession.

Three years ago, 80 percent of foreclosures were on the homes of immigrants, usually the first to lose jobs and fall behind on loan payments in a souring economy. They now comprise 40 percent of the total, according to AFES. “Repossessions are encroaching further into the city centers, like an overflowing river,” said Emilio Miravet, head of real estate finance at the Spanish property unit of advisory and investment firm Catella AB. “At the beginning of the crisis, it was homes in the periphery areas belonging to the less affluent that were being

foreclosed upon.”

Loan guarantors, often parents who used their houses as collateral to help their children become homeowners when real estate was booming, now represent a fifth of foreclosures, AFES data show. Bloated prices had forced thousands of firsttime homebuyers to seek parental help to get a foot on the property ladder, according to Jose Luis Ruiz Bartolome, author of “Adios Ladrillo Adios,” which means “Goodbye, Real Estate, Goodbye,” a 2010 book on the rise and fall of Spain’s property market.

Ministers Meet Spain’s worsening foreclosure crisis comes as ministers from all 27 nations in the European Union meet today. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy will have talks with French President Francois Hollande tomorrow in Paris after European finance ministers met in Luxembourg yesterday to discuss Spain’s overhaul effort and closer banking cooperation as they seek to avert further turmoil and prepare for a summit next week aimed at easing the region’s debt crisis.

Rajoy is struggling to cut a budget deficit and stem crippling borrowing costs while the country

copes with its second recession since 2009 following a more than decade long property boom.

“Bank managers, who had aggressive targets to meet, did all they could to lend to those who wanted to carry on buying into the bubble,” Ruiz Bartolome said. “Asking for guarantors became another useful tool to spread their risk and allow them to continue lending right up until the bubble exploded.”

‘Saddest Cases’ Carlos Banos, president of Madrid-based AFES, said parental guarantors “are the saddest of all cases” the association sees. “The kids lose their homes, go live with mom and dad and then mom and dad lose the home that they worked all their lives to pay for because it backed their children’s debts.”

At the peak of the housing boom in 2007, purchasing a home in Spain cost 7.7 times a family’s annual gross income on average, compared with 5 times in the U.S., according to research

by Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA (BBVA), the country’s second-biggest lender.

Guarantors were rarely aware of the consequences of backing mortgages. On top of losing their homes, some have had part of their pensions taken

away to repay debts, according to Banos.

Spanish home prices have fallen more than 30 percent since the peak, according to Tinsa, Spain’s largest homes appraiser. That’s left about a fifth of borrowers in negative equity, a figure that could reach 25 percent by year’s end, according to Standard & Poor’s.

Unemployment, already the highest in the European Union, rose to 24.6 percent in the second quarter, the highest since at least 1976, the year after the death of dictator Francisco Franco.

‘Massively Threatening’ “The economic crisis is wiping out businesses and the finances of families that were comfortably off” and “foreclosures are now massively threatening businessmen and families in high income areas,” Banos said.

“Unemployment is the root of all of this and the worst affected areas are Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Andalucia.”

Banos said 22,000 small businesses have disappeared in Madrid alone since 2007.

Demand for the group’s help from clients such as lawyers, dentists and tavern owners has surged more than sevenfold in the past three years.

PAGE 28

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2012

Amazing stuff: the all-new Mazda CX-5.

Photograph: Observer

Mazda CX-5 I

t may not be love at first sight, but the dependable Mazda CX5 is a family SUV that'll never leave you in the lurch Sometimes writing about cars can feel like being a relationship counsellor. We're in search of excitement, happiness, dependability, sexiness‌ All I'd have to do is replace the word "car" with "partner".

Anyway, if you are back in the automotive dating game - maybe you have suffered a domestic write-off and you're looking for a new ride - you'll be amazed how things have moved on.

Take this latest family SUV from Mazda. Most new cars have

a certain amount of carry-over from existing models within the range - baggage, if you like. The chassis may already feature on another car in the line-up, the interior may have been sourced from the group's parts bin. But this Mazda is all new. Untainted.

Not only have the engine, transmission, chassis, bodyshell and styling never been seen before, but the thinking behind the drive train is groundbreaking, too.

On the rear of the CX-5 you'll see a small badge that says: "SkyActiv". The CX-5 is the very first Mazda to carry the badge and in future all the Japanese maker's

vehicles will feature SkyActiv technology. It amounts to a mission statement. While other manufacturers chase their tails creating futuristic hybrid and electric engines, Mazda's engineers have decided that there's still plenty of life left in the ICU (not intensive care unit, but internal combustion unit). You might say, that Mazda has rescued the ICU from the ICU! Ha‌ where were we? Oh, yes, so Mazda decided it was going to concentrate on improving existing technology and make its engines more efficient, its bodies lighter, and ensure its gearboxes were friction free.

It's easy to make these sugared promises, but Mazda seems to have delivered with its CX-5. Two engines are on offer: a 2-litre petrol and a 2.2-litre diesel. The former boasts the highest compression ratio ever seen in a road car - this ensures that emissions are driven down, power output is pushed up and the minimum fuel possible is burned. The diesel, which I tested, is a real charmer - smooth, strong, quiet and responsive (we're back to dating).

So much for the drive, what about the looks? The CX-5 is the first to feature what the company calls its "Kodo" design theme or "soul in motion". Not sure quite

what that means, but it is handsome enough as far as family SUVs go and it has a pleasantly feline set to its chops. Inside it's remarkably spacious, with plenty of leg and head room in the back, plus an enormous boot. Handily, the parcel shelf can be stored under the floor - which is a lot better than losing it in the shed.

So, if your relationship wish list features direct and focused steering, good grip and reasonable body control, along with a slick gear change as well as the ability to cope with a long run with the minimum of fuss, it might be worth spending a day test driving a Mazda CX-5.

On the road: Chrysler 300C CRD V6 Executive

'

I don't believe any selfrespecting gangster would really want to be seen dead (maybe literally) in one of these.'

Photographs: Simon Stuart-Miller for the Guardian You'll have seen this one around

the place. It looks, at first glance anyway, a little bit like a Bentley from the front. But then the more you see of it, and the more you look, the less like a Bentley it becomes.

It's brasher, louder, cheaper, more American. Actually, on this, the car's

second incarnation, the grille is less like a Bentley's; it's been replaced by a more American one. The car has lost some of its distinguished looks.

It is still distinctive, though, with its high sides and squat

windows, there's a certain badassness about it, the kind of car you can possibly imagine a Chicago gangster driving, or cruising along The Strip in Vegas. Maybe the rear window lowers, the muzzle of a semi-automatic weapon appears, pow pow pow, the window is raised as the car speeds off to the sound and smell of burning rubber...

Here, parked on my Victorian London terrace, it just looks ridiculous. It is ridiculous, and it's embarrassing. It's too big, it doesn't fit. And it's too big driving around town, too. It's vast, a proper tank.

On the open road it makes a bit more sense - powerful, easy, comfortable, big. You get a real sense of momentum in it, the feeling it will carry on, for ever, in a straight line, on a straight road‌ in America, where it belongs. And where this kind of vulgarity is acceptable. And where the 28th amendment to the constitution protects an individual's right to burn oil, no matter what the cost to the planet.

OK, so in Europe it comes with

a V6 diesel engine, but even so it's a lot thirstier and CO2 fartier than the equivalent European (probably German) diesel luxo barge. The German will be a better car, too, more suited to Europe's roads, and more refined inside.

So all the Chrysler really has going for it is its style. But looks alone aren't enough to keep a relationship going. Especially when they're not as striking as the previous model's. And when they don't stand up to closer scrutiny.

Look at it, it's not really as badass as it thinks it is, is it? I don't believe any self-respecting gangster would really want to be seen dead (maybe literally) in one of these. No rapper either, or footballer, just as they wouldn't want to have a fake gold Rolex on their wrist.

Because that's what this car is, a fake. And if you're going to not give a toss about the environment, you may as well do it in style. In a real Bentley.

Source: Guardian.co.uk

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

PAGE 29

Slaughtered by religion: A Review of E.E. Sule's Sterile Sky BOOK REVIEW

By Sanya Osha Published: October 9, 2012 Title: Sterile Sky Author: E.E. Sule Publisher: Pearson Education Ltd, Essex.

Pages: 286 Year: 2012

E

.E. Sule has been in the news lately for condemning the "culture heroism" (apologies Ato Quayson) that over-exposed authors such as Chinua Achebe have enjoyed.

Sule's condemnation quite obviously has to be a challenge to himself. If he intends to topple entrenched literary heroes then he must be fully prepared to take their place.

And in order to do so, he must simply write worthy books.

Sterile Sky, Sule's first novel is an ambitious work that tells the definitive story of an important moment in Nigeria's sociopolitical history.

For more than three decades, northern Nigerian cities have been plagued with the scourge of religious fundamentalism and strife in which human beings are repeatedly slaughtered by the dozen and sometimes in hundreds or more. Cities such as Sokoto, Maiduguri, Yola, Bauchi, Kaduna, Zaria, Jos, Katsina and of course Kano, the setting of the novel have all been ablaze periodically due to the chancre of religious violence.

Sterile Sky is about precocious Murtala and his family which unravels as the pressures of living in a highly volatile metropolis takes its toll. Murtala's father works as a policeman and his mum is a petty trader. The novel begins on an ominous note.

Refugees have sought protection in a police station as killers rampage through the city. A siege mentality is what the refugees are forced to endure.

During this spate of violence, Ukpo, Murtala's brother is butchered. So is Helen, his school mate. Their ghosts continually visit him in dreams and nightmares as the narrative progresses.

After the deaths of Ukpo and Helen, Murtala realises they were the closest individuals to him in the world and he never quite gets over the loss. His mother is even more devastated and subsequently embarks on a journey back to her village leaving only her husband and Murtala behind. Her words: "I should keep my children here and allow hawks to snatch them from me? All of them? My children shall not die. Go and look for a lorry to pack our belongs now!" (p.31). In the intervening period, Murtala's intellectual curiosity blossoms. He learns about IMF structural adjustment policies that pulverised entire African communities including

his own.

Meanwhile back in the village where his mother and other siblings re-locate things are not going too well. First of all, they have to contend with the hostility of the villagers who are suspicious of their arrival especially as they appear to have limited financial means. And then Murtala's siblings start to fall ill. Their mother attributes the causes of their illness to witchcraft.

As suddenly as she had departed the dangerous city of Kano she returns licking her wounds. At this point, the real unraveling of the family commences. Her husband is fast becoming an alcoholic. Imatum, her fist daughter who had in fact returned to Kano earlier takes to the fast life, exploring the delights of the city and hanging out with men. Eventually, she falls pregnant and leaves the family.

During child birth, she suffers a vesticovaginal fistula, a common occurrence among young girls in northern Nigeria. Incidentally, the man who impregnates her is a much older muslim while she is a Christian. This merely throws up the contributions about life and religion. It appears that religion rather than foster peace and stability only serves to fuel the embers of hate and intolerance. Ironically, Murtala's mother is a staunch Christian and partakes consistently in religious fellowships as all around

her the city is engulfed by violence instigated in the name of religion.

Murtala's father's alcoholism worsens and puts him and his family through all kinds of indignities. His performance at work also suffers. In the end, he loses his job but fails to reveal this to his wife who eventually finds out from external sources. The family never completely recovers from this latest onslaught.

Murtala's mother had always perceived the city as a site of iniquity. But the village is also

demonstrated to be filled with witchcraft and superstition. This re-inforces the feelings of siege the characters of the novel have to contend with at many levels. In other words, there is no escape from the ever-encroaching sense of violence, squalor and degradation.

E.E. Sule's characters appear to be normal, forthright people caught in a web of senseless social implosion and postcolonial decadence. Indeed some of the violence is simply overwhelming: pregnant women are disemboweled and foetuses are strewn on flaming streets. Murtala and his numerous siblings are casually affected by the ever-present threat of death. The shadows of death are both local and global as George Bush's confrontation with Saddam Hussein mirrors in a direct way the Christian/muslim tussle rending apart contemporary Nigeria. But it is the local dimensions of violence that particularly concern us here. After losing his job, Murtala's father adds chronic weed smoking to his list of vices.

He abandons his family and submerges himself in the underbelly of the city and his wife is left to shoulder all the burdens of raising the kids. Murtala, called "the rational one" by his mother assumes more or less the role of responsibility vacated by his absent father. This role requires not only an application his intellectual gifts but more importantly, the deployment of simple good old wisdom. One again the failings of customary masculinity are demonstrated by the physical and psychological collapse of Murtala' father while his mother on the other hand, is shown to be stronger and more resilient.

E.E. Sule has written not only an ambitious novel but also a very accomplished one. Sterile Sky is a fascinating account of the religious conflict in northern Nigeria and the myriad ways by which it destroys human lives.

PEOPLES POEM OF THE WEEK Title: The blood orange sky

By Abigail George My brother and I believed in ghosts from an early age.

When we were little we thought they would haunt us to an early grave.

They drowned in the air like swastikas; armies in flight.

When they went missing we would try to find them Again picking on the words black, shelved, barren, lit them up in the Orange sky as if it was a furnace burning at Auschwitz.

I wanted to be the woman who gave you everything.

Instead I came with darkness, a wreck that was visible, cats, So I hunted my brother down; swore him to secrecy.

I could see the boy in him still; even in the fog – with Flecks of blue marbled sky dissolved in his eyes I kept him safe, Warm; beguiled in my arms before I let him go.

QUO TE UOTE

E.E. Sule, the author

“There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”

– Albert Einstein

PAGE 30

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

I’ll conduct most credible LG poll ever in Bauchi state- SIEC boss Chairman, Bauchi State Electoral Commission (SIEC), Alhaji Abdulmumini Mohammed Kundak, recently met with journalists in Bauchi. He spoke on his membership of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), his relationship with Governor Isa Yuguda and how he will conduct a free and fair local council poll. Ahmed Kaigama was there. Excerpts:

W

hat are your priorities in the forthcoming local government election?

My priority is to ensure a fair, hitch-free and credible local government election that is the most acceptable ever in Bauchi state. I will do so by carrying along all the registered political parties in Bauchi state not only to participate but work together to ensure that justice is done to each and every one of them, and I will also give priority to my workers including the ad hoc staff to be recruited so that with the support of government, political parties and relevant stakeholders, we will succeed because I will bring innovations that will see to changes and build our grassroots democracy for the development of Bauchi state, but the challenges and constrains I have is to satisfy the yearnings of all stakeholders for credible local government elections in Bauchi state.

When you were nominated, opposition parties cried foul because everybody knew you as a card carrying member of the PDP? That was then; ever since I have built a name and reputation not only in Bauchi state but all over the country.

Before my name was submitted to the Bauchi state House of Assembly for approval, I had to call all my ward members particularly the ward chairmen and secretaries and told them that I am no more a card carrying member of the PDP. So you have resigned from PDP? Of course yes, I have resigned from PDP since this is national call and a national duty. I have to resign if I will do justice to all because I will be a father to all political parties, because if I continue to be in any political party, I will not do justice to anybody. And to become a member of any political party is a right given to any Nigerian and at any time he wants, he can resign and live a peaceful life without joining any political party. it’s also your right, so I used this right and resigned from PDP. Not only me, even my commissioners don’t belong to any party. We want to do justice to people and so, are not card carrying members of any

political party.

Everybody knows that you are too close to Governor Isa Yuguda and a favourite in his kitchen cabinet whom he had appointed to many positions. How can you convince people that you will not dance to his tune during local government election?

Is there any kitchen cabinet in this government?

Let’s assume I am too close while I am not. Does being close to people stop you from doing good things? Remember that we swore before Almighty Allah that we will carry out this duty without fear or favour according to the rules of the game. If all of us believe in Allah, I believe nothing will stop us from doing justice to people, because we know we will be judged by our deeds on the last day. Should my appointment interfere with the relationship with another person in this world? But we all know that the present administration in Bauchi state carry all on board without discrimination. That is the reason we have many political appointees in this government.

Infact, we have the largest number of political appointees in the country. Being in the payroll of Governor Isa Yuguda is not a crime if he sees anything good in me and calls me to serve and contribute my quota to the development of Bauchi state. But what I want from people is to come so that we can go together. They should know my policies and everything, I have an open door policy that accommodates all with fairness; many people know my policies when I was a political adviser, they should also come here so that we can join hands and move the state forward, Is there any plan by the Bauchi State Government to hold council polls?

If there is no plan, why are we being appointed? Yes there is a plan, but I can’t tell the exact date because we were just sworn in and before you conduct the elections, you have to follow certain procedures that involve all stakeholders and prepare for the election.

First, we will deliberate with my commissioners, we’ll invite all the political parties and relevant stakeholders that matter in election. You know, we have to give even the

Alhaji Abdulmumini Mohammed Kundak political parties three-months grace to prepare for the election, we have to draw a plan and time table , we have to create a conducive atmosphere for all contestants.

When we come out with good plan for conducting successful and credible local government election, government will comply and everybody will comply, then we will announce the date but first we need the support of all in order to have internal party democracy, we need time and prayers to deliver, because my business is to conduct the most peaceful and successful local government election. Even now, the government is waiting for us to prepare and they will cooperate.

In every state where the state electoral body conducts elections, only candidates of the ruling party who are mostly loyalists of the state governor win. Can you make

a difference this time in Bauchi?

Are you talking about winning election or appointing winners? In every credible election, voters’ wishes are respected. In my position now, all political parties are equal.

We will respect the wishes of the people, we will create conducive atmosphere for all to contest freely and we will be fair to all. It’s now left for the political parties to put good candidates that they know can win the heart of the electorate, they should also sell the programmers and manifestos of their parties to the electorate. We will respect the wishes of the majority of voters and whoever wins the majority of votes under whichever party will be declared winner.

Political thuggery and electoral fraud are common complaints during election time. As an experienced politician, can you conduct

credible polls?

Yes, we will do our best with the support of other stakeholders, especially political parties and candidates. They should fear Allah and follow the laid down rules of the game. If you have confidence, you will win. You don’t have to win through unlawful votes, please try and win with lawful votes so that we will have credible polls. We will also use the security agencies to ensure peaceful conduct of the elections. In Bauchi state, there is a law banning the use of thugs or carrying weapons during campaigns. We will make sure that this law is obeyed in order have peaceful elections. I will use this medium to appeal to all stakeholders to cooperate with us and help us to have smooth and peaceful election. I assure you that we will respect the wishes of the people judiciously without any fear or favour.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

PAGE 31

Bombs and blame in Beirut

After the assassination of Wissam al-Hassan, Beirut quickly descended into chaos after blame was assigned [REUTERS]

ANALYSIS

B

eirut, Lebanon - In the aftermath of the recent car bombing in Beirut that killed Lebanese security chief Wissam al-Hassan and two others, Lebanon's antiSyrian political opposition wasted no time assigning blame for the malevolent deed to the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad.

Prominent media obediently fell in line. CNN, for example, transcribed the guilty verdict issued by the leaders of the March 14 political alliance while studiously avoiding any contradictory opinions. Future Movement leader Saad Hariri, son of assassinated former prime minister Rafik Hariri and ringleader of the selfappointed tribunal that has magically divined Syrian guilt in the al-Hassan case, was quoted as providing evidence to back up the ruling: "Hariri accused al-Assad of 'killing his own people' and said '[al-Assad] will not think twice' about killing Lebanese in order to protect himself."

Premature conclusions While it is impossible to deny either of these statements, al-Assad's less-than-savoury characteristics as a human being do not automatically translate into a smoking gun.

As Ibrahim al-Amin, editor-inchief of Lebanon's Al Akhbar newspaper, has pointed out, "the Syrian security establishment is in seriously

and dangerously decrepit condition - as evidenced by its failure to take the most basic security measures to prevent repeated attacks on high-level regime figures". Al-Amin poses the logical question: "How can a state which could not find or arrest its own prime minister after he defected and remained inside the country before leaving, suddenly display a high degree of proficiency in a security operation that would have required thorough and professional preparation?"

This is not to say, of course, that Syria is beyond suspicion.

But the swift launch of the March 14 crusade to exploit the al-Hassan assassination to the detriment of the Syrian regime and its Lebanese allies should arouse suspicion as well.

Without jumping to

conclusions about why March 14 jumped to conclusions, it is nonetheless crucial to recall that politically expedient framing for crimes is not a rare or novel practice in the Middle East or anywhere else in the world.

Furthermore, Syria was hardly the only regional party with a bone to pick with alHassan, whose assistance to the anti-Assad Free Syrian Army and arrest of a close Syrian ally in Lebanon earned Damascus' ire. In addition to being a prime initial suspect in the UN investigation into none other than the assassination of Rafik Hariri, al-Hassan also presided over the branch of the Lebanese Internal Security Forces responsible for targeting Israeli spy rings in Lebanon.

It is very possible that alHassan was eliminated in the

“

interest of creating chaos and igniting sectarian tension rather than in retaliation for a specific personal conviction, policy or allegiance. It's no secret that, for the duration of Lebanon's contemporary history, various domestic and foreign actors have used the country's instability to their advantage.

Fallout The Beirut bombing incidentally occurred not far from the office of the Lebanese Phalange, a political party whose claims to fame include the 1982 massacre of up to several thousand civilians in the Palestinian refugee camps of Sabra and Shatila in response to the assassination of Phalangist president-elect Bachir Gemayel.

The perpetrators of the massacre were aided and

It is very possible that al-Hassan was eliminated in the interest of creating chaos and igniting sectarian tension rather than in retaliation for a specific personal conviction, policy or allegiance. It's no secret that, for the duration of Lebanon's contemporary history, various domestic and foreign actors have used the country's instability to their advantage.

abetted by the armed forces of Israel, an entity that derives especial glee from Lebanese instability - providing, as it does, an excuse for further destabilising activity in the form of Israeli invasions, occupations, bombing campaigns, water supply interference, and other projects ensuring Lebanon's continued inability to exist as anything more than the crippled semblance of a state.

Following the Gemayel assassination, the on-the-spot assignation of blame by biased parties unleashed chaos and rage that were then channelled into support of Israeli political aims, as Israel vicariously terrorised camp residents for the crime of being Palestinian.

The guilty verdict issued by the Israelis becomes slightly less convincing, however, when one considers certain details. For example, shortly prior to his demise, Gemayel happened to fall out of favour with the Jewish state, which had previously endorsed him with the expectation that he would behave in obsequious fashion vis-a-vis Israeli demands.

Obviously, the fallout from the al-Hassan assassination has been nowhere near as grave as Sabra and Shatila, though 1982 is an ever-relevant reminder of the potential recklessness of unfounded accusations in tense times. The days following the car bombing saw gun battles, fatalities, burning tire roadblocks, and an absurd attempt by March 14 thugs to storm the government palace in Beirut and force the resignation of the Lebanese cabinet.

In a nod to the business of human suffering that tends to get lost among sectarian political rallying and opportunism, Al Akhbar's Ibrahim al-Amin writes: "[A]s some engage in a vile game of exploiting blood, a family has had a massive calamity inflicted on it. One need only look again at the images of Wissan's two sons at the funeral to appreciate the enormity of the personal tragedy."

Indeed, the diminutive state of Lebanon holds the distinction of playing host to a disproportionate incidence of such calamity an achievement that stands to be repeated ad infinitum so long as blood is permitted to function as a political tool.

Belen Fernandez is the author of The Imperial Messenger: Thomas Friedman at Work, released by Verso in 2011. She is a member of the Jacobin Magazine editorial board, and her articles have appeared in the London Review of Books blog, Al Akhbar English and many other publications.

Source: Al Jazeera

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

PAGE 32

Somali poet Warsame Shire Awale killed by gunmen K

Rwanda’s General Nyamwasa in South Africa refugee case

enyan politician Shem Kwega has been killed and his wife wounded in a drive-by shooting in the western city of Kisumu.

Mr Kwega was a close ally of Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who is running for the presidency,

reports the BBC's Karen Allen from the capital, Nairobi.

Police later fired teargas to disperse protesters who claimed he had been assassinated, our reporter says.

Tension has been mounting in Kenya ahead of elections due in

March.

More than 1,000 people were killed in violence that hit Kenya after the 2007 disputed presidential election.

Last week, International Criminal Court chief prosecutor Fatou Bansouda expressed concern

Warsame Shire Awale wrote songs encouraging people to join the police force

about a culture of violence in Kenya during a visit to the country.

The ICC has indicted several Kenyan politicians - including Deputy Prime Minister and presidential aspirant Uhuru Kenyatta - for allegedly fuelling ethnic conflict after the 2007 election.

Mr Kwega and his wife were shot by assailants on a motorbike, our reporter says.

Mr Kwega was a prominent businessman who was running for the Kisumu Central parliamentary seat under the banner of Mr Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

"His killing by unknown assailants this morning outside Mamba Hotel in Kisumu town is a big blow to the party," the ODM said in a statement.

Although robbery has not been ruled out, his supporters believe he was assassinated, our correspondent says.

Police in Kisumu fired teargas to disperse them as they demonstrated against his killing.

One person was reportedly shot during the protest, our reporter says.

P

which is trying to block roads and hurling rocks at the police in and around the informal settlement of Nkaneng, where many workers live.

T

wo human rights groups have asked a South African court to revoke the refugee status of former Rwanda army chief Faustin Kayumba Nyamwasa.

They argue he does not qualify as he has been accused of committing alleged crimes during his time in the army.

Lt Gen Nyamwasa fled to South Africa in 2010 after falling out with his former ally, Rwandan President Paul Kagame.

Months later he survived an assassination attempt, in which Rwanda denied any involvement.

'Not worried' The Consortium for Refugees and Migrant Rights in South Africa, supported by the Southern Africa Litigation Centre, have asked the High Court in Gauteng province to strip Lt Gen Nyamwasa of his refugee status.

South Africa's immigration authorities granted him refugee status in June 2010 "despite the existence of substantial and credible allegations linking him to war crimes and crimes against humanity in both Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo", the rights groups said in a statement.

"Refugee law is intended to protect the persecuted - not the persecutor."

Lt Gen Nyamwasa's lawyer Kennedy Gihana told the BBC's Focus on Africa programme that he was not worried about the legal action because South Africa's authorities considered all the facts before giving his client refugee status.

"There is no grounds why they [the human rights groups] can compel the court to review the decision," he said.

Last year a Rwandan military court sentenced Gen Nyamwasa to 24 years in jail for threatening state security.

The rights groups want Lt-Gen Nyamwasa to face trail in France or Spain

Police disperse striking miners in S Africa olice in South Africa say they have fired rubber bullets, teargas and stun grenades in clashes with hundreds of striking Anglo American platinum mine workers who barricaded roads outside Johannesburg.

About 12,000 Amplats workers in northwestern Rustenburg who were dismissed early this month for going on an illegal strike were given an option to return to work on Tuesday morning if they want their jobs back.

"Police used teargas, stun grenades as well as rubber bullets," to disperse around 1,000 strikers, Dennis Adriao, said police spokesman, said.

He said the strikers had blocked fire engines from an Amplats mine

power sub-station that was suspected of being set alight by striking workers in a pre-dawn attack.

The deal was brokered in negotiations last week by the main National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in talks with Amplats last week.

But the workers refused to go back to work until their pay demands were met.

"We are six weeks on strike, we can't go back to work empty handed," Siphamandla Makhanya, workers representative, told AFP news agency, confirming clashes between workers and police.

Police told AFP an Amplats power substation was set ablaze around 02:00 GMT and "approximately a thousand or so strong people tried to

barricade the police and fire brigade from getting there.

"Since then we have been having clashes with this group of people",

Police have been caught up in the battles between workers and employers for weeks

Politician's death prompts Kenya violence

V

iolent protests have erupted in Kisumu, western Kenya, following the murder of a prominent local politician.

A senior police officer, who

requested anonymity, told the AFP news agency on Monday that three people "died from either burning or suffocation after teargas was lobbed into a hardware shop they were

Kisumu, considered Odinga's fiefdom, was a hotspot during Kenya's 2007-2008 post-election violence [AFP]

hiding in".

Joseph Oli Tito, Nyanza provincial police officer, confirmed the deaths but denied that police were involved.

"Three people inside a workshop died in a fire. ... There are rumours that police officers lobbed teargas into the workshop which caused fire, but we are disputing that and we are suspecting an electric fault," he said.

The protests erupted after Shem Onyango Kwega, a candidate for a parliamentary seat in Kisumu in general elections due in March, was killed by unidentified armed men on Monday while driving in town.

Al Jazeera's Nazanine Moshiri, reporting from Nairobi, says: ""There is so much worry about what we are seeing right now, as the same place was the scene of so much violence in

2008".

Kwega, the local branch chairman of Raila Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), was shot in the head and later died at the hospital.

Kisumu, the prime minister's fiefdom, was a hotspot during Kenya's 2007-2008 post-election violence.

The unrest, which left more than 1,000 people dead and hundreds of thousands displaced throughout Kenya, was prompted by the contested election of incumbent President Mwai Kibaki against Odinga.

Kwega's wife was seriously wounded and was treated at a Kisumu hospital on Monday night, police said.

The murder was initially attributed to gangsters, but a political motive was not immediately ruled out.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

Asia and Middle East

T

he wife of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has made public appearances, state-run media report, after being absent from the public eye for 50 days.

Ri Sol-ju attended a football match and a concert with her husband on Monday, KCNA news agency said.

Her absence had prompted speculation, including that she had

PAGE 33

North Korean leader's wife reappears in public fallen out of favour for some reason.

North Korea only confirmed Ms Ri was Mr Kim's wife in July, a month after she was first seen in public with him.

Ms Ri watched a football match in the capital, Pyongyang, with Kim Jong-un, state-run KCNA said.

She was also seen attending a concert marking the 60th anniversary of the Kim Il-sung Military University with her husband.

"Marshall Kim Jong-un, the supreme leader of the party and the people, came to the spectators'

seats, accompanied by his wife Ri Sol-ju.

At that moment, thunderous applause broke out," KCNA said.

A photo released by KCNA showed Ms Ri wearing a long beige coat while watching the performance.

South Korean media speculated that Ms Ri may have been chastised for failing to wear the required lapel pin that has the image of the country's dead leaders, that there was disapproval of her active public role in the military or that she was pregnant.

Protests banned by Bahrain government

Syria air raids continue as diplomacy falters

B

Ms Ri (L) attended a concert with her husband Kim Jong-un (C) on

Protest would only be permitted only once security and stability were sufficient to maintain national unity [EPA]

ahrain has imposed a ban on all protest gatherings and is threating legal action against groups considered backing escalating demonstrations and clashes.

The order, announced by the interior ministry on Tuesday, is the most sweeping attempt to crush the kingdom's anti-government uprising since martial law rules went into effect during the early months of unrest last year.

Sheikh Rashid Al Khalifa, the interior minister, said "repeated abuse" of the rights to freedom of speech and expression could no longer be accepted.

Now any protest would only be permitted only once security and stability were sufficient to maintain national unity.

The interior ministry said that any any "illegal rally or gathering would be tackled through legal actions against those calling for and participating in it".

The decision will sharply increase pressure on political groups from Bahrain's Shia Muslim majority, which has led the protests seeking a greater political voice in the Sunni Muslim-ruled Gulf state.

Vietnam jails two dissident songwriters

V

The charge of insulting the emir carries a five-year prison sentence in Qatar

ietnam has jailed two musicians for spreading anti-state propaganda, after they wrote songs critical of government policy.

Tran Vu Anh Binh and Vo Minh Tri were both convicted by a court in Ho Chi Minh City and sentenced to six and four years in prison respectively.

Detained in late 2011, the two were sentenced after a five-hour trial.

Ahead of the trial, rights group Amnesty International described their treatment as "ludicrous".

As well as social issues, their work included songs that criticised China over its territorial claims in the South China Sea and the Vietnamese government's handling of the row.

Beijing and Hanoi have overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea and tensions between the two nations have been rumbling for months.

In a statement on Monday Amnesty International called for the songwriters' release.

S

yrian fighter jets have struck rebel positions around the city of Homs as the international envoy appointed to try to resolve the crisis prepares to hold talks in China.

Two rebel fighters were killed and 10 wounded on Tuesday at alMubarkiyeh, a village 6km south of Homs, where fighters have besieged a compound guarding a tank maintenance facility, opposition activists said.

The attacks came as Lakhdar Brahimi, the envoy appointed by the Arab League and United Nations, arrived in Beijing for a two-day visit, part of an attempt to secure support from Syria's allies before a visit to the UN Security Council next month.

Brahimi's scheduled talks with Yang Jiechi, foreign minister, follow a similar meeting with Sergey Lavrov, Russia's foreign minister, on Monday.

Qatar urged to free poet Mohammed Ibn al-Dheeb al-Ajami

H

uman rights groups have urged Qatar to free a poet detained last year for what they say was peaceful criticism.

Mohammed al-Ajami is reported to be facing a secret trial on charges of "inciting to overthrow the ruling system" and "insulting the emir".

The case against him is said to be based on a poem he wrote in 2010 which criticises Sheikh Hamad Al Thani.

But activists believe the authorities were angered by a 2011 poem he wrote about authoritarian rule in the region.

In the poem Tunisian Jasmine, which he recited and then uploaded to the internet in January 2011, Mr Ajami expressed his support for the uprising in the North African state, saying: "We are all Tunisia in the face of the repressive elite."

He also denounced "all Arab governments" as "indiscriminate thieves".

Mr Ajami, also known as Mohammed Ibn al-Dheeb, had previously recited a poem that criticised Qatar's emir and was posted online in August 2010.

Solitary confinement In November 2011, Mr Ajami was summoned by Qatari state security in Doha and arrested.

PAGE 34

Europe and Americas

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

Storm batters eastern coast of US

French PM Ayrault says 35-hour week rethink 'not taboo'

F

rance's Prime Minister, Jean-Marc Ayrault, has suggested the 35-hour week brought in by his Socialist party in 2000 is open to review.

Asked about the possibility of restoring the 39-hour week during a meeting with newspaper readers, he said, "Why not? There is no taboo."

His remarks sparked a political storm and Mr Ayrault later appeared to play them down.

The Socialists won the May elections, promising to protect the measure.

The law means workers can be paid overtime rates if they work more than 35 hours in a week. It was meant to encourage the hiring of new staff, but critics argue it has simply increased employment costs and damaged competitiveness.

Nicolas Sarkozy, the conservative president denied re-election as president by Francois Hollande this year, had tried to dilute the law while in office.

The shorter week was the flagship reform of the previous Socialist government, which was in office during a boom at the end of the 1990s.

The Socialists are struggling to revive the economy. Mr Ayrault's comments come ahead of a government-commissioned report to be revealed on Monday on proposals to boost industrial competitiveness.

Mr Ayrault told readers of Le Parisien newspaper he was "not dogmatic". "What worries me is that France is stalling and we need to restart the engine, full throttle," he said.

However, shortly afterwards, Labour Minister Michel Sapin told the broadcaster RTL "the 35-hour week must not be abolished".

The prime minister then told another broadcaster, France Info: "I said nothing was taboo but this is simply not a cause the government advocates. There will be no rolling back on the 35hour week because it is not the cause of our difficulties."

Jean-Marc Ayrault said the economy needed restarting

One of the biggest storms to ever hit the US has crashed ashore in a number of states along the eastern coast of the US.

M

ore than 7 million people were left without electrical power by the storm, which crashed ashore late on Monday near the gambling resort of Atlantic City, New Jersey. More than one million people across a dozen states were ordered to evacuate.

US President Barack Obama on Tuesday declared that Sandy had triggered "major disaster" in the states of New York and New Jersey and freed up federal aid for those who lost homes or businesses.

Heavy snows threatened mountainous regions inland, and

huge population centres of Baltimore, Philadelphia and Washington DC lay in the storm's path.

Streets of New York City filled with floodwater, raising fears that the city's subway tunnels could be inundated, and flying debris blew along deserted

sidewalks.

The city closed down subway, bus and commuter train systems as of Sunday night.

At least 12 people have reportedly been killed, the first US fatalities from a storm that had already killed more than 60 people in the Caribbean.

Trees were downed across the region, falling debris closed a major bridge in Boston and floodwater and gusts of wind buffeted coastal towns such as Fairfield, Connecticut, home to many commuters into New York City, where police cruisers blocked access to the beaches.

Power and back-up generators failed at New York University hospital, and patients were being elsewhere for care.

The storm's wind field stretched from the Canadian border to South Carolina, and from West Virginia to an Atlantic Ocean point about halfway between the US and Bermuda, easily one of the largest ever seen.

The National Hurricane Center said Sandy came ashore as a "post-tropical cyclone", meaning it still packed hurricane-force winds but lost the characteristics of a tropical storm. It had sustained winds of 129km per hour (kph), well above the threshold for hurricane intensity.

Haiti food crisis feared in Sandy’s wake

A

s Sandy causes havoc throughout the eastern US, the full extent of the storm's damage is just beginning to emerge in the Caribbean nation of Haiti.

The UN is warning that flooding and unsanitary conditions could lead to a sharp increase in cases of cholera, while aid workers are worried that extensive crop damage will mean that food prices will rise.

Extensive damage to crops throughout the southern third of the country, as well as the high potential for a surge in cases of cholera and other water-borne diseases, could mean Haiti will see the deadliest effects of Sandy in the coming days and weeks.

Haiti has reported the highest death from Sandy so far, as swollen rivers and landslides claimed at least 52 lives, according to the country's civil protection office.

More than three days of constant rain left roads and bridges heavily damaged, cutting off access to several towns and a key border crossing with the Dominican Republic.

"The economy took a huge hit," Laurent Lamothe, prime minister, told Reuters news agency.

He also said Sandy's impact was devastating, "even by international standards", adding that Haiti was planning an appeal for emergency aid.

"Most of the agricultural crops that were left from Hurricane Isaac [in August] were destroyed during Sandy," he said, "so food security will be an issue."

Sandy also destroyed banana crops in eastern Jamaica as well as decimating the coffee crop in eastern Cuba.

The widespread loss of crops and

supplies in the south, both for commercial growers and subsistence farmers, is what has Haitian authorities and aid organisations had worried about most.

The past several months have seen a series of nationwide protests and general strikes over the rising cost of living. Even before Sandy hit, residents complained that food prices were too high.

Before hitting the US, Sandy caused extensive damage to roads and crops in quake-ravaged Haiti [AFP]

Turkey police disperse pro-secular protesters

P

olice in Turkey have fired tear gas and used water cannons to disperse thousands of pro-secular protesters who defied a government to march in the capital Ankara to mark Republic Day. The rally organised by dozens of civil society organisations and backed by some opposition parties began outside the first parliament building in the historic Ulus district on Monday.

Carrying national flags, demonstrators shouted slogans including "Fully independent Turkey" and "We are soldiers of Mustafa Kemal" (Ataturk), referring to the republic's founding father.

Riot police used tear gas and water cannons after the crowd attempted

Protesters carried banners depicting Ataturk, the first president of Turkey credited with founding the republic [AFP]

to storm a police barricade in order to march to Ataturk's mausoleum, according to Turkish media.

Some of the protesters were shouting anti-government slogans such as "Turkey is secular and will remain secular", and "We are here despite the AKP" government as they tried to breach the police barricade.

The Ankara governor's office had banned the Republic Day rally, saying that the state's security services have received intelligence that groups might be planning "provocative" action.

About 3,500 police officers were deployed in the area after the government declared the rally illegal.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

PAGE 35

Birds without feathers kitted out in woolly jumpers

Sage and Onion were dressed in knitted jumpers after losing their feathers (Picture: SWNS)

A

lack of feathers won't be a problem for these two chickens this winter after their owner kitted them out in woolly jumpers to keep them warm.

Best of hens Sage and Onion were kept in such poor conditions on a battery farm that they lost all of their feathers.

However the duo can now look forward to a warm future together

My theory is he's a relative: Monkey is dead ringer for Albert Einstein

W

ith a wrinkled face, wise-looking eyes and fluffy white hair, this monkey is a dead ringer for Like the German scientist, the stump-tailed macaque is a rare breed - but his home is in Malaysia where he was snapped swinging from trees at Taiping National Park.

'As soon as I saw the baby monkey, my very first thought was that it looked like Einstein and that I needed to get some shots of it to prove it,' said amateur photographer Prof Mihail Nazarov, 66.

'When I got back home, I

after being rescued by caring new owner Sue Christy and are now well on the way to a recovery.

'I did try making the jumpers but it was a complete disaster,' said the Gloucester resident.

'Surprisingly I managed to find some on eBay, it's amazing what you can find on there.

'They seem very happy with their jumpers, I think they like being warm again. They seem

happy enough.'

The featherless pair would have struggled to cope with the wintery conditions after being neglected by their previous owners when they stopped laying eggs regularly.

World’s thinnest house built in Polish capital

T

he world's thinnest house opened up its doors for the first time this weekend, however it is unlikely there was enough room to throw a moving in party.

Measuring just five feet at its widest point, the ultra-thin home was unveiled in the Polish capital of Warsaw on Sunday.

Squeezed into an alleyway between a pre-World War II house and a modern apartment block, the unusual property was originally due to be installed as an art installation.

The ground floor contains a kitchen, toilet, shower and eating area, while tenants can access the upstairs bedroom via a metal ladder.

Polish architect Jakub Szczesny said the claustrophobic living quarters has all the basics a tenant could need.

'It contains all necessary amenities such as a microkitchen, mini-bathroom, sleeping cubicle and tiny work area, all accessible via ladders,' he said.

'I think plenty of light is most important in order to eliminate the fear of the small space.'

He added: 'Research shows we are approaching a social disaster because too little living space is built.

'You don't need that much space to live in, so it is worth considering building smaller scaled, cheaper housing.'

The 'world's thinnest house' has popped up in Warsaw (Picture: AFP)

HE=ME²: This monkey bears a strong resemblance to Einstein (Picture: Caters)

Spot the difference: Albert Einstein (Picture: Caters)

looked back through the shots and could see the similarities between the monkey and Einstein even more.

'I love these pictures and the feeling of capturing something which is so unusual and amazing.'

Albert Einstein took his place in the history books in the early 20th century and is regarded as the father of modern physics for developing the E=MC² theory of relativity.

His lookalike may not be a contender for the Nobel Prize but then again he is only a baby.

Tiny: The house is just five foot wide (Picture: AP)

Tenant: Etgar Keret (EPA)

A 3D design of the house (Picture: AP/Foundation of Polish Modern Art

PAGE 36

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

Herbal supplements such as echinacea and St John’s Wort could make medication dangerous

T

aking herbal or dietary supplements like echinacea , calcium or iron alongside prescription drugs could cause adverse side effects, as study warned.

Other remedies such as St John’s Wort, flaxseed, magnesium or ginkgo could also be bad for you when mixed with these medicines, it is believed.

The research suggest combining the popular alternative remedies may cause mild-to-severe heart problems, chest pain, abdominal pain and headache, particularly among people receiving medication for problems with their central nervous or cardiovascular systems.

Those taking Warfarin, insulin, aspirin, digoxin and ticlopidine had the greatest number of reported adverse interactions with the remedies or supplements.

Combining the two affects the process by which some types of drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolised and eliminated by the body, the study warned .

Yet scientists said the findings may just be the tip of the iceberg and said people needed to be aware of the health risks involved.

But it pointed out herbal and botanical remedies were more likely to have adverse effects than the other dietary supplements, such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

Emeritus Professor Edzard Ernst from the University of

Woman inside a greenhouse laboratory inspecting echinacea, a plant used to ward off colds by boosting the immune system.

egular exercise can lift the black cloud of depression from cancer survivors, claim researchers.

The first study of its kind found patients who did at least three hours activity a week were more positive and had a better quality of life.

The study funded by Macmillan Cancer Support showed long-term benefits of supervised physical activity for cancer patients during treatment and beyond.

Women who took part in an exercise programme during treatment for breast cancer five years ago now averaged three hours twenty minutes more physical activity each week than similar patients who were not encouraged to exercise.

Researchers at the Universities of Strathclyde and Dundee led the study published in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship (must credit).

Altogether 203 women took part in the original 12-week supervised group exercise programme during treatment for early stage breast cancer and 87 were reassessed at the five-year follow up.

The results of the study

showed that the women who were more active consistently experienced lower levels of depression and increased quality of life compared to those who were less active.

Dr Anna Campbell, Lecturer in Clinical Exercise Science at the University of Dundee, who led the research team, said ‘This is the first study to follow cancer patients five years after a randomised controlled trial to determine if there are any lasting benefits of the exercise intervention.

‘The results were much more positive than we had expected - with evidence of lasting benefits of increased positive mood and more active daily living.

‘In particular, the women given the group exercise intervention were still achieving on average 50 to 350 minutes of extra physical activity per week compared to the controls - and this could most likely provide considerable health benefits to these cancer survivors.

‘Qualitative data from the two groups five years later suggest that the women who were part of the exercise group

Exeter said: ‘Survey after survey shows that large proportions of the population are trying ‘natural’ remedies for illnessprevention, all sorts of ailments, diseases or for states of reduced well-being.

‘Most experts therefore agree that the potential for such interactions is substantial.

Despite this consensus and despite the considerable amount of documented harm generated by such interactions, our current knowledge is still woefully incomplete.’

The number of interactions between herbal and dietary supplements and prescribed drugs could be under-reported and just

become vigilant and finally agree to monitor this sector adequately.

‘Each individual doctor can contribute to this process by routinely including questions about alternative medicine use in their medical history taking.’

The study was carried out by Dr Hsiang-Wen Lin from the College of Pharmacy in Taiwan who said: ‘Consumer use of herbal and dietary supplements has risen dramatically over the past two decades.

‘In the USA, for example, it is estimated that more than 50 per cent of patients with chronic diseases or cancer use them and that many Good for you? Experts say the potential for patients take them at interactions between supplements and the same time as prescribed medication. prescription drugs is substantial.

‘Despite their the tip of the iceberg, he added. widespread use, the potential He called for greater risks associated with combining government control and a need herbal and dietary supplements to warn of the potential dangers with other medications, which of mixing herbal and dietary include mild-to-severe heart supplements with prescribed problems, chest pain, abdominal drugs. pain and headache, are poorly He said: ‘Patients deserve understood.’ reliable information, and it is our The study looked at previous duty to provide it. We have to research into 213 herbal and

dietary supplements entities and 509 prescribed medications and compared the 882 incidents of adverse reactions.

More than 42 per cent of the drug interactions were caused by the herbal and dietary supplements altered the pharmacokinetics of the prescribed drugs - the process by which a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolised and eliminated by the body.

Just over 26 per cent of the total were described as major interactions.

Among the 152 identified contraindications, the most frequent involved the gastrointestinal system (16.4 per cent) and neurological system (14.5 per cent).

Flaxseed, echinacea and yohimbe had the largest number of documented contraindications.

Dr Lin said: ‘Our extensive review clearly shows that some herbal and dietary supplements ingredients have potentially harmful drug interactions that are predominately moderate in their severity.

‘It also showed that herbal and botanical remedies were more likely to have documented drug interactions and contraindications than the other dietary supplements, such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids.’

The findings are published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice.

Source: www.dailymail.co.uk

were now more independent exercisers and were not limited by as many barriers to exercise as the women who had not been

myself.

‘Ever since I took part in the programme I have endeavoured to do something every weekday morning. I’ll go for a brisk walk and a bit of a jog for around 4-5km five times a week as well as some swimming.

‘The most beneficial thing for me about taking part is how it helped me mentally. I suffer from fatigue, but find being active outside in the fresh air is really therapeutic and makes me feel more positive.

Elaine McNish, Physical Activity Programme Manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, said ‘This latest research provides yet more evidence of the benefits of physical activity for people living with cancer during and after treatment.’

‘Macmillan’s Move More campaign is calling for health professionals to talk to cancer patients about keeping active.

‘In order for them to be able to signpost people to local services, we want public health commissioners to commission physical activity services for cancer in the same way they do for heart disease.’

Source: www.dailymail.co.uk

Exercise can ‘help cancer survivors beat depression’ during treatment and beyond R allocated to exercise during treatment.

‘These independent exercisers possibly experienced an increase in confidence through the behaviour c h a n g e programme’ she added.

L a u r a Simm, 52 f r o m Lochwinnoch in Scotland, took part in the exercise programme w h i l s t undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer.

She said ‘I’m not a gym person but it felt really good during the classes and afterwards I f e l t immediately Fighting fit: The study showed long-term benefits b e t t e r , of supervised physical activity for cancer patients brighter and during treatment and beyond. cheerier in

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

PAGE 37

PDP not bothered by opposition gang-up, says Scribe INTERVIEW

T

here is always acrimony in PDP after its primary and congresses and this has been narrowed down to lack of internal democracy in the party. The most recent is that of Adamawa state; what is the present PDP’s NWC doing to restore internal democracy?

Well, let me assure you that a major objective of the new NWC (National Working Committee) is to ensure that the dictates of our constitution is followed to the letter, in whatever we do—be it primary, be it congresses. Any affair of the party and I want to assure you, that’s the way it is going to be.

If you want to administer a peaceful party that will be devoid of rancor, it is expedient that you follow the tenets of the constitution. If you don’t, then there will be confusion from left, right and centre, because those you are dealing with, the party members, will not take offence if they know that your policy application are in consonance with the party constitution; that’s what we all subscribe to and we will toe the line of the National Working Committee’s policy direction.

Recently, the NWC inaugurated a caretaker committee to administer the Adamawa State Chapter of the party. Later, the governor came to apologize. What’s the situation now in that state? Do we take it that the sins of the dissolved executive have been forgiven, or the caretaker has fully taken charge?

The situation is that we are still meeting, to discuss the apology rendered by the state governor and that has been followed with a written letter.

When the NWC meets we will decide which direction we will go. But one thing is certain: the sole objective is to ensure that party discipline is restored and that the party remains supreme, if you want to have a well organized and disciplined party.

Your party just lost an election in Ondo State; what do you make of the party defeat?

Well, the people of Ondo State at that election made their choice; they told the world their preference among those who have sold their manifestoes to them; that they wanted to lead them. All it has done to us is that we should go and do an

Ahead of 2015 general elections, there have been intensive efforts by the major opposition parties in the country to form an alliance with the sole aim of checkmating the winning streaks of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In this interaction with newsmen recently, the National Secretary of the party, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, referred to such alliances as a mere ‘gang-up’ that lacks the capacity to stop the PDP at the polls even as he reinstates that the party has conceded victory to the Labour Party’s candidate Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, in the recently concluded governorship election in Ondo state. Lawrence Olaoye was there. Excerpts: appraisal of where we have missed it and continue to work hard enough. But the people have spoken.

Observers of the Ondo election are worried that after your party’s national secretariat congratulated the Labour Party, the state chapter came out to distance itself from the position of the national secretariat. Is it that you are working at cross purposes?

No, we aren’t working at cross purposes. Until we get a detailed feedback from those who are on the ground, because we sent observers there. It is only normal and a very civilized mode to congratulate whoever has emerged winner in any contest. If we have, at the end of the day, any cause to say otherwise, then we will come out and give reasons for saying so. But in any civilized society, that is the normal practice.

You are talking about party discipline. In line with what happened in Edo: the party said no litigation over Edo election, the state took the same stance, but the party candidate is in court, would the party sanction him?

Like I said, if we don’t get the detailed report of the conduct, we cannot take any decision here.

But what about the individual that decided on his own to go to court?

He is exercising his constitutional right.

Olagunsoye Oyinlola There has been insinuation that the party sealed a deal with Governor Mimiko and that accounted for the lukewarm attitude towards the Ondo election from the national secretariat and the Presidency. Is there any arrangement going on for Mimiko to return to PDP? While I want to say that the National Working Committee (NWC) has never been briefed in that direction, but I can add that our umbrella is big enough

“

But that one notwithstanding, we will remain focused by delivering on the dividends of democracy to our people, so that we can endear ourselves to the minds of the people of Nigeria; so that they can continue to trust us that we will do their biddings. If you are ganging up, then you don’t have the spread

to accommodate whoever wants to be part of our party.

We learnt that plans are in the offing to restructure the party National Working Committee; there have been allegations that some members of the NWC didn’t fulfill the constitutional requirement for the office they are currently occupying. We want you to confirm this sir.

Secondly, your party lost two elections in quick succession: Edo and Ondo States. Is the NWC not worried?

I don’t have any inclination in that direction and I will be surprised, if such an exercise will become a reality, in the sense that before you go for an election- don’t forget we were all elected- before you go for an election, your credentials must have been perused, screened and that’s why we have a screening committee. The moment they have adjudged you to be

competent to contest an election, I don’t see how, after you have won, somebody will say you aren’t qualified.

Honestly, I have no inclination in that direction. On the second question, having lost two elections, we are deeply concerned and like I said, in my answer to the previous question, all we need to do is to go back to our drawing board.

Where have we missed it?

Where have we not impressed the people, so that they can do the bidding of our party? That’s all we need to look at.

The opposition parties are engaged in alliance discussions. Is your party threatened by such discussions?

No, we don’t think we are threatened by what I will call ganging up. You know, in those days the NPN (National Party of Nigeria) and NPP (Nigerian Peoples Party) were closing ranks, it was called ‘Accord’.

When the UPN (Unity Party of Nigeria) and GNPP (Great Nigerians Peoples Party) were merging, they called it ‘ganging up’.

Honestly speaking, ‘ganging up’ is an indication of some certain weaknesses. Why can’t a party stand on its own and contest election, if you are sure that you will be acceptable to the people? You don’t need to gang up.

But that one notwithstanding, we will remain focused by delivering on the dividends of democracy to our people, so that we can endear ourselves to the minds of the people of Nigeria; so that they can continue to trust us that we will do their biddings.

If you are ganging up, then you don’t have the spread. The only national party today that cuts across the nooks and crannies of Nigeria federation is the PDP and that is why the spread of the party gives them concerns as to how do we wrestle power from PDP? And that is what called for what I will call, ganging up. It has never succeeded and it will not succeed.

PAGE 38

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

Benue ACN chair condemns good governance tour From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

T

L-R The outgoing Kenya Ambassador in Nigeria Francis Sigei presenting a parting gift to President Goodluck Jonathan during the farewell visit to the State House Abuja yesterday.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Alleged N29b fraud: Melaye is a political tout, says Minister

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

F

ollowing the release of documents by the Secretary of Anti Corruption Network, Dino Melaye, alleging that Niger Delta Ministry is enmeshed in dirty deals of fictitious contracts, over budgeting, the Minister of Niger Delta, Godsday Orubebe, has accused him of seeking gratification from his ministry, describing him as a political tout.

Addressing journalists yesterday, the Minister pointed that that the allegation made by Melaye was unfounded, adding that his ministry was not ready to

compensate any tout, in as much as there are no traces of scam on the ministry as alleged.

Orubebe also presented documents cataloguing the various contracts by the ministry; the contractors handling them; dates of award; contract sum; mobilization paid; commencement date; level of completion; amount paid and amount appropriated for the projects in 2012 budget.

He therefore blamed insufficient fund for the inability of the ministry to attain its goals, saying that the ministry has been strategic in bringing peace to the Niger

Delta region.

Speaking further, he said that the due process law requires that any contract sum above N5m must be approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), wondering why the Anti Social Network would accuse the ministry of not following due process for contracts which were approved by the FEC. He said that all the contracts awarded by the ministry were verifiable, pointing out that they were cited in an existing local government with chairmen and traditional rulers, noting that there was no way the ministry could be involved in dirty deals.

2015: Group alleges plot to undermine Suswam

By Augustine Aminu

T

he Benue Youths in Diaspora Association has described the activities of some faceless persons busy circulating text messages against Governor Gabriel Suswam on the assumption that he is nursing ambition to hand over power to his allies in 2015 as a cheap blackmail and unwarranted.

The group described the attack by sycophants as deliberate attempt to distract the governor from performing his statutory duties.

Speaking through its President-General, Comrade Philip Agbese, the group lamented that era of people using all manners of negative tools to crucify Suswam was gone as the man had proven every critic of administration wrong by delivering on his 'Our Benue, Our Future blueprint'.

Agbese maintained that the critics were not just mere detractors who go out in the name of bad opposition to distract the governor , but paid jobbers whose only stock in trade was circulating inciting text messages and unfounded fictions that could not stand any acid test.

He urged the group which prides itself as

'Benue Vigilante Watch' to emulate the Concerned Benue Citizens Coalition popularly known as G10 if it intends to go into whistle blowing and social crusade for the masses and not allow herself to be used as tools in the hands of desperate politicians who want to pull Suswam down at all cost just to satisfy their unholy love for state resources.

Agbese further challenged any group with relevant documents against the administration of Governor Suswam to come out clearly with it and not hide under the freedom of unregistered telephone numbers to cause unnecessary disaffection within the

system.

"The practical leadership qualities of Governor Gabriel Suswam have rendered discerning voices silent and it is only golden to remain so than to jump into town with laughable tales about a man who is busy delivering the dividends of democracy to the good people of Benue State. Suswam deserves more commendation at this point than any form of campaign of calumny and negative propaganda against his administration because he has been able to deliver on his promises and Benue people are very happy with it”.

Mark condemns Kaduna blast, calls for peace

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

S

enate President, David Mark, has condemned the recent Kaduna bombing, which killed about 15 persons, saying it is disheartening, embarrassing and condemnable.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, Mark said that Nigeria does not deserve this kind

of attack at this moment, adding that it is inhuman and alien to the country.

He called on Nigerians to put their differences aside and join hands with government and security operatives to halt these killings.

The President of the Senate said that there are enough channels for aggrieved people to layout their complaints and differences, calling for peace to be given a chance.

he opposition party in Benue State, Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN has condemned the good governance tour undertaken by the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, describing it as a waste of the nation’s resources as it was organized for pecuniary motives.

Chairman of the party, Comrade Abba Yaro, who made the condemnation in a telephone conversation with our reporter yesterday maintained that good governance does not exist in Nigeria.

He lamented the dilapidated infrastructures in the country while noting that there is poor network of roads, lack of electricity supply, non functional industries, high rate of unemployment, poverty and widespread insecurity.

Yaro ,who lampooned the minister as a failure, wondered why he has suddenly deviated from his principles of hard stance on government during the former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime to a trumpet blower thereby deceiving Nigerians.

On the team’s tour of Benue state, he said there was nothing cheering as the present government has failed.

Kogi's new Speaker extends olive branch to his predecessor From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

T

he new Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Lawal Momoh Jimoh , has called on his embattled predecessor, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello and the impeached principal officers to embrace peace and extend the hands of fellowship to his leadership.

Jimoh, who spoke yesterday at the plenary sitting of the House after the impeachment of the former leadership, said he considered himself as a child of circumstance by virtue of leadership thrust bestowed upon him by the putsch.

He said there are vital issues to be discussed in place of the crisis especially the welfare of the people who elected them; adding that by virtue of the oath members of the party have sworn to, personal interest would not be allowed to over ride the interest of the masses.

Jimoh assured that he wouldcontinue to count on the experience, knowledge, as well as the counsel of the former Speaker since they are a one family from the same Senatorial District of the state.

He stated that the new leadership approach would be collective based on the collaboration with the executive and other organs of government to ensure the overall development of the state.

The Speaker therefore commended the prompt intervention of the state governor, Captain Idris Wada, in their earlier face-off that had helped in the crisis not degenerating outright chaos.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

PAGE 39

Selfless leadership solution to Nigeria’s problem– Council boss From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

G

L-R; President,International Institute for Training, Research and Economic Development,Mallam. Sani Dawop, discussing with the Vice Chairman, Ambassador Hassan Adamu , during a Distinguished Research Seminar, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

PDP commiserates with Yakowa on Kaduna bomb blast

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

he national headquarters of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday officially commiserated with the Kaduna state governor, Patrick Yakowa over the recent suicide bomb blast that occurred in the state.

The party in statement issued by its National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, stated “Without doubt, the incident is very condemnable considering especially the fact that innocent lives were lost while several people were seriously injured. It is particularly distressing to note the trend of security breaches perpetrated by some people who obviously do not wish our nation well. I must let you know that the Peoples Democratic Party shares in the grief provoked by

… Solicits support for N/East Ag. Vice Chairman

this disaster of monumental proportions.

“Our great party enjoins you not to be deterred by the spate of these ugly occurrences which shall soon be part of history. The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party sympathizes with the government and entire people of Kaduna State on this most regrettable occurrence and hereby once again appeals for caution and dialogue as a means to ending this culture of violence. We urge security agencies to continue to take proactive measures to contain threats to peace.

Meanwhile, the Acting National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, North East, Hon. Mohammed Wakil has solicited the cooperation of all stakeholders in the zone in the drive to reposition

the party for better performance even as he expressed appreciation to the national leadership of the party for the confidence reposed in him.

Wakil spoke with journalists after he visited party leaders at the national headquarters in Abuja yesterday.

He disclosed that he has already been encouraged by the warm reception he has received from prominent party members from the zone adding that with their support, the party would surmount current challenges and wax stronger.

The acting National Vice Chairman pledged to work closely with all the governors elected on the party’s platform as well as all other stakeholders in order to implement the vision of the National Executive Committee which is

reconciliation, rebirth and rebuilding of the party.

The acting National Vice Chairman who said he has since assumed duties and has been consulting with all the stakeholders commended the national leadership for the actions taken to restore sanity within the ranks of the party.

Wakil also commended the Adamawa State Governor, Admiral Murtala Nyako Rtd for displaying the attributes of a committed and loyal party man by pledging to abide by the directives of the National Secretariat and also lauded his development efforts.

He also joined the party leaders to pray for the quick recovery of Taraba State Governor Danfulani Suntai who is undergoing treatment for injuries sustained in a plane crash last weekend.

Time not yet ripe for electioneering, Maku says

By Ibrahim Kabiru Sule

T

he Minister of Information, Labaran Maku has advised politicians in the country to guard against dragging the country into incessant campaigns, in order to give room for those elected into office to serve the people.

The minister made this plea yesterday in Makurdi while on a courtesy call to Benue state

governor, Gabriel Suswam, to mark the commencement of the National Good Governance Tour in the State.

Maku stressed “We politicians often when we don’t win an election or we are not successful in one election; the campaign for the next election begins on that day. But all over the world, there is a season when elected officials return to development. There is a cycle for election and campaign.”

He noted that the nation’s democracy is budding just as he urged politicians to begin to imbibe the attitude and practice that will make it work.

Maku therefore reiterated the essence of the National Good Governance Tour which is to return the attention of the media and the nation at large to development issues, in order to help sustain democracy. ‘The Citizens’ Forum, he added, is a part of the National Good

Governance Tour providing opportunity for people to dialogue with their leaders as well as offer their suggestions in areas that require improvement.

Responding, Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam decried the excessive politicking in governance circles, indicating that it often misleads the people and breeds distrust, wishing that the National Good Governance Tour would help to change the sensitivity.

ood governance, purposeful leadership and prudent management of resources have been identified as necessary preconditions the leaders of the country must cultivate as measures to curb the worrisome trend of deterioration in nearly all spheres of the nation’s life.

The Caretaker Chairman of Ibarapa East Local Government of Oyo State, Hon. Lanre Olaosegba dropped this hint during Project Monitoring Committee of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Oyo State Council’s visit.

He said what the nation needs at this critical stage is sincere leaders, who are driven by the desire to redirect it from gradual slide into the abyss.

According to him, despite meager monthly allocation given to local government authorities from the federal account, there is no excuse for any council boss in the country not to perform.

He identified corruption in high places and divisive tendencies among ethnic groups in the country as diseases which must be cured completely for the country to get her development bearing right.

“Corruption is a cancerous tumor in the body of a nation.

If not cured, it will fester, like we are witnessing today, and destroy the entire system. No nation, whose people thrive in corruption, develops. Hence, we must kill this endemic ailment before it destroys the country.

“We must stop paying leap service to fundamental necessities which are catalyst for development or else this nation would remain a dwarf to other nations, which ought to take directives from us,” he said.

He added that oppression, inequality, wrong-doing, defying right and justice, transgression beyond the bounds of God on earth are the bases of problems confronting the country, urging Nigerians, in the spirit of the Sallah festival, to rededicate themselves to the cause of serving the country and humanity as a whole.

Besides, the council boss lamented on the attitude of people concerning distribution of money from public office holder saying developmental project will affect more lives than distributing money to people.

PAGE 40

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

Anyaoku seeks Nigeria’s restructuring to speed up development

F

ormer Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, yesterday, advocated the restructuring of the current structure of governance in Nigeria to speed up the process of development.

Anyaoku made the suggestion in Abuja at a book presentation titled “Reforming the Un-reformable: Lessons from Nigeria ‘‘ authored by the Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

He stressed that for the nation to achieve its development objectives, there was need to change the present governance structure.

“My view of the country’s chances of realising its rightfully desired development and development objectives would be greatly enhanced if the country adopts a major restructuring of its present governance architecture.

“I do not believe, for example, that we can succeed in reducing significantly the level of expenditure on recurrent expenditure, which at the moment is averaging 74 per cent, which I gather the budget for the next year hopes to reduce to something like 68 per cent.

“When you look around the world and particularly, you look around developing countries that started the same stage as we did, you will find that their expenditure on recurrent heads have been far less than what we have been spending.

“Because what we have been spending on recurrent budget has left us and continues to leave

us with too little for capital development which we need.’’

According to him, the nation cannot reduce cost of administration with existing 36 states and Federal Capital Territory with all the paraphernalia and institutions for administration.

“I do not believe that the present structure that we have will arrest the destructive competition for the control of power at the centre, while we sustain the largely non-viable states which has become the custom to the notion and practice of sharing the national cake from

the centre.

“It is this destructive competition for control of power at the centre that exacerbates the primordial instinct in our people and also fans the flame of the religious and ethnic differences with the result that rather than being a source of strength, our pluralism has become the harbinger of division and disunity.’’

Anyaoku said that Nigeria was making steady progress in development when it was a federation of three or four federating units called regions at a time.

This progress, he said, was reversed by military intervention which brought about full federalism that had culminated in what could be called unitary federalism.

“I believe that we must return to true federalism if we are to achieve the stability and the level of development that we aspire to and I see this as the pre-eminent challenge which faces the current effort to review and amend our 1999 constitution.’’

Commenting on the book, the former Commonwealth secretarygeneral said that Nigerians, after reading the book, should be

S

enator Kabiru Garba Marafa representing Zamfara Central Senatorial District in the Senate has asserted that for Nigeria to move forward economically and politically, the nation's security must be improved as it is the most needed ingredient for every development all over the world.

Marafa who made this assertion while briefing newsmen in Gusau explained that no nation, no matter how powerful, can progress when security is lacking, and that all hands must be on deck to

L-R: Leader of delegation of Southern People’s Assembly, Chief Mazulike Amechi, Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Deputy Speaker, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha during the Southern People Assembly visit to the National Assembly, recently. Photo: Mahmud Isa

collectively achieve the desired goal.

According to him, it is the duty of the executive to initiate measures to improve the security of the nation and by so doing, the fears being exercised by the people of the country and by extension, the investors, would be wiped out thereby improving the economy of the nation.

The lawmaker said as representatives of the people in the national Assembly, their own is only to make laws and complement the efforts of the government in carrying out its civic responsibilities.

The Senator also debunked

speculations making the round that they have been ignored and considered as rubber stamp by the Presidency insisting that their main responsibility as parliamentarians is appropriation.

"We are not dictators like it is being said; our own is to appropriate. If the President does a good thing, we will say he did, and if he fails to make something, or goes contrary to what will make the people of this country happy, we will call him to order. This is because Nigeria has only one President only that there are three arms of government and each one is

working side by side with the other, the Senator pointed out.

Marafa therefore suggested that for the police and other security agents in the country to effectively discharge their duties, there is the need for the government to effectively fund to them by providing enough facilities so that the rate of crime could be reduced if not completely eradicated.

On the issue of oil discovery in some northern states, the Senator said the Upper Chamber is currently doing everything possible within its reach to ensure a successful exploration.

LG warns against indiscriminate wastes disposal

T

he Chairman, Jahun Local Government of Jigawa, Alhaji Idris Illiyasu, yesterday warned traders against indiscriminate dumping of wastes.

Illiyasu gave the warning while inspecting shopping malls, canteens and

Insecurity Lagos lawmaker makes case for state police

A

Nigeria must address security challenges, says Senator From Salisu Zakari Maradun, Gusau

confident that with the political backing from the presidency, the economy could be reformed.

He noted that the book gave insights to analysis of reform needed for the national development, adding that it was written at the right time the country was striving to achieve economic development.

Prof Paul Collier, the Book Reviewer, said the book was panacea to Nigeria’s future economic hope. (NAN)

restaurants in Jahun town.

He decried the practice of indiscriminate dumping of waste by the traders, saying that the filthy environment exposed the residents to health risks.

“Poor waste disposal is posing serious environmental

challenges.”

He said that the council would not condone acts capable of destroying the environment.

Illiyasu said that the council had accorded priority to hygiene and sanitation service to ensure clean and healthy environment.

He explained that the local

government would intensify the inspection of the environment to enhance sanitation in the area.

The chairman also advised residents of the local government to protect government properties in their localities. (NAN)

member of the Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA), Mr Rotimi Olowo, has called for the creation of state police as solution to the nation’s security challenges.

Olowo (ACN-Shomolu II), also chairman, assembly committee on Works and Infrastructures, made the call on Tuesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

He said that the only way to effectively tackle the security challenges was to allow state governments establish their own police.

The lawmaker said that a state police would ease crime detention and prevention at the community level.

“We are living in a society where the lives of human beings mean nothing to us; we are fast becoming barbarians.

“I am one of the advocates of state police and if I have my way as well, I will request for local government police.

“We cannot expect miracle from Nigerian Police because one; Nigerian police have no capacity to police Nigeria effectively in terms of personnel; training, motivation; in terms of intelligent information gathering.

“There is no way we can talk about security without talking about security intelligence; it is not the magnitude of the weaponry you have that would assist you to police effectively.

“But, it bothered on the quality of intelligence and quality of intelligence bothers on quality of information you gathered.

“A foreigner and outsider cannot come into your neighbourhood and perpetrate crime and go scot free without being collaborated by an insider.’’

Olowo said with each state having its own police, it would be easier to curb crimes in our society.

“As a matter of responsibility, the Federal Government should please allow each state, this is federating state; they allow each state that wants its own police to go ahead.

“But, they should allow each state to go and have their own state police and in addition to that they should do anything humanly possible to motivate these policemen.

(NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

I’m not under probe, says Amadu

Gov Akpabio charge athletes to etch names in gold

By Patrick Andrew

T

By Mike Etim, Uyo

T

he Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, has challenged athletes selected to represent the state at the forthcoming National Sports Festival in Lagos to see the competition as a lifeline to prosperity for them to etch their names in gold.

The governor said apart from winning medals for themselves and the state, their competing at the festival offers them the ample chance to launch their sports career with the prospect of tapping from the goldmine therein.

Akpabio, who was represented by the state Deputy Governor, Mr. Nsima Ekere, gave them the charge while receiving the festival’s Torch of Unity, which arrived in Uyo from Rivers state on Monday.

He told the athletes that the global sports industry was four times larger than the automobile manufacturing industry and seven times larger than the film industry, which makes it such a lucrative entreprise.

He revealed that in spite of the global economic meltdown, a study by Price Waterhouse Coopers has predicted a revenue growth rate of 3.7 percent ($145.3 billion) for sports industry by 2015 adding that “it is an industry we cannot ignore anymore” The governor stated that the country needs to develop sports academies and identify talents early and stressed the need to also catch the budding talents in nursery and primary schools and then groom them for sports glory.

“In our state we have committed ourselves to the effective development of sports.

We are building a 30,000 seater stadium, with a banquet hall and appropriate conveniences for the spectators and business centres on each floor.

“It is planned to meet global standard in stadium architecture.

We are committed to the welfare of Team Akwa Ibom. We want to win laurels in an atmosphere of fair and harmonious competition” the governor added.

Akwa Ibom State is sending 396 athletes comprising of 225 males and 171 females to compete in various sports at the sports festival.

PAGE 41

Musa Amadu, NFF scribe

he General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Barrister Musa Amadu has debunked media reports that he is being probed by House Committee on Sports over alleged refusal to release funds meant for grassroots football development.

"There is no such probe. In fact, I am not under probe by anybody or organisation," Amadu said yesterday while reacting to a story we ran penultimate day indicating

that he was being probed.

Chairman of the Nigerian Nationwide League (NNNL), Malam Ahmed Kawu, had made public complaint against the General Secretary for allegedly refusing to release the sum of N50m meant for grassroots football development, following which the NFF board was said to have constituted an ad-hoc committee to look into the matter.

In fact, the Chief Media Officer of the NFF, Demola Olajire, confirmed that much yesterday during a media parley with the

Keshi calls up 24 home-based Eagles for Venezuela as team departs Nov.11

H

ead Coach, Stephen Keshi, has called up 24-homebased members of the Super Eagles to camp scheduled to kick off on November 4 ahead of the international friendly duel against Venezuela 10 days later.

The friendly duel will mark the beginning of Eagles’ commencement of serious preparations for the continental conquest in South Africa next January. Billed to take place in Miami, the USA, the friendly game will give Keshi the needed chance to again assess the mental and physical swiftness of the domestic league players that will be selected to team up with their foreign-based counterparts for the Nations Cup finals.

Accordingly, Keshi gave the nod to Chigozie Agbim and Daniel Akpeyi, who are goalkeepers as well

THE LIST GOALKEEPERS 1. Agbim Chigozie- Warri Wolves FC 2.Akpeyi Daniel - Heartlan FC DEFENDERS 3. Oboabona Godfrey I-Sunshine Stars FC 4. Kwambe Solomon -Sunshine Stars FC 5. Egwuekwe Azubuike - Warri Wolves FC 6. Zango Umar- Kano Pillars FC 7. Papa Idris - Kano Pillars FC 8. Benjamin Francis I -Heartland FC 9. Udoh Kingsley - Heartland FC 10. Solomon Yaya-Kwara United FC 11. Ugwu Uwadiegu - Enyimba FC MIDFIELDERS AND FORWARDS 12. Uzoenyi Ejike C-Rangers FC 13. Emeka Eze - Rangers FC 14. Mba Sunday - Warri Wolves FC 15. Henry Uche I- Enyimba FC 16. Onduku Gomo-Sharks FC 17. Ubale Mannir - Kano Pillars 18. Ruben Gabriel - Kano Pillars 19. Gambo Mohammed - Kano Pillars FC 20. Sani Sanusi - Gombe United 21. Anthony Okputu - Lobi Stars FC 22. Emmanuel Ajia - Lobi Stars FC 23. Azubuike Okey - Tornadoes FC 24.

Nwanchukwu Obinna Heartland FC

as to the other regulars in the squad including Godfrey Oboabana, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Gabriel Reuben, Ejike Uzoenyi, Sunday Mba, Henry Uche, Zango Umar, Papa Idris among others.

Super Eagles spokesman Ben Alaiya quotes team scribe Dayo Enebi Achor, as stating that all invited players are to resume at the Bolton White Apartment unfailingly on Sunday, November 4. They are to report with the international passports and two passport photographs.

Meanwhile, the NFF may not issue invitation to foreign-based members of the Eagles as they may not be released by their respective clubs.

“The NFF is working out modalities that will ensure a successful friendly outing. We don’t expect those who play for various

clubs in Europe to bother coming to Nigeria first, they have been told to fly directly to Miami where they will joined their home-based counterparts,” Olajire said.

Chigozie Agbim

members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) FCT chapter that an Ad-hoc Committee headed by Barrister Chris Green actually met with both Amadu and Kawu on Monday with a view to resolving the matter.

But Amadu insisted that "there was no such ad-hoc committee from the House Committee on Sports probing him," stressing that there was neither a petition against him in respect of the said refusal to release N50m grassroots football development fund nor does any such panel exist.

"There is no such panel nor am l under any probe," Amadu thundered yesterday in apparent reference to the alleged House Committee on Sports' directive.

However, it was established yesterday that rather than being the House Committee, it was the NFF's ad-hoc committee headed by Barrister Chris Green, who is also the chairman of the technical committee, that met with Amadu and Kawu over the latter's public outburst.

"The ad-hoc committee just met with both parties to reconcile them.

It was not to witch-hunt anybody but done with the intent of settling them amicably. The committee will then write a report to the NFF board on the outcome," Olajire said yesterday in a telephone conversation with us.

Also, Chairman of the NNNL, Malam Kawu admitted that he did not write any petition to the House Committee on Sports but acceded to having raised issues over Amadu and was quick to say that that has been resolved.

Corruption brickbat: NFF may dump PH as venue for AGM

By Albert Akota

T

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) may likely change the venue of this year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) following the brickbats over ‘corruption’ allegation made by the would-be host governor of the annual exercise.

Initially, the executive committee of the football federation had resolved in Uyo a fortnight ago to hold the annual general

Aminu Maigari, NFF president

assembly in Port Harcourt, the River state capital.

But going by the recent media exchanges between the River state Governor, Rotimi Ameachi and some officials of the NFF over the former’s assertion that the football federation “is the most corrupt government agency in Nigeria” and the subsequent counter attacks by the Spokesman of the board, Chief Emeka Inyama, the venue may become the victim of the verbal exchanges.

“In a few days from now, the NFF will either confirm or say something about the venue of the AGM. Port Harcourt had earlier planned to host the general assembly,” the Chief Media officer of the NFF, Demola Olajire said yesterday.

Unconfirmed rumour has it that the leadership of the football federation is seriously pondering over alternative venues for its AGM slated for November 22, next month because of the seemingly bad-blood between the NFF and the Rivers state governor.

“The arrival date will be November

21, and then the meeting proper holds the following day as usual. But like I said, the NFF will either confirm the venue or say something in that respect,” Olajire said.

On what might have informed the federation’s likely sudden change of mind over the venue, Olajire said “nothing in particular, I have not confirmed the change because in life, you have plan A B C. So our plan A is Port Harcourt, plan B is Port Harcourt and plan C is on the table.

Gov. Rotimi Ameachi

PAGE 42

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

Several players deserve the Ballon d’Or, Falcao insists

L

eft foot, right foot, headers and penalties – Radamel Falcao had scored them all. All, that was, except for one type of goal: “I want to score from free-kicks!” the Atletico Madrid striker told FIFA.com a few months ago.

“That’s what I’m lacking and I’m going to give it a go.

I hope I’ll get my chance soon.” That chance came on Sunday 21 October in the dying seconds of Atletico’s league encounter with Real Sociedad. And he did not waste it.

Falcao is currently one of the most in-form No9s in world football, with 49 goals in 59 competitive games for Los Rojiblancos and five in six 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil qualifiers for Colombia.

It is no surprise, then, that he is among the 23 candidates for the FIFA Ballon d’Or 2012, and is considered a strong contender for the prize. Will he take the much-coveted crown for the first time? “That’s for others to say, not me,” he said, distancing himself from the debate and acknowledging the quality of his fellow challengers.

When FIFA.com spoke exclusively with the man known as El Tigre, we could not pass up the opportunity to ask him for his tip for the prestigious prize. “That’s a tough question!” he said.

“I think there are several players who have done a lot this season to deserve it, thanks to their achievements

with both their clubs and national sides. It could be Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo or Andres Iniesta. They are some of the players who have stood out in the past season.”

There is, however, one category in which Falcao can name a clear winner. If it were up to him, the Colombian would award the FIFA World Coach of the Year for Men’s Football award to Diego Simeone, his boss at Atletico Madrid.

El Cholo is not on the final shortlist for the prize but he certainly made a strong case for inclusion, having led Atletico to glory in both the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup. Falcao, perhaps unsurprisingly, was the star of the show in the Super Cup final, scoring a hat-trick in his side’s superb victory over Chelsea.

“I think I’d give it to Diego Simeone, as he’s had a great season. But this [decision] is also a very big responsibility,” he smiled. “I’d choose El Cholobecause I know him. He’s helped us a great deal and I’m very grateful to him for everything.

“I don’t know, have not worked with and have not really followed any of the other coaches, who I’m sure deserve to win it too,” he added.

At the Zurich Kongresshaus on Monday 7 January, the winners of all these prizes and more will be revealed, including the FIFA Puskas Award for the best goal of 2012. When we asked Falcao, one of the most prolific

Kofarmata returns to Pillars, as team begin Niamey tourney today

B

ello Musa Kofarmata has rejoined Kano Pillars after sojourneying with Heartland FC of Owerri. He returned to the fold as the team depart for Niamey for an invitational tournament that kicks off today.

The General manager of the club, Abba Galadima confirmed this yesterday

noting that Kofarmata’s return makes the fifth of similar reunion in Pillars.

“Yes, Kofarmata is with the team to Niger Republic. We will see what he is capable of during the competition,” Pillars general manager Abba Galadima confirmed.

In 2008, Kofarmata’s goals helped his hometown

Bello Kofarmata

club to their first-ever league crown before he moved to Heartland. The former Nigeria ‘B’ international is a fast, direct right winger armed with a good shot.

Another former Pillars star aiming to impress and return to the fold is central defender Ikechukwu Gabriel, who is also on the 32-man squad to Niamey.

Last season, Gabriel featured for Warri Wolves.

Several of Pillars new signings including Promise James (Enyimba), Ibrahim Shuaibu (Giwa FC), Mathias Samuel (Gombe United) and Emma Bivan (Kaduna United) are also on the trip.

The week-long Niger tournament kicks off today and the other teams who will feature are Olympic FC and ASFAN both of Niger as well as Rail FC Kadiogo from Burkina Faso.

Cooreman signs contract with Gombe United

B

elgian Maurice Cooreman has signed for Gombe United to become their head coach for the 2012/ 2013 Nigeria Premier League (NPL) season.

Cooreman signed a oneyear contract “with many options,” according to chairman of the Gombe State Sports Commission, Mallam Farouk Yarma.

“Yes, Mr Maurice Cooreman has signed for us. He signed a year contract with many options among which is to help our coaches technically and at the

same time put the club in international spotlight through results and style of play.

“Cooreman was always our first choice as head coach because of his track record with clubs in the country and working with young players. Remember Gombe United have been in the top flight for a while and stabilised and now we want to compete with the big teams,” said Yarma to supersport.com.

Yarma also explained that erstwhile coach, Bernard Ogbe, did not have his contract renewed

after it expired last term.

Cooreman told supersport.com that he is excited to be in charge of the Savannah Scorpions for the coming season.

“It’s good to be head coach here (at Gombe United).

I’m ready to help Gombe United become one of the biggest sides in the country just as I’ve done with a number of clubs,” he said.

Cooreman, 68, was the head coach of Warri Wolves until last month when he left on mutual consent.

The Belgian has also managed Ocean Boys, Kaduna United, Lobi Stars, Enyimba, Gabros FC and Bendel Insurance in the past.

strikers in the game, to tell us which of his many goals he would put forward for the accolade, he had little hesitation: “Probably the first goal I scored in the Europa League final. It was a beauty!” Indeed it was: his delightful leftfooted dink over the onrushing Chelsea goalkeeper set Atletico on course for victory, and was in a similar mould to some of his other strikes this season for club and country.

Falcao

Kaka, Oscar give us tactical variations, says Menezes

K

aka has kept his place in the Brazil squad after his impressive return last month, but coach Mano Menezes has again ignored Ronaldinho and the quartet from Shakhtar Donetsk, who have been impressive.

Menezes, naming his squad for next month’s friendly against Colombia in the United States, says his prefrence for Kaka and Oscar was because the duo gave him tactical variations, something he believes has added spice to brazil’s game.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said the match, at the Metlife stadium in New Jersey on November 14, would be Brazil’s 1 000th although it was not clear if this included fixtures against club and representative teams.

Kaka scored in both the 60 win over Iraq and the 4-0 win against Japan last month as he made his international comeback after an absence of more than two years, forming an impressive partnership with Oscar in midfield.

“The combination of Oscar and Kaka gave us more tactical variations,” Menezes told reporters after announcing his squad.

Kaka

“We were very complete.

You can’t just think about the attacking side and the team was good in winning back the ball and this requires the participation of everyone, including Oscar and Kaka.”

Ukrainian champions Shakhtar won their first 12 league games of the season and raised eyebrows as they drew with Juventus and beat Chelsea in the Champions League, inspired by Brazilian quartet Willian, Fernandinho, Alex Teixeira and Luiz Adriano.

However, none of them are well known in their homeland and their combined international experience has been limited to two appearances last year

by Willian and five for Fernandinho.

Brazilian coaches have rarely picked players based with Eastern European clubs, even when they have experience in European competitions.

Zenit forward Hulk and Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk midfielder Giuliano were the only two players from the region in Menezes’ squad on Tuesday.

On the other hand, the squad included nine Brazilian-based players.

Oscar

Ronaldinho last played for Brazil in the 2-1 win over Bosnia in February and Menezes implied that the former Barcelona and AC Milan forward had already had his chance.

“When you are in charge of a complicated process such as this one with so many players to observe, you can’t afford to go around in circles and end up at the same place where you started,” said Menezes.

Squad: Goalkeepers: Jefferson (Botafogo), Diego Alves (Valencia) Defenders: Adriano (Barcelona), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Fabio Santos (Corinthians), David Luiz (Chelsea), Thiago Silva (Paris St Germain), Leandro Castan (AS Roma), Rever (Atletico Mineiro) Midfielders: Arouca (Santos), Paulinho (Corinthians), Ramires (Chelsea), Sandro (Tottenham Hotspur), Giuliano (Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk), Thiago Neves (Fluminense), Oscar (Chelsea), Kaka (Real Madrid), Lucas (Sao Paulo) Forwards: Hulk (Zenit St Petersburg), Leandro Damiao (Internacional), Neymar (Santos).

PAGE 44

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

2013 Nations Cup finals

Black Stars can’t win without Essien, says Polo

G Angola, Cape Verde call off friendly

A

ngola and the Cape Verde Islands who meet Bafana Bafana in January in the African Nations Cup finals have had to cancel plans for a friendly international in Lisbon in a fortnight’s time.

The two Portuguesespeaking countries were drawn together with South Africa and Morocco in Group A of the upcoming tournament.

This means they will no longer go ahead with a planned friendly on November 15 as they play each other again in Port Elizabeth on January. 27 The Lisbon friendly had always been arranged on condition of the outcome of last week’s Nations Cup finals draw in Durban, said Cape Verde Football Federation president Mario Semedo.

Both countries must seek out new opponents in what will be one of their final warm-up games ahead of the tournament in South Africa which starts on January 19.

Both are seeking an alternate opponent to ensure they utilise the November date on the FIFA co-ordinated international calendar.

They have also to fix matches in December and January ahead of the tournament and plans for training camps. These details are expected to be announced soon.

Cape Verde last played Cameroon over two legs in September and October in the Nations Cup qualifiers while Angola took on Zimbabwe at the same time.

hana legend Mohammed Polo says Michael Essien must make himself available for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, claiming it is last chance to make history with the Black Stars.

The midfielder, who is on loan at Spanish giants Real Madrid, is struggling to regain his top form after suffering two careerthreatening injuries.

Essien has already made history with English side Chelsea where he won the Uefa Champions League trophy before he was loaned out.

Despite his achievements at club level, Polo says Essien’s inability to win titles with the Black Stars

makes his playing career incomplete.

“Essien’s coming to the end of his career. This will be an important nations cup for him,” said the 1978 Africa Cup of Nations winner.

“He has been to the World Cup and the Nations’ Cup but is yet to win. It depends on his character as a player who wants to achieve something.”

Essien has not been forthcoming about his future with the Black Stars since returning from injury last season, asking for some time away from the national team.

Polo insists the midfielder must be convinced by the Ghana Football Association to return to the fold but

he must be ready to play at full power for the Black Stars.

“It depends on the interaction between him (Essien) and the Black Stars management and the coach.

If he wants to come, why not?,” Polo asked.

“But he should be prepared to die for his nation. I played the 1978 Cup of Nations through injury, but no-one knew I was injured because I was prepared to die for it.

“He is now back and playing for no mean side than Real Madrid, such a big stage so I believe he should be talked to.”

Ghana will be fighting for their fifth continental title in South Africa in January where they have

Eagles’ opponents, Chipolpolo, name strong squad for Mandela Challenge

C

oach Herve Renard has named a 24 man strong Chipolopolo squad to face 2013 Nations Cup hosts Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the November 14 Nelson Mandela Challenge match at Soccer City in Johannesburg.

FAZ spokesperson, Erick Mwanza, said the match was important in setting the tone for the African champions before the provisional squad for Zambia’s title defence is announced.

“As we have demonstrated over the last five years, FIFA International Calendar dates are an integral part of providing the Chipolopolo an opportunity to get together and work together.

“In playing these matches, we continue our wonderful development path which is aimed at sustaining and enhancing our high levels of competitiveness,” Mwanza said.

“Herve Renard is taking this match with the seriousness it deserves and while we are going into to win it, the main thrust is for the players to enjoy the time together and keep the African winning championship spirit going.

“We are looking forward to the match which is the venue of the opening and closing ceremonies and without taking anything for granted, it’s a venue we would like to return to on 10th February next year.”

In a squad, which has seen the return of Orlando Pirates robust striker Collins Mbesuma, there were no major surprise inclusions or exclusions as The Fox retrained the

greater majority of the squad that won the Nations Cup last February.

Since calling the duo for the final Nations Cup qualifier against Uganda early this month, Renard has maintained midfield teenagers Mukuka Mulenga and Shadreck Malambo.

Collins Mbesuma

Rainford Kalaba

Top striker Jacob Mulenga, a leading goal scorer in the Dutch Eredivise, is included and fans who have not seen him a Chipolopolo shirt for a year now will hope the highly rated sharp-shooter will make his long awaited return to action when Chipolopolo take on a Bafana Bafana side which has not been to the last two Nations Cup finals and makes a return only in 2013 as hosts.

The full squad: Kennedy Mweene (Free State Stars, RSA), Danny Munyau (Red Arrows), Joshua Titima (Power Dynamos), Emmanuel Mbola (FC Porto, Portugal), Joseph Musonda (Golden Arrows, RSA), Davies Nkausu (SuperSport United, RSA), Chintu Kampamba (Unattached), Stoppila Sunzu (TP Mazembe, DRC), Hichani Himoonde (TP Mazembe, DRC), Nathan Sinkala (TP Mazembe, DRC), William Njobvu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel), Noah Chivuta (Free State

Nathan Sinkala

Stallions on the rave

L Abdoul Razak Traoré, Stallions’ leading goal poacher

orient’s Burkina Faso international Alain Traoré against Ajaccio MTNFootball.com reviews the performances of Burkina Faso internationals ahead of next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

What’s hot?

Yet another goal by Abdoul Razak Traoré in the Polish championship A week after his brace against Slask Wroclaw, Legia Gdansk’s

Burkina Faso international midfielder Abdoul Razak Traoré was at it again this weekend during week nine of the Polish championship.

He scored the decisive goal of the match from the penalty spot against Podbeskidzié Bielsko-Biala (final victory 3-2) and thus secured his eighth goal of the season for the Abidjan-born player.

FC Lorient and Alain Traoré fantastic catch-up in the Ligue 1

against Ajaccio Alain Traoré’s FC Lorient were trailing 4-1 at half-time at home against Ajaccio on Sunday during the tenth week of the Ligue 1.

But, they managed to make up the gap in the second half and secure a draw in added time through Sunu, thanks to an assist by the Burkina Faso player, who was also involved in the Merlus’ first goal.

What’s not?

been drawn in Group B to play DR Congo, Mali and Niger.

Black Stars’ Michael Essien Stars, RSA), Isaac Chansa (Henan Jienye, China), Mukuka Mulenga (Power Dynamos), Rainford Kalaba (TP Mazembe, DRC), Chisamba Lungu (FC Urals, Russia), Shadreck Malambo (Zanaco), Felix Katongo (Primero de Agosto, Angola), Jonas Sakuwaha (El Merreikh, Sudan), James Chamanga (Dalian Shide, China), Collins Mbesuma (Orlando Pirates, RSA), Chris Katongo (Henan Jienye, China), Emmanuel Mayuka (Southampton, England), Jacob Mulenga (FC Utrecht, Holland).

Morocco to host Niger Rep. ahead of January duel

I

t has been confirmed that Morocco will host Niger on November 14th for a friendly match in order to prepare for next year’s African Cup of Nations.

The Atlas Lions and Menas will both be present in next year’s African continental tournament in South Africa, having both gotten through the qualifying rounds to reach the focal point of the tournament.

In order to prepare and test new blood in the squads, Morocco have invited Niger for a friendly in Casablanca next month.

The match will provide as the perfect platform to see where each team stands in terms of quality for the tournament.

Morocco were drawn in Group A, alongside host nation South Africa, Angola and Cape Verde, whilst Niger are in Group B with tournament favorites Ghana, DR Congo and Mali.

The postponement of the highly anticipated match between Charles Kaboré’s Olympique Marseille and Bakary Koné’s Olympique Lyonnais A brutal wind raging through Marseille this Sunday led to the postponement of the highlight of week ten of the Ligue 1, between the secondplaced team of the Championship, Marseille, and third-placed Lyon. The two Stallions will have to wait to meet at a later date at the Stade Vélodrome.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

PAGE 45

Eko 2012: 70 kickboxing officials end technical workshop in Lagos

A

two-day Technical Workshop to prepare kickboxing coaches, referees and judges for the forthcoming 18 th National Sports Festival has ended in Lagos with 70 participants from 30 states in attendance.

Bisi Odubote, Secretary, Kickboxing Federation of Nigeria (KFN), confirmed that the workshop was to upgrade and refresh the participants’ technical knowledge on current international rules, ahead of the festival.

“Technical officials are the engine room of any sporting event because they discover, train and expose the athletes, so the workshop is to acquaint them with the new rules of the game. I am impressed with the huge turnout of participants

Kickboxers in action

which is better than the previous editions,” she said.

According to Odubote, the huge turnout of participants is a sign of seriousness on the part of the technical officials and it also reflects the progress of the sport in the country.

Emmanuel Peters, KFN Technical Director, said that the federation wanted to ensure that officials had a thorough knowledge of what to apply during the festival.

“We want to present professional referees and judges who know their onions very well and will be able to carry out fair officiating, without sentiments, at the festival,” Peters said.

Victor Bassey, one of the resource persons at the workshop, urged the technical officials to be committed to enable the sport stand out among other martial art sports at the festival.

Bassey said the workshop would include written, oral and an interactive session, which he said, would be followed with practical testing.

“It is going to be a broad workshop because we want the referees to officiate fairly and for the judges to score correctly for us to have a memorable officiating at the festival,’’ he said.

KFN President, Sunny Irabor, while declaring the workshop opened, urged the participants to be law abiding citizens during the festival.

Irabor, represented by Rahmat Adetula, chairman, Lagos State Kickboxing Association, said that this was because there were several laws guarding against indiscipline in Lagos State.

“We want to use this opportunity to advise you to be law abiding and to also pass it to your athletes because there are specific laws in Lagos, ignorance of which will not be an excuse,’’ he said.

Irabor said the essence was to avoid any form of problem that participants may encounter during the festival, adding that there would be law enforcement agents to checkmate offenders.

FA urges against plan to demolish part of Area 3 football pitch

C

hairman of the Federal Capital Territory Football Association, Alhaji Musa Talle, has expressed concern over the FCT Administration’s decision to demolish a portion of the Area 3 Sports Complex.

The Minister of State for FCT, Ms. Olajumoke Akinjide, said two weeks ago that part of the sport complex football pitch would give way for a road.

Talle told the News Agency of Nigeria in an interview in Abuja on Monday that demolishing a portion of the football pitch would amount to a waste of the resources invested in building it.

He recalled that the Federal Capital Development Authority, which has the Abuja Master Plan, gave the permission for the construction of the pitch.

“I think the FCDA has the master-plan of the city. It is supposed to know that a road would pass through there and yet gave the go-head for the building of the pitch.

“I don’t know the type of road the Minister of state is talking about, but the information I heard earlier was that the football field was not supposed to be in that particular area.

“Our discussion earlier with the FCT Director of Sports was that they should leave the pitch as it is and think of how to make the necessary adjustments within the complex, which was not built for football alone,” Talle said.

He, however, said that the decision to cancel the privatisation of the sports centres in the territory was a welcomed development.

The FCT FA boss noted that sporting facilities in the territory had been abandoned for about 10 years and expressed the hope that the authorities would fulfill their pledge to upgrade them.

“By NFF standard, the Area 3 football pitch is not supposed to be hosting matches due to lack of amenities.

“For 10 years now, we have

been hearing that the Area 3 Sports Centre was given to a contractor and he has been promising to invest in the place, but up till now he has not done anything.

“We had wanted to do one or two things there at our level, but we were not allowed to do so since the place has been given out to a private manager.

“The field belongs to him, he is the only person that can add or remove anything there. So, our hands were tied,” he said.

When Akinjide inspected sports facilities in the FCT a fortnight ago, she reiterated the administration’s determination to upgrade dilapidated structures at the sports centres.

The FCT chapter of the Sportswriters Association of Nigeria had in August drawn the attention of the FCT administration to the decaying sports facilities and dwindling fortunes of sports in the territory.

Rio 2016: Nigeria could win volleyball medal

By Albert Akota

T

he chief coach of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Augusto Sabbatini, has expressed the hope that Nigeria would win a medal at 2016 Rio d Janeiro, Olympic Games, provided the National Sports Commission makes the environment desirable for success.

The Brazil born volleyball coach, said that Nigeria has the potentials to rule the world in volleyball if the players were given proper training

and exposure.

Sabbatini, who implored the federation to organize series of local and international competitions for prospective players, said he has discovered some players with potentials for growth stressing with time the team will be among medal hope for the country.

“I have coached many countries in Europe and won medals, Nigeria will not be exception, all I need is environment conducive to carry out my duty, and the federation has been good to me, since I came

into the country.

“Nigeria has potential players that can rule the world if prepare training and nurture are giving to them by organising competition both local and international, I assure Nigeria gold medal in 2016 in Brazil Olympic Games.

“The country is blessed with volleyball players, I want the federation to start preparation for the next Olympics if Nigeria is ready to win medal because I want to make the team a medal prospect,” he said.

Abduljaleel Ajagun

Pillars give up on chase of Gwar, Ajagun

P

illars may have given up on several of their top targets for the new season including hotshot Sibi Gwar and Abduljaleel Ajagun.

Pillars spokesman Idris Malikawa confirmed that there was yet no breakthrough in the team’s chase of Sibi Gwar, Ajagun and ABS FC striker Abdulraham Bashir.

“We discussed with Sibi Gwar but at the same time we were made aware of the fact that the player already has an overseas offer on the table,” said Malikawa. “Ajagun was in Kano but he never got around to discus any terms with the club, while ABS have made it very clear that Abdulrahman Bashir is not for sale.”

Sibi Gwar’s agent, John Bright Okafor, told MTNFootball.com his client would only sign for the league kings, if they place the cash on the table. Gombe United striker Sanusi Sani has already opted for Enugu Rangers after his talk with Pillars.

All these players were not on the team’s trip to Niamey on Monday for an international tournament.

Pillars though have announced the signing of two new players, Ugochukwu Linus from Plateau United and Mathias Samuel from Gombe United.

Sibi Gwar

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

PAGE 47

Say what?

Source: Reader's Digest

FACTS

Quick CrossWord (59)

* There is a new television show on a British cable called "Watching Paint Dry". Viewers watch in real-time. Gloss, semigloss, matte, satin, you name it. Then viewers vote out their least favourite. * The largest ocean liners pay a $250,000 toll for each trip through the Panama Canal. The canal generates fully onethird of Panama's entire economy. * French author Michel Thaler published a 233 page novel which has no verbs. * The spring thaw finally allows cemeteries in Alaska to start digging graves for those who died during the winter. * When Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen turned 18 in mid-2004, they took official control of a company worth more than the gross national product of Mongolia. Their earnings in 2003 topped $1 billion. * Orthodox rabbis warned that New York City drinking water might not be kosher; it contains harmless micro-organisms that are technically shellfish.

Source: Weird facts

PHOTO OF THE DAY A man transports used empty plastic cans on a horse cart to a junkyard at Panchkula in the northern Indian state of Haryana.

Source: Reuters.com

ACROSS 1 Give up (4,2) 4 Kidnapper’s demand (6) 9 Member of a convent (3) 10 Providers (9) 11 Spiny desert plants (5) 12 Laboured (7) 14 Tropical arthropod with a long twig-like body (5,6) 17 Contusions (7) 18 Insect colonies (5) 20 Makes easy to understand (9) 22 Historical period (3) 23 Pryingly (6) 24 Serving a purpose (6) DOWN 1 __ Long, Keith Chegwin’s DJ sister (6) 2 One who has little faith in human sincerity or goodness (5) 3 Natural impulses (9) 5 __ the President’s Men, Watergate movie (3) 6 Religious doubter (7) 8 Struggling to cope (2,7,2) 13 Burners of others’ property (9) 15 Tropical birds with coloured beaks (7) 16 Holy Land country (6) 17 Francis __, Irish artist famous for distorted human figures (5) 19 Supporting ledge (5) 21 Laid up (3)

Yesterday’s answer

www.peoplesdaily-online.com

. . . putting the people first

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012

SPORTS LA TEST LATEST

Marathoner to cover India in 60 days

A

n Indian ultra-marathon runner is attempting a 3,900-km run from the Himalayas to the country's southern tip in 60 days, a newspaper reported yesterday.

Arun Bhardwaj, 43, has reached the central state of Madhya Pradesh after having covered 1,700 km, braving the elements including icy winds in the mountains, the Indian Express reported.

“The initial days were hard but now it is something that I am used to. Everything below my waist is sore,’’ he told the daily. He has covered an average of 70 km per running day since Oct. 1. My foot size used to be size 10 but it is now 10.5. It might become size 11 or 12 before it ends.’’

Mikel abuse: Met Police launch Clattenburg probe

T

he Metropolitan Police has launched an investigation into allegations made by Chelsea of "inappropriate language" from referee Mark Clattenburg directed at two of their players.

The police investigation follows an announcement from the FA yesterday that it has launched its own probe into the events which are alleged to have taken place during Sunday's 32 home defeat to Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.

A police statement read: "An investigation has been launched into alleged comments made during a football match between Chelsea FC and Manchester United FC at Stamford Bridge on 28 October 2012.

"This follows on from a complaint received by the Metropolitan Police Service on 29 October. Officers from Hammersmith & Fulham borough are in liaison with Chelsea Football Club and the Football Association.

"At this time, the MPS has not received any complaint from either Chelsea Football Club, or the Football Association."

Chelsea's complaint is that Mikel was the victim of a racist comment, while Spain midfielder Mata was allegedly called a "Spanish t**t" by Clattenburg.

ADVERT: BUSINESS: NEWS: LAGOS:

0803 0805 0803 0805 0803

QUO TABLE Q UO TE UOT QUO UOTE We believe in the right of the people of Ondo state to determine who leads them. For us in the Action Conress of Nigeria (ACN), the Ond election is a battle in a larger war - the war of depeening democracy and ensurinfg accountability.

– Chief Bisi Akande, National Chairman, ACN.

NASS vs executive: No tyranny is good T

he recent face-off between the legislature and the executive is a symptom of larger malaise afflicting the National Assembly. Contrary to expectation,the legislature, not the executive is power-hungry.

Given the recent clash between the President, the President of Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives on the issue of budget implementation, there had been concern expressed in many quarters, including the ruling Peoples Democratic Party [PDP], whether the ship of state was headed for a crash.

My reading of what is going on is that the legislature, constitutionally the warden of the well-being of the Nigerian state, is becoming a power in its own right. This is contrary to the notion that the parliament, the executive and the judiciary are the three groups that control Nigeria.

Nigeria’s parliament has become irritable very easily. The slightest criticism of it by anyone ignites a fury and threats of punishment or sanction. Is the legislature above criticism? All of us who are in journalism are taught that those whose business it is to criticize others should be ready to take criticisms from others. The parliament sits everyday and at each sitting, an individual, a group or an institution, is put on the table and literally knifed.

Just last week, the House held a public sitting to strip the Central Bank of Nigeria of its powers. From what transpired, this action against the CBN enjoys the support of only one group - the members of the House itself. Those who came to testify, to wit, the sitting CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the former CBN governors like the respected Mallam Adamu Ciroma and Joseph Sanusi, the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Association of National Accountants of Nigeria ANAN, THE Association of Banks Executives; the Financial Correspondents Association and the Nigerian Bar Association, the latter, having been on record for having called for Sanusi’s sack on a different matter, all opposed the reduction of CBN’s autonomy.

311 689 606 327 454

7458 1765 3308 1969 0344

MUSINGS By

Garba Shehu garshehu@yahoo.co.in

Senate President David Mark I remember that at an earlier appearance, Chukwuma Soludo,the reformist former CBN governor remarked that “You don’t legislate in anger or target the law at an individual.” The parliament’s grouse is with Lamido Sanusi and for which reason they want to take back the autonomy the parliament gave the CBN barely five years ago (2007).

The vendetta against Sanusi began on the day he declared that 25 percent of the annual national budget was going to the welfare of the lawmakers while millions of ordinary Nigerians lived in abject poverty. Sanusi who made the declaration at a university public lecture in Ado Ekiti was instantly summoned by the lawmakers following week to appear before them to withdraw the statement but he told them he would rather vacate his seat than apologize for speaking the truth. The CBN Governor became an instant hero of Nigerians because, unlike other meek public office holders, he refused to apologize as they demanded.

Recently, two principal

officers of the government, the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, and the President’s Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe,were rebuked publicly for saying things that had been said before by others, which is that resolutions of the legislature are merely advisory and not having the force of law. In fact, a survey of senior lawyers’ opinion by a daily paper predominantly disagreed with the legislature for attempting to give a force of law to their resolutions. According to them, the only thing that can be binding on the executive are their bills when they become law. The motions and observations of the parliament need to be translated into reality, but do they have the force of law? The reality is that they don’t.

Mr. Maku, who was more or less a victim of torture in the crucible of the parliament, was unjustifiably made to eat his own words, having stated the obvious that their resolutions have no force of law. In the matter of Maku, the President of the Senate, David Mark, was most uncharitable in dismissing the Minister as a loose talker. I have a belief that is no loose talker compared to Mark whose penchant for reckless and inflammatory speech is well known. In the wake of his indictment of the Minister or thereabout, the President of the Senate himself made two controversial statements that did not befit his exalted seat.

One, he said in reaction to the gruesome killing of students in Mubi Adamawa state, that the culprits be killed. He didn’t say that they should be subjected to trial.

Two, when cattle herdsmen killed Tiv farmers in Benue, the President of the Senate, seated in the hallowed seat in the chamber, requested that herdsmen be confined to

their states of origin to avoid the trouble they often cause. Where is his respect for the constitution which guarantees freedom of movement?

Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, was also on the chopping block of the legislature for insisting on a $75 oil bench mark rather than their own $80 bench mark. They accused her of calling them illiterates for doing her job honestly, expertly, patriotically and confidently.

Instead of giving her the chance to defend the rationale of the $75 oil bench mark, they launched into a battle of ego with the former Deputy Managing Director of the World Bank. In fact, one lawmaker even alleged that the budget was written single-handedly by her. The woman had to develop a thick skin to this frequent harassment of other public office holders.

The irritating thing about these lawmakers is their attempt to arrogate to themselves superior patriotism and knowledge than any other Nigerian. Our legislators are almost always critical of the conduct of others but yet they are the least tolerant of being criticized by others. They are intolerant of being held accountable by anybody but they take pleasure in publicly humiliating others in the name of oversight functions.

Recently, the Auditor General of the Federation reported that over N60b voted for constituency projects supervised by the lawmakers have remained unaccounted for. They silently ignored this report because they are the culprits. If this dereliction of accountability was done by others, they would have launched a public hearing into the issue. For goodness sake, if our lawmakers come to equity, let them do so with clean hands.

Nigerians have suffered enough tyranny under the military and civilian pretenders to democracy. No one is prepared to go through all that by a supersensitive parliament unwilling to accommodate criticism. In a democracy, the highest office is that of the voter.

Let our parliamentarians learn to accept criticism, or do the next best thing which is quit the kitchen if they can’t stand the smoke.

Published by Peoples Media Limited, 35, Ajose Adeogun Street, 1st Floor Peace Park Plaza, Utako, Abuja. Kano office: Plot 3, Zaria Road, Opposite Kano State House of Assembly. 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