Peoples Daily Newspaper, Monday 31, December, 2012

www.peoplesdaily-online.com

Vol. 10 No. 1

Monday, December 31, 2012

. . . putting the people first

Safar 17, 1434 AH

N150

We’ve frustrated Boko Haram, says Jonathan

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

B

oko Haram would have carried on its tradition of launching major attacks on worship centres on festive days this christmas if not for the efforts of security agencies in the country.

President Goodluck Jonathan disclosed that the notorious group had planned to carry out a lot of deadly attacks on Christmas day but the plans were aborted because of the effective security strategic plans put in place by the various security agencies.

“The Boko Haram planned to

carry out a lot of attacks on Christmas day, but we suppressed their plans. The extent of their plans was not executed because of the strategies put in place by the security agencies to abort their plans.

“Although, we still recorded some incidences but the extent of

attacks which they planned was not allowed to be executed.”

It would be recalled that the sect claimed responsibility for the Christmas day attack on St Theresa's Catholic Church in Madalla last year which claimed many lives.

President Jonathan while

worshipping at the "Ekklisiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria", EYN, (Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), Utako, Abuja yesterday re-assured Nigerians that his administration was working round the clock to address the Contd on Page 2

Tangale royal dancers performing during the Tangale cultural festival (Pissi Tangale) at the weekend, in Billiri town, Gombe state. Photo: NAN

2013: Don’t throw away your generators yet, ACN warns Nigerians

By Richard Ihediwa and Lawrence Olaoye

O

pposition Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has accused the Jonathan Administration of

engaging in governance by deceit and urged Nigerians not to allow themselves to be carried away by government’s assurances especially, the promises to provide 785,000 jobs and 7,000mw of electricity by 2013.

Nigerians fear fuel price hike January 1 >> PAGE 3

ACN, in a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, described the promises as “lies” and advised Nigerians not to throw away their generators yet but rather ensure

2 killed, 1,500 displaced in Fulani, Gbagyi clash >> PAGE 3

that they are in good working condition.

It also counseled those waiting for the promised jobs to get wiser and not allow themselves to be hoodwinked.

The party was reacting to

recent statements by the President’s Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, that the administrations will generate 780,000 jobs in 2013 through the Young Graduate

Wada’s driver stable, wishes to see his boss >> PAGE 5

Contd on Page 2

PAGE 2

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

CONTENTS News

2-10

Editorial

12

Op.Ed

13

Letters

14

Opinion

15

Metro

16-18

Business

19-22

S/Exchange S/Report Law

23 24-25 26

Man sues Jonathan, Okonjo-Iweala, Madueke over subsidy payments

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

A

former governorship candidate in the 2007 elections in Anambra state, Chief Stanley Okeke, has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to compel President Goodluck Jonathan to remove subsidy being paid on fuel in the country.

In the suit filed on December 21, 2012, Okeke is also seeking an order compelling Jonathan to refund to the Federation Account such sum earlier appropriated and or approved under the sub-head of fuel subsidy funds or money, adding that, same cannot be justified in the face of the pervasive corruption, perennial fuel shortage and long queues being witnessed in the country.

He joined the Minister of Petroleum, Deziani AllisonMadueke and the Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as 2nd and 3rd defendants in the suit.

Okeke stated that the only way to stop the high level of abuse of the fuel subsidy scheme is the removal of the policy by the Federal Government.

The plaintiff is also asking the court for an order directing the 3rd defendant (Okonjo-Iweala) to stop further payment of fuel subsidy money predicated on the corrupt, illegal and unlawful fuel subsidy regime.

Okeke is asking the court to declare that the fuel subsidy currently being funded by the Federal Government is a waste of public funds and therefore

unlawful and illegal to sustain same.

He also prayed the court to declare “That the pervasive corruption inherent in the fuel subsidy scheme has caused untold hardship to the masses of the country and therefore is an abuse of the rights of Nigerians as guaranteed by the provision of the 1999 constitution as amended.

He asked the court to determine the following questions: “Whether in view of the official corruption and abuse of office inherent in the fuel subsidy regime as evidenced by the in-going trial of certain individuals in the Federal High Court Lagos, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is validly competent to order the

removal and or abolish the fuel subsidy scheme.

“Whether consequent upon the perennial fuel shortages and the attendant long queues on our roads, it would be proper and lawful for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to completely remove and abolish the fuel subsidy regime.

“Whether having regards to the near infrastructural collapse in our country, it would be proper to re-channel funds meant fuel subsidy scheme into the building of infrastructural facilities, and whether the 2nd and 3rd defendants being appointees of the President by not ensuring a corrupt free subsidy regime have not failed in their principal duty to Nigerians.”

We’ve frustrated Boko Haram, says Jonathan Contd from Page 1 challenges of insecurity in the country.

Jonathan said that the government had put measures in place to contain the menace of insecurity posed by Boko Haram.

He said government was doing every thing possible to ensure that the activities of Boko Haram did not push the nation backward and the strategic security plans put in place were already yielding positive results.

“Boko Haram will not push us backwards. If their plan is to stop government from providing

2012: Nigeria’s year of woes, Page 4

Int’l

31-34

Strange World 35 Politics

37-40

Sports

41-46

Leisure

47

Columnist

48

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

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

Phones for News: 070-37756364 09-8734478

dividends of democracy, they would not succeed because 2013 will be a good year for Nigerians and Nigeria.

“With your persistent prayer we shall defeat them,” he said.

The President noted that Christianity and Islam are religions of peace and tolerance which forbid killings and bloodletting.

He said it was strange how terrorism and suicide bombings which were never part of the culture of any section of the country had crept in.

The President specifically

thanked the authorities and members of the EYN nationwide for keeping the faith and remaining calm even in the face of provocation.

Earlier, the Pastor of the Church, Rev. Daniel Mbaya, had disclosed that about 50 of their Churches had been burnt and 109 of their members killed in the Northern region of the country by the Boko Haram sect.

The clergy said that EYN, predominantly in the NorthEastern region was the worst hit by the Boko Haram insurgence.

He thanked the President for

coming to worship with them saying that it was a demonstration that the country was blessed with a caring, loving and concerned leader.

Mbaya also noted that Jonathan was the first sitting President to worship in any branch of the Church nationwide since its inception.

In a sermon titled, "Working with God" and taken from the Book of Genesis Chapter 5 and verse 22 to 24, the clergy dwelled on the benefits of putting God first in all human endeavour.

2013: Don’t throw away your generators yet, ACN warns Nigerians Contd from Page 1 Employment Scheme and additional 5,000 jobs in each of the 36 states through SURE-P. Slamming Okupe for “making himself a purveyor of blatant lies and for having the temerity to denigrate the country’s opposition for daring to criticize a non-performing government”, the ACN accused the Jonathan’s administration of swimming “in corruption” and lacking in “selfrespect and decency”, describing the promises of massive jobs and increase in electricity supply as the "latest examples" of its lies.

“Our advice to the teeming young graduates who have no jobs is that they should not allow themselves to be hoodwinked by this promise. They should remember that this same administration promised to create 10,000 jobs in each of the 36 states through SURE-P in 2012.

The year is over, and all we have now are phantom jobs and more fake promises,” the party said.

Urging Nigerians to disregard the promised increase in electricity supply, the party urged the citizens to ensure that their generators are in good working condition, saying the government’s promise of stable electricity in 2013 “is as unrealistic as it is deceitful.”

“The administration said it has generated an all-time high 4,500 mega watts and will increase the

number to 7,000MW in 2013.

What a celebration of tokenism!

In the first instance, the government should be ashamed to tell Nigerians it has been able to generate only 4,500MW from a huge expenditure of $16 billion.

“Also, no one needs a rocket scientist to know that 4,500MW cannot ensure stable electricity supply in a country of 160 million people, when South Africa, with less than a third of Nigeria’s population, generates over 40,000MW. The ACN advised Nigerians not to throw away their generators yet just because of an imaginary power stability promised by a government spokesman who has nothing but disdain for the truth,” the statement said.

The party also faulted the administration’s claim that the bombings and killings in the north have decreased from January to December.

It described government’s assertion as “fabricated cold comfort and a disservice to millions of our citizens who are daily being subjected to terror attacks” The party described President Goodluck Jonathan as “a professional mourner”, who has resorted to “endless lamentation instead of decisive action.”

“Well, we are not surprised at the claim of reduced terror attacks by the Jonathan Administration. After all, the

same administration claimed that global anti-corruption body Transparency International (TI) acknowledged Nigeria’s progress in fighting corruption, when nothing like that ever happened.

“To set the record straight, 750 people have been killed in terror attacks in the north this year, a figure higher than about 570 who were killed in 2011, and not counting the latest killings in Borno and Adamawa states,” it said.

The party advised the Jonathan Administration to level up with Nigerians by admitting its failings and rolling up its sleeves to perform.

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a reaction yesterday asserted that the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and of course the opposition parties in the country only engage in insults amd doomsday predictions instead of suggesting alternative to government policies.

The party in a statement made available to newsmen and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, stated “Our attention has been drawn to a crass statement by ACN and we make bold to reply as follows: First the statement is classless as it is only a tissue of insults based on condemnations and lamentation.

“That ACN and opposition

parties in Nigeria often resort to insults and doomsday predictions is not surprising as they have exhibited no capacity to govern by their failure to suggest alternatives and/or solutions as is the hallmark of credible opposition parties all over the world. To recycle insults and engage in doomsday predictions is a sign of a confused and demented opposition totally attuned to preferring anarchy as a system of government.

“Nigerians have acknowledged the heroics of our patriotic security operatives in tackling the terror attacks never envisaged a little over two years ago. It is sheer wickedness and downright unpatriotic not to appreciate and commend men who are battling at the risk of their own lives to protect our families and our great country.

The least ACN\opposition should is to console the families of our fallen heroes and families of other victims instead of playing cheap and dirty politics with human lives.

“Finally we recommend to ACN to continue to patronise generators imported by their leaders who are desperate to sabotage the ongoing power reform. To the rest of Nigerians we ask you to keep faith with our honest and humble president in his selfless agenda to transform our power sector and other vital sectors of our economy.”

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

PAGE 3

Wada: Heavy security at Abuja hospital

Group cautions Buhari against proposed merger

By A’isha Biola Raji

From Edwin Olofu, Kano

T

here is heavy security presence at Cedar Crest Hospital, where injured Kogi state governor, Idris Wada has been receiving treatment following fractures he sustained in a road accident last Friday.

Armed security personnelwere seen at the premises of the hospital where the governor underwent surgery and is said to be in a stable condition.

According to the Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Felix Ogedengbe, “The hospital has been under serious security surveillance since the governor arrived”.

Doctors at the hospital said, Wada opted not to be flown abroad for treatment and has expressed confidence in the abilities of the doctors at the hospital.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has sympathised the governor over his involvement in a road accident The association also commended him for the confidence he has in Nigerian medical doctors.

This was contained in a statement signed by Dr. Osahon Enabulele, president of the NMA. According to the statement, the entire membership of the association was sad to receive the news of the motor accident.

Describing the governor as health friendly, NMA acknowledged his resolve to receive medical attention within the country, describing the act a patriotic.

By Abdulwahab Isa & Muhammad Nasir

T

here is mounting anxiety across the nation that the Federal Government may announce an increase in the pump price of fuel in the new year despite assurances by officials that such would not happen.

Many of those who traveled for end of year festivities had already started rushing back to their stations ahead of the New Year citing apprehensions over possible increase in fuel price which they fear will result in hike in transport fares as happened in

T

R-L: President Goodluck Jonathan, Resident Pastor Church of the Brethren in Nigeria, Rev. David Mbaya, with children at the last church service of the year yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

2 killed, 1500 displaced in Fulani, Gbagyi clash

By Mohammed Kandi

T

wo people were yesterday reported dead in a fresh conflict involving the Fulani herdsmen and Gbagyi farmer’s conflict in Gwako community in Gwagwalada Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory

(FCT).

A statement issued by the head of Public Relations, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Yushau A. Shuaib, said the clash had erupted on the basis of farm encroachment by the herdsmen.

Shuaib, who informed that

Nigerians fear fuel hike January 1 January 2012.

President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to address the nation on tomorrow to mark the New Year in which he is expected to make some major policy pronouncements on the economy.

Checks by Peoples Daily at some of the motor parks in Abuja show that many of those who traveled were already returning with many of them stating that they decided to come back in order not to be caught up in any

eventuality regarding government’s decision on fuel price.

Their fears is based on the reminiscence of Jonathan’s January 1, 2012 address in which he announced total removal of subsidy resulting in the increase of pump price from N64 to N140 per litre which led to the nationwide protest that forced government to effect a downward review to N97 per litre.

Apparently reacting to the

Qur’anic recitation: Zamfara govt donates cars, motorcycles, hajj seats to winners From Salisu Zakari Maradun, Gusau

T

hree cars, 20 motorcycles, five hajj seats and deep freezers were yesterday donated to the winners of this year’s National Qur’anic Memorisation and Recitation competitions by the government of Zamfara state.

Winners of the competition, Malam Ibrahim Ibrahim in the male category and Malama Ramlatu Abubakar in the female category were also turbaned by

about 27 settlements were severely affected and over 1,500 persons displaced, however, disclosed that order, was later restored to the community following the swift intervention by the agency in collaboration with officials of the FCT.

the Emir of Anka, who also featured as the royal father of the day.

Speaking at the occasion which took place at JB Yakubu Secretariat, special guest of honour, Senator Ahmed Sani, appealed to all to continue to pray for the success of the state at the international competition coming up in March, 2013.

Sani who also represented the governor of the state, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari, explained that time has come for everybody, particularly Muslims and other

stakeholders to do whatever possible to contribute their quota in the development Qur’anic Memorisation and the Shari’ah legal system in general.

Senator Sani also said the programme, which was initiated by the Centre for Islamic and Legal Studies of the Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, about 26 years ago, should continue to receive help from both the government and individuals, so that the aims and objectives cwould be achieved.

fears, the Nigeria Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), yesterday issued a statement assuring that there will be no increase in fuel price.

NNPC in the statement issued by its acting spokesman, Mr. Fidel Pepple, advised motorists to desist from panic buying stressing that there is no truth in the on-going rumour that there will be an increase in the pump price of fuel in January 2013.

He said the Federal Government has made budgetary provision for fuel subsidy in the 2013 budget which was recently passed by the National Assembly.

The NNPC spokesman said the corporation has enough product that can sustain the country for more than a month stressing that concerted efforts by the NNPC to wet every part of the country with petrol to ease the movement of people as they travel from one place to the other before and after the New Year, is continuous and will be sustained.

It would be recalled that despite the N161 billion supplementary approval by the National assembly for adequate supply of fuel in the yuletide season, there has been scarcity of petrol across the country.

he national chairman of the Buhari Network for Change, Alhaji Abdulmajid Danbilki, has warned General Muhammadu Buhari to opt out of the proposed merger of his party with the Congress for Progressive Change, (CPC), ANPP and ACN, in his best interest.

Speaking in Kano yesterday, Danbilki frowned at the involvement of the ANPP in the merger talks, accusing the party of dumping Buhari for the government of national unity even when the latter was still contesting the elections of 2007 in court.

He said from the onset it is clear that there is a missing link in the whole thing because those insisting on it have been Buhari's detractors who has been frustrating his effort to clinch to power since 2003.

The chairman accused former governors of Kano, Yobe and Borno states – Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, Bukar Abba Ibrahim and Ali Modu Sheriff respectively, of being agents of PDP who are now leading the merger talks, saying Nigerians should not expect anything tangible from it.

Danbilki reminded General Buhari that the ACN in the last general elections had the prospects of taking over many states in the country when they were in talks to merge with the CPC, ‘but because they were having an agenda that was not in favour of the General, they even dumped their presidential candidate (Nuhu Ribadu) at last the minute to support PDP’.

“But if he refuses to listen I know that all his followers will suffer the brunt of what will happen because at that time, they would be the ultimate losers”.

Editors condemn incessant attacks on journalists

T

he Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), has condemned the incessant harassment, brutalities and detention without trial of journalists, while performing their duties across the country.

This was contained in a communiqué signed by the Guild president, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye and Assistant Secretary, Mr. Steve Ayorinde and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterda in Abuja.

The Guild called on the authorities to engage the media according to the constitution and rule of law and protect media practitioners and the freedom of expression. The Guild, however, implored all journalists to observe the ethics of the profession, publish verifiable facts only and continue to be socially responsible in the discharge of their duties. NAN reports that the Standing Committee of the Nigerian Guild of Editors met in Lagos on Friday to deliberate on the affairs of the Guild and on the state of the nation. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

2012: Nigeria’s year of woes T

hat 2012 was a bad year for the nation was confirmed by no other person but President Goodluck Jonathan who, in his characteristic manner at the presidential Christmas Carol held at the Banquet Hall of the presidential villa, reassured Nigerians that the country would have a better outing in 2013, as his government was determined to bring desired changes on security, power and aviation, among other critical areas of national life.

While urging “Nigerians to, in the spirit of Christmas, embrace peace, the wars will not save us”, the President stated that, “In the New Year, we will see the changes in the airports, seaports, power and security as we progress. Surely, 2013 will be a better year for the country”.

But the way he said it would seem to suggest that Nigerians did not actually have much to worry in the outgoing year.

And then during the internment of the remains of the late former National Security Adviser (NSA), General Andrew Owoye Azazi in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, the President insisted that corruption was not the cause of all of Nigeria’s problems and that if more Nigerians can emulate Azazi’s virtues of fairness, honesty and competence the country would be better than it is.

“Corruption is not the cause of our problem, Nigeria has more institutions that fight corruption. Most of the issues we talk about are not corruption. If we do things properly, if we change our attitudes of doing things most of the thing we thinks are caused by corruption are not,” he said.

“If Nigerians would change their attitude, you will realise that most of these issues being attributed to corruption are not caused by corruption”.

But not a few men of God and the lay Nigerians have at one time or another voiced concern that the nauseating corruption that has become a habit with our leaders has very much to do with many of the woes that the nation harvested in 2012.

Boko Haram insurgency, armed robbery, kidnapping for ransom, air crash, road accident, building collapse, youth restiveness and other woes that define 2012 in Nigeria have a linkage to corruption Boko Haram The Boko Haram insurgency is arguably the most deadly security challenge faced by the country, with dozens of lives on both sides of the insurgency lost.

Pension funds scam Two weeks ago, the Senate Joint Committee on Establishment, Public Service, State and Local Government

With so much to wish it never were and so little to cherish, the year 2012 must go down as Nigeria’s Annus Horribilis, if there is ever one, writes Abdu Labaran Malumfashi.

President Goodluck Jonathan discovered the inexplicable disappearance of N195 billion unspent pension funds.

Oil subsidy probe scam In the wake of the report of the House of Representatives Committee on Oil Subsidy Probe, it emerged that its Chairman,Farouk Lawan, and the Executive Chairman, Zenon Oil and Gas, Mr. Femi Otedola, were involved in a dirty deal. With the oil baron claiming that the legislator had asked for and given money to exclude Odetola’s company and Lawan claiming innocence,Nigerians are yet to know the real outcome of the scandal.

Kidnapping for ransome The African Insurance Organisation, a nongovernmental organization claimed that Nigeria accounted for a quarter of kidnap for ransom cases reported worldwide in the last one year.

“The number of kidnaps for ransom in Africa continued to increase. In the first half of 2011, Africa’s proportion of the global total increased from 23 per cent in 2010 to 34 per cent.

Nigeria is now the kidnap-forransom capital of the world, accounting for a quarter of globally reported cases,” the report read.

Some of the prominent people who fell victims of

kidnapping in 2012 include the mother of the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Prof. Kamene Okonjo, who was kidnapped on December 14 and Nollywood actress and aide to Governor Okorocha, Nkiru Sylvanus.

Plane crashes During the outgoing year

Nigeria witnessed one of the worst plane crashes, the Dana Air crash, in which the plane carrying 153 passengers crashed at Iju-Ishaga, Lagos, killing all on board and about 10 people on the ground. A helicopter conveying the newly promoted Deputy InspectorGeneral of Police, Haruna John, and three other senior police

Wreckage of the recent DANA plane crash

officers crashed in Jos killing all on board.

In June, a Nigerian cargo plane at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Ghana, crashed, killing 10 people and injuring many. On October 25, the Governor of Taraba state, Danbaba Suntai, and five of his aides narrowly escaped death when a Cessna 208 aircraft marked 5N-BMJ crashed into a hill in Adamawa.

On December 15 a Navy helicopter crashed in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa state killing Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna state, former National Security Adviser to the president, General Andrew Azazi and four others.

Accidents Prominent people, including Ambassador Pindar lost their lives in road accidents this year.

The Federal Safety Commission disclosed that ninety-four people were reported dead within the festive period across Nigeria in 191 road accidents.

Killings in Mubi About 40 students were killed by gunmen in Mubi, Adamawa state, with the killers allegedly calling the names of the students before they were shot.

Floods From Bauchi to Borno to Bayelsa and from Jigawa to Anambra and Delta states, the story was more or less the same; lives and properties were lost to floods.

This is hoping that for Nigeria, 2013 will be Annus Mirabilis.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

PAGE 5

Aregbesola tasks LG chiefs on IGR, salutes Petinrin in retirement From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

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L-R: Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, Senate President David Mark, Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, and Niger state Governor, Dr. Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu (seated below), during the wedding fatiha of the governor's two daughters Farida and Jamila, at the weekend in Minna.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Sara-Suka attack vigilante office in Bauchi From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

P

olitical thugs popularly known as Sara-Suka have attacked a vigilante office located in Karofi ward, Bauchi metropolis in Bauchi local government area.

According to the chairman of the Majidadi B Community Association, Alhaji Aminu Gambo, stated this yesterday when he led the delegation of the community to sympathise with the injured vigilante member admitted at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital Bauchi.

According to the chairman, the community opened a vigilante office in the area in their effort to provide security following threats by different notorious Sara-Suka groups fighting each other.

“When the vigilantes distributed themselves in various strategic locations, they left two people in their office and the SaraSuka thugs attacked the men and injured one Sai’du Ibrahim. He said the communities had picked up the medical bill of the victims and donated money and food stuff to the families of the victim.

Wada’s driver stable, wishes to see his boss

From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

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overnor Idris Wada's driver, Jibril Isah, who sustained injuries during last Friday’s crash involving the official vehicle of the governor is responding to treatment.

Dr. Attah Ahmed, a consultant haemmatologist, who disclosed this to journalists in Lokoja yesterday, said Isah driver was in very stable

condition.

“The driver is in a very stable condition. He is healing rapidly. He even ate today, there was no problem at all. He wants to see his boss”, he disclosed.

When Peoples Daily visited the specialist hospital Lokoja, where Isah was being treated, he was said to be resting.

It would be recalled that Governor Wada narrowly escaped death while his ADC, ASP Idris

Mohammed, died on the spot in a ghastly motor accident which occurred at about 2.30 pm last Friday at Elete-Emi Woro, between Prime Polytechnic and Salem University in Ajaokuta local government area of the state.

Wada was returning from the annual Igala Education Submit at Ayingba, Dekina local government of the state before the accident happened.

Nigerians to pray for the quick recovery of the governor, currently receiving treatment in a private hospital in Abuja. The forum’s chairman, Gov. Babangida Aliyu of Niger state, stressed the need for “prayers for Gov. Wada in order to enable him fulfill his vision for a great Kogi state”.

A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Aliyu, Malam Danladi Ndayebo, noted that the accident came barely two weeks after the demise of Gov. Patrick Yakowa in a helicopter crash in Okoroba – Nembe local government area of Bayelsa state.

The statement prayed The Almighty to grant Mohammed’s family the fortitude to bear the loss.

(NAN)

…as NSGF commiserates with Wada over death of ADC

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he Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) has expressed sadness over the death of the Aide de Camp to Gov. Idris Wada, ASP. Idris Mohammed, in a fatal accident along the Ajaokuta- Lokoja road last Friday.

The forum also appealed to

Bauchi sponsors 826 students for medical courses From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

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auchi state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sani Abubakar Malami, has said the state government is sponsoring 826 students in various medical fields in institutions of learning both within and outside the country.

Dr. Malami expressed optimism that the students would after graduation from their various institutions, return home and join the state’s health system.

The commissioner spoke at a reception for 30 medical doctors who graduated from various institutions of learning and who

were back home to join the health sector of the state.

Malami told the doctors that their appointment into the health services of the state government is automatic, as the staff development programme which has been stagnated will now be reinvigorated.

He explained that the Ministry of Health in the state would soon come out with a comprehensive staff development programme which is not only implementable but that could be improved upon.

He warned the newly graduated doctors against indiscipline in the system, noting that indiscipline has permeated

almost all strata of the Nigerian society.

He said: “This is a nation where doctors are not disciplined, teachers are not disciplined, police are not disciplined, farmers are not disciplined, nurses are not disciplined, soldiers are not disciplined, even the cooks in your own house are not disciplined… what kind of nation is this?”

While noting that the level of indiscipline in the country has reached an unacceptable level, Malami said the nation will not reach its heights if doctors continued on the path of destruction.

The commissioner also warned the new doctors on brain drain,

saying: “You can decide to walk away and leave the destiny of the sick aunties, brothers, and sisters in the hands of anybody or nobody whatsoever and also decide to behave differently but that decision is going to be entirely yours”.

He recalled that some indigenous doctors who took the decision and left have become fugitives, and find it even difficult to visit home and even if they come, could hardly interacts with friends and colleagues.

Malami therefore stressed the need for the present generation of doctors to begin to think on how they can work together to move Bauchi state forward.

overnor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun state has challenged those clamouring for local governments in their areas to be prepared to work towards improving internally generated revenue as a way of accelerating the development of the state.

He spoke in Ipetu-Ijesa, Oriade local government area of the state at a civic reception in honour of the retired Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Oluseyin Petinrin, organised by the Federation of Ipetu-Ijesa Clubs and Associations.

The governor in his eulogy to the retired air force chief entitled "Celebrating a Worthy Son", admonished the people of the state to aspire to be the best wherever they find themselves.

He said Petinrin exemplifies one of the best ambassadors of Ijesha land, Osun and Nigeria.

Responding, Petinrin charged all to contribute to the development of their environment, rather than wait for government to do it all.

He said: "All of us can contribute to the development of our environment. We can do it, even without being a governor or a Chief of Defence staff like Petinrin.

KANGIS to issue 500,000 CofOs annually, says Commissioner From Edwin Olofu, Kano

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he newly established Kano State Geographic Information System (KANGIS), has the capacity of issuing 500,000 certificates of occupancy annually, Kano state Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, Alhaji Muhammad Nadu Yahaya has said.

Yahaya who disclosed this over the weekend in his office while speaking to newsmen, said the initiative by this administration is to alleviate the suffering of people trying to get their certificates.

He added that in the past, the ministry could only issue 5,000 to 10,000 certificates annually, but since the advent of this administration, he has been able to issue out more than 20,000 certificates in the last one year manually.

Yahaya further stated that the prompt issuance of certificates which will commence next year, will create wealth and boost economic activities in the state, pointing out that people would be able to secure loans to do business if they have their certificates of occupancy.

He refuted allegations that the agency has confiscated lands owned by the PDP, hinting that the land in question is not developed but still a farm plot which the previous government of Malam Ibrahim Shekarau said the had put all the necessary infrastructure and allocated to people.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

Lagos goes after rich tax defaulters From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

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Representative of Bauchi State Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Ahmed Jermajo (left), presenting merit award to the chairman, Bauchi State Agency for the control of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis/Leprosy and Malaria, Dr. Mohammed Liman (right), during the 2012 Bauchi State Productivity Merit Award, at the weekend in Bauchi.

Photo: NAN

Corruption: FG needs alumni cooperation- Don task is gargantuan.

"The general tendency is for us to abdicate our responsibilities to government expecting it to handle all the burdens. As we grow in our democracy, what will become clear is that democracy is a partnership between the government and the people.

Collaborative endeavours between the two parties are going to become increasingly commonplace especially for the provision of public good such as an educated workforce", he said.

lecturer at the Department of Arts and Social Sciences Education, University of Ilorin, Dr Abdulrahim Yusuf has said the federal government cannot resolve corruption, dearth of infrastructures and nation development without the collaboration of all alumni associations of tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

Yusuf who stated this at the weekend in Ilorin, the Kwara

state capital in his lecture at a dinner organised by the Usman Dan Fodiyyo University, Sokoto Alumni Association, Kwara state branch, said all hands must be on desk for development of the nation.

"The alumni are critical stakeholders in this whole process. Your support is critical to the conceptualization as well as effective implementation of the Nigerian educational policy.

"Individuals who actively participate in the alumni association are openly exhibiting

From Salisu Zakari Maradun, Gusau

We'll complete all projects - Yari

he Zamfara state governor, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari has expressed concern over the negative roles played by some leaders in the discharge of their civil responsibilities, particularly in the area of development.

Yari made the disclosure in Gusau, the state capital shortly after he received a delegation of

elders and traditional rulers from Zurmi local government under the leadership of the emir, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku who paid him a thank you visit over the completion of the three decades -devastated road.

He said had the leaders , right from independent to date , continued from where their predecessors stopped ,in terms of

From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

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the ethereal affiliation between themselves and the institution that moulded them.

"We all have a part to play to ensure that we preserve the values and credo of our institutions. In the face of global competitiveness, an increasingly valuable knowledge economy, corruption and indiscipline in the governance of our institutions and nation, deficiencies in the curriculum and the dearth of development in the sector as a whole, it is fair to say that our

development, the nation would have been extremely developed like other countries of the world.

According to the governor, his administration was determined to give the state a befitting look, and general transformation of all sectors throughout his tenure.

Yari also stated that every leader will stand before the

Creator and give an account of his stewardship in the hereafter, and thus, was important to do good.

The governor further revealed that honesty, sincerity, justice and fairness are some of the qualities a good leader should embrace to succeed "because God is always by the side of righteous people".

agos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola Raji said his government will soon swoop on 370 high net-worth residents of the state who have been tax dodgers.

At a year end ceremony at the Yoruba Tennis Club, Fashola disclosed that his government has compiled a list of 370 high net worth tax defaulters, who owe the state's IRS between N2 million and N100 million.

He did not however disclose the tax cheats or reveal how his government would collect the taxes.

"There are prosperous people who refuse to pay taxes", said the governor, often the butt of jokes for not playing with tax matters in the state.

Fashola said his government intends to collect all such outstanding monies and appealed to all such tax defaulters to pay voluntarily.

Governor also seized the occasion to give a report on the impact of the State Traffic Law, sometimes violated by commercial motorcycle riders, the validity of which was resolved in the government's favour by a High court.

The governor said the enactment of the law in July has seen a big rise in the number of people attending the Drivers Institutes for certification. From a few, attendance had by September rose to 13,322.

"Out of the number, 11,986 had very good vision while about 1,346 of them which represented about 10 percent were driving with impaired vision and constituted danger to themselves and other road users but have had their eye defects corrected".

The Governor also revealed that at the end of September, accidents involving motorcyclists dropped by 18.7 percent. By October, there was no reported case of motorcycle accident death.

He spoke about his government efforts to boost electricity supply in the metropolis, its food programme and also the planned expansion of Bus Rapid Transit BRT routes.

Among the ones on board is the one being promoted by the Lagos Island Local Government.

The government, he said, is also designing another route on the Lekki -Epe Expressway that will go through the Island and go back through the TBS and Federal Palace Hotel to Lekki.

Immigration repatriates 16,738 illegal migrants in 2012, says CG

N

o fewer than 16,738 illegal migrants were repatriated by the Nigeria Immigration Service in 2012, the ComptrollerGeneral, Mrs. Rose Uzoma, has said.

Uzoma disclosed this while answering questions at a Forum of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

"Actually we repatriated 16, 738 illegal immigrants, mainly of ECOWAS sub-region and let me make this clear, we did not remove these people because they are ECOWAS nationals.

"There are still many ECOWAS nationals living with us, because of the security challenge, we removed only those that did not have travel documents, to even let us know of their nationality. "Because it is the travel document of a holder that will determine his nationality", she said.

The CG said the persons repatriated included users of illegal routes and those who loitered around with the tendency for criminal acts. She said the service was working in line with the ECOWAS protocol on the free

movement of persons into member states. "When you enter, you should register your presence with the local government office of the immigration service; and when you stay, you have the right to stay for nine months within which you will be able to look for employment.

"When you get this employment, you are supposed to regularise your stay; you have the right to establish a business, but you must follow due process and establish yourself".

She noted that when parts of

Nigeria's boarders were closed earlier in the year, the service was able to stop at least 17,000 Nigerians from leaving the country through illegal routes. NAN recalls that the President Goodluck Jonathan had in his Jan. 1, 2012 national broadcast, ordered the closure of parts of Nigeria's boarders in some states citing security reasons.

Uzoma also said that the service was working with various agencies to help bring back Nigerians, who were trafficked to other countries of the world.

"We are not only partnering with

NEMA, we are also partnering with NAPTIP; a lot of Nigerians have been brought back from Mali, Morocco, and Niger; Nigerians are being brought back and the Nigerian Immigration Service has been part of it. Apart from that, we even travelled as far as other European countries - those countries that we have returnee agreement with - to go and identify Nigerians and ensure that they are brought back in a humane manner and also talk to Nigerians and encourage this Voluntary Returnee Assistance". .

(NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

Jigawa connects 30 towns to national grid From Ahmed Abubakar, Dutse

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he Jigawa state government has connected 30 towns and villages in 2012 to the national grid.

The team leader of the projects inspectorate of the state Rural Electrification Board, Alhaji Abdullahi Maigari Girbobo, made this known while inspecting some electricity projects in six local government areas of the state.

Accompanied by some officials of the board, the team inspected some electrification projects at Dutse, Buji , Taura, Babura, Kiyawa and Ringim local government areas.

The projects inspected were in Jaudi, Auyakawa , Daurawa, Jaji Koli, Gidan Naruwa, Giginya, Karwai and Daurawa towns.

1 dies, 2 kids injured in Lagos-Ibadan road accident From Bolaji Olasunkanmi, Lagos

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ne person was confirmed dead while six others including two children were seriously injured in an accident at the Mountain of Fire camp along Lagos- Ibadan Express Way at the weekend.

An eye witness said he saw a white Siena space bus somersaulting several times but after the incident, men of the Federal Road Safety Corps at Mowe command could not provide concrete information.

Checks by our correspondent at the Ibafo police station where the wrecked Siena bus was parked, did not also yield fruit as our reporter was told that the DPO was busy.

Peoples Daily was then directed to call the state police command headquarters in Abeokuta for information.

However, at the Lumina Hospital at Ibafo where the survived patients were admitted, the chief medical director who craved anonymity confirmed the death of one passenger while six persons injured with a child

Good Samaritans stop oil pipeline vandals in Zaria

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ome good Samaritans foiled an attempt by hoodlums to vandalise an oil pipeline connecting the Kaduna Petrochemical Refining Corporation (KPRC) to various parts of Northern Nigeria.

The hoodlum made the attempt at a village called Saye in the Zaria local government area of Kaduna state.

An eye witness, who pleaded anonymity, said the action of the suspects might have lasted overnight without success.

The Public Relations Officer of the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP. Aminu Lawan, confirmed the incident, saying the police at Danmagaji Division were alerted by the good Samaritans. He said the police cordoned off the entire scene after the tip-off. (NAN)

L-R: Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Ogun state Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, former Head of Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, and Egba High Chief, Chief Olatunde Abudu, during a Unity Forum of the Egbas at the Government House, on Saturday in Abeokuta.

Photo: NAN

We’ll notify Nigerians before recruiting, says Immigration CG T he Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mrs Rose Uzoma, has said Nigerians would be notified before the commencement of the planned recruitment into the service.

Uzoma said in Abuja that the media report on the recruitment was false and that no recruitment had taken place in recent times.

She explained that 12 states were disadvantaged and did not have too many immigration officers on the nominal role of the service, adding that the exercise

would be used to attempt to correct the anomaly.

Last week, the Minister of Interior, Mr. Abba Moro directed that all appointment letters issued and documentation be cancelled until the Prison and Immigration Board meets to consider the waiver granted the NIS to recruit.

Uzoma said: “The recent publication gave a very wrong impression; I want to put it on record that the Nigeria Immigration Service has not issued a single employment letter to any Nigerian this

season. “It is only two weeks ago that we got approval from the office of the Head of Service of the Federation to recruit and even when we had that approval, my minister travelled out of the country.

“We just got this approval from the Federal Character Commission on the procedures that we intend to adopt on the 24th.”

Uzoma also said that the employment statistics in the NIS showed that the North Central zone of the country topped the work force of the service with

5,144 employees.

She said that the South South zone had 4,306 employees with the North West zone accounting for 4,089 employees. The statistics also placed the South East zone in fourth position with 3,415 employees and the South West zone with 3,267 workers.

According to her, the North East zone accounts for 3,095 employees.

Uzoma, however, said Ebonyi was the most disadvantaged state followed by Zamfara, FCT, and Sokoto states. (NAN)

13% derivation: Group threatens disowning NEITI report

By Abdulwahab Isa

A

ccredited representatives of the Oil and Gas Producing Communities of Nigeria (OGPCN), have threatened to disregard report of outcome of audit investigation by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) if it negates physical visit to the communities hosting oil facilities.

The warning by the group rooting to take control of 13 percent oil derivation allocation is coming on the heels of NEITI’s preparation to conduct investigations on the physical impact of 13 percent revenue on the affected communities.

The group made known its position in a joint statement issued by the Chief Williams Igere (Delta state); Pastor MaacPherson Kurobo (Bayelsa state); Chief. Harry Opaks (Rivers state); Saviour James Okon (Akwa Ibom state); Princess Nomwen Uhunmwunagho (Edo state); and Comrade Samuel Ebiwanno (Ondo state).

It implored NEITI to interface with the oil and gas producing communities in their audit and

investigation of the 13 percent Derivation Fund.

“We wish to affirm in very strong terms that any report or audit investigation without physical visit to the communities hosting oil facilities is unacceptable to the communities. The physical visit of NEITI to the communities would enable the organisation to ascertain the level of environmental degradation, health hazards, pollution, poverty and hunger, heightened by massive

unemployment among the youths of the oil and gas producing communities”, it declared.

It commended NEITI for accepting to carry out audit of 13 percent funds accruing to the oil producing states and its impact to oil producing communities.

It also commended the chairman, Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Engr. Elias Mbam who confirmed that the 13 percent Derivation Fund belongs exclusively to the oil and gas

producing communities and not the state governments.

The group had in a letter to the Executive Secretary of NEITI dated 19th November, 2012, restated the legal position that the 13 percent Derivation Fund was not part of any consolidated revenue to any tier of government nor part of state/local government joint account as it is the first charge on the Federation Account as provided in Section 162 (2) of 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Kidnappers abduct Gombe lawmaker

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nidentified persons have kidnapped a member of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Alhaji Jalo Ganga (PDP-Gombe North ), in his residence in the Gombe metropolis yesterday.

A source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the kidnappers with a motorcycle, abducted the lawmaker around 5 a.m. when he was going for his morning prayers. The source said the lawmaker shouted for help to no avail as his captors were bent on taking him away to an

unknown destination.

The Commissioner of Police in Gombe state, Malam Mohammed Sule, confirmed the incident, saying that the lawmaker was kidnapped yesterday morning.

“Yes, we just heard this morning that some hoodlums came with a motorcycle while he was going to pray. “He was accosted and they took him on a motorcycle; it seemed a vehicle was parked close to his house, because people said they heard the sound of a vehicle zoom off “, he said.

The police chief explained that

the kidnappers abandoned their motorcycle with no plate number.

He assured the public that the police command would do all within it powers to rescue the lawmaker.

“My investigators and intelligence officers are already working to trace his whereabouts and the motive behind his kidnap,” he said.

He noted that two mobile phones owned by the lawmaker were abandoned, wondering if a ransom was the motive for the kidnap. (NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

President Goodluck Jonathan (3rd right), representative of Vice- President, Professor Tamuno Benebo (4th right), First Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan (2nd right), Bayelsa state Governor, Hon. Seriake dickson (right), wife of the late former National Security Adviser, Mrs Alero Azazi (5th left), and her children, during the burial mass for late General Andrew Azazi, on Saturday at the Peace Park, in Yenagoa.

Children returning from gathering firewood, yesterday at Birnin Kudu in Jigawa, as Harmattan Intensifies in parts of northern Nigeria.

L-R: Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) National Auditor, Bungudu Abdullahi, NLC VicePresident, Emmanuel Njoku, Ekiti state Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, NLC National President, Abdulwahed Omar, and NLC Head of Department, Labour and Industrial Relations, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, during a visit by the NLC national executive members to the governor, at the weekend in Ado-Ekiti.

Rest is sweet after labour: Tired shoemakers resting at the railway terminus, P 2. An accident scene involving a petrol tanker and commercial bus, recently along Keffi-Jos yesterday at Iddo, in Lagos.

Road.

Photos: NAN

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

2013 budget: Reps mean well for Nigeria, says Zakari From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

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he Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Zakari Mohammed has said that the lower house was very patriotic in its approach to the 2013 budget and meant well for Nigerians.

Mohammed who was speaking with journalists at Kaiama in Kwara state after presentation of a bus to the Peoples Democratic Party, said the National Assembly would continue to play its constitutional roles for the betterment of Nigeria.

"The National Assembly as far as I’m concerned, has played its constitutional roles by passing the bulk figure. The details of it, the nitty-gritty of it would then be

worked out as soon as the House resumes from break.

"We have passed a figure of about N4.987tr. We are expecting that when we come back, we will be able to look at the issues- the sectoral breakdown will be given by January. We promised Nigerians that before Christmas, we are going to pass the budget, we have done that, kept faith with it in spite of the fact that we have some reservations in it. " But all those reservations will definitely be discussed in the plenary when we are discussing the sectoral analysis of the budget comes 2013", he said.

Speaking on deplorable condition of roads in Kaiama local government, Muhammed said the lawmakers were considering ways to integrate it into 2013 budget.

"As it is, we have Baruten/

Kaiama road which is about 87kilometrers. Last year, we were able to get it into the budget, about N99 million for the engineering design and drawing. This year, we are looking at the possibility of getting it back into the 2013 budget so that at least some parts of it will be awarded. I am sure if that is done, we believe that the economic activities around there, we are agrarian, will at least be improved upon.

"Then the Kishi/Kaiama road, the state government actually wanted to award the project but we are looking at the limitation, it is a federal road. It has limitation.

But I am sure that the state government is actually thinking about doing it to get reimbursement much later.

On the controversial oil

benchmark per barrel, Mohammed said: "We in the House said $80 per barrel, federal government said $75. Let me tell you in recent times even in 2008 that we had meltdown, the barrel has never fallen below 100 dollars per barrel. So, we are now saying that why not let’s move on and make it 80 dollars per barrel so that the excess of 5 would be used to service domestic debt so that rather than the public sector going to borrow money in the banks, it is the private sector that money should be made available for so that employment opportunities would be improved upon… the Senate and House have agreed on a midway. Senate said 78, we said 80. But we have agreed at 79 eventually and the Federal Government adopted 79.

Galadiman Daura/Hakimin Mai'adua, Alhaji Hussaini Garba 'Yanmama (right), administering the oral vaccine to a child during the flag-off of December 2012 sub-National Immunisation Plus Days, recently at Daura local government area of Katsina state.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

‘FOI Act catalyst for democracy’ From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

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he Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon Zakari Mohammed has described the recent steps taken by three Houses of Assembly in the country to domesticate the FOI Act in their states as a good steps in the right direction.

Mohammed who represents Baruten/Kaiama federal constituency stated this in a chat with journalists during his donation of two buses and twenty five motorcycles to PDP ward chairmen and local government executives in Baruten and Kaiama local government areas.

“It was in 2011 during the sixth Assembly that FOI Act was passed and of course the President assented to it. It is one of the steps to strengthen democracy. Because it would ensure there are no barriers to information especially for the media. That it came was quite encouraging. If other states will domesticate it, why not? For us we believe that the media should have access to information and that of course will give us the strength and also strengthen our democracy in this part of the world.

The lawmaker said he has strong belief that touching party members lives should not be pegged or limited to election period because “the party that produced me is PDP and I believe it is my own modest way of getting back to the party. Of course our ward chairmen are very key when it comes to mobilisation at the grassroots, they played very vital role in my emergence and of course I believe that to keep the flag flying and to keep the party going…that’s why we said every ward chairman in the two local governments will have a motorcycle to enable him move. Then the bus is for the local government party executive so that they can use that to at least assist them.

PDP chairman in Baruten, Idris Buko and his Kaiama counterpart, Nasiru Hassan both thanked the lawmaker for his gesture.

Kogi NITP heads to court over board chairman From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

K

ogi state chapter of the Nigeria Institute of Town Planners [NITP], may soon drag the state governor, Captain Idris Wada to court over the appointment of a legal practitioner as the chairman of the state Town Planning and Development Board.

State chairman of the Institute, Rufus Olawale Adeleye who disclosed this in a chat with newsmen in Lokoja, capital of Kogi state, explained that the appointment was a misnomer and runs contrary to the Enabling Act of Parliament Cap N138 which stipulates that the chairman of the board should be a professional town planner

registered with the Town Planners Registration Council.

"We are kicking against the appointment of a lawyer as the chairman of the board, the appointment is not in line with the law, our board is a professional organisation and not a political party", he added.

According to him, there was a decree 1988 of 1992 now an Act of Parliament Cap N138, Nigeria Urban and Regional Planning Law part 1 [6] [a] [2] states that “the chairman shall have been in professional practice for a minimum of 15 years and shall have been registered with the Town Planners Registration Council".

He pointed out that in Kogi

state there is also a law which provides for the establishment of urban and regional planning activities and all other purposes connected therein.

He said Section 3 [a] and section 4 of the law stated that the

chairman of the board referred to shall have been in the professional practice for a period of five years and shall be registered with Town Planners Registration Council (TOPREC).

To this end, Adeleye noted with

displeasure the appointment of a lawyer as the chairman of the board without due respect to the law of the land, and urged the governor to reverse the appointment for a more qualified person in line with the law.

Yuguda commiserates with Obj over fire incident From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

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overnor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi state has commiserated with former President Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo over the fire incident which razed part of his Hilltop home in Abeokuta.

This was contained in a press release issued and signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Ishola Michael Adeyemi.

Yuguda described the incident as most unfortunate at a time of joy like the Christmas and New Year.

He expressed shock and sadness over the incident but expressed gratitude to God that even though valuables were lost, no life was lost.

Yuguda also described the incidence as a temporary setback

particularly as 2013 draws nearer expressing confidence that the elder statesman would get over the shock and move on.

“The country needs your experience and advice at this crucial period of our political history”, he said, adding that Obasanjo should take the incident as natural and accept it with philosophical calmness.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

Financial intervention for your parents S

ometimes it's hard enough just keeping track of your own finances. But, as many of us have learned, life gets even more complicated when your parents come to you for assistance with their money matters or worse, when they don't ask for help but really should.

Many people are fiercely independent and hate to relinquish control over any aspect of their lives, especially personal financial matters. Some are downright suspicious when anyone, including their own children, tries to intercede.

But don't give up. Try to become familiar with your parents' financial, medical and legal records while their health and finances are still in good shape so you'll be able to spot any warning signs that something's amiss.

Indicators that your parents

might need a hand include: Unpaid bills, late payment notices or utility shut-off warnings.

Calls or letters from creditors or collection agencies.

They have had to choose between filling prescriptions and buying food, utilities or other necessities.

Unlikely magazine subscriptions or cheap prizes - signs they may be targets of telemarketing or get-rich-quick schemes.

Seemingly unnecessary home improvements; or conversely, signs that they can't afford needed repairs.

Uncharacteristically lavish spending on vacations, new cars, etc.

If your parents initially are reluctant to share their financial and legal information, tell them you're working on your own financial planning (budgeting,

creating a will, retirement savings, etc.) and would like their advice. That will lead naturally to discussions about their own plans. Or, bring in an impartial party, such as an attorney, financial planner, social worker or trusted friend to guide the conversation.

Offer to help your parents organize their finances. Set up and periodically update files containing: Details of all major possessions and relevant paperwork (such as property deeds, car registration, jewellery, etc.).

Outstanding and recurring debts (mortgage, car loan, medical bills, utilities, etc.).

All income sources, including Social Security, pension, 401(k), IRA, investment accounts and savings.

Bank accounts, credit cards,

safe deposit box contents and insurance policies, including password, agent and beneficiary information.

Will, trust, power of attorney, health care proxy, funeral plans and other documents showing how they want their affairs handled.

Contact information for their lawyer, accountant, broker, financial planner, insurance agent and other advisors.

A few other tips: Help your parents create a detailed budget so they always know how much money is coming in and going out. Free budgeting tools are available at www.mymoney.gov, the National Foundation for Credit Counselling (www.nfcc.org), www.mint.com, and Practical Money Skills for Life, a free personal financial management program

run by Visa Inc. (www.practicalmoneyskills.com/ budgeting).

If you are helping pay or process their bills, request that duplicate account statements be sent to you as well, so you can quickly spot any errant activity.

Set up automatic bill payment for utilities and other monthly bills to avoid late payment fees. Just make sure the account is always sufficiently funded.

Many retirees must file quarterly tax returns a daunting task for anyone. Offer to help with the paperwork; or, if they work with an accountant or tax preparer, ask to attend the next meeting.

Don't be afraid to ask your parents if they need help managing their finances. Chances are, in 30 years you'll thank your own kids for the offer.

Fewer children can help you cut cost

A Why you must make equity contribution for mortgage loan

W

hen high interest rate is removed from mortgage business, borrowers will still have some hurdles to cross and one of such hurdles is equity contribution usually demanded by mortgage institutions before they can advance loans to borrowers.

Mortgage loans are generally demanded and given for buying, building or renovation of houses and when borrowers demand for this loan, they are required to bring about 30 percent of the loan amount they want as their equity contribution.

Close industry watchers have always wondered why somebody who wants to borrow N10 million, for instance, is required by the lender to bring N3 million in order to access the N10 million, arguing that if the borrower had such money, he probably would not have gone for the loan in the first place.

Mortgage banking operators however, say there are reasons

Quote To be successful, you have to have your heart in your business, and your business in your heart . — Thomas Watson, Sr.

why they demand equity contribution which one of them called "a hedge against loan repayment default". Equity contribution, they say, is fundamental to mortgage lending just as regular flow of income is.

The issue of equity, they say, is fundamental because there are institutional and regulatory developments that are still being expected in the industry; we don't have a sound data-base of Nigerians; the national ID card remains a flop and foreclosure laws are still not strong.

All these issues, according to them, have compelled mortgage banks to demand for equity contribution, contending that if they had all the above issues resolved, they would give people mortgage based on their credit rating.

"As a bank, because we do financial intermediation, it is our responsibility to protect depositors' money. For us to protect those deposits, we have to ask for something that would act as a back-up to the money we give out to borrowers.

If we had development funds, the kind of funds that we have in the manufacturing sector; where government gave out intervention fund over a period of 15 years at a single digit interest rate; if we had

that kind of fund in the mortgage banking industry, it would be very helpful in a number of ways", says a CEO who does not want to be mentioned.

Another mortgage banker who pleaded anonymity noted that "the banker and the borrower are in the same market in which case both suffer a common problem; we should not forget that we are all trading in one commodity which is money, and the trading is done in such a way that you sell according to how you buy. The credit the banks, including the mortgage institutions, have are short term in nature. So, they can't lend in long term and we do business in an environment that is very costly".

Experts however advise that that the federal government, through the CBN, should do something about high interest rate charged by both the commercial and mortgage banks if the housing demand-supply gap is to be bridged.

They note that, elsewhere, there are special interest rates on loans to real estate, stressing that Nigeria can do the same and the relevant authorities should look critically into the whole issue of equity contribution demanded from home loan seekers, especially the low income earners who cannot afford such loans.

re you still having more children in this modern age? Have you considered the cost of education and the cost of raising them to school level?

Yes! The saying goes: "The God that brought a child will also bring what it will take to raise him up."

You may ask, "If I have many children, is it your business? Are you going to help me raise them up?"

In the olden days, the joy of having many children knew no bound. Having large children was an object of parents' pride while having few children or none at all brought shame and humiliation, and implied misfortune to a couple.

In an agricultural economy, children were cheap labour. In an industrial economy, children are a liability. They made farming very easy since agricultural technology was either available or were not given attention. Children then were made to concentrate on farming rather than schooling.

Today, things are no longer the same. Cost of living is high as the economy becomes harsher.

Experts say having few children two or three and giving them adequate attention and quality education is better. In this 21st century, the intelligent young couples are making conscious choices about when and how many children to have in their family.

They focus all of their energy and resources into those few children with the reasonable assumption that their children will outlive

them.

Jegede Olugbenga, a publisher and father of three, spends 60percent of the fund available for his family management on education of his children.

20percent went to feeding and 20percent for maintenance of his cars, health, feeding and others.

To him, an additional child would make the expense on education 80percent and this reduces feeding to 10percent which he says is inadequate. "An additional child will require the purchase of an SUV for family transport as the present car can only accommodate two adults and three children conveniently.

"A child in primary school requires a minimum of 30 minutes daily for assistance in school homework and 15 minutes for other one on one contact. A father who returns home at 8pm will be ready for bed at 10pm if he has to face the traffic by 6am the next day. There is no time for the fourth child," he explains.

Experts say raising a child is very expensive. In so many families today, both parents must work in order to meet up with family needs. With both parents working, there is less time to spend with the children.

A medical expert based in Lagos sees economic problems as a major constraint to having large children.

To him, having fewer children has some benefits to both the parents and the children. The benefit it has for parents is that they spend less than when they are many. On the side of children, they have quality education. If you have two children to care for, it is not the same as caring for 10 children. In addition, the parents will have their lives to live because if you spend 90 percent of what you earn on your children without having your own, when you retire, you will not have anything because you have spent all you have on children.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

PAGE 12

EDIT ORIAL EDITORIAL

T

Illegal secret recruitment

by Federal agencies

hree times in as many weeks, the National Assembly and theFederal Character Commission (FCC) have had cause to raise alarm over illegal and skewed recruitment exercises that seem to favour a section of the country at the expense of the others, in violation of the Commission's Act of 1999.

On December 19, the House of Representatives Committee on National Planning had ordered the arrest of the Chairman, National Population Commission (NPC) Mr. Festus Odimegwu for serially failing to honour invitations to appear before it to defend alleged inconsistencies in a recent recruitment exercise conducted by the commission.

The committee Chairman, Honourable Ahmed Idris, had alleged that: "In spite of all the communication including a letter asking him to suspend the recruitment exercise, he went ahead to issue appointment letters without due process which violates federal character principles".

A week earlier, the House had twice invited the Controller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs. Rose Chinyere Uzoma, over over a controversial recruitment exercise which allegedly favoured people from her geo-political zone of origin. The House also ordered the immediate suspension of the exercise.The Interior Ministry also directed the Controller General to suspend the exercise.

Even the Federal Character Commission itself, came under accusation from the House for alleged illegal staff recruitment, an allegation it quickly denied.

And in the heat of these controversies, a national newspaper reported an unnamed official of the

“

while such illegal recruitments are often allowed to stand as the beneficiaries of such exercises are often candidates of those in the corridors of power, the offending officials are hardly ever made to pay with their job for their unpatriotic activities National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) alleging of a controversial recruitment exercise at the commission where about 253 people were said to have been hurriedly employed, a week before the Governing Council of the commission was inaugurated.

Then in what appeared as a confirmation of these and more allegations of illegal recruitment, the

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FCC last Friday disclosed that several Ministries, Department and Agencies, MDAs, in Nigeria had illegally indulged in secretive employment of staff.

The FCC's Director of Monitoring and Enforcement of, Mr. David Fakeye, who disclosed this also, said that the commission had begun investigations into some recruitment exercises by federal government agencies to find out those that violated the Federal Civil Service guidelines with a view to prosecuting them.

Indeed, it is our view that these incessant violations of the provisions of the federal character are partly caused by the alleged waivers often given to MDAs by the FCC to recruit without advertising the vacancies.

Defending its secret recruitment, the Nigeria Immigration Service had claimed to have the imprimatur of the NCC to do so.

Also,while such illegal recruitments are often allowed to stand as the beneficiaries of such exercises are often candidates of those in the corridors of power, the offending officials are hardly ever made to pay with their job for their unpatriotic activities. It is to be expected therefore that as long as such recruitment exercises are allowed to stand, with those behind it never having to pay for breaching the law, so long will officials continue to abuse the conventions that keep us as a united country.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

PAGE 13

Whither INEC and effective communication?

By Bashir Ibrahim Hassan

T

he tendencies of modern democratic processes to produce the wrong calibre of people as leaders, lead to the extreme cynical views held by proponents of the so-called vulgar pluralists’ branch of the public choice theorists’ school. Vulgar pluralism regards the political process as an arena of pure greed, in which self-interested voters, self-aggrandizing politicians, and self-seeking interest groups meet to do business. Although this thinking resonates within the advanced democracies of the world, many Nigerians are increasingly subscribing to this school of thought. And, not surprisingly, proponents of this school quickly and easily point to the popular quotes from Lord Acton about power as being influenced by this pessimistic view. It was he, Lord Acton, who said “power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely” and also “great men are almost always bad men”—at least if by “great men” he denotes those wielding great political power.

Despite its inherent structural and other associated problems with churning out the wrong calibre of leadership, participatory democracy remains, largely, the popular

means of electing political leaders in most nations of the world today. If we are to reject or disrespect the democratic institutions as we have them today and throw up our hands in disgust at the flaws of the political process, as the vulgar pluralists would like us to, we are unlikely to improve matters. This is why all rational and patriotic citizens of this country need to pay attention to the activities of the institution saddled with the responsibility of managing our electoral processes—the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). And it is for precisely the same reason that INEC needs to put its act together to give Nigerians an election that is free and fair any time. And to achieve this INEC needs to put in place a robust strategic plan in place, inclusive of effective communication component A Strategic Plan that will, in clearest terms, spell out the vision, mission and objectives of the Commission and prioritised activities that will lead to successful general elections in the year 2015 and beyond. And more importantly, even though, often given less than adequate priority, a communication component that will sell the vision and mission and create the needed trust the Commission leadership needs in the hearts of Nigerians.

In the next five months the winners from the 2011 general elections will be half way through their terms. And already signs of political permutations are now visible across the political landscape in the country.

Recent happenings at INEC, particularly the deregistration of 28 political parties have put the Commission in the media and public spotlight. And as a result many of the Commission’s plans have come to the knowledge of the public. For instance, Prof.

Attahiru Mohammed Jega, the Chairman of INEC has told Nigerians that there are two priority projects going into 2013; constituency delineation and continuous voters’ registration. It gladdens the heart that the Chairman underscores the place of public sensitization in the commission’s key programmes like the constituency delineation which, to quote him, said “ what we intend to do is to ensure that we do this very systematically, very scientifically with involvement of all stakeholders, with sensitization of the public in order to reduce the controversy...”

INEC needs to be more proactive in its communication strategy.

The place of

communication in INEC’s strategic plan of delivering free and fair elections come 2015 cannot be over emphasized. It is communication activities that, if well handled, will create the needed awareness and trust by Nigerians in INEC to buy-in into its programmes, such as voter registration. It is the same communication strategy that will provide readymade answers to questions Nigerians may have for INEC on where it is coming from, where it is right now and where it is heading to. In his many interviews with the press, the INEC Chairman, often talks of lesson learnt from the 2011 elections, and recent ones held in some states—Edo and Ondo— adjudged as most successful. He needs to come to the public with those lessons and how he intends to use them in future. He also partook in other countries electoral processes—Ghana and Sierra-Leone of recent—he needs to share with Nigerians the international best practices there is today in the conduct of elections.

These will surely build the confidence in Nigerians that the leadership in INEC is not afraid of change. And what is strategy if not doing things differently from the way one used to?

Factoring the lessons learnt and the international best practice

experiences acquired by INEC, it should surprise every Nigerian come 2015 with spectacular conduct of elections in the nation’s history.

The image of the Chairman hangs precariously in the balance. His successful conducts of the 2015 elections, having tested the waters with 2011 one, will undoubtedly deliver his image as intact as he came into the Commission with. He was an achiever; a value based one. His antecedents all pointed to that both in his days as President of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and more recently as the Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano. His relentless fight for the rights and privileges of the academic staff and the proper funding of the universities gave the powers that be at that time sleepless nights.

And when he was saddled with ultimate responsibility of managing his University, he is believed to have performed well.

Predetermined performance indicators to measure progress against plans as well as an effective communication plan to keep Nigerians well informed of where INEC is heading are the recipes of innovation which INEC cannot do without.

Hassan wrote from Abuja and can be reached on bash7474@gmail.com

Turath College and Sheikh Kabara’s vision

By Sulaiman M. Ayagi

I

t was a day of showering encomiums on the duo of the late founder of the famous Turathul Islam College, Kano cum revered leader of Qadiriyya Sect of Africa, Sheikh (Dr.) Muhammad Nasiru AlMukhtar Kabara (of blessed memory) and his heir, Caliph Sheikh Qaribullahi Kabara when an arm of the former’s brainchild school was recognized and upgraded to an NCE/ Diploma–awarding institution.

While alive the late Sheikh Nasiru Kabara was in the forefront for the formalization and entrenchment of Islamic knowledge, in particular its curriculum, up to tertiary level vis-à-vis according it similar status and/or recognition like the western education in terms of career progression in the public service as the society demands came to fore in Kano.

This was at the occasion of the maiden graduation ceremony of Turath College of Islamic Studies, Goron–Dutse, Kano.

The college which is under the auspices of Qadiriyya Sect Movement of Africa graduated its pioneer 54 NCE/OND holders following its full affiliation with the Bayero University, Kano few years ago.

The history of establishing and nurturing a nongovernmental Islamic school to formal one in Kano will be incomplete without mentioning the names of late Sheikh Nasiru Kabara and the renown business

mogul of Kano, late Alhaji Alhassan Dantata who pioneered the establishment of such private schools in spite of challenges occasioned by bureaucracy in the Civil Service. Though the duo of the late Sheikh Kabara and Alhaji Dantata shared and differed commonly in their approach to making the society literate, however, late Sheikh Kabara remains a household name in the muslim world through his works of propagating religious cause and promoting pursuit of Islamic knowledge; thus, resulting in the establishment of both formal and non-formal schools which predated the take-off of Ma’ahad Islamic Primary School.

In as much as bureaucracy is synonymous with the Public Service, the late Islamic schola did not derail in his onerous struggle of ensuring Islamic students and/or graduates of Islamic institutions are accorded due recognition commensurate to other forms of education, notably western education – that is, ilmin boko!

This may include certification of such private schools, recognition of their academic and curricular activities; more importantly according such schools similar status and privileges associated with government schools including access to further studies without recourse to their disciplines; as religious scholars remain the engine room of remodeling the society.

However, history was

repeated as the vision of the late Sheikh Nasiru Kabara is not only being achieved but sustained to a higher level.

The recent colourful graduation ceremony of 54 NCE/Diploma holders by Turath College of Islamic Studies has vindicated the late school founder that his vision is fully on course. It may interest readers that this feat was achieved courtesy of a dint of hard-work and spirited effort occasioned by dexterity exhibited by the leader of Qadiriyya Sect of Africa, Sheikh (Dr.) Qaribullahi Nasiru Kabara by securing affiliation of the College with the Bayero University, Kano after a rigorous exercise that qualified and elevated the college for its new status.

In spite of being a self-funding and sustaining institution, Turath College is understood to be administered devoid of outrageous or unaffordable school fee as the public were nowadays made to belief that education is obtainable only by the wards of the rich.

Nonetheless, the College succeeded over 3 decades of existence and maintains its founder’s core vision in three fundamental aspects of impacting knowledge namely, focused leadership, qualified faculty resulting in quality graduates, re-equipping of the learning environment amongst other teaching necessities.

The occasion which attracted dignitaries from within and outside the country was chaired by the royal presence of the emir

of Kano, Alhaji (Dr.) Ado Bayero, the State Governor, Engr. (Dr.) Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, former Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Alhaji Aliko Shu’aibu Mukhtar and other members of the political and business classes. Other dignitaries present include Sheikh Ahmad Al-Sheikh Hassan from the Republic of Sudan, the representative of the Hon. Minister of Education, Prof.

Rukayyat Rufa’i, the Vice Chancellor of the Bayero University, Kano, Prof.

Abubakar Adamu Rasheed, Wazirin Qadiriyya/Chairman, Kano State Hisbah Board, Mallam Usman Yusuf Makwarari and the chief host/ leader of Qadiriyya Sect in Africa as well as promoter of the college, Sheikh (Dr.) Qaribullahi Nasiru Kabara amongst many other personalities.

In his speech, the proprietor of the School, Sheikh Qaribullahi Kabara recalled the antecedents of upgrading the Arabic & Islamic Section of the nucleus secondary school to a tertiary one as pioneered by his late patriarch.

This is consequent to securing the approval of the authorities of the Bayero University, Kano to affiliate the institute with the university and subsequently obtained the nod to run and award NCE/Diploma programs as strictly monitored and moderates students’ academic performance by the former. The graduands comprises of 38 male

and 16 female students.

The occasion was not rounded up witH the guest of honour, Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso restating the state government’s determination to collaborate and assist both individual and corporate proprietors of schools towards eradicating illiteracy in the state and expanding the horizon of Islamic knowledge.

Though the leadership of Turath College of Islamic Studies maintains their known personal attributes of self-contentment in spite of a number of challenges and/or academic demands that arises in the course of administering a private religious institution, one finds it duty bound to leverage on the State Chief Executive’s penchant for developing Kano in all strata of human endeavour, particularly his giant and acknowledged stride in infrastructural facility provision and rural–urban road network renewal to consider construction of the road leading to the Turath College of Islamic Studies from Wali Mai Kargo cemetery junction up-to the Nigeria Customs Training School, Gwauron–Dutse. This will go a long-way in immortalizing and recognizing the good works of late Sheikh Nasiru Kabara while it will, as usual, make the road accessible to other motorists and pedestrians as well as students; ultimately ridding the nook area against the menace of suspicious characters!

PAGE 14

By Zainab K. Umar

T

he renowned university administrator, Benjamin Elijah Mays, made a salient statement some time ago.

Mays, who was president of Moore College, Atlanta, USA for about two decades, said: “Nobody deserves to be congratulated until he has used his mental facilities and talents to the best of his ability” That statement comes to mind as one of the grand old lady of the nation’s higher education, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria rolls out the drum to celebrate its silver jubilee. How time flies, it seems only but yesterday that this famous citadel of learning was established.

Although there are rooms for improvement and even though the school might not have used its talents and potentials to the fullest, many believe that it deserves to be congratulated.

Indeed, surviving as ABU has done in the last 50 years is in itself quite a feat of sorts, particularly when the exigencies of the times are taken into account. As the average business owner out there would tell you, the epileptic power supply, bad roads, lack of water and deteriorating infrastructure make it tough to run a company or school here in Nigeria. ABU deserves to be congratulated for weathering such challenges for half a

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

ABU @ 50 and justice for sacked 300 century. that there was no more money to civil service, banks and other As we click glasses for savour pay them? universities, etc, to join ABU, this auspicious occasion, No less curious is the fact that have lost out on two theirs.” however, it is pertinent to reflect hardly were those 300 hundred At a time like this when the on one of the sores haunting this unfortunate compatriots thrown nation’s security situation is less ivory tower. A couple of months into the job market than the same than encouraging, one shudders back over 300 academic and non ABU started employing new to think of what we would all be – academic staff of ABU were workers, apparently to fill the saddled with if such fellow sacked just like that in one fell vacancies created by the sacked citizens were to succumb to s w o o p . frustration or Reason? They bitterness w e r e , occasioned by according to what they the school’s rightly or Peoples Daily welcomes your letters, opinion articles, text authorities, w r o n g l y messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written axed for perceive as an contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters - 150 h a v i n g unkind cut. This words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your name and allegedly is more so as not a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be addressed b e i n g a few of the to: employed armed robbers, without due suicide bombers, The Editor, process. The kidnappers and Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, V i c e their ilk are 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja.

Chancellor believed to have w a s embraced the Email: let ters@peoplesdaily-online.com subsequently u n h o l y SMS: 07037756364 quoted as “business” out saying that the joblessness – there was no money to pay them. chaps. Even more curious is the induced frustration.

That may be so, but the whole fact that a number of the sacked One is, of course, not insisting exercise raises a number of workers have reportedly been that ABU, or any other pertinent posers. How is it possible recalled, with tales of favoritism, institution for that matter, that those workers remained on nepotism and tribalism must remain perpetually stuck ABU’s pay roll for seven odd years hallmarking the exercise. with workers it feels it cannot before the authorities concerned The implication, as pointed afford to pay; workers that were suddenly discovered that they out by an official of the Zazzau allegedly hired without due had been employed in breach of Unity Association, Zaria, in process. But the irony of the is that those due process? And how come the Kaduna last Saturday, is that “a situation same school that was paying generation of our able–bodied unfortunate compatriots were their salaries regularly for over men and women, some of who sacked without due process. half a year, suddenly discovered had just left their old jobs in the Imagine how they must be

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feeling when reports now started circulating that some of their mates had been recalled, even as new workers are being hired by the same institution that recently kicked them out unceremoniously.

At the heart of the whole thing, in my humble view, is justice. Justice for the over 300 sacked ABU staff. Wouldn’t it have been a little more fair if a panel or committee had been instituted to look into their cases independently, with a view to separating the wheat from the chaff?

Sadly, the Vice Chancellor has reportedly rebuffed all the efforts made by well – meaning citizens and groups alike (including the late – Governor Yakowa of Kaduna State) to resolve the festering sore. This is even as he is allegedly running the 50 – year – old institution as if it were his personal estate and “like a military dictator in civilian garb”.

For a citadel that is half a century old, a citadel of academic excellence like ABU, such attitude is not all that ennobling, to say the least. The Vice Chancellor should come clean on this unfortunate Saga. Justice, rather than favouritism and nepotism, should prevail C-O-U-R-T! Hajia Umar a retired teacher writes from Sabo, Kaduna Kaduna State.

The curse of the Nigerian masses on the ruling class

By Paul Omoruyi

I

t is no secret that Nigerians hate their rulers. But when Nigerian “prayer warrior” masses start to curse and pray for the death of their rulers, then there is a problem. In contrast to Nigeria, South Africans of all stripes grieved and wailed over Nelson Mandela’s hospitalization just some couple of weeks ago. If you want to infuriate an English man, insult, or speak evil about their WWII leader, Winston Churchill.

Not so long ago, Nigerians would shun verbal abuse, eschew cursing and have respect for human life. I remember when Nigerians would cry when they see a little spill of human blood say from a vehicular accident. When there is a complete loss of life, the neighborhood will be as silent as a grave yard. Then, even if a known enemy died, Nigerians still sincerely cry because they value human life. But those days are far gone.

Today, the Nigerian psyche has been hardened by years of rabid economic hardship, poverty, greed, cultism, corruption and hedonism. It is now a daily incident to see dead bodies on the streets of Nigeria. Cultist youths, political rivals, religious sects kill one another in the middle of the day. They simply say “nothing dey happen” while people walk past as if nothing anomalous has actually happened. The life of a Nigerian is not worth a cent anymore.

On the 27th of December

2012 alone, the breaking news from one major Nigerian online news outlet goes: “Teenage gunmen kill business mogul, three security officials, seven others in Maiduguri”; “ABU professor, Hyacinth Mbibu, shot dead in Zaria”; “Nine dead, 11 injured in Osun auto crash”; “JTF kill 5 suspected terrorists, demolish bomb factory in Kaduna”. Those headlines tell the story better than what I can express in words.

The ludicrous dimension to all of these is the euphoria and jubilation expressed by Nigerian masses when a member of the Nigerian thiefocratic class (President, Governor, Senator, House of Rep member, Minister, local government chairman, etc) dies.

I did not know how much the average Nigerian psyche has been crushed until the recent events in the last couple of months. In order to know the feeling on the ground when the plane of Governor Danbaba Suntai’s of Taraba State crashed, I placed a call to several friends. Needless to say, these are Nigerians I consider somewhat “God-fearing” and decent in many respect. The first response I got from each and every one of them is “make them all die, we are praying for the next one to die”. It was as if they were all reading from the same script.

“But na person papa, brother, uncle na?” I will respond. “Ok, dey talk for there. Na because say you no dey naija that’s why you dey talk like that na”. The suffer we dey while they send their children overseas and enjoy themselves

from stealing Naija money hen, it reach make God take punish all of them with their families. Make all of them die, die, die”, they will conclude like Mountain of Fire prayer warriors.

One quoted the bible to buttress his point: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked bears rule, the people mourn. We will continue to mourn all of them one-by-one. Only Fashola and Oshiomole with their family will live long among the current thieves”.

Just barely some weeks after that discussion, we heard the ailment rumors of Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke and Sullivan Chime, Enugu State Governor and Minister of Petroleum Alison-Madueke. As if that was not enough, Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State was involved in a ghastly road accident that may have left one of his legs broken and his aide dead. I cannot help but remember all the curses and death prayers that Nigerian masses shower daily on their rulers.

Many Nigerians in recent times have become accustomed to cursing their rulers. Before you have a five minutes discussion on the state of Nigeria with a Nigerian these days they would have cursed the ruling class more than a hundred times. There is justifiable unprecedented hatred for the ruling class like never before in the history of the country.

I was not appalled when Nigerians seemed to celebrate the demise of Governor Yakowa. What surprised me was that Governor

Babangida Aliyu of Niger State did not know (or pretended not to know) that Nigerian masses have a deep-seated hatred for the ruling class that have wasted and stolen the common wealth of the nation.

Following the celebration of Yakowa’s death, Governor Babangida Aliyu berated those Nigerians celebrating by saying “Immediately we start praying for our leaders to die, then we are asking that the whole society should die. We must pray for our leaders. We must go back to our faith and practice our religion as demanded by the almighty Allah. We must talk to our children. We must be involved in the moral and religious education of our children. This development shows that we are failing in the duty to train our children”.

Although Governor Aliyu used the word “leaders” in his statement, but I think he meant “rulers” because Nigeria in my opinion presently have very few public officials that we can ascribe the word “leaders”. So, I will stick to using the word “rulers” in place of “leaders”.

I concur with Governor Aliyu.

Human life is sacred and should be valued.

Unfortunately Governor, it appears to me that Nigerians cannot stop cursing or praying for the death of their rulers anymore. I will posit that the cursing and celebration of the death or misfortune of the ruling class will stop only when Nigerian masses feel their rulers care about them. Maybe they will stop cursing the ruling class when

they stopped hearing about the billions of dollars embezzled by the rulers while they wallow in abject poverty.

When Nigerian masses see their rulers flaunting the wealth stolen from the national/state treasury; when they see the rulers flying abroad just for a stomach-ache while they die in Nigeria from just a head ache due to the lack of a health care system; when they see their rulers flying private jets while they travel on death-trap roads; when they see their rulers sending their kids to expensive schools abroad while they get crappy education, it is only human for them to start operating in a different frequency alas wishing death to the rulers.

Nigeria prayer warriors are to be feared. They are the best prayer warriors in the world. Nigeria rulers should immediately start doing the right thing that will please the Nigerian masses and their prayer warriors. If not, we will hear of more misfortune in the next couple of weeks, months and years ahead. All the rulers should henceforth take note because it will not be funny if the Nigerian prayer warriors are still shouting die, die die!!!

Is there any past or present Nigerian public ruler (or maybe you think should be called a “leader”) that you feel Nigerians should cry for or be proud of when something bad happens to him or her? Let me know your opinion.

May God bless Nigerians and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Blog:www.diasporascope.com Email:eng.p.omoruyi@gmail.com

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

PAGE 15

Bureaucracy as the engine room of the National Assembly

By Ibrahim Biu

A

gainst the background of providing good laws, federal legislators have been congratulating themselves for carrying out their jobs satisfactorily this year. In fact, most of them have been beating their chest that they have achieved a lot in the development of the nation through performing their jobs effectively.

The achievements of the lawmakers include among others the passing of 21 bills by the Senate, adoption of very important resolutions and the comprehensive discussions and debates carried out by the two houses on representations and motions initiated by either the government or from the general public.

It must be clearly stated here that there is no doubt that the federal legislators carried out their scheduled assignments with all sense of responsibilities. The achievement of the lawmakers in the year under review is outstanding as compared to the

previous years.

However, in giving kudos to the legislators this reporter is of the firm view that mention must be made of the National Assembly bureaucracy without which the lawmakers could not have achieved such a high level of performance in their work.

It is obvious from information available that the management of the National Assembly under the leadership of its team leader, the Clerk of the Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Abubakar Maikasuwa, oon, mni, had in the past year worked assiduously and silently to provide the necessary infrastructure and the enabling environment for effective legislative work by the lawmakers.

It is on record that the National Assembly bureaucracy had at the beginning of the seventh assembly provided among others, competent legislative aides, resource persons and other necessary requirements to the lawmakers which facilitated the successful operation of their various assignments.

The legislative aides and others were responsible for carrying out

detailed researches and investigations on sensitive issues which were successfully debated and subsequently deliberated upon by the lawmakers in the year under review.

Both houses successfully debated and adopted several resolutions and motions which have no doubt impacted positively on the lives of the general public since the Assembly took off last year after they were sworn in.

In addition to these, Nigerians are also aware that the new wing of the National Assembly, which has continued to provide adequate security and conducive accommodation for Assembly members, was vigorously pursued and completed by the Assembly’s bureaucracy successfully.

It was based on these information that a group of journalists and some lawyers recently brainstormed on the performance of the National Assembly and arrived at the conclusion that even though the federal legislators actually excelled in doing their assignments this time around, they could not have

achieved much had it not been because of the outstanding performance of the Assembly’s bureaucracy under the Alhaji Maikasuwa-led management team.

The forum was of the firm belief that if any group should beat its chest or celebrate the success of the federal lawmakers in the discharge of their work in 2012, it should be the entire staff of the National Assembly bureaucracy from the messenger to the highest paid director as well as the clerk of the Assembly and his able lieutenants, made up of his deputy, the two clerks, senior directors and their deputies as well as all the other civil servants in the National Assembly.

They deserved commendation because of the exemplary manner they discharged their assignments and the high level of cooperation they gave to the lawmakers. In addition to these the civil servants also courageously and consistently cooperated with their colleagues who were assigned to the lawmakers in both the Senate and

the House of Representatives to ensure that assignments given by the lawmakers were properly and promptly handled.

These actions and the general high level of cooperation given to the lawmakers by the Maikasuwa-led team made the federal legislators to commend the bureaucracy on many occasions during the year for a job well done.

The Senate President, Dr. David Mark and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, as well as the principal officers of the Assembly, have all commended the civil servants. Even people outside the National Assembly have at one time or the other given such commendation to the bureaucracy.

This reporter is of the view that though the civil servants deserve such commendation, they should add more grease to their elbows so that more could be achieved by the lawmakers in the years to come.

This action could also enhance the country’s democratic practices.

Biu sent in this piece from Abuja

President Goodluck Jonathan deserves commendation for the will and support that has brought to an end the era of service providers in Nigeria with effect from today.

Over the years, the function of Customs administrations has evolved from revenue collection to include protection of industry and citizens, trade facilitation as well as trade security and environmental issues. Customs administrations have continued to improve with the dynamism brought about by the evolving global world, and it’s a good thing that Nigeria is taking this step today.

The WCO’s stand that “if any country must rely on contracting core Customs services to private companies, then such a country should as well disband its Customs administration,” is not farfetched if the defects associated with the service provider’s contract and their service delivery in Nigeria is anything to go by. For example, there has been observed cases of duplication and multiple issuances of Risk Assessment Reports (RAR) on high FOB imports with intension to defraud the federal government to the extent that between February and July 2012, 414 RARs with a value of N5.5 billion were duplicated. One particular RAR with FOB value N229 billion was found to have been duplicated by a service provider for the same consignment, thereby drawing double payment for single import.

Incidences like these further justifies arguments by experts that some of these core Customs services contracted to the private sector are usually treated by benefiting firms as mere business ventures by the organisations which would go to

the extremes to secure such contracts primarily for profit making.

In the WCO’s view, such practice usually results in a situation where there will be no trust in the Customs frontline and post clearance capability.

This has prompted the Organisation to, in recent years; develop several diagnostic studies and programmes aimed at championing broader international Customs capability with high benefits to governments of its member countries.

More so, there is also the related issue of national security with the service provider’s operating system. This has to do with the vulnerability of national data on security arising from Scanning Service Providers (SSPs) hosting of data base abroad.

There was also the issue of the absence of a harmonised risk management system among the three service providers resulting in non-uniformity in the cargo clearance procedure and inefficiency, leading to frustration of trade facilitation effort of the government.

Rather than this concept which adds no value to trade, the WCO has continuously harped on the need for governments to focus on capacity building for Customs officers to enable them take-over the management of these contracted services for better delivery. Although there has been a strategy by the service providers to prolong their contract by refusing to provide strategic capacity transfer, but the NCS has been conscious and proactive to have begun internal capacity building intervention with a view to taking over these services since 2009.

The need for the NCS to take

over from the service providers cannot be overemphasised for many reasons including that the contract has a-no-penalty clause which gives no room for sanction in cases of delays and non-fulfilment of contractual obligations. This has given room for gross misconducts in the system with no punishments whatsoever.

There have been cases of misclassification and gross under valuation of imports resulting in large volume of demand notice and interventions by Customs officers. For instance, in March 2012 alone, N633 million was recovered on ceramics tiles alone from 304 RARs issued by the service providers.

Furthermore, while some scanners are yet to be supplied after seven years in some commands such as Seme and Ilorin, there is the absence of standard scanners operating procedure among the three service providers in places where scanners have been supplied even as the support and maintenance services to be delivered are not specified in the contract.

Against this background, President Jonathan must again be commended for the interventions and far sightedness which has enabled the Customs Service under the leadership of ComptrollerGeneral Abdullahi Dikko, to take the bold initiative of engaging 12,000 officers in various strategic areas in preparation for a comprehensive and seamless takeover programme from the service providers.

At the moment, a specialised software, PreArrival Assessment Report (PAAR) has been designed and developed by the Service to take care of all the observed defects

in the risk assessment report process. The PAAR software which was solely designed and developed by the Nigeria Customs Service manages and maintains national data on trade and security.

The software will efficiently handle import on the basis of pre-arrival of cargo thereby facilitating trade, ensuring security of the nation and improving revenue collection.

According to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), as of November 2011, at least 25 countries, most of which are in sub-Sahara Africa, had contracts with private inspection entities for PSI and DI of which Nigeria was one, but this would no longer be after today. With a commitment to capacity building under the Dikko-led management, the NCS now has capable hands to take-over the running of all its functions, and thereby retaining capital flight.

As a consequence of critical assessments of the performance of inspection companies and inefficient capacity-building and training activities, many Customs administrations have exited these outsourcing contracts and the WCO, with its accumulated knowledge, is able to assist its members with the process of discontinuing these contracts.

Summarily, the modernisation campaign began embarked on by the Service in 2009 has today resulted in a history making event as the Nigeria Customs Service takes over full management of all Customs operations, thereby priding itself among the 21st century Customs administration.

Maijidda Suleiman wrote from Lome Crescent, Wuse, Abuja

As Customs Service Providers contract ends

By Maijidda Suleiman

T

oday marks the end of the era of service providers contracts for the provision of core Customs responsibilities in Nigeria.

Over the years, through contracts with the federal government, core Customs services had been outsourced to private companies that conduct Pre-shipment Inspection (PSI) or Destination Inspection (DI) activities.

PSI activities are conducted in exporting countries in order to verify the quality, quantity, price and classification of such exported goods, while DI activities are carried out in combination with scanning technology on imported goods in importing countries.

The concept is normally introduced to enhance Customs functions as a stop-gap measure while waiting for Customs reforms and modernisation.

However, the World Customs Organisation (WCO) has observed that this option is usually more cost effective than in-house operations for many reasons including the stimulation provided by competition in the private sector. And apart from being more cost effective, lots of defects have been identified with this option in the Nigerian environment.

First, the contract was found not to have been based on Nigeria Customs Service business requirement and also not in line with international best practices on Customs reforms and modernisation as specified in Kyoto Convention on harmonisation and simplification of trade. As of today, the activities of service providers has been rested in the developed nations, which is why

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

SURE-P jobs: FCTA says 4,000 people recruited

By Josephine Ella Ejeh

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he Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has denied a report indicting the administration of lying to Nigerians about the recruitment of 10,000 youths under the SUREProgramme.

A statement by the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister of State for FCT, Oluyinka Akintunde said the Minister of State did not lie and had no reason to lie about the engagement of the 10,000 women and youths.

“The attention of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the FCT Project Implementation Unit (PIU) of the Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P) have been drawn to the malicious and misleading reports published on Friday, December 28, 2012 titled, “Abuja Minister Lied To Nigerians, Promised Fake, NonExistent Jobs”.

“The FCTA wishes to strongly

…Additional 3,000 applicants being screened for employment refute the fabricated reports and unequivocally restate that the engagement of 10,000 unemployed women and youths under the Community Service, Women and Youth Programme of the SURE-P as announced by the Honourable Minister of State for FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, is on track,” he said.

According to him, contrary to the media reports that no recruitment had occurred under the FCT SURE-P programme, the first batch of 1,000 unemployed women and youths were engaged by the FCT Administration three months ago.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the FCT Administration following thorough scrutinization recruited 300 people for the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) while another 300 unemployed women and youths were also

engaged for the Abuja Environmental Protection Board.

“The Administration during the period had also employed 200 people each for the Development Control and Parks and Recreation Departments of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC),” Akintunde said.

He added that “ Under the

second batch of the FCT SURE-P programme in November 2012, the FCTA engaged and trained 500 unemployed women and youths each for the six Area Councils, bringing the total number of employment under the programme to 4,000.

The above facts can be verified at the above mentioned

Physician advises on proper food, water hygiene to avoid typhoid fever

A

n Abuja-based general physician, Dr Patrick Okolie, has called on the public to imbibe the culture of good food and water hygiene to avoid typhoid fever. Okolie told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that typhoid was caused by infection of bacteria.

He said that the bacteria that cause typhoid known as

A Gbagyi cultural troupe performing at a function, recently at Orozo, in Abuja.

“selmonella typi’’, the common cause of typhoid fever all over the world.

“The peculiar thing about typhoid fever is that it only affects human beings, it cannot be found in animals, and so you only get typhoid from another human being. To transfer the infection the bacteria has to be passed through the faeces or urine of

Photo: NAN

Abuja residents celebrate crime-free Christmas – PPRO

By Etuka Sunday with agency report

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olice Public Relations Officer in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), DSP Doris England, has attributed the peaceful Christmas celebration in Abuja without major incident to some of the security measures put in place by the command.

DSP Doris who disclosed this in a telephone interview with News agency of Nigeria (NAN) said there was no major crime that was heard of in the course of the celebration if not it would have been reported.

“There was no report of any major crime; if there was any major incident, you would have

known. The police did their part and the people too contributed.

But, like we always say, security is everybody’s business, it is a collective responsibility.

“As the security agencies are doing their own part, if the people are law abiding, the society will be peaceful and relatively free of crime,” she said.

It would be recalled that the Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Mr Aderenle Shinaba, told journalists on Dec. 24 that the command had taken some measures to ensure crime-free Xmas and New Year celebrations in the territory.

Shinaba said the measures included raiding “black spots’’, intensified patrol and

deployment of men of the Explosive Ordnance Department (EOD) to strategic areas of the territory.

“The command wishes to assure residents of the FCT and its environs of its resolve to fight crime to a standstill so as to make the city safe,” he said.

In another development, Mr Fanola Kayode, the FCT Sector Commander of the FRSC, told NAN that one fatal accident was recorded on the Yangoji-Abaji road during the Christmas.

Kayode said that all the three persons in the vehicle, who are uniformed men, died in the accident.

According him, the crash occurred when an articulated

vehicle belonging to a notable businessman lost control and rammed into a commercial bus conveying the officers.

The sector commander, who said that no accident was recorded within the city centre during the period, promised to make available the statistics of vehicles booked for various traffic violations.

It would be recalled that the FRSC deployed 31,500 personnel to major highways and routes nationwide for intensified patrol and rescue operations, for the Christmas celebration.

The same numbers of personnel are to be deployed during the New Year celebration.

departments and agencies of the FCTA as well as the Area Councils”.

He said the third batch of 3,000 women and youths (500 people from each of the six area councils) is currently being scrutinized by the administration in conjunction with the area councils towards ensuring transparency. someone who already has it,” he said.

He said that anybody infected with typhoid should dispose his urine or faeces properly to prevent the transfer to other people. So, this becomes important when we talk about food handlers, those who run restaurants, fast food joints or other food vendors.

“When these people have typhoid and do not observe proper personal hygiene, they are likely to spread this typhoid,’’ he said.

He said there was no proper statistics on the prevalence of typhoid, “but it is relatively high in developing country.’’ Where there is no potable water or shortage of water, this tend to increase because people resort to fetching water from the well. So, you find out that the incident is higher in the rural area than the urban, so also it is higher in the developing countries,” he said.

Okolie said that the common symptom of typhoid fever was the accompanying fever that was different from the fever of malaria.

He said that the fever of typhoid was usually worse during the day time, and could last for a week or more unlike the fever of malaria which fluctuates. Other symptom is that the patient may have diarrhoea, constipation and respiratory symptom similar to pneumonia. Such person can also have other abdominal signs like typhoid perforations as a result of untreated and prolonged infection with typhoid. So, typhoid that is left untreated, can cause intestinal perforation and general bacterial infections with different organs involvement.

He said that the patient might need to be admitted in the hospital for proper treatment.

Okolie said that the person with intestinal perforation might also require surgery to repair the damage.

The doctor, however, said that if typhoid was left untreated, it could spread to other parts of the body leading to inflammation of bone or osteitis. “Generally, we treat typhoid with antibiotics that are sensitive and can take care of these organisms called selmonella typi. So, the doctors know the antibiotics to be used after carrying out some tests to determine which is more effective,” he said.

Okolie explained that they also take care of dehydration which was also a common cause as some people usually have diarrhoea and vomiting leading to dehydration.(NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

PAGE 17

INSIDE FCT COURTS Man accused of stealing empty crates of soft drinks, others

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An overloaded pick up with empty drums, along Abuja-Keffi road.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Court dismisses land case against Bwari chair

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ustice Yusuf Halilu of a Federal Capital Territory(FCT) High Court Kubwa,at the weeked dismissed a land ownership suit filed by one Ikechukwu Nwamadi against the Chairman of Bwari Area Council of FCT, Mr Peter Yohana.

Other defendants in the suit are Bwari Area Council and one Edwin Apochi, the second and third defendants respectively.

Delivering judgment on the matter, Halilu said there must be an offer, acceptance construction and an intention to create legal relation, to have a valid contract.

He said that “parties must reach consensus ad-idem’’ for a contract to be regarded as legally binding and enforceable.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the suit was initiated through a writ of summons filed on February 3, 2011 by Nwamadi. Nwamadi’s counsel, Mr Chimezie Okereke, had prayed the court for an order restraining the defendants from

encroaching or taking over the land, plot 560, Gbazango Layout, Kubwa.

Okereke also asked the court to stop the first and second defendants from issuing a Certificate of Occupancy to any other party in respect of the plot.

Other prayers sought by the plaintiff included a N300,000 compensation for the demolished fence on the plot, N500,000 for inconveniences and legal fees.

The counsel told the court that the plaintiff was issued customary right of occupancy to the plot sometime in 1995 by Bwari council and was made to pay for documentation and land survey.

He stated that sometime around 2008, the plaintiff noticed that some persons trespassed on the plot, prompting him to complain to the ouncil.

“But the zonal manager replied my client on Aug. 27, 2010, saying records at the council showed that the plot was initially allocated to one Mike

Egbuna who later transferred ownership to Edwin Apochi.’’

Opening defence earlier on March 12, counsel to the first and second defendants, Charity Alao, said investigations showed that the plot was never allotted to Nwamadi.

She said that recertification was carried out in 2006, adding that the name of Kelechi Nwamadi was not found in the list of allotees.

She said that the suit was incompetent because the FCT minister, the FCTA and the FCDA ought to have been joined in the matter. “The office of the zonal land manager is a zonal land office of the FCDA in Bwari Area Council and as such, transactions made with the office should not be treated as being made with the first defendant,’’ she said.

Justice Yusuf Halilu ruled that an offer was a definite indication from one person to another, expressing the willingness to conclude a contract on terms proposed.

“Accepting of an offer may be demonstrated by conduct of parties by their words or documents that have passed between them. It is the element of acceptance that underscores the bilateral nature of contracts.

“Plaintiff had enough time to have signed acceptance copy of the provisional approval of the customary right to create a valid contract but failed to do that.’’

Halilu said that when attempt to prove title failed, acts of possession based on that title could not sustain claim of title.

The plaintiff has failed to prove his title to the land in question. He who seeks equity must, as a matter of fact and law, do equity. Equity does not aid the indolent but the vigilant. In view of the above, all reliefs sought by the plaintiff must fail. The head of the fish is rotten, you truly do not expect any part of the fish to be spared. I shall dismiss the claims of the plaintiff for all the reasons aforementioned,’’ Halilu said.

Applicant held for allegedly forging the signature of another person

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he Police have arraigned Jacob Adamu, an applicant, before an Abuja Senior Magistrates Court for allegedly attempting to withdraw money from a bank with a forged cheque.

P o l i c e Prosecutor, Abdullahi Adamu

told the court that John Emete, a security officer attached to the new generation bank in Wuse, Abuja, reported the accused at the Wuse, Zone 3 Divisional Police Station, on December 17, 2012.

He said the accused forged a signature on the

cheque belonging to another person with the intention to withdraw money from the account.

Adamu said the sum of N90,000 was written on the cheque, and that the offence contravenes the provisions of Sections 364 and 95 of the

Penal Code.

The accused, however, denied the allegation, and Magistrate Ahmed Shuaibu ordered that he should be remanded in prison custody, and adjourned the matter to January 14, 2013 for hearing.

(NAN)

ne Adamu Abdullahi of Tipper Garage, Lugbe, Abuja, has been arraigned before an Abuja Senior Magistrates Court for allegedly trespassing into the compound of one Monday Mathew.

The accused is also standing trial for stealing Iron rods, one empty crate of mineral and one tarpaulin from Mathew’s compound.

Police Prosecutor, Jeremiah Elijah told the court that the matter was reported by Mathew, who resides at the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Lugbe, on December 16, 2012.

Elijah said the accused trespassed into the compound of the complainant through the fence and stole the items, adding that he was caught by the complainant with the items, while trying to escape.

The prosecutor said the offence contravene the provisions of Sections 349 and 288 of the Penal Code, but the accused pleaded not guilty.

In her ruling, Magistrate Grace Adebayo granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with one surety, who must be a civil servant.

Adebayo said the surety must reside within the jurisdiction of the court, and adjourned the case to January 30, 2013 for hearing.

(NAN)

Judge grants police leave to prefer criminal charge against man

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ustice Mamman Kolo, the FCT High Court Vacation Judge last Friday granted leave to the police to arraign Chinedu Ali, 30, for alleged conspiracy and arm robbery.

Kolo granted the leave after Mr Babajide Olanipekun, Counsel to the police, filed an application to prefer criminal charges against Ali. Olanipekun said the application was supported with an affidavit sworn to by Corporal Mohammad Umar, attached to the Police C.I.D Office in the FCT and filed on December 17, 2012.

He added that the affidavit contained the list of exhibits, witnesses and proof of evidence in support of the charge.

He prayed the court to grant him leave to prepare a criminal charge against the accused in line with the provisions of Section 185 sub-section (B) of the Criminal Procedure Code. The prosecuting counsel also prayed the court to remand the accused in prison, and noted that his office (the SARS office) had no facilities to contain the accused. (NAN)

PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

Al-Makura and challenges of governance

By Rayyanu Bala

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f-course, business of governance is by no means a challenge which no matter how best one put towards meeting the challenges, it will sometime not go down well with others. Some people were however naturally pessimists, by their nature nothing is good except things or ideas that emanates from them, this class of people are such of a kind that you can hardly satisfy them. While on the other, they were people who were optimists, by their nature, nothing appears bad beyond redemption and no matter how terrible things appeared to be, they will still nurse the believe that it will get bitter with time. Indeed challenges of governance are increasingly becoming more and more intense today in view of the enormity of problems afflicting the people.

Some states in Nigeria are lucky to have governors who are patriotic enough, governors whose only challenge is how to ensure good governance for the general good of all. In Nasarawa state we are however lucky to have in Governor Al-Makura, qualities of patriotic leader whose greatest challenge is how to move his state to an enviable height, in view of the long neglect the state was forced to contend with due to unpatriotic leadership in the past, especially in the last 12 years of PDP administration.

I thing it was Bernice Johnson Reagon who said “Life’s challenges are not supposed to paralyse you, they’re supposed to help you discover who you are” Indeed, Al-makura appeared to be a classic student of Bernice John Reagon school of thought. The challenges he is facing as governor today did not however paralyse him but rather the challenges only help him to discover who he is. The challenge Al-makura is facing is unequal, in terms weight and in terms of intensity, when compare with what other governors are facing in their respective states. To begin with, Al-makura is not only facing insignificant allocation from the federation account which stand at only N2.6billion monthly but he has to contend with huge recurrent expenditure arising from implementation of new minimum wage as well as repayment of huge loans inherited from past administrations. All these consume well over 95% of the entire monthly allocation.

Apart from these, Al-makura inherited no practical template on good governance to which he can build on from his predecessor, as he met on ground a disorganized civil service. He is also being faced by hostile state Assembly whose majority of membership belongs to opposition PDP in the state. As if these challenges were not enough, there were also elements of hostilities to his

administration from some representatives of media outfits especially the social media, owing mainly to his stance on adhering strictly to the principles guiding the practice of journalism which he knew very well as one time practitioner. There were again issues of high expectations from the people amidst lack of resources to meet up with those expectations.

But despite the enormity of

give the fish but just teach me how to catch the fish” At all the sectors of the economy of the state, the story is the same, the emphasis now is on development of enabling environment to ensure that every individual, apart from actualizing his or her potential also contribute his or her quota towards the development of the state. Since these approaches is new to people, some misconstrued this good intension to mean miserly.

Nasarawa State Governor,

TANKO AL-MAKURA

challenges, Al-makura was able to surmount most of them, thus refused to be paralysed instead, these challenges has only help him to discovered himself as someone who is not only focused and determined but as someone who knows nothing other than hard work and the challenges also help to discovered himself as someone whose ability to turn liabilities to asserts is legendary.

In Nasarawa state, we are very much aware that large segment of the people of the state, due to unpatriotic and selfish leadership of the past, they were led to became more or less a liability on to government and on to themselves. Before Almakura came on board, some depended heavily on government for a largess which ultimately made them to become poorer. Nobody was willing to go out there and labour for survival. But today Almakura is systematically changing this psyche of dependence by initiating policies and programmes which shifted emphasis to provisions of enabling environments for people to actualize their potentialities.

In plain language, what Almakura is doing in Nasarawa state today is consistent with the Chinese adage which says “don’t

And even at that, Al-makura still dishes out the largess to some, since they were some that needed some kind of assistance in that manner.

Of-course, since Al-makura came on board, the fortunes of the state has risen considerably due to his ability to manage not only what the state was able to get but also due to his ability to create wealth and enabling environment . Despite all the meager revenue status of the state, Al-makura led administration was able to meet up with all its obligations including, continuing settlement of liabilities inherited from the previous PDP government. On the other hand however and within this short span of time, Al-makura was able to open up Nasarawa state to business investors. The state has now become a Mecca of sort to investors, owing mainly to liberal and friendly environment provided by the government. It was precisely these achievements that made some to become so jittering and envious, which made some today to result to crying wolf while others result to chief blackmail all in an attempt to blindfold the people from seeing the difference between Al-makura’s led government and the ones before

him. The recent outburst of Chief Yunana Iliya, the state chairman of the PDP against Almakura led government could rightly be seen and appreciated within these contexts.

Chief Yunana Iliya in what he referred to as ‘Address on state of affairs of our dear state, Nasarawa’ made a caricature of himself and that of the PDP by among other things; blaming the CPC government for spate of ethnic violence in the state, condemning the attempt by Al-makura led administration to secure a loan facility as contained in 2013 appropriation bill, calling on Al-makura to resign or be impeach on account of what he referred as hearing impairment, and condemning Almakura for the creation of chiefdoms as well as challenging Almakura no revenue profile of the state as well as how he expended the money in the last 17 month.

One will not however waste his precious time and energy on responding to the above submission by Chief Yunana Iliya and like I said earlier, he has only succeeded by his so called address to among other things; making a caricature of himself and by extension the PDP, he has succeeded in exhibiting his ignorance on affairs in Nasarawa state, he has also succeeded only in exhibiting his envy and that of the PDP on the achievements the people of Nasarawa state achieved since CPC government came on board and as well, Chief Yunana Iliya has succeeded in exhibiting his hatred against the good people of Nasarawa state.

For the avoidance of doubt and to avoid misleading the unsuspecting public, all the issues he raised, particularly on aspects of revenue profile of the state and where the money is going has been exhaustively explained by no less than the governor himself and at no fewer occasions than the town hall meeting, during the good governance tour.

On spate of ethnic violence, instead of blaming the CPC government, Chief Yunana Iliya should be bold enough to accept that it was the PDP government that planted all the seeds for the ethnic violence through its unpopular policies just as during their time, we witnessed more bloodied ethnic violence than the ones we experienced today.

Classical examples are: Igbira/ Bassa communal violence in 2002 Tiv/Alago, Eggon communal violence, following the murder of Sarkin Azara in 2000, as well as Eggon/ Koro communal violence in same

2000 to mentioned just a few.

Chief Yunana Iliya ought to be bold enough to commend Almakura for tying hard enough to diffuse and uproot the seeds they planted not only on aspects of ethnic tensions but also on social and economic dislocation that pervaded our society as a result of PDP’s misrule in the state.

Equally Chief Yunana ought to have been bold to also commend Al-makura for servicing irrevocable standing payment order (ISPO) which the PDP administration mortgaged the state under dubious contractual agreements. Almakura again ought to be commended for paying back to Plateau state, the refund of Paris Club which entire sum developed wings and disappeared during Aliyu Akwe Doma’s administration. The loan facility which Al-makura led administration will secure as contained in 2013 appropriation bill is to be channeled into productive sector of the economy which, quite unlike in the past were such loans are obtained only to service the interest of select few in government.

On the demand for resignation on accounts of Al-makura’s alleged hearing impairment, we make bold to say that Chief Yunana got the relevant provision of Nigerian Constitution wrong. Section 189 of our constitution made no any reference to incapacitation as a result of hearing impairment. It is worthy of note that even advanced democracies of the world accommodates such impairment in their leaders, readily available example is in Britain where history has it that they once hard a blind man as parliament member, which is equivalent to cabinet minister in presidential system. Besides, it is most unfortunate that Chief Yunana’s call on Al-makura to resign on accounts of hearing impairment is coming at a time when all hands are supposed to on deck to incorporate the physically challenged in the scheme of things in not only Nigeria but around the world.

However, through Almakura’s Midas touch today, we been able have a breakthrough in social, political and economic sphere in Nasarawa state. In spite the enormous challenges and in spite the land mines planted in his way to provide good governance to the people of the state by the previous administration, Al-makura was able to surmount most of the challenges. And like I kept saying, there is no amount of provocation or propagation that could distract the CPC government in Nasarawa state from making a difference, which it has already started making in the last 17 month.

R. Bala wrote from Lafia, Nasarawa state. < rayanubala@yahoo.com>

BUSINESS

PAGE 19

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

Email: aminuimam@yahoo.co.uk

INSIDE

Dangote Cement rises 5% on profit forecast

Mob: 08033644990

NNPC announces restoration of Ije-ododo pipeline

By Muhammad Nasir

• says there is over 32 days sufficiency of Petrol

few days after the Ijeododo pipeline vandalism and fire outbreak in Lagos, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has announced full and comprehensive restoration of the Ije-ododo pipeline to normalcy adding that pumping of premium motor spirit, (petrol), has resumed in earnest to Depots and tank farms in the system 2B, spanning from Atlas-Cove to Ilorin.

The Acting Group General Manager of the Group Public Affairs Division of the NNPC, Mr. Fidel Pepple stated this during a media chat with journalists in Abuja at the weekend.

Mr. Pepple assured Nigerians and motorists that with the restoration of the Ije-ododo pipeline and the NNPC system 2b pipeline, normalcy has been restored to supply and distribution of petroleum products across the length and breadth of the country.

“I can affirm to you that our Engineers from the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company Limited, (PPMC), have finally fixed the Ije-Ododo pipeline that

was ruptured last Monday by activities of pipeline vandals.

Going forward, the good news for Nigerians is that we have resumed pumping of petroleum products through the pipeline and system 2b is equally working after the restoration of the pipeline,” Mr. Pepple submitted.

He described media reports that fuel scarcity and queues in some parts of the country may last beyond the new year as mischievous, noting that the Corporation still maintains zero tolerance to fuel scarcity and fuel queues in filling stations. He stated that the recent fuel queues were basically due to the activities of pipeline vandals, the closure of a number of filling stations due to the Xmas holidays and not shortage of petroleum products.

The NNPC Spokesman revealed that the Corporation has product sufficiency that can sustain the country for more than a month stressing that concerted efforts by the NNPC to wet every part of the country with petrol to ease the movement of people as they travel from one place to the other before and after the New Year, is continuous and will be

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Fuel scarcity takes toll on Lokoja residents

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eople living in Lokoja, Kogi on Friday cried out to the Federal Government to solve the acute shortage of petrol in the state. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quotes residents of Lokoja as saying that the acute fuel scarcity had marred the Christmas festivities.

A resident of Kabawa in Lokoja, Mr. Sunday Owolabi expressed regrets that for the past two weeks there had been queues at fuel stations in Lokoja. “Even with the queue, the prices were just too high,” Owolabi said. Mr Abah Ufedo, a driver, described the situation as sad, stating that in some fuel stations the operators sold fuel at N120 per litre.

A sales attendant at Oando Filling Station, Miss Ene Aboyia, said the station had been selling fuel at N120 per litre since Dec. 1. She said that the management told her to sell at that rate because the commodity was bought at a high price at the depot.

At Total Filling Station, Mr. Michael Eleojo, the manager, said if the station did not sell at N120 it would lose a lot of money, due to the price it bought the commodity at the depot. At the NNPC mega

station, there was a long queue of more than 100 vehicles because the station was selling at the official price.

Mr. Shola Adeyemi, a driver, said some of them slept at the NNPC station because it was the only station that was selling at N97 per litre. Alhaji Abdullahi Saliu, a taxi driver, said he also sleep over at the station and had yet to be served as at the time of filing this report. Officials of the station, however, refused to speak with NAN. Many people said they were disappointed with the situation of things as it did not allow the festive period to go well. Oilproducing Nigeria has been plagued by a recurring fuel scarcity crisis for many years.

(NAN)

sustained.

Mr. Pepple called on marketers to avoid the nefarious diversion of petroleum products

to black marketers adding that stringent punitive actions would be meted out to those found wanting. He enjoined marketers

N

of petroleum products to team up with the NNPC to ensure sustained supply and distribution of petroleum products into the New Year.

He also enjoined motorists to desist from panic buying stressing that there is no truth in the ongoing rumours that there will be an increase in the pump price of fuel in January 2013, saying that the Federal Government has made budgetary provision for fuel subsidy in the 2013 budget which was recently passed by the National Assembly.

L-R: Head, Media & Publicity, Nigerian Royalty Awards (NRA), Omoniyi Gbadamosi, NRA National Coordinator, Omoba Kenneth Aigbegbele, Head, Corporate Communications, Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Victor Adoji, Mr Akin Olaniyan of the Zenith Corporate Communications Department and Media Adviser of Nigerian Royalty Awards, Mr, Charles Omede when they presented the NRA 'Bank of the Year' award to Zenith Bank in Lagos recently.

Swiss textile gets low patronage from Nigeria

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extile sellers in Switzerland have expressed concern over low patronage by Nigerians, especially in the month of December,a market survey showed on Friday in Bern.

Nigeria is Switzerland’s largest market in fabrics such as Swiss lace, and Filtex among others.

President of Nigerians in Diaspora (NIDO) Switzerland, Abdullahi Isah said that some Swiss textile merchants complained of low patronage, which he said they described as unusual especially during festive seasons.

Isah said the quality of Swiss fabrics had made its textiles very popular among Nigerians, thereby boosting trade relations between the two countries.

He noted that with the ban on importation of Hollandais, if

Nigerian textile companies could improve on their quality of the local fabrics to become more attractive, it would be well patronised.

He urged government officials to promote indigenous companies by patronising them, rather than buying foreign textiles.

A visit to St. Gallen, a popular Swiss textile city, saw most shops

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resident of West Africa Union of Tax Institutes, Mr. Rasaq Quadri says the new National Tax Policy (NTP) will transform the economy when it takes effect.

Quadri made the observation during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos

Make the job more like a game a very tight deadline. Set up autonomous teams and encourage them to experiment.

Even long-term goals can be broken into smaller game-like chunks. Think 10 or 15 weeks instead of 6 months of a year. For each goal, ask a team to plan an

closed for business following the Christmas holidays.

With an annual trade volume of over 200 million dollars, Nigeria imports mainly machinery, chemical, textile and pharmaceutical products from Switzerland, on the other hand, Switzerland imports crude oil from Nigeria. (NAN)

Expert says new tax policy will transform economy

Management Tip of the Day o manager ever says, “Let’s make our company a boring place to work.” Yet, many do exactly that. To instill more fun and excitement into work, design jobs so they feel more like games. This means providing a sharply focused, urgent goal and

- Pg 21

approach and carry it out. The whole effort should encourage creativity. Most importantly, take note of and celebrate successes along the way.

Source: Harvard Business Review

recently.

He called for the speedy harmonisation of the NTP document by the relevant government agencies.

He said that the implementation of the NTP would enhance efficiency in tax administration in country.

“Everybody should be worried over the delay in the implementation of NTP despite its launch in February by the Federal Executive Council and the National Economic Council.

“An executive law now will legalise the tax policy and give it the needed administrative backing.

“In my view, the way to enhance efficiency in our tax system is to start full implementation of NTP, “ he said.

(NAN)

PAGE 20

COMPANY NEWS PH Refinery

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he Port Harcourt Refinery Company (PHRC) has embarked on sensitisation of people in its catchment areas on the dangers of pipeline vandalism. The Deputy Manager, Community Relations of the company, Mrs Edith Johnson, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Eleme, near Port Harcourt, Rivers on Friday.

Johnson said that vandalism seemed to be on the increase, explaining that the high rate prompted the refinery to embark on the campaign. She enumerated the dangers of pipeline vandalism as pipeline fire, pollution of the environment, loss of lives and economic sabotage.

Johnson said that the enlightment campaign would be carried out at Okrika, Eleme, Port Harcourt Depot areas, trailer parks and other flash

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

AMCON owned banks make N21.82 bn losses

By Abdulwahab Isa

K

eystone Bank, Mainstreet Bank and Enterprise Bank, the three banks owned 100 percent by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) made a cumulative loss of N21.82 billion in 2011, figures from the 2011 AMCON report show.

AMCON took over the banks from the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) revoked their licences when they were unable to meet the recapitalisation deadline set by the apex bank in September 2011.

According to the figures, Mainstreet Bank accounted for the highest loss after tax of N12.85 billion, while Keystone

Bank made a loss of N7.33 billion. Enterprise Bank made the least loss of N1.65 billion.

All three banks however now have a positive capital position. Mainstreet Bank has the highest capital of N41.62 billion, Keystone bank N27.65 billion and Enterprise Bank N28.15 billion. The assets position of the banks also shows that Keystone Bank has the highest total assets of N367 billion, Mainstreet Bank with total assets of N349 billion and Enterprise Bank with total assets of N215 billion.

The figures also show that the three banks all closed 2011 with positive cash flow.

AMCON had invested a total of N861 billion to recapitalise the three banks in 2011, figures from the AMCON annual report

Kano to establish drug manufacturing firm

S

outh Korean electronics company LG will unveil its mammoth 100-inch ‘LG Hecto’ laser TV projector at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January, Havis Kwon, President and CEO of the LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company has said.

“LG’s 100-inch class Laser TV takes projection technology and makes it perfectly suitable for both the boardroom and the living room,” Kwon said. “In the coming year, LG will continue to introduce innovative TV products to provide an outstanding productivity and entertainment experience for our customers.”

N

igeria’s $500 Eurobond is currently trading at 4.07 percent yield with Access Bank yield closing at 5.89 percent.

The Nigerian bond is rated B+ by Standards and Poors’ and BB- by Fitch. The bond which matures in 2021 is currently trading at $118.3. The bond was issued in by the Debt Management Office ( DMO) to serve as benchmark for corporate bodies that plan to raise Euro Dollar bond in the international financial market.

Three Nigerian- based bonds – Access Bank, Afren and GTBank are however attracting higher yields . Access Bank traded at 5.89 yield, Afren finished yield of 5.68

T

T

LG

Nigeria Eurobond trades at 4.07 % yield percent while GTBank attracted yield of 4.54 percent.

In the local market, the Federal Government bonds traded lower with 3 year 10.50 percent 2014 bond trading at a yield of 11.90 percent. The 5 year bond which matures in 2015 traded at 12.20 percent yield as the 7 year 16 percent bond with maturity in 2019 finished with yield of 11.91 percent. The 10 percent bond which matures in 2030 attracted yield of 12.29 percent.

Last week, the Debt Management Office held the December bond auction, offering N16.5 billion of April 2017 and N30 billion each of June 2019 and January 2022 bonds.

(Bloomberg)

Banker hails mandatory certification for microfinance operators

points in the area.

he Kano State Government said on Friday it would soon establish a drug manufacturing company to augment drug supply. The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Labaran, made the disclosure while speaking with newsmen in Kano.

Labaran said the state would not only produce drugs for local consumption but would also supply other parts of the country and beyond. The commissioner assured that assorted quality drugs would be manufactured and distributed to health facilities across the state to improve health care services.

He renewed the present administration’s resolve to continue to uplift the health sector by providing affordable health care delivery services to the people.

show. The figures show that AMCON recapitalised Mainstreet Bank with N426 billion, Keystone Bank with

N301 billion and Enterprise Bank with N135 billion.

AMCON puts the value of its total investments in the five subsidiaries at N1.26 trillion, as at the end of 2011. At close of the financial year however, AMCON wrote off N1.04 trillion, representing 82 percent of these investments as lost.

Inflation rates from Dec, 2011 to Nov, 2012 Max = 12.9 %, Min = 10.3 % for period in display.

Current Inflation rate = 12.3 % Source:CBN

he Chief Executive Officer, MoneyWise Microfinance bank, at the weekend said the mandatory certification for operators of microfinance would enhance efficiency in the subsector.

The CEO, Mr. Dele Oyekanmi, who is also the Chairman, National Association of Microfinance Banks (NAMBs), Ikeja chapter, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

He commended the Central Bank of Nigeria and Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria for fixing 2013 for the total compliance of the mandatory certification for microfinance banks.

Oyekanmi observed that the policy would ensure that microfinance institutions in the country were managed by

Earnings Report for Banks Source:Pro-share Nigeria

experienced hands.

“The programme is going to be mandatory for all microfinance operators in the country as from 2013 and if you do not pass the examination you cannot run microfinance bank in Nigeria,” he said.

He said that the programme, which started in 2010, was being conducted twice in a year and had transformed the sub-sector.

Oyekanmi said that before now, running microfinance bank was quite challenging because operators ran it as commercial and community banks, noting that they were different ball-game.

He said that there was need for active participation of trained personnel in the administration of microfinance banks to improve stability in the sub-sector. (NAN)

NAMB woos customers with subsidised gas cylinders

T

he Chairman, National Association of Microfinance Banks, (NAMB), South-West Chapter, Olufemi Babajide have said the association has begun the sale of gas cylinders to their customers at subsidised rates.

Babajide, who disclosed this on Friday in Lagos, said that the cylinders were to be paid for in six months.

He said that the initiative was to provide opportunity for those who could not afford quality gas cylinders to own one.

He said that the project was being executed in collaboration with OANDO Plc and an undisclosed first generation bank.

The NAMB chief said that a three-kilogramme cylinder was sold for N6,800 instead of about N8,000. (NAN)

PAGE 21

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

All-Share Index returns +1.69% gain in the week Stories from Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

N

igerian stocks witnessed renewed bargain hunting despite bearish start in the week while improved optimisms was observed as investors increased commitment towards weathered value stocks considerably, particularly the blue chips in the medium CAP category.

Nigerian stocks experienced continued sell pressure on Monday, extending loss by 0.20% to open the week on negative note as profit taking persists. However, market regained its breadth on Thursday

after Xmas break, recording impressive gain to erase 6days loss with +1.43% gain, aided by patronage towards big CAP stocks.

In a similar trend, equities sustained healthy breadth on Friday as market traded above the line amid low volatility throughout the session to end the week with aggregate gain by +1.69% Further analysis on acquiring banks since transaction date showed that the share price of Access Bank Plc has recorded +82.83% gains with FCMB recording -11.54% losses while Union Bank Plc leads the

chart with +251.67% gains.

However, Sterling Bank Plc recorded +32.28% gains while ETI closed negative with -5.74% loss recorded.

However, the All-Share Index in the week under review appreciated by +1.69% to close at 27,866.51 as against a decline by -1.02% recorded last week to close at 27,402.54.

In the same vein, the market capitalization in the week appreciated by N151.36billion (US$946.03 million) to close at N8.90 trillion (US$55.66 billion) as against depreciation by N90.94 billion (US$568.43 million) recorded last week to

close at N8.75 trillion (US$54.72 billion).

The total volume traded in the week closed at 571.07 million units valued at N5.25 billion (US$32.86 million) compared with 1.29 billion units valued at N13.71 billion (US$85.77 million) exchanged in 20,499 deals last week.

The volume transaction in the week when compared with the previous week data moved down by -55.84% as against decline by -32.96% recorded last week. Weekly value also went down by -61.68% as against negative position of -6.25% recorded last week.

Dangote Cement rises 5% on profit forecast

D

angote Cement rose the maximum daily limit of five percent on Thursday after a positive profit forecast this week, helping to lift the stock index 1.3 percent.

Dangote Cement, which accounts for a third of Nigeria’s

stock market capitalization, said on Monday it expected first quarter pre-tax profit to rise 38.9 percent year-on-year to N42.09 billion.

Sub-Saharan Africa’s second biggest index rose to a three week high on thin trades on

Thursday and is up 31.9 percent this year, compared to a 16.3 percent drop in 2011.

The index was up 375 points at 27,722 points by 1320 GMT. Dangote Cement climbed 5.0 percent to N128.10, close to the N135 which it listed its shares

two years ago.

Nigeria’s biggest cement producer said it expected turnover of around N81.6 billion in the first quarter, compared with N64.1 billion it achieved in the same period in 2012.

Pension funds to play deeper into corporate debt market

P

ension funds are to invest more in corporate debt securities, investment experts have predicted.

Currently, the allocation is just 3 percent. In 2011, the regulators raised the cap from 20 percent to 30 percent, in a bid to boost interest in this asset class.

Renaissance Capital analysts said more demand for corporate bonds will give companies a new source of funding, aside from bank loans, and encourage banks to lend now, to discourage a possibly permanent shift towards funding from this new source.

The worry however is that foreigners will leave the Nigerian market, and, as portfolio flows into Nigeria were roughly $5bn over the first five months of 2012 (annualized 4% of GDP), such a reversal would indeed have a negative impact on asset prices.

At present, only a small percentage of local bonds are owned by foreigners, and Renaissance Capital believe that the bigger impact would be in equities, where foreign money has been the main driver for asset prices in 2012.’ On our

assumption of oil prices remaining around $110/bl in 2012-2013, and given the reforms underway in Nigeria, we doubt a reversal will happen; the obvious risks are the US fiscal cliff in the short term, a Chinese hard landing (short-to-medium term risk) and a Spanish euro exit (medium-term risk)., the company said.

There are also chances that Pension funds will now play deeper into the equities market

as private sector debt in Nigeria (34% of GDP in 2011) has tremendous room to rise and the economy has decades of strong growth ahead of it.

Renaissance Capital ( Rencap) believes that these suggest that a higher allocation to equities makes sense. In the US, pension funds in 2010 had nearly a 50 percent allocation to equities. Rencap said in the short term, lower bond yields – the 10-year local yield is down

from 17 percent to 12 percent in the past few months – will encourage banks to start lending, as investing in local securities offers less yield.

However, ‘there is a limit in the ability of pension funds to make the switch. They cannot invest more than 25 percent in domestic ordinary shares, so we estimate no more than N400billion (over $2bn) could switch in the short term, the company said.

IAA shareholders endorse new board

I

nvestments and Allied Assurance Plc (IAA) shareholders has inaugurated a new board of directors for the company after the old board was removed by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) in February 2011.

The board of directors, which has Alhaji Aminu Nabegu, as chairman with Mr. Yomi Rufai, managing director/ chief executive, Mr. Wilfred Erhahon, executive director and Mrs. Anasodo, company secretary.

At the yearly general meeting of the company held in Lagos, shareholders unanimously voted out the old board of directors.

The shareholders mandated the new board to explore all avenues to revive the company by attracting investors to come and invest as the new board had taken a number of measures to restructure the company.

Also speaking at the meeting, the managing director, Rufai, explained that for the company to avoid liquidation, retains its

operating license and move forward, a minimum capital injection of N4 billion is required to meet the statutory capital level for non-life insurance business in view of the negative shareholders’ fund of N1 billion.

According to him, a new board, which shall include members of the interim management team, was desirable with the mandate to commence work immediately in sourcing for new investors within the time frame allowable.

Source:Pro-share Nigeria

INVESTORS NEWS BITS

Osun Bond

T the

he Osun State government N22 billion bond offer at

capital market, which was over-subscribed by more than 100 percent has added to outstanding bond issues in Nigeria’s growing municipal bond market which is now the largest in Africa with circa $2.8 billion (N448.5 bn) in outstanding debt.

The state went to the capital market to raise N22 billion but eventually realised N45.1 billion which translates to over N100 percent over-subscription.

This was revealed in Osogbo, the state capital, at the completion ceremony between the state government and the joint issuing houses for a N30 billion – 14.75 percent fixed rate development bond (tranche 1) due in 2019. The size of Nigeria’s municipal or sub national bond market, compares with $1.6 billion (R14.1bn) in South Africa.

IFRS

T

he Chief Executive Officer, the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC), Mr. Jim Obazee, said the ultimate goal of the International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) is to improve on the integrity of the country’s investment market and accountability of business managers.

Obazee noted this at a media retreat in Lagos. He insisted that every organisation that relates with the public, including nonfor-profit groups, must comply with the provisions of FRC Act of 2011.

The FRC boss also disclosed that the council would in 2013 issue a national code of corporate governance which all organisations are expected to comply with. He said a draft committee would be set up soon.

SEC’s 2013 budget

C

apital market operators have decried the decision of the National Assembly to pass the 2013 appropriation bill without allocating funds to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC.), noting that this would hinder capital market recovery.

The House of Representatives, in passing the N4.987 trillion 2013 national budget last week, ordered the withholding of funding of the commission over its earlier decision not to have anything to do with the apex regulator until Oteh is removed.

Speaking on the withholding of the funds to SEC, market operators, under the aegis of Association of the Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), said the issue should be resolved to avoid jeopardising the entire economy.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

PAGE 22

New product watch: Best of 2012 electronic smart pots Just in caseâ&#x20AC;Ś he Q Card Case lets you store debit cards, money and other essentials in your smartphone case.(Photo: CM4) If both you and your collegeage son like a product, chances are it's a winner. Such is the case - pun intended - with the Q Card

T

Case from CM4. In essence, the Q Card Case provides protection for your iPhone and allows you to store debit cards, a student ID or similar items that you might ordinarily tote around in a purse or wallet.

Available in black, white, green and pink, the slim case has a secure pocket that can hold up

to three cards plus cash. More important, the cards and cash stay put - even when you make a phone call or snap a photo. A case for the iPhone 4/4S ships with a see-through protective screen cover for $40 (N6,400).

A case is also available for the iPhone 5 for the same price.(www.cm4.com)

Expect Apple to launch the most wackiest iOS "smart watch" next year

A

pple is planning to dominate the world of watches by launching a new "smart watch" next year.

According to a Chinese s i t e Tech.163, Apple i s seriously considering t o develop a smart w a t c h that can help its existing users to connect to Apple devices iPhones, iPads, etc. - via Bluetooth. Apple will need someone's help though and, once again based on the rumors we have, Intel will be joining hands with the Cupertino-based company to build these nextgeneration of smart watches.

The smart watch will sport a 1.5-inch PMOLED display and a unique band, large enough to comfortably fit our human wrist. Apple's smart watch will not be another iPad Nano with a third-party wristband attached

to it. This product will be different than anything we

have seen so far.

Rumors are rife that besides t h e Bluetooth connectivity, the smart watch will also have a trimmed down version of iOS. Many of the smart watches in the market today cannot answer calls or read text messages, but Apple already has a system in place - thanks to the series of successful products they have released over the years. We

assume Apple's new gadget will be similar to Sony's LiveView watch , which works only if you have an Android smartphone, a l b e i t Apple's s m a r t w a t c h requires iDevices l i k e iPhone, iPad, or i P o d Touch.

A f t e r pairing an iPhone to smart watch via Bluetooth, anyone can pick up calls by holding the wrist watch close to their face.

Tech.163 also claims that Siri will be integrated to Apple's smart watch. It makes perfect sense to us - Apple hasn't given up working on Siri yet and, for all we know, Siri is continually improving since it was first launched last year.

Apple's Bluetooth watch is said to release in 2013. Are you up for it? (Source: http:// blogote.com)

First Africa-designed smartphone goes on sale in Congo

C

ongolese gadget manufacturer, VMK, has begun selling in Congo, Elikia, Africa's first home-grown designed smartphone, in what has garnered international attention.

T h e increase of consumer purchase, and the need to c l o s e technological gap on the A f r i c a n continent, has driven an influx of tech giants including RIM, Huawei, Techno, and Apple, into the region, with Africa having no i n d i g e n o u s manufacturer amongst the list.

Elikia, which means 'hope,' and is priced at 85,000 FCFA ($171) by two major telecom operators in Congo - Airtel and Warid, has a 650 MHz processor, running gingerbread 2.3.6 with 126 MB of on-board storage. iPhone 4, an older Apple smartphone model, costs around $450 on the continent, though the device comes with enhanced features.

According to report, VMK said through its twitter account that it would launch

a $50 tablet for students mid next year, in the continuous bid to provide affordable mobile technology to Africans.

Verone Mankou, the startup's founder, says he plans to make a dominant share of the African market use the Africadesigned smartphone and tablet VMK is producing, so that the company can be to Africa what Apple is to the U.S. and Samsung is to Asia.

The start-up's m i s s i o n however, is a long haul. For instance, in Nigeria, one of the largest smartphone market in Africa, is a 4 million smartphone market volume, with over 50 percent dominated by Canadian manufacturer, Research in Motion (RIM).

VMK's first product is the Galaxy tab-sized tablet called Way-C, meaning 'the light of the stars.' It now sells for $300.

By January 2013, the panAfrican company says it will begin international marketing for the device.

(Source: Ventures Africa)

Get the big picture

M

ake your own movie theater experience at home with MegaPlex MG-850HD projector from Epson.(Photo: Epson) Even if you're too young to remember the charms of going to a drive-in movie theater, you can replicate that big screen feel right on your own living room wall with the MegaPlex MG-850HD projector from Epson. What makes this particular projector stand out is a slide-out iPhone 4/ 4S dock that projects downloaded movies onto the big screen.

The easy-to-use projector also has a dock bracket for an iPad and can handle content from other

sources, including other smart phones, USB drives, video game consoles and computers. Equipped with two built-in 10-watt stereo speakers, a microphone jack and a carrying handle, the projector lets you move the party - be it a movie viewing or a karaoke fest from room to room or house to house.

Designed with a 720p resolution and 2,800 lumens of color and white light output, the MegaPlex MG-850HD costs about $800. A similar model with 540p resolution and 2,200 lumens, the MegaPlex MG-50, can be purchased for about $400 (N64,000). (www.epson.com)

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

PAGE 24

By Dele Bodunde

B

uying and selling continues at the small kiosks and open spaces at Ijegun junction in Ijegun, a Lagos suburb. Less than 300 metres away at Ijeododo — a neighbouring community— a petroleum pipeline fire rages.

The thick smoke from the fire, apparently ignited by the activities of suspected fuel thieves, can be seen by the traders at Ijegun junction.

Beside the traders at the junction is the epithet written on the mass grave of not less 18 people who were burnt to death at the same junction on May 15, 2008. The dead included some traders who were then selling their wares at the junction. The casualties also included passersby and students of a primary/ secondary school down the slope, into which the bust petrol and the accompanying fire flowed.

The 2008 fire started when a tractor — a grader – that was working on parts of the road near the junction struck a pipeline that was carrying petrol from Atlas Cove in Apapa to the nearby NNPC fuel depot at Ejigbo. The relic of the tractor, which has been pushed off the road, is now partly covered with weeds. Across the road from the remains of the tractor is the mass grave of the fatalities.

A faded green-and-white painted plaque in their memory also stands by the junction. The plaque reads: “Here lies the body of victims of the Ijegun fire outbreak which occurred on Thursday, 15 May 2008. May your innocent lives, including children scampering for safety, perished in the pipeline fire outbreak, rest in perfect peace”. The seemingly awkward wordings of the epithet epitomise the attitude of the traders at the junction. Or, how better can one describe a set of people trading on the graves of fellow traders, also knowing that the pipeline that caused the catastrophe is buried less than a metre below their feet! Funny enough, the traders concede that they are

NNPC GMD, Andrew Yakubu

PAGE 25

Ijegun/Ijeododo: A neighbourhood under the siege of pipeline vandals

A vandalised pipeline aware of the danger posed by their location.

One of them, Azeezat, says: “Nobody prays to die in a fire and some of us still remember those buried there’’ (pointing to the mass grave). She claims that although the traders had been dislodged from the junction many times by officials of Ikotun/Igando Local Council Development Area (LCDA), they have yet to find a “strategic’’ location that is suitable for their business.

Another trader, who prefers

anonymity, concedes that they are always apprehensive and edgy while selling at the junction, stressing that they still have to fend for themselves, no matter the potential danger.

However, Mrs Morenike Williams, the Chairperson of Ikotun/Igando LCDA, insists that force remains the only option left to compel the traders and others who had built structures on the pipeline to vacate the area. Also speaking, Mr Olorunwa Arizon, who chairs the council’s works

committee, says that Williams has set up a task force to dislodge the illegal occupants from the pipeline area.

“The council has set up a task force to evacuate all residents and shops along the pipeline from Ikotun down to Ijegun,’’ he says, adding, however, that even though several notices had been sent to those affected, some are still reluctant to leave. He says that the council has embarked on street campaigns to warn residents on the risk involved in staying close to petroleum pipelines. Arizon recalls that the 2008 fire disaster in Ijegun also claimed the lives of residents living close to the pipeline, stressing that that this should be enough lessons for people to steer clear of the area.

The traditional ruler of Ijegun, Oba Nureini Akinremi, is obviously in support of efforts to ensure that the community no longer witnesses any fire disaster in spite of its proximity to fuel pipelines. He, however, vouches for the non-complicity of his people as to the recent pipeline vandalism, which led to huge explosions and fire in Ijeododo community.

Akinremi’s stand is corroborated by Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, the Information Officer of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), who says that access into the vandalised pipeline site was from 7th Avenue, Festac Town and not Ijegun. NEMA had to spend

three days constructing a cat bridge (of planks) before firemen and other security officials could have access to the Ijeododo pipeline fire site, as it is a waterlogged and marshy area.

The Ijegun/Ijeododo neighbourhood has witnessed many instances of pipeline vandalism and at least three reported pipeline fires in five years. Some of the pipelines in the area are hardly covered by the earth. In fact, a huge

section of the pipeline between Ijegun and Ijeododo (near the Ijegun junction) is stripped bare during most rainy seasons.

However, Mr Bede Opara, the President-General, Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC), underscores the need for the NNPC to collaborate with the host communities in the war against oil pipeline vandalism.

Opara says that even though security operatives can still be posted to monitor the pipelines, those living around the installations remain their best guards. He also notes that pipeline vandals usually destroy PHCN facilities in areas where they operate, thereby throwing residents into darkness. Mr Olumide Ogunmade, the Chairman (Western Zone) of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), stresses that pipeline vandalism contributes a lot to the perennial fuel scarcity across the country. He describes the crime as the biggest threat to the country’s socio-economic development in that “the menace does not only disrupt our operations, it also brings huge losses to the nation’s economy.’’

Ogunmade expatiates that apart from the huge loss of oil revenue to government, it also costs a lot to repair or replace vandalised pipelines, particularly if there had been explosions and fires. Observers note that the country has experienced a catalogue of pipeline explosions with dire consequences. For instance, on Oct. 18, 1998 a pipeline explosion

Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke

People scooping fuel from a broken pipe occurred in the sleepy community of Jesse in Delta, killing more than 1,000 people and earning it the infamous number one spot among such disasters in the country. In the Jesse tragedy, only a few of the victims were recognisable and their bodies released to their relations. The rest were given a mass burial.

The Abule Egba pipeline explosion in Lagos on Dec. 26, 2006 remains number two as it claimed close to 500 lives. It also destroyed one sawmill, several buildings and vehicles because the flare-up occurred within the city. A year after, December 2007 to be precise, several people were burnt to death while scooping fuel from a vandalised pipeline at Ojo creeks in Lagos.

Although many victims of the Ojo inferno were washed by the lagoon into the sea, the number of victims who were given a mass burial over a period of one week was close to 250. All the same, analysts agree that

accidental pipeline explosions do occur once a while in other countries of the world — from China through Russia to Kenya.

However, most of the pipeline fire disasters in Nigeria are caused by oil thieves. That is why the country has recorded the highest number of such disasters in the world, the analysts add. A welder, who is one of the suspected oil thieves currently facing trial in a Lagos court, concedes that fuel pipeline vandalism is as risky

as it is lucrative. “One can become a millionaire in a matter of days, all things being equal; or can be burnt to ashes, leaving no traces that he ever existed, should something go wrong,’’ he says. He also admits that fuel pipeline vandalism is a venture that requires adequate planning and substantial investment because it is hardly a one-man show.

The desperation of suspected oil thieves became

“

The Ijegun/Ijeododo neighbourhood has witnessed many instances of pipeline vandalism and at least three reported pipeline fires in five years.

Some of the pipelines in the area are hardly covered by the earth

more lucid recently when some NNPC engineers sent to repair a vandalised pipeline at Arepo, Ogun, were allegedly gunned down and hurriedly buried by some pipeline vandals. It took a while to discover the decomposing bodies of the NNPC officials and the case is still in court. Observers stress that considering the huge losses induced by pipeline fire, especially as regards lives, the government and the NNPC should make concerted efforts to ensuring that pipelines across the country are properly policed and protected by security agents. “Aerial monitoring of the pipelines will not be out of place,’’ they add.

However, there is a presupposition: the implementation of such proposals will have to be preceded by clearing the bushes covering the pipelines. If not, any surveillance aircraft on such missions will merely be wasting precious aviation fuel.

Source: NAN

PAGE 26

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012 08028402920 sbejike@gmail.com

EFCC and prosecution of alleged corrupt political officer holders The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), an anti-graft agency responsible for the investigation and prosecution of financial and economic crimes in the country has been in various courts across the country prosecution high profile political office holders for alleged corruption.

Though, the commission has been able to dock several former ministers, governors and several other political office holders, it has however not been able to get conviction of any of those persons arraigned owing to technicalities and other delay tactics. Sunday Ejike Benjamin takes a look at some of these high profile corruption cases pending before various courts of competent jurisdiction for trials.

I

n the words of the EFCC Chairman, "Corruption is one of the reasons Nigeria has not been able to make progress, socially, politically and economically and we have all agreed that corruption cannot be sustained in Nigeria, all of us must come together to fight corruption".

It is in the spirit of ridding the country of corruption that the anti-graft agency was set up. The commission is presently prosecuting very high profile personalities in various courts across the country.

EFCC on November 23, 2012, recorded a major victory in the trial of former Kogi State governor, Prince Abubakar Audu, when the Supreme Court dismissed the ex-governor's appeal, thereby clearing the way for his fresh arraignment.

Audu was originally arraigned on an 80 criminal count charge of fraud and embezzlement of public fund, to the tune of over N4 billion, while he was governor of Kogi State between 1999 and 2003.

The Commission had caused the issuance of nolle prosequi by the former Attorney General of Kogi state, Dr. John Alewo Agbonika and the Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN for the case to be discontinued at the Kogi State High Court as the Commission claimed to have lost faith in the handling of the matter by the State High Court.

But rather than discontinue the matter in the spirit of the nolle prosequi, the trial judge, Justice Medupin, referred two questions to the Court of Appeal for determination.

In a judgement delivered by Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour, the Supreme Court held that the Court of Appeal was wrong to consider the questions referred to it for determination after being aware from the records of Appeal that a nolle prosequi had been filed.

"This is so because there is/ was nothing before the trial court, so there would be nothing for the Court of appeal to send back. It amounted to an academic exercise for the Court of appeal to waste judicial time considering questions from a case that is no longer in existence. There was no longer live issue to be considered by the Court of appeal in view of nolle prosequi filed in the trial court", the Supreme Court ruled.

Following Audu's failure to

respond to invitation by the antigraft agency, he was declared wanted for offences bordering on conspiracy, stealing and misappropriation of public fund.

Attempt by the EFCC to arrest Audu at his 32, Sulaiman Barau Street, Asokoro, Abuja residence on December 11, 2012 failed as he allegedly evaded arrest.

The former governor is alleged to have fraudulently enriched himself to the tune of over N4 billion while he held sway as governor of Kogi State between 1999 and 2003.

Following Audu's failure to respond to invitation by the antigraft agency, he was declared wanted for offences bordering on conspiracy, stealing and misappropriation of public fund.

Attempt by the EFCC to arrest Audu at his 32, Sulaiman Barau Street, Asokoro, Abuja residence on December 11, 2012 failed as he allegedly evaded arrest.

The move to arrest the exgovernor followed a Supreme Court ruling of November 23, 2012, which dismissed the exgovernor's appeal to continue to protract his corruption trial by EFCC. Meanwhile, his counsel, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) dismissed the claim by teh EFCC that his client is evading arrest and explained that Audu travelled abroad for medical treatment.

On November 22, 2012, EFCC re-arraigned a former governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayo Fayose over a N416, 138, 360.75 scam.

He was docked on a 27-count amended charge before Justice Adamu Hobon of the Federal High Court, Ado Ekiti. He pleaded not guilty to the charges which border on conversion of public funds for personal use and abuse of office while he held sway as governor of Ekiti state.

Fayose's re-arraignment was sequel to the transfer of Justice Emmanuel Obile who had been the trial judge.

Fayose was first arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly misappropriating huge amount of the state funds when he held sway at governor of Ekiti State. He later challenged the jurisdiction of the court on the grounds that the alleged offence was not committed in Lagos but Ekiti State.

The matter was then reassigned to the Federal High Court, Ado-Ekiti division.

Justice Hobon has adjourned proceedings to January 24, 2013.

Justice Akintunde Boade of

EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde the Oyo State High Court, on December 12, 2012, ruled that the former Oyo State Governor, Adebayo Alao-Akala and two others, who are being prosecuted by the EFCC of N11.5 billion fraud, have a case to answer.

Two others who are being prosecuted on an 11-count charge of conspiracy, illegal award of contracts, obtaining by false pretence, acquiring property with money derived from illegal act and concealing the ownership of such property, are former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Hosea Agboola, now a Senator and a businessman, Mr. Femi Babalola.

The defendants' counsel, led

by Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), had filed a preliminary objection to the charges, praying the court to quash them on grounds that the EFCC lacked evidence to back the allegations.

While questioning the jurisdiction of the court, the accused persons also said it was an abuse of power to put anybody on trial for an offence that had not been proven.

Prosecution counsel, led by Mr. Godwin Obla, in his argument, said the plethora of evidence adduced by the EFCC against the accused deserved an explanation and prayed the court to discountenance the defendants'

application.

While upholding the prayers of the prosecution, Justice Boade said the defendants' application lacked merit and therefore dismissed it. He said the accused must face the fraud trial as there is a prima-facie case against them.

His words, "The accused have some explaining to do.

I am of the strong view that the proof of evidence is established against the accused."

Former Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and NonAdult Education, Dr. Dayo Olagunju and 10 others are being prosecuted by the EFCC over an alleged N479 million scam.

The trial Judge, Justice Elvis S. Chukwu of the Federal High Court, Abuja had struck out their applications challenging the jurisdiction of the court and EFCC's competence to prosecute them.

Olagunju and his co-accused are facing an 83-count charge for offences that borders on stealing, criminal conspiracy, misappropriation of public funds, retaining and processing proceeds of crimes, and awarding of contracts in excess of the approved limit.

It would be recalled that EFCC boss, Ibrahim Lamorde, on December 10, 2012, said that no less that $9 million was

intercepted by EFCC operatives at the nation's airports from September 2012 till date. The amount, he said, is outside the capital flight of about N14 billion which was laundered across the nation's airports between January and August 2012.

Lamorde disclosed this while was speaking at the 2012 International Anti-Corruption Day celebrations, organised by the Inter -Agency Task Team, IATT, comprising of Anti Corruption Agencies.

The amount, he said represented physical cash and not legitimate cash transfer through the financial institutions, taken out through the nation's airport.

Lamorde who gave example of an individual, who was arrested for laundering money in cash to the tune of $7 million in brief case and flying out of the country through the airport, said "between January to August this year, over N14 billion was taken out of Nigeria through cash movement, physical cash not transfer, people taking money in brief case and taken out of Nigeria. If you calculate this amount, it's almost half of the budget of the country. It is share greed, callousness and meanness of the people involved," The EFCC chairman, who said the funding of the anti-corruption agencies and their operating legislations have to be reviewed, explained that between January and December 2012, the Commission had filed about 353 cases at various courts across the country and had recorded about 53 convictions so far.

"Criminal procedure rather than judiciary should be blamed for the problem of slow pace of trial of corruption cases.

Somebody cannot steal from you and expect that the law should protect him against you the victim of his crime. Something has to be done. I pray that the new leadership of the judiciary will be able to do something", he said.

He also reiterated the need for a special court to take on corruption cases in Nigeria.

"Judges are either transferred or the witnesses dead. It is not fair on the anti-corruption agencies to say they are delaying cases. Let cases not last forever. If you think there is no case, please discharge the person but where the person has a case to answer, the case should be concluded in good time", he said.

PAGE 27

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

P

rimary schools teachers in the state have been struggling to form another association out side the parent body NUT, do you see that move as the solution to their problems?

When I came to SUBEB the situation I met especially with regard to the union of teachers was a lot of correspondences regarding a group that called themselves Basic Education Teachers (BET). This has to do with teaching in the primary schools and three years in junior secondary schools.

When I read the file, I discovered that SUBEB had earlier written to the ministry of justice for advise and the ministry told them that there is freedom of association, but to call any group a labour group, there are certain stipulations.

First, the group has to be recognised by the federal ministry of labour and productivity.

Secondly, it has to fall under the umbrella of the main professional body which is the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT). There is nothing wrong with that as long as the enabling law recognises it. During the regime of late Sani Abacha, I was a Special Assistance to a military governor and I remember, when we went to Akure there was an association called Association of Classroom Teachers, we tried to educate them but it did not work and the law had to take it course.

So, the association is not a new body. When the association sort to see me, I did not refuse and again I talked to them, but they said that they were running away from the NUT because of the rot in the union. I saw their action as an act of cowardice because they are supposed to stay and fight from within if the rot is endemic, they should stay and change the leadership of the union through an election. I told them that their running away will not solve the problem and if they split at the end of their struggle, they will seek for recognition and they will be refered back to NUT. The Nigerian Union of Teachers is the umbrella body of teachers in Nigeria and as far as the law is concerned, even the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria which I belong to is also under the NUT. If teachers of primary schools want to form a group, no body can kick against it but they should legalise the body as registering with the Corporate Affairs Commission is not enough , there is the need to move forward to Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and federal ministry of labour and productivity.

The state teachers alleged that deductions were made from their salaries for seminars and workshop, how true is this claim?

I am not aware of any deduction made from the teachers’ salaries for seminars and workshops because every month I have an analysis for payment made, I know there are certain statutory deductions made such as internal revenue board which is P.A.Y.E and staff co-operative deduction.

I am yet to come across any deduction for seminars and

Kogi does not have 800 ghost schools – SUBEB Alhaji Jibrin Usman is the Chairman of Kogi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

In this interview with Sam Egwu in Kogi, he discusses extensively the issue of ghost schools and teachers in the state, dimisses the reports that the state has 800 ghost schools, the measures put in place by the state government to address the problem and how the culprits operate among others. Ecxerpts: workshops. Any teacher that complain of any deduction outside the statutory should put it in writing and forward it to my office for quick action. In SUBEB training and re-training of teachers, organising seminars and workshops is the responsibility of the board and we have a vote for it. We have just completed one some weeks ago. So, any deduction from teachers salaries for such purposes is illegal and I am not aware of it.

Despite the series of teachers’ screening in the state, there are still large number of ghost teachers, why is it so?

Teachers screening exercise was almost completed before I came into office and the time the report was being submitted to the governor, I was at the EXCO hall and I witnessed it. I also have a copy of the report, but recently I read on the pages of some newspapers that there exist 800 ghost schools in kogi state. When I read the story I did not respond to protect the source of the information because he is a civil servant and is not supposed to talk to the press and making an issue out of it will further expose him.

I look at the data as outrageous because if there exist 800 ghost schools in the state, how many schools do we have in the state.

So, I totally dismiss the claim. The figure is an after thought because the reports I read did not mention such thing. Certain issues that will make front line news on the pages of newspaper should be part of the report, incidentally I am working on the white paper for the government, we have read the report and the former one which was chaired by the head of service.

It was embarrassing and I will not talk much on that because the government implementation committee which I am a member have not finished their work and by so doing I will be pre-empting other things, but I do not believe in that data. We obviously have ghost schools but it can not be up to that figure. On the issue of over 3000 ghost teachers, we are yet to submit our report on that too.

What measures have you put in place to address the problem of ghost teachers in the state?

There was a time the National Teachers Council made it mandatory for all teachers all over the country to register with the Council. We have decided to get some data from there because

Alhaji Jibrin Usman the ghost teachers can never register with the Council as a teacher must present certain documents before he or she can be registered and a ghost teacher can not produce such document. We are also going to make it compulsory for all teachers to have a bank account in a conventional bank not community bank or micro finance bank. In a conventional bank the teachers will be asked to provide certain documents and through that ghost teachers will be exposed, arrested and prosecuted.

I am very serious with this because any teacher who did not open the bank account will not be paid his or her salary. It is through this bank account the teachers who have an account will receive alert of payment.

The activities of ghost teachers have become worrisome. Is there any plan to flush them out?

For instance, there is a village in Olamaboro local government council called Onyiogugu. The head mistress of the primary school came to me in the office with the chief of the village and another elderman who was a retired director in kogi state. They came with a petition that there are only three teachers in the school and the head mistress and asked the management of SUBEB

to assist them by deploying more teachers or secound teachers to the school or employ their children who are graduates as teachers. I asked the director of finance to check his last voucher for the payment made in Oyiogugu village, within twenty minutes he brought the print out with names of nine teachers in that school, I asked him to mark the academic staff and non academic staff on the voucher, to my surprise he said the nine are academic staff. You can see what I am saying, here is a petition containing only three teachers but the recent payment contain nine teachers. You can see that from my office I detected six ghost teachers in one primary school.

Teachers’ salaries have become difficult for government to pay as at when due, what is responsible?

In August 2011 from the record available to me, salaries of teachers were paid to them without complain and as far as I know, embargo on employment had not been lifted. So we don’t expect any rise except that resulting from promotion and since 2010 to 2011 there was no promotion of teachers in the state.

I don’t expect any radical difference between the figure of August 2011 and the figure we have today except the factor of relativity.

We all know that relativity increase salary and that will increase the figure and we know how the relativity comes because there is a formular for it. So if we go back to August 2011 and add relativity to what the teachers took in 2011 we should be able to arrive at the total figure for salaries of teachers in the state.

We should also bear in mind that there are death, retirement, resignation and so on , the salaries becomes plus or minus. Some teachers were employed and back dated because there was embargo on employment.

Some people even wrote to us requesting for replacement of teachers as a result of death or retirement, but replacement is not suppose to increase salaries because the person coming into the system is not of the same level with the person that left the service. So, we are looking at it scientifically and we are getting very close to what we want.

How do ghost teachers operate?

The same persons we are having meetings with may be benefiting from the ghost teachers business. So, there are saboteurs within the system.

Another instance was when I was a Commissioner for education, the Chairman of Teaching Service Commission (TSC) the chairman of All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and the Secretary of the Commission connived to employ ghost teachers and there was a difference in payment of salaries to the tune of seven million naira every month.

They deposited the money in the account of the former local government chairman in one of the conventional banks in Ajaokuta.

The then governor Prince Abubakar Audu got wind of the nefarious act and assigned me to investigate without fair or favour.

I did my investigations and confirmed that the money was in the bank and also confirmed the account and the schedule that accompanied the checques to the bank which contained names of ghost teachers.

I met the TLC chairman and advised him to confess. He told me that he was not alone and that the secretary had his own list of the ghost teachers. I met the secretary too and he also confessed the same.

You can see these people are among those who hold meetings with the management of SUBEB, but they are at the centre of promoting ghost teachers.

PAGE 28

FG pledges priority on teachers' education

T

he Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa'I, on Saturday pledged the Federal Government's commitment to give priority to teachers' education through effective training to improve their skills.

Rufa'I made the pledge in Sokoto at the closing of the 2012 Millennium Development Goals capacity building workshop for teachers. She said the nationwide programme was split into two and designed to target 40,000 teachers across the federation.

Represented by Mr. Ojo Joel, the Director of Education in the ministry, the minister said the workshops would improve teachers’ capacity in subject contents, pedagogy and general methods of teaching.

She congratulated the National Teachers' Institute (NTI) on the successful conclusion of the workshops.

The Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, said the workshops were organised in 109 centres in December.

"The Federal Government is committing huge resources to conduct the annual workshops for teachers in Nigeria. Teachers must be encouraged to attend regular workshops as skills and knowledge must be subjected to periodic updates," he said.

The ministry in partnership with NTI retrained 1,500 teachers in the state.

Gov. Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Alhaji Bello Danchadi, commended the Federal Government for training and retraining of the Nigerian teachers saying that the state government would sustain the partnership till all its teachers acquired the minimum qualification for teaching. ``Education is the fulcrum upon which development rotates.

We will continue to allocate 30 per cent of our annual budgets to education as advocated by UNESCO," he said.

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on MDGs, Alhaji Alhassan Doguwa, said Nigeria would meet the MDG goal two on education by 2015.

"NTI is a positive partner and it is the hope for Nigerian teachers," he said.

The Director-General of NTI, Dr Aminu Sharehu, also commended the Federal Government for its support and encouragement to the organisation. "We assure the Federal Government that NTI is a willing partner to deliver any service that is deemed desirable and necessary to promote quality education in the country," he said.

Spokesman for the participants, Mr. Bello Wamakko, commended the institute and the Federal Government for the gesture and called for the sustenance of the programme.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

S

tate governments that are yet to implement the 27.5 per cent Teachers Salary Scale (TSS) have been warned to do so before the end of next month or face serious industrial crisis.

The National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Mr. Michael Olukoya, gave the warning on Friday in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

He said that the union has been in touch with the affected State Governments to remind them of the need to respect the agreement they signed with the union and do the right thing before the deadline.

“We all should respect ourselves and respect the agreement we willingly entered into to avoid an industrial action. Our teachers’

NUT warns states not paying teachers' salary scale welfare must always be held in high esteem as it remains an important factor needed for the reform in the education sector. I want to, therefore, seize this opportunity to remind these governors who are yet to start paying the new salary scale to incorporate this demand into their next year’s budgets because we shall not be entertaining these excuses for non-implementation come January 2013”, he said.

Olukoya noted that the union has been patient, adding that government must learn to respect agreements it entered into to maintain peace and

stability in the country.

“The union had displayed enough patience and understanding by suspending its recent strike over the delay in the implementation in some states. ``We have observed that the affected governments are not showing concern to reciprocate the position of teachers. We only suspended the strike, based on the intervention of the minister of education and other concerned Nigerians who promised to prevail on all the defaulting state governments on the issue.

“The union is therefore, calling on the affected

governments to rise up to this call and do the right thing in order to avoid any further disruption of the academic calendar in 2013,'' he warned.

The president said there was no way teachers would give their best if issues surrounding their welfare were constantly being undermined by some State Governments. ``We are not interested in embarking on strike, what we are saying is that we should be given our entitlements and be treated with respect because our contribution to national development is critical,'' he stated. (NAN)

L-R: Representative of Minister of Education, Mr. Sagir Adamu Abbas, World Bank Education Team Leader, Deborah Mikesell, and the Country Director, International Foundation for Education and SelfHelp (IFESH), Mrs. Nafisa Ado, during the education stakeholders consultative forum, recently in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Wuye School captured in 2013 education budget

By Maryam Garba Hassan

T

he problem of Wuye District in the FCT which has no public school may have been resolved as the Ministry of Education is said to have captured the need for the district to have a school in its 2013 budget. The temporary site it was using which was allocated to it by the FCT Universal Basic Education Board located within the premises of the abandoned permanent site for Federal Government Boys College, Apo, was demolished by

the Ministry of Education this year.

People’s Daily learnt that money will be provided for the establishment of the permanent site for the school as well as to purchase instruction materials for the take off of the school.

It was further learnt that the temporary arrangement for the school was made by the UBEB when residents of the district area which is one of the major district in the FCT complained to the FCT UBEB that they have no public or junior secondary in the district and that their

children who had to cross the major high way to go to schools in other places were often hit by cars.

However, since the FCT UBEB received the complained, the LEA primary school Wuye with an enrolment of 205 pupils and 9 staff was provided with furniture by the UBEB until it was demolished by the ministry of education when the Minister of State for Education Nyesom Wike, paid a visit to the school.

Peoples Daily further learnt that the education plot in the district was discovered to have

been allocated to private developers and no school plot was reserved for the area to meet UBEC Act of 2004 and global Education For All (EFA) Goals.

It was also gathered that at the moment the FGBC, Apo has grown beyond the capacity of the permanent site earlier allocated to it.

It would be recalled that recently the school was in the news when the temporary site located within the premises of FCGB, Apo school was demolished and the pupils were forced to study under the trees.

Lagos govt. hails students’ performance in WAEC exams

T

he Lagos State Government on Saturday expressed satisfaction with the performance of its students in the 2012 May/June WAEC examinations.

Chief Fatai Olukoga, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, expressed the satisfaction, while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

He stressed that the state recorded a significant improvement in students’

performance in the examinations. ``The state scored 38 per cent outstanding performance in core subjects in the results released by WAEC. ``It is the best in the country and the main reason for the improvement is the government policy which ensures that pupils are only promoted on merit in our primary and secondary schools,’’ he said.

Olukoga said: ``Our students are made to write examinations before they can be promoted to the next class. Besides, students in SS3

must pass their mock exams before the government can pay their WAEC fees. This is to ensure that our students who are writing WAEC exams read well and show competence.

“On scholarships, Olukoga disclosed that at least 2,000 indigent undergraduate students benefited from the 2011/2012 scholarship awards of the state adding that some students pursuing Master’s and PhD programmes also got scholarships.

Olukoga, who noted that N950

million was appropriated in the 2012 budget for the scholarship scheme; pledged that the allocation would be increased in 2013.

He however, urged students from the state to develop interest in studying courses in environmental studies and history. ``Our children are no longer interested in studying courses in culture, tradition and history.

Courses such as history, environment, culture and religion are equally important to be better citizens,’’ he said. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

PAGE 29

How Total broadened smile of physically challenged through humanitarian service

By Beauty Amaike

T

otal Nigeria Plc, formerly known as Total Fina Elf Nigeria Plc, is the entity which emerged following the successful merger between Total Nigeria Plc and Elf Oil Nigeria Ltd on 11th September, 2001. Total Nigeria Plc was incorporated as a private company on 1st June, 1956 to market petroleum products in Nigeria. It became Total Nigeria Ltd in 1967, and Total Nigeria Plc in 1978 after it went public in accordance with the Nigerian Enterprises Promotion Decree (1977) with =N=10,000,000.00 The company apart from having deals in petroleum and its product, it also engages in humanitarian and selfless services.

One of the major demonstration of such humanitarian gestures, is the company’s participation in the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja Total E & P Nigeria Limited celebrates its international day of persons with disabilities recently in Abuja.

The Corporate Department and the Diversity Department of Total E&P Nigeria Limited (TEPNG) on the 3rd December, 2012 collaborated with, Public Health and Community Development Center (PHCDC), an indigenous NGO working with vulnerable groups, to donate wheelchairs and crutches to persons with limited mobility.

This goodwill was carried out to celebrate the International Day for Persons with Disabilities.

According to Dr. Ima Kashim, Public Health Consultant, Chairman, Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) of Public Health and Community Development Centre (PHCDC), the presentation of the awards

Total Officials presenting wheel chair to a beneficiary (wheelchairs and crutches) were made to beneficiaries in Abuja and Port Harcourt.

She said, “For awardees in the Federal Capital Territory, the presentation of the awards was held on the 3rd December, 2012 (World Disability Day), at the Cyprian Ekwensi Center for Arts and Culture, Area 10, Abuja in collaboration with the Social Development Secretariat, Department of Social Welfare Services.

On the day, 24 Wheel chairs and 6 crutches were donated to

persons with limited mobility at a special award presentation ceremony.

The ceremony was borne out of a unique collaborative effort between the Government (represented by the Social Directorate of Social Welfare, Social Development Secretariat under the auspices of the minister of State for FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide), the private sector (TEPNG) and civil society.

Responding to the year’s theme: Removing Barriers to Create an Inclusive and Accessible Society to

All, the special guest of honour at the ceremony and minister of State for FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, represented by Mrs. Uche, commended Total Nigeria Plc for its thoughtfulness and its understanding the plight of the physically challenged in the society.

After the beneficiaries received their award wheelchairs and crutches; TEPNG’s managers and staff who were in attendance led the beneficiaries and participants in a short 200m walk of solidarity and action within the centre.

Present at the event were,

Secretary of the SDS, Mrs. Blessing Onuh, Dr Justus D. Pearse, General Manager Corporate CSR, TEPNG’s Diversity Manager, Mr Azunna Azuike, Mrs. Shade Ayileka, and 0ther Directors of the Social Development Secretariat.

There were also notable Nollywood and Kannywood celebrities; actors and actresses, also member of the Board of Public Health and Community Development Center, Kepy Ekpenyong Bassey who was visible everywhere during the award celebration.

respiratory infection and symptoms of a cold. The bacterial infection may result in enlarged, tender lymph nodes in the neck.

Children may have an accompanying rash; a streptococcus infection along with a rash is commonly termed scarlet fever.

Sore throat facts Most sore throats are caused by viruses or mechanical causes (such as mouth breathing) and can be treated successfully at home.

Sore throat symptoms include pain, burning or scratching sensations at the back of the throat, pain when swallowing and tenderness in the neck. Sore throat symptoms may be accompanied by coughing, sneezing, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.

Home remedies for sore throat include saltwater gargles, sprays, lozenges and humidifiers. Do not give lozenges to young children as they are a choking hazard.

Any sore throat that has a rapid onset and is associated with a fever or tenderness of the front of the neck may be serious and should be seen by a doctor.

Any sore throat that causes a person to have difficulty

swallowing (not just pain with swallowing) or breathing should be seen by a health care professional.

Seek medical care immediately for a sore throat if the person is unable to take his or her medications, has palpitations, or are lightheaded, or the tongue or lips swell up.

Any sore throat that lasts for more than a week should be evaluated by a health care professional.

If you are pregnant and your sore throat symptoms are severe or do not resolve in three days, seek medical attention.

Causes of sore throat A sore throat can have many causes including: Common viruses: The viruses that cause mononucleosis. Some viruses can also produce blisters in the mouth and throat (“aphthous stomatitis.”)

Infection of the tonsils or

adenoids.

Breathing through the mouth or smoking can produce throat dryness and soreness.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) while lying down or sleeping.

Bacterial infections: The two most common bacteria to cause a sore throat are Streptococcus (which causes strep throat) and Arcanobacterium haemolyticum.

Arcanobacterium causes sore throats mainly in young adults and is sometimes associated with a fine red rash.

Sore throat appearing after treatment with antibiotics, chemotherapy, or other immunecompromising medications may be due to yeast Candida, commonly known as “thrush.”

Beware; a sore throat lasting for more than two weeks can be a sign of a serious illness, such as throat cancer or AIDS. www.MedicineNet.com

Sore throat (Pharyngitis): What you need to know

A

re you wondering if your sore throat requires antibiotics?

Strep throat, named for the Streptococcus bacterium that causes the condition, is a particularly severe form of sore throat that is best treated with antibiotics. Strep throat can strike both children and adults, but only about five to ten percent of sore throats are caused by a bacterial infection. Most sore throats are caused by viral illnesses and are not responsive to treatment with antibiotics.

A true streptococcal infection of the throat often leads to excruciating throat pain accompanied by difficulty swallowing and even speaking.

Fever may be present, and the tonsils are often covered with a whitish layer of pus. Cough and runny nose are not commonly related to strep throat, but it is possible to have a streptococcal infection along with a viral upper

PAGE 30

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

Anorexia Nervosa: Signs, symptoms, causes, and treatment What is anorexia nervosa? norexia nervosa is a complex eating disorder with three key features: • refusal to maintain a healthy body weight • an intense fear of gaining weight • a distorted body image Because of you dread becoming fat or disgusted with how your body looks, eating and mealtimes may be very stressful and yet, what you can and can’t eat is practically all you can think about.

Thoughts about dieting, food and your body may take up most of your day leaving little time for friends, family, and other activities you used to enjoy. Life becomes a relentless pursuit of thinness and going to extremes to lose weight and no matter how skinny you become, it’s never enough.

While people with anorexia often deny having a problem, the truth is that anorexia is a serious and potentially deadly eating disorder. Fortunately, recovery is possible. With proper treatment and support, you or someone you care about can break anorexia’s self-destructive pattern and regain health and self-confidence.

Types of anorexia nervosa There are two types of anorexia. In the restricting type of anorexia, weight loss is achieved by restricting calories (following drastic diets, fasting, and exercising to excess). In the purging type of anorexia, weight loss is achieved by vomiting or using laxatives and diuretics.

How do know you are anorexic?

• Do you feel fat even though people say you are not?

• Are you terrified of gaining weight?

• Do you lie about how much you eat or hide your eating habits from others?

• Are your friends or family concerned about your weight loss, eating habits, or appearance?

• Do you diet, compulsively exercise, or purge when you’re feeling overwhelmed or bad about yourself?

• Do you feel powerful or in control when you go without food, over-exercise, or purge?

• Do you base your self-worth on your weight or body size?

Anorexia is not about weight or food Believe it or not, anorexia isn’t really about food and weight, at least not at its core. Eating disorders are much more complicated than that. The food and weight-related issues are symptoms of something deeper; things like depression, loneliness, insecurity, pressure to be perfect, or feeling out of control, things that no amount of dieting or weight loss can cure.

What need does anorexia meet in your life?

A

It is only human to wish you looked different or could fix something about yourself but when a preoccupation with being thin takes over your eating habits, thoughts, and life, it is a sign of an eating disorder. When you have anorexia, the desire to lose weight becomes more important than anything else. You may even lose the ability to see yourself as you truly are. Anorexia is a serious eating disorder that affects women and men of all ages. It can damage your health and even threaten your life.

It’s important to understand that anorexia meets a need in your life. For example, you may feel powerless in many parts of your life, but you can control what you eat. Saying “no” to food, getting the best of hunger, and controlling the number on the scale may make you feel strong and successful at least for a short while. You may even come to enjoy your hunger pangs as reminders of a “special talent” that most people can’t achieve.

Anorexia may also be a way of distracting yourself from difficult emotions. When you spend most of your time thinking about food, dieting, and weight loss, you don’t have to face other problems in your life or deal with complicated emotions.

Unfortunately, any boost you get from starving yourself or shedding pounds is extremely short-lived. Dieting and weight loss can’t repair the negative selfimage at the heart of anorexia.

The only way to do that is to identify the emotional need that self-starvation fulfills and find other ways to meet it.

Signs and symptoms of anorexia Living with anorexia means you’re constantly hiding your habits. This makes it hard at first for friends and family to spot the warning signs. When confronted, you might try to explain away your disordered eating and wave away concerns. But as anorexia progresses, people close to you won’t be able to deny their

instincts that something is wrong and neither should you.

As anorexia develops, you become increasingly preoccupied with the number on the scale, how you look in the mirror, and what you can and can’t eat.

Anorexia nervosa causes and risk factors There are no simple answers to the causes of anorexia and other eating disorders. Anorexia is a complex condition that arises from a combination of many social, emotional, and biological factors. Although our culture’s idealization of thinness plays a powerful role, there are many other contributing factors, including your family environment, emotional difficulties, low self-esteem, and traumatic experiences you may have gone through in the past.

Psychological causes and risk factors for anorexia People with anorexia are often perfectionists and overachievers.

They’re the “good” daughters and sons who do what they’re told, excel in everything they do, and focus on pleasing others. But while they may appear to have it all together, inside they feel helpless, inadequate, and worthless. Through their harshly critical lens, if they’re not perfect, they’re a total failure.

Family and social pressures In addition to the cultural pressure to be thin, there are other family and social pressures that can contribute to anorexia.

This includes participation in an activity that demands slenderness, such as ballet, gymnastics, or modeling. It also includes having parents who are overly controlling, put a lot of emphasis on looks, diet or criticize their children’s bodies and appearance. Stressful life events such as the onset of puberty, a breakup, or going away to school can also trigger anorexia.

Biological causes of anorexia Research suggests that a genetic predisposition to anorexia may run in families. If a girl has a sibling with anorexia, she is 10 to 20 times more likely than the general population to develop anorexia herself.

Brain chemistry also plays a significant role. People with anorexia tend to have high levels of cortisol, the brain hormone most related to stress, and decreased levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, which are associated with feelings of well-being.

Effects of anorexia One thing is certain about anorexia.

Severe calorie restriction has dire physical effects. When your body doesn’t get the fuel it needs to function normally, it goes into starvation mode and slows down to conserve energy. Essentially, your body begins to consume itself. If selfstarvation continues and more body fat is lost, medical complications pile up and your body and mind pay the price.

Some of the physical

effects of anorexia include: • Severe mood swings; depression • Lack of energy and weakness • Slowed thinking; poor memory.

• Dry, yellowish skin and brittle nails • Constipation and bloating • Tooth decay and gum damage.

• Dizziness, fainting, and headaches.

Growth of fine hair all over the body and face Medical treatment for anorexia The first priority in anorexia treatment is addressing and stabilizing any serious health issues. Hospitalization may be necessary if you are dangerously malnourished or so distressed that you no longer want to live.

You may also need to be hospitalized until you reach a less critical weight. Outpatient treatment is an option when you’re not in immediate medical danger.

Nutritional treatment for anorexia A second component of anorexia treatment is nutritional counseling. A nutritionist or dietician will teach you about healthy eating and proper nutrition. The nutritionist will also help you develop and follow meal plans that include enough calories to reach or maintain a normal, healthy weight.

Source: National Women’s Health Information Center

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

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Who fills the global power vacuum?

ANALYSIS

By Nader Mousavizadeh

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he question of who will fill the global power vacuum has never before been felt as acutely as it is today - or in as many different arenas of politics and economics simultaneously. Last week, at the annual conference convened by the global advisory firm Oxford Analytica (where I serve as CEO),Robert Rubin joined Martin Wolf in a conversation about the perilous state of the global economy. Listening to the two wise men of global finance set out the steps necessary for Europe and the U.S. to escape the sovereign debt trap, there was a palpable sense of nostalgia for a time when concerted, timely, effective global leadership - in any sphere, by any one country or group of countries - was imaginable. There was also little doubt that the U.S. would not be returning to its pre-eminent leadership position any time soon or that many countries would even welcome it.

Today, after a week's geopolitical drama driven by the Palestinian bid for statehood at the UN, it is evident that the global power vacuum is not limited to economics and the Eurozone alone.

Rather, the world is facing a vacuum of leadership in each of the economic, diplomatic and strategic arenas - and what's filling this vacuum is a mixture of the good, the bad, and the highly unpredictable. Years from now, this may yet be seen as a period of global creative destruction - a transition away from a false and iniquitous stability towards a more sustainable, diversely founded equilibrium of global interests. In the meantime, the process of filling the vacuum is likely to be volatile, dangerous, and deeply disorienting.

First, the vacuum in global economic leadership. The absence of concerted action is most acutely displayed in the Eurozone's response to an economic crisis that as of the past few weeks is beginning to threaten a global contagion, with serious implications for emerging markets too. With each passing day, and every claim that Greece is not insolvent and that it - and the Eurozone - would not be better off long-term with a Greek default and exit, policymakers are running down their credibility on the far more consequential matter of whether they've properly understood the risks to the Italian and Spanish financial systems.

This is how contagion happens.

A widening chasm of credibility - between markets and policymakers, and between the politics of European unity and the economics of fiscal fragmentation - has its roots in part in the admirable German commitment to the European project as a political and economic enterprise.

The problem, however, is that absent economic confidencebuilding measures of sufficient size to reassure markets, the vacuum is being filled by investors aggressively repricing assets for

Obama an ever-darker horizon.

Far more dangerous to global economic prospects is the risk of the current vacuum being filled by a backlash against globalization and free markets. It remains a case of dog that didn't bark - the absence of stronger populist movements in both creditor and debtor European countries during this deepening crisis. That doesn't mean the dog will stay silent forever, and its bark may bring with it a spiral of currency wars, capital controls and tariffs that will only accelerate the current contraction through a wave of world-wide protectionism.

Second, the vacuum in global diplomatic leadership.

The Palestinian decision to defy the U.S. and Israel and press ahead with its claim for statehood at the U.N. saw a key diplomatic vacuum being filled by a party more used to being observer than protagonist in one of the central geopolitical disputes in the world. A decades-long peace process owned by the United States - and supported, on U.S. terms, by the other members of the Quartet, the EU, Russia and the U.N. - was recognized as effectively dead for the past two years, giving the Palestinians a chance to step in with a direct claim to the international community. And it is just one measure of the bankruptcy of the old peace process that the U.S. and its allies over the coming weeks will be expending vast political (and, if history is any guide, financial capital) to prevent a key strategic aim, Palestinian statehood, from coming to pass at this juncture.

That the realization of the Palestinian aspirations for statehood requires more than a vote at the UN is obvious to all. What is equally clear, however, is that a new

Hu Jintao dynamic has been launched with greater resonance and legitimacy both in the region and around the world. Just ask yourself if the new Quartet announcement (however limited in impact) of a one-year time table for talks leading to a settlement would have happened absent Palestinian leader Abbas's persistence in staking his claim. Joining him in filling the vacuum have been three other forces: first, the Arab Awakening and its example of young Arabs seeking and winning the beginnings of legitimate and accountable government; second, a competent and responsible Palestinian leadership in the West Bank focused on economic growth and stability that no one credibly can claim is focused on prolonging the conflict; third, and far more troublingly, the rise of Hamas in Gaza.

Unsettling, uncertain, and vulnerable to excesses as this new dynamic may be, it's what happens when vacuums are allowed to emerge. The U.S. and its allies have only themselves to thank for the unenviable task of now having to argue-even as they embrace the Arab Awakening transforming the region-that the Palestinians don't deserve statehood. And yet this dynamic may provide the best chance for the U.S. and its allies to recognize a peaceful Palestinian neighbor reconciled to the existence of Israel within internationally recognized borders. To be sure, in the short term, a Palestinian aspiration endorsed by newly free Arab countries and their

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

empowered citizens will resonate more powerfully than one advanced by the likes of Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah. In the longer-term, however, it holds out the opportunity for Israel to agree a peace of peoples, not just with the Palestinians, but also with the broader Arab neighborhood.

Third, the vacuum in global strategic leadership. At this year's annual meetings of the UN and the World Bank and IMF, the atmosphere of dread on the part of Western policymakers about their economic prospects is matched only by their insistence that the emerging markets shouldn't expect to escape contagion. While this increasingly appears to be the case, there is little appreciation - even in the face of this dire crisis for the West - for the fact that if the BRIC countries are to help bail out the richer countries, there needs to be a more fundamental reordering of power and influence on the global stage.

There is a reason Security Council seats are distributed as anachronistically as they are, and that voting power at the IMF and World Bank remains absurdly weighted towards European powers: they reflect the political and economic power of the founding era. But if China, say, is to leverage its $3 trillion in FX reserves to support a wider global economic stabilization vehicle, it will naturally ask for commensurate influence. To the call from World Bank President Robert Zoellick that China be a "responsible stakeholder," the answer from China increasingly will be: sure, but in what? An international system designed sixty years ago for the perpetuation of a certain power balance and the advantage of a certain set of

Today, after a week's geopolitical drama driven by the Palestinian bid for statehood at the UN, it is evident that the global power vacuum is not limited to economics and the Eurozone alone.

countries not including China?

Not so much. But a "responsible stakeholder" in a newly rebalanced set of institutions reflecting the burdens, the power, and capital of the 21st century - to that the Chinese are far more likely to respond positively.

In the meantime, rising powers like Brazil and Turkey are casting off decades of weakness and stepping into strategic vacuums left by failed Western-led strategies - in arenas as diverse as development, climate change and the Iranian nuclear challenge. In this strategic no-man's land between a past U.S.-dominated playing field and something far messier and crowded - will their initiatives always succeed? Of course not. These issues are hard as the Copenhagen Climate talks and the Brazilian-Turkish initiative on the Tehran reactor demonstrated. Power is not only shifting East and South from the North Atlantic. Increasingly, it is leaking out of the international system - with new actors and new technologies taking their own place in the vacuum, making solutions ever more elusive, and complex to negotiate.

The crisis of credibility afflicting established global institutions and powers has been exacerbated by what David Miliband has called a new transparency driven by technology that makes political hypocrisy - local and global - far harder to sustain. A bonfire of orthodoxies is under way - in every global arena from what stability in the Arab world means, to the price of prosperity in Europe, and to the sustainability of U.S. imperial commitments, at home and abroad.

Power, like nature, abhors a vacuum.

But a vacuum threatening to become a strategic void at a critical juncture in global economic and political affairs is not likely to last, or be filled in an orderly, peaceful manner. A global race is on for concerted action, and everyone will lose if the vacuum is left to fill itself.

Source: Reuters

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

CAR crisis: AU chief to hold talks with Bozize Mauritania Braces for War Next Door

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auritanian authorities prepare to deal with the consequences of a war against al-Qaeda in northern Mali.

Mauritania, like many of its Maghreb neighbours, has decided to reinforce the protection of its borders in light of recent developments in Mali.

Residents of Mauritanian border towns with Mali are growing increasingly apprehensive.

Following bitter fighting against the Movement for the National Liberation of Azawad (MNLA), al-Qaeda-affiliated Ansar al-Din took control at the end of November of the Malian city of Lere, only 70 kilometres from the strategic Mauritanian town of Fassala Nere.

With a war being prepared and the uncertainty of Mauritania's participation, al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) decided to occupy the border town as a message to Mauritania.

"A tacit truce has been observed for several months between AQIM and the Mauritanian army," said military expert Eli Ould Maghlah.

"Mauritania had in fact decided not to take action against the terrorists as long as they avoid establishing camps inside Mali within 200 kilometres from the border. For its part, AQIM has refrained from attacking Mauritania."

He added that units of the Mauritanian army began intensifying their actions and mobilising troops along the border.

"They have also increased their search and inspection operations of those passing through," the expert said.

"The local population has become accustomed to these military activities, and now accommodates this routine," Abdullah Ould Sid al Mokhtar, a local notable in the border town of Bassiknou, told Magharebia. "This stems from their perception that they are within a stone's throw of a fierce enemy. This enemy is represented by terrorists able to infiltrate at any moment through the border."

Khaled Abou El-Abbas, the terrorist also known as "Laaouar", warned against an intervention in an interview al-Akhbar published November 27th. "You can avoid the outbreak of the war, but who can contain its consequences or prevent its expansion to other areas?" he stated.

Political analyst Mohamed Ould al-Aqel noted that "if Mauritania and Algeria manage to protect their borders, then terrorist groups will find themselves besieged from all sides."

Rebels heading towards Bangui.

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he head of the African Union is due to arrive in the Central African Republic for talks as rebel forces continue to advance towards the capital Bangui.

The AU says Thomas Boni Yayi will discuss the crisis with President Francois Bozize.

Earlier, the Seleka rebel alliance entered the central city of Sibut after the army withdrew on Friday evening.

Regional leaders say both sides have agreed to hold talks, although no firm timetable has been given.

Correspondents say Mr Boni Yayi is expected to try to persuade President

Bozize to launch a dialogue with the rebels.

More troops from the Central African Multinational Force (Fomac) arrived in CAR on Saturday to reinforce a contingent already there.

More than 100 French paratroopers have also been sent in.

However, France insists they are only there to secure its nationals - not to save the regime.

A senior UN official told the BBC that all its international staff have been evacuated to neighbouring Cameroon.

The US has also evacuated its embassy in Bangui.

Thomas Fessy says there was no fighting when rebels entered Sibut on Saturday.

The city is about 150km (95 miles) from Bangui.

Government troops and Chadian soldiers deployed as a buffer force had left their position hours before and a rebel spokesman said they took over the city because it was abandoned.

The spokesman said the rebels had no intention to march on the capital ahead of talks meant to start early next month.

However, our correspondent says there is a growing fear that the rebels may well attempt to depose President Bozize.

Government troops are reported to have fallen back to Damara, 75km from Bangui, the last major town on the road to the capital.

Seleka - an alliance of three separate groups - accuses Mr Bozize of failing to honour a 2007 peace deal under which fighters who laid down their arms were meant to be paid.

The rebels have pledged to depose Mr Bozize unless he negotiates with them.

They began their campaign a month ago and have taken several key towns and cities including Bambari and the diamond centre of Bria in their push towards the capital.

Egypt allows construction convoy into Gaza

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gypt has allowed a shipment of construction materials to enter the Gaza Strip from its territory for the first time since 2007.

A convoy of trucks carrying thousands of tonnes of supplies donated by the Gulf state of Qatar entered Gaza via the Rafah border crossing on Saturday.

Egypt had previously followed import restrictions imposed by Israel.

However, Israel has eased its blockade as part of last month's ceasefire deal with the Islamist group Hamas.

Many goods are smuggled from Egypt through a network of underground tunnels into Gaza, which

is governed by Hamas.

An Egyptian security official quoted by AP news agency said the shipment had been made in consultation with Israeli officials who were in Cairo on Thursday.

Qatar has pledged more than $400m (£250m) to finance reconstruction in Gaza and improve crumbling housing, schools, a hospital and roads.

A Hamas official said it was a positive step.

"We hope that Egypt will open this crossing permanently for goods so our people can meet their needs," said Ehab al-Ghsain, head of the Hamas government's media office.

Some 170 Palestinians and six Israelis were killed in an eight-day

conflict between Hamas and Israel in November.

The trucks passed through the Rafah crossing into Gaza.

Refugee relocation raises concerns in Kenya

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édecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is deeply concerned about the medical consequences following the recent public statements from Kenyan authorities exhorting thousands of Somali refugees in Kenya to leave urban areas and go

to remote and already saturated camps. The organisation says that any potential influx of new arrivals will put further pressure on the existing precarious situation.

In the Dadaab refugee camps, in northern Kenya, the rainy season is increasing the risk of disease and

Some refugees at the Dadaab refugee camp.

epidemics among an already extremely vulnerable population.

"The assistance provided here in Dadaab is already completely overstretched and is not meeting the current needs," says Dr. Elena Velilla, MSF's Head of Mission in Kenya."Furthermore, due to the ongoing insecurity in the camps, MSF would not be able to scale up or respond to a new emergency situation if there is an influx of new arrivals in the camps."

Over the last month, the number of children admitted to the MSF hospital for severe acute malnutrition has doubled and around 300 children have been hospitalised. Most of them are also suffering from acute watery diarrhoea or severe respiratory tract infections which reflect the poor living conditions in the camp.

"Since the beginning of December and the heavy rains which have caused floods, the shelter

and sanitation situation that was already precarious in the camps, has become even more deplorable," continued Velilla. "This has had dramatic consequences on the population's health.".

With a 200 bed hospital that serves as a referral facility for several camps in Dadaab, MSF is one of the main health providers, but it has been struggling to cope with the considerable and growing medical and humanitarian needs.

Since the camps were established 20 years ago, emergencies have consistently plagued Dadaab, with floods, nutritional crises and disease outbreaks commonplace. According to the UNHCR, eleven epidemic outbreaks were reported in 2012.

Today, sporadic cases of cholera and hepatitis E continue to be reported throughout the camps.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

Asia and Middle East

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young Indian woman who died after being gangraped on a bus has been cremated in the capital, Delhi.

The ceremony came hours after a plane chartered by the Indian government brought her body back to the city.

The 23-year-old medical student died in a Singapore hospital where she was being treated for

PAGE 33

Delhi gang-rape victim's funeral held severe injuries.

The attack sparked two weeks of protests about gender attitudes in India, and calls for changes to laws on rape and violence against women.

Indian Prime Minister

Manmohan Singh and the head of India's governing Congress party Sonia Gandhi were at the airport when the plane landed at about 04:15 (22:45 GMT).

A convoy carrying a goldcoloured coffin and the victim's

parents then drove towards the Janakpuri district of Delhi where she had been living.

The private funeral was held amid tight security.

The BBC's Andrew North in Delhi says the government has been heavily criticised for its response to the attack and remains anxious about a backlash, with police still cordoning off the heart of the capital to prevent demonstrations.

Mrs Gandhi has promised to fight what she called India's shameful social mindsets that lie behind such crimes.

Six men arrested for the 16 December rape have been charged with murder. If convicted, they face the death penalty.

On Saturday evening, candlelit vigils were held across India to mourn the woman and express anger and sorrow at her death.

Australia condemns Japan for whale hunt

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Police and mourners stand outside the cremation ground where the funeral was held.

ustralia has threatened Japan with diplomatic action over its whaling programme, after Japan reportedly dispatched its whaling fleet in the Southern Ocean for what Tokyo calls a scientific expedition.

On Saturday, Tony Burke, Australia's environment minister, condemned the move by Japan, describing the claims that its whaling programme is for scientific research as "a joke".

The Australian government has been a long-time critic of the activities of Japan's whaling fleet in regional waters, and initiated legal proceedings against the whaling programme in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in May 2010.

Burke told reporters in Sydney that he did not expect a response from the ICJ until "sometime next year," but called on Japan to respect a moratorium on whaling in the Southern Ocean.

"In the interim it is open to Japan any day of the year to take the same action that the rest of world has taken and that is to observe a moratorium in the Southern Ocean. That is to accept that commercial whaling is wrong and scientific whaling is a joke," he said.

"We cannot continue to have a situation where everybody knows it's nothing to do with science and yet, with a nod and a wink, Japanese fleets travel from one side of the globe to the other to engage in this, and to break the moratorium year after year," Burke added.

Japan's finance minister to travel to Myanmar, meet president Thein Sein

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Shonan Maru, one of Japans whaling fleet.

apan's deputy Prime Minister, Taro Aso, travels to Myanmar this week for talks with President Thein Sein to boost relations with the rapidly transforming country and support Japanese business interests in the region.

Aso, who doubles as finance minister, meets Thein Sein and his opposite number Win Shein in the capital Naypyitaw on Thursday in the first high-profile overseas visit by a member of Tokyo's new cabinet since it took office last week.

Prior to his ministerial appointment, Aso had already planned to visitMyanmar as a lawmaker and a member of JapanMyanmar Association, a group of politicians, businessmen and former diplomats set up to advance

Japanese business interests in Myanmar.

Their sales -- and sometimes their premises -- badly damaged by a territorial spat between Tokyo and Beijing, Japanese firms have made an aggressive push back into Myanmar after Thein Sein, a former member of the military junta began overseeing reforms.

Myanmar has introduced a substantial series of social and economic reforms since power was handed to a quasi-civilian government took power in 2011 after nearly half a century of military rule.

Change has attracted large numbers of foreign investors and prompted the United States and European Union to ease longstanding sanctions to encourage further reform.

Major Chinese cities to relax school entry for migrants

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Japan's Finance Minister Taro Aso

hree major cities plan a limited relaxation of restrictions on the children of migrant workers seeking to enter university-track schools, ChinaNational Radio reported on Sunday, an apparent response to protests over discriminatory practices.

High school students are restricted to taking competitive university exams where they are registered, a stipulation that effectively locks the children of migrant workers out of a path to higher education in the cities.

Reformists had seized on the case of Zhan Haite, 15, the daughter of migrants who had been raised in Shanghai but was ineligible to attend a university-track high school there. Her case triggered protests in Beijing and Shanghai this month, while her father was detained for several days for campaigning to secure education rights in Shanghai.

The rules as announced still do not treat the children of migrants equally to city residents with a hukou, or legal registration.

Beijing and Shanghai as well as Guangdong Province, whose Pearl River Delta factories are a magnet for migrants, will phase in access to the higher-education exams to students living within their borders, ChinaNational Radio reported.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

PAGE 34

Europe and Americas Britain 'losing the war on cybercrime' as costs hit £205 million

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ritain is losing the war on internet crime, a leading police officer has admitted, after it emerged that cybercrime cost UK businesses around £205 million in lost revenue last year.

Commissioner Adrian Leppard, head of City of London police, said online fraud is rising "exponentially", with the largest number of attacks originating from Eastern Europe and Russia.

In a stark warning to MPs earlier this month, he said police are struggling to keep up with increasingly sophisticated internet criminals.

Keith Vaz, chairman of the commons Home Affairs select committee, suggested to Mr Leppard that internet criminals "keep running rings around some of the best police officers in the country", adding: "Are we winning this battle?"

Mr Leppard responded: "We are not winning. I do not think we are winning globally, and I think this nature of crime is rising exponentially."

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau has identified some 300 internet fraud gangs worldwide; Mr Leppard told MPs. Groups in 25 countries have chosen Britain as their main target.

The proceeds of online crime are funding al-Qaeda terrorism, he added.

Mr Leppard said half of all fraud in the UK, which costs the country £70bn a year, is now conducted online.

Among the victims are wealthy retired people who are conned out of large sums money in fraudulent share schemes at a cost of £3.5bn a year.

The average cost to the victim is £25,000 and half of those who lose out under the schemes are over 65.

"That is a significant loss to the most vulnerable people in our society," Mr Leppard said, adding those responsible should receive tougher sentences.

There is "plenty of evidence" that al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups are using the proceeds of online fraud to finance their activities, he said.

The police and security services are seeking to disrupt those lines of funding.

Retailers have seen online fraud increased by 30 per cent in the last year.

However, Mr Leppard warned that the 800 specialist internet crime officers face being cut by one quarter under spending cuts.

"This is a very worrying criminal trend. The real worry is that, at a time when fraud and e-crime is going up, the capability of the country is going down."

City of London police covers the Square Mile and specialises in fraud investigations and financial crime.

US faces crucial day of 'fiscal cliff' talks

U

S politicians are facing a crucial day of talks aimed at preventing the socalled "fiscal cliff".

Congress must reach a deal by the end of the year to avert steep spending cuts and tax rises due to take effect.

President Barack Obama has said he is "modestly optimistic" that Senate leaders can craft a bill that could win approval in both chambers of Congress.

If they fail, taxes will significantly rise for most Americans, raising fears of a US economic slowdown.

Republicans and Democrats tried to resolve the looming crisis in 2011 but failed, instead signing temporary agreements which postponed the deadlock until the end of 2012.

Democrat Senate leader Harry Reid and his Republican counterpart Mitch McConnell have been locked in negotiations over the weekend, in an otherwise closed-down Capitol.

According to the Washington Post, they have set themselves a deadline of 15:00 local time (20:00 GMT) to reach a compromise agreement, after

which they will convene caucus meetings of their members and decide whether the measure has enough support to be put to a vote.

The Senate could then vote on the measure and allow the

House of Representatives enough time on Monday to consider it, said the paper.

But Republican and Democratic leaders remain divided over core ideological issues about tax and

government funding.

There is also debate over where to set the threshold for tax rises. Democrats say previously approved tax cuts should be extended for all Americans except the richest, those with annual earnings of more than $250,000 (£155,000), who should pay more.

Republicans want the tax threshold set higher, at around $400,000, and for revenue to be raised by economic growth and cuts in social security and mandatory spending programmes.

President Obama is scheduled to make a rare appearance on NBC's Meet the Press on Sunday.

He has urged negotiators to reach a deal, even if the resulting legislation is an unhappy compromise for both sides which defers resolution of some elements under discussion.

The country "just can't afford a politically self-inflicted wound to our economy," he said, warning that if they fail, "every American's paycheck will get a lot smaller".

in 2013 by the socialist government.

The council's decision on Saturday, made in response to a motion by opposition

conservatives, is a huge blow to President Francois Hollande who had made the rate his flagship tax measure as he sought to have the rich contribute more towards reducing the budget deficit.

While the planned upper tax band was mainly symbolic and would only have affected a few thousand people, it shocked foreign investors and infuriated high earners in France, prompting some such as actor Gerard Depardieu to flee abroad.

The government had estimated the 75 percent tax rate could raise around $400m a year as it battles to bring down the public deficit to below a European Union ceiling of three percent next year in the face of stalled

growth.

The Constitutional Council, which rules on whether laws are constitutional, said in a statement that the way the upper rate was set to be imposed was unfair in the way it would affect different households.

The French prime minister's office responded that the government would push ahead with plans to impose a 75 percent upper income tax and would propose a new measure after the rate was ruled unconstitutional.

"The government will propose a new system that conforms with the principles laid down by the decision of the Constitutional Council. It will be presented in the framework of the next Finance Act," Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said in a statement.

Obama

French court overturns ultra-rich tax

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rance's constitutional council has overturned a 75 percent upper tax rate on income above $1.32m, which was due to be introduced

President Francois Hollande

Bolivia takes over Spanishowned energy suppliers

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olivia has brought two Spanish-owned electricity supply companies under state control.

President Evo Morales accused the subsidiaries of the Spanish company, Iberdrola, of overcharging consumers in rural areas.

Mr Morales said rural households had been paying three times more for their electricity than people in urban areas.

The left-wing president has previously nationalised oil, telecommunications and energygenerating companies.

"We had to see that the quality of electricity service is uniform in rural as well as urban areas," Mr Morales said.

He added that his decree was in line with the South American country's constitution, which says

that the public interest is above private interests when it comes to the supply of energy.

"We were forced to take this measure," he said, describing the electricity charges as "unfair and unequal".

An independent arbiter will decide in up to 180 days how much compensation Iberdrola will get for its assets, Mr Morales said.

In its first reaction to the Bolivian government decision, Iberdrola said it hoped to be paid a fair price for the companies.

"We hope we will get the real value of our share" a spokesman told the AFP news agency.

Iberdrola owned 89.5% of Electropaz, which operates in Bolivia's largest city, La Paz, and surrounding areas, and 92.8% in Elfeo, based in the Oruro region.

President Evo Morales signing the takeover.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

PAGE 35

20-year-old dies after eating 28 raw eggs as a dare

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n Wednesday, 20-yearold Tunisian man Dhaou Fatnassi died after completing a dare to eat 28 raw eggs, French-language radio station Shems FM reported.

According to News.com.au,

Fatnassi's friends had promised to give him "an undisclosed sum of money" if he swallowed all 28 of the raw eggs whole.

(One assumes that did not include the shells, but you can never be sure.) After doing so,

Raw eggs

Airbag for smartphones invented

I

t's a momentary lapse that can cost hundreds. But the cracked screens that result from dropped iPhones could become a thing of the past thanks to an unlikely invention - an airbag for smartphones.

The innovative technology makes use of the motion-sensors that are now built into most smartphones to detect when it has entered an airborne state, so that a mini-airbag can be deployed to cushion its fall.

The idea comes from the burgeoning technology department at Amazon, which won a patent for the protective system this week. As well as mobile phones, the technology could be used on electronic readers, including the online retailer's own Kindle, as well as computer tablets and cameras.

Amazon's founder, Jeff Bezos, filed the application for a patent himself. It reads: "Prior to impact between a surface and a device, a determination of a risk of damage to the device is made.

If the risk of damage to the device exceeds a threshold, a protection system is activated to reduce or eliminate damage to the device."

The airbag would draw on data

from a mobile phone's built-in gyroscope, camera, accelerometers and other such sensors, according to the patent. Then, if it is determined that the gadget has been dropped, the technology will trigger the release of airbags and could even include airjets to change its trajectory in midair.

While there is no indication of when the protective system will be available, it is clear that there is a large market for it. In the UK alone, tens of millions of pounds are spent on iPhone repairs each year.

Victor Seidel, a lecturer in science entrepreneurship at Oxford University, said: "Jeff Bezos is a man known for going his own way and being successful, but I think the real question is: Has he come up with the idea because he keeps dropping his own phone?"

Mr Seidel said that the technology could put an end to "cumbersome cases", but expressed concerns about the practicality of its production, adding: "I am not sure the next phone I buy will be fitted with an airbag but we are often surprised by what ideas become successful."

Amazon's founder, Jeff Bezos's invention could make cracked mobilephone screens a thing of the past.

Fatnassi reportedly started to feel pains in his stomach. He headed toward the Hopital les Aghlabides in Kairouan, Tunisia, to receive medical attention, but died in transit.

Over the years, many have

surely wondered whether the famous egg-eating scene in "Cool Hand Luke" was replicable in real life, and whether it was really possible to eat 50 eggs and live to tell the tale, as Paul Newman's

character did. (Though his eggs were hard-boiled, not raw.) But Fatnassi's grim end shows that some feats are meant to stay fictional. Let's hope his example wards off any future daredevils in the egg-eating arena.

College student's turtle project takes dark twist

Clemson University student Nathan Weaver, right, talks with his professor, Rob Baldwin, left, as they wait to see if a fake turtle he is using in his research is run over in a road near Clemson, S.C.

C

lemson University student Nathan Weaver set out to determine how to help turtles cross the road. He ended up getting a glimpse into the dark souls of some humans.

Weaver put a realistic rubber turtle in the middle of a lane on a busy road near campus. Then he got out of the way and watched over the next hour as seven drivers swerved and deliberately ran over the animal.

Several more apparently tried to hit it but missed.

"I've heard of people and from friends who knew people that ran over turtles. But to see it out here like this was a bit shocking," said Weaver, a 22-year-old senior in Clemson's School of Agricultural, Forest and Environmental Sciences.

To seasoned researchers, the practice wasn't surprising.

The number of box turtles is in slow decline, and one big reason is that many wind up as roadkill while crossing the asphalt, a slow-andsteady trip that can take several

minutes.

Sometimes humans feel a need to prove they are the dominant

species on this planet by taking a two-ton metal vehicle and squishing a defenseless creature under the tires, said Hal Herzog, a Western Carolina University psychology professor.

"They aren't thinking, really. It is not something people think about. It just seems fun at the time," Herzog said. "It is the dark side of human nature."

Herzog asked a class of about 110 students getting ready to take a final whether they had intentionally run over a turtle, or been in a car with someone who did. Thirty-four students raised their hands, about two-thirds of them male, said Herzog, author of a book about humans' relationships with animals, called "Some We Love, Some We Hate, Some We Eat."

Careful parking: Traffic wardens will target 'reckless' drivers measuring how far from the kerb they have parked their cars

PAGE 36

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

Examining Yobeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s race to build a better health care system

By Abba Alhaji

T

homas Carlyle, the witty nineteenth-century Scottish philosopher, captured an abiding, elemental truth about the centrality of sound health to the functioning of any society when he said, "He who has health has hope; and he who has hope has everything". There is no greater wealth any people can hope for than health. A healthy citizenry nourishes and guarantees reproductive futurism, that is, the intergenerational perpetuation of humanity. That was what British statesman Winston Churchill meant when he remarked that "Healthy citizens are the greatest asset any country can have."

Given how pivotal health is to humanity's continuity, national governments and international organisations have devised several policy frameworks to systematize healthcare delivery to the society, especially to the weakest and most vulnerable elements of the society. The question that pops out effortlessly from the foregoing is: what is Nigeria's healthcare policy? The truth, as we all know, is that there is really not so much to make a song and dance about. However, as a public health enthusiast, I have observed that in spite of the general bleak outlook in Nigeria's healthcare policy regime, there are a few bright spots in some states.

One of such states is Yobe. Although the state has its own fair share of challenges in healthcare delivery, its overarching short- and long-term policy framework seems to me not only praiseworthy but a model for states that share similar characteristics. In other words, states that are rural, agrarian, educationally disadvantaged, geographically distant from the central government, etc. can learn a thing or two from Yobe State's health care policies.

From the perspective of an outsider who nonetheless has an intimate familiarity with the healthcare policy of many Nigerian state governments, it seems to me that the Yobe State government's health care policy rests on three interrelated planks: provision of affordable or free healthcare to the neediest in the state wherever and whenever possible, incentivizing medical practice, and investing in medical education for the state's indigenes.

It is common knowledge that the people who are apt to suffer total disruptions of life as a result of medical emergencies are the poor. Most of them die preventable deaths because they can't afford the cost of medical treatments that involve surgical procedures. The pathos of this sad reality inspired the Yobe State governor, Ibrahim Gaidam, to introduce a never-before-seen policy of free surgery for vulnerable members of the society. Other kinds of surgeries have been so subsidized by the state government that they are almost free. For instance, a caesarian section (CS) that goes for N700, 000 or more in some private hospitals in Abuja costs only N4, 800 in Yobe.

Yobe is probably the only state in the country that provides free surgeries to its citizens.

In addition to free and/or subsidized surgeries for its citizens, Yobe State also implemented a policy of providing free drugs for pregnant women and children 5 years and under. The policy, which lasted two years, has been temporarily discontinued for now because of some anomalies the government observed in drug quality and distribution system. However, Governor Gaidam has disclosed, during an inspection of medical facilities in Damaturu last Thursday that the policy will resume in early 2013 after the problems that led to its suspension have been sorted out and resolved.

While the health sector is retrofitted gradually, the government also provides medical assistance to patients all across the state to treat ailments that could not be treated locally. These include, but apparently not limited to, kidney transplant, spinal cord injury, brain surgery, and orthopedic cases. So far around N300 million is said to have been spent in medical assistance to people from different parts of the state over the last two years.

However, as much as the government is desirous of providing free, affordable and qualitative healthcare to its citizens, it has to come to terms with the reality that its location on the fringes of the country and its educational disadvantage deprive it of much needed medical manpower. Governor Gaidam decided to confront this time-honored problem in two ways: a short-term strategy of encouraging the medical professionals currently serving

Yobe State Governor

IBRAHIM GAIDAM in the state through incentives and enticing medical professionals from other parts of the country with attractive packages.

In furtherance of this strategy, the Yobe State government went on record as one of early states in the country to implement the CONMESS salary scale for doctors and the CONHESS salary scale for nurses and midwives. Yobe started the implementation of these salary packages nearly two years ago. Some states are only just now beginning to implement them. This move has served to both keep current medical personnel in the state and as a possible attraction to others from elsewhere.

Other ways the state government encourages medical personnel in its employ is that it grants, without fail, the requests of all doctors who apply for scholarships for residency or for post graduate studies. In spite of the risks that such magnanimity entails (for instance, some of the doctors may decide never to return to the state after the acquisition of their additional qualifications) Governor Gaidam has told people close to him that he is a firm believer in the virtues of giving professionals opportunities for reeducation and self-improvement. Similarly, to ease the work of doctors who work in the state, the government has recently provided new medical equipment, beds and mattresses worth over N300 million for the major hospitals in Damaturu, Gashu'a, Potiskum and Gaidam.

The result of Yobe State's indulgent treatment of its medical doctors manifests prominently during international assignments. For instance, according to information from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

Other ways the state government encourages medical personnel in its employ is that it grants, without fail, the requests of all doctors who apply for scholarships for residency or for post graduate studies. In spite of the risks that such magnanimity entails (for instance, some of the doctors may decide never to return to the state after the acquisition of their additional qualifications) Governor Gaidam has told people close to him that he is a firm believer in the virtues of giving professionals opportunities for re-education and selfimprovement

(NAHCON), for the past two years, Yobe State has often emerged as one of the states with the best medical teams during the Hajj to Saudi Arabia.

But, after all is said and done, there is a limit to how much the state can continue to depend on people from outside its shores to man its healthcare delivery sector.

However much "outsiders" love the state, they will have to go to their places of origin someday. It's the inescapable reality of human existence. Governor Gaidam realizes this and therefore began an aspirational investment in the medical education of Yobe State indigenes. As Napoleon Bonaparte once said, "If you want a thing done well, do it yourself." The government is pursuing the "do-it-yourself" policy in the following ways: First, medical students of Yobe State origin studying in institutions of higher learning have been automatically put on a monthly salary on GL 06. This has now been revised upward to GL 07. The intent of this policy is to encourage them study at ease and return to the state after graduation. And, although many of the beneficiaries of this gesture go elsewhere to practice after graduation, the government has still continued with the policy.

Second, nurses who spend mandatory two years in the employ of the state government are automatically given sponsorship to study for a bachelor's degree in nursing. In many other states, nurses are never extended the privilege to go back to school after just two years of service.

Third, the state government supports medical students at the University of Maiduguri to organise "Yobe Week" every academic session where they undertake outreach activities in local communities. This periodic exercise keeps them wedded to the community and increases the chances that they would choose to stay and practice in the state upon graduation.

As part of its investment in medical education-and in the future of Yobe State citizens' health care- the government also built a new 200-bed hospital in Damaturu, which it has designated as a prospective teaching hospital for the fast-rising Yobe State University when a medical faculty is established for it in the future.

The ultramodern hospital, whose equipment are underway as of the time of writing this piece, is expected to be commissioned sometime in 2013.

For me, the most impressive of Governor Gaidam's health policy is his massive, praiseworthy investment in the medical education of his people. It takes a far-sighted, statesmanly governor to look beyond immediate gratification to a distant future. Perhaps Governor Gaidam is familiar with the works of Greek physician Herophilos who once said, "When health is absent, wisdom cannot reveal itself, art cannot manifest, strength cannot fight, wealth becomes useless, and intelligence cannot be applied."

The best any government can do to its people is to invest in their health. Yobe State seems to be on the path to doing this. It isn't quite there yet. As the saying goes, the room for improvement is the biggest space in the world. The hospitals, for example, could do with more equipment and personnel. Fortunately, the state is blessed with a governor who recognizes that government needs constantly to review and improve on services from time to time and that any observed lapses are always noted and addressed.

This inspires confidence and hope that in the near future, Yobe people would not have to go anywhere beyond the state for those colonoscopies and endoscopies and mammograms - services that Yobe professionals, supported by the state government, can provide for their own people.

Perhaps Hafiz Hirazi's poetic line, "I went in search of heaven, did roam, return and find my heaven is here at home", finds some resonance here.

Abba Alhaji, a public health enthusiast, writes from Sabon Pegi, Damaturu Yobe State.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

PAGE 37

2012: End of a tumultous year INTERVIEW In the beginning ear 2012 began with crisis ignited by the January 1st announcement by the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) of the government's decision to fully deregulate the down stream sector with the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol, selling at about N141 per litre.

The PPPRA in a terse statement announced the controversial increase thus "Following extensive consultation with stakeholders across the nation, the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) wishes to inform all stakeholders of the commencement of formal removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), in accordance with the powers conferred on the agency by the law establishing it, in compliance with Section 7 of PPPRA Act, 2004.

By this announcement, the downstream sub-sector of the petroleum industry is hereby deregulated for PMS. Service providers in the sector are now to procure products and sell same in accordance with the indicative benchmark price to be published fortnightly and posted on the PPPRA website."

The sudden astronomical increase of petrol from N67 per litre to N141 expectedly ignited a crisis across the country raising the fears of possible revolution similar to that of the Arab spring. Protests which began in Lagos under the coordination of the Save Nigeria Group (SNG) anchored by the Vice Presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Pastor Tunde Bakare, in the 2011 Presidential election, snowballed into a mega crisis that permeated the whole nation.

This mass action was further helped by the labour movements which paralyses the nation economy with collateral loses running into several billions of naira. The nation was made practically ungovernable for President Goodluck Jonathan who had no other choice than to revert the pump price of petrol to N97.

The increase in pump price of petrol was obviously a false start for a government that has since being suffering from dwindling goodwill and battered public image.

Y

As the year 2012 winds down today, our reporters, Lawrence Olaoye, Ikechukwu Okaforadi and Mohammed Umar-Puma, examine major events in the nation's political milieu spanning from the tumultuous crisis that opened the year to several corruption laden investigations carried out by the National Assembly with the merger plans of the nation's major political parties that promises to reshape the political future of the country.

Muhammadu Buhari

President Goodluck Jonatha Reps investigations gone awry With the ground for crisis already prepared early in the year, the National Assembly, through the House of Representatives decided to take action by investigating certain claims that there may not be subsidy on petrol of even if there was, it may not be as gargantuan as the government may want the nation to believe. There were allegations that certain fat cats in the trade of petroleum investigation and marketing are feeding fat on subsidy with the buck being

passed to the public to bear.

After convening an emergency plenary to debate the matter on a Sunday, an ad hoc committee saddled with the responsibility to investigate the matter was set up with Rep Farouk Lawan made its chairman.

Many of the subsidy fraudsters were exposed as it turned out to be true that Nigerians are being skinned alive in the name of subsidy by being made the scapegoat of the scam that has bee running for years. There were revelations of over-invoicing and outright

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

Although the House relieved Lawan of the exalted chairmanship position and that of his Education Committee in the House, the bribery saga rubbished the entire reports and dealt an incalculable dent to the integrity of the House in the perception of Nigerians.

fraud against the government and the people of Nigeria. But, the euphoria accompanying the success of the House of Representatives probe had hardly settled when Mr. Femi Otedola came with an allegation of graft against the Chairman of the Committee.

He had alleged that he gave Lawan the sum of $620,000 in a sting operation in order to expose the corruption of the lower chamber. The allegation was authenticated when the chairman of the committee, after series of denials, made a U-turn to admit that he actually took the bribe from the oil mogul as an evidence to nail the business man.

Although the House relieved Lawan of the exalted chairmanship position and that of his Education Committee in the House, the bribery saga rubbished the entire reports and dealt an incalculable dent to the integrity of the House in the perception of Nigerians.

Even when the leadership of the House made frantic efforts to dissociate the institution from the individual, the report of the investigation instantly became a hard sell and the Presidency resolved to discard it. Although the leadership of the House

made stringent calls on the Presidency not to throw the baby away with the bath water, it was obvious that it would stand logic on its head for it to carry out the whole recommendations in the tainted report. However, there were indications that certain parts of the reports which is considered to have integrity were adopted, the public opprobrium which followed the bribery allegation against Lawan evidently robbed off on the entire House.

Shortly after the shameful outcome of the subsidy probe, the House again embarked on another investigation into the activities in the nation's Capital Market. The House committee on Capital Market chaired by Rep Herman Hembe promised to do a thorough job and expose those 'killing' the sector. Hardly had he gone into the investigation than notorious facts began to surface indicating he had ,at one time or the other, solicited monetary favours from the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC)'s Director General, Ms Aruma Oteh. She had alleged that the Hembe, Contd on Page 38

PAGE 38

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

2012: End of a tumultous year Contd on Page 37 who was spitting fire at the inaugural session of the public hearing had actually demanded N44 million from her to sponsor the probe. This demand, Oteh revealed, she turned down and such explained the hostility exhibited by the Chairman and his members towards her.

She also disclosed that the Chairman of the House Ad Hoc committee had taken an extacode amounting to N5million, which he claimed to have spent on a trip to Dominican Republic to attend an emerging market conference which he never did.

Although the task was later reassigned to another ad-hoc committee which later turnedin an indicting report against Oteh, not a few Nigerians doubted the integrity of the report which recommender Oteh's sack. The initial allegation of graft against Hembe had robbed off on the integrity of the report and the entire House as an institution.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in his vitriolic tradition had earlier in the course of the investigations branded members of the House as robbers. This expectedly generated a lot of reactions but his position was later to be justified by developments pointing in that direction with allegation and counter allegations of corruption flying through the air.

Reps salvaging efforts It is not all gloomy reports from the House however as it made certain efforst to salvage the nation from the predatorial government under the leadership of President Jonathan. The truce brokered between the organized labour unions that eventually led to the reduction of fuel pump price from the Olympian N141 per litre to the current N97 was initiated by the House.

The House, and in fact the Senate, stood by the people when they insisted the proposal for the issuance of the N5000 note, hitherto concluded by the executive, be rescinded. The lawmakers have also carried out its primary responsibility of oversight by ensuring substantive compliance to the provisions of the 2012 Appropriation law as passed.

Whatever the level of capital budget implementation at the end of 2012 is the direct effect of the insistence of the lawmakers that the Appropriation law be obeyed.

Efforts made by the lawmakers in the area of constitution amendment can also be counted as a plus. The exercise succeeded in throwing up several controversial sections of the constitution for

Bamanga Tukur

Ahmed Tinubu

David Mark deliberations and its outcome is expected to leave the nation better than it met it.

Senate inconclusive Pension probe Pension scam was another major political development in 2012. Owing to the various challenges faced by pensioners

in attempt to secure their pensions and gratuity after service, the Federal Government set up a Pension Taskforce Team, headed by Abdurasheed Maina, to reform the pension sector.

According to the team , the sum N12 billion was recovered in the personal account of a

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

former Director of the Pension Department and another N4 billion was allegedly found in the personal account of a Deputy Director of the same department. While Maina led Task Force claimed to have recovered over N159 billion in properties and cash from pension fraudsters, six civil servants, including Esai Dangabar; in respect of the Police pension scam, were charged to court following their alleged complicity in the illegal diversion of N32.8 billion from the Nigerian Police pension fund between January 2009 and June 2011.

Not so long after, the hunter became hunted, as the Senate and House of Representatives Committees, which were obviously attracted by the sleaze in the Pension Board, started accusing the Maina led Taskforce Team of diverting N195 billion pension fund belonging to service departments, including Immigrations, Customs, Prisons among others.

Before now, the lawmakers had alleged that some powerful political godfathers are behind Maina, prompting him to ignore the Senate summon to a public hearing. Before the new year recess by the National Assembly, the Joint Senate

Whatever the level of capital budget implementation at the end of 2012 is the direct effect of the insistence of the lawmakers that the Appropriation law be obeyed.

Committee on Establishment, Pubic Service and Local Governments, led by Aloysius Etok, said it has found out that senior government officials were backing the Chairman of Pension Task force, Abdulrasheed Maina, who is at the centre of the scandal.

According to him, "I suspect that Mr. Maina has godfathers that are backing him because no ordinary Nigeria will be so arrogant and exhibit such level of exuberance without some backers not minding the law of the land or Civil Service rules, without having godfathers or believing that something is giving false hope."

It would be recalled that Maina had been running at crossroad with the Senate panel for months after the committee named him as the main character in the disappearance of billions of naira got from the pension board which he reformed. The Committee said that though Maina was appointed by the federal government to help sanitize the pension scheme which before then, had drained the government of billions of naira over years, more monies were stolen under Maina.

In response to this allegation, Maina denied the charges, instead, accused the lawmakers of accepting bribe and teaming up with the beneficiaries of past schemes who were uncomfortable with his reforms.

Apparently helpless in their rescue mission for the alleged stolen N195 billion pension funds, the lawmakers before proceeding Contd on Page 40

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

PDP lauds FRSC

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

he Peoples Democratic Party has commended the untiring efforts of the Federal Road Safety Corps in ensuring safety on Nigerian roads and asked other agencies of government to emulate the discipline and commitment of the officers and men of the Corps.

The party in a release signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, said its was proud the agency has maintained an inspiring record in driving the vision of the PDP led Federal government in road safety administration.

"In developing our large vision for safe road transport, the nation has witnessed valuable innovations especially in the last five years where the Federal Road Safety Corps has shown unwavering commitment to duties."

The statement further said the agency has been exemplary in developing infrastructures and devices that enhance safety for road users.

"Beyond the brilliant ideas and innovations which the agency has introduced to bring our road safety measures at par with global practices, we wish to equally commend the stoic resolve of its officers and men who have been working round the clock to reduce the traffic gridlock and nightmare that were once the feature of road travels especially during festivities."

PAGE 39

2013: Have faith in our country, ANPP urges Nigerians

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T

he All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) yesterday urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the country as they prepare to enter the new year.

In a new year massage to the people , the National chairman of the party, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, said "It is our conviction that our beloved country will be a better place where we can all

be proud of if we resolve that our democracy will be such that the will of the people remains supreme such that the vote truly counts and the voter matters in an election that is not only free and fair but also peaceful and credible".

Onu while wishing Nigerians a prosperous 2013, charged them to reflect on how to rededicate themselves to a more conscientious pursuit of those

cherished attributes that will enable Nigeria's democracy and her development to flourish and blossom. "We urge our fellow country men and women to strengthen their faith in themselves, put the interest of the nation first, reaffirm implicit confidence in the power of a collective determination to succeed and above all, insist that never again shall we fail to do it right and get it right for the sake

of both today and tomorrow.

We urge Nigerians not to despair for surely after rainfall must follow sunshine! We must continue to pray for Nigeria.

Our faith in our country must remain strong. We must continue to remain courageous and resolute, knowing that success is not for the fainthearted but for the brave and unrelenting with abiding faith in the will of the Almighty God".

FCT primaries: CPC to reconcile aggrieved aspirants

By Adeola Tukuru

T

he Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) has said a committee had been put in place to reconcile aspirants who lost out in the just concluded Area Councils primary elections in Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Chairman of the party in FCT, Mr Isah Saidu, stated this in Gwagwalada after declaring Mr. Ibrahim Yahaya as the party's chairmanship candidate for Gwagwalada Area Council.

Yahaya had emerged winner in the primary election having scored 144 votes to defeat the two other aspirants, Safiyanu Usman and Bello Al-Adam who scored 59 and 5 votes respectively.

Saidu commended the party's delegates and supporters for the peaceful conduct of the primaries adding that, if given the mandate, CPC would transform FCT positively.

"As you can see, the primaries have been fair, transparent and peaceful, not only in Gwagwalada but across the five Area Councils, Gwagwalada, Kwali, Kuje, AMAC and Bwari where we filed in candidates.

"In Abaji, we have an alliance with ACN, so we have allow them to file in their candidate and I can assure you that our members will give the candidate the needed support to ensure his victory," he said.

In his remark, Yahaya who dedicated his victory to the people of Gwagwalada said the task ahead him was to strengthen his relationship with other aspirants who lost out at the primaries.

Chairman Bwari Area Council, Hon. Peter Yuhana Ushafa, casting his vote, during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) area councils chairmanship primaries on Saturday, in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

2013 offers greater opportunities, says Tambuwal

By Lawrence Olaoye

S

peaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has urged Nigerians to intensify prayers for their Fatherland and look to the future with optimism as the country moves into the New Year.

In a statement issued by

his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam, in Abuja yesterday, Tambuwal said the New Year offers Nigerians a new opportunity to renew their faith in their country and at the same time offers them a new prospect to aspire for a united and progressive nation.

He said the challenges that confronted the country especially in the last two years would be surmounted in the New Year if all Nigerians unite with a common goal.

According to him, Nigeria is a beautiful country whose full potential remains untapped.

"My hope and prayer is that we all experience a peaceful and

prosperous New Year for our country and for people," the Speaker stated.

While reassuring Nigerians that the House of Representatives would continue on its chosen path of putting the country first at all times, Tambuwal prayed to God to continue to bless Nigeria and Nigerians in the New Year and beyond.

ACN eulogizes Adegbonmire, calls him political giant From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

T

he Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has paid a glowing tribute to the late Chief Wumi Adegbonmire, one of the party's leaders, describing him as a political giant, a notable administrator and a remarkable public commentator.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said Chief Adegbonmire's

death has robbed the Southwest in particular and the nation in general of another respected and dependable progressive stalwart, especially coming so soon after the departure of another respected ACN leader, Alhaji Lam Adesina. ''The timing of Chief Adegbonmire's death couldn't have been more sobering, coming at a time our country is in dire need of men and women of integrity, discipline as well as an unwavering

commitment to progressive politics and national ideals. ''As a close associate of the progressive icon and globallyacknowledged political titan, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, right from his university days, and one who served his state with distinction in many capacities, Chief Adegbonmire left a lasting legacy of service, which will be an inspiration for today's generation of politicians. ''While we mourn his departure, we have no doubt that his legacy will endure and

that his memory will inspire the younger generation, who may be averred to engaging in politics because of the sheer greed and selfishness of most members of today's political elite in the country,'' it said.

ACN also hailed Chief Adegbonmire's immense contribution to the party's growth in Ondo state, where he was its leader until he breathed his last, promising that the party will continue to pursue the progressive ideology for which he lived and died.

PAGE 40

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

2012: End of a tumultous year Contd on Page 38 on their Christmas vacation threw up the despair, calling on God to intervene in the matter.

This is despite the warrant of arrest issued by both the Senate President, David Mark and members of the Senate Joint Committee, directing the Inspector General of Police to produce Maina since he has shunned the Senate invitation for six consecutive times.

Maina was nowhere to be found on the last sitting day of the Committee for 2012.

Mergers designed to change future political calculations and the end of do-or-die politics In order to checkmate the free -run of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), major opposition parties in the country resolved to merge. The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) have gone far in their merger talks and this promises to be the beginning of a robust and viable opposition which could provide an alternative government in 2015.

Although, year 2012 witnessed a robust opposition, with the ACN and the CPC playing the most vitriolic opposition ever experienced in the nation's political history, their merger in 2013 is expected to further enrich the nation's political milieu.

The ruling PDP has severally maintained that it was unperturbed by the merger plans of the opposition parties, but the political realities across the nation show that the ruling party would have a run for its money should the plan succeed.

Already, the party in recent elections in Edo and Edo states lost to the opposition although it was able to retain its seat in Sokoto and Kogi states. Reacting recently to the merger plan of the ANPP, CPC ACN, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh said" We aren't bothered or afraid of the ongoing merger plans of the opposition political parties; we are expectant and continued to wish them well for the overall interest of the growth and development democracy in Nigeria, we wish them well".

He continued "What Nigeria needs at this moment is an issue-based political party and not a party that is ethnic in nature, tribal or religion background, we need a political party that would promote unity and national interest.

We need a virile opposition political party and not a political party that would be promoting regional sentiment.

PDP remains the only national political party that is promoting national issues and unity, we are not bother because we have all it takes on

Aminu Waziri Tambuwal

Herman Hembe the ground."

The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), an umbrella of all opposition political parties in Nigeria, has also pledged its support to the plan merger through its

Farouk Lawan

Ms. Aruma Oteh National Chairman, Alhaji Balarabe Musa.

Year 2012 witnessed the beginning of political maturity as certain things considered improbable in the past happened. The ruling PDP lost

N78 million scam: Police set to arraign Bayelsa Assembly officials

By Lawrence Olaoye with agency reports

T

he Police at the weekend disclosed that it has gathered enough evidences to arraign the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Konbowei Friday; his deputy, Victor Sam-Afeki; and the Clerk of the Assembly, Aaron Timiye, for conspiracy and fraudulent misappropriation of N78 million of the state's fund.

A legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution to the police indicated that the police have a "prima facie of conspiracy and fraudulent misappropriation and stealing by conversion of public funds against the

leadership of the present Bayelsa State House of Assembly."

The document stated that Messrs Konbowei, Sam-Afeki and Timiye diverted money purportedly meant for a conference for the leadership of the Assembly.

The document exonerated other lawmakers on the ground that they were not meant to take part in the conference but were mere observers. It however advised the prosecutor that other members could be used as witness during trial.

It is not clear why the police Special Fraud Unit (SFU) decided not to prosecute other members of the Assembly as the document indicated they also partook in the sharing of the money.

Femi Otedola elections in both Edo and Ondo states without contesting the results. Although, the state chapters of the party in both states resolved to seek redress in the court of law, the national body has since congratulated

the winners of the elections and carried on with equanimity. This, to some discerning political watchers, is a good development and it signaled an end to PDP mantra of do-or-die at elections.

Aliyu can stabilize Nigeria, says Okorocha From Illya Garba, Minna

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mo state Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha at the weekend disclosed that the Niger state governor, Dr. Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu, has the potentialities of stabilizing the country.

Okorocha who gave the assessment at the wedding reception of the governor's two daughters in Minna said the Niger state governor is working for the unity and progress of the country.

He said "We are all here because of one man, Governor Aliyu; he is a man who can stabilize Nigeria and who is always working for the unity and progress of this country.

Nigerians are gathered here today because of the calibre of person Governor Aliyu is."

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambwal, in a brief remark also associated himself with Okorocha's remarks and described the governor as a man of the people.

Vice President Namadi Sambo who played the role of the Father of the Day at the wedding also joined others in praying to God to reward the families with the good children.

The Chief Imam of Minna Alhaji Abu Fari had earlier joined the couples after receiving the N100, 000 as dowry for each of the brides from the grooms' families after series of prayers for the new couples.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

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ity of David (COD) United grabbed their first full points of the Nigeria National League (NNL) season by beating Abia Warriors by a goal in Lagos.

But the Lagos-based club had

PAGE 41

City Of David grabs first win to endure a torrid spell in the last 35 minutes of the game as they were put on the back foot at the Agege Stadium with ten men

after centre-back, Buchi Ogwu, got a straight red card for professional foul.

COD United’s winning goal

Emenike, Onazi join Eagles camp at Faro Stories by Albert Akota

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ussia-based strikers Emmanuel Emenike and Ahmed Musa as well as Ogenyi Onazi from Italy have joined the Super Eagles in Portugal.

The three players arrived Nigeria AFCON training camp by lunch time yesterday and were immediately checked into their rooms, with Onazi, explaining that they could have been in earlier but spent time waiting for Emenike’s luggage which did not arrive with the plane from Lisbon to Faro, but will now be expected today morning flight to the Eagles camp site.

After exchanging banters with team officials led by Coach Stephen Keshi they joined teammates in having their lunch and just as they were about rounding off, the fourth player to arrive yesterday, Raheem Lawal, who now plays in the Turkish second division, showed up.

The four players took part in training yesterday evening, as more players were expected to hit camp for the friendly against Catalonia as part of preparations for the Nations Cup. At the last count, nine foreign-based pros have arrived the Faro training camp.

Keshi had said he expects at least 11 foreign-based players to feature in the friendly against Catalonia on Wednesday.

Similarly, Keshi has said apart from Ikechukwu Uche, who has been given January 6, to arrive camp, because of the concession his club in Spain give to the Super Eagles, especially regarding the Catalonia friendly all other players are expected in Faro by January 5.

“No, we have no discussion to let some players stay with their clubsides beyond January 5 and the rules are very clear if any player fails to make the date and without permission we will apply the rules,” he warned.

Ahmed Musa

came on the half hour mark through right-back, Felix Adeworishe, who scored directly from a corner kick.

Head coach of COD United, Olabode Awakan, expressed happiness with his side’s win but called the officiating into question.

“It’s good we won to take the maximum points.

The officiating here (at the Agege Stadium) was poor. Some of the calls by the referee were questionable,” said Awakan.

On Matchday 1, COD United opened their campaign with a 01 loss at Crown FC. In Jos, Ibrahim Hassan’s double was enough to propel Mighty Jets to a two-nil win over

NNL chairman, Emeka Iyama DSS. Bolowotan FC were close to an away win at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa with minutes left to regulation time before Divine Warriors (formerly Ocean Boys) squared at 2-2 through Gift Ibibor.

Ethiopia beat Niger 1-0 in AFCON warm-up match

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thiopia beat fellow 2013 AFCON finalists Niger 1-0 in a warm-up game yesterday in Addis Ababa.

Ethiopia match winner was Getaneh Kebede, who hit target on 37 minutes.

The 20-year-old striker from Ethiopian club Dedebit enhanced his growing reputation in front of goal against a Niger side, who were without several top stars including skipper Moussa Maazou.

Gebaneh is also the Ethiopian league’s current top scorer with nine goals before the two-month

AFCON break and was the 2011/2012 season top gun with 20 goals.

Meanwhile, Ethiopia will host Guinea in their second preAFCON friendly at a date to be announced this week.

This was after the proposed game against fellow AFCON finalists Togo was called off for “operational reasons”.

The Walia Antelopes will later travel to Qatar to play Tunisia in their third friendly on January 7 in Doha.

Ethiopia is in Group C along with Nigeria, Zambia and Burkina Faso.

Getaneh Kebede

Our target is top prize in South Africa, says Yobo The Super Eagles Skipper, Joseph Yobo has declared that the team is gunning for a third continental trophy at the AFCON in South Africa, in an interviewed with MTNFootball.com, he said no foe can stop the Eagles from winning the prestigious trophy.

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Joseph Yobo NNL WEEKEND RESULTS Prime FC 2-0 Apa United Divine Warriors 2-2 Bolowotan Mighty Jets 2-0 DSS COD United 1-0 Abia Warriors Rising Stars 1-0 Akwa Starlets Spotlight FC 1-1 TEAP FC Niger Tornadoes 1-0 Kogi United Gateway United 2-0 Bendel Insurance

agles are in Faro, Portugal, preparing for the AFCON, when are you joining up with the rest of the squad?

There is a deadline set for us to arrive by the coach and I won’t exceed that deadline.

How has the AFCON preparation gone for the Eagles?

It has been good. I believe in Stephen Keshi being an ex-Captain and as now the coach knows what he wants at the competition.

Nothing is perfect in life, so there may be one or two difficulties along the line, but we will handle them definitely.

Some players have problems with the national team, what do you have to tell them?

Those that have issues or problems with the team or anyone know why they have that and it is their problem.

Nigeria is bigger than anybody. I am here today as Captain, but tomorrow I might decide I don’t want to play for Nigeria again.

The country has done a lot for me as an international player.

People are different. So, those who have problems in the national team create those problems and should fix it themselves.

We should be grateful for what Nigeria has done for us, not what we have done. It is give and take. I have played for over 10 years for Nigeria. If I don’t go to the AFCON or World Cup, life goes on. I will thank God because where I am today, I didn’t expect it.

What should Nigerians expect from the Eagles in AFCON? I know Keshi has a big plan for the Nations Cup. The players also want to win the trophy, so we will put in everything within us to see that we go as far as possible. We will look at getting through the group, then quarterfinal, semis and final. The trophy is our target.

Looking at 2012, how would you rate the Super Eagles of Nigeria?

The past year (2011) was bad because we could not qualify for the AFCON, but we have enjoyed a better time this year.

How do you feel that again a player from Nigeria did not

make the top three in the CAF African Player of the Year award?

No hard feelings, they know what they used to pick the winner.

So, I congratulate Yaya Toure for winning it again.

You have partnered different players in the heart of the Eagles defence, who is your preferred option?

I have no preferred option. It’s for coach to decide as all those I have played with have been wonderful.

Some have written off Nigeria’s chances of winning the AFCON. What do you think?

Well, it is good to be rated as an underdog as it eases pressure on the team. We are better off this way.

What motivated you to come down and give to children in need?

I have been doing this for a long time, but this is my first time of coming here to do it by myself. I love kids and I am pleased to give part of what I have to make them happy.

How would you describe the experience going round the wards to see the children?

I am touched, it is painful to see them in such situation, it is even more painful to know that most of them will die.

One must therefore be grateful to God for the gift of life. I had private discussion with the owner of the home on what I will do to further help the kids and the house.

It is great to help. I am therefore calling on Nigerians to help those in need. One doesn’t need to be rich before he engages in charity work and nothing is too small or too big to give, so far it comes from the heart. If we all could be involved in this, we would raise the hope of many.

Will this visitation in anyway lift your spirits ahead of the AFCON? No, this has no connection with football. It is my life what I choose to do. I could have been like any of those kids, but God chose not to let it be so.

Life goes on without football. I am happy that I am able to put a smile on their faces and give them reason to hope. Football is my job, but it is not my life. There is a lot more about life than football.

PAGE 42

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

Kogi state govt set to immortalize late Bada From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

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Late Sunday Bada

ogi State Government has promised to immortalize the late Olympic legend and Police Superintendent, Sunday Bada.

Paul Aiyenugba, the Special Adviser on Sports Development to the Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State made the promise over the weekend at Ogidi, Kogi State.

The sports administrator stated that

the Governor Idris Wada led administration has soft-spot for sports recalling his track records in sports after long-active participation in Golf and long tennis.

He however, hailed the efforts of the Inspector

General of Police, Muhammed Dikko Abubakar on the successfully sponsorship of the 4th edition of Late Sunday Bada 12km Marathon Race.

Mr Paul lauded the intentions of the Police

Force at making the longdistance race a state-wide competition, adding that the state government will do more to support grassroots sports development and partner with the Police force to record new athletes.

KRPC amateur golf resumes after Yakowa’s mourning Muhammad Adamu, Kaduna

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he 9th Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC) Open Amateur Golf Tournament has resumed and concluded over the weekend in Kaduna.

The competition was suspended following the death of Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa of Kaduna State two weeks ago.

36 prices were won at the Finals and Price Giving Ceremony of the 9th Open Golf Tournament .

The Zaria Golf Club sweeps 14 medals, followed by the Kaduna Golf Club with 10, IBB Golf Club two, Kano two, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) one, Jaji one, Katsina one, Four

Late Patrick Yakowa

Special Prizes while the Runner Up Gross and the Best Gross 2 Days winner of the tournament were won

by Sale Idris and Bala Abdullahi respectively from Zaria Golf Club.

In the Ladies H/C 0-28 category, Grace Yanet from Kaduna Golf Club won the Runner up Gross while Racheal Danjuma of the IBB Golf Club won the Best Gross Medal. Vera David of Zaria won the Runner up Net while the Best Net and Nearest to the Pin Hole 6 Women were both won by Tina Tember of Zaria Club.

The Longest Drive Hole 7 Women category is however won by Amina Wilfred of the IBB Golf Club.

Yero Shehu and Jaguar Adamu both of Zaria picked the Veterans Full H/C Runners Up Net and Runners Up Gross respectively. The best Net was won by Kaduna Golfer Frank Onotu and the Best Gross by Musa Yaro from Kano Golf Club.

The other four Special Prices were awarded to the Managing Director (MD), KRPC, Engineer Bolanle Ayodele,the Executive Director Operations (EDO) Dr. Balfred Enjugu, the Public Affairs Manager, Alhaji Abdullahi Idris and the KRPC. The acting MD and the EDO of KRPC, Dr Balfred Enjugu the sponsorship of

the tournament is not only as a social Responsibility, but also as a mode of encouraging members of the public to participate in sporting activities to be physically and mentally fit.

He expressed KRPC’s commitment of Golf activities by fully getting into the membership in Gross competitions.

He said the two Grills constructed by KRPC in the Kaduna Golf field will be commissioned in January as parts of its commitment to the promotion of sports as a veritable toll of peace in the state.

“More than that we should be able to participate also in all the tournaments by shaking hands and also winning medals which will transform workers into a more medically fit and productive”, the acting MD assured.

He described the death of Kaduna State Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa as a great lost to the people of the State and indeed Nigeria and prayed to the family, the Government and the people of the state the fortitude to bare the irreversible lost.

“It is impossible to write the history of this state without including such a kind hearted and a bridge builder like late Yakowa, that was why we suspended

the tournaments as a sign of respect and to join in the grief of his death.

“His death is such a huge lost to KRPC just like it is to everybody in Kaduna and it is a pride for the corporation to have known him because he came to us, he was known to our management very closely and we did a lot of collaborated in many activities together.

“The only game that score with love we tend to promote that a lot but I see here that perhaps ours is still a shed behind what happens in Golf.

“The many victories of the Zaria Golf Club in this tournament have some element of academia.

“Nevertheless, KRPC has set the spirit and its commitment in this 9th edition of the tournament as a very strong promoter of Health, Safety and Environment in Kaduna State”, Engineer Enjugu stressed.

In his remarks, Captain of the Kaduna Golf Club Arabi Bello while commending KRPC, he expressed hope that the long run relationship between the corporation and the KRPC as well as other sister Golf Club will be sustained.

He also urged KRPC management to continue to support Golf and other sport activities as a veritable tool to improved health and peace in Kaduna State.

Togo will face early AFCON exit, says Dasailly

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x-France captain Marcel Desailly believes Togo will eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations after the first round.

Dasailly does not think the Sparrow Hawks can progress from a Group comprising huge favourites Ivory Coast, Algeria and

Tunisia.

The Ghanaian-born, who nows works as an analyst for the French channel Canal +, says Didier Six side’s lack the firepower to reach the knock-out stage.

“I do not see them going to the second round. This Group is tough and without

Adebayor they won’t go through,” he told Desailly.

“It is good to see them at the tournament after what happened in Cabinda two years ago.”

Togo’s opener is against 2012 losing finalists Ivory Coast on 22 January before playing Algeria four days later.

Emmanuel Adebayo

Ambassador Ijeoma Bristol

Envoy tips Eagles for AFCON 2013 win

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igeria’s Ambassador to Portugal, Ambassador Ijeoma Bristol, has visited the Super Eagles camp in Faro, Portugal, assuring the team that government at the highest level will do everything humanly possible to ensure that the team emerges victorious at the forthcoming African Cup of Nations in South Africa.

She was accompanied on the visit by her husband, Ambassador Gordon Bristol, who was himself Nigeria’s former Ambassador to France until recently when he was redeployed to the Foreign Affairs Ministry as under Secretary for African Affairs.

Ambassador Bristol and her husband spoke with gusto and high expectation about what the Super Eagles can do in South Africa.

“We were thirsty for this cup in the past but now we are hungry for it and the whole nation is waiting for President Goodluck Jonathan to touch the cup in Abuja

by February”, the husband said.

She added that with Stephen Keshi, a tested international and ex-national skipper now in charge of the team, he was sure that the national team will deliver the goods.

Responding, Keshi who spoke through team Media Officer, Ben Alaiya, assured that the team will not let the nation down in South Africa.

He asked for prayers, patience and support of all Nigerians in the task of winning the Cup of Nations, adding that all the teams coming to the tourney have the intention to win but only one country will take the trophy home and the hope is that the country will be Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Keshi has said that Danny Shittu has asked to be excluded from the Nations Cup, but declared that Shola Ameobi, has the final say regarding whether he wants to be part of the Nigerian setup in South Africa.

“Ameobi has not spoken to me since the game against Manchester United as he promised but I believe he has the final say because the Manager, Allan Pardew cannot hold him down going by FIFA rules, but we must be sure that he is ready to play for us before we apply the rules”, he said in Faro, Portugal.

Kogi United FC prays for Governor Wada’s quick recovery

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he Management of Kogi United Football Club has made request to God for a regain of perfect health for Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State who was involved in a road mishap on Friday.

In a press released signed by the club’s media consultant, Samuel Ahmadu, the club said they had since began prayers for the Governor’s

steady recuperation and stability of health after receiving with shock the news on Governor’s injury in an accident that witnessed the death of his ADC, Mr Idris Muhammed.

“On behalf of the management of Kogi State Government sponsored Kogi United, FC, the technical crew and the players, we pray along well-wishers, Kogi

indigenes, the quick recovery of Governor Idris Ichalla Wada, without any religious difference has in our various religious sects wished his fast recovery and return to stable health for his great aim at seeing Kogi United progressing to the Nigeria league topflight,” the statement said.

The statement also wished the sports-loving Governor a hasty return

to full state of health to implement his proposed transformation agenda and great turnaround in the sports.

The statement further expressed condolence with the government, family and friends of late Idris Muhammed, the ADC to Kogi State Governor Idris Wada who died in the car crash on Friday.

“We pray he regains his full health to carry out his

great plans for the state, most importantly in sports we condole with the government and family of the deceased ADC, Mr Idris Muhammed.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Kogi State Football Administrative Technical Committee, Hon. Mustapha Allay-Dey has also prayed for the hasty recovery of the Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State and further

expressed with great shock their sympathy to the government and family of Late Idris Muhammed.

In another remark, the Chairman of Kogi State Football Association, Mr Adama Yahaya has wished the Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State a good health and quick return from the sickbay and condoled with the family of late Idris Muhammed.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

PAGE 43

Williams eyes 2013 Grand Slam sweep after Brisbane win

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erena Williams is focusing on trying to win all four Grand Slams in the same season for the first time as she gears up for the Australian Open.

The 15-time Grand Slam champion held all four majors in 2002-03 and opened her season with an easy win in round one of the Brisbane International.

The American beat Varvara Lepchenko 6-2 6-1, despite missing a recent exhibition in Thailand for toe surgery.

Williams, 31, added the 2003 Australian Open to the US Open, Wimbledon and French Open titles she won in 2002 to claim the “Serena Slam”.

No woman singles player has achieved the feat of winning all four Grand Slams in the same calendar year since Steffi Graf in 1988.

The Brisbane International features a strong field as

Serena Williams

players gear up for the year’s first major in Melbourne from 14-27 January.

Of the world’s top 10, only Agnieszka Radwanska and Li Na are missing, with Azarenka and Sharapova receiving a bye to the second round.

Williams won 31 of her last 32 matches in the second half of the 2012 season, including titles at Wimbledon, the Olympics, the US Open and the WTA Championships.

She won 58 of 62 matches in total.

In other matches, sixth-seeded Petra Kvitova beat Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain 6-3 6-4 and will next meet Russia’s Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, who beat Lucie Hradecka of the Czech Republic 6-3 3-6 6-3.

Roberta Vinci, ranked 16th, lost 4-6 6-1 6-3 to Australian wildcard Jarmila Gajdosova, who will now face number two seed Sharapova.

Paul set for back surgery

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reland and Munster lock Paul O’Connell will have surgery for a back injury “at the earliest opportunity”.

The decision to undergo an operation was taken following consultation between O’Connell, Munster medical staff and IRFU. O’Connell is almost certain to miss the Six Nations campaign and is a doubt for the Lions tour of Australia.

The former Lions captain missed Ireland’s three internationals in November because of the back injury.

Nasir Jamshed hit an unbeaten 101 as Pakistan

beat India by six wickets in Chennai in the first game of a three-match one-day international series.

Junaid Khan’s spell of 47 reduced India to 29-5 in the 10th over, before Mahendra Dhoni hit three sixes in an undefeated 113 in his team’s 227-6.

Debutant Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck with the first ball of the Pakistan reply but Younis Khan and Jamshed put on 112.

After missing the Twenty20 series that was shared 1-1, Virender Sehwag returned to open India’s innings with Gautam Gambhir.

India captain Dhoni, dropped by Misbah-ul-Haq

on 17, took 79 balls to score his first boundary but passed 7,000 one-day international runs, reaching his eighth ODI hundred with a six over cover off Mohammad Irfan.

Kumar, who also struck in the first over of h i s T w e n t y 2 0 international debut on Tuesday, had Azhar Ali caught cheaply but Younis settled the innings with a stylish 48th ODI halfcentury.

He clipped a low catch to mid-wicket but Jamshed, effective if not aesthetic, was reprieved on 68 when Yuvraj Singh spilled a chance at point.

Robson set for Shenzhen Open trophy

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aura Robson breezed past Edina Gallovits-Hall to reach the second round of the Shenzhen Open.

The 18-year-old won 6-2 6-1 against the Romanian ranked 55 places below her.

Robson, ranked 53 in the world, won 80% of her first service points as Gallovits-Hall contributed to her own downfall with eight double faults.

The British number two will meet GallovitsHall’s compatriot Monica Niculescu, who is 58th in standings, in the second round in China.

Paul O’Connell

Djokovic wins WTC final against Almagro

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Novak Djokovic

ovak Djokovic beat Nicolas Almagro to clinch the Mubadala World Tennis C h a m p i o n s h i p exhibition tournament.

The world number one from Serbia beat the Spaniard 6-7 (4-7) 6-3 64 to get his season off to the perfect start.

Spain’s David Ferrer defeated Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 to take third place in Abu Dhabi.

All four players will compete in the Australian Open which gets under way in Melbourne on 14 January, with Serbia’s

Djokovic the defending champion.

Djokovic beat world number five Ferrer in straight sets to book his place in the final, while Almagro, a late replacement for the injured Rafael Nadal, fought back from a set down to beat Janko

Tipsarevic.

“It was a fantastic experience again for me coming to Abu Dhabi.

This is a very nice tournament, you always get great matches, very tough matches against top opponents, and great attendance also,” said Djokovic.

Beijing.

Pendleton retired on a high after adding gold and a silver to the gold medal she won in Beijing four years ago.

Dressage star Charlotte Dujardin and cyclists Jason Kenny and Laura Trott, who all won double gold at London 2012, have received OBEs,

as has Andy Murray, who won the Olympic men’s singles title before adding a maiden Grand Slam at the US Open.

“This has been an amazing year for British sport and I am proud to have been able to play my part,” wrote Murrayon his

website. ”Being recognised in such a way at the end of such a great season is the finishing touch on 2012.”

Paralympic dressage star Sophie Christiansen, who won three golds in the summer, and swimmer Ellie Simmonds,who was shortlisted for BBC Sport’s

Personality of the year after winning two golds, a silver and bronze at London 2012, also get OBEs. Simmonds, 18, said the award was the perfect way to round off a remarkable 2012 for her and her ParalympicsGB teammates.

New Year Honours: 2012 stars get recognition

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tars of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games have been recognised in the

Mo Farah

New Year Honours list.

Double Olympic champion Mo Farah, plus heptathlete Jessica Ennis, rower Katherine Grainger and cyclist Victoria Pendleton have each been made a CBE. They all won gold in London.

Paralympic athlete David Weir, who won four gold medals at the 2012 Paralympics, becomes a CBE. Cycling performance director Dave Brailsford and rowing Chief David Tanner also receive knighthoods.

Farah, 29, completed the 5,000m and 10,000m double in August, while Ennis claimed victory in the heptathlon. Grainger, 37, won gold at her fourth attempt, having taken silver in Sydney, Athens and

Gavin set for WBC title shot against Broner

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avin Rees is set to meet WBC l i g h t w e i g h t champion Adrien Broner in Atlantic City on 16 February.

Rees’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has said that terms have been agreed with the American’s camp, Golden Boy Promotions.

“Time for me to become twoweight world champ,” Rees, a former WBA lightwelterweight champion, said on Twitter.

The Welshman, 32, was due to fight earlier in December but opponent John Murray pulled out after failing a medical.

Rees added the British belt to his European title in July

with a ninth-round win over Derry Mathews.

Broner, 23, won the WBC belt on his first appearance as a lightweight by dethroning Antonio DeMarco in November.

Before stepping up to the 135lb division, DeMarco was the WBO super featherweight champion.

Gavin Rees

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

2013 Nations Cup finals

NFF expects prompt release of Chelsea stars

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Chamakh dropped from 2013 AFCON

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here is more heartbreak for troubled Arsenal striker Maroune Chamakh after he was dropped from Morocco’s 2013 Africa Cup team.

Chamakh and QPR midfielder Adel Taarabt are not on Morocco’s 24-member team.

Chamakh has had a bad start at Arsenal playing only two games so far this season.

The 28-year-old has attracted interest from West Ham and Serie A side Inter Milan in the January transfer window.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa midfielder Karim El Ahmadi and Liverpool winger Oussama Assaidi are in the team.

Maroune Chamakh

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has said that they expecting Mikel Obi and Victor Moses to be released by English club Chelsea in time for the AFCON next month.

Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez has been reported as saying he wants to keep Mikel and Victor Moses till at least January 9 for their FA Cup tie against Southampton and Swansea before releasing them for the Nations Cup, according to The Daily Mail.

Mikel and Moses, integral players since Benitez took control at Stamford Bridge, are in the Nigeria AFCON squad.

“The tournament starts on the 19th (January), so they will go one or two weeks before,” he said.

“Maybe we can manage to keep them a little bit longer. We will talk with them. They know sometimes the players do not need to go early.

However, NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire said that they have not been informed of such.

“Well, we have not been contacted by Chelsea over their wish to delay the release of our players for the Nations Cup,” stated Olajire.

“The players are expected

latest by January 4 according to the plan and schedule of the coach, so if anything will change, we have to be notified by the club.”

The Chelsea stars have been granted permission to stay in London until after the New Year, but Benitez is negotiating to keep them for as long as possible as his team become embroiled in a cluttered fixture list.

‘The Blues’ will start their defence of the FA Cup at

Southampton on January 5, four days before the first leg of the Capital One Cup semi-final at home to Swansea.

Interim manager Benitez accepts he is unlikely to have them around by the time they play Stoke in the Barclays Premier League on January 12.

Nigeria is already locked in a tug-of-war with another EPL side Newcastle United as regards the release of Shola Ameobi for a training camp in Faro, Portugal.

Victor Moses

afana Bafana players have spoken of an excellent spirit in the camp and a determination to succeed ahead of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

The South African squad will have a final training session on Saturday before they disperse for New Year and Coach Gordon Igesund announces his final 23man squad for the tournament on Sunday.

One of those who will be anxious over his selection is Platinum Stars winger Thuso Phala, who must be considered a fringe player at this stage. But he has managed to enjoy the

experience.

“All the players are excited at the challenge facing us of making the final team. For me, getting this far and being part of the training camp is an achievement on its own,” Phala says.

“It would be an honour and a dream comes true to be selected for the tournament, so I just need to continue working hard. All players are giving 100 percent at training because they want to be selected.”

One man almost certain to be selected is in-form Moroka Swallows midfielder Lerato Chabangu, who has featured heavily in the starting XIs of the

national side since Igesund took over in July.

“The mood in the camp is very high; they all want to be part of this tournament,” Chabangu says. “Unfortunately some players will not be selected.

Most players are eager to be part of this exercise of playing in this prestigious tournament. We will be hosting Nations Cup for the second time in our history, and who knows maybe we might make history and win it again.”

Three players have already been withdrawn from the squad through injury Benni McCarthy, Erick Mathoho and Ayanda Patosi.

ruling.

“I’m not in the office now and I

can’t confirm that to you now until I get to the office,” Amadu simply answered when he was contacted.

“I’m not aware of that development. I’ve not been around, I just got back to Abuja,” Olajire added.

Report had it that Minaj Broadcasting Corporation dragged the NFF to court over a $4 million broadcasting right that was paid 10 years ago for the broadcast rights of the Nigeria Premier League when it was still managed by the NFF.

Last year, Minaj took their case to court and the company reportedly got a ruling for the NFF repay half of that amount, but this was not followed.

On Thursday, the high court in Lagos thus froze the federation’s accounts, meaning they cannot withdraw or receive any monies from there.

This then means that part of the cash the NFF are expecting for the Nations Cup could now be awarded to Minaj by the court if the money is lodged in the federation’s account.

High spirits in Bafana camp

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Eagles AFCON hopes in danger after NFF accounts frozen T

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) 2013 AFCON quest is in danger after a Federal High Court in Lagos froze the accounts of the federation over a TV rights dispute.

The NFF are about to receive from the government 1.4 billion Naira (about $9 million) for next month’s Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

Both NFF general secretary Musa Amadu and media director Ademola Olajire told said that they are not aware of the court

Aminu Maigari

Ghana defender Akaminko fit for AFCON after accident

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hana defender Jerry Akaminko has declared himself fit for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations after being involved in a motor accident on Friday.

The 24-year-old, who is part of the Black Stars preliminary squad for next month’s tournament in South Africa, was involved in the accident in Koforidua in the eastern part of Ghana.

Akaminko, who plays for Turkish side Eskisehirspor, was driving his Infiniti SUV when it crashed into a taxi, a bus, before veering into the woods.

The accident came just six days before the Black Stars travel to the UAE to embark on a training tour before the AFCON starts in South Africa on 19 January.

It was feared the accident could affect his chances of joining the Black Stars for the training camp in Abu Dhabi.

But the defender says he is fit to play in the tournament in South Africa as he had no injuries or psychological problems following the accident “I am okay and I had no injuries at all. Thank God I survived the accident,” the Turkey-based defender tweeted.

“I am with my family and I thank God for the life of my family and myself. It was a minor incident and I am in good psychological condition.”

“Lastly thank you to my fans and friends for showing care.

Everything happens for a reason and I thank God that I am okay.’’

But the defender is in danger of

legal prosecution for his role in the accident as he was accused by bystanders as the cause of the accident accusing him of dangerous driving.

The Police in Koforidua have started investigations into the matter before deciding the next line of action.

The Black Stars will depart for Abu Dhabi on 4 January ahead of their participation in Africa’s flagship tournament in South Africa.

Akaminko spent four seasons in Turkey with his first club being Orduspor in the Turkish secondtier before joining Eskisehirspor at the start of the season.

In June, he scored on his Ghana debut in the 7-0 win over Lesotho at the Baba Yara Stadium in a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Jerry Akaminko

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

PAGE 45

1] Carlo Ancelotti has ruled out a major shake-up in the Paris SaintGermain ranks as the Italian coach insists only Lucas Moura, whose transfer was agreed in the summer, will be arriving in January.

PICTORIAL

2] Britain's biggest stars of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are recognised in the New Year Honours list.

3] Ireland lock Paul O'Connell is set to miss the Six Nations after a decision to undergo surgery for a persistent back injury.

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4] Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini hit out at the "incredible" decision to send off midfielder Samir Nasri in Saturday's thrilling 4-3 Premier League wins at Norwich.

5] Laura Robson breezes past Edina GallovitsHall to reach the second round of the Shenzhen Open.

6] Theo Walcott refused to shed light on his Arsenal future after scoring his second hat-trick of the season, although Arsene Wenger confirmed his desire to keep the 23-year-old at the Emirates.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

PAGE 47

Quick CrossWord (100)

Say what?

ACROSS 1 Poem’s divisions (7) 5 Prods (4) 8 Thousand dollars (5) 9 Fishing weights (7) 11 Lioness featured in the film Born Free (4) 12 Perceives clearly (8) 15 Sharpens (5) 16 Savoury quiches (5) 19 Persons providing food for functions (8) 21 Cat’s sound of contentment (4) 23 Camping fastener (4,3) 25 Swollen-headed (5) 26 Forecourt fuel company (4) 27 Quality of being strange (7)

SUDOKU Getting Started Each sudoku puzzle is a 9 by 9 grid of horizontal and vertical rows, evenly separated into 9 squares with 9 spaces each.

Instead of word clues, each puzzle’s solution is determined by the pattern of the numbers already filled in you. You solve the puzzle by filling in the missing digits so that, when completed, each row and each square will have all the number from 1 to 9; each number will appear in exactly nine spaces within each puzzle.

DOWN 2 There’s nothing more to be said! (5,4) 3 Head movements (4) 5 1960s US president, familiarly (inits) (3) 6 Sacha __ Cohen, Ali G’s creator (5) 7 Look at lecherously (5) 10 __ Kidman, Australian actress (6) 13 Disowns (9) 14 Provoke (4,2) 17 Extremely cold (6) 18 Containers for carrying food or drink (5) 20 Regions (5) 22 Study intently (4) 24 Overly (3)

Yesterday’s answer

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Yesterday’s solution

Seven young monks sit on a log nearby their monastery in Yangon. The novice monks all grow up together in their monastery.

www.peoplesdaily-online.com

. . . putting the people first

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

SPORTS LA TEST LATEST

Chelsea chase Demba as Torres replacement

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ewcastle United striker Demba Ba is to meet Chelsea to discuss a January move to Stamford Bridge as Fernando Torres failed to command the Blues front line, according to reports.

Ba has a clause in the deal he signed when he moved to the north east from West Ham in 2011 which means he could be sold for as little as £7.5 million.

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew had hoped the contract could be renegotiated to avoid being forced to sell their top scorer.

The Senegal international's brace in the 7-3 defeat at Arsenal on Saturday took his goal total for the season up to 13, more than the rest of the Newcastle squad put together and one behind the Premier League's leading marksman Robin van Persie. That haul is just three shy of the 16 league goals he scored throughout the whole of last season, while he also netted seven goals in 12 league appearances for the Hammers in 2011 as they unsuccessfully battled relegation.

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are also reported to be interested in signing one of the Premier League's most reliable goalscorers in such a relatively cheap deal, but it would appear Chelsea have stolen a march in the race for his signature.

The 27-year-old's representatives are expected to hold talks with Chelsea on Sunday evening.

With Daniel Sturridge set to leave Stamford Bridge for Liverpool next month, Ba would be in direct competition for a starting place with Fernando Torres should he make the move back to London.

Roman Abramovich is thought to have made Atletico Madrid forward Radamel Falcao his number one target but, with the Colombia international insisting he will see out the season at the Vicente Calderon, the Chelsea owner has been forced to look elsewhere.

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QUO TABLE Q UO TE UOT QUO UOTE You will never find me difficult to approach because I know the office of the deputy governor and I will do my best to improve on the way I left it — Kaduna state Governor Muktar Ramalan Yero swearing in his deputy, Amb. Nuhu Bajoga

On crabs and loyalty To get rid of anger, first weed out the bitter roots — Ugandan proverb

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he trenchant criticisms of President Goodluck Jonathan by the former militant, Alhaji Asari Dokubo in the last a few days must have hit where it hurts. Presidential spokesman, Reuben Abati's reaction suggests that the presidency has taken its time to assess the damage done by Dokubo's outburst, and to respond with some elaborate verve. It is all about damage control as well, as President Jonathan seeks to mend fences with former President Obasanjo who insists he won't blink, and injure Dokubo's apparent efforts to join the bandwagon. Mr. Abati says Asari Dokubo is behaving like crabs do, and his plans are to pull down President Jonathan's administration. How much good the denunciation of Mr. Dokubo will do a President fighting on all fronts, including his all-important home front will largely depend on whether more of his inner caucus break ranks as well.

Even a nation which has become exhausted by its persistent pressure on President Jonathan to improve the manner his administration tackles the nation's most serious problems will not ignore this latest spat. Without a doubt, Alhaji Dokubo pulled no punches in his tirade against the President. He must be a rank outsider now, after having been comfortably settled in the inner recesses of Jonathan's administration, because his grouse appears to be triggered by his bitterness at the circle around the President these days. This circle, he says, is responsible for everything negative about the administration, including greed and corruption. It must be a small circle indeed, if it excludes people like Dokubo, and what it does with the nation's resources must be of such odious nature that even a major beneficiary like him will complain.

The man who spat fire at some elements of the northern opposition against Jonathan a few months ago, and threatened to teach them a lesson if ever the JASLIWAJ (a.k.a. Boko Haram) dares to touch an inch of the South-south now says that President Jonathan should not count on people like him and the community if he decides to run for office of the President again in 2015. A combination of the gradual alienation of mass support from the South-south

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FIFTEEN MINUTES with Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed drbabaahmed@yahoo.com

Asari Dokubo and gross incompetence of his administration, according to Alhaji Dokubo, will guarantee that Jonathan will not find many people rooting for him any longer.

Whether he spoke with the consent of Obasanjo or not, Alhaji Dokubo made him a major issue in his grievances towards President Jonathan. He took strong objection to the deterioration in relations between Presidents Obasanjo and Jonathan, and while the irony that he was doing to Jonathan what he accused Jonathan of doing to Obasanjo may be lost on him, he accused Jonathan of ingratitude in the manner he relates with Obasanjo.

It is not difficult to isolate the more painful thorns in Dokubo's diatribe, something Abati described as akin to a man who stands outside and urinates inside his own house. It is difficult to see how Alhaji Dokubo can help Obasanjo in his relations with Jonathan. He is not exactly the type who takes up Obasajo's gauntlets, and is too much of a loose cannon for the old man to rely on. In any case, Obasanjo is, on his own, a master at slapping back, and only recently, he restated that only death will stop him from criticizing and complaining over state affairs.

People like Alhaji Dokubo have their values, and both he and Obasanjo know a lot about each other. But that still doesn't make him an ideal spokesperson; unless

it is for the purpose of softening the ground in preparation for more decisive moves against the President's ambition in 2015 by Obasanjo. Even here, President Jonathan's men have fallen over themselves to mend fences with a man who is involved in major realignments that will put him squarely at the heart of the battle for 2015.

The grouse over the greedy circle which surrounds Jonathan, coming from Dokubo, will sound like sour grapes. It is in the nature of all circles that they shrink or expand depending on what is available in terms of what they are meant to achieve. They always involve much jockeying for space, and losers cry to the high heavens. Former militants, including Alhaji Dokubo are among the most rewarded people under Jonathan's administration. People who a few years ago were top of the wanted list in security circles are now major contractors of government, and custodians of valuable oil and gas assets which they blew up routinely as militants. If the circle involving some of these people has shrunk and left out people like Alhaji Dokubo, you have to worry over Jonathan's capacity to retain and reward loyalty, or whether, in fact, he has anything to do with managing circles.

It is important that this spat is not dismissed in the manner Mr. Abati will want done. An insider who cries foul over greedy circles around the President should be taken seriously. The difficulties around penetrating and neutralizing powerful interests involved in fuel subsidy, the failures to reform the petroleum sector, issues related to security of oil and gas assets, numerous scams and inefficiencies in managing budgetary issues and accounting for public funds are all serious matters which the nation will not ignore. Could these be what Alhaji Dokubo is referring to? The very small circle and Minister which Dokubo mentions and accuses of greed must be doing something serious enough to

rankle the former militant. If it is not a matter deserving of public interest, can we at least ask whether it is the case that the cake is shrinking so fast that those who used to feed fat are now starving?

It is interesting that Mr. Abati chose the analogy of the crab to describe Alhaji Dokubo's criticism of the President. Crabs do appear to pull back those among them in confined spaces which attempt to escape. But Mr. Abati does not seem to understand why, so he equates it with the "pull him down" syndrome which is a popular expression among Nigerians. Crabs hold on to those who look like they are about to escape from limited, confined spaces because they think they will also be pulled up by the brave ones who make the effort. The fact is, crabs have no business being in confined spaces, so their behaviour cannot be understood only at the point of being eaten.

The analogy with crabs will only be useful if they remind Mr. Abati that greedy circles around powerful and important persons and offices such as the President will breed crab mentality. The largess of office, legitimate or otherwise will be fought over; and the higher the stakes, the more bitter the struggle. Crabs will not be pulling down other crabs if they are in their natural state and environment. Any government which corners huge resources around the President should expect intense fights similar to the struggle of crabs to escape. On the other hand when governments respect the rule of law and run open, accountable systems, circles and crabs will be irrelevant and non-existent.

When people like Alhaji Dokubo go public with bitter complaints of incompetence and insensitivity against the President they swore to protect even with arms, the nation should worry. These are very rich and powerful people, and they still have substantial influence over the security of our oil and gas assets. Any major falling-out has the potential to affect the delicate balance between some peace in the area and the industry, and resurgence of hostilities. Alhaji Dokubo may not, as Abati says, be about to pull down Jonathan's administration. But he can damage it substantially. That may hurt Jonathan politically, but it could do more damage to the security of the nation. This is why President Jonathan should be advised to pay closer attention to the way he manages his circle of influence.

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: +234 805 727 9862. e-mail: contact@peoplesdaily-online.com; pmlnewsdesk@gmail.com ISSN: 2141– 6141