NATIONAL ACCORD NEWSPAPER JANUARY 21st 2013 by National Accord

Jonathan calls for robust global response PAGE 2

‘Legislators are facilitators of fund looting’ PAGE 3

January 21, 2013

PDP crisis: Jonathan, party leaders reach out to Obasanjo PAGE 2

Vol. 3, No. 191

Governors’ plan to scrap LGs will lead to anarchy – NASS By HENRY OMUNU

he National Assembly has warned that at tempts by the 36 state

governors to scrap the local government system which is the third tier of government in the country would lead to anarchy.

Reacting to statements credited to Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers state, who is also the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum

(NGF), that state governors would oppose the granting of financial autonomy to local governments under the current amendment of the 1999 constitution, Chairman of the Senate committee on the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Smart Adeyemi, said the National Assembly would resist the unconstitutional plans of the governors not to entrench the local government system in the constitution. Speaking to senate correspondents in Abuja, Senator Adeyemi warned that it

would pay the state governors to allow the existence of the three tiers of government as the constitution provides, adding that it is unconstitutional for state governors to oppose the financial autonomy of local governments. “I read an interview where he (Amaechi) said that the governors forum will not allow the three tiers of government to be so entrenched in the constitution, but let their excellencies know that it pays lContinued on Page 2

ACN appoints merger committee ...restates commitment to merge with CPC, ANPP By OUR REPORTER

lPresident Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria, congratulating Ghanaian President, John Mahama shortly after hsi swearing-in.

ction Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has ap pointed a 19-member committee with a mandate to negotiate its planned merger with the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the All

Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). In a statement issued in Lagos on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the committee, to be chaired by Chief Tom Ikimi, lContinued on Page 2

PAGE 2

National Accord, Monday, January 21, 2013

news Governors’ plan to scrap LGs PDP crisis: will result in anarchy – NASS Jonathan reaches Continued from Page 1 them to allow the three tiers of government to survive, else, they will not sleep with their two eyes closed and their old age would be disturbed. “We will do everything possible to resist any attempt to stop the third tier of government from being entrenched in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Let the governors get to hear, that we will do everything humanly possible. I speak not only as a senator; I speak as a journalist and as a former labour leader that it will be inexplicable in years to come for anybody to scrap the third tier system of government in Nigeria. “If our federal system of government is going to be different from what is operational in other countries let it be because equally, I have never heard of any federal system where governors come together as governors forum and get involved in policy formulation and implementation. I have never heard of governors’ forum in United States,” the senator from Kogi State said. He added that the third tier system of government is the only government of the people at the grass roots, insisting that nobody should think about entrenching a two tier system of government in Nigeria. “That will not be allowed in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We the people will rise against that move. “I will join other stakeholders to go on a nationwide demonstration. To run two tiers of government is to further impoverish the people. “In the course of the interview, his Excellency did say that there is nowhere in the world where in a federal system of government, local governments are on their own. “We say to him that the federal system of government of our nation slightly differs from what we have in other nations of the world because of our diversity as a people. Yes, we are one Nigeria but nobody wants to have his tribe being oppressed or relegated as second class citizen in their own state. “If you don’t want local

government to be autonomous, why do we go ahead to vote funds for running local government affairs? I think it is unconstitutional for the governors not to allow the local government areas to be on their own in terms of managing their finances. It is a breach of constitution,” Senator Adeyemi added. According to him, when the state governors were sworn into office, they agreed to obey the constitution and it is the same constitution they don’t want to obey, asserting that “you cannot remove the goalpost when you are about to score. You cannot say because you are a governor today, you will not obey the constitution. “The joint account as it is being operated across the country today is fraudulent. The joint account is not supposed to be run in such a manner that you take all the rights of the local governments, by extension, you swallow the allocation. I have met local government chairmen who confessed to me that they were made to sign for allocations far less than what came from the federa-

tion account. “One said he was supposed to collect N155million for that month, but got N40million but signed for N155million. The chairman of the Governors Forum should hear this. There are areas in Kogi State where they use tanker to fetch water, because there is no money provided for the local government. “Democracy is not about arrogance but about people discussing and coming up with superior arguments. I don’t know whether the state governors are concerned about the high level of poverty in the land; about millions of Nigerians roaming the streets without job and who are capable of causing a revolution. “The chairman of the Governors Forum should ask his colleagues if they are doing what he is doing, if not, then, there is reason for us to be concerned. In 1976, when we had the local government reform, it was to enable us have a situation where some ethnic groups will have an identity and manage their own affairs, “he said.

out to Obasanjo By CHRIS DNK RICHARD

n end appears to be in sight for the festering crisis in the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as President Goodluck Jonathan last Saturday, offered an olive branch to former President Olusegun Obasanjo who has been boycotting the activities of the party since he resigned as chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) early last year. At a reception held for the former BoT chairman by the South-west chapter of the party in Abeokuta, Jonathan, who was represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo in the company of the PDP national chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and former Ghanaian President, John Kufuor, hailed Obasanjo for his contributions to the development of the country. Ex-President Obasanjo had followed up his resignation as the party’s BoT chairman with boycott of the BoT meetings at the end of last year and January 8 during

which the party failed to produce a leader. And at the end of the last meeting, a committee led by Prof. Jerry Gana was established to streamline the BoT, whose membership was said to be over-bloated, a move regarded as a scheme to weed out Obasanjo loyalists on the Board. But Jonathan, who had been trying to mediate and mitigate the crisis in the PDP, in a reconciliatory move, described Obasanjo as a much admired and highly respected elder statesman whose life is closely tied to the history and evolution of Nigeria. “The contribution of Baba has secured for him a special place in the annals of our history. He guided our country through some of the most challenging periods of her history. Indeed there is much to him and his legacy as former president, former chairman of the Board of Trustees of our great party and foremost farmer,” Jonathan said at the occasion.

ACN appoints merger committee; restates commitment to merge with CPC, ANPP lContinued on Page 2

lPresident John Oramani of Ghana taking the oath of office during his swearing-in.

has as members Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, governors Babatunde Fashola and Rauf Aregbesola, Sen. John Akpanudoedehe, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyawu, Sen. George Akume and Hon.Abike Dabiri-Erewa. Other members of the committee are Sen. Lawal Shuaibu, Chief Audu Ogbe, Chief Achike Udenwa, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Sen. Chris Ngige, Dr. Usman Bugaje, Hadjia Rabiat Eshak, Dr. Ibrahim Y. Lame, Alhaji Yusuf Ali and Alhaji Lai Mohammed. ACN said the appointment of the committee is an indication of its total commitment to making the merger a reality, adding that there is no going back in the party's determination to work with the CPC and the ANPP to rescue and salvage Nigeria.

National Accord, Monday, January 21, 2013

PAGE 3

news FRSC sacks 70 special marshals in Kogi By HAMZA IMAM, Lokoja No fewer than 70 special marshals of the Federal Road Safety Commission serving in Kogi state have been sent packing, the outgoing Coordinator of the state Special Marshal of the organization has disclosed. Mr. Joseph Solomon who

stated this in Lokoja while rendering the account of his four-year stewardship averred that the affected persons were sacked for non performance and other acts of indiscipline. He pointed out that following the development, the number of special marshals now serving in the state had reduced to 242 from 319. He equally disclosed that the

Obajana Unit of the special marshal had also been scrapped for being inactive in road activities, non-attendance of meetings as well as nonpayment of dues. According to him, there are 17 units of special road marshals spread across the three senatorial districts of the state, and emphasized the need for the FRSC to approve

more units for effective traffic control on all major streets of the state. The new state Coordinator, Henry Adeyemi had in a remark, solicited for the support and cooperation of the management of the FRSC and the state government to enable him succeed in his assignment. He promised to work with

Drama over headship of Benue tax board Embattled Chairman of the Benue state Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), Mr. Andy Ayabam, resumed duty last week in Makurdi. Ayabam who has been on an indefinite leave since July last year arrived the corporate headquarters of the establishment head office along Makurdi - Gboko Road in a black Toyota SUV vehicle at about 12.30 in the afternoon, causing a wild jubilation among ecstatic staff. The chairman who was clad in a black suit with Italian shoes to match and a sky blue shirt, was also ushered into the office by the acting Chairman, Mr. Asen after which he held a close-door meeting with few staff. This is even as his resumption is shrouded in confusion as a drama further played on his second day of resumption of duty. Ayabam who came to the office, Friday morning at about 8.00am in company of a priest to anoint the Chairman’s office, was later announced to have forced himself back to work. In an announcement on the state owned radio, credited to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), the returnee chairman had not been recalled from his leave and thus, should stay away from BIRS, maintaining that the latter remained on leave till further notice, although the SSG has not been available for comments as several calls put across to him by our correspondent proved abortive. National Accord gathered that the SSG had denied placing such an announcement. Meanwhile, Mr. Ayabam has maintained that he was formally recalled by the governor who delegated his deputy, Chief Steven Lawani who has been acting on his behalf since the governor travelled abroad.

other stakeholders to reduce the rate of accident on OkeneLokoja-Abuja highway and other major roads in the state. Also speaking, the state sector commander of the FRSC, Mr. Mohammed Garba reminded the special marshals of their responsibility to the country, charging them to always exhibit good conduct and discipline.

Jaji bombing: SSS parades two Suspects

lPicture of crash truck with FRSC personnel at the scene

Lawmaker faults grazing reserve bill, …says FG is guilty T he member representing Jos South/Jos East constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Bitrus Kaze, has warned that the bill before the National Assembly for an Act to provide for the establishment of the National Grazing Reserve and Stock Routes will not stop the clashes between farmers and pastoralists in the country. According to Kaze, “Rather than solve any security problem, the discriminatory provisions of the bill, if passed, will certainly worsen the age-long clashes between farmers and the pastoralists.” The lawmaker, who stated this on Saturday in a statement, underscored the importance of land to Nigerians, saying “the importance of land in the Nigerian body polity cannot be overemphasized, saying that over 85 percent of Nigerians rely on it for their livelihood.” According to Kaze, “The framers of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria of 1999 as amended (The CFRN 1999), unmistakably conferred a constitutional status on the Land Use Act 1978. The CFRN 1999 section 315(5) provides that nothing shall invalidate any of its provisions which shall continue to apply as any other constitutional provisions and shall not be repealed except in accordance with the rigorous provisions for the alteration of the constitution itself. “ Kaze recalled that on March 28, 2002, the Supreme Court of Nigeria presided by Justice Muhammad Lawal Uwais, Chief Justice of Nigeria, made these pronouncements: “Where the

provision in the Act is within the legislative powers of the National Assembly but the constitution is found to have already made the same or similar provision, then the new provision will be regarded as invalid for duplication and or inconsistency and therefore inoperative. “The same fate will befall any provision of the Act which seeks to enlarge, curtail or alter any existing provision of the Constitution. The provision or provisions will be treated as unconstitutional and therefore null and void.” He also expressed worry that “under the Bill, for any land to be constituted as National Grazing Reserve, all that is required is a mere “notice” to the “State Governor where the land is situate... and the Governors in each State shall co-operate with the Commission.” The bill provides that whenever any land has been so designated, “no person shall alienate any rights affecting the land” howsoever, except with the consent of the Commission. While observing a loophole in the bill, the Lawmaker noted that whereas the Grazing Reserve Bill focuses on “particularly the pastoral and trans-human population”, the Land Use Act provides that “all land comprised in the territory of each State in the Federation are hereby vested in the Governor of that State and such land shall be held in trust and administered for the use and common benefit of ALL NIGERIANS”, adding that “the territorial expansion contemplated by the draconian provisions of the Grazing Reserve Bill are

unambiguous and inarguably infringe on the CFRN 1999.” On local government autonomy, Kaze said “while I align with those who feel that local governments require a degree of fiscal authority to enable them raise and utilize funds, the running of government at any level cannot be exclusive.” According to him, “the local government autonomy must be understood within the context of shared responsibility. Government business the world over is carried out based on a fashioned-out arrangement whereby the management of the public affairs is a shared responsibility between the centre, the federating units and local governments. “In a country which is increasingly sliding towards a unitary system due to the concentration of powers at the centre, removing the Local Government systems from the states invariably leaves them under the federal government. This in my considered view will undermine our quest for true federalism. “The unfortunate reality in Nigeria is that the federal government is equally guilty of withholding and diverting funds meant for the same LGAs. Apart from a plethora of inexplicable but huge deductions ‘from source’ on monies accruing to both the states and local governments, it is on record that the federal government for no justifiable cause withheld funds belonging to the Lagos state local governments and recently the 15 local governments areas across four states visited by the state of emergency rule.”

Two suspects, held in connection with the bombing of St. Andrews Protestant Military Church at the Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna State, on November 27, 2012, were paraded last FridaybytheStateSecurityService(SSS). The SSS had earlier arrested the suspects, 18-year-old Ibrahim Mohammed (aka Alilullah) and Mohammed Ibrahim Idris, 50, during a raid on their hideout Friday. Parading the suspects before newsmen, Deputy Director, Public Relations of the SSS, Ms. Marilyn Ogar, said the 18-year-old Mohammed had confessed to being indoctrinated into the Boko Haram sect by Bashir Madalla. Mohammed also disclosed that Madallatrainedhimintheuseoffirearms and the production/priming of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). It would be recalled that Madalla was killed during an exchange of fire with security agents last year. The suspect, who is from a town in the South-west, claimed to be a student in a secondary school before he dropped out at junior secondary level on the prompting of a certain Mallam Abdulhamid, an Islamic cleric, who told him that western education is evil. According to Mohammed, the Jaji attack was carried out by one Tasiu and Mallam Lawal who assumed the leadership of the sect in Kaduna upon the death of Madalla. Tasiu and Lawal died in the bomb attacks. Mohammed stated that he accompanied the two suicide bombers tothegateofCommandandStaffCollege on the day of the attack. He also confessed that he was the one sent to bring the fertilizer used in priming a Toyota Matrix, one of the two cars used in the bomb attack. The second suspect, Mohammed Idris, claimed to be a yam hawker in his nativetown,Jalingo,Taraba State,before he was recruited and indoctrinated by a fellow yam hawker named Lawal in August 2012. According to Idris, it was Lawal who relocated him to Kaduna and gave him a two-bedroomflatinRafinGuzaarea.The apartment also served as the sect’s operational base. Idris, who served as motivational preacher and father figure for the sect members,alsoconductedsurveillanceon selected targets using yam hawking as decoy. He is married with four children. The SSS spokesperson said the two suspects would be handed over to the military authorities for further investigation, adding that other suspects arrestedinconnectionwiththeJajiattack were still being investigated. “While appreciating the inestimable cooperation of Nigerians in the war against perpetrators of evil, the service wishestore-assuremembersofthepublic of the collective resolve of the security agencies to bring to an end the activities ofunpatrioticelementsandrestorepeace, security and harmony to our dear country”, Ogar said.

Monday, January 21, 2013, National Accord

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National Accord, Monday, January 21, 2013

Suntai: Intrigues, politics tear Taraba apart Anxiety is mounting among the supporters and loyalists of Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State over his prolonged stay in a German hospital. Tension is high in the state between the governor’s loyalists and his adversaries. Our North-East Bureau Chief, IORZUA SHAAGBA analyses the political intrigues in the state.

ntil the accident of October 25, 2012, which shook Taraba State to its very foundation, no one ever credited Governor Danbaba Suntai with the power of clairvoyance. But events leading to that accident indicated that he had foreseen what lay ahead and this informed the accelerated impeachment of Sani Abubakar Danladi, the former deputy governor. The new deputy governor, Garba Umar, by all accounts is an intellectually gifted individual capable of filling the void in whatever capacity, having worked and retired as a manager with the United Trading Company (UTC). But in much as Gov. Suntai prepared for any eventuality by appointing the right successor, he woefully and sadly failed to take into account the interests of his protégés, who were shocked by the air crash and wished it was just a bad dream. The governor, an inexperienced pilot was flown with his three passengers involved in the air crash to a German hospital to get the best possible treatment. Two passengers involved in the crash have recovered and have been discharged from hospital. They are right back home with their families, but not so with Suntai and his aide de camp. With the passage of time and the unlikelihood of the governor returning to Nigeria and the state to assume the mantle of leadership, desperation has begun to creep into the political camp of the governor. The mounting anxiety among his loyalists has to do with the fact that if there is a change of leadership in the state, it will upset their many years of planning, strategizing and ambition to use the influence of the governor to gain a political foothold in the state. For instance, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha is one person who is most hit by the uncertainty surrounding the quick recovery of Governor Suntai. His long time ambition to succeed Suntai as governor in 2015 is now in jeopardy. In an interview with an Abuja-based magazine GlobalTimes, in November 2012, Senator Bwacha was quoted as saying that “if God wants me to be governor in 2015, nobody can stop that.” However, in the same interview, he was quoted as saying that “to me,

with his wife, their new born twins in the company of friends in the social media on January 2, 2013. This was a ploy to create the impression in the eyes of the public that Suntai had recovered from his injuries and he would soon be back to the saddle of power. To wrap it up 2015 is still very far. I should and give it a stamp of to allay concentrate on what I was elected for, authority frayed nerves, the statethat is serving in the Senate.” newspaper, Bwacha is not alone in the desire to owned rule Taraba State, come 2015. Several Sunrise in its edition of 7, 2013, other political big-wigs being touted January the same include Damian Dodo and David Sabo splashed Kente, popularly known as DSK. By way photographs on page posting the of political balancing, these three are four, favoured because they come from impression of a fast lGov. Jonah Jang of Plateau State on a recent visit to Taraba South Senatorial District from recovering Suntai. But his Taraba counterpart, Danbaba Suntai, in Germany. where nobody has ascended to the office those who planned the of governor, whereas Taraba North and charade forgot that the PDP state and the act of governance in the state Taraba Central Senatorial Districts Chairman, Victor Bala Kona, who also should not ground to a halt on account have taken turns to enjoy the plum appeared in one of the photos with of an individual, but governance should office. It is instructive that in Taraba Governor Suntai was in Jalingo at that be encouraged to keep moving. politics, the principle of zoning is not same period having a good time. The growing feeling of a newcomer sacrosanct as to give politicians from the In an attempt to weave a spell over will soon lapse without some people Taraba South Senatorial District the the suffering people of Taraba State, knowing, thereby trying to work exclusive right to produce the next which in the end will serve nobody any against the wind of change which has governor of the state in 2015. This useful purpose, the government been started by providence. Who is there scenario has become an albatross for information managers, comprising the to change God’s will? some politicians aspiring to govern the Commissioner But delay hurts and it is hurting for Information, state as the present turn of events may Emmanuel Bello and the Special Taraba State now. The acting governor work against their political interests Assistant to the governor on Media, must apply the breaks even where quick and ambitions. Sylvanus Giwa have been going on the action is required because he feels that Therefore, those politicians in the airwaves with polished records of the he is answerable to a higher authority. state who feel their fate may be tied to governor’s recovery and the date for his Of course, the state lawmakers are that of Gov. Suntai have devised eventual return from Germany, with watching and when there are too many uncanny ways to navigate their way to the date for Suntai’s return changing checks in place, it is difficult for one to the plum office. More than this is the every day. The duo has unwittingly put one’s shoulder to the wheel. politics of patronage; where some people been turned into a wind bag, making Unarguably, however, the present fed fat on the largesse from Gov. Suntai people pass uncharitable remarks that scenario presents a level playing field which is now impossible with the acting they are playing God with the affairs of in which there could be no favoured governor who appears for the time being the state. candidate in 2015 to succeed Gov. to be more concerned about the prudent But if the account of Governor Suntai. The state of health of the management of the state’s resources to Gabriel Suswam of Benue State and the governor judging from the photos bring Taraba State out of the doldrums PDP National Chairman, Alhaji posted on the internet and printed and to save the state from what once Bamangar Tukur, who visited Suntai lavishly in Sunrise newspaper show that looked like a hopeless situation all on the in Germany on his hospital bed can be he has no business staying back in account of organized profligacy. relied upon that the governor is in a Germany if the claim that he has been So, as time is fast running out, the hopeless shape medically, then there is discharged from hospital and he is governor’s camp came out with the plan the need for his cronies to stop this game resting in his hotel room can be relied of releasing photos of the ailing governor of hide and seek. Nobody is irreplaceable upon. The photos look good indicating that his recovery has been very quick, In an attempt to weave a spell over the suffering people of Taraba contrary to reports that his situation is State, which in the end will serve nobody any useful purpose, the hopeless. If this matter is treated with government information managers, comprising the Commissioner kid gloves without recourse to history, for Information, Emmanuel Bello and the Special Assistant to the those engaged in this unholy governor on Media, Sylvanus Giwa have been going on the airwaves propaganda stunt will sooner than later discover that they are playing their last with polished records of the governor’s recovery and the date for his card in the political chess game in eventual return from Germany, with the date for Suntai’s return Taraba State because when the game is changing every day. The duo has unwittingly been turned into a wind eventually up and it dawns on them bag, making people pass uncharitable remarks that they are playing that Suntai is in no condition to continue God with the affairs of the state. to discharge his duties as governor, they will be the first casualties.

My govt is not favourin

VERNOR ABDULFATAH AHMED of Kwara Srare recently held his monthly inter ion with the media. During the session, he harped on on his administration’s st of job and wealth creation, and other sundry issues. Our correspondent, KEH NPELU, was at the session. Excerpts:

ill you assess the level of ntation of the 2012 budget he budget of consolidation evelopment by your n i s t r a t i o n ? u very much. When we started istration in 2011, we promoted t of continuity of legacies. What er to as continuity of legacies? at it from the angle that we have out of an administration that had ernance under clearly spelt-out t would only make sense for begin to see the benefits of some rams that were carried on from administration to this tion. We needed to ensure that nefit to the people in terms of n. Hence, the first thing we did on projects that were on-going; d to be sure that these legacies promoted are in the finishing example, at the time we were evelop our budget for 2011, 2012 e came up with a medium term hat spans a period of four years. gan to isolate each year’s budget le to be executed so that people to see the benefits of continuity. year’s budget moves into the g year’s budget in terms of ation. You see, budget in figure ake meaning to the people. What ke meaning to them is the impact get. For instance, when we came quite a number of projects that going. A typical one was the ollege. The structures had just pleted when we came in. We ensure that every other area that d to make it a functional school care of and we diligently pursued ecting money. I am happy to tell ur students are already flying; it he very little aviation training ns in Africa today. Our people eel the direct impact yet. We will e the impact of this school when conomy of scale with additional We will be getting additional 10 afts for the school to expand to where we will begin to feel the impact directly in the state. ave the international diagnostic e met it at a level where it was ng completed and we had to take vel where people will begin to m it. I am happy to let you know ve since completed that centre. n commissioned by the Vice Alhaji Namadi Sambo and will become functional. thousand and one roads which ommissioned. The Amadu Bello he Murtala Muhammed Way; we roads across the three senatorial hich were started by the previous ation but were completed by us.

lGovernor Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed are carrying out under our shared prosperity driven by continuity. Of course, you can see the CDC laying the pipe for water here. In addition, there are 14 water works currently being rehabilitated. We have sunk over 220 boreholes; we’ve made electricity available to over 179 communities. These are all benefits of shared prosperity; all driven under policies that are fitting into the medium term sector strategy. You have harped on the importance of states being less dependent on federal allocation. How does Kwara intend to reduce its dependce on federal allocation? You see our dependence on federal

drive a taxable environment. Revenue comes from taxes, fees, fines, commissions and royalties. Out of all these, apart from taxes which make up of close to 80 per cent of what we earn as internally generated revenue, our fees are very small, our commissions are small and of course, our fines are small because of lack of c o m p l i a n c e . And we don’t want to put much pressure on a very low economic environment. To that extent, we have a responsibility as a government to continue to inject some money into driving economic activities that would become taxable. If you want to have an environment where you can raise money, you must first inject money there;

would become taxable. So in the state has already emba programs and we a implementation level where to create a taxable environm impact would not be felt un three years because part of t inviting prospective inv holidays. What would ma attractive to them, to com money, grow the business begin to tax them? So thes the strategies that the state upon to ensure that we m heavy dependence on federa our own internally gener where more monies would

orin alone – Gov. Ahmed

ere two forms of intervention d. The last time the minister to Kwara, we spoke at length l roads and how the state is for money to execute these f of the Federal Government he fact that the Federal would pay us our money back the projects. We want to reach t. Unfortunately, the Federal as not given a concrete answer , what they have told us is that y in place which allows states eral roads and get paid back. d them to give us guidelines. e guidelines regarding Kiamathey gave us some guidelines gage contractors, building getting to the levels of award. federal roads in the state. If ontractor to embark on these would access money and start mmediately, But don’t forget y would be borrowed, unless I that I would be paid within a rame, it would be dangerous nd borrow money that I don’t to repay to execute roads. hat if the Federal Government ng to us as we require, we will mbark on the rehabilitation of d I think we are taking a f the two options. I recall that a sometime last year and I aid that we as a state will take ilitation of the road. I meant ng. In order words, we are not r the Federal Government.The Road is something that we will s budget to rehabilitate. I know 00m to get it to a desired level. going to take a minimum of 8billion to take it to completion the Omu-Aran-Kabba Road. I hat would take less than N10billion and of course, the rin Road cannot take less than 5billion. You see all these are ur monthly allocation can it is l am trying to get into a strategic arrangement that me to c continues some of programs. the smallest among the Ajase-Ipo Osun boundary, l ke on that one. We will inject nto that this year. I will start tion, along the line, if the rnment sees that we mean we are really concerned ht of our people who do not passable roads, may be they ernment) would respond to tate, we have made up our te the Offa-Erin-Ile Road. I led the contractor to do the ich has come to around assure you that work would oad very soon. Whether the

lGovernor Abdulfatah Federal Government pays us or not, we are going to execute (rehabilitate) that road. When will an average Kwara citizen begin to benefit from your administration’s agricultural reform and what is happening to Shonga Farm? Shonga Farm is an auto-run commercial venture which is our pride today. It showcases the first of its kind in Nigeria; demonstrating how value chain agriculture can be developed. Unfortunately, we say we want to begin a revolution in agriculture. It should be holistic because the ingredients required to drive an agricultural revolution have to be historically approached from the federal to the local government levels. Then you can begin to enjoy the benefits because some of the things that are required to make Shonga Farm an auto-run commercial venture beyond what it is today reside with the Federal Government. These include the

ast time the minister of works came to ra, we spoke at length on our federal and how the state is willing to look for y to execute these roads on behalf of the

capacity to drive irrigation, which is huge in terms of funding and as a state we cannot fund it on our own. We have made our plight known here and there but not much has been done. However, I am happy to let you know that the Lower Niger River Basin came to our aid towards the end of last year to say that some funds have been put in the budget to drive irrigation which to us it is a good start. For agriculture to make meaning in Kwara State, we need to move from the subsistence level. Moving away from the subsistence level has been a little difficult because of lack of cooperation from participants. We said we want to enumerate our farmers. At the point of enumeration we found out that a lot of people who had no business in farming included their names. May be they thought it was a largesse sharing process. So in the process of trying to re-verify the list, we found out that we had to go back to the drawing board because the state has taken a policy in line with that of the federal government to promote maize, soya bean, cassava and rice cultivation. Let us break our farmers into these compartments, identify their fields, let us be sure that they are real farmers and the plan of developing inputs would now be developed amongst us. But if you are

level. In other words, there h linkage from day one, be appropriate farmer and approp user; either a factory or consumer to be an established linkage s farmer knows that from day one growing, what he is going to h whom he is going to sell to and he is going to sell to that perso much he is going to make. The Nigeria Labour C (NLC) recently listed Kwara one of the states that i implement the minimum w true is this? It was unfortunate that the N have its data correctly. That is al If anything, Kwara State is one states that implemented the minimum wage. So, for Kwara listed is very unfortunate. It sho Nigerian Labour Congress is no job in terms of data collection an that it has the right information. should be given kudos for be implement the N18, 000 minim Critics say your govern concentrating on infrast development in Ilorin detriment of other parts of What is your reaction to thi I will completely disagree Firstly, let’s look at our policies. why we try to drive governmen with policies is to be able to impact that people should feel. at our roads, we have spent over N on rural roads. Not up to 10 per c roads are located in Ilorin metr these roads are located in senatorial districts; largely in t and other communities. The esse is for people at these levels to b the impact of government. renovated up to 400 schools, no per cent were within Ilorin metro are scattered across the three districts. We are renovating fi hospitals, only one is located in have two in Kwara South and on North Senatorial Districts. If you you we see that a lot more act spreading to other parts of the s they are seeing as concen completion of on-going projects not started anything new in Ilo are seeing the projects we met to c It does not make sense that I ab Ahmadu Bello Way and go and st road somewhere. It doesn’t make I abandon the Murtala Moham and start another road somewhe have been spent on those roads. water project, it is a continuation to see it to completion. Whatev spent there will give us the de when we complete it and people to benefit. That is the essence of Don’t forget that we are workin structured and methodologicall medium term strategy framewo policy is continued for three, fo generations of governors you w see real development and growt State, and people will have hope b itself is anchored on hope. When will there is a way and that is wh

Monday, January 21, 2013, National Accord

editorial

Absentee governors

hree state governors The prolonged absence of these Danbaba Suntai of governors have led to wild rumours. Taraba, Sullivan Chime of In all cases, the governors are said to Enugu and Liyel Imoke of Cross have been dead, or brain dead as in River - have been away from their stations for months running. Their absence is causing a lot of concern to their citizens even as it raises fundamental ConstituOUR TEAM tional issues. First to take off was the Governor Editor-in-Chief/CEO: of Enugu state, Sullivan Chime, who Tom Chiahemen was last seen in the state in Septem- lManaging Editor: Donald Andoor ber, 2012. He is said to have applied lEditor: Patrick Ogar for his accumulated leave that ought lAssoc. Editor (Politics) Henry Omunu to have lasted only one and a half lAssoc. Editor (Business) Ewache Ajefu months. It is now three months and lAsst. Editors: Yusuf Ozi-Usman the governor is no where to be seen Chuks Ehirim in the state. lAg. News Editor: Chris Richards Next to take off is the Governor of lProduction Editor: Gabriel Gwajime Taraba , Danbaba Suntai, who was l Head, Business Dev’t: Tim Tuse on October 25th involved in an air lAdverts Manager: Musa Aliyu crash in a private jet he was personlLagos Bureau: Adeyemi Adebanjo ally piloting from Jalingo to Yola. lCalabar: Emma Obi Since then he has been flown to GerOUR PHILOSOPHY many where he is receiving treatThe best way to protect the national ment. interest and forge National Accord Then came the exit of Liyel Imoke is to protect the interest of the Nigerian who is reported to have officially writpeople, especially the ten to his state’s House of Assembly weak and the voiceless in society, more early in December that he was handso in our system that officially endorses the policy of majority ing over to his deputy, Efiok Cobham, and minority groups. to enable him to proceed on a twomonth accumulated leave.

the case of Governor Danbaba of Taraba. Officials of the Taraba, Cross River and Enugu have been running around media houses to dispel such rumours. The Tarba State government officials have taken a step further by publishing pictures of the sick governor in Germany to convince Nigerians that he is alive and kicking. Whatever may be the case, the absence of the governors has adversely affected the operations of the governments. In Taraba, the State House of Assembly has resolved that the deputy governor should act and he is doing so now. In Enugu, there are rumours that the deputy governor, Sunday Onyebuchi, who has been acting is being prevented from performing his duties by a cabal - a familiar accusation in all the three states. What the prolonged absence of the governors from Nigeria has proved is that our health delivery system is in a shambles and reserved only for the poor. We need to know more about the medical records of the people we elect into office and the constitutional provision for the absence of presidents and governors from office must be looked into again.

letters to the editor

EFCC gone social By Tony Orilade The place of the media in the anti-graft war is quite strategic. The media needs to inform and educate the people about financial crimes and corruption issues. And, perhaps even more important, the media needs to mobilize the people to embrace the fight against economic crimes and to resist the scourge. It is against this backdrop

that the INTERFACE UNIT (Social Media) has been created out of the Media Department. TheInterface Unit will provide unadulterated and undiluted”Breaking News” from the Commission. The unit will also, among other things, present the activities and services of the commission to on-line audience. If you want to be served the news refreshingly hot and pronto from the stable of the

EFCC media, then you have one choice to make: You can now connect with the EFCC on social media.Follow the EFCC on the twitter handle @ official EFCC and like us on our facebook page: official EFCC. Take a decision today as we welcome you on board. Tony Orilade is of the Medi Unit of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission

National Accord, Monday, January 21, 2013

opinion Jonathan, ministers hit the ground looting By OVIASOGIE TIMOTHY

hinking and yearning hopefully that the birth of a transformational and administrative democracy would bring visible and tangible dividends, succor and social economic wellbeing to their lives, Nigerians from all walks of life formed a coalition that cuts across culture, ethnicity and religion to elect President Goodluck Jonathan. Alas, the “fresh air” that was promised Nigerians has become heavily polluted, contaminated and poisoned since barely a year after, when as a New Year’s gift, our collective psyche was abused and raped through the insensitive and astronomical increase in the pump price of petrol on the 1st day of the year 2012. Instead of looking at appropriate pricing of petrol, the President and his cabinet went about pontificating, theorizing and politicking with our common destiny. They claimed among others that price increase would bring about quality life, pliable and potholefree roads, adequate health care, decent shelter, constant electricity, industrialization and employment. But remember these were the same reasons adduced when Ngozi OkonjoIweala, also as finance minister under the civilian dictatorship of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, went to pay some white folks who call themselves the Paris Club over 12 billion dollars in a dubious and deceitful arrangement called a debt buy-back. It took massive protests, colossal waste of resources, and loss of manpower for

to loot after leaving their home late. Here I am, having left home early so that traffic would not catch up with me before getting to my rendezvous, now watching ministers, heads of agencies and departments, military and other security organs flout traffic regulations with pride and arrogance. These are the kind of siren blaring leaders we are to emulate and learn from. Mr. President, did we hear that you and your Vice-President are about the 1st graduates that would govern this Nation. What other kind of qualification do you folks need to provide quality and useful education, pleasant and pothole-free roads, affordable housing, gainful employment, food security, perennial electricity and water supply? Or are your qualifications only good and useful in the provision of cassava bread, fertilizer-telephone for largely illiterate farmers and esoteric wealth generation policy, wining and dining with indicted oil thieves and parliamentary cap- bankers alias ‘faroukers’? Well, Mr. President and your cotravelers, remember another year has just started, and knowing that by November this year government would have shut down permanently for a new round of circus-like campaign train to be rolled out towards 2015, these are your last few months to justify the confidence we had (mis?) placed in you! OVIASOGIE TIMOTHY is an Abuja based Journalist.

Umar signs 2013 Taraba budget into law

lPresident Goodluck Jonathan

lMrs Ngozi Okonjo-iweala

over 2 weeks and killing before Nigerias 1st goodluck president could reduce the price of the Nation’s most used and volatile commodity. Personally, I was miffed because I canvassed and even printed T-shirts to campaign for the Goodluck/Sambo combination or tag team. This is a man who, less than 12 months earlier, had told us he had no shoes while growing up and going to school as a child, thus winning the sympathy of a people who are very sympathetic and trusting. Trusting that this is a man who would give them the shoe they also desire to lead

a relatively comfortable and fulfilled life. Painfully, this was not to be, as every other popular policy of the Goodluck administration seems to bring bad luck to the people. From the cashless economy, introduction of N5000 naira note, electricity tariff increment, banning of commuter buses from the city, etc… As I write this piece inside my broken down vehicle in Asokoro, I observe with disdain, disgust and disbelief Jonathan’s men disregarding traffic rules because they want to get to office on time with the sole intent

Human rights abuse: 3 men attacked over homosexality By STEVE ABORISADE I write in very strong terms to condemn a mob action by the people of Umuka, in Njaba local government area of Imo state against the three men on January14,2013. Our organization has reliably confirmed and authenticated the incident and is the identity of one of the men in the victims, and is calling on security agents to quickly respond to the plight of these men. As it is, only the perpetrators and the community can tell the whole world what has become of these men who were seriously beaten up, stripped naked and paraded around the community bounded together like animals on allegation that they were caught having sex together. As I write, our source reliably confirmed that the men have not been released from the location where they are being held in Umuka, Njaba Local Government Area of Imo state. We demand that the plight of these men be given the urgent attention it deserves by the Nigerian police and other security agencies, and we especially appeal to the executive governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, to intervene to save their lives. While acknowledging that several Nigerians find the practice of homosexuality strange and unnatural, we also realize that it does not confer a licence to trample on the rights of

people who engage in it, with the sort of inhuman treatment that was meted out to these them. So many informed commentators, including Nobel Prize winner, Prof. Wole Soyinka, have commented on the scientifically proven fact that more than anything, gays are just victims of biology. We note and condemn the prevailing adverse legal and social environment that most LGBT now have to face in Nigeria, being criminalized for their sexual orientation and being made a target

for harassment and violent assault fuelled by the ongoing debates by the nation’s parliament on criminalizing homosexual acts. Instead of being singled out for harassment and prosecution, what this community deserves is support and access to sexual health services that they lack as citizens of this country. The LGBT community remains a high risk group to HIV/ AIDS infection, yet it is a community that has been denied of all access to life saving HIV/AIDS services. We suggest that our

lThree men tied together, paraded naked and beaten in Ekwe-Umuaka, Imo state

parliamentarians should devote equal energy at fishing out and punishing our treasury thieves who are doing more harm to the continued survival of our nation instead of dissipating energy on an issue that borders on private morality. We enjoin other rights group to show solidarity and ensure that the rights of sexual minorities are protected like other marginalized groups in the country. STEVE ABORISADE is a commentator on social affairs

ENRY OMUNU

te President David rk, former military sident, General Babaginda and the Democratic Party ave condemned the n the Emir of Kano, o Bayero, describing n assault on the nal institution, nted and sacrilegious. reactions to the n the Kano monarch ntained in separate nts issued in Abuja, y. or Mark in his nt expressed by the renewed in Kano and some tates and urged agencies to rise to lenge by bringing petrators of the attack to book. ting the incessant cks as well as the es of the dreaded ram sect who target t individuals, he Nigerians to provide agencies with tion about the s of the sect s. ndoled with the of the driver and f the emir who were the attack, pleading hem to leave ce to God while g the emir not to in his selfless utions to his Kano State and the s a whole.

Gen. Babaginda in his statement said why the Federal Government must change tactics in handling the security challenge posed by the Boko Haram sect, the attack on Alhaji Bayero which left four people dead is a wake-up call to every Nigerian. Asking what the motive behind the attack was and what the attackers of the emir stand to gain by

lGeneral Ibrahim Babaginda (ret.)

2015: Lawani kickstarts campaign, sters flood Makurdi

ATI TERKULA, Makurdi enue State capital, i, was yesterday with posters of deputy governor, Steven Lawani, ng his torial ambition to the 2015 general s. osters which were strategic locations, major roundabouts di, as well on private

attempting to kill him, the former military ruler said Alhaji Bayero does not seek favours from anyone and has over the years lived an exemplary life. He condemned the attempt on the emir’s life and charged the Federal Government to exploit the dialogue option in dealing with insurgent groups in order to arrest prevailing drift in national

Senatorial District, who are predominantly Idoma are laying claims to the seat of governor come 2015, based on a pact they had with the incumbent governor in 2011. However, later in the day, the Press Secretary to the deputy governor, Mr. Ejembi Oguche, was spotted in company of a man learnt to be Chief Lawani’s relation removing the posters. Lawani contested against the incumbent governor in

security. “The use of force has proven to be inadequate and ineffective to checkmate this ugly trend. We must therefore put hands together to find a more rewarding and meaningful end to this security concern. Dialogue is my number one preference in this regard. “Government must also encourage positive discourses among its political appointees

lSenate President David Mark

delivered with rendered in language to soot of the nation. L force will not he strong determ address this problem. We m ourselves constr in a manner th interest of the cou above other considerations, added. Also, t Democratic Pa condemned Satu on Alhaji Bayero, as a sacrilegious a traditional institu PDP Nationa Secretary, Chief the party is deep by the wave of urged those b dastardly acts rethink, adding th justification for b The party sai should learn harmoniously another, assertin with grievances legitimate mean redress instead to violence. The part commiserating families of tho their lives in th well as others wh killed in simila the country, how security agencies t those behind the emir and other N brought to book.

Edo PDP debunks c to boycott LG electio By ISESELE EZEKIEL, BENIN

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said the party is prepared to participate in the local government elections billed for April 2013. This is coming a week after the party’s Director of Publicity and Strategy in the state, Mr. Okharedia Ihimekpen, urged all other political parties in the state to boycott the forthcoming council elections while he

boycott the council elections. Mr. Urhoghide explained that the earlier directive was informed by the failure of the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) inviting the state chapter of the PDP to a stakeholders meeting where modalities for the election were outlined. “EDSIEC’s unacceptable action in not inviting the state chapter of a national ruling party to a briefing of an

fundamental righ equally said it respect and su rights, and de members to themselves. “We therefore e Edo PDP member interested in co elections to go ahea their ambitions wi or hindrance, an them that they h support of our gre its leaders.

ULE YAKUBU, Jos

u state taskforce on ewal commenced molition of illegal res last week at lage on the way to d base road and at way crossing along ort junction. end of the exercise ree popular drinking

joints belonging to one Anna Nemen known as chioma and that of a lecturer at the law department at the university of Jos, Dr. Samuel Shaakaa and anothers along the railway crossing were reduced to rubbles. National Accord correspondent who witnessed the exercise said the affected persons were lucky as they were

allowed only twenty minutes within which to remove their valuables. One of the victims, Mrs. Nemen who spoke to our correspondent amidst tears said they were asked to produce the C of O or R of O and while they were still processing the papers the bulldozers came rolling unannounced. Mrs. Nemen said all pleas for

the officials to give them one or two days fell on deaf ears adding that with the demolition exercise, the ten workers under her employment on a monthly salary of between ten and fifteen thousand naira have been denied of their eans of livelihood as they are thrown out of their job. Dr. Shaakaa in an interview stated that though he

recognized the d government to state it should n expense of employment. government r demolition of citiz it is causing con described the inhuman and a m present administ state.

ncewill rs Air over anthropic ities

Traffic cra along Lag Ibadan expresswa

ine politician, Prince ncewill, has dismissed ons that his opic activities have ndertone. ase by one of his Media stinus Nwaorgu, Prince eared the air while on a Silverbird TV programme tary entitled Man, averick recently. has intervention funds ng of lives of orphans, ment of both women and well as assistance to ganizations and clubs, was the provision of erials for flood victims tate. t for political reasons,” ari Prince said while claims by critics that sity is meant to soften d for his eventual entry ver state gubernatorial e run-up to the next dispensation. “My to help in uplifting the of living of our people the driving force,” he

The command rece road crash on long Lagos – Ibadan yesterday. Various p the corridor w immediately to move rescue. Here is t DAF95XF tanker w number XR 326 A loaded with PMS had long bridge on its w by 6.55am yesterday The tanker, acc driver, Mr. Kayo suddenly had its ste the driver’s side whil this made him los loaded truck drifted carriage way until it c edge barrier which pr fallen off the bridge” According to Commander, FRS command, Mr. Nseo fom examination of t there is no sign of in crash is a minor r confirmed. At the scene for re were FRSC opera Police, Fire Service their trucks and th Traffic Managem (TRACE). FRSC Lagos Commander got in Safety and Security M Nigeria Plc, Mr. Oy who also arrive the 10.25am, Mr. Oye Safety and Security M Nigeria Plc who also with another truc Nigeria Plc to trainloa the crashed truck wh was secured immedi the vehicle and restor Traffic during the problem was diverte Ibadan bound ca Ibadan-Lagos bound avoid secondary cras process of trans-l product. Motorists w be patient and exerci The sector commended the driv Olusegun) for not be

ised not to relent in his sist people in dire need the part of the world ome from. The Prince ated over N130M e Melody Shelters last ge the first Orphanage ompetition in Nigeria o do more in 2013. to improve on what I the Orphanage Homes ntry by this year”, he

ighted his relationship er vice president Atiku Gov. Amaechi, Asiwuji whom he described as ans who thought some ments of politics and roles in shaping him ver he is today. o defended why he Atiku before the PDP and later campaigned

lRiver Niger bridge constructed in 1966.

Gov Suswam bags UNICEF award in Atlanta, USA B

enue state governor, Dr. Gabriel Suswam over the weekend bagged an award from the United Nations Children’s Fund, (UNICEF) in Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America, in appreciation of his administration’s efforts to provide clean water and enhance health services in the state. His comprehensive health care programme was adjudged to have impacted on two million people of the state’s nearly five million population who now access health services in government hospitals and health facilities. Gov. Suswam has since assumption of office in 2007 executed a number of clean water supply projects including the Greater Makurdi Water Works, Otobi Water Project, Katsina-Ala Water Supply Project and mini water supply schemes in Anyiin, Otukpa and sunk over 500 boreholes in rural communities across Benue state.

The award was presented to Gov. Suswam at the Atlanta city hall, Buckhead, Atlanta, by the Chairman of the TeachUNICEF Board in Atlanta, Dr. Sam Cheibiri, a Professor of Economic Development in Africa at the Emory University, Atlanta. Presenting the award, Prof Cheibiri said the TeachUNICEF board in Atlanta nominated Suswam for the award in recognition of the numerous water projects he has executed in parts of Benue State as well as the huge investments in the provision of health services to cater for at least two million children and women of the state. Prof. Cheibiri urged the governor to maintain the tempo of development in the state for which he was identified for the honour and pledged the willingness of the Emory University to partner with Benue state in other areas to improve the wellbeing of the people.

number of development initiatives by the caucus and assured of congressional support to the Benue State government to partner with the government and organizations in the United States. President of the Atlanta-based African Business Council, Ms Neil Diallo, who anchored the event, said Dr. Suswam was the sixth Nigerian governor to be hosted by the council in the bid to build bridges of economic cooperation between Nigeria and the United States. She pledged the support of the council in promoting the image of Benue state to American business people and investors to take advantage of the huge investment opportunities that abound in the state. In his response, Gov. Suswam said he was deeply encouraged by the award TeachUNICEF board at the Emory University saying the award would serve as a challenge to do more for the people of the

Monday, January 21, 2013, National Accord

Mike Gbe: The Food Basket Farmer Hello and welcome, this is King James Yiye with Newspaper Radio. I’m on a farm at North Bank in Makurdi, Benue State, the food basket of Nigeria. It is a large area covering more than 10 plots of land, beautifully laid out with lush green plants, here I can easily recognise orange trees, apples, grapes, coconuts and bananas. There are more than 4 ponds or pools for fish, a farm office, a creatively built round hut for relaxation and other farm houses giving shelter to farm animals including; Snails, Eagle, Goose, Ducks, Rabbits and Fish. The Quacky Quails They are noisy but very lovely birds. The Quails look like chickens but that’s their size, they are adults. There is no much difference between the male and female Quails but Uncle Mike shows me the ones with bare backs are the female, “they lose their back feathers due to sexual activity, as the male keeps grabbing it to mount, the feathers pull off”, he explains. In my mind, I imagine the pain or pleasure the female birds may experience. On Mike Gbe’s blog www.zukutivfarms.blogspot.com, he is blogging on ‘The Medicinal Value of Quail Eggs’. He believes the Quail and Quail Eggs sell faster than any other product on this farm but the fish bring more money. “It gives me joy that through the Quail Eggs, few people have been able to get some respite medically, some people bring their wives to come and thank me, those ones that are benchmarked on libido, they even bring their wives to thank me for making sure their homes are better, hahaha, you know what I mean? Because it is said to

Newspaper Radio By

KING JAMES YIYE kingjames.yiye@gmail.com add to sexual potency of the man”. Quick Quail Motivation Mike Gbe tells me he started his farm with fish and followed with the Quails. He says he was motivated to try raising these birds having heard the eggs could aid in the near cure for asthma, this motivation he got to enable him assist his son who usually would have difficulty breathing well, coupled with hiccups and sneezing. Quail Eggs he explains also help in stabilizing one’s blood levels, they help build immune sytem, very rich in vitamins and improve children’s IQ. “The children here look well fed and are healthy because I give them a lot of the eggs”. Planting The Unplantable? Mike Gbe tells me he is extreme, trying his hands on things some Farmers wouldn’t, for instance, he is nurturing two varieties of Apples, a plant believed to grow only in cold weather conditions. His Apples have grown to a height of nearly 7 feet and the leaves are looking very fresh. “I have been able to build or raise apples from seed, a feat most people will tell you it’s impossible here, whether they actually fruit or not, is not the question, because there are students from the University Of Agriculture for example, where some

Lecturers will tell you you shouldn’t waste your time raising an apple because it won’t do well, but you can’t determine where a student will end up being when he graduates, so if you don’t teach him now, at what stage does he learn? So for me, because I have so many university friends, I do it casually so they can learn. If students here graduate and go to work on a farm elsewhere, they will ‘tim akende as Tiv people would say, that is to say they will be shoulders high”. The Finnish Fish-Feasting Eagle There is a visitor on Mike Gbe’s farm, an Egale released from Finland, the bird which feasts only on fish would have ended in a cooking pot of some people during the Christmas season. So how did he come about the Eagle? “It was on this fateful Sunday morning, the 23rd of December 2012, I sat here on my farm and somebody who repairs my car, my old BMW car, just called me and said some persons were making a show of a catch of a bird trying to sell it, that he just wanted me to have that bird, particularly that it had a ring on its foot, that word ‘ring’ attracted me and I drove straight to the place and saw the boys make a show of the bird.”

He says they were offering the Eagle from Finland at N5,000 and straightaway, he offered them N6,000 and the market collapsed, he took the Finish Eagle to his farm where it is recuperating. Seeing in its cage jumping and possibly trying to escape, the Eagle has a ring on its right foot, and on the ring is this inscription; ‘RETOUR Museum 2001, Helsinki Finland, M61683’. The bird according farmer Mike Gbe feeds exclusively on fish, an information he found online from the Finland Zoo Authortiies where it was released. So when is this bird returning home? “I’m in touch with the Embassy of Finland, they in turn gave me the ringing centre in Helsinki, I’ve made contact with them, they also asked me to make contact with the Nigeria Conservation Centre in Maiduguri, Borno State, they have contacted me, they’ve shown interest that I should help them to keep it and they will expect me to release it when it’s fully recovered, it hasn’t started feeding itself, we feed it, but it came here very weak and almost dying, yan a tsenda a tsenda ambi”. Mike Gbe says he is ready to release the bird at the right time to enable it soar to its intended mission and hopes it doesn’t end in somebody’s pot. Cell Phone & Internet Farming The Social Media is not to be ignored by anyone especially professionals and Mike Gbe is highly benefitting from the technology, he say he has used the Social Media to learn about new and interesting things and concepts, expanding his network. “I have reached out, I have been able to tell my

story as I’m doing now, I have a blog where I interact with people and many customers call me and make a lot of purchases from my farm”. He compares himself with some of his peers who have been left behind and are not doing well as much as he is because they don’t have access to these technology platform. Also while talking to me, a call comes in and Mike Gbe happily picks it, the caller is requesting for Quail Eggs, he wants 5 crates reserved for him and farmer Mike Gbe will earn about N4,500 from this one call alone, thanks to the mobile phone. But what if he never had a phone? “I would have taken the eggs to the market and waited for whoever would want to come and buy”. He explains. Mike Gbe thinks the underlining reason for the cynism by many farmers and critics of government on the recent decision by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to distribute cell phones to farmers is because, many people believe that our government cannot do anything right, then for some people he says they simply don’t like change. He advises the Nigeria government to prove critics wrong this time and apply this with sincerity. “If this eventually works, honestly, the average Nigerian farmer will be better off, with a handset in your hand you can do a lot more than someone who hasn’t”. Small Smart Start I ask Mike Gbe if many people could own a farm like his? “Yeah, If I could afford it, I guess most average Nigerians could, because I started very humbly, I didn’t start this way, started from a soak-away in my house, in April of the year 2007, after about 15 months, I was able raise enough money is to buy this single plot of 100 by 100, I transferred all the activities from my house to this place, because at a point I realised I was constituting a nuisance to my neighbours, pumping water at night, doing one or two funny activities and I wasn’t comfortable, nobody complained but I wasn’t comfortable”. Between 2007 and 2013, Mike Gbe has expanded his farmland to 10 plots, he says his farm has been able to put food on his table and all four of his children have graduated from the university including his daughter who just did a Master’s Degree in Sheffield in the United Kingdom. Being on Mike Gbe’s farm for nearly 4 hours, I’ve learnt a lot; determination is the key to many breakthroughs. Small beginnings through determination can take people to greater heights.

National Accord, Monday, January 21, 2013

Single currency not achievable by law – Okonjo-Iweala Stories by EWACHE AJEFU

oordinating Minister of the Economy and Nigeria’s Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala has said that the establishment of a single currency for West African subregion would not be achievable merely by an act of legislation. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala made the submission last weekend in Abuja at the 31st Meeting of the convergence Council of

Finance Ministers and Governors of Central Banks of West Africa. “I wish to state that a single currency cannot be introduced only by means of an act of law; it requires action by the monetary authorities and by market participants in order to make it viable and sustainable. “The work that has been conducted over the past decade has reflected this dual approach and I would like to commend all of us for our doggedness and our optimism towards pursuing the

realization of this goal,” she said. The Finance Minister told participants not to be under any illusion on how difficult it will be to establish a credible, viable and sustainable West African monetary union. “The journey has not been smooth, will not always be smooth and there will periods when our collective will be tested,” she said. She said while the political will necessary for the achievement of the goal is there, the will to implement

We are committed to monetary union launch – Lamido Sanusi As the 2015 date set aside for the establishment of a common currency for West Africa draws near, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has said that Nigeria’s commitment towards the setting up of a common monetary union in the ECOWAS region was irrevocable. Sanusi gave the assurance in his keynote address at the just concluded 28th meeting of the committee of governors of central banks of the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city. The apex bank boss called on member states to do a self appraisal of the numerous challenges facing the realisation of the monetary union, stating that there is the need to draw from the experiences of other monetary unions and critically appraise the individual member state levels of preparedness to enable the zone to achieve the deadline set for formal launch. Sanusi observed that the Zone is making significant progress especially in terms of building the necessary infrastructure and institutional capacity to support the establishment of a sound and virile monetary union. He identified some of the progress made so far to include, “the integration of national payments in the WAMZ; the establishment of the College of Supervisors of the West African Zone (CSWAMZ); formation of ministers of trade forum and the ratification of the protocols on the

ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS)” Sanusi expressed regret that the level of macroeconomic convergence in the zone has remained inadequate relative to the set targets over the years, which according to him, has been a major challenge and it is important that the region evolve appropriate strategies to address the situation both at the individual country levels and collectively at the regional level (zone), stressing that the recent experiences of the Euro zone should provide the need for serious caution. The CBN governor said West African Monetary Zone should be able to “use various state machineries to foster the Union

Project by promoting trade integration.” According to him, as central bank and financial sector regulators, WAMZ must commit to develop and support banking system and efficient, reliable and integrated payment network capable of facilitating the required rapid trade expansion in the sub region. “Our efforts should also continue to focus on effective coordination between fiscal and monetary policies to support our price stability mandates as well, create the appropriate macroeconomic environment conducive for intra-regional trade and economic development in the sub region,” Sanusi said

lSanusi Lamido Sanusi, CNB Governor

lCoordinating Minister of the Economy and Nigeria’s Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

the necessary reform is needed from member states in the region. She advised that WAMZ should also learn from the lessons of the euro zone to create the enabling environment for the monetary zone to kick off. “If the turbulence in the euro zone has taught us any lessons, it is that one, sustained convergence is the rock on which monetary union is built. “Two, tough fiscal rules are necessary to lay the ground for a relatively homogenous fiscal zone. “Three, a permanent funding mechanism contributed to by all members is needed to have countries access finance, if they cannot source it from the market. “And four, the limits of the central banks should be understood and accepted,” she said. Ms. Okonjo-Iweala urged member countries to have abiding faith in the project, look at the future with optimism and never give in to haste to achieve the results. ECOWAS Commission President, Kadre Ouderago, commended the effort of the WAMZ member states and assured the commission’s support towards establishing the monetary zone. Mr. Ouderago, who was represented by Ahmed Hamid, Commissioner of Trade and Free Movement, said that

ECOWAS appreciated the effort of the member countries to come together to discuss issues that would help to move the zone forward. Also, Richard Dorley, outgoing Chairman of the WAMZ, reiterated the need for member countries to ensure prudent macroeconomic and debt management policies. This, he said, would help countries to achieve the convergence criteria to fasttrack the establishment of the single currency initiative. The West African Monetary Zone, WAMZ, was created in April 2000 with the signature of the Accra Declaration by the leaders of Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. The goal of the zone was to have in place a common monetary and exchange rate policy. In 2001, WAMZ created the West African Monetary Institute, WAMI, to undertake preparatory activities for the establishment of a common Central Bank, to be known as the West African Central Bank, WACB, which will issue a single currency for the five countries. The institute also works for the adoption of a common currency for its members called ECO. WAMZ has set January 1, 2015 as the effective date for the inauguration of the monetary union in the zone.

Monday, January 21, 2013,National Accord,

business AlIison-Madueke commissions Oredo Gas Handling Complex Stories by EWACHE AJEFU A major feat in the Federal Government’s drive for gas utilization in the country was last Friday achieved with the commissioning of a major gas supply facility, the Oredo Gas handling Complex, located in Benin-City, Edo State. With this commissioning, the National Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has become a major gas supplier to the nation’s domestic market, with a current supply of approximately 400MMscfd and an expected growth to 600MMscfd by the end of 2013. Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison Madueke who inaugurated the facility, said Oredo plant is currently delivering 65MMscfd to the domestic market, stating that it was a demonstration of the growing capability of NPDC to take a leading role in the Federal Government’s quest to rapidly increase gas supply in the

country. The Minister expressed optimism that by the end of this year, the complete Integrated Gas Handling Facility (IGHF) which will deliver 100MMscfd of lean gas, and about 330 tons of LPG per annum to domestic

consumers will have been completed. She assured that the abundant gas resources in the country would be exploited for the benefit of all Nigerians, adding that the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) currently before the National Assembly

programme.” Allison-Madueke further stressed that “The commissioning of the Early First Gas phase of the Oredo gas handling facility, which was constructed by NNPC/ NPDC is another milestone in the realisation of the commitment of Mr. President towards improving power supply to the country.” According to her, “The Goodluck Jonathan Administration understands the core importance of NNPC’s role in the economy, but also the critical need for increased indigenous participation in the business of exploring and producing oil and gas. “It is this commitment to support indigenous oil and gas production growth that led to the assignment of a number of assets to NPDC.”

Nigeria, USAID Sign $3bn agric facility Pact lMinister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison Madueke

Ghana hosts Owa conference and exhibition The 2013 edition of the popular Offshore West Africa Oil and Gas Forum will hold in Accra, the Ghanaian capital, as the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has officially confirmed its readiness to host the event taking place from 19th to 21st of March. Offshore West Africa, the premier conference and exhibition for the offshore oil and gas exploration and production industry within West Africa, is a key forum for senior executives and industry leaders to meet and discuss a range of topics, network and see the latest technologies and solutions relating to offshore exploration and production industries at the Offshore West Africa exhibition, with many of the leading solutions providers on show. Combining a world class conference and a high level exhibition floor full of companies demonstrating their latest technological advances, Offshore West Africa 2013 is one event sure to be high on the agenda of anyone involved with the West African oil and gas exploration and production industry. Exhibitors at the show currently include Shell, Tullow Oil, ABS, Aker Solutions, Baker Hughes, DNV, NOV, Endress+Hauser, InterMoor, Lloyds Register, Modec, Petroleum Commission, PETAN, Mustang Wood Group, Schlumberger and Oil Spill Response to name but a few. Sponsored by Tullow Oil, Schlumberger, ABS, Shell, Modec, NNPC, 2H Offshore, Hewlett

would give special consideration to indigenous players. She said successive Government’s have over the years made efforts to utilize this abundant gas resource for the benefit of the citizens, but proved difficult which informed the launch of the gas development initiative of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s administration, stressing that it is one of the core reform tenets and initiatives that underpins Mr. President’s transformation agenda within the Oil and Gas Sector. The Minister further explained that under the initiative, the industry is pursuing vigorously the monetisation of natural gas endowment through gas to power, and other gas related industrialization

Packard, Lloyd’s Register, Aker Solutions, Petroleum Technology Development Fund and Lufkin, as well as being supported by the Society for Underwater Technology, SPE Ghana, African University for Science & Technology, Ghana Oil Club, Lagos Oil Club and the Angola US Chamber of Commerce, Offshore West Africa 2013 is on track to be one of the most successful in it’s 17 year history. Under the Patronage of the Ministry of Energy, Republic of Ghana, and Endorsed by the Petroleum Commission Ghana, the 17th annual Offshore West Africa will once again address key technology and development issues for the West African offshore oil and gas market, through a comprehensive educational program and three day exhibition, under the theme, ‘’Deepwater Discoveries, Emerging Opportunities”. The organisers have expressed their delight to once again work closely with the GNPC in facilitating an exciting and growing offshore market within West Africa. This year’s conference provides a unique networking opportunity for attendees to share technology and address issues with experts in their respective fields. The conference programme includes two parallel tracks packed with new technologies, case studies, original concepts and other exclusive local content. After the Opening Plenary and Ribbon Cutting there will be an Opening Debate, which will take place under the topic of “Exploring the Dynamics of West Africa

Offshore”, chaired by Mr. Theo Ahwireng, Geophysics Manager, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation and including presentations such as Deepwater Project Economics: A Comparative of Fiscal Regimes in the Gulf of Guinea by Prof. Omuwumi Iledare, Louisiana State University; Offshore West Africa Project Performance by Mr. Rolando Gachter, IPA; and Assessment of Undiscovered Oil & Gas Resources Offshore West Africa by Mr. Michael Brownfield, U.S. Geological Survey. Technical topics of the conference include, Well Construction & Drilling Operations, Field Development, Flowlines & Pipelines, Riser Technology, Floating Production Systems, Production Optimization, Geology & Geophysics, Subsea Technology, Safety & Environmental Concerns and Local Content. The event will begin with the Opening Plenary, taking place in the Congress Hall at the International Conference Centre, Accra, Ghana on Tuesday 19 March 2013 with a Welcome and introductory remarks by Chairman’s remarks from Mr. Theo Ahwireng, Geophysics Manager, GNPC, followed by Ministry Welcome by Dr. Joe Oteng Adjei, Honorable Minister of Energy, Ghana and His Excellency Mr. Jose Botelho de Vasconcelos, Minister of Petroleum, Angola, and local content perspective by Dr. Juliette Twumasi Anokye, Legal Advisor.

The agricultural sector of the country has received a boost with the recent signing of a $3 billion agricultural facility agreement between the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the United States Agency for International Development, USAID. The facility agreement which was consummated at the corporate headquarters of the Central Bank of Nigeria, via a Memorandum of Understanding, will allow the parties to use coguarantees, joint technical assistance, combined training and workshops for local banks and agricultural related enterprises and other interventions to encourage the growth of the agriculture sector in the country. With this development, parties in the first phase, are expected to leverage up to US$100 million in commercial lending. Minister of Agriculture, Dr.

lMinister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina

Akinwumi Adesina at the occasion said the landmark pact, apart from giving access for farmers to obtain loan at very moderate interest rate, will also reduce the hazard of lending by banks. Dr. Adesina stated that the facility was germane in the agricultural transformation agenda of the present administration due to difficulties posed by financial access. As part of a strategy to guarantee the safety of the loans, the minister also said the apex bank had been mandated to set up a risk management team to leverage the excess liquidity in the banks during the deal period. “What this partnership is going to do is that it will reduce the risk of lending by banks. We have realised that access to finance is one of the three major issues in the agricultural sector”, he said. “That is the interest rate, which is quite high, quantum of lending and long terms of lending. Our strategy is that the CBN will put up a risk management instrument which will leverage the excess liquidity in the commercial banks”. “As banks are lending, the facility will cover all the risk involved, it will also provide technical assistance to banks. CBN has directed all the banks to set up agricultural lending desk. “That will provide technical support from banks to understand the sector and to be able to lend reasonably well and also effectively open up the sector.” “We have been able to leverage $8b investment commitments in the agricultural sector. Today, we are looking at $3b over time but the facility has four components. The N3b that was lend last year for seed, fertilizer and agro dealers

National Accord, Monday, January 21, 2013

for the record

Ajaokuta is a great opportunity for Nigeria – Sole Administrator Protocols, I am highly delighted to have the honour and privilege to welcome members of the distinguished Media World on behalf of the management and staff of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited. The essence of this briefing, which is coming some two months after the approval of my appointment by the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR, is to highlight and put across our plans and programmes in the public domain. Since my appointment, I have held series of consultations with the workforce and sensitized them to brace up for the task of starting up operational activities in some key selected areas of the Plant that can be put into operation. STATUS OF THE PLANT Gentlemen of the Press, before I address you on our plans, let me put on record that the Ajaokuta Steel Plant is NOT OBSOLETE as put across to the public by some people who are largely ignorant of steel technology. Let me quote from the recent technical audit conducted by the Ukrainians who inspected the plant; “......the situation of the Steel Plant’s equipment and facilities are satisfactory. Mechanically, the Steel Plant equipment and facilities are generally in good condition.” I made reference to above because we need to educate the good people of Nigeria that the Blast Furnace Technology of Steel Making adopted in Ajaokuta is still the best method through which large volumes of Steel are produced in the World today. In year 2011, the World Steel Statistical Year Book, put total crude Steel production in 2010 at 1.4 billion tonnes. Out of this, 1.04 billion tonnes is through the Blast Furnace Technology, giving an average of 74% of total steel produced in the world. This is the Technology adopted in Ajaokuta Steel Plant. The question then will be: can a technology that produces 74% of world total steel production be obsolete? It is also important to note here that, all developed nations got to where they are today because they have a virile Steel Sector; even when some of them like Japan have no raw materials for steel production. Nigeria that has virtually all the needed raw materials for steel production is still in doldrums. Ladies and Gentlemen, great philosophical minds have said that “When we stop thinking we often miss our opportunities”. Ajaokuta is a great opportunity for the Nigerian Nation to get industrialized and this management is determined to ensure that it does not miss the great opportunities this project has for the nation. It is gratifying to note that the Ajaokuta Steel Plant is 98% technically ready in terms of equipment erection. The Federal Government is doing everything possible to ensure the completion and commissioning of the Plant as an integrated Steel Plant, once the arbitration issue is resolved. MERITS OF A COMPLETED AND COMMISIONED AJAOKUTA STEEL PLANT For a nation like Nigeria, the merits of a completed and Commissioned Steel Plant like Ajaokuta Steel are numerous and chief amongst them are: •Employment Generation for the citizenry; •With the completion and commissioning of the steel plant to produce 1.3million MT per annum of liquid steel, Ajaokuta Steel plant would become a net provider of employment: •Direct employment-15,000; •Indirect employment - 500,000 of

facilities and capacities that abound here. We have designed market strategies that will bring in jobs to this facility; chief amongst is the adoption of ‘Jobbing Agents’ approach. The Management of the Workshops is also being re-organized for effectiveness. It would be made semiautonomous for efficiency.

lSole Administrator, Engr. Isah Joseph Onobere Unskilled, Semi-Skilled and Skilled Workers and various professionals in the downstream and upstream industries and services. •Facilitating Technological Growth; •Acquisition of Technical Expertise; •Providing input for Infrastructural Development. •Adding value to our natural minerals that abound and untapped all over the country. Without developing our own steel industry, we will end up export our natural minerals at very cheap rates, and import the finished products at exorbitant prices as it is with oil today. •Foreign exchange earner and saver; •Great opportunities for varied capacity building; •Positive march towards the realization of vision 20-2020; •Vastly increased Economic Opportunities for host communities; •Poverty reduction and Job creation; •Wealth generating activities; • Economic Diversification. (World economists have predicted that oil boom will end by 2016) It is also said that “a man that dares to waste time has not discovered the value of life”. In tandem with this philosophy, this Management took the first bold step to put its house in order by ensuring a stable industrial environment. It will be recalled that for about five (5) years the work force especially the Senior Staff Association was embroiled in internal strife which made Management/Workers’ harmony almost a mirage. Gentlemen of the Press, because of our belief that a healthy and harmonious work force is a prerequisite for a peaceful industrial environment and productivity, the new Management waded into the matter and with the support of the Honourable Minister, Mines and Steel Development, Arc. Musa Muhammed Sada, fnia, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Linus Awute, mni, I am pleased to announce that we have resolved this matter as a family and agreed to put the matter behind us for the good of the project. OUR PLANS While resolving the disquiet amongst the workforce, we articulated our plans and decided to put the completed Units of the Plant into use. The plan to start up these

completed plants is borne out of the determined desire of the new Management to: ·Engage the workforce in more productive activities. ·Preserve the Plant equipment, as operating them is the best engineering and technical way of preservation. ·Generate some revenue, thereby reducing dependency on Government. ·Add value to the Steel Plant as an asset, giving it high standing in any possible self sustaining Public Private Partnership that may be considered after the completion and commissioning of the Steel Plant; and ·Ensuring that the Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government and its vision 20.20.20 blue print on Steel is realized. ROLLING MILLS The Steel Plant has four (4) Rolling Mills, namely: Light Section Mill (LSM), Wire Rod Mill (WRM), Billet Mill (BM) and Medium Section and Structural Mill (MSSM). After a careful study of the steel market in Nigeria, the management felt that starting activities in the completed units of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant will be most rewarding. It therefore went into discussions with some willing investors. I am pleased to inform you that ASCL and the Management of Reprom Company Nigeria Limited reached some understanding on mutual commercial collaboration on the operation of the Light Section Mill. The collaboration will see Reprom providing 10,000 tonnes of billets per month for conversion at the Light Section Mill. Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited is expected to generate some revenue from this arrangement in form of conversion fees. ENGINERING WORKSHOPS Our Engineering Workshops consist of Machine and Tools Shop, Forge and Fabrication Shop, Foundry and Pattern Making Shop, Power Equipment Repair Shop and Rubberizing Shop. We have in the past used these facilities to provide engineering maintenance services for organizations like the Cement Industries, Refineries and Petrochemical Companies to mention a few. Arising from these experiences, we have articulated plans to pro-actively market the

METALLURGICAL TRAINING CENTER The Metallurgical Training Center (MTC) is equipped with training facilities to train Craftsmen and Technicians for ASCL and other external agencies. We have received several Training Proposals from several organizations who have indicated their interest in the Center, chief among them are the National Mathematical Center, Abuja, NDDC; Amnesty Programme etc. The Memorandum of Understanding with some of them will soon be signed and training activities will commence as soon as that is done. In the meantime, we are doing everything possible to put the Center in good shape, in preparation for the commencement of training activities. We are ensuring that its environment is cleaned up and made comfortable and habitable. OTHER EFFORTS We have also stepped up contacts to attract would be investment partners and the result has been very encouraging. We have opened up discussions with CALTECH LIMITED from British Virgin Islands. Their Senior Consultant has visited the Plant and we are optimistic that this relationship will come to fruition. We have received proposals from ZSM/ MZV on our Wire Rod Mill; Oxygen Plant; Power Plant etc and discussions are ongoing with them. Discussions are also ongoing with Associated Global Matrix etc, all with a view to partner with them and generate commercial activities in other Completed Units of the Plant. Ajaokuta Steel Plant is the only hope for the nation’s industrial and economic emancipation. We must stand our ground as a nation and should not succumb to the activities of international trade politics. There is no country in the world that has capacity to produce steel that will not capitalize on it. The industrialised Nations will want a permanent hold on local steel markets as they have always tried to turn other Countries like Nigeria into a dumping ground for their own products at the detriment of the growth and technological development of the Country. Let me end this address with a response given to the IMF/World Bank by the Egyptian Government when they were asked to privatize their Iron and Steel Company (EISCO). It said inter alia that, “Profitability is not only measured in terms of the accountants’ balance sheet. Multiplier effects, technological, security, social and socio-economic potentials of an enterprise are greater indices in measuring profitability”. The challenge to defend our economy is in our hands. Ladies and gentlemen, it is our hope and prayers that you in the Media will support us in this noble cause. We shall avail ourselves to you from time on our progress. Thank you and welcome to Ajaokuta Steel Plant. Inaugural speech on the activities of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited by the Sole Administrator, Engr. Isah, Joseph Onobere, on Friday, 11th january, 2013 at Ajaokuta.

PAGE 16

National Accord, Monday, January 21, 2013

business THE NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

2012 Market Review & Outlook for 2013

National Accord, Monday, January 21, 2013,

news analysis

Anenih raises alarm over mass sack of women in power By ISESELE EZEKIEL, Benin-City

rstwhile national women leader, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mrs. Josephine Anenih, at the weekend expressed grave concern over what she called the alarming rate at which women in top positions are fast losing their jobs in government paratastals, ministries and establishments under President Jonathan-led administration The former minister of women affairs who noted that although Mr. President has delivered the 35% affirmative for women in the composition of his cabinet while speaking with newsmen at the end of one day sensitization training on rights of persons living with HIV/AIDS held in Benin City, Edo state said if there is any cogent reason to oust a woman such vacant positions should equally be filled with qualified women. ‘’I’m worried over the recent trend that even the women we have in organizations that are not federal executive we are losing them by the day. We start with the BPE, she has gone, FIRS, Omoigui, she did not do her full eight years tenure , she was dropped and replaced by a man, Immigration again is replaced by a man, start naming them, they are so many. So, we are fast losing all our women, we are losing the count, the women that we use to count in top positions in this country and is very worrisome and I’m telling you we are not happy.’’ Mrs. Anenih who said she remained unperturbed in the face of the present leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party described the PDP as one family that has inbuilt machineries to put its house in order. ‘’PDP is an organization that has inbuilt capacity to solve its problems. So, it may sound alarming to you who is an onlooker from outside but at the end of the day PDP has the answer and they have the solution because in PDP you find everybody, you find all the experts, they are in PDP and for us we don’t see PDP only as a political party, we see it as a family.’’ On the present scramble between North and South to take over presidency come 2015, the former PDP national women leader who described the agitation as a sad creation said such primordial sentiment is only capable of encouraging and entrenching division, raising up invisible boundaries that are not there adding that

merit and acceptability should form the basic through which anybody regardless of tribe is voted into power. “I mean we should grow out from this primordial ethnic mentality to be more progressive. If we find anybody that is worthy whether man or woman, it does not matter where they come from they should lead this country to greatness. ‘’ Well, President Jonathan promised us that he was going to give us 35% affirmative which he has done in the cabinet but I must say there are some other areas that are not cabinet that the 35% have not been achieved. I’m worried, the recent trend that even the women we have in organizations that are not federal executive we are losing them by the day. We start with the BPE, she has gone, FIRS, Omogui, she did not do her full eight years tenure , she dropped, replaced by a man, immigration again replaced by a man , start naming them, they are so many. So, we are fast losing all our women, we are losing the count, the women that we use to count, the number of women that are in top positions in this country and is very worrisome and I’m telling you we are not happy, I’m not happy about it. If there is a valid reason, those positions should really be replaced by women because we don’t have enough women. So if a woman has to go for a valid reason there are other women, there are many other women, you get one qualified woman on your right, if you look to your right you will see that is equally or even more qualified. Is not that we don’t have the number of qualified women in the pool of women in the streets, we do have. So we should be looking towards that. If they remove a woman let them put a woman back. On the crisis in PDP, she said, well from my experience I’m a founding member of the PDP and so I know the entire do’s and don’ts in PDP and I know how the PDP works. So, I can tell you confidently that I’m not moved with what you think you are seeing. PDP is an organization that has inbuilt capacity to solve its problems. So, it may sound alarming to you who is onlooker from outside but at the end of the day PDP has the answer and they have the solution because in PDP you find everybody, you find all the experts, they are in PDP and for us we don’t see PDP only as a political party, we see it as a family. So even when there is something like a commotion, is just a family thing and at the

•Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mrs. Josephine Anenih end of the day we are going to solve it to show that we are a fami l y . As regards the Mega party being a threat to the PDP come 2015, she emphasized, I personally and I know a number of us in PDP have been praying for a mega party , why, because we are democrats and we know that for our democracy to be properly entrenched we need a viable, constructive opposition. You know they say power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. So that we don’t fall into that trap of just being the only party, nobody is telling us you are missing it here or you would have done it better there. We need a strong, virile, qualitative, constructive opposition party that can put us in check but that does not mean that we will not be in the lead, in the frontrunner, we will be in the lead but we want every hand to be on desk in our democratic experience in this country. So we want people who will be looking at us, watching what you are doing,

telling us we are not doing it right there, saying to us you are too far from us then we will slow down but we will always be in charge. So if there is a mega party who is ready to be a mega constructive party merging it is for the health of the PDP and for the health of democracy in this country. So, I want them to do that. On the woman President, Mrs. Anenih opined, I have not heard of any woman that has interest . If a woman comes out we will look at her if she is acceptable why not because there are so many women that are qualified to be president of this country including myself but we have to show it first, they have to be cleared and once that are clear and acceptable to the party we will present the woman. As regards the agitation between the North/South and the President Jonathan quest for a comeback come 2015, the former PDP women leader said, my take is that this East, West, South and North thing is a sad creation and it is a very, very sad situation. We

should be thinking of Nigeria and see ourselves as Nigerians and so anybody who is a Nigerian citizen and he is acceptable should be voted for as president. This North South dichotomy is encouraging and entrenching division, raising up invisible boundaries that are not there before but are just made up in our mind and it is a sad thing for this country. I want merit and acceptability to be the yardstick and not where you come from, that is what I want. If we say we are copying American Presidential system then we should copy it properly. We are all Nigerians.That’s why a Kenyan boy Obama is president of America. I mean we should grow out from this primordial ethnic mentality and be more progressive . If we find anybody that is worthy whether man or woman it does not matter where they come from, they should lead this country to greatness instead of judging from where that person comes from.

NDE AKINPELU, Ilorin orin East Local ment Area of State has donated kets to the seven ed Okada Riders tions in the with a warning e special adviser tate governor on Matters, Comrade kayode, against

nefarious activities often associated with their activities. The special adviser while distributing the jackets at the council headquarters, Oke-Oyi recently, warned that any erring cyclist caught violating the government’s laid down rules and regulations for the association would be brought to book.

He implored the motorcyclists to continue to partner with the state government in its effort to improve the lot of the citizens. The special adviser promised that government would issue identification cards to registered members of the association in order to ensure transparency and orderliness in their transaction. ‘’The state government will

soon embark on the issuance of identity cards to registered members of Okada Riders Associations’’, Mr. Fakayode remarked. He reiterated that government will not relent in its effort to create conducive environment for its people. The Chairman of Ilorin East Local Government area of Kwara State, Hajia Aminat

Fumilayo Ishola, address stated council would contribute its q socio-economic de the state. The Chairman registered associa home with 40 id jackets each. The programme by people from all

an on mini-buses: RTAN, NURTW emn action, plead for human face

INIC AKPENSUEN

week’s ban on minim plying some areas metropolitan city d much tensions that in the blockage of Mararaba Express th many vehicle ens totally smashed that of Abuja Urban nsit as well as other ent buses. l General Secretary of ansport Employers n Of Nigeria ,(RTEAN) llahi Mohammed, have d the hooliganism by miscreants during rotest march, however he decision of the federal itory administration as minister, Senator Bala ed, for not taking te measures into on before implementing

d that the chaotic reaction uman policy narrowly ed the social activities of the people adding that the movement of intra within the city centre is a velopment which should rough adequate public ments via jingles and reness. ested for a round-table government and the f the system for amicable of the impasse which to him negatively n the people.

Reacting, secretary of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, (NURTW) in Mararaba, Nasarawa state Mr. Aliyu Ahmed disclosed that, the commercial drivers are fully aware of the ban. According to him, a-three month notice was to the union by the Transport Secretary of the FCTA. He alleged that the aim is to face off all rickety vehicles on Abuja roads,revealing that the union had already bought 100 new vehicles incompliance to FCTA’s directive. Chairman of the People Democratic Party, (PDP) Abuja Chapter, Hon. Yahaya Yunusa Suleiman commended the minister’s action in banning the Araba buses. He noted that Abuja as a perfect city there is need to comply with whatever policy that will Abuja a model city, adding, ‘’I know that since majority of the public is going to affect are mainly the illiterate class, there is going to be much resistance, we cannot remain where we are and claim we want to develop.’’ He emphasized that developed countries respect and obey policies that will bring about changes, and if we want to look like the developed democracies of the world, we should expect some changes, he opined. Hon. advised that the FCTA’s action was for good and appealed all concerned should be patience with government to sanitize the city from total collapse from the vision of its founding fathers, pointing out that we shall soon tet used to it.

nilorin VC passes vote of fidence on students’union

NDE AKINPELU, Ilorin

e-chancellor of the ty of Ilorin, Prof. aniyu Ambali, has d satisfaction with the f the student’s union for its constructive o the university ment. gave the commendation sited the student’s union continuation of his tour us units and departments iversity. He said the nt will look into the advice nt leadership as it affects student identification. mended the union for its e development of the

Welcoming the vice-chancellor and members of his entourage earlier, the student’s union president who requested for adequate security of the students urged the university authority to urgently change the identification system for the university’s new intakes. At the student affairs unit, the vicechancellor and his entourage were hosted amidst praises and prayers by staff of the unit for the rice gifts given to them. The deam of the unit, Prof. A.O. Omotesho, who also in his opening remarks commended the university authority, pleaded for more tools and other needs that would make the unit staff perform better.

lL-R: Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State; Anambra State Governor, Peter Abia State counterpart, Chief Theodore Orji, departing after a closed-door meeting House, Abuja, recently.

Delta records 73 f outbreaks in 35 da By OCHEI MATTHEW, Asaba

elta state has no fewer than 73 cases of fire outbreaks were recorded within 35 days in Asaba and its environs between December 21, 2012 and January 3, 2013. The residents, National Accord checks revealed were blamed on refuse dump(s) following the ineffectiveness the local councils in the area(s) to provide workable framework to address the threatening health problems. As it were, destroyed houses

• incidents blamed on refuse dum in Asaba are inherited with little or no much development, an avenue that spread wildfire during the inferno. A landlady in Umuagu whose house was destroyed during the period under review, Madam Nkem Ewogu told our correspondent that her burnt house was inherited, adding that it gutted fire in the mid-night during the wee hours unprecedentedly as efforts to put it out ended in vain. Speaking on the issue, the

While saying th the increase of fi to electricical re the Commission said house owne procure functi fighting gadg extinguisher, smo fire blankets to were also contrib to incessant fire Further inv revealed that usin without puttin proper holder, smoking while

PAGE 19

National Accord, Monday, January 21, 2013

for the record National Assembly capable of rising to any constitutional challenge – Mark

y Distinguished Col leagues, Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, my bosses! I welcome all of us, most heartily, back from the Christmas and New Year recess. I am happy to see so many of us looking radiant and refreshed. I hope you were able to snatch some rest during this period that was not entirely free from bustle, but was in fact, a working break. That, indeed, is the reality of a legislative recess -- a period of interactions and consultations with constituents; a period to feel the pulse of the people; and, a period to rekindle the synergy between the law maker and his constituents. During the recess, we received with heavy hearts the news of the tragic death of Prince Chukwuemeka Ekweremadu, the elder brother of our very dear Deputy President of the Senate. Our thoughts and progress are with the Ekweremadu family in their hour of grief. On behalf of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I commiserate with my brother, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, and the entire Ekweremadu family on this painful loss. We pray that the soul of Prince Chukwuemeka Ekweremadu and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in perfect peace. I have no doubt that we have all returned to our challenging legislative tasks totally reinvigorated. When I welcomed you back from our annual recess on the 19 th of September, 2012, I called for sacrifice and statesmanship. I stressed then that we must rise above narrow and parochial interests in the discharge of our mandate of making laws for the peace, order and good governance of our nation. As I spoke to you most solemnly on that occasion, the spectre of insecurity and sectarian strife hung ominously across our nation. Our national mood was sombre and was made even darker by uncertainties as to which course Government’s fiscal policy would take in 2013. Today, the horizon is not as bleak as it was three months ago. The agents of anarchy and sectarian strife have been kept largely in check by the huge sacrifices of our security forces. I sa-

lute the commitment, the sacrifice and the bravery of our men and women in the security services, who on our account, place themselves daily in harm’s way to confront the formidable perils tearing at the sinews of our corporate existence. Continued vigilance and even greater sacrifice are still needed for terror and insecurity to be totally routed. Internal security operations can certainly benefit from our imaginative legislative efforts aimed at deterring potential perpetrators of such crimes and making the task of the security forces less hazardous. The Senate will continue to work towards these twin objectives. Not only will we endeavour to enhance the capability of the security agencies to detect and nip these pernicious crimes in the bud, we will also work to ensure that the penalties for their commission are made even more stringent. In this connection, i strongly reiterate my earlier calls for capital punishment for this category of offences. I salute you the more, Distinguished Colleagues, for collectively living up to your billing as the vanguards of the democratic tradition. It is truly difficult to imagine a greater assemblage of statesmen and patriots than the 7th Senate. When Mr. President unprecedentedly presented the 2013 Budget Estimates in October, 2012, you admirably rose to the challenge, put aside partisan considerations, and you made history. After a robust, meticulous and exhaustive consideration and debate, the National Assembly passed the 2013 Appropriation Bill on Thursday, 20th December, 2012. Anyone who ever sat in a legislative chamber, or who is even remotely acquainted with the rigors of the legislative process, will appreciate the prodigious amount of work and sacrifice that preceded this feat. Without any fear of contradiction whatsoever, and I have been long in this Cham-

ber to know, I can state that this is the first time, since the commencement of the current democratic dispensation in 1999, that the Appropriation Bill would be passed by the National Assembly before the commencement of a fiscal year. We have eloquently made our point. The National Assembly is capable of rising to any constitutional challenge. Not only has the 2013 Appropriation Bill been passed in good time, the National Assembly has prudently and constructively made inputs that we hope will help give vent to this administration’s economic and social vision. The inputs we have made derive from a responsible and scrupulous synthesis of the desire of the average Nigerian to be freed from the shackles of abject poverty and privation and to put the nation on the path for sustainable economic development. What remains now is for the Executive to ensure that the lofty developmental goals embedded in the budget are fully realised, through full implementation. On our part, we will deploy the mechanism of oversight to ensure that the 2013 Budget is fully implemented, once it is signed into law. Distinguished Colleagues, we have already raised the bar through our stellar performance in 2012. From now onwards, we will be judged

l Senator David Mark

by the very high standards we have already set. We cannot therefore afford to flag as we settle to confront the numerous other critical activities dotting the legislative agenda. On our agenda for 2013 are the further Review of the 1999 Constitution, Petroleum Industry Bill, the Education Act Bill, the Procurement Act (Amendment) Bill, the Nigerian Police Reform Trust Fund Bill as well as Crimes Against Humanity, War Crimes, Genocide and Related Offences Bill, just to mention a few. Distinguished Colleagues, you will recall that at the commencement of my stewardship in the 7 th Senate, I promised on behalf of all of us that this Senate will always stand with the Nigerian people, at all times and in all circumstances, because we are their elected representatives. We have remained unflinching in this respect. And we will continue to do so in 2013 and the years ahead. Therefore legislative activity for 2013 should perfectly dovetail with the synthesised expectations and wishes of the Nigerian people. Such expectations and wishes are not difficult to discern. The inputs we have made in the 2013 budget are in acknowledgement of some of these expectations. The task of the Senate in 2013 would be to work to restore confidence in the ability of the Government to rise to the challenges elicited by the public expectations. We will seek to bring succour to our nation, and re-energise our people’s faith in one indivisible nation, and in constitutional democracy. We will do this by pursuing a legislative agenda that not only promotes the common good, but is also responsive to the national mood and expectations. Some of these expectations can be met within the framework of existing laws, provided that the legislative task of oversight is discharged with firmness, diligence, transparency, courage and commitment. Those expecta-

The task of the Senate in 2013 would be to work to restore confidence in the ability of the Government to rise to the challenges elicited by the public expectations. We will seek to bring succour to our nation, and re-energise our people’s faith in one indivisible nation, and in constitutional democracy.

tions requiring constitution amendment will definitely be accommodated and addressed in the ongoing efforts to further amend the 1999 Constitution. What we should never countenance is any talk about the balkanisation of our country. We have become a melting pot, melded by a common history, a common destiny, and a common heritage. The result is that the fault lines if any have become blurred! It is gratifying to note that our people have continued to repose their faith in democracy. That faith can only be repaid through sustained good governance. This is why all of us, without exception, must resist the temptation to sacrifice governance on the altar of politics as the 2015 elections approach. Not to do so is to inordinately pander to the mere selfish craving for career advancement. I therefore call for even greater sacrifice, commitment and patriotism from all of us. We will continue to constructively collaborate with the Executive, within the context of the principle of separation of powers, to ensure that our nation emerges stronger and more dynamic. Such collaboration in no way diminishes the constitutional status of the National Assembly as the driving force of this democracy. It rather enriches it, for the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary, are partners, all working towards good governance. Just before our last recess, we did observe certain incidents smacking of disrespect and contumacy towards the Senate, and particularly of its power to investigate some MDAs. For now, let me make this very clear: The power to launch investigations into agencies of government is expressly given to parliament by Section 88 of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended), as part of parliament’s oversight functions. The Senate will not brook any act contemptuous of it, nor will it abnegate a responsibility so expressly conferred. Distinguished Colleagues, my bosses, I welcome you back to this Chamber, and wish you a very happy and fruitful 2013. l Being address by the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator (Dr) David A. B. Mark, GCON, fnim at the resumption of Senate Plenary on Wednesday, January 16, 2013.

Monday, January 21, 2013

NATIONAL ACCORD

special feature

The Midas touch of the IGP, Mohammed Abubakar When on Tuesday May 22, 2012 this paper on page 19 carried a story, ''Who is afraid of M.D. Abubakar? as well as on Tuesday August July 24, 2012, pages13 & 14, ''IGP Abubakar and the challenges ahead'' among other articles, many critics least believed that the new police helmsman irrespective of all odds will make an impact in curtailing the security challenges the nation is presently facing. His appointment by President Goodluck Jonathan was greeted with wide-spread condemnations over his Plateau state experience between the year 2,000 and 2001 as CP, the demise of his better half (wife), his mother as well as the attack on his country-home in Kano notwithstanding. Today, he has not only succeeded in bringing the insurgence to its barest minimum but proved his worth by charting a niche for long term security threat solutions in the country. CHRIS DNK RICHARDS takes a look at the innovations of the new brand Mohammed Abubakar to strengthen the force and make it people-oriented as he presents the long over-due police code which National Accord suggests should be strictly adhered-to and maintained by successive administrations that would come after MD Abubakar's regime.

t is pertinent to note that this paper advised that those in strong contest to his job then should wait for now for only God gives and takes positions of trust to His chosen ones. It advised then that the presidency and infact Mr. President should make haste to confirm Mr. MD Abubakar as Nigeria’s substantive InspectorGeneral of police as he waits patiently onto the Lord’s Day to come. After his confirmation as the 17th indigenous Inspector-General of police on Thursday July 12, 2012 by the Nigerian Police Council chaired by the President, this paper again came out with the challenges expected to be ahead of the IGP. The new brand press-friendly MD Abubakar in his wake up call to duty, apart from implementing other service enhancing police-related policies equally reviewed the dress code of the police. It will be recalled that this paper had on its Tuesday August July 24, 2012, pages13 & 14, ‘’IGP Abubakar and the challenges ahead’’advised that, ‘’the review of the dress code for the Nigeria police should conclusively be addressed so that all the officers and men should be identified with a single uniform(s) as obtainable in the Armed Forces (Army, Navy, AirForce) and other Paramilitary agencies. The paper went further to state that, ‘’no uniform(s) should be made only for the senior officers to look different from the men in order not fall target to enemies in the case of crisis.

According to Mr. Francis Bacon (1561-1626) in one of his books published in 1625, it says, ‘’he that will not apply new remedies must expect new evils; for time is the greatest innovator’’. This assumedly is where MD derived his Midas touch from, for a new rebranded and repackaged Nigeria police. According to the police strongman, his vision is to make the country safer and more secured for economic development and growth, create a safe and secured environment for everyone living in Nigeria. While partnering with other relevant security agencies and the public in gathering, collating and sharing information as well as intelligence with the intention of ensuring the safety and security of the country, the police is to participate in efforts to address the root causes of crime while ensuring that any criminal act is thoroughly investigated so as to bring criminals to justice in a relatively fair and professional manner. The new Nigeria police under Mohammed Abubakar since inception have been working with people irrespective of religious, political and social affiliations to deliver quality police service that is accessible to the generality of the people, build a lasting trust in the police by members of the public, protect and uphold the rights of persons, to be impartial and respectful in the performance of police duties as well as continuously evaluate and improve police services. Other values he has been able to inject into the battered police system in the country is to provide equal opportunities for career development for members of the

force, co-operate with all relevant government agencies and other stakeholders and liaise with the ministry of Police Affairs and the Police Service Commission to formulate and implement policies for the effective policing of Nigeria. And just recently the IGP launched a new code of conduct and professional standards for police officers in the country, in order to achieve his mission and vision as well as imbibe the values above stated in the officers. The code which is regarded as an accountability manual that will apply to all officers irrespective of rank will reflect international conventions for law enforcement agents in line with the provisions of sections 353-368 of part xv of the police act (cap 359) and other force orders as well as public service rules. The purpose of having a code of conduct cannot be overemphasized. But for the purposes of clarification, it is among other things, to provide all members of the Nigeria Police Force with a set of guiding principles and standards of behavior while on or off duty. It is also intended to be used by police officers in determining what is right and proper in all their actions. It shall set out an outline which every member of the force can easily understand. It will enable policemen to know what type of conduct by a police officer is right and what is wrong. The code shall equally encompass the following: Primary responsibilities of a police officer: Apolice officer acts as an official representative of government who is required and trusted to work within the confines of the law. The officer’s powers and duties are conferred by a statute.

The fundamental duties of a police officer include serving the community, safeguarding lives and property, protecting the innocent, keeping the peace and ensuring the rights of all to liberty, equity and justice. Performance of duties as a police officer: A police officer shall perform all duties impartially, without favor of affection or ill will and without regard to status, sex, race, religion, political belief or inspiration. All citizens will be treated equally with courtesy, consideration and dignity. Officers will never allow personal feelings, animosities or friendships to influence official conduct. Laws will be enforced appropriately and courteously and in carrying out their responsibilities, officers will strive to obtain maximum cooperation from the public.

•IGP, Mohammed Abubakar While the use of force is occasionally unavoidable, every police officer will refrain from unnecessary infliction of pain or suffering and will never engage in cruel, degrading or inhuman treatment of any person.

that undercut the confidence reposed by the public, in the police. Officer will refuse to accept any gifts, presents, subscriptions, favors, gratuities or promises that could be interpreted as seeking to cause the officer to refrain from

completely with respect and consideration at all times. Personal professional capabilities: Police officers will be responsible for their own standard of professional performance and will take every reasonable

not bring discredit to the force or themselves. A police officer’s character and conduct while off duty must always be exemplary, thus maintaining a position of respect in the community in which he or she lives and serves. The officer’s personal behavior must be beyond reproach. The officers shall conduct themselves, whether on or off duty, in accordance with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all applicable laws, ordinances and rules enacted or established pursuant to legal authority. Therefore, the officers performances under the code shall include such rules as: police officers shall not knowingly exceed their authority in the enforcement of the law; police officers shall not knowingly disobey the laws or rules of criminal procedure in such areas as interrogation, arrest, detention, searches, seizures, use of informants and preservation of evidence; as well as police officers shall not knowingly restrict the freedom of individuals, whether by arrest or detention, in violation of the constitution and laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and police officers, whether on or off duty, shall not knowingly commit any criminal offense under any laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Similarly, police shall refrain from any conduct in an official capacity that detracts from the public’s faith in the integrity of the criminal justice system. Police officers shall carry out their duties with integrity, fairness and impartiality, police officers

•Force Headquarters, Abuja

•Combatant-ready police operatives

They will conduct themselves both in appearance and composure, in such a manner as to inspire confidence and respect for the position of public trust they hold. Discretion: A police officer will use responsibly, the discretion vested in his position and exercise it within the law. Use of force: A police officer will never employ unnecessary force or violence and will use only such force in discharge of duty, as is reasonable I all circumstances. The use of force should be used only after discussion, negotiation and persuasion have been found to be inappropriate or ineffective.

Confidentiality: Whatever a police officer sees, hears or learns which is confidential in nature, will be kept secret unless the performance of duty or legal provision requires otherwise. Members of the public have a right top security and privacy, and information obtained about them must not be improperly divulged. Integrity: A police officer will not engage in acts of corruption or bribery, nor will an officer condone such acts by other police officers. The public demands that the integrity of police officers be above reproach. Police officers must therefore, avoid any conduct that might compromise integrity and

performing official responsibilities honestly and within the law. Police officers must not receive private or special advantage from their official status. Respect from the public cannot be bought; it can only be earned and cultivated. Co-operation with other police officers and agencies: Police officers will co-operate with all legally authorized agencies and their representative as in the pursuit of justice. An officer or agency may be one among many organizations that may provide law enforcement services to a jurisdiction. It is imperative that a police officer assists colleagues fully and

opportunity to enhance and improve their level of knowledge and competence. Through study and experience, a police officer can acquire the high level of knowledge and competence that is essential for the efficient and effective performance of duty. The acquisition of knowledge is a never ending process of personal and professional development that should be pursued constantly. Academic pursuits must however be processed through approved channels in the force. Private life: Police officers will behave in a manner that does

shall equally take no action knowing it will violate the constitutional rights of any person and police officers must obey orders that are manifestly unlawful. In the same vein, police officers shall perform their duties and apply the law impartially and without prejudice or discrimination, hence the rules in the IGP’s third principle as enunciated shall include, that police officers shall provide every person in our society with professional, effective and efficient law enforcement services as well as that police officers shall not allow their law enforcement decisions to be influenced by race,

religion, or other sentiment whatsoever. The Abubakar led new police management team in the fourth principle of the all embracing code spelt out that police officers shall not, whether on or off duty, exhibit any conduct which discredits themselves or the force or otherwise impairs their ability or that of other officers or the force to provide law enforcement services to the community. Therefore, police officers shall not consume alcoholic beverages or intoxicating substances while on duty, except as permitted in the performance of official duties, and under no circumstances while on uniform, except as otherwise exclusively permitted by an enabling authority. Police officers shall not consume alcoholic beverages to the extent the officer would be rendered unfit for the officer’s next scheduled shift. A police officer shall not report for work with the odor of an alcohol beverage on the officer’s breath. Police officers shall not commit any act which constitutes sexual assault or indecent exposure. Sexual assault does not include a frisk or other search done in accordance with proper police procedure and police officers shall avoid regular personal associations with persons who are known to engage in criminal activity where such associations will undermine the public trust and confidence in the officer or the force. Principle five says that police officers shall treat all members of the public courteously and with respect. It also states that police officers shall exercise reasonable courtesy in their dealings with the public, fellow officers, superiors and subordinates; on police officer shall ridicule, mock, deride, taunt, belittle, willfully embarrass, humiliate or sham any person to do anything reasonably calculated to incite a person to violence and police officers shall promptly advise any inquiring citizen of the department’s complaint procedure, and shall follow the established department policy for processing complaints. In principle six police officers shall not compromise their integrity nor that of the force, by accepting, giving or soliciting any gratuity which could be reasonably interpreted as capable of influencing their official acts or judgments, or by using their status as police officers for personal, commercial, or political gain. Police officers shall not use their official position, identification cards: (a) for personal or financial gain, for themselves or another person; (b) for obtaining privileges not otherwise available to them except in the performance of duty; (c) for avoiding consequences of unlawful or prohibited actions. Police officers shall not lend to another person their identification cards or badges or permit these items to be photographed or reproduced without approval of the Inspector-General of Police except as required by supervising government ministries or recognized public services as well as that police officers shall refuse favors or

gratuities which could be reasonably interpreted as capable of influencing official acts or judgments. The men and officers of the force shall not authorize the use of their names, photographs or titles in a manner that identifies the officer as an employee of the force in connection with advertisements for any product, commodity or commercial enterprise and, maintain a neutral position with regard to the merits of any labor dispute, political protest, or other public demonstration while acting in an official capacity, nor make endorsements of political candidates, while on duty, or in official uniform, nor in their private capacities, while remaining in the service of the force. The item seven of the police hand book stated that police

police officers shall not divulge the identity of persons giving confidential information except as required by law or force policy. How would the implementation of the code work under the Nigerian context? The IGP, Abubakar says that: (1) Efforts shall be made to ensure that the principles embodied in the code are reflected in appropriate legislations guiding the Nigeria police force. (2) The code shall be made applicable to all police officers regardless of their jurisdiction. (3) Necessary measures will be placed to instruct, in basic training and subsequent training and refresher courses, police officers of all cadre, on the principles of the code and the implications of their violation. (4) Principles of the code will be given the widest

•Patrol vehicles officers shall not compromise their integrity or that of the force by taking or attempting to influence actions when a conflict of interest exists. Police officers shall, unless required by law or policy refrain from becoming involved in official matters, or influencing actions of other police officers in official matters, impacting the officer’s immediate family, relatives, or persons with whom the officer has or has had a private relationship. Police officers shall not use the authority of their position as police officers or information available to them due to their status as police officers, for any purpose of personal gain including, but not limited to, initiating or furthering personal and/or intimate interactions of any kind with persons with whom the officer has had contact while on duty. Police officers shall not engage in any off duty employment if the position compromises or would reasonably tend to compromise the officer’s ability to impartially perform the officer’s official duties. The eighth principle says that police officers shall observe the confidentiality of information available to them due to their status as police officers. Police officers shall not knowingly violate any legal restriction for the release or dissemination of information; police officers shall not, except in the course of official duties or as required by law, publicly disclose information likely to endanger or embarrass victims, witnesses or complainants and

possible publicity and translated into the major national languages to enable public participation in the monitoring of police conduct across the country. (7) Effective mechanism shall be established to ensure the internal discipline and external control as well as the supervision of police officers. (8) Particular provisions shall be made, for the receipt and processing of complaints against police officers, made by members of the public and the result of the outcomes of such procedures will be not considered classified. The IGP says that the fundamental duty of every police officer and indeed every law enforcement official is to serve mankind, to safeguard lives and property and to protect the innocent against oppression or intimidation and, the peaceful against violence or disorder and to respect the constitutional rights of all men to liberty, equity and justice. The Nigeria police officer in the performance of his duty, the IG said will keep his private life unsullied as an example to all, maintain courageous calm in the face of danger, scorn or ridicule, develop self restraint as well as be constantly mindful of the welfare of others. He maintained that honest in thought and deed both in personal and official and exemplary in obeying the law of the land, regulations of the force and the code of conduct and professional standards as enshrined in the code shall not only be rewarded but shall go a long way to enhance service delivery optimally.

Monday, January 21, 2013, National Accord

mixed grill

ter Lagos council -Adeyemi

USMAN SHEHU, Bauchi

f Press Secretary to Bauchi State vernor, Ishola Adeyemi, has said igerian Broadcasting sion (NBC) has each of the State ity radios in the cal government areas nces and frequencies e with its own name. mi explained that ten mmunity radios has ommenced operation al government areas he equipment for ng ten have their rrived in the state, pected to commence by March this year. e have ten functional ty radios, the first in ry, equipment for the g ten have arrived een now and March take-off the air, that u that everywhere in you will be hearing out Bauchi”, the CPS

auchi Government n who was speaking ceiving the state p of NAWOJ during y call in his office, n the 20 community ully took off, they sengage hooking up Bauchi Broadcasting tion (BRC) and ndividualistically. gerian Broadcasting on has granted them n frequencies and m their licences, each l have its own y and operate ently, they will leave ne and each gets to with its own name”, stated. said equally too, the Secretariat of the Union of Journalists s completely been reot renovated, with lly air-conditioned, y second to Lagos, state working sts will relax after k. PS revealed that in he would soon make the government for vision of working

lNUJ National President, Mohammed Garba

twenty local government councils of the state where their problems were articulated, submitted to Governor Isa Yuguda who graciously, without much-ado, approved towards the improvement of the councils’information offices. He therefore urged the working journalists in the state to not only cooperate, support, and complement the

and carry along its membership, especially those who contested and lost elections whom, he observed, can positively contribute towards the development of the association. “If you see that somebody who contested or in the camp of contestants that lost is or are relevant to you, bring them back and borrow their manifestoes, plans, visions

government for appointing one of them, Ishola Michael Adeyemi, as the Chief Press Secretary whose ambassadorship, she adjudged, is worthy of emulation. She noted that the state government has in its efforts to improve the well-being of women and youths created an agency to cater for their educational, social and other

adequately edu womenfolk on its programmes relat “As mothers, we role to play towar the character o ones. We intend with well-coord intensive campaig overcome the problems bedevill she assured. Hajiya Kaltu

National Accord, Monday, January 21, 2013

METRO FCT to prosecute corrupt officials Stories by JONATHAN IPAA

The Federal Capital T e r r i t o r y Administration, FCTA has said its AntiCorruption War is relentlessly, warning that any official caught breaching financial rules and regulations will be sanctioned and prosecuted. The FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed made this threat known weekend while declaring open a sensitization programme for FCT Administration officers on directorate cadre, organized by FCTA AntiCorruption and Transparency Monitoring Unit (ACTU) at the FCDA Conference, Abuja. The Minister emphasized that this measure has become necessary because the AntiCorruption Crusade is crucial to President Goodluck Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda. Mohammed assured that his Administration would continue to work to ensure zero tolerance against corruption at all levels of the FCT Administration. He reiterated that is Administration is determined to entrench a

culture of accountability and transparency by continuing to sanction and prosecute officers that breach established financial management rules and regulations. While stressing that there is no sacred cow, the Minister challenged FCTA ACTU to as a matter of priority look into land allocation processes as well as other areas like contract procedures and report any suspicion directly to him or the FCT Minister of State or the Permanent Secretary. His words: “We look forward to a dispensation of improved service delivery and probity in the affairs of the FCT Administration through your unbiased activities”. Mohammed assured that President Jonathan is committed to tackling corruption in all its ramifications and at all levels of the society. According to him, President Jonathan has continued to demonstrate clearly his intention to rid the country of corruption; noting that the on-going trial of those involved in the Oil Subsidy scam is one of the clear pointers of Mr. President’s commitment to transparency, accountability and good

AMAC ANPP Ward Chairmen disowns Candidate Ward chairmen of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) said they have not adopted Hon. Ishaku Yamawo as the Chairmanship candidate of the party for the March 16th, 2013 council election. Mr. Opaluwa Israel, Garki ward ANPP chairman who spoke to newsmen condemned the report that the wards chairmen adopted Yamawo, saying that although Yamawo wanted the candidature, but state party chairman set up a committee which is given the power to go round and choose a popular candidate for the election, stating that when the committee submits its report, the candidate for the election will be known. According to Israel, it was a wrong information that an alliance brought in the adoption of Yamawo, that the discussion for the alliance is still in progress, that the committee came in as a result of the planned alliance, which he said will be between the Democratic People’s Party (DPP) All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and any other parties that are available, and not

with Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) since the party are in alliance with Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) who already has a candidate. “As far as I am concerned, I have never endorsed him as the chairmanship candidate for 2013, and none of our party ward chairmen have endorsed him as our candidate for the council election. The state chairman has set up a committee and we are waiting for the report of that committee as to who is going to be our candidate for the 2013 council election, that is stage that we are in as to the preparation for the election,” he said. Mr. Adam Idris, the ward chairman of Kabusa ward of ANPP, also said that he is not aware of candidature of Yamawo, because he has not be informed, while Gwagwa ward Chairman of ANPP, Abdullahi Yahaya, described as a political rumour, saying that no ANPP ward chairmen in AMAC adopted Yamawo as candidate and that the state party are expecting the report of the committee that was set up in respect of alliance and getting a candidate for the council election.

governance. Speaking earlier, the Chairman of FCTA ACTU, Mr. Ozigis Yakubu appreciated the wonderful collaboration ACTU has been receiving from the leadership of the FCT Administration. Mr. Yakubu remarked that FCTA ACTU is poised to

ensure zero tolerance to corruption at all levels of the FCT Administration. The programme was also attended by the FCT Minister of State, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Adamu Ismaila;

representatives of the ICPC and EFCC respectively, as well as senior government functionaries of the FCT Administration. Meanwhile, Mr. Adenekan Shogunle, Chief Legal Officer, ICPC Headquarters Abuja made a paper presentation at the occasion.

Mini Buses: How officials misled FCT Minister •Operators allege fraud in scheme

•Senator Bala Mohammed

ndications at the weekend revealed that the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Administration could have been misled by officials on last week’s ban on Mini Bus in Abuja thus suspending the ban on the use of mini-buses within the Federal Capital City, Abuja. National Accord gathered that the Transport Secretariat of the FCT whose responsibility it was to oversee the operations on transportation including the mini buses gave a wrong account of the true situation to the minister, Senator Bala Mohammed. Reliably sources from the transport secretariat of the FCTA informed that, its secretary, Engr. Jonathan Achara Ivoke did recommended the scrapping of the mini buses in the city in order to reduce the city’s traffic grid lock. Ivoke, we gathered, has also gave a pass mark to the minister on the take off of the Mini buses Transport scheme, reporting that all was well with the distribution of the Super Mega Buses acquired by the FCTA following the last year’s Anti Subsidy protest carried out by workers unions. However, most of the road transport unions we spoke with in Abuja said Ivoke was handling things alone. “He made things difficult for us. Rather than consult, he ruled and will tell anyone that stay to hear: that that is what the minister want.” A chieftain of NARTO confided to correspondent recently. Drivers and conductors unions had alleged that FCTA official wanted to introduce a large scale hardship to them and commuters thus impoverish them. Secretary of the drivers, Prince

Charles Ikwuegbu had warned FCTA and threaten to resist the policy which he said officials had frustrated their quest to join the scheme as certain monies were demanded for registration. The association want Engr. Ivoke fired from his seat as transport secretariat. It stated this three days to the take off of the protest which consumed over ten buses, eight injured and untold hardship caused to commuters. But this is not first time Ivoke would be misleading the administration. He has had trouble with registered park service companies following some disagreement bothering on remittance. He had reported back that the coys were not remitting agreed taxes, thus forcing the coys to make known their account to journalists recently. Otunba Olusegun Olarewaju, Chief Executive Officer, COE of Platnum Parking Management Services, PPMS, Abuja was bold enough recently when he spoke with newsmen in Abuja on the issue. “The transport secretariat has frustrated a smooth parking system in Abuja just because the kind ball he wants is not being played by operators. The issue of taxes is just to blackmail us, the real issue is he want us pay N5m to him and when we declined, he went ahead to bring in new companies and took over some of our routes to them.” Olarewaju revealed. Enrg. Ivoke actions, he said was forcing them to reduce their workforce and the confusion motorists are being subjected to. Ask if the minister was aware of their predicament, the London trained park expert informed that FCTA through its transport secretary was frustrating investors into the FCT. “With this attitude, you cannot convince reputable firms to bring in investment here.” Also worried by this uncoordinated system by the FCTA, the Consumer Protection Council, CPC, last week threaten to wade into the parking scheme. CPC boss, Mrs Ify Umenyi lamented on the series of clashes confusion between park coys, motorists and the regulating authority. “We will engage the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA on the issue with the view to bringing its attention to the pains and confusion the scheme is causing

for the motorists in the city”. However, Engr. Ivoke has denied these allegations. He spoke through Mrs Stella Ojeme, the Public Relations Officer of transport secretariat, saying “First, these parks companies have violated agreed and approved routes and guidelines. In spite making huge monies, they are not paying taxes. The issue of N5m is cheap blackmail they need to prove”. Mrs Ojeme who also explained the Mini Buses policy to newsmen last week, said, her secretariat had met severally with stakeholders on the scheme and counsels the various unions to access the merger buses provided by the FCTA even before the expiration of the January 14th deadline. Following detail briefing on the controversial ban, the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed instructed that the ban be suspended. He gave the order after a meeting with the stakeholders including the officials of the Mini-Buses Union, FCT chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) respectively in addition with the FCT Police Commissioner as well as Director, Department of State Security on Wednesday in his office at Area 11, Abuja. Not satisfy by Ivoke’s misdeed, the Minister thus, directed the setting up of a committee to be chaired by the FCT Permanent Secretary, Engr. Anthony Ozodinobi to fine-tune its implementation. All the stakeholders including the FCT Chapters of the NLC/ TUC respectively, the Police, VIO, FRSC, and member of a civil society organization are being represented on the implementation committee. In order to save Ivoke’s face, however, Senator Mohammed insisted that there was no going back on the policy as it is for the good of all the residents of the FCT. He announced that other transportation related policy including but not limited to car mart, car wash and illegal motor parks scattered in and around the Federal Capital City already banned will also be enforced. The minister lamenting that even the FCT Park-and-Pay policy had faced similar challenges but added that the enforcement of such ban/measures are the only solution to sanitizing the transport-related problems in the Federal Capital Territory.

National Accord, Monday, January 21, 2013

metro Kwali PDP aspirant promises better welfare to leper By JONATHAN IPAA

A chairmanship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwali area council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Mr. Ibrahim Daniel has promised better welfare for lepers of Alheri Special Village at Yangoji community in the area, if elected. Daniel, who was speaking when he visited the lepers at their camp, said his administration will initiate and design a special programme that will enhance the lepers and vulnerable ones to have good welfare in

order to prevent them from walking around indiscriminately to beg for alms. He also assured that his administration will intensify effort to provide soft loan for the physically challenge women in order to embark on any type of trading of their choice so that they will become self-reliant. He said he was quite aware of challenges facing the physically challenge persons as well as vulnerable group in the society, saying time has come for the lepers to come out en masse to cast their vote in order to bring a change for the betterment of all.

“And even then, we are going to look what assistance that comes from FCT administration and other nongovernmental organizations before we will seat down to design a programme for lepers” he said. The chairmanship candidate, who solicited for the lepers support pledged to provide them with potable drinking water and renovation of their primary school at the camp. Ealier, the chief of lepers, Malam Isa Ali, said lepers at the camp has been living peaceful with the Gbagyi indigenes of the area since they were moved by FCT

administration from the city center to Yangoji. He commended the chairmanship candidate for refurbishing a bore-hole at the camp, adding the existing hand pump bore-hole was not enough and appealed for sinking additional bore-hole in order to complement one. He assured the chairmanship candidate of his people total support during the election and advised him to be wary sycophant that may be working with him in order not to derail from fulfilling his campaign promises. “Again, we will also like to request for you to look in to

AMAC boss faults decision to dissolve FCT Area councils By KINGSLEY MADAKI

he council chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Micah Jiba, has expressed dismay over the recent suggestion to dissolve the six elected council chairmen in FCT to replace them with care taker chairmen, saying it will be injurious to the grass root. The chairman who spoke to journalists in Abuja last weekend during a town hall meeting said the decision is unconstitutional adding that some of the gigantic projects carried out by AMAC are sometimes misunderstood as project of federal capital Administration. According to him, “In most of the communities visited during the media project tour, you journalists can see

for yourself the rural electrification project, water project, health care project and road project in 12 communities of the council. All this projects are to decongest the city and they are standard and still functional, I want to assure you that if other Area councils are not doing their job we are doing our own job” He said. “ FCT area councils has done massively well in terms of rural development and road construction even with the little amount it collects from the FCT as federal allocation” He said. Hon. Jiba therefore, advise the minister of FCT senator Bala muhammed to continue on his developmental projects in the nation’s capital and resist any advise that is

Man, 37, jailed for screening an offender An Abuja Magistrates Court in Wuse Zone 6 has sentenced Remi Kode, 37, of Mpape, Abuja, to two weeks imprisonment for screening an offender. Magistrate Hauwa Aliyu, however, gave the convict an option to pay N2, 000 fines. Police prosecutor Onaji Joseph had told the court that on Jan. 11, Gambo Iliya of Scrap Market, Mpape, reported the matter to the police. “Iliya bought two scrap cars from one Timothy of Mpape village and

discovered later that Timothy was not the owner of the items,’’ the prosecutor said. Joseph further told the court that Kode was aware that the scrap cars sold to Iliya by Timothy were stolen, and he quickly informed him to abscond, when he heard that the police were looking for him. However, Kode, who pleaded guilty, said: “I am not aware that the scrap cars that Timothy sold were not his own. I only told him that the police were looking for him’’.

•Hon. Micah Jiba

capable of destroying the good work he has done in the territory. Some of the projects visited during the recent media project tour are 3 block class room with 75 pieces of school desk at

kuchingoro of Gwarinpa ward, Health care centre at Gofinda and Dakwa in Jiwa ward, 500 KVA transformers at wumba and Dutse community at Garki ward and others.

the issue of monthly stipends which we have been enjoying during former Olusegun Obasanjo, administration, but was later stopped after Obasanjo left” he said.

Two rapist nabbed An Upper Area Court, sitting in Mararaba in Nasarawa state has ordered two accused persons to be remanded in prison for alleged criminal conspiracy, rape and causing hurt. The accused persons are Aliyu Dauda, 30, of Uke Karishi in Adokasa and Kabiru Ibrahim, 32, of New Nyanya Junction all in Nasarawa State. The Prosecutor, Mr Jospeh Ahwa, told the court that the two persons conspired with themselves and raped one lady (names withheld) of Masaka on January 12, 2012. Ahwa said the victim boarded the accused persons’ vehicle at New Nyanya Junction to Masaka. “Instead, they took her to Adokasa where they had sexual intercourse with her. They beat her up, as a result, she sustained injuries on her face and leg,” he said. Ahwa told the court that the offence contravened sections 97, 283 and 246 of the Penal Code. The prosecutor urged the court not to grant the accused bail. “This would also give the police enough time to carry out a thorough investigation”, he added. The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charge. They said the lady consented to the act. Mr Okpeke Gabriel, the counsel to the accused persons, urged the court to grant his clients bail, stressing that “the victim in question willingly gave herself to them. She was not raped.’’ The presiding Judge, Mr Vincent Gwahemba, refused to grant bail to the accused persons. He ordered them to be remanded in prison and adjourned the case to Feb. 11 for further hearing.

Nokia phone theft lands Mechanic in jail A mechanic, Rilwanu Ali of Banex Plaza Junction in Wuse 2, Abuja, has been sentenced by an Abuja Senior Magistrates Court to one month imprisonment for stealing a Nokia X2 mobile phone. Senior Magistrate Aminu Eri, however, gave Ali an option of N1, 000 fines. The Police Prosecutor, Mr Emmanuel Adikwu, had told

the court that the case was lodged at the Maitama Police Station on Jan. 11 by one Mohammed Umar of Maitama, Abuja. Adikwu alleged that on January, 9, 2013 Ali stole Umar’s Nokia Cell phone worth N11, 500 and sold it to one Paul Simon for N2, 500. Ali admitted to the charge levelled against him and prayed the court for mercy. “I work as an apprentice at a mechanic shop and I

misplaced my boss’s spanner, a tool used at the shop and that made my boss very angry. I was asked to replace the missing tool. I did not have any money and did not know where to get money; that was why I resorted to stealing. “I am praying the court to have mercy on me and I will not commit such act again,’’ he said. The magistrate, however, convicted him, saying the punishment was to serve as a deterrent to other offender.

PAGE 26

National Accord, Monday, January 21, 2013

features

States and local govts joint account: Matters arising The Nigerian constitution made provision for three tiers of government which will made up the federating entity called ‘’Nigeria’’. They are the local, state and federal governments. Top positions to these tiers of government, according to the constitution should be elective through the peoples’ ballot-mandate. But what is happening to the last tier of government that hitherto supposed to be grassroots-oriented is something that calls for public discuss as every politician takes it as a right to not only play gamble with funds allocated to this tier but show their ill-gotten might and fast-fading superiority to those who elected them into office. CHRIS DNK RICHARDS writes on this shameless show of power by various Nigerian governors against local government chairmen in the country with particular reference to Imo state.

Umar signs constitution guaranteed ; and 2013 Taraba accordingly, the government of every state shall subject to section 8 of this budget into constitution, ensure their existence under a law which provides for the lawstructure, composition, establishment,

he starvation and stagnation of funds to the third tier of government by successive administrations (federal and states) in Nigeria cannot be over-emphasized. This started from the military dictatorship through the unorganized civilian dispensations in the country. Irrespective of the people’s yearnings and calls for the true autonomy of local governments in Nigeria as the closest to the grassroots, government has paid deaf ears to this peoples’ aspiration, making it impossible for every local government chairperson to discharge his/her constitutional duties without hindrances. This led to the formation of the Association of Local government of Nigeria, (ALGON) during the military dispensation to at least give a oneunited voice for the clamor for real autonomy of local governments in Nigeria with Owelle Rochas Okorocha as its Patron, not only rented or sold his property in Maitama from where ALGON headquarters operated from but supplied through a high profile contract the ALGON Prado Jeeps meant for security patrol of local government areas. Today, the Owelle ndi-Igbo and the executive governor of Imo state is not said but seen to have deviated from the original course he was fighting against during the military era. It is against this backdrop that a nongovernmental organization and civil society group known as ‘’SAVE LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL AUTONOMY GROUP’’ last Tuesday in a press conference in Abuja kicked against the highhandedness of the Gov. Rochas Okorocha’s administration in Imo state, alleged that the governor has succeeded in strangulating the local government system in the state. The organization noted with dismay what it called the rape, abuse and disobedience to the contents, letters

lGov Owelle Rochas Okorocha

and spirit of the provisions of the 1999 constitution as amended with regards to the autonomy of local government councils as the third tier of government under our federal system of government. The group’s Executive Secretary,

The organization noted with dismay what it called the rape, abuse and disobedience to the contents, letters and spirit of the provisions of the 1999 constitution as amended with regards to the autonomy of local government councils as the third tier of government under our federal system of government.

Legislative Watch & Coalition of Civil Societies/Professionals, Hon. Ngozi Ihuoma brought to fore the Rochas Okorocha’s misdemeanors in the state during the media briefing. She stated that there is no moral or legal justification why the governor should insist in starving the local governments of funds knowing that the tier of government constitutionally created with legitimate functions to the people. She cited that the Nigerian constitution further specified how the political structure of the local government council shall be governed when it stated in section 7(1)thus, ‘’the system of local government by constitution by democratically elected local government councils is under this

finance and functions of such councils.’’ She affirmed that section 3(1) & (6) of the constitution clearly specifies the federating units when it said, (1) ‘’there shall be thirty-six states in Nigeria’’, that is to say Abia state-Zamfara state; and (6)‘’there shall be seven hundred and sixty-eight local government areas in Nigeria sdhown in the second column of part 1 of the first schedule to this constitution,’’ that is to say Abia North-Zurumi. She therefore called for urgent harmonization of this constitutional against the people which currently serve as an avenue through which state governors siphon funds meant for the development of the grassroots. People interviewed their displeasure over this prolonged matter which they say the problem is not with constitution but with operators, because they are greedy. They said there is no state chief executive that could be regarded as a saint anymore in Nigeria because all of them have sinned and come short of the trust of Nigerians. They frowned at the non-challant matter with which the anti-graft agencies as well as the courts in the country have been handling fraudrelated issues among politicians, noting that unless stringent measures are taken against the culprits, political offices will continue to a haven these politicians’. Continuing, Hon. Ihuoma stated that to actualize the provisions of the constitution, it provided for the distribution of federation account among the federal, states and local government councils as in section 162(3). ‘’ any amount standing to the credit of the federation account shall be distributed among the federal and states governments and the local government councils in each state on such terms and such manner as may be prescribed by the National Assembly’’. The group condemned the nonconducting of local government elections into local councils as stipulated in the constitution, noting that all state governors are guilty of this because of their quest to perpetuate themselves in power.

National Accord, Monday, January 21, 2013

accord classified PUBLIC NOTICE

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FAITH POWER WORD DOMINION CHURCH

HOUSE OF HOPE GLOBAL GOSPEL CENTRE

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Centre has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

ASSOCIATION OF IBEJU-LEKKI INDIGENES

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. UKU GIDEON 2. CHARITY GIDEON UKU 3.CHIGOZIRI IBELEMA OBUKURU 4.WALI CHIGOZIRI OBUKURU

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR ABU JAMES AGWULAR 2. PASTOR MRS RACHEAL ABU 3. PASTOR MATTHEW JOHN 4. DEACON REUBEN GARBA AKINTSE

CHAIRMAN

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Any objection to this REGISTRATION should be forwarded to the Registrar-General. Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguyi Ironsi Street, PMB 198, Matiama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of publication Signed: SECRETARY

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. Any objection to this REGISTRATION should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguyi Ironsi Street, PMB 198, Matiama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of publication. Signed: BARR. ELIZABETH ISHOLA

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied matters Act 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. HRM OBA OLUSEGUN BAMIDELE SALAMI 2. HRM OBA TAJUDEEN AFOLABI ELEMORO 3. HRM OBA AMUSA ATIKU ORIMEDU 4. HON. SHAKIRUDEEN TOYIN GANIU 5. MR. AMUSA AINA BAKAI THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. TO PROVIDE A FORUM FOR SOCIAL INTERACTION AND COOPERATION AMONG MEMBERS. Any objection to this REGISTRATION should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguyi Ironsi Street, PMB 198, Matiama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of publication. Signed: BARR. ELIAS

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PRAISE ARMY MUSIC MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL

OBINKITA PROGRESSIVE UNION (ABUJA BRANCH)

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PRESIDENT SECRETARY OCHOGWU - VICE PRESIDENT TREASURER

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wo nabbed for impersonating EFCC offic

onomic and Financial Crimes ion, EFCC, has arrested two Tanimu Abubakar (also known m) and Mohammed Yaba for parading themselves as officials mmission. pects who were picked up in d gone to the Federal Capital Authority on 15th January, 2013

with offer to assist a director of the agency”Kill” a petition allegedly written against him. However they were not so lucky as an official of the agency contacted the EFCC. Following the complaint, operatives of the Commission swung into action and arrested them. Investigation into the scam continues. This arrest is the latest in the rising

incidences of impersonation of officials of the commission by fraudsters who use fake letter head of the Commission to write bogus invitation letters to members of the public. Some citizens with issues to hide have unwittingly fallen victims to these fraudsters. Most victims usually do not report to the Commission and some go away

CPC swoops on Delta “failed contractors”,corrupt officials

CHEI MATTHEW, ASABA

wing serveral petitions to anti-graft sion(s), (ICPC and EFCC) rtedly worried Deltans hat was described as mental looting in Delta” to orrupt persons to book to have taken a new on as the intention of the adership of the crime agency may have beamed ch light(s) on the state ment officials including contractors”. y (two) contractors (name ) are alleged to have been by the officials of the Antimmission over non execution (s) in the cost of N6billion. ssioners in the affected s, who did not want their the print, confirmed that the rs were handled in “their evil king it was business as usual. s hinted that “Concerned for good governance are y hell bent of making lives le for those they described as looting the treasury of the ecially the contractors who egedly abandoned project ter collecting mobilization

…as fear envelops ministry workers fees. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, the Commissioner for Works, however disclosed that contractors were the major problems of the state dispelling that there have been no abandoned projects. But our informed sources said the ICPC Boss, Mr. Ekpo Nta has declared that his primary attention would be on investigating the “failed contractors” who abandoned projects on site after collecting mobilization fees, and persons living in apartments or owing properties above their legitimate menus. However, in regard to Delta state, sources said there were avalanche to petitions on a particular Senator, Former Acting governor; top appointees of Governor Uduaghan, high ranking Civil Servants and some members of the State House of Assembly. checks revealed that government officials who owned choice properties across the state ministries change of properties names to their wives, relations and children to avoid being arrested. Some workers who craved anonymity told our correspondent that various Ministries have been gripped in fears of

lICPC Boss, Mr. Ekpo Nta

the unknown as top officials now resort to daily meetings. Expectedly, the newly established departments of the ICPC are strategized to uncover disguised properties’ ownership is also clear that some heads will role and some properties will be forfeited.

with the erroneous imp the fraudsters are bona of the EFCC. The Commission implo of the public to report an for gratification by a claiming to be an official to the Commission or police station.

Gombe g convoy invo in an accid

The convoy of the g Gombe state, Alhaj Hassan Dankwam involved in a fatal car Wednesday night lead death of one person a six others wounded. The crash occurred al Yola highway as the gover way back to the state c touring projects at Shi government area. Witnesses told an agenc a speeding pickup van accident when it lost c rammed into a police van a 406 sedan in Dankwambo The governor’s car was involved in the multiple c Meanwhile, in another d the majority leader of the House of Assembly was same Wednesday night identified gunmen. Alhaji Abdulhamid Waz shot dead at close range six gunmen inside his resid opposite the Gombe state u associate of the politic Yakubu told reorter. The associate said t stormed Doho’s residen 8.30pm. The slain politician’s d also shot in her left arm. treated at the Federal Me Gombe.

cay in police colleges: SERAP asks ICPC to probe spending on trainees’ w

cio-Economic Rights and ability Project (SERAP) ed the Chairman of the ndent Corrupt Practices her Related Offences sion (ICPC) Mr. Ekpo Nta ntly and thoroughly probe nding for police trainees’ or the past 10 years.” anization said this will “help to whether the money budgeted to he infrastructure and conditions colleges and trainees’ welfare e country have been spent as or simply stolen, misused or

Channels TV shows among others that training facilities are in terribly bad shape; that the college is overcrowded (housing 3000 people instead of 750); that student hostels are in dilapidated conditions and lack beds, mattresses and decent and functioning toilets.” “The poor, dehumanizing and deteriorating conditions of the Police College, Ikeja and other police colleges across the country seem to explain why the force has been unable for many years to provide adequate security for the common man and to effectively tackle crimes. The inhuman and degrading treatment of

institutions cannot effectively perform the crucial function of training quality officers that will be able to maintain law and order, and contribute to the efforts to improve the safety and security challenges facing the country today let alone win public trust and confidence.” “SERAP believes that the investigation by the ICPC into the management and spending of budgets meant for police colleges across the country would provide the much needed accountability and put a stop to the apparent mismanagement of public resources in that sector. What Nigerians saw in the documentary cannot

management of public resources.” The organization therefo Commission “to exert its man and influence to ensure tha known in this matter.” commission for the followin The Commission shou transparently investigate the and spending of the budg colleges for the past 10 y establish the use to which the been put and make public t its investigation. The Commission should e

evealed: Sex scandals in Akw bom State Government Hous

OLOMON JOHNNY

ly, politicians and those in orridors of power are ed to live a life of nd abuse. They survive by heir tracts or using the pegs gs attached to their offices eir misdeeds going to the n. Threats and intimidation ometimes make good are se in whipping whistle uding the press into line. hey run out of luck as what e dark gets to be seen and e housetop. actly the case with the y and somehow thrilling Comfort and Maria (not who earlier on worked with State Ushering Group as group stinks with allegation vasion not known in recent d Akwa Ibom State can only save its face if it mmediate probe into what s protocol department with nishing the culprit(s) and ity and decency there. the scandal is filtering into some of the ushers have r offers while others have ed down believably for longstanding secrets of the ort resigned her offer not came with a confession on s of the group which is by a former ace radio and anchor of a fanhistory programme which venings in one of the radio o, Akwa Ibom state capital, eld by us). a down-to-earth, no-holener, tells stories of sexual nism, group pervasion and ualism performed on most s in the ushering group by se brilliance and sense of and encyclopedia has at s got him a place in Aso wa Ibom state government s report, our sources take nner circle of the ushering veal its most dark secrets. tory of how one man has ndemned the future of innocent girls and turned slaves. ot all. The indulgence, our informant, has occultic on as well as the rituals n the greedy but willing Lastly, it reveals how state shed by an individual in the l manner.

lStrippers

whole world with this story because I believe it can save the life of one innocent girl. If the ones in the group are beyond saving, at least, I hope that this confession can act as a warning to those innocent girls outside, who are constantly recruited into the Ushering group to meet the demand for more souls. Parents must be watchful over their children and beware of sudden wealth by little girls who were sent to school, or God will hold them accountable for the fate that befalls their children. I joined the ushering group late last year, (2011) hoping to augment my income. The money was good, and since my benefactor had passed away, I saw it as a way to help relieve the burden on my mother. We were more than 40 girls or there-about at the time. During that event, I made about N350, 000.00. I had never seen that kind of money in my life, I thought it was God-sent. We were later taken to the man’s house in Abak, called Arbark Cort and where given alcohol, and all manner of things. We danced and partied the whole night. From that day, my life changed. Then our group leader, named Rodar (not real name) started taking us to the man’s house located on Unit A…, Ewet

but I noticed that most of the girls never left the house. The girls called themselves house-mate and the man Big Brother. The frequency of going to his house started increasing. He lavished expensive gifts on us, started sending us abroad, some girls would go to Ghana, others South Africa, some to Dubai and others to London. We lodged in the most expensive rooms of big hotels, Francis place, Le Meridien, when in Uyo and the most expensive hotels whenever we are going outside Uyo. In one of the hotels we lodged, I was surprised to see that one of the suit we stayed in cost over N250,000.00 per night. I thought I was in paradise. We were given blackberry phones, Ipads, laptops, anything money could buy. All we had to do was just ask, then do as he wishes. Back in Uyo, things started changing. The frequency of going to his house started increasing, the money we made doubled. In fact, at a point, some girls where making more than N500,000.00 a weekend. Then the dancing changed. More girls were being constantly brought in. Most times, when we get to his house, we had to be naked, dancing and drinking naked. Imagine the site of so many girls naked, drunk and dancing. The money was tripled at this point. For

the fun. Stories of Lesbianis making the rounds in the g man will bring in lesbians fro the state to entice us to practi He celebrates birthdays for e girls. In fact, the things that during the birthday celebrati of the girls Comfort, (name r which took place in his hous would make decent people Some of the girls, to gain a favors, would quarrel; fight e in order to gain his attention. Money was never a pro constantly told us we could m money if we behaved. We had money to spend. Some girls bo and others opened shops. Th like a real big girl. I could buy wanted. It was during this time tha invited me to church. I am n church type, but I think God open my eyes. While in the ch prophet came to me and asked him after the service. I have this man before so I was curio to see him the next day priv when he saw me, he just stared over 10 minutes without sayin I became uncomfortable and go out. Then he started spea first thing he said was: “wh profit a man if he gains the loses his soul?” He continued: is taking your star and your fu have been initiated into t kingdom and you need the gra to break from that bondage”. H things about the man that I imagined or taken note of. He perfectly well the things I did the group. He went as far as that because of our sacrifice, rank has been increased in world. He even described the c furnishings in his house significance of each item. The prophet also exposed h ritualism has become ramp especially for politicians. H (politicians) sleep with as many possible, without using pro facilitate the exchange of blood. have slept with you, your futur tied to them and you can never anything without them. They tak they also take the stars of any p you have a relationship with. I h suspected that there was someth about what we did but I never had been a willing sacrificial lam he asked me to make a public co the things I have done, that God me. So that is why I’m sending

National Accord, Monday, January 21, 2013

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National Accord, Monday, January 21, 2013

FOREIGN Death toll in Algeria crisis 'could rise' G

overnments have been scrambling to track down missing nationals after the bloody end to a gas plant siege in the heart of the Algerian Sahara that saw rebels kill 23 foreign and Algerian hostages, while the Algerian government warned that the toll could rise. "I fear that it may be revised upward," Communications Minister Mohamed Said told public Channel 3 radio of the number of dead on Sunday, a day after special forces stormed the remote desert facility to end a crisis that saw seven foreigners killed by their captors in the final moments. A total of three British nationals are confirmed dead in the hostage crisis and a further three, plus a British resident, are believed to be dead, Prime Minister David Cameron said on Sunday. "I spoke to the Algerian prime minister yesterday and it is now clear that this appalling terrorist incident in Algeria is now over," he said in a statement. "Tragically, we now know that three British nationals have been killed, and a further three are believed to be dead. And also a further British resident is also believed to be dead." Japanese engineering firm JGC Corp said 10 of its Japanese and seven of its foreign workers remained unaccounted for. JGC confirmed the safety of 61 of its 78 workers at the In Amenas facility in the desert that was stormed at dawn on Wednesday by fighters from "Signatories in Blood," a group demanding an end to French military intervention in Mali. "But the safety of the remaining 10 Japanese and seven foreign workers is yet to be confirmed," a JGC spokesman said in Tokyo.

Kuala Lumpur said JGC had told it one of two Malaysians still unaccounted for is dead whilst the fate of the other was unknown. Manila said 52 Filipinos caught up in the crisis had been accounted for, but it was still not known whether any others were dead. Witness accounts Dramatic accounts emerged after Algerian special forces stormed the remote desert facility on Saturday to end a hostage crisis that saw seven foreign hostages killed by their captors in the final moments as the military moved in. Relatives of Kenneth Whiteside, 59, from Glenrothes in Scotland, were "devastated" after hearing that an Algerian co-worker claimed to have seen him being shot but dying bravely with a smile, Britain's Mail on Sunday reported. The mother of one survivor told the Sunday Mirror her son, Stephen McFaul, 36, from Belfast, will be scarred for life. Forced to wear explosives, he fled when the kidnappers' convoy he was in came under fire on Thursday. "He'll have nightmares for the rest of his life after the things he saw," Marie said. Thirty-two kidnappers were also killed in the 72-hour stand-off, and the army freed "685 Algerian workers and 107 foreigners," Algeria's interior ministry said on Saturday, although the final toll of the dead and missing remained unclear. Among the dead were an unknown number of foreigners - including from Britain, France, Romania and the United States. The kidnappers, whose leader is Algerian Mokhtar Belmokhtar, a former

al-Qaeda commander, first killed a Briton and an Algerian on a bus on Wednesday before taking hundreds of workers hostage when they overran the gas plant. The apparent leader of the hostagetakers on the ground warned in a recording broadcast on Saturday that he would blow up the facility if the

The French have not confirmed the strikes. Speaking at the Ivory Coast summit, Laurent Fabius, French foreign minister, said: “France was obliged to intervene very, very rapidly, otherwise there would have been no more Mali ... but it is well understood that it is the Africans that must pick up the baton.” Saturday’s meeting in Abidjan comes after Malian soldiers, backed by French troops and air power, retook a key central town from rebels who had advanced from their northern stronghold, threatening the capital Bamako. The developments came as French President Francois Hollande reiterated on Saturday that French troops would only leave Mali once the “terrorists were defeated”. "I am often asked the question: how long will this last? I reply ... 'As long as is necessary'. As long as is necessary so that terrorism can be defeated in that part of Africa," he said in Tulle, France. As fighting continued, Human Rights

Source: Agencies

Japan warns China over 'airspace violations' Japan has said it may fire warning shots to keep foreign aircraft from violating the airspace over a set of dispuated islands, in the latest verbal exchange between Tokyo and Beijing. Japanese officials made the comments after Chinese fighter jets recently tailed its warplanes near the islands in what is believed to be the first scrambling of Chinese air force jets since the tensions began to rise last spring.

W African leaders urge global support on Mali West African leaders meeting at an emergency summit in the Ivory Coast city of Abidjan have urged more global involvement to help ward off rebels in Mali. Alassane Ouattara, Ivory Coast president, who is also current head of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) regional bloc, said on Saturday that it was high time others did their bit to help end the crisis. “The hour has come for a broader commitment by the major powers and more countries and organisations to the military operations to show greater solidarity with France and Africa,” he said. “We must speed up the re-establishment of Mali’s territorial integrity with the logistical support of our partners ... [and] go beyond our current deployment numbers,” Ouattara said, calling for international financial support for African nations involved in the Mali effort. African leaders were also urged to fasttrack the deployment of African troops to boost a French-backed offensive in Mali against fighters led by the al-Qaeda-linked group Ansar al-Dine. Timbuktu air strikes Meanwhile, the French air force bombed rebel position in Timbuktu. An Al Jazeera reporter witnessed three air stikes - at 8pm, 8:30pm and 1am local time - on Saturday and Sunday morning. One of the strikes hit a compound that used to belong to Libya’s former leader Muammar Gaddafi, which the Mali rebel leadership was using as its base in the town.

army got too close. In Saturday's final assault, "the Algerian army took out 11 hostagetakers, who killed seven foreign hostages," state television said, without giving a breakdown of nationalities.

Watch (HRW) confirmed reports by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), saying it had received reports of horrific abuses being committed in Mali. HRW said it had received credible reports of serious abuses, including killings, being committed by Malian security forces against civilians around the central town of Niono. "We urge the Malian authorities, as well as the French and [West African] soldiers/ authorities to do their utmost to ensure the protection of all civilians," the New Yorkbased group said in a statement. HRW said that Tuaregs and Arabs, ethnic groups most associated with rebels who have controlled Mali's north, were being especially targeted. Mali's army was not immediately available for comment. Al Jazeera's correspondent Nazanine Moshiri, reporting from Bamako, quoted the Ansar al-Dine as saying that a French air raid hit one of their vehicles killing two of their fighters as they were attempting to leave the town of Diabaly. "There are reports the rebels are leaving their pickups and other vehicles and moving on foot with the civilians in an attempt to avoid French air strikes," she said. Against this backdrop of conflict, concerns about the humanitarian situation in Mali have mounted, with a UN agency voicing fear that fighting could displace 700.000 more people in the coming months. Source: Al Jazeera and agencies

According to Chinese media, a pair of J-10 fighters was scrambled after Japanese F-15s began tailing a Chinese surveillance plane near the disputed islands in the East China Sea. China has complained the surveillance flight did not violate Japanese airspace and the F-15s were harassing it. Tracer rounds Concerns have grown over official comments suggesting new Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his Cabinet are considering the use of “tracer” fire as a means of responding to airspace incursions. Tracer rounds are designed to burn brightly to get the attention of a pilot who may have missed other warnings due to a radio malfunction, while also indicating that the aircraft firing them is prepared to take further action. “Every country has procedures for how to deal with a violation of its territory that continues after multiple cautionary measures,” Itsunori Onodera, the Japanese defence ministr, said on Wednesday when asked if tracer shots would be fired against intruding aircraft that refuse to change course. “We have response measures ready that are consistent with global standards.” Onodera said the use of warning shots has long been provided for under Japan’s defence policies and is widely accepted under international rules of engagement. Japan’s air force has not actually resorted to them since 1987 - against a Soviet aircraft - and none were fired last week. But Chinese and Japanese media have suggested Tokyo is publicly floating the possibility to test China’s reaction. US concern The escalation of tensions has worried the United States, with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton saying on Friday that while the US doesn’t take a position on who has sovereignty over the islands, it opposes “any unilateral actions that would seek to undermine Japanese administration”.

Monday, January 21, 2013, National Accord

foreign Fighters in Myanmar claim ceasefire breach

ighters from the Kachin ethnic minority have accused the government of Myanmar of launching an attack on communities in the north of the country. The reported Sunday attacks came days after a ceasefire pledge by the country’s reformist government.” They’re still fighting,” said James Lum Dau, the Thailandbased spokesman for the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO), the political wing of the rebel Kachin Independence Army (KIA). He said the military was battling to retake control of a strategically important hilltop several kilometres away from the KIA headquarters in Laiza using artillery shells and ground forces.” They want to take all their artillery on the hilltop and then they will immediately do something to occupy Laiza,” he said. Witnesses reported seeing hundreds of government

troops involved in the operation. The Myanmar government announced on Friday that it would end a military offensive against the Kachin fighters with effect from Saturday morning, but within hours the fighters reported coming under fire again.The government pledge came amid growing international concern about the use of air strikes in the conflict.Since the ceasefire vow, however, there have been no reports of further air raids.Tens of thousands of people have been displaced in the state since June 2011, when a 17-year ceasefire between the government and the KIA broke down.The total number of casualties is unknown, but the government said Friday that 35 soldiers had been killed and 190 injured in a series of ambushes by the fighters since 2011.Myanmar’s quasicivilian government has reached tentative ceasefires with a number of major ethnic rebel groups since taking

Obama to take oath of office for second term US President Barack Obama will take the oath of office for the second and final time this weekend during an inauguration celebration that kicks off his second term in a more muted tone than his historic swearing-in four years ago.On Sunday, following a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, Obama will be sworn in officially at the White House at 16:55 GMT, meeting the constitutional requirement that he do so on January 20. That portion will be private except for a media presence with a small audience of mostly family members.Obama will repeat the procedure on Monday during a public ceremony at the US Capitol. Both times he will be sworn in by Supreme Court Justice John Roberts who, in 2009 after flubbing the oath the first time, administered it to Obama again in the White House the day after his inauguration. The president’s two recitations this year, therefore, will be the third and fourth time he has taken the oath.It will be only the second time he has made an inaugural address, however, and millions worldwide will be watching. An estimated 800,000 people are expected to flock to Washington for the event, down from a record 1.8 million in 2009.In his inaugural speech, Obama is expected to talk about the need for political compromise where

•US President Barak Obama possible, a nod to the divisive fights with the Republican-led House of Representatives over the “fiscal cliff” and raising the US debt ceiling. He will emphasise that the values on which the United States was founded should still guide the country in the 21st century and encourage Americans to make their voices heard to influence lawmakers’ actions, according to an administration official.He will also touch on the goals he hopes to address in his second term, while leaving detailed policy blueprints for hisState of the Union address next month, the official said.Deficit reduction, gun control, immigration reform, and energy policy are likely to be top priorities in his second term.342 Source: Agencies

power several Kachin little

in early 2011, but rounds of talks with fighters have shown progress.The KIO

accuses the government of pushing dialogue only on the basis of a ceasefire and troop withdrawals, neglecting to

address longstanding demands for greater political rights.307 Source: Agencies

Beijing to unveil new rules against pollution Beijing is to unveil unprecedented new rules against hazardous air pollution in China’s capital, as deteriorating air quality threatens to become a rallying point for wider political dissatisfaction. The rules will formalise previous ad-hoc measures, including shutting down factories, cutting back on burning coal and taking certain vehicle classes off the roads on days when pollution hits unacceptable levels, the official Xinhua news agency reported on Sunday.Air quality in Beijing, on many days degrees of magnitude below minimum international health standards for breathability, is of increasing concern to

China’s leadership because it plays into popular resentment over political privilege and rising inequality in the world’s s e c o n d - l a r g e s t economy.Domestic media have run stories describing the expensive air purifiers government officials enjoy in their homes and offices, alongside reports of special organic farms so cadres need not risk suffering from recurring food safety scandals. Smog blanketed most of the city from late Friday, prompting the government to warn people to reduce o u t d o o r activities.Transparent approachOn Saturday, an index measuring PM2.5, or particulate matter with a

•Dense pollution continues to plague the city as politicians vow to implement strict new rules (Gallo/Getty)

diameter of 2.5 micrometres (PM2.5), rose as high as 400 in some parts in the city. A level above 300 is considered hazardous, while the World Health Organisation recommends a daily level of no more than 20.The reading was still lower than last weekend, when it hit a staggering 755.Lung cancer rates in the city have shot upward by 60 percent in the last decade, according to a report by the state-run China Daily in 2011, even as smoking rates have flattened out.The pollution has also deterred foreigners from living and working in “Greyjing”. Now it appears that thegovernment has adopted a more transparent approach to addressing the problem than in the past. Officials once tried to spin the city’s poor air quality by not including PM2.5 readings in reports and referring to smog as “fog” in weather reports. One official accused the US Embassy in Beijing of meddling in China’s internal affairs for publishing its own PM2.5 readings online.But this time around, state media appears to have been cleared to cover pollution as a major problem. Vice Premier Li Keqiang, who is expected to take over as premier in March, said earlier this week that tackling pollution would be a longterm process.382. Source: Agencies

Monday, January 21, 2013, National Accord

foreign Fighters in Myanmar claim ceasefire breach

power several Kachin little

in early 2011, but rounds of talks with fighters have shown progress.The KIO

accuses the government of pushing dialogue only on the basis of a ceasefire and troop withdrawals, neglecting to

address longstanding demands for greater political rights.307 Source: Agencies

•Dense pollution continues to plague the city as politicians vow to implement strict new rules (Gallo/Getty)

Monday January 21, 2013, National Accord

AFCON 2013 starts with colourful opening From AYO BADRU, Lagos

outh Africa rolled out some of its finest musicians as a short but sweet colourful opening ceremony of the Africa Cup of Nations kicked off the tournament at Johannesburg’s National Stadium. Based on the theme, “the beat at Africa’s feet” it was a spectacle of music and dance featuring artists like Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, Ringo Madlingozi, Sibongile Khumalo, Judith Sephuma, and Kira as well as other musicians .The line-up of performers included Grammy award winner Oumou Sangare from Mali and Eric Wainana from Kenya. Interwoven in the

theme were depictions of barriers on the continent like, poverty, disease and illiteracy that Africa is working hard to eradicate. The stadium resonated to upbeat rhythms that had four groups dance in the middle of the pitch meeting and embracing around giant puppets. They then knocked down large walls inscribed with the stereotypes that often drag Africa down. The message was clear: AIDS, poverty and illiteracy cannot withstand solidarity. Hundreds of dancers gyrated in the rain, dressed in colours from around the continent. They bounced around on coloured gym balls, then lifted them to form a technicolour

pixelated carpet of green, red, blue, black, yellow and white he colours of the South African flag. Then, more cheers and honks from vuvuzelas (plastic horns) when the gym balls changed colour and morphed into one heart beating to the music. Handlers rolled on giant drums with drum-beaters on stilts in tune. Once tilted, the drums became trampolines and acrobats did somersaults in unison. Former president and global peace icon Nelson Mandela featured in homage on the big screen. South Africa’s Paralympics champion Oscar Pistorius was another to appear. “Honoured to be carrying the SA flag on to the field,” he posted earlier on micro-

blogging site Twitter. The ceremony got underway just after 4pm at a wet National Stadium but the raining could not dampen the energy of the performers nor the fans that trooped in to witness the start of the 29th edition of Africa Cup of Nations. The President of the Republic of South Africa, Jacob Zuma then officially opened the tournament telling the crowd that South Africa will not fail the continent before South Africa played Cape Verde in the first match to be followed by Angola against Morocco. Mali record first victory Seydou Keita’s 83rd minute strike ensured Mali defeat Niger Continued on page 38

INSIDE Dempsey rescues Tottenham from United defeat Page 39

Sharapova and Ferrer reach quarter-finals Page 37

Cisse joins Al Gharafa Page 39

lStadium

National Accord, Monday January 21, 2013

SPORTS

Chelsea overwhelm Arsenal Stories from AYO BADRU, Lagos

By Mandeep Sanghera Chelsea held off London rivals Arsenal at Stamford Bridge to claim their first home win of 2013 at the fourth attempt. Juan Mata drove in a shot to put the Blues in front, although the visitors had justifiable claims of a foul against them in the build up. Keeper Wojciech Szczesny brought down Ramires and Frank Lampard scored from the spot for a Chelsea second. Forward Theo Walcott’s clinical sidefoot finish gave the Gunners hope but the hosts held on for the win. Analysis Guy Mowbray “Loud Chelsea cheers greeted the final whistle. They were made to work hard for the win. Chelsea were quite brilliant in the first half but they knew Arsenal would come back at them and the Gunners did. But it was all smiles for Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich in the end.” Chelsea had let a two-goal lead slip on Wednesday as they drew against Southampton and, when Demba Ba missed a gilt-edged chance for them

late on, it only added to their anxiety. They had to endure five minutes of added time in which centre-back Gary Cahill produced a vital last-ditch interception and Gunners forward Olivier Giroud headed just over before securing victory. The win was only the second top flight win in six at Stamford Bridge under interim Blues manager Rafael Benitez, who even had the rarity of Chelsea fans not booing him at the final whistle. Arsenal had been overwhelmed in the first half and manager Arsene Wenger’s anger at his side’s display might have been the reason he sent them out early for the second half. Although the visitors did improve and give their rivals a scare, their efforts ultimately came too late. The Gunners had the first real chance of the game before they were overrun at a snowy Stamford Bridge. Walcott, fresh from signing a new contract in the week, slipped a pass through to Giroud, whose left-foot strike went narrowly wide. The miss was immediately punished. Mata beautifully took down a diagonal Cesar

lChelsea

Azpilicueta pass and shot high into the net past keeper Szczesny. Wenger was enraged on the touchline as he protested against his side not getting a free-kick for a Ramires challenge on Francis Coquelin in the build-up to the opening goal. The visitors almost responded with Santi Cazorla having a 25-yard shot palmed wide by keeper Petr Cech

before Chelsea smothered Arsenal with the pace, power and panache of their play. Hazard mesmerised the visiting defence with a jinking run prior to having an angled shot saved before Chelsea extended their lead. Ramires was found unmarked on the right side of Arsenal’s defence and, after Szczesny came out to make a spread-eagled save, the Chelsea midfielder went over the

Australian 2013 Open: Sharapova, Ferrer reach quarter-finals Maria Sharapova and David Ferrer made easy progress into the quarter-finals with convincing wins on day seven at

the Australian Open. Second seed Sharapova wasted little time beating Kirsten Flipkens 6-1 6-0, while fourth

seed Ferrer strolled past Japan’s Kei Nishikori 6-2 6-1 6-4. Women’s fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska easily

beat Ana Ivanovic, but fifth seed Angelique Kerber crashed out to 19th seeded Ekaterina Makarova of Russia.

keeper’s leg to earn a penalty. Lampard confidently converted the spot-kick for his 195th Chelsea goal, which puts him just seven behind the club’s all-time record goalscorer Bobby Tambling. The only downside to Chelsea’s performance was striker Fernando Torres continuing to toil in front of goal, slicing a shot horribly wide just before the break although his effort could not be faulted. Wenger sent his side out early for the second half, despite the attritional conditions, and his half-time team talk had the desired effect. Gunners centre-back Per Mertesacker and Walcott had efforts on goal with both shooting straight at Cech, while Giroud mistimed a header before the visitors pulled a goal back. Santi Cazorla slid a ball though to Walcott and he confidently and clinically eased a shot past Cech for his ninth goal of the season. Chelsea were playing more like the away team as they threatened on the counterattack and Torres broke clear only for a heavy touch to allow Szczesny to save. Ba was also played through on to the Arsenal goal and after, rounding the Arsenal keeper on the edge of area, he seemed set to score only for Thomas Vermaelen to block his shot. The Senegal striker must have been relieved his miss was not punished, although he had Cahill to thank for blocking a pass that would have handed Walcott a late chance. Giroud also headed over as Arsenal failed to prevent their second away defeat of the season.

PAGE 38

Monday January 21, 2013, National Accord

SPORTS

AFCON 2013 starts with colourful opening Continued from page 36

1-0 to record the first victory at the Africa Cup of Nations. The first three games of the competition had ended in a draw. The first half was almost a balanced one as both teams penetrated each other’s defense, but none was able to score a goal. Mali had hit the wood work twice in the game, as they continue to hunt for goal against a resilient Niger side. But Keita was well positioned inside the 18 yard box, and took advantage of a cross to put the ball past Niger’s goalkeeper who’s out-stretched hand could not reach the ball. Mali kept the tempo, and almost doubled the score inside the four minutes added time, but nothing changed, as the score-line ended 1-0 in their favour. Mali now top Group B on three points, leaving Ghana and DR Congo on one point each, while Niger is placed bottom without a point. Eagles defy rains to prepare for Stallions …Ike drills fully fit Ejide After a hectic trip from Faro, Portugal, through Lisbon and from there to Johannesburg, South Africa, before arriving its Nations Cup 2013 first round base in Nelspruit, last Thursday evening, the Super Eagles have quickly settled down with four training sessions so far at the lush green pitch of Ngwenyama Sports and Resort Centre. The workout session supervised by Head Coach, Stephen Keshi,first started at 8am local time and 7am in Nigeria on Friday. Keshi took the players on regaining the physicality after a long trip and told them that there will be another training session later in the evening at 7:30pm, which will be 6:30 in Nigeria. The training sessions have since been done once daily in the evenings at about 7:30pm, which is one hour less in Nigerian time. Not even the heavy downpour of Saturday and Sunday could prevent the Nigerian side from having its training sessions as it prepares for its opening game on Monday against Burkina Faso. “We can’t take chances whether it rains or not”, Chelsea John Mikel Obi said when asked about the readiness of the team. All the players responded very well and the team is injury free, with Skipper Joseph Yobo saying it was good to be back in the bright sunny weather of Africa. “Its been good since we got here and I think the players are gradually getting used to being together and I know we will have a beautiful tournament”, the Eagles skipper declared. The national team will hold a media parley with the international press at 3:30pm local time on Sunday evening and train later in the evening at

lEagles

7:30pm for the game against its West African neigbhours. The training will hold in Ngwenyama because of the rains in South Africa to avoid the pitch of the Mbombela Stadium from being in poor state before the game. The cheery news was the return to full training by goalkeeper, Austin Ejide. Ejide had copped an injury in one of the team’s international friendly against Cape Verde in Portugal. “I feel real good and ready but I am taking it easy as the medics have advised but am feeling real good”, he declared. On Saturday evening, goalkeeper trainer, Ike Shorunmu, took Ejide on a special training session with Ejide turning out in impressive dives, punches and general conditioning of a good goalkeeper. He should at least be good for the bench in Monday’s game. .. Eagles injury-free for Burkina Faso The Super Eagles have sent a message of hope to Nigerians ahead of their opening clash against Burkina Faso at the 2013 Nations Cup. The Nigerian players, who have defied rains and other minor irritants to continue the preparations, have assured Nigerians that they are injury free for the tie. “All the players are responding very well to the training and the team is injury free, team Media Officer, Ben Alaiya wrote in a release. Team Skipper Joseph Yobo also said that it was good to be back in the bright sunny weather of Africa. “Its been good since we got here and I think the players are gradually getting used to being together and I know we will have a beautiful tournament,

the Eagles skipper declared. .. Teams put faith in local coaches African Nations are slowly putting faith in local coaches to handle their own teams at major competitions. A look through at the 16 teams taking part in the 29th edition of the African Cup of Nations that kicked off in South Africa on Saturday 19 January 2013 reveals that seven Nations (43.7%) are handled by one of their own. There is great French influence at the tourney with five former French players handling five different teams. Another four coaches; a Belgian, Uruguayan, a Yugoslav-born and a German are taking charge of the other four nations. However, what is common to all the 16 Coaches is that all are relatively new appointees. Other than Cape Verde’s Coach who was appointed in mid 2010, all the other 15 coaches were appointed thereafter; eight in 2011 and seven in 2012. Group ‘A’ in particular has three sides being lead by local coaches. It is only Angola who has a foreigner – Uruguayan Gustavo Ferrin, 53 who was appointed to the role in July 2012. Durban born Gordon Igesund, 56 is the man in charge of South Africa. Igesund, a Coach with Premier Soccer Clubs since 1995 through to 2012, was handed the South African mantle in June 2012. Ulisses Indalécio Silva Antunes, 46 (nicknamed Lúcio Antunes) is the head Coach for first timers Cape Verde. Lúcio, a former U21 Coach at Cape Verde since 2007 was appointed to the senior team in

July 2010. He is the longest serving Coach at the tournament. After the dismissal of Belgian Eric Maria Gerets, Morocco put faith in former Raja Casablanca and Rabat midfielder Rachid Taoussi, 53 from September 2012. He had been the assistant coach from 1995 – 2000. He coached Morocco U20 to the 1997 African Youth Championship title. In Group ‘B’ there is presence of two French coaches; Claude Leroy with DR Congo and Patrice Carteron, 42 with Mali. Ghana will be led by one of their former internationals James Kwesi Appiah, 42 who took charge of the team in April 2012. At 64, Leroy is officially the oldest Coach at AFCON 2013. While Leroy is a veteran of African football having coached Cameroon twice, Senegal and now with his second stint with DR Congo, Carteron, a former Lyon and St. Etienne defender, is a novice on the international scene having only taken to coaching a National side – Mali for the first time ever in July 2012. Kwesi who turned out for Asante Kotoko for ten years from 1983 as a left back won the 2011 All Africa games with Ghana’s U23 side. The fourth team in the Group – Niger will be led by German Gernot Rohr, who was appointed in Sept 2012. Rohr took over from Frenchman Rolland Courbis Group ‘C’ sees two of the participating sides handled by locals; Ethiopia and Nigeria. Since November 2011, the Super Eagles of Nigeria appointed former national team defender Stephen [Okechukwu] Keshi to coach

the national side. The former Togo and Mali Coach, now 50, has the task to deliver the African Cup for the first time since 1994. Ethiopia has 60 year old Addis Ababa-born Sewnet Bishaw in charge. He had coached Ethiopia from 20042006 but was given back the position in November 2011 after the resignation of Belgian Coach Tom Saintfiet. Reigning Champions Zambia has Frenchman Herve Renard, 44 on their side since taking over from dismissed Italian Dario Bonetti on 10 October 2011. From March 2012, Mali appointed former Gambia Coach Paul Put, a 56 year old Belgian to lead the side, now ranked as third best in Africa. In Group ‘D’, Tunisia is with Sami Trabelsi, 44. The former center back, capped 52 times for Tunisia, was appointed in March 2011. Sami, a former Sfaxien player had been an assistant Coach for Tunisia before finally being confirmed to the top post. Young French man, Sabri Lamouchi, 41 has been in charge of the star studded Ivory Coast. Born in Lyon, Sabri, a former Inter, Parma, Auxerre and Marseille midfielder is in the hot pan as the Elephants are looking at nothing short of the trophy they last won in 1992. Until his appointment in March 2012, Sabri, just like Mali’s Coach Carteron, had never coached a national team. Another Frenchman Didier Six, 58 is the man for Togo. He was appointed in November 2011. Yugoslav Vahid Halilhodzic, 60 is in charge of the Desert Foxes of Algeria– from June 2011. Halilhodzic, a former Nantes and PSG striker coached Ivory Coast in 2008 through to 2010. Togo captain dreams EPL move Togo captain Serge Akakpo is hoping a strong Africa Cup of Nations could secure a dream move to the Premier League. Akakpo is busy captaining the Togo team that kicks off their 2013 Africa Cup of Nations campaign against the Ivory Coast on Tuesday. The defender is currently contracted to MSK Zilina in Slovakia but counts several stars of the English game among his friends from his days at Auxerre and in France youth teams. And the 25-year-old, who was wounded in the 2010 attack on the Togo team, is hopeful of joining them in England once his commitments with the national team in South Africa are completed. “I have lots of friends there like Younes Kaboul and Abou Diaby, who I played with for Auxerre, and Hatem Ben Arfa and Samir Nasri, who were also my team-mates, Akakpo told the Sunday Times. “England today has the best championship in the world. Playing there is my dream,” he said.

National Accord, Monday January 21, 2013

PAGE 39

SPORTS

Dempsey rescues Tottenham from United defeat Stories from AYO BADRU, Lagos

Clint Dempsey snatched a late equaliser in the snow to earn Tottenham a 1-1 draw against Manchester United. Robin van Persie had looked to have claimed all three points with his first-half header at White Hart Lane on Sunday but Dempsey swept the ball home in stoppage time to salvage a point. The adverse weather conditions had threatened to see the Premier League clash at White Hart Lane called off and Spurs fans were soon left wishing it had. After a cautious start in which Aaron Lennon forced a save from David de Gea, it was ex-Arsenal man Van Persie who opened the scoring by heading home Tom Cleverley’s right-wing cross. It was the culmination of a flowing move from the Red Devils after good work from Michael Carrick, Shinji Kagawa and Danny Welbeck, who was selected ahead of Wayne Rooney in attack. The home side struggled to create outright chances until De Gea produced a superb reaction stop with his legs to deny Gareth Bale’s deflected effort from the edge of the box just before the break. And De Gea was called into action once again after the interval when he came up with a reflex save to keep out the advancing Dempsey from point-blank range. The Spanish goalkeeper then pushed away another Dempsey shot shortly

afterwards as Spurs pushed hard for an equaliser and the crowd got behind their team. But United remained a threat on the break and Rooney had a strong shout for

•Cisse

questions and it required a last-ditch block from Rio Ferdinand to prevent Jermain Defoe levelling things up after getting away in the channel. But just when Sir Alex

Ferguson’s team looked to have held on for the win, De Gea could only punch a cross as far as Lennon inside the area and the ball found its way to Dempsey to stun United.

Apam absent as Rennes get past Bastia Onyekachi Apam of Rennes was missing in action due to a slight injury as his team mates Julien Féret and Romain Alessandrini were the chief architects of Stade Rennais FC’s 2-0 win over SC Bastia on Sunday which lifted the Breton club into fourth spot. The Nigerian defender failed a late fitness test before the

Cisse joins Al Gharafa Much-travelled former France international striker Djibril Cisse joined Qatari outfit Al Gharafa on loan on Sunday from English Premier League strugglers Queens Park Rangers. The 31-year-old, capped 41 times, has joined the ambitious Qatari side until the end of the season and is their second signing inside a week after they snapped

a penalty shortly after replacing Kagawa when he went down under a challenge from Steven Caulker. It was still Andre VillasBoas’ side asking most of the

up Brazilian striker Nene from Paris Saint Germain. Cisse, who has has also played for Liverpool, Lazio and Panathinaikos, among others, has featured in 21 games for QPR this season, scoring four goals. However, he has dropped down the pecking order at QPR now they have signed his fellow French international Loic Remy from Marseille.

encounter on Saturday and so was ruled out for the clash. Deprived of their fans due to a stadium ban, Bastia - exiled to Gueugnon for the second of three Lgue i matches - also lacked their most creative elements in Wahbi Khazri and

Jérôme Rothen, and it showed in a below-par display. By contrast, Rennes buoyed by their Coupe de la Ligue semi-final triumph over Montpellier Hérault SC on Wednesday had Alessandrini and Féret in full flow when the

latter teed up the former for the 34th-minute opener. Féret’s anticipation was also at the root of Rennes’ second, finished spectacularly by Mevlut Erding, before Anthony Modeste’s late penalty miss added an extra touch of disappointment to the hosts’ afternoon. Rennes’ win, their first league triumph of 2013 takes them ahead of FC Lorient and into a Champions Leaguen spot, though both OGC Nice and Girondins de Bordeaux could leapfrog Frédéric Antonetti’s men with victories later on Sunday. Feret’s excellent close control took him past Palmieri on the right-hand corner of the box, and he bided his time before slipping the ball across the face of goal for Alessandrini to slide home a shot. The ex-Clermont Foot man’s eighth strike of the season takes him level with Féret as the club’s leading scorer. Florian Thauvin’s pass was intercepted by Féret, whose forward progress was halted by Jérémy Choplin. The ball broke kindly for Makoun, however, and the ex-LOSC Lille and Olympique Lyonnais midfielder strode to the byline before clipping the ball back for Erding, who scissorkicked cleanly into the net to double Rennes lead.

National Accord, Monday January 21, 2013

SPORTS

Chelsea overwhelm Arsenal Stories from AYO BADRU, Lagos

lChelsea

Australian 2013 Open: Sharapova, Ferrer reach quarter-finals Maria Sharapova and David Ferrer made easy progress into the quarter-finals with convincing wins on day seven at

the Australian Open. Second seed Sharapova wasted little time beating Kirsten Flipkens 6-1 6-0, while fourth

seed Ferrer strolled past Japan’s Kei Nishikori 6-2 6-1 6-4. Women’s fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska easily

beat Ana Ivanovic, but fifth seed Angelique Kerber crashed out to 19th seeded Ekaterina Makarova of Russia.

PAGE 38

Monday January 21, 2013, National Accord

SPORTS

AFCON 2013 starts with colourful opening Continued from page 36

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PAGE 38

Monday January 21, 2013, National Accord

SPORTS

AFCON 2013 starts with colourful opening Continued from page 36

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THE BACK PAGE

hinese churches face off against human trafficking and have begun to see social justice as part of their mission, writes Sylvia Yu, a Hong Kong-basedJournalist and philanthropy adviser. She directed funding to Mercy Outreach in 2008 and 2009. Every Tuesday, Ai Jin and two other young women from one of China’s underground urban Christian churches get together to pray – then walk the streets of a mafia – run red light district to tell girls as young as 13 who work in brothels that they can get out of prostitution. “Eight years ago, the average girl working in brothels was 25. Now it’s 14 and 15,” Ai Jin tells me. “I think it’ll get worse since it’s more difficult to find jobs, especially for girls from poor families with no education. They desperately need money to survive.” Ai Jin and her two colleagues work with Mercy Outreach, an organization that offers prostitutes and trafficked women a safe home and alternative jobs. Started in 2003, Mercy Outreach is one of the first social enterprises of its kind based near the infamous “Golden Triangle” – the euphemistic name for one of the world’s busiest drugtrafficking routes. Running through Thailand, Burma, and Laos and bleeding into China, Vietnam, and Cambodia, it is a potent mix of extreme poverty, sex trafficking, rampant illicit drug production, and complicit local government leaders and warlords. Ai Jin, 28, is part of a new breed of daring young women pioneers from the underground church reaching marginalized people, such as prostitutes, who had not previously been readily welcomed into house churches. “My pastor told me that what I’m doing in reaching out to prostitutes is what Jesus did,” Ai Jin says. “When I first started working at Mercy Outreach, I didn’t even want to shake hands with prostitutes. Every day I prayed for more love for the women. Now I can treat them like my own family.” Ai Jin and her peers see their work as part of their contribution to building a civil society-unlike some underground church members in the past, who have traditionally steered clear of social service in the community because of persecution from authorities. “Social work is a new area in China,” Ai Jin says. “Most people don’t want to help prostitutes. Others don’t want to get in trouble with the mafia and pimps who control the girls.” Ai Jin and others at Mercy Outreachmostly women in their 20s and early 30’s boldly speak to mafia bosses and brothel owners to offer alternative vocational training and to point out that what they’re doing is morally wrong. She adds, “Just to be able to say to a person that what you’re doing is wrong can start a chain of events that can make a difference in a person’s life. We want to close one brothel at a time, reach one mafia boss at a time ... to reach the entire community for God.” The organization provides free medical support and mental health services; it also runs a social enterprise selling jewelry made by rescued women and former prostitutes. Every morning before the work day begins, more than a dozen women on the morning shift in the jewelry-making workshop get together in a room to sing hymns, pray, and read the Bible. Kun Li, a petite staff member in charge of the main safe house, sits quietly in a corner with her head bowed in prayer. She says seeing the changed lives of the girls makes the intense challenges of this ministry worthwhile. “A lot of times I wanted to give up. But I’m encouraged by the fruit—the girls who have moved on and haven’t forgotten Jesus,” she said. exact

Monday, January 21, 2013

Works of mercy sex-selective abortions and infanticide. During my trip to China earlier this year, Ai Jin h e l p e d a r r a n g e interviews for me. One was with a young w o m a n named Mei LEWIS AKPOGENA Mei. With her t r e n d y numbers of trafficking victims in China auburn highlighted hair, meticulously and the Golden Triangle region are applied make-up, and green hoodie, the unknown due to the hidden nature of jovial 23-year-old could fit right in at the crime. According to the U.S. State any campus or trendy hotspot—but Mei Department, the Chinese police is a survivor of bride-trafficking. At the reported rescuing 10,385 women and age of 14, she was tricked by a family 5,933 children from trafficking in 2010 friend of a classmate, taken by train to (the latter figure includes kidnapping a distant place, trapped in a house with for illegal adoption). high walls, and strategically starved for two weeks. She screamed for days, but finally told her captors, “I’ll marry whomever.” The couple watching over Mei brought in several men to inspect her like a piece of meat, then sold her for less than $1,600 to a middle-aged farmer who couldn’t afford to marry the traditional way. He took Mei back to his home village and chained her up like a dog except when he wanted to have sex with her. Mei eventually became pregnant and, at the age of 15, gave birth to a baby girl. Soon after, Mei ran away and was recruited by a pimp to work in a brothel. She was sent to prison for six months for working as a prostitute. “When I got out of jail,” she told me, “I felt so much selfhatred and was too ashamed to return to my family, so I went back to prostitution.” A year later, Mei contracted HIV, something she had never heard of. The staff at Mercy Outreach pulled Mei out of a dark pit of drug addiction and suicidal thoughts. They gave her shelter, counselling, training, and a job in jewelry-making and made sure she took her HIV medication. With the help of Mercy Outreach, Mei made a decision to commit her life to Christ. Today, Mei is lHu Jintao, Chinese President smiling, and has regained a sense of Trafficking, for forced marriages as hope. From Beijing to Hunan to southwest well as prostitution, could increase dramatically in the years to come in China to the Tibetan Plateau, China and the rest of Asia because of courageous Chinese Christians are China’s unprecedented gender fighting the scourge of sex trafficking imbalance: There is the prospect of an and slavery. In Chiang Khong, a city in alarming shortage of at least 24 million Thailand where a highway is being marriageable women by 2020. Dubbed built to connect with China, a new base the “bachelor time bomb,” this skewed for Chinese missionaries engaged in ratio was brought on by the “one-child” anti-trafficking work is slated to start family planning policy that China up. “This region is in a time of began in 1979. Families preferred boys transition; the highway could bring to carry on the family name, leading to even more crime and flow of trafficking

victims,” says a member of Target Ministries, a small international missions agency with bases in U.S. and Africa, which is setting up the base. On three separate occasions, he told me, he has come across bride trafficking in China where women were sold into marriage with much older men. He hopes to help foster “concerted efforts to help provide refuge for sex trafficking victims,” he says, and to help “the Chinese church to make inroads into the Golden Triangle.” Ai Jin and others’ groundbreaking work is a picture of what is happening in the urban underground church in China. Slowly, Christians are wading into antitrafficking work, preaching the good news to the afflicted, binding up the broken-hearted, and proclaiming liberty to the captives and freedom to prisoners. But it will involve a radical mindset change in a shame-based culture to reach a segment of society that is considered the most “sinful”: prostitutes, pimps, and the mafia, according to Andrew Chiang, a British Christian who lives in Beijing and is cofounder of Daybreak Asia, a social enterprise that builds bridges between China and U.S. “The church in China has the wrong theology—we need to reform the church. There are problems in society historically because the church hasn’t done what God has called them to do,” he says. It is clear that Ai Jin feels a sense of calling to her work, but she has one other reason: Her 14-year-old cousin is a prostitute. “When I found out that my own cousin was working in a brothel and wasn’t willing to leave, I was so upset and wanted to quit the ministry. But God said to me that, if I quit, other families will ask you, ‘Why didn’t you help my daughter?’” she says with tears in her eyes. “This makes me believe God called me here. If God is calling me, I want to do this ministry for the rest of my life. It’s an honour, not a duty, to work here.” Is this fact a challenge to Nigerian Christians and African Churches that ministry must go beyond “celebrity Christianity” and funfair inside our Church comfort zone to be moved like Jesus Christ to the streets where these prostitution, child trafficking, sex and drug trade is taking place. The issue is not the size of our castle churches or its popularity – the fastest growing church but the impact that bring real need people to meet real Jesus Christ that bring changes to such lives no matter the degree of their involvement in sin. Hence, Helping Hands Rescue Centre, you can partner to bring the life changing gospel of Jesus Christ to these people in compassion and love.

There are problems in society historically because the church hasn’t done what God has called them to do.”

QUOTE

Guest Columnist

Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek. – Barack Obama

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