Peoples Daily Newspaper, Friday 01, November, 2013

Vol. 12 No. 25

Friday, November 1, 2013

. . . putting the people first

Thul Hajj 27, 1434 AH

N150

Armoured cars

NCAA did no wrong – Oduah l Okonjo-Iweala, Customs deny granting waivers >> Pg 6

By Lawrence Olaoye

M

inister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, finally appeared before the House of Representatives Committee investigating the controversial purchase of bulletproof BMW cars at the sum of N225 million by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), where she vehemently defended the NCAA’s action, saying the agency did no wrong.

Oduah, who appeared before the committee after several summons by the House of Representatives Aviation Committee probing the scandal, also told the lawmakers that she never ordered the NCAA to purchase the cars for her personal use.

According to the minister, the cars were purchased for use by very important personalities (VIPs), both local and foreign.

The minister, in her statements, denounced the earlier defence put up by the coordinating spokesperson of aviation agencies, Yakubu Dati as well as her Special Adviser on Media, Joe Obi, for the purchase of the cars.

The duo, whose statements

Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Oduah, yesterday at the National Assembly, Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Cont on page 2

Strike: Lecturers intensify protests amidst police intimidation Outrage over rape of 2-year old girl by cop>> Pg 2

>> Pg 5

Buhari, Tunubu woo Senate probes Kwankwaso, Lamido, purchase of Nyako to APC >> Pg 6 aircraft by NNPC >> Pg 6

News PAGE 2

CONTENTS

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

Outrage in Senate over rape of 2-year old girl

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

News

2-10

Editorial

12

Op.Ed

13

Letters

14

Opinion

15

Metro

16-18

Business

19-22

Stockwatch S/Report Islam Int’l S/World

23 24-25 26 27-30 31

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here was outrage in the Senate yesterday over an alleged rape of a two-year old girl by one Corporal Anthony Onoja, an officer of Nigerian Police Force (NPF), who is said to be a neighbour to the raped minor.

The Senate passed a resolution urging the Inspector General of Police, Mohammad Abubakar, to prosecute a police officer, over his alleged involvement in the rape of the two-year old girl.

The lawmakers further condemned in strong terms, the act of raping female minors in the country, as allegedly committed by Corporal Onoja, even as it directed its Committee on Police Affairs to investigate the matter and report back within one week.

The above resolutions were

Vogue

32-33

R/Diary

34

Interview

35

Digest

36

Politics

37-38

Newsxtra

39

Sports

41

Columnist

48

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babies without recourse to the law.

Citing Sections 31 and 32 of the Child’s Right Act, which makes the case a criminal offense and attracts life imprisonment or 14 year’s jail term depending on the nature of abuse, Esuene expressed worries that such cases have never been punished to serve as deterrent.

“This is not the first time it has been reported in this hallowed chamber of a Police Officer sexually abusing an infant girl but rape offenders often go unpunished.

There is the need to arrest this impunity and weed out bad eggs and protect the image of the Nigerian Police”, she said.

Meanwhile, in their contributions, the senators called for a stiffer punishment against adults who rape children, saying that weak laws and inability of law enforcement agencies to take

decisive measures against such criminal acts have encouraged such crimes in Nigeria.

The lawmakers admitted that the crime of raping minors has become common in Nigeria, saying that most countries punish such crimes with death sentence.

In his remarks, Senate President, David Mark, ruled out mental case in the issue, saying it will only encourage such criminals to continue the act.

“Is it a mental case, yes or no? I say no because if the matter is taken to court and then, they say ‘no, it is a mental case’, that becomes an excuse for him to go scot-free. So, we must also be mindful of insisting that it is a mental case. I think that whether it is a mental case or not, it must get a maximum punishment”, Mark said.

Supreme Court stops PDP campaign in Anambra

T

he Supreme Court yesterday restrained the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from commencing its campaign for Tony Nwoye’s election for the Anambra state governorship poll scheduled for 16th of this month..

The court gave the order in a ruling after an extended hearing, which lasted late into the evening yesterday.

The court ordered the party

NEMA flags-off campaign to prevent road accidents – Page 9

arrived at after an extensive debate on a motion titled “Cruelty to Infants”, which was sponsored by Helen Esuene (Akwa Ibom South), to highlight the incessant case of violence against female children.

Esuene, who led debate on the motion, recalled that “on the 20th October, there was gory news on Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) concerning a sexual assault of a two year old female infant.

She explained that “the sexual assault was committed by a neighbour to the infant, who is a police officer named Corporal Anthony Onoja, even though the matter was reported to the Nigerian Police, the matter is yet to be taken to court.”

She further lamented the increasing cases of sexual assault against female minors in Nigeria, including kidnapping and sale of

to refrain from going ahead with the flag off of Nwoye’s campaign pending the determination of an appeal filed by a rival governorship candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu.

Ukachukwu’s appeal is to be heard on Monday.

The PDP had appointed VicePresident Mohammed Namadi Sambo to lead the Nwoye campaign, and had scheduled tomorrow, Saturday for the flag off of the

exercise.

But it may comply with the apex court ruling as counsel for the respondents in the matter gave assurances that their clients would abide by the apex court’s ruling.

Ukachukwu’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu, SAN, had expressed concern that the PDP was planning to commence campaign and hand over the party’s flag to Nwoye as its candidate.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had dismissed an application by another claimant to the party’s ticket, Senator Andy Ubah, to be joined in the appeal brought by Ukachukwu.

The panel of Justices of the Supreme Court held that since Ubah already had an appeal pending before the court, his application amounted to an abuse of court process.

NCAA did no wrong – Oduah Cont from page 1 were allegedly made on behalf of the minister when the allegations broke out, said that the vehicles were procured for her to guarantee her safety, in view of the vigorous reforms she was implementing in the aviation sector.

In fact, Dati had described the issue as a “rumour” while the minister’s aide said the vehicles were purchased for the safety of the minister.

But Oduah in her defence said both did not take approval from her or any other principal officer of the ministry and therefore, were not speaking for her.

Commenting on allegations that the NCAA spent monies not approved in its budget, she denied vehemently that the transaction by the agency was out of budgetary approvals by the parliament.

She also insisted that the purchase of 56 vehicles by NCAA was in order as it was backed by the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) which was a planning tool for the budget which extended to 2015.

On the two BMW cars, which she insisted were not bought outright with NCAA funds but through a lease agreement, Oduah said the acquisition of the cars were justified because the agency is under obligations to take proper care of the security of the VIPs and other international guests when they visit.

She insisted that the cars were approved for purchase by the National Assembly in the budget of the NCAA. According to her: “The 2 nos security/safety vehicles are

provided for distinctively.

“I draw attention to this fact because of the erroneous belief in some quarters that..., because in the course of the NCAA defending its budget proposal for 2013, it had to return to the NASS a few times to explain their proposal, therefore, the purchase was never appropriated.

“This may not be totally correct as 2 nos security / safety vehicles were provided for”, she said.

Oduah also said that it was erroneous to say the cars were purchased by NCAA without following due process as the Bureau of Public Procurements (BPP) does not have any guidelines for lease financing which the NCAA engaged in.

She, however, admitted that she granted the approval to the request of the NCAA to purchase the vehicles as required in the memo of request sent to her office, but with a caveat which states “approved, kindly do the needful”.

Attempts to define what the phrase “do the needful” almost caused commotion at the sitting as both the permanent secretary of the aviation ministry and the director general of the NCAA gave conflicting interpretations in an effort to defend themselves against allegations of incompetence and lackadaisical attitudes in the discharge of their official duties.

Oduah also adopted the submission made in the memo seeking approval for the purchase of the vehicles in accordance with the approval she granted where the vehicles were quoted at N70 million each.

During questioning by

members, the minister insisted that the ministry acted right in granting approval for the purchase of the cars as requested by the NCAA. While the minister defended herself, another controversy was thrown up at the occasion when Coscharis Motors, the suppliers of the cars denied ownership of a particular car with a chassis number which does not correspond with what it said was supplied to the NCAA. The Coscharis management, however, denied knowledge of any BMW bulletproof vehicle in the possession of NCAA which bore chassis number DW68032.

According to the car supplier, the cars it delivered to NCAA, had chassis number DW68044 and DW68011 respectively.

During questioning, Coscharis Motors insisted that what it supplied to NCAA were top notch vehicles, the best available anywhere in the world.

When put on the spot, former acting DG of NCAA who was in office at the time the transaction took place, found it difficult to answer most of the questions posed to him by the committee.

To almost all questions which bothered on whether the agency under his watch followed specified due process throughout the transaction process, he kept insisting that he thought they were doing the right thing as the process progressed.

He could not state if the board of NCAA approved the purchase before seeking approval of the minister.

He also could not explain how

the NCAA came about the idea of increasing the number of vehicles approved in its budget from 25 to the eventual 56, which the agency purchased through the loan taken from First Bank Nigeria Plc. Asked how the vehicles have been put to use, the NCAA acting DG said the bulletproof cars were part of car pool, which is open to use by the agency.

When asked to be specific, he said the cars can only be used, and have been made use of by VIPs who are also Nigerians as well as foreigners.

On the question of end user certificate issued by National Security Adviser (NSA), there was also a disagreement on which of the various certificates was the one used in procuring the contentious vehicles.

In drawing the curtain on yesterday’s sitting, chairman of the committee, Rep Nkiru Onyejeocha, expressed the readiness of the committee to sustain fairness with which it conducted its sittings, while writing its report.

She said the committee will rely fully on documentary evidences submitted by all invited agencies as well as confirmations done by the committee through oral evidences given during the probe sessions, in arriving at its conclusions.

Some persons who were required to furnish the committee with some required documents which were not readily available were mandated to do so latest by 2.00pm today when the committee will stop attending to any evidence or submissions from the persons involved.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

PAGE 3

News

Fire guts NNPC depot From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

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ysterious fire gutted the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) depot in Pogo near Minna and consumed one of the storage tanks at the depot before it was brought under control on Wednesday.

However, the cause of the fire was not made known by the depot officials.

Our correspondent gathered from witnesses that the fire may have resulted from lightning and thunder bolts that struck the facilities during torrential rainfall at about 10pm.

Eyewitnesses told our reporter that, “the inferno lasted for over four hours from 10pm on Wednesday to 2am on Thursday morning before it was put off by the joint efforts of the depot fire fighters and men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.”

It was gathered that the tank that was gutted with fire had its thunder and ‘Lightening Arrestor’, a vital safety device to prevent thunder attack was stolen few months ago.

Two of the Thunder Arrestors were said to have been stolen from the deport in February, 2013, forcing the management in a memo to the security firm handling the

facility to ban staffers of a contractor company from entering the facility.

An eye witness said that as soon as the thunder struck, the tank caught up with fire and went up in flames and that the alarm by some staff on night duty attracted people around including fuel tanker drivers who mobilised to curtail the fire and prevented it from spreading to other tanks at the deport.

The lack of water at the depot was said to have presented a challenge to the fire fighters as three of the boreholes in the depot were said to have dried up forcing the fire fighters to seek help from colleagues in Suleja depot of the Corporation for supply of water.

Although, no life was lost, the extent of damage was said to be minimal due to non-availability of petroleum products at the storage tanks.

Efforts to get the reaction of the depot manager, Mr. N. Loveday failed as he said he was not competent to speak on the fire incident.

When contacted, he simply said, “I am expecting my superior from Abuja and Kaduna. I am not competent to speak on the incident. Everything is under control now and workers are now at their duty post.”

Research Institute: Minister expresses dissatisfaction with health facilities

By Abbas Aminu Bamalli

T

he Minister of Health, Prof.

Onyebuchi Chukwu, has express dissatisfaction with some facilities in the new Lab complex of the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Research Development (NIPRD), located at Idu, area of Abuja.

The Minister expressed the dissatisfaction yesterday when he visited the institution, before the Presidential inauguration.

The minister who was taken round the facilities by the Director General of the institution, Prof.

Karniyus Shingu Gamaniel said, with the present situation of some facilities, especially some of the laboratories and the Library, the institution is not ready for inauguration.

He said, despite some lapses, they have achieved a lot in terms

of the structure of the administrative building and the installation of modern equipment to improve the health sector, adding that the ministry will make sure that more equipment are provided for the institution.

The Minister also charged the management to do everything possible to ensure that those lapses are properly addressed.

Chukwu said the institution has been able to develop new drugs which are based on herbal medicine which they are preparing to take to NAFDAC to certify the development.

Responding, the Director General, Prof. Karniyus Gamalien said, it is a big challenge to him, and promised to put priority on where the minister pointed out, saying, “Come to this place in the next two weeks you will see a lot of changes”.

L-R: Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim, the representative of Finance Minister, Kalli Zaji, Chairman, NDIC Board, Amb. Hassan Adamu, and Executive Director, Corporate Services of the corporation, Omolola Abiola-Edewor, during the brand launch of NDIC, in Abuja, yesterday.

Niger state flags off cerebro spinal meningitis immunisation From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

Africa, stretching from Senegal in the West to Ethiopia in the East, known as the Meningitis, where the disease is on rampage.

He also disclosed that the grass root areas affected with Meningitis in Niger state are Agwara, Bida, Mokwa, Mariga, Shiroro as well as Tafa as at last month.

It is against this back drop, he said the state government decided to embark on the campaign to ensure that persons between the ages of 1 to 29 years are vaccinated against the dreaded disease at designated health facilities spread across the 274 wards of the state.

“The CSM vaccination campaign will commence from the 2nd to 11th of November. It is impor-

tant to stress that cerebrospinal Meningitis is a highly contagious disease, which affects mostly children, teenagers and young adults.

It is transmitted by breathing-in of the organism via droplets from the nose, mouth or throat of the infected person. The major signs and symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, and stiff neck.”

He further added that during the vaccination period, oral Polio vaccine would be administered on children between 0 to 59 months as well as provision of other routine immunization.

Dr. Sule then appealed to the youths, parents, care givers and other stakeholders to ensure that they are immunized.

FG, electricity workers reach fresh agreement to avert strike

vember 30th 2013 for the purpose of payment of gratuity, pensions and death benefits while arrangement of post-retirement training of PHCN workers should commence and be completed by 30th November 2013.

The meeting equally deliberated on cases of under payment and it was resolved that all cases of under payment will be addressed not later than November 30th 2013.

With the agreement duly signed, the Vice-President, who is also the Chairman of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP), Alhaji Namadi Sambo, will formally hand over the physical assets of 14 PHCN successor companies to their new owners today.

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iger State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ibrahim Sule Babamini has disclosed that over 5000 cases of Cerebrospinal Meningitis are being reported annually in Nigeria.

Sule, who stated this during the flag-off of the Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM).Vaccination campaign at Bida, Bida local government said though cases of the disease has dropped drastically with the launch of the Meningitis project, Nigeria cannot be left out of the campaign.

According to him, this has become necessary, since the nation is situated in Sub-Saharan

By Etuka Sunday

L

ast minute intense negotiation between federal government and representatives of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) on the platform of National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has staved off a planned nationwide protest with fresh agreement struck by the parties.

Rising from the meeting which had permanent secretary, federal

ministry of power, Dr. Godknows Igali and NUEE president Comrade Mansur Musa in attendance, the parties resolved that issue of payments of all severance benefits should be completed by Friday, 15 November 2013 while concerned workers will only exit after full payments.

It was also agreed that, the process of revalidation of all normally retired workers of PHCN should commence and be completed by No-

N73bn LG funds: ICPC probes Okorocha’s govt

By Etuka Sunday

T

he government of Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha of Imo state is currently under investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), over an alleged misappropriation of N73 billion ALGON Funds.

The investigation according to the Commission was premised

around two petitions filed before it from the state, one of which it said, revolved round alleged misappropriation of N73 billion belonging to 27 local governments in the state.

The second petition, it said, revolved round the allegation of financial impropriety against the former Deputy Governor of the State, Jude Agbaso who was impeached by the State House of Assembly in February, 2013.

A statement by the ICPC’s Head of Media, Folu Olamiti said the investigations on the alleged misappropriation of the N73 billion local government funds in Imo State, filed by ALGON, Imo State Chapter, had reached an advanced stage, insisting that some government officials so far interrogated had offered useful hints, even though many of those invited for interrogation were yet to appear.

The statement said the ALGON petition had alleged that “The Speaker of the House and his men were beneficiaries of these contracts in order to prevent them from carrying out their oversight functions on the projects”.

ICPC said, “Several letters of invitation were sent to 12 functionaries in the State but only five of them honoured the invitation and seven others yet to show up”.

It however said that case file

had been open on the alleged misappropriation of a contract sum on the road project running into N300 million and over which the former deputy Speaker of the State, Jude Agbaso was impeached.

It said in a bid to frustrate investigation on the road project, Akanno had instituted a civil suit challenging the authority of the Commission and the Investigation team to summon him to clarify issues.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

Page 4 Report G7 struggles and Niger governor’s dilemma B

etrayal, distrust and suspicion, no doubt, have become the norm in the breakaway People’s Democratic Party (PDP) under the leadership of Alhaji Abubakar Baraje.

The latest development, where the Niger state governor, Dr, Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, who played a pivotal role in the historic internal mutiny which culminated into the formation of the new PDP at the August 31st Special Convention of the party, has become a source of worry for political observers.

Politics has been described as a science where the only constant and determinant variable includes personal or group interest and survival. This is fast becoming a truism in the splinter PDP as there are signs that the camaraderie and fellowship existing within the aggrieved PDP governors, commonly referred to as G7, have begun to wane.

The new PDP was formed by seven serving aggrieved PDP governors who came to be referred to as the G-7. These included the governors of Kano, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; Jigawa, Alhaji Sule Lamido; Adamawa, Murtala Nyako; Sokoto, Aliyu Wamakko, Kwara Abdulfatah Ahmed, Rivers, Rotimi Amaechi and Niger,Babangida Aliyu.

Although there have been pockets of disagreements in the ruling party ahead of its August 31st Special Congress, the combustive anger against Jonathan’s leadership and the continued chairmanship of the ruling party by Alhaji Bamanga Tukur manifested at the Congress.

The seven governors staged a walk-out of the the Eagle Square venue of the Congress when it was apparent that their candidates and delegates at the event were being sidelined.

The aggrieved governors, who are the sustaining forces behind the breakaway PDP, had stated their terms for reconciliation with Jonathan and the leadership of the PDP. These include a declaration that power would return to the north in2015 and that he, the President, would not contest the Presidency; that the party should sack its national Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and that the sacked state executive committee loyal to the Adamawa state governor be reinstated amongst others.

But, before the PDP special congress, Aliyu has made himself the megaphone of dissent against the rumored second term bid of President Goodluck Jonathan. The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) Chairman never left anyone in doubt that he was the arrowhead of the opposition to Jonathan’s ambition in 2015 due to his pact with northern governors in 2011 that he would serve a single tenure and ensure the return of power to the north by 2015.

Aside from this, Aliyu was instrumental to the frustration

The splinter PDP governors insist that President Jonathan must fulfill all its conditions of the PDP’s plan to elect the Plateau governor, David Jonah Jang, as the Chairman of the elite governors’ group,the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) even when all the governors on the platform of the party had agreed to present him as their consensus candidate to oust the incumbent, the Rivers state governor, Rotimi Amaechi.

When there was an uproar alleging betrayal by his colleagues, Aliyu defended his action by dismissing it as a game of politics.

However, recent reports indicating that the Niger state governor may have dumped the struggle he championed have begun to attract comments from discerning political analysts. A recent report confirmed the suspicion that Aliyu may have resolved to back out of the struggle due to the hard line postures of his colleagues.

Although the leadership of the breakaway PDP had severally denied the reports that the Niger state governor had dumped the struggle, there indications that all is not well in the renegade’s circle. It has been reported that Governor Aliyu may have lost interest in

“

the struggle because it is being taken out of its limits considering the moves by some of its protagonists to merge with the nascent opposition All Progressives Party (APC).

Gov Aliyu The original blueprint of the struggle does not have the extreme of dumping the party as it was only meant to negotiate collective and personal interests within the PDP, but the latest moves to externalize the conflict by contemplating decampment did not have the support

Even though the Baraje group is sold to his defense that he is still a member of the nPDP, the underlining message here is that Aliyu may have resolved to turn his back on the group because of certain disagreements on some decisions taken so far

of the NSGF chairman, observers argue.

This became evident in Aliyu’s response to the report that he had dumped the struggle when he stressed that the group is still engaged in reconciliation with the President and that the outcome of the negotiation would determine the future of the struggle. He betrayed his actual position when he said “When, out of respect for the office of the President and for the President himself, we are discussing with him as Governors of G7. And we have tabled issues and we are discussing with him. We cannot pull out at this moment; the time for decision to be taken will be when we conclude with the discussion with Mr. President. At that time, people may decide what they want to do, the struggle for Nigeria is already in the hands of the population.

Even though the Baraje group is sold to his defense that he is still a member of the nPDP, the underlining message here is that Aliyu may have resolved to turn his back on the group because of certain disagreements on some decisions taken so far.

Part of the reasons for Aliyu’s dilemma centers on his political future and the fear that any slip would send him into political oblivion. Aliyu has his worries that the G7 and the aggrieved governors may not be able to address with the reality on ground. The nation’s Presidential system has placed enormous powers in the hand of whoever is the President and it is only foolhardy for anyone, who has no fool-proof fall-back option, to dare the office.

In order to avoid a bloodied nose, a suave politician may consider the prevailing exigencies in taking a decision that may eventually make or mar him.

Again, a realistic analysis

of Aliyu’s political pedigree in his Niger state would reveal that he lacks the requisite base to pursue a political ambition that may pitch him against the power that be, more so when some ambitious power mongers in the state are patiently waiting for him to make the mistake of stepping out of the ruling party that made him what he is today.

The likes of Professor Jerry Gana and his immediate predecessor, Engr. Abdulkadir Kure are only waiting in the wings to send him into political wilderness by hijacking he formidable party machinery from him in the state. Apart from this, Aliyu is aware that his exit from the ruling party in the state would open his flanks as new power brokers being groomed by the Presidency would upstage him.

Part of the reasons given by a source allegedly close to the NGSF’s chairman for his reluctance to go the whole hog with his colleagues in the G7 is that he needs the PDP platform to determine who his successor would be. This is in tandem with the law of self-preservation. He may have reasoned that the group would not save him when it matters most as he would need to prepare for his political future by determining his successor in office. Failure to do so would be tantamount to inviting trouble that may eventually destroy him in 2015 and beyond.

But, pundits believe that this thinking may be misplaced, as there is no assurance that the ruling PDP in Niger state would win the 2015 governorship election more so when some are still holding that Aliyu never actually won the 2011 election in spite of the fact that the court awarded him victory at the tribunal.

Another reason being put forward for Aliyu’s reluctance to follow the Baraje’s group rebellion through is that he had lost face with critical stakeholders who worked for his victory as the governor of the state. This is coupled with his alleged lackluster performance in his eight years in the saddle as the governor of the Power State.

His uninspiring and seeming unyielding performance, analysts believe, have exposed the underbelly of his incompetence and any slip would make him vulnerable to political attacks that he may not be able to withstand. To sustain himself with the current political reality in the state, observers argue that he would need a lot of federal support. This, he cannot get with his continued romance with the aggrieved governors.

In any case, subsequent unfolding events in the breakaway PDP, which is currently exploring new options outside of the ruling party, would further define the character of the Niger state governor. However, it is clear, notwithstanding his denial, that he is no longer in agreement with the G7, especially as they are toying with the idea of either merging with the opposition APC or forming a fresh party.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

PAGE 5

News

Strike: Lecturers intensify protests amidst intimidation by police

By Maryam Garba Hassan, Abuja, Edwin Olofu and Mustapha Adamu, Kano, & Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

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embers of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have intensified their peaceful protests to press home their demand for full implementation of the 2009 agreement their union entered with the federal government in spite of series of threats and intimidation by the police.

According to ASUU, the protests, which would be staged across various chapters nationwide, are to sensitise members of the public on why the union embarked on its prolonged strike.

The varsity lecturers are trying to disabuse the minds of the public from the federal government's alleged misleading positions on the actual reason for the strike.

It would be recalled that President Jonathan, during his Presidential media chat late September, alleged that the strike action was politically motivated to spite his administration.

Similarly, various groups, alleged to have been sponsored by the federal government, have staged series of protests accusing the lecturers of wilful attempts to blackmail the Jonathan administration.

But the ASUU members' efforts to explain their own position have run into hitches heavily armed policemen have frustrated their protest marches.

Last week, the union in a statement signed by its North-west Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Rabiu Nasiru, alleged that it discovered a plot by the federal government to hire thugs in the name of students to attack its members and their properties in Kano.

In Kano, yesterday, detachments of policemen prevented members of the Bayero University Kano, {BUK} chapter of ASUU from carrying out a peaceful protest.

The fierce looking policemen were stationed at the main gate of the old BUK campus and they prevented the aggrieved lecturers from staging the protest outside the school premises.

The protesting lecturers were carrying placards with various inscriptions such as: "Universities Must Be Revitalized; "ASUU Will Not Give Up Without Adequate Funding"; "Development Is A Mirage Without Education".

The rowdy situation later led to heated arguments between the union members in their hundreds and the police, over the right to protest.

In his reaction, the BUK ASUU Chairman, Dr. Mahmud Lawan, said neither the threat to lives and safety of the lecturers nor the attempt to destroy the union's secretariat by sponsored thugs would distract "the struggle "of the union to achieve the objec-

Members of Academic Staff Union of Nigeria Universities (ASUU) of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, and some section of students join the demonstration in Samaru Zaria, yesterday

Lecturers from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi chapter of ASUU staged a peaceful march in Makurdi town, yesterday under tight security. tives behind the lingering strike.

He added that the union would remain resolute and committed in support of its national leadership to ensure the revival of the deplorable university system in the country.

In another development, members of the union in Kano State University of Science and Technology (KUST), Wudil, yesterday also staged a peaceful protest over the issue.

The protest took place at the university premises, and the members walked around the

campus, carrying placards that conveyed different messages such as: "Stop Looting and Implement ASUU/FGN 2009 Agreement"; " We Stood Firm To Save Education"; Education In Nigeria Must Be Top Priority".

Addressing the crowd during the protest at the university entrance, former ASUU chairman in the university, Ado Mukhtar Bichi, further explained their reasons for embarking on the indefinite strike action.

Also yesterday, lecturers from the Federal University of

Agriculture, Makurdi chapter of ASUU staged a peaceful march in Makurdi town under tight security.

The union members who numbered over 200 chanted solidarity songs while holding several placards some of which read: "Do Not Kill University Education"; "Do Not Play Politics With Education"; "Federal Government, Agreement is Agreement"; "Education Key To Our Development"; "Provide Adequate Facilities for Teaching, Learning and Research".

There was heavy traffic gridlock for over four hours as motorists and commuters were stranded.

Addressing members, the ASUU chairman, Dr. Celestine Aguoru condemned the federal government for being insincere to the pact it signed with ASUU in 2009, noting that only full implementation of the agreement is the panacea to the growth of universities in the country.

At the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, lecturers in that chapter of the union and some students yesterday defied the state government’s order and took to the streets to join in the protest.

One of our correspondents recalled that the Kaduna state government had earlier this month banned holding of rallies and other associated public functions till further notice.

The striking lecturers in their hundreds took to the streets with different placards accusing federal government of violating its agreement with the union.

Speaking shortly after the protest, the ABU ASUU Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Kabir Aliyu urged the government to as a matter of urgency approve their respective demands for the good of the education sector.

Meanwhile, the Students Union Government of the university through its immediate past President, Umar Shehu Umar, has expressed its support for ASUU on the strike.

It would be recalled that men of the Nigerian Police Force on Wednesday tear-gassed members of the ASUU, University of Abuja chapter as they mobilised for their protest into the streets of the Federal Capital City, Abuja.

Eyewitnesses said that the lecturers had gathered at the mini-campus of the university at Gwagwalada for the protest when suddenly policemen and plain clothes security personnel took over the entire arena and prevented them from the embarking on the protest.

Speaking to journalists, the zonal Chairman of ASUU, Dr. Clement Chup, said ASUU sent a letter to the Commissioner of Police at Gwagwalada to notify him of the protest but was surprised when they were prevented by Police from entering into the campus.

According to him, “What we planned was to have a community marching just to march through some major streets in Abuja, to sensitize the public on the essence of our strike. “But unfortunately when we got to the campus this morning (Wednesday), we were prevented from entering the campus by Policemen. When they prevented us from entering the campus, we sat down helplessly outside the gate, just chatting and trying to put heads together, the policemen came around and tear gassed us several times to disperse us”.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

PAGE 6

News

Buhari, Tinubu woo Kwankwaso, Lamido, Nyako to APC

From Ahmed Abubakar, Dutse, & Edwin Olofu, Kano

A

high-powered delegation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday visited Kano and Jigawa state governors, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Sule Lamido, respectively, inviting them to join the mega opposition party.

Those who led the APC team were General Muhammadu Buhari, Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the party’s National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande.

Others in the team include member of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, Lagos state governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, his Ekiti state counterpart, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) presidential flag bearer in the 2011 presidential poll, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and Senate Minority Leader, Senator George Akume, and Interim National Publicity Secretary of the party, Lai Mohammed.

During the visit, the APC chairman said they were on a

recruitment mission to the state, adding that the mission to the state was to salvage the country from its present state.

Buhari, Tinubu, Fashola and other key members of the team were also given the opportunity to further elucidate the purpose of their visit to Jigawa and Kano.

In his response, Governor Lamido advised General Buhari to be conscious of people surrounding him for their selfish gains.

The governor said this yesterday when the chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) paid him a visit at the government house in Dutse.

Lamido who was responding to the APC chieftains’ attempt at wooing him to their fold said, “I am particularly worried about Buhari that, despite the age, he has taken it upon himself to present himself for the unity and progress of this country”.

Lamido warned that: “The danger is that a lot of people surrounding you are scavenging on the reputation and glaring high profile you have earned for yourself

as a good person”.

He said those people are hiding under Buhari’s character to earn for themselves the business which is not in tandem with his disposition.

The governor who earlier said he is still in PDP but would always identify with like minds for the progress of the country said, “What we are doing today is not politics but showing concern for our future. The fact that Buhari is here physically with Sule Lamido portends hope; that leaders from various divides are meeting here gives Nigeria the hope that we are uniting for the good of the country”.

Lamido who admitted that “the PDP is very, very sick”, added that, “if APC means making Nigeria a key player in Africa, or saving Nigeria, securing Nigeria, I don’t mind being in any political party”, he stated.

Earlier while at Kano, the APC led by Buhari also extended same invitation to Kwankwaso to join the party to salvage the country.

Speaking shortly after a closed door meeting with Kwankwaso and

other stalwarts of the party, the APC national chairman said their mission to Kano was to invite the governor to the APC because he is a great man.

In the same vein, General Buhari reiterated Akande’s statement on their mission to Kano which is to persuade Kwankwaso to join APC. “All what we are trying to do is to get this country out of the current mess. In our bid to

that, Kano state must join us to deliver this country that is why we are here. We need peace and prosperity in this country”, he said.

The delegation, which was earlier scheduled to proceed to Yola to meet with Adamawa state governor, Admiral Murtala Nyako on the same matter, had to rescheduled their visit to today, apparently because they left Jigawa late in the evening yesterday.

FG to minimise hazards faced by journalists -Sambo

V

ice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo said the Federal Government is developing polices that will minimise the risk faced by journalists in the course of their duties.

The Vice President made this known, during the commissioning and foundation laying ceremony of the first phase of the NUJ secretariat and International Institute of Journalism, Abuja.

The Vice President, who likened the hazards inherent in journalism to that of architecture, observed that Nigerian Journalists needed the establishment of enduring and effective safety standards to enable them perform their legitimate and the much needed work to keep the citizens informed.

To this end the Vice President said, “These policy measures, when implemented will send a powerful message of support and solidarity for the newsmen and women who

are committed to telling the Nigerian story to Nigerians and the rest of the world. Democracy will not take root unless people have the information they can rely on to make informed choices.”

Sambo implored Journalists to always observe the ethics and norms of their profession, tasking them to take full advantage of the Freedom of Information Act to get accurate and reliable information.

Sambo commended the NUJ leadership for their efforts to reposition journalism and also for their foresight in putting in place permanent structures for the NUJ secretariat and the International Institute of Journalism, noting that it was a landmark achievement.

In his remarks the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, commended the leadership of the NUJ for the project and also commended the Nigerian journalists for their courage.

Senate to probe NNPC purchase of aircraft

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

L-R: Acting President, Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, with the court’s former President, Justice Ayo Salami, at the valedictory session of the court in honour of Justice Salami in Abuja yesterday.

Photo: NAN

Bulletproof cars: Okonjo-Iweala, Customs deny granting waivers

By Abdulwahab Isa

C

oordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo- Iwaeala denied granting N10 million waiver for two armoured cars now subject of investigation by the National Assembly.

She said the purported waiver was granted to Lagos state had applied to the ministry of finance for waiver of destination inspection charges and duty exemptions for Coscharis Motors Nigeria Ltd, the official automobile Partner for the National Sports Festival (“EKO 2012”), to purchase 300 vehicles on its behalf for the event.

The minister’s clarification was contained in a statement by her Media Assistant, Paul Nwabiuku.

“On June 23, 2012, the Lagos State Government applied for Waiver of Destination Inspection Charges and Duty Exemptions for Coscharis Motors Nigeria Ltd, the official Automobile Partner for the National Sports Festival (“EKO 2012”), to purchase 300 vehicles on its behalf for the event. Since the Lagos State Government met the laid down criteria, the waiver was granted.

“It is also important to clarify that the waiver granted to the Lagos State Government for the event did not include the purchase

of armoured vehicles”, she said.

Similarly, the Nigeria Customs Service in a statement issued yesterday by the Deputy Public Relations Officer, Joseph Attah on behalf of the ComptrollerGeneral , denied that the CG, represented by DCG Manassah Jatau at the National Assembly session probing the purchase of armoured cars said ministry of finance granted waiver to Cosharis motors for the purchase of cars.

The Customs reiterated that what CG representative said was that, waiver was granted for 300 vehicles to the Lagos state government to be imported by messers Cosharis motors Ltd for use during 18th sports festival.

S

enate committee on Petroleum Downstream has issued the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) a two-week ultimatum to provide the committee with details of how it is spending the funds appropriated to it in the 2013 budget.

Speaking yesterday during a proposed public hearing on the activities of the corporation which was cancelled for request of more time by NNPC’s Group Managing Director, Andrew Yakubu, and his Warri refinery counterpart, Tony Oguigbe, the chairman of the senate committee on Petroleum Downstream, Magnus Abe, urged NNPC to also provide details of the crude oil swap arrangement and the number of aircrafts in their fleet.

He also advised the corporation to provide details of the number of aircrafts it has hired, in addition to details of fuel distribution across the country.

According to him, “we would like to know how many aircrafts the Corporation has and how many is on hire, how many belongs to them and how much is being spent on the hiring of the

aircraft. We would like to have these details”.

“We need the cooperation of all agencies that are to work with us, in order to safeguard the interest of all Nigerians. So, I will plead with NNPC, to, within the next one week, assemble all the documents that we have asked for “, Abe said.

While pointing out that the crude swap is very essential, he said “This is an area that is of great importance to the Nigerian public because we need to know exactly how this arrangement is being carried out, who are the people involved and the benefits to the Nigerian people.

Meanwhile, in an excuse letter which was written to the committee by the Group Executive Director of Warri Refinery and Petrochemicals Directorate, Tony Oguigbe, he said “I would like to request your kind consideration to give us another date to enable me attend and participate in my brother’s wedding taking place on Nov 1-2 at Agbor and Asaba respectively.”

“We sincerely regret any inconvenience this may cause your esteemed committee and I kindly request that you re-schedule for another day”, he said.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

PAGE 7

NJC responsible for my travails, says Salami

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

T

he immediate past President of the Court of Appeal (PCA), Justice Isa Ayo Salami yesterday accused the National Judicial Council (NJC) of being behind his travail as a Judicial Officer in the last three years, accusing the Council of dealing with him cruelly.

Speaking at a valedictory court session held in his honour at the headquarters of the appellate court in Abuja, Salami said the NJC, created by the constitution to protect him and other judicial officers was on the vanguard of his travails.

According to him, NJC failed in its duties and thereby surrendered its functions to the executive arm of government, adding that the advise by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar to both the executive and the legislative arms of government during the inauguration of the recent batch of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) that the NJC

is the final authority in matters concerning judicial officers is superfluous, as all powers need by the Council is enshrined in the constitution.

“It is therefore, left for the NJC to perform its functions or duties in accordance with the constitution. The NJC, having cleared me of any wrong-doings, following the recommendations of Justice Mukhtar’s committee, ought to have recalled me to office without asking the President to exercise the power that he does not possess, on the flimsy excuse that it had earlier referred the matter to him.

“As a matter of courtesy, all it (NJC) needed to do was to write the President that in view of its recent decision, this matter was now outside the President’s purview. After informing him, NJC would be free to take the necessary step to implement its decision”, Justice Salami explained.

Salami who retired on October 15, 2013, having attained the compulsory 70

years retirement age accused the President of the Customary Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory, Justice Moses A. Bello of being an impostor, for presiding over the meeting that recommended his suspension from office.

“There is no evidence that he had been appointed to the Supreme Court and he was neither the next most senior justice of the Supreme Court nor CJN. This is the levity with which the NJC treats matters of grave national importance”, he said.

He revealed that Justice Bello wrote two letters to him on 9th and 18th August 2011, where in he signed as the Acting Chairman of the NJC and as NJC member and Chairman of the 7th Emergency meeting of the council, which informed him of his suspension from the office of the PCA. In his remarks, the President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Okey Wali (SAN) called on the Federal Government to fund the nation’s judiciary properly, adding that, “a

situation where appropriation for the judiciary keeps nose diving while those for other arms are increasing cannot be proper”.

“Given its pivotal role in interpreting laws to ensure good governance and economic development, it is important that individuals and government agencies do not perpetrate acts that would undermine judicial institutions, which will cause erosion of public confidence in the judiciary”, he said.

The Acting PCA, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, earlier in her speech eulogised Justice Salami, saying all his services, at all levels to the nation, spanning over four decades have been very well appreciated.

“My Lord was a renown jurist, down to earth, consummate thinker, forthright Nigerian, blunt, constant qand straight forward”, she said, adding that Salami has greatly contributed to teh growth and development of law and jurisprudence in the country.

News

Dakingari appoints new perm sec

From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

G

overnor Saidu Usman Dakingari of Kebbi State has appointed Dr.Isah Muhammad Argungu as new Permanent Secretary in the State Civil Service.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Alhaji Abubakar Mua’zu Dakingari said Argungu, until his appointment was the Kebbi State Coordinator, NEPAD and a former lecturer with the Department of Political Science, Usman Danfodio University (UDUS), Sokoto.

According to the statement, the new Permanent Secretary obtained his first degree in History from UDUS in 1986 and a masters in International Law and Diplomacy from University of Lagos in 1988.

The statement added that, “Argungu also obtained a Doctor of Philosophy (PHD) in nternational Relations in 1997 from Lancaster University, United Kingdom.”

Lagos partners association for a greener environment From Adesoji Oyinlola, Lagos

T

L-R: Secretary to Sokoto State Government, Alhaji Sahabi Gada; Deputy Governor, Muktari Shagari; Gov. Aliyu Wamakko and Speaker, Sokoto State House of Assembly, Alhaji Lawali zaiyana, at a creative public awareness workshop in Sokoto on Wednesday.

Right group faults NBA’s service withdrawal for kidnappers From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

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Benin based human rights defender, Chief Patrick Eholor, yesterday, appealed to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin branch to reverse its decision on the indefinite withdrawal of legal representation for suspected kidnappers across the courts in Edo State.

The NBA Benin branch had on 13th October this year, after an emergency meeting where the State security situation

was reviewed and resolved to stop legal representation for suspected kidnappers in courts.

According to the NBA, resolution followed the alleged kidnap of Edo State High court, Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa in October this year.

Eholor who is also the founder of one love foundation, described as unacceptable said, it is the primary responsibility of government to ensure that the welfare and security of citizens until proven otherwise in a competent court.

He cited section 14 (2b) of the

1999 Constitution: ‘the security of the people shall be the primary purpose of Government’; and section 36, which provides that a person shall be entitled to a fair hearing within a reasonable time by a court or other tribunal established by law and constituted in such a manner as to secure its independence and impartiality’.

According to him, the stance of the NBA is beginning to appear suspicious, as if they are becoming partial and contrary to the oaths they swore to stand by justice at all times.

He said in a statement that the danger posed by the issues of non appearance of lawyers for those facing cases of armed robbery and kidnapping is a violation of the right of the accused persons beyond fair hearing.

“It amounts to subjecting persons currently facing cases of armed robbery and kidnapping to situation of helplessness and a barrier to seek the service of lawyers to conduct their case.

“It will be difficult to get to the point of conviction, if lawyers are not representing these groups of persons in court”, he said.

he Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency, a parastatal under the Ministry of the Environment has partnered with Greater Ilupeju Township Association (GITA) to beautify the entire Ilupeju Community.

Addressing representatives from the Ilupeju Township Association during a follow up visit in her office recently, the Managing Director of the Agency Dr. (Mrs.)Titi Anibaba said efforts of the present administration to mitigate the effects of climate change through Tree Planting and Environmental beautification is yielding the desired results.

Anibaba disclosed that the promise for a greener environment was fulfilled on Saturday, 24th October, 2013 during the monthly Environmental Sanitation exercise when the LASPARK Team led by the Head of the Tree Planting Department Mrs. Utomakili Oluwatoyin visited the area and had on the spot assessment of the project areas.

The Managing Director said the Greater Ilupeju Township Association (GITA) which comprise of the entire Community Development Associations (CDAs) in Ilupeju, has two former Governors of the State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande and Retired Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson as Chairman and Deputy Chairman respectively.

PAGE 8

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

Photo Splash

Niger State Governor, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, administering oral drops on a child, during the flag off of the Cerebro Spinal Meningitis Vaccination, in Bida, Bida local government of Niger state, yesterday.

L–R: Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Sam Ortom; Director, Legal Drafting, Ministry of Justice, Tahir Hamza Aminu, Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Vice President Muhammad Namadi Sambo, during a meeting of the National Council on Privatization(NCP) at the Presidential Villa, in Abuja, yesterday.

Photo Joe Oroye.

Members of grassroots Movement for Unity and Stability, protesting in support of the Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Oduah, yesterday, in Abuja.

Permanent Secretary, State House, Emmanuel Ogbile (right) being presented with a trophy won at the Inter Governmental Sport by the Female Footbal Team of the Presidency by the team Captain, Joy Udeh, (left) at State House, Abuja. Middle is Director of Administration, Patrick Emefiele, Photo Joe Oroye.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Osun state Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (left); Secretary Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti (right), during the governor’s at the Gbangbadekun—Public Assessment on the Governor, at the Adventist Grammar School, Ede, Osun state, yesterday.

to the State appearance Seventh Day Photo: NAN

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

PAGE 9

News

L-R: Ekiti state Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi; Imo state Governor, Dr Rochas Okorocha; Lagos state Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola; General Muhammadu Buhari; Kano state Governor, Engr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso;. National Chairman APC, Chief Bisi Akande; National Leader APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Modu Sheriff; during the invitation to Kano state governor to joining APC at the state House, Kano, yesterday.

NEMA flags-off campaign to prevent road accidents From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

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he National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in collaboration with Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC) has flagged off a two day sharing exercise on mass causality management on road Accidents.

The exercise which demonstrated practical mock rescue operations in the advent of road crashes is aimed at mobilising various stakeholders in the north-east region with a view

to enlightening the public about rescue activities and enforcing strict traffic rules and regulations.

In a keynote address yesterday at the state secretariat in Bauchi, the head of operation of the agency in Gombe state, Mr Jewel Apollos said northern states which are crowded with high congestion during the ember months, has five major international road networks from Chad, Cameroun, Niger and Central African Republic and extends up to Sudan.

According to him, “during the

festive periods, there are heavy traffic movements of people within the region and the urge to make quick and fast money by commercial motorists who travel long distances coupled with bad road networks has resulted to the massive loss of lives at an alarming rate”.

The Gombe NEMA head of operation said factors responsible for road crashes include overloading, over-speeding, bad vehicles, making calls while driving and defective head lights

NIESV sets to fish out quacks

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

T

he Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors & Valuers has evolved measures that would fish out quack estate surveyors and valuers in order to return the noble profession to the standard it was known for.

The Chairperson of the Kaduna State Branch, Mrs. Adenrele Olowokure disclosed this while speaking at the 2013 Mandatory Continuous Professional

By Evelyn Okakwu

T

he Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Mr. John Kennedy Opara said the BASA agreement which has been signed will take effect soon.

Briefing newsmen on his return at the Nnamdi Azikiwe airport, Opara said that the BASA agreement will ensure the success of the local content policy and see to it that the Israeli Ground handlers partner with Nigerians Tour operators, thereby ensuring full participation of Nigerians in the Pilgrimage exercise.

Development Programme held in Kaduna Yesterday.

Mrs. Olowokure said quacks are unqualified estate surveyors and they are the major problem of estate valuing in Nigeria.

“In every angle today, you find people parading themselves as estate agents, collecting commissions from landlords, but in the real sense are not professionals and posed a great risks to tenants and landlords”, she said, adding that the Institution

is working round the clock to ensure that every practitioner in the estate and valuing business is registered with the Institution.

In his speech, the guest speaker, Babatunde Salawu said property valuation is of critical importance to the satisfactory performance of the economy, saying, the real estate occupies a dominant space in the global economic landscape and contributes significantly to GDP of most countries.

Content of the BASA agreement takes off soon-NCPC This he noted will also boost the level employment opportunities for the citizens.

According to Opara: “With the signing of the BASA agreement, Nigerians will soon witness a reduction in the travel hours from nine and a half hours or more to about five hours.

The benefits are enormous.

The President understands that the BASA agreement will help to boost Nigeria’s economy that is why he has made effort to ensure that the Agreement is signed”.

Speaking also at his return, the Ebonyi State Governor said the Pilgrimage exercise was a wholly spiritual one that will bring forth Positive benefits for the country.

The CAN president in his remark commended President Goodluck Jonathan for the successful signing of the BASA agreement and prayed that more Nigerians will learn to tap from the many benefits of the Pilgrimage.

According to Opara, the BASA agreement has been an issue since 2005.

and windscreen, amongst other factors.

He disclosed that NEMA Gombe Operations Office, in accordance with its mandate is required to mobilise resources for prevention of road crashes, mitigation, coordination and management of vulnerability and disasters.

He appealed to medical personnel to improve their services and draft out mass casualties plans during the seasons in order to compliment the agency’s efforts at reducing road crashes.

Sambo commends Taraba state for maintaining peace From Yusha’u Alhassan Jalingo.

N

igeria’s Vice President and chairman of the National Boundary Commission, Arc Namadi Sambo has expressed happiness with Taraba state for maintaining peace in the state.

The vice President who was represented by the Director General of theCommission, Dr. Mohammed Bose made the expression when he led senior officers of the Commission to the state Acting Governor, Alhaji Garba Umar on a courtesy visit at the Government House Jalingo.

The Director said they were in the state to solicit support from the state government to embark on boundary matters between Nigeria and the Republic of Cameroun considering Taraba as one of Cameroun’s neighbouring states.

Responding, the Taraba state Acting Governor, Alhaji Garba Umar thanked the Commission for the visit and promised to support the team to enable them succeed in their assignment.

SOS: Dana cries out, sends 540 home From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

T

he realities of lack of operations by the Dana Air seems to have finally dawn on its profile, as the airline yesterday disclosed that it has ordered 540 of its domestic and expatriate workers to proceed on compulsory leave, even as the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is yet to commence its proposed audit, three weeks after the agency directed the airline to close shop.

The Airline’s spokesperson Tony Usidamen said the grounding by the regulatory agency on the 6th of October is causing untold hardship on the staff, hence the need to relieve them of their suffering.

The airline said, “in compliance with the October 6, 2013 directive by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for Dana Air to suspend its flight operations to allow for an audit of the airline’s operations, the management of the company shut down its operations without delay.”

Subsequently, as a result of the suspension, the airline directed its Nigerian and expatriate staff to proceed on compulsory leave without pay, with a promise to recall staff as soon as the audit process is completed.”

According to the spokesperson, in a statement; he said “It is now three weeks since the NCAA directive and, though the airline is open and ready for the planned audit, it is worrisome that the NCAA is yet to commence the audit and no clear direction or timeline has been given to the airline for completion of the same.”

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

News

Violence: Villagers desert homes in Kwara community From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

S

ome villagers around Alapa, a community in Asa local government area of Kwara state have fled their homes as a result of presence of policemen who were drafted to the area to mediate in a crisis between members of

the community and Fulani herdsmen.

The indigenes of Alapa, a Yoruba dominated town are at loggerheads with the herdsmen over alleged murder of the former’s kinsman who was killed along a farm path by the Fulani last week Monday.

The Alapa community also mobilised on revenge mission

and burnt down many Fulani huts around the community.

A reliable source said three dead bodies of the Fulani were recovered from surrounding bushes with a Yoruba man killed.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Oshodi Agboola-Glover, who confirmed the communal crisis did not

Benue police gun down notorious robber From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

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olicemen attached to the Benue state command yesterday shot dead a notorious criminal, Deermberga Tyohan, also known as ‘Commander’, while six other members of his gang fled with bullet wounds.

The state Commissioner of Police, Adams Audu, who disclosed this to newsmen at a press briefing held in his office in Makurdi, said his men gunned down the gang leader at Agena Agbayi Road, Ukum

local government area of the state while they were robbing motorists and commuters going to Peva Market in Taraba state.

“Our officers on duty received a distress call that seven armed men barricaded Agena Agbayi road and were robbing motorists and commuters going to Peva Market in Taraba state. On the strength of this, the patrol officers immediately swung into action and on reaching the scene, the armed men opened fire on them which was swiftly repelled leading to the gang leader sustaining bullet injuries

which led to his death on the way to the hospital for treatment while others escaped into the bush with bullet wounds”, the CP said.

Items recovered from the robbers include one AK-47 rifle, seven empty shells of expended ammunition, charms and one Tecno mobile phone.

The police commissioner said he has ordered for a full scale investigation into the case and called for public cooperation in giving information that could lead to the arrest of the fleeing robbery suspects.

R-L: Chairman, Blueprint Newspaper Limited, Abuja, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, receiving an award from Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Kaduna branch, Mrs. Aderenle Fatimah Olowokure, during the 2013 Mandatory Continuing Professional Development seminar held, yesterday in Kaduna.

Kano govt donates 30-room hostel to ABU

T

he Kano state government has donated a 30-room hostel to the School of Basic and Remedial Studies (SBRS) of Ahmadau Bello University (ABU), Zaria.

Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, in a message at the handing over of the structure in Funtua, Katsina state, said the gesture was meant to alleviate shortage of accommodation facing the school.

Kwankwaso, who was represented by Alhaji Umar Doguwa, the Commissioner for Higher Education, appealed to state governments in the North, to redouble efforts at providing

assistance to the school.

He appreciated the contribution of the institution in empowering youth to gain admission into the universities.

The governor pointed out that his administration was currently constructing a hostel at Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, while a similar structure would be constructed at the University of Maiduguri.

In his speech, Prof.

Abdullahi Mustapha, the ABU Vice Chancellor, appreciated the governor for the support, saying that the gesture would enhance the capacity of the institution.

“It requires the foresight

of a great leader to recognise a crucial need as this, as well as the generosity of a humane person and committed educationist to provide it.

“Your Excellency, history will judge you as one of the leaders of the later generation who uphold and nurture the noble practice of the noble leaders of the first generation who dedicated their lives for the betterment of our society”, the VC said.

Mustapha charged the board and management of SBRS to redouble efforts at getting more facilities through resource mobilisation. (NAN)

mention number of lives lost.

Speaking with journalists in Ilorin, the Speaker, Kwara state House of Assembly, Barrister Abdulrasak Atunwa, disclosed that many communities have been deserted as a result of the presence of riot policemen in the area.

He said he held a closed door meeting with the commissioner

of police over the incident, urging the fleeing villagers to return to their homes without any fear of arrest.

The Speaker who did not also disclose the number of lives lost in the crisis, however said the police have made some arrests and their presence has brought calm to the area during the weekend.

Man arraigned for allegedly abducting 20-year old girl From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

A

35-year old man, Abba Almu of Gafai quarters in Katsina metropolis was yesterday arraigned before a Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Katsina for alleged abduction of a 20-year old girl, Shamsiyya Ahmad.

The prosecuting police officer, Inspector Hashimu told the court that it was the mother of the victim, Bilkisu Muktar who reported to the Central Police Station, Katsina, that the accused abducted her daughter

four months ago.

He said the victim, Shamsiyya Ahmad was still missing and could not be traced four months after her abduction, adding that her whereabouts was still unknown.

The prosecutor said the alleged offence committed by the victim was contrary to Section 272 of the Penal Code.

After listening to the prosecutor, the presiding Magistrate, Abdulkarim Ahmed Umar referred the case back to the commissioner of police for further investigation as the alleged victim was not in court.

Nasarawa moves to fight cultism in higher institutions From Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia

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he Nasarawa state government has made known its resolve to check the rising instances of cultism and cult related activities across its own higher institutions.

Philip Shekwo, state Commissioner for Higher Education, disclosed this yesterday while commissioning new corner shops and mini market built by the consultancy unit of the Nasarawa state polytechnic.

According to the

commissioner, the state government in collaboration with his ministry, is set to curb cultism, stressing that everything would be done to check this social menace.

He commended the management of the polytechnic for the initiative, urging it to judiciously utilize resources accruing from the project.

Earlier, Rector of the polytechnic, Engineer Emmanuel Jatau, said the mini market built at the cost of about N8 million was intended to cater for the needs of the students, staff and surrounding communities.

Dole replaces Sagir Musa as spokesman of 7 Division From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

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he Nigerian Army has deployed a new spokesman, Lt. Col. Mohammed Dole to head the Public Relations unit of the newly created 7 Division Maiduguri.

Dole replaced Lt. Col. Sagir Musa who has been speaking for the defunct Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Restore Order since 2011.

The former spokesman told journalists in Maiduguri yesterday that Dole was his course mate and roommate at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), adding that it was a coincidence that such officer was

succeeding him as the Public Relations Officer of the newly created division.

“I was torched by the cooperation of journalists here, their dedication and support. I have learnt a lot from you in the course of my duty in the state and I must confess that you people made me proud”, he said.

The new spokesman, Lt. Col. Dole sought for the cooperation of journalists to make him succeed. He said both the media and security agencies all over the world were partners.

He urged the media to continue to play pivot role in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaigns of the federal government.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

PAGE 11

Money sense

How to protect your money in the bank

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owadays so many people are on edge because we hear of so many stories of hackers getting into bank accounts. While there is not a whole lot that we can do about it, there are a few things that you can do to make sure that your money is always safe. Never think that it cannot happen to you because it can happen to anyone.

Keeping your money safe is essential, gone are the days when you would keep your money under your mattress, So how do I go about keeping my money safe I here you ask. Well, below are just a few tips, ideas and a bit of guidance that will hopefully get you on your way Spread the risk! By this I mean don’t put all of your eggs in one basket. If you have savings try not to put them all in one bank account as we all know what can and does happen to even the largest of banks.

First of all, always know how much money you have in all of your financial institutions.

Then when you get your monthly statements you can compare and see if any amount has been taken out that you were not aware of. I do not even wait for my monthly statements to check my balances because I go online a few times a week to check. If I see anything unusual I report

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rotecting your accounts is important, especially if you are on a tight budget.

However, creditors have been known to get court orders to freeze your bank accounts if you owe them money. But even if you owe private creditors money, you still have rights.

As long as you meet the special requirements put into place the relevant authority.

Settle your accounts: This is the most important step to remember. You won’t have to worry about your accounts being seized or frozen if you try to work out some sort of payment plan with your creditor. Some creditors will settle for even less than half of what you owe if you make some effort to pay down your debt. Ignoring the problem will only make things worse for you, so try and take care of the problem as soon as you can.

Move your money to another account: If your checking and savings account are also through the creditor that you are settling with, they may be able to retain monies from your account while settling. It is important to move your money out of that account before you start the settlement process. The money in your checking account can be left available to the creditor and possibly to a third-party agency which gives them the upper hand when it comes to settling your

it immediately to the bank. It is their responsibility to replace any amount of money that was taken from your account.

Most banks insure each customer up to a certain amount so they will give you back what you have lost. I am not sure how long that process takes though. If

you are not aware of how much you have, then there is no way that you can keep a close watch on your accounts. You are an easy target for any hacker.

Most banks insure people up to N20,000,000, so if someone has that kind of money, it is not wise to keep more than that

amount in one bank. That is just a foolish move. You do not want to risk losing any of it.

I am careful with ATM and debit cards. I try not to use them too often because some people have lost money from hackers getting the card numbers right from the machine. I try to go to

…how to protect a checking account from creditors

the bank when it is opened. I just feel safer doing that. I just use the card when I really have to.

In today’s world you cannot be careful enough. Your money is your life. You need it to survive, so you need to do everything in your power to protect it.

protects you in the event that withdrawals are made earlier or incorrectly.

Know your rights: If you need to, enforce the law that guides you in this respect. The applicable law protects your accounts from freezing if you owe private debts like credit cards, medical bills and bank loans. Funds in your account such as government benefits, pensions and some earned income are protected. However, accounts are not protected if you have child support debt or owe money to the government for student loans or taxes.

Money Tip: If your account has been frozen and you have monies in the account that is exempt from this action, you must notify the bank and the creditor immediately.

If your account has been frozen and you receive payments deposited into your account, those monies may also be frozen and you will not have access to it.

accounts. Also, if you have a debt and an open banking account at the same institution, the “Right of Offset” comes into play. This simply means they can take what is delinquent in your accounts to fulfill the debt.

Set up separate banking accounts: If you decide to settle with a creditor and make payments, the smart thing to do is set up a separate account with a different bank other than the one that holds your

primary banking account. Most of the time when settlements are reached, the creditor wants you to make payments by direct deposit or electronically. Setting up another account with a different banking institution

Quote The trick is in what one emphasizes. We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same– Carlos Castaneda

PAGE 12

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

EDITORIAL

Nigeria’s economy: Growth without development many Nigerians kicked into the labour market without any sort of social safety net. At the same time, she negotiated the largest capital flight of any developing country known in contemporary history by the debt swap arrangement with a club of Western creditors by paying out a whopping 12 billion US dollars at one go. She claimed that funds released from periodic servicing of interests on the debt would be channeled to building infrastructure. Almost a decade

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n a classical re-enactment of the parade of most South American economies in 1970s and 80s, Nigerian’s economy according to her key operators is growing, but evidently without development.

The coordinating minister of the economy and former World Bank managing Director, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has consistently maintained that the country’s economic outlook is bright, as its fundamentals are in good shape.

Along with other government officials, the super minister, widely considered a prime minister, continue to reel out figures and statistics to back their claim of sound economy. Four captains of the private sector, which the government adopted as the key drivers of the economy maintain a similar stance of a “robust” economy.

The chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, reportedly told the media in Kenya, while accompanying President Jonathan on a state visit that he has had a roaring business success which he attributed to government’s favourable policies. However, while government and its private sector backers can cheer for the economy they claim is ‘robust’ and in top shape, majority of Nigerians, who have seen their lives nose-dive can hardly join the chorus. In spite of the growth in the economy, it has hardly kept up to the challenge of lifting Nigerians out of poverty.

Most Nigerians who have attained middle class status in the past, have sunk back to poverty and penury.

We recall that during Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala’s first stint as finance minister, under former President Obasanjo, her economic mantra was right sizing, a euphemism for massive sack of public sector workers which saw

floating figures which are widely at variance with the living experiences of the majority of Nigerians is not only shortsighted and naïve, but a deliberate negation of responsibility

after, Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala on the same job recently led a road show to China to secure concessionary loan at a generous interest rate to construct infrastructure. We make bold to say that there is considerable disconnect between policy formulations and their outcomes.

Ordinarily, such discrepancy should have led to a re-think of the policies, but it appears in our view that sticking to policies that do not produce even minimum benefits to the majority of Nigerians only serves vested interests.

All over the world, and especially in developing middle income economies, the parameter for measuring economic performance is largely the extent to which it

OUR MISSION “To be the market place of ideas and the leading player in the industry by putting the people first, upholding the truth, maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards while delivering value to our stakeholders”

pulls more people out of poverty.

China, the world’s most astounding economic reformer has between 1980 and 2001 pulled up to 680 million people out of poverty. Brazil in the past one decade has pulled up to 30 million out of poverty. The same goes with India and Vietnam.

Most economies in South America, whose economic growth trajectories in the 1970s were of the same deformed and disfigured type, like Nigeria of today, have since pursued a policy of economic development with considerable measure of social inclusion and are among top performers in the Human Development Index (HDI) indicators that measure comprehensive human development than mere Gross Domestic Product, GDP. The founder of the French 5th Republic, General Charles De Gualle, once said the essence of France is not only in its GDP. We make bold to say that our country and the fate of our several million compatriots cannot be merely tied to abstract growth figures. The fact that our health and educational facilities are in shambles, unemployment and underemployment are at an alarming rate and the lives of our people dwelling in rural areas have become “brutish, nasty and short,” should worry the government.

Floating figures which are widely at variance with the living experiences of the majority of Nigerians is not only shortsighted and naïve, but a deliberate negation of responsibility aimed at satisfying the inordinate greed of a tiny cabal that monopolize access to government. We call for immediate review of the country’s economic policy and articulation of the ones that hold meaning and prospects of re-engaging the majority of Nigerians to productive and purposeful lives.

OUR PEOPLE

OUR VISION

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

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER ALI M. ALI

HEAD, ADVERT/MARKETING HUSSAINI ABDULRAHMAN, CNA

EDITOR, DAILY AHMED I. SHEKARAU

MANAGER, ADMINISTRATION HASSAN HAMMANYAJI

DEPUTY MANAGER, PRODUCTION ABDUL-RAUF MUSA

EDITOR, WEEKEND HAMEED M. BELLO

HEAD, LAGOS BUREAU ADESOJI OYINLOLA

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

PAGE 13

Opinion Sokoto University and challenges ahead

By Aminu Mohammed

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he commissioning of the Sokoto state University by former head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 marked another great milestone in the history of the Caliphate state which is known for scholarly activities over 200 years ago. The commencement of academic activities on Monday, October 28, 2013 was yet another giant stride recorded by the present administration under Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, an educationist to the core.

The dream of establishing the university was made known by Governor Wamakko a little over three years ago and with courage of conviction that no amount spent on education is a waste, the Wamakko administration took a firm resolve to make sure that the teeming youths in the state would have to be useful not only to their immediate environment but neigbouring and the larger society collectively.

Although, many a critic did not believe in the Wamakko initiative to put a solid structure that would one day become a global research centre and a lot of comments, criticism and doubts were expressed on the viability of a state University in Sokoto, but all these are today history because the government has proved that it is not only with a listening ear but also full of action when it comes to human capacity development.

The recent take-off of the Sokoto University has no doubt put the state on its rightful place of pride as a champion of historical research and an environment of world class scholars. For those who read history or have heard about the Jihad of Sheikh Usman Ibn Fodiyo, the establishment of a state University

By Kennedy Eborka

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his piece was to be titled, “What is in being a President?” until it was thought that it could go this way to bear the impulse that prompted it. It arose from the wonder about the schism and ensuing scheming, wiles and intrigues revolving around President Goodluck Jonathan’s second term ambition. The situation forces one to mull over what is happening, and why politics has been reduced to crude display of greed. What has happened to integrity? What has happened to vision? What has happened to service? And what has happened to ethics?

The conspicuous absence of the aforementioned leadership traits makes change desirable; even though some of those at the forefront of the agitation, who appear to be leading the chorus of disapproval, are themselves motivated by greed, rather than service.

In recent times, many Nigerians have become confused spectators to the

in Sokoto is long over- due because there is no any other place or people to protect, project and sell the ideals of the Jihad than Sokoto and its people. The 1804 Sheikh Usman Ibn Fodiyo Jihad has many dimensions to it but the spread of knowledge particularly Islamic knowledge, social justice; equity and political awareness were among the core objectives.

Therefore, when Gov. Wamakko told the world that his administration was establishing a state University, he had all the values taught by the 1804 Jihadists in mind and today, like the ancient city of Timbucktu, Sokoto can beat its chest and declare itself among global research centres, where world history has its roots. Sokoto, as the seat of the Caliphate has for centuries remained the bastion of scholarship in the West African sub region and with the commencement of academic activities in the state University recently, it has opened its historical doors to the world to visit the ancient city and tap from its reservoir of knowledge.

While addressing the maiden convocation ceremony of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1963, late Sardauna of Sokoto Sir Ahmadu Bello observed that for any university to worth its salt, there are two requirements to be met.

According to him, the need to search for and spread the knowledge, and establishment of truth as well as the need to serve the yearnings of either a developed or developing nation in terms of man power production and preservation of local culture and traditional institutions. Here, the Sokoto University has that responsibility to open its doors for research which invariably will spread knowledge and the establishment of truth. It is a burden those entrusted with running the affairs of the school must see as a social responsibility and

economic hemorrhage and massive pillaging taking place in the country by the political class and their cronies. The flaccid (some say conspiratorial) treatment of this matter by the president has pushed many to the conclusion that a change of leadership is imperative.

It is not about “who is there as the president,” is about legitimation crisis: a situation where a governing body, though still retains the legality to govern, but is unable to function as to fulfill the end for which it was instituted, thereby giving rise to loss of public confidence. The question is: can Nigerians afford to

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which should not be compromised.

Again, the nation is in need of man power for its economic production and growth and most importantly the preservation of its culture and traditional values. The Sokoto Jihad was waged for the emancipation of mankind. It was a Jihad which created social, political and economic awareness while its focal objective still remained equity for all. The Sokoto University should imbibe these ideals and project them because there is no educational institution in the entire world that can teach the ideals of the Jihad than this newly established University.

However, religious jingoists should not see its establishment as a place to propagate religious activities and nothing more. There is no University in the world where religion is not given its place of pride.

As a people, we are governed by some universal laws and any university worth its salt will not completely abandon religious studies which are to teach morals and good values. In modern global societies, universities combine arts and science and this serve as a basis for the teaching of all societal values with the aim of aiding

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development. The newly established Sokoto state University should strive to combine arts and science to enable its immediate community to benefit from its research and spread the acquired knowledge outside the walls of the institution.

The immediate challenges ahead of the new University are, how fast it can grow to compete in this sector which is becoming over loaded with numerous institutions with little or nothing to offer, how it is going to fit into the system where positive research is lacking and knowledge seeking is becoming increasingly impossible to the majority and most importantly, its end product, how valuable and productive would it be to the society in this era of too much demand with less to offer?

Again, at a time University education is facing a lot of challenges in terms of research materials, libraries, laboratories and conducive environment for learning how prepared is the Sokoto University to confront all these elements of set back? It is hoped that both owners and occupants have prepared well for these challenges because the prolonged Academic Staff Union

at a time University education is facing a lot of challenges in terms of research materials, libraries, laboratories and conducive environment for learning how prepared is the Sokoto University to confront all these elements of set back?

of Universities (ASUU) strike was necessitated by the above listed problems and unless adequate measures have already been taken to prevent constant strikes in the newly established institution, the dream of having a new research centre to promote the historical values of the state will still remain a dream.

Now that the University has taken off, expectations are for it to serve as an avenue for training and retraining of good citizens who would impact positively on the social, economic, political and overall development of Sokoto, Nigeria and the world.

Although, the end products of what was commissioned recently would not manifest now but the bottom line is not how long we are going to wait to see the dividends but how well the products would impact on the society.

Those saddled with pioneering the institution have only been privileged to do so and not because they are the best. We therefore expect them to always remind themselves of the challenges ahead of them. Again, the pioneering students are also the privileged ones and should consider the opportunity given to them as a chance to show case good character in their affairs throughout their stay on campus.

For the Sokoto state government, words have been matched by action and it is a good sign of other good things to come from the Wamakkoled administration. However, the government should give all necessary support to both academic and non academic staff of the University in order to make their stay a memorial one while students should also be encouraged to read, study and engage in research to make the University among the best in the world.

Aminu Mohammed,aminumohammed38@ gmail.com

What is in not running in 2015? condone another four years of leadership ineptitude beginning from May, 2015?

Everywhere one turns, there is a mounting tension requiring to be doused. In the midst of this, public funds of colossal proportion are being unconscionable misappropriated; while massive unemployment and poverty reduce able-bodied men and women to beggarly and conquered people. This is the matter at issue.

The country is in a dire need of a leader who can bring hope to the masses by dealing corruption and public waste

A leader who is desirous of peace for his country, and who is aware that declaring to run in 2015 is likely to burn up the polity, will do well to save the country from conflagration by sacrificing ambition for peace and progress

a revolutionary blow, and signaling the dawn of a new era. As things stand, there is nothing to indicate that the current leadership is capable of undertaking that action of tremendous moral stamina, as is currently happening in Malawi under President Joyce Banda.

President Jonathan has used every opportunity to query the concern being generated by his now apparent interest in the 2015 presidential race; and wondered why that should be an issue in a country where the Constitution is clear about presidential tenure.

According to him, “Why is the issue of second term generating so much debate?

Is it because it is Jonathan?”

Mr. President, please, it is not because it is Jonathan. It is because of the pervasive sense of disappointment across sections of the society. When asked why he has not declared firmly if he would run in 2015, the President noted that doing

so will heat up the polity.

However, it is clear that the polity is already heated up, and the heat is increasing by his prevarication over the matter.

A leader who is desirous of peace for his country, and who is aware that declaring to run in 2015 is likely to burn up the polity, will do well to save the country from conflagration by sacrificing ambition for peace and progress; then, institute reforms that will strengthen the country’s institutions. Before we are reminded, we are aware of the provisions of the Constitution on presidential terms, but the exigencies of the time require a leader who can do better than what the Constitution says.

What is really in being a president that some will want to hang on, even when they are loathed by their people? It is in this context that General Abdulsalami Abubakar should be appreciated and Cont on page 15

PAGE 14

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

Opinion

Of National confab, Oshiomhole and duplicity

By John Ainofenokhai

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f there is a governor in Nigeria who can honestly claim to derive his power from the people, Adams Aliu Oshiomhole, the comrade governor of Edo state could be the one. Before he was elected governor, he fought many battles with the Nigerian people against the forces of tyranny as a labour leader or so it seemed.

The people also stood by him all the time he was in court to claim his mandate believing that when he emerges governor, he would be fair to all. Who can blame the Edo people for their optimism, which is now clearly playing out as misplaced?

Yes, Oshiomhole cut the image of a leader that can be trusted during the labour union days; although there are many who can bet their lives that Oshiomhole compromised too many times and, in fact, sabotaged the very strikes he called himself! As ludicrous as this might appear, there were even some allegations that on some occasions, he begged the security operatives to deal somewhat roughly with him to convince his union members and the public of his commitment and sacrifice.

Whatever, in the entire contraption, Oshiomhole appeared to have got richer while defending the Nigerian workers!

Truly, given Oshiomhole’s activist background, there was this huge expectation that he would be a strong democrat, an advocate of the masses and a telling example for the other governors.

Sadly, the comrade governor has turned out to be one of the worst tyrants in government. His handling of two recent events: the Local Government election in Edo State and the South-south zone meeting of the Presidential Advisory Committee on National Conference inexorably leads to this conclusion. Oshiomhole has proven that he is not different from the other governors who clearly have become the greatest obstacle to our democracy. Indeed, in some respects, he is proving to be worse than many of his colleagues.

Yes, there has been this media blitz about how the governor is tarring many roads and building bridges. Yet democracy is more than the tarring of roads and the building of bridges (assuming this propaganda is correct) because even the worst kinds of despots have tarred more roads.

Away with this tarred-road theory

of democracy! The true test of democracy is in the quality of freedom and liberty enjoyed by the citizens. Even if Oshiomhole were to do all the roads and provide all the essential social infrastructure in Edo and the people are not free – whether in the choice of electing their preferred local government chairmen or in making decisions

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on the basis of their continued coexistence and relationship with other groups in the Nigerian state – then democracy is yet to take roots.

In the recently conducted Edo Local Government Election, the whole world saw the charade and the parody that unfolded. The whole world saw with regret how Oshiomhole used the instrumentality of his office to rob the local people of their franchise by imposing his minions as chairmen and councillors on the people against their wish. Such was the greedy appetite of the governor for illegality that he could not even allow the result of the chairmanship election in Esan North-East Local Government where the people were brave enough to defend their votes to stand.

And in the mad quest to take everything, the result of the first election on April 24, 2013 was cancelled simply because the governor’s preferred choice was clearly defeated. In the October 22, 2013 rerun election in the same Local Government Area, Oshiomhole and his party’s desperation was even more dangerous as they never allowed the people to freely choose their local government chairman.

Validation: the APC manufactured a result that never in any way reflected the voting decisions of the poor people of the Local Government.

As if he has not done enough to afflict the sensibilities of the people he claims to govern, Oshiomhole has embarked on unleashing the worst kind of despotism on the people of Edo state and the entire South-south region. Or how else can the reprehensible and shameful position of the governor on the issue of the national conference be explained?

The Presidential Advisory Committee headed by Senator Femi Okurounmu on nationwide consultation with the people had come to the South-south

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region to discuss with the people.

And as a matter of respect, the Committee deemed it fit to pay a courtesy call on the Edo state governor whose state was hosting the regional consultation.

Oshiomhole, whose party had adopted

the unilateral and selfish position of its leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on the national confab, chose to urinate on the decision of the president, Goodluck Jonathan, to cave in to the pressures from the Nigerian people to discuss the national question. Oshiomhole contumaciously described the decision as unwise and senseless. From television footages on the visit, it was evident that the committee struggled to tolerate the arrogant and allknowing King Solomon of Edo. But it was clear that Edo people and the Southsouth people had swallowed enough of Oshiomhole’s insults and in line with their democratic freedom decided to speak out. He could talk down on the committee after all they elected to go to his office but they could no longer stomach the governor’s anti-people stance on the conference which they are eagerly waiting for to discuss the various issues stalling our march into genuine nationhood. For several years now, since the 1966 coups, the civil war, state creations, renewed minority rights agitation, oil resource control, the annulment of June 12, 1993 election result, the Boko Haram insurgency in the North, zoning of the presidency, among other issues, there have been nationwide call to discuss Nigeria. Oshiomhole has been part of the pro-democracy groups consistently calling for the convoking of a national conference. Now, there is an opportunity and he thinks he is oratorical enough to talk people out of it or sway them against the confab.

Other members of the Advisory Committee might have been able to suffer Oshiomhole’s impertinence gladly, Col. Tony Nyiam (retd.) chose to be different.

He spoke to the bad manners in the governor. And the South-south people (not thugs as skewed by the All Progressive Congress, APC, propaganda machinery) who had converged on the hall of Imaguero College

Those who claim that Oshiomhole was insulted do not understand the workings of democracy.

Rather it is the governor who insulted his people by talking down on them and taking a course at variance with their own interests.

in Benin aligned with him. They wanted Nigerians to come together and talk so that they could feel alright. They sang the popular Bob Marley song: “One Love” to boot.

If it is true that the Advisory Committee said Nyiam should withdraw from the committee for standing up to partisan Oshiomhole, then I consider it unfair for the committee members to succumb to the APC propaganda and single out Nyiam for censure.

If anything, the retired colonel with a history of fighting injustice deserves commendation for speaking up for the people. It is outright mischief and misleading to report that thugs disrupted the consultation of the presidential advisory committee in Edo. Is it not disrespectful to describe honest men and women sent by their communities to represent them in that forum as thugs simply because they showed courage in calling a governor of one of the states in their zone to order?

Those who claim that Oshiomhole was insulted do not understand the workings of democracy.

Rather it is the governor who insulted his people by talking down on them and taking a course at variance with their own interests.

Lest we forget, the principle of popular sovereignty, which states that power belongs to the people, has not been revised. It is admirable that the people of Edo and the South-south zone found their voices at the right time to let their governor know that they elected him and that the only interests he must pursue are those of the electorate and not that of his godfather and benefactor pulling the strings from somewhere in the South-west.

Oshiomhole is, however, not the only governor living the lie that he is the state like the monarchical rulers of yore.

Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa had earlier stated ignorantly that as long as he remains governor, no delegate from Jigawa would attend the conference as if the state is all about him alone. In Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi is decidedly working at cross purposes with his people and every day the folly of his new politics stares him in the face as he increasingly casts the image of a lone ranger in a state he was evidently a popular governor.

The question then is, why have these governors chosen to betray their people?

Ainofenokhai wrote in from Benin, Edo State.

Oduah’s Chariots of fire

By Dr. Soyombo Ayomikun

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wo chariots with steely flesh Impenetrable to bullets seeking to kill Costing naira almost innumerable Chariots to carry one mortal as we are Perhaps to heaven aloud I wonder In a land where daily countless to hunger yield their ghosts.

Saddening how for greed we jettison compassion How in our dark abattoirs we murder integrity We keep longing for more and more Of wealth that simply isn’t different from the winds.

That in a split-second is sealed by clasped hands And then even before it’s really trapped sneaks away smiling Our aviation

ministry has been an alley of sorrows Time & again crushing destinies from crashes Filled with birds that keep falling off the skies For lack of strength & curable diseases While those that should be in charge keep scampering around To get chariots resistant to bullets & maybe death We are tired of wealth-diggers with ruined consciences Wolves

dressed as kings and queens Leaders are what we are demanding for not killers That keep gulping our blood while poverty drains our spirits Apparels of selflessness & sacrifices is what we want to see When our leaders emerge from their castles of power I see that day though distant & seemingly out of reach When as a nation we will gather to mourn

corruption & greed When we will christen our states ‘hope’ and ‘peace’ When trust & integrity will again baptize our souls I see that day when bloodshed will become a forgotten tale When we will no longer witness the plane crash with the living & coffin Ayomikun wrote in from Lagos

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

PAGE 15

Comment What is in not running in 2015?

Cont from page 13

stated that they felt they were not doing well enough.

No corruption charges were leveled against them or members of their cabinet; but Japanese political culture of ‘existential popular accountability’ compelled these men to resign at any time popular opinions become unfavourable. In other words, people have demoted themselves from seemingly privileged positions on principle, from South Africa to Japan.

In much of Africa, this simple political function is seen as a huge occasion that must be grabbed at the expense of peace and progress. Some even go to the absurd extent of, not only clenching to power in their time, but also constitute strange means that distort the electoral processes to ensure that power remains in their family. We now have a situation in Equatorial Guinea where Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo is the country’s president, and his son, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, is vice president.

Other unpalatable instances include the disaster being constituted in Zimbabwe by Robert Mugabe, who has been in power since 1987. Gnassingbe Eyadema was president of Togo from 1967 until his death in 2005; thereupon, his son, Faure Gnassingbe was made president till date. In Ivory Coast, it took a social upheaval with annihilating consequences to get Laurent Gbagbo to cede power to Alassane Ouattara, the presidential victor in the 2011 election.

By Jaye Gaskia

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hese are the questions begging to be answered, and they are the issues involved in this ODUAGATE that once again affirm not only the sleaze and rottenness going on in high places, but also the culture of impunity that underlies and drives the official, remorseless, and rapaciously ferocious looting of the treasury that has been going on, and whose intensity has increased tremendously in recent years.

So when anyone comes to you to say after all it is only N15M or N403M difference; point out to the person that the opportunity cost of that is at least 25 to 52 operational vehicles for the ministry; the completion of a

The same goes to the issue of being a “First Lady;” whatever that means. In our own clime, we have a wife of a president, who as the First Lady (savaging all the advantages of the office, beyond the usual), doubles as the Permanent Secretary of a State, without any scruple as to the propriety of such greedy conduct. What exactly is responsible for this crude mentality and approach to leadership common among Africa leaders and their associates? When I think of how Veronica, the ex-wife of former Italian Prime Minister, Silvo Berlusconi, divorced her husband, saying she was tired of her husband’s lies; without regard to the advantages she appeared to be relinquishing, I wonder whether a similar thing can happen in our clime.

Here, we have a situation where the position is being sumptuously flaunted with vulgarity. We have become witnesses to all forms of absurdities playing out in the socio-politico space inspired by the First Lady, stomping the entire landscape. One of such bizarre state of affairs played out in Rivers State when the governor of the State was prevented from accessing certain areas by the police under the auspices of the president’s wife. To enhance the situation of affairs in the State, the governor has been asking for a replacement of his State’s Commissioner of Police by another, who is not to be chosen by the governor, but the police authority has remained adamant because the First Lady has spoken. While this is going on, professional praise singers are turning reason on its head, and those whose

responsibility it is to stem this impudence have remained mum. What kind of system are we running? There is need for those associated with power to appreciate the ethical dimension in the management and exercise of power.

Not too long ago, the country was entertained to a show of shame in Rivers State’s House of Assembly which started when a certain fellow by the name of Evans Bipi, with the cooperation of four others, attempted to install himself as the Speaker of the House, in a brazen violation of democratic tradition. Public outcry against that incident was dominated by the segment of that episode where the Majority Leader nearly took the life of one of the rebellious five (one commentator described the Majority Leader as a psychiatrist attempting to cure his patient by cutting off his head). The Majority Leader was promptly declared wanted and subsequently apprehended by the police (which was in harmony with public expectations); but not many cared to asked how the whole thing started in the first place, and why Evans Bipi should not be arrested for invading the Parliament with weaponswielding miscreants. The manner, in which hooligans access weapons and freely brandish them, especially in political contexts, is worrisome in a country where the law is clear as to who should have the monopoly of access to arms. The phenomenon gives cause for fear and indicative of the level of insecurity that politicians have propagated in the system since 2003 when thugs where assigned active

roles in installing political leaders.

Furthermore, the galling irresponsible pronouncements by some elements from the South-South, including some governors, that Goodluck Jonathan must preside over the nation’s affair (even when his administration has become synonymous with pestilential corruption) in 2015, whatever it will take- no matter the choice of the electorate - is regrettable in a country of fragile unity and deep rooted mutual suspicions. By the way, if Goodluck Jonathan becomes the president in 2015, is he going to be there forever to the exclusion of other regions? Will his term not end four years after? Or do these elements have any plans to alter the Constitution to secure an indefinite term for “their own”? Do they understand that they are preparing a ground for the sentiment of, “you can do what you like now, but don’t complain when it becomes our turn?” The president is supposed to be the president of Nigeria, for all Nigerians, and not a representative of the Ijaw people or the SouthSouth geopolitical zone.

Similarly, those traditional rulers from certain areas of the country groveling around the president and urging him to stay on should be kept where they belongsycophants. The example of Chief Arthur Eze who led traditional rulers from some States in the SouthEast and South-South to Aso Rock, during the time of late General Abacha, prevailing on the former Head of State to continue, and describing him as God sent, is enough indication of what traditional rulers in Nigeria have become.

It was these same elements

‘It is our turn to steal’ (II) perimeter fence at some airport, the completion of the renovation of one airport etc; not to speak of the impunity involved in the flagrant breach of a valid law, and the gross undermining of the authority of the President of the Federal Republic that is involved here!

And when they make excuses about Oduah not being the first or only one involved in impunity; then let us respond by emphasising the fact that although it may be convenient for thieves and treasury looters to justify their pillage by claiming that they are stealing on behalf of their respective ethnic and or

religious groups and sects; in reality, ordinary citizens from their ethnic groups and religious sects benefit nothing, and are in fact short-changed by their unconscionable and inhuman looting spree!

How many rural roads, fully equipped and fully staffed community hospitals can be built with the N255M expended on 2 Armoured BMWs? How many Public Primary and Secondary schools, can be built, fully equipped, fully staffed, and or completely renovated with the N403M additional funds that the Minister unilaterally appropriated for the purchase of

additional unapproved vehicles?

Impunity is impunity, and it is the bane of our collective underdevelopment and we should neither inject ethnicity in it nor justify it on the basis of religious or political affiliation.

It is important to state that it is an insult to our collective sensibilities and our collective common sense to allow executive law breakers, abusers of office, and treasury looters to attempt to get away with criminality on the flimsy excuse that they are not the first or only one involved, and that what is involved is a small amount of money compared to others!

that surrounded former President Olusegun Obasanjo, prompting him to continue with the ill-fated Third Term bid.

President Jonathan should not force himself against the nation’s mood by always pointing to the position of the Constitution; there is no honour in that attitude.

Needless to say, if he had by any means earned the consent of men by some agreements, he is bound to oblige. It doesn’t necessarily have to be proven in any written form.

There is need to demonstrate that we are people who are committed to principles.

It is buccaneering to botch agreements and principles to grab a chance. It provokes the impression of double-cross, and the result is usually the rise of counter-hegemonic forces and reactionaries which may prepare the ground for social disorder. This is the reason why the proposed national confab is generating much cynicism among a segment of the public.

The motive of the proposed conference by a president, who is incapable of keeping agreements, and in the habit of invoking constitutional shield over simple public request for assets declaration, and lack of political will to implement Justice Uwais’ recommendations on electoral reforms, is obscure. Here is a president who would grant presidential pardon to a world acclaimed fraudster and former governor, Mr. Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, while at the same time claiming to be fighting Nigeria’s greatest enemy of progress, corruption.

Here is a president who is working to emasculate democratic processes within his party, and indifferent to If we do not take a firm stance to reject corruption and abuse of office whenever it is exposed, then we would be laying the foundation to justify the political elite’s ‘turn by turn’ approach to treasury looting; and we would be helping them to steal in our name, on our behalf, and to our detriment.

Enough Is Enough! It is time to Take- Back- Nigeria! It is up to us to take collective action to take our destiny in our own hands, and rid ourselves of the death grip and chokehold of these swarms of locusts and Vagabonds in Power!

Concluded Twiiter: @jayegaskia & @[DPSR] protesttopower; Facebook: Jaye Gaskia & Take Back Nigeria

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

Insecurity in FCT occasioned by influx of people- Minister T M

FCT suspends 6 workers over alleged fraud

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

inister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Bala Muhammed has revealed that insecurity in the nation’s capital was usually occasioned by influx of people from other parts of the country into the territory.

The minister made the disclosure yesterday, while declaring open a two-day Federal and State Security Administrator’s Meeting (FASSAM), in Abuja.

He said, “The unique position of the FCT, in addition to its growth and developments over time has attracted everyone in search of the proverbial greener pastures; and this development exerts tremendous pressure in the territory and its administration.

The manifestations of these pressures contribute immensely to the current security challenges in the FCT; and as a result the administration is constantly faced with challenges of land racketeering, squatters, youth unemployment, terrorist activities and crime”.

Represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Security, Abdullahi Kudu, the minister added that the structures in the FCT were constantly reviewed to address those challenges and to

also make life conducive for the people.

To provide additional housing scheme, the minister said “efforts are ongoing to open new districts with a view to decongesting the FCT for ease of security administration.

Bala added that effective partnership with G7 states of Plateau, Kaduna, Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa, Benue and the FCT will help address insecurity in the nation’s capital.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Special Service Office

(SSO), Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Esther G. Gonda called for effective sensitisation for the youth against terrorism, vandalism and other dubious acts, which she said had affected the growth of the country.

Court remands business woman for mischief

A

An onlooker watch as police arrest an FCT SURE-P driver at Berger juction, Wuse, Abuja, recently.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Residents urged to be more environmental hygiene conscious

By Stanley Onyekwere

T

he Executive Secretary of FCT Health & Human Services Secretariat (HHSS), Dr. Demola Onakomaiya has called on the residents of the territory to be more conscious of their environmental sanitation to guide against cholera outbreak.

The Secretary, who made this call, said it’s part of the steps taken by the administration to abreast the

residents on the disease.

Head, Public Relations Unit HHSS, Badaru Salisu Yakasai, in a statement on Wednesday, said the recent outbreak of cholera in some parts of the country has attracted the attention of the FCT Administration.

The statement pointed out that good environmental sanitation habits and simple personal hygiene practices can help reduce incidence of cholera to the barest minimum.

According to the secretary, cholera is transmitted to human by drinking water contaminated by bacteria which affects the small intestine and causes severe vomiting and diarrhea.

He further stated that most victims of cholera have limited chances of survival when there is loss of electrolyte due to frequent or excessive passage of watery stool and severe vomiting.

Dr. Demola therefore advised

residents to always keep their environments clean at all times, avoid the consumption of dirty water, contaminated food and other items, which is a certified way to prevent the disease.

He also advised them to report any suspected case to the nearest FCT hospital as the hospitals are fully equipped and capable of handling any reported case of cholera that may occur in the territory.

Assault: 3 men arraigned for causing hurt

T

he police have arraigned three men in a Wuse Zone 2 Senior Magistrates’ Court, Abuja, charged with criminal force, assault and causing grievous hurt.

The men are Mohammed Chidaya: 27, of Asokoro, Abuja, Owolabi Bankole: 26, of Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja and Samuel Ogechi: 26, of Asokoro, Abuja.

The prosecutor, Cpl. Emmanuel Adikwu, told the court that Ahmed Abubakar of Federal Housing Authority, Maitama, Abuja,

he Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Sen. Bala Mohammed, has ordered the suspension of six members of staff of the ministry, for alleged fraudulent practises.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Minister Mr. Muhammad Sule, on Wednesday.

According to the statement, four of the workers are suspended from the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) while the two others are from the Land Administration Department.

Those suspended from the AGIS are Oluwadamilola Adetiloye, Planning Officer I, Wasiu Olajide – Programme Officer I; Mohammed Saba – Land Officer I and Danladi Daniel – Clerical Officer.

Yusuf Baba, Land Officer I and Blessing Nwiyi, Assistant Executive Officer were also suspended from the Land Administration Department. (NAN)

reported the matter at the Maitama Police Station on October 24.

Adikwu said on the same date, the complainant received a call from Chidaya, inviting him to his house.

“On reaching the front of the house, the complainant met Chidaya, Bankole and Ogechi, who called him a thief, saying he stole Chidaya’s filing machine.

“The three accused persons beat up the complainant and he sustained some injuries and fracture on the leg,’’ Adikwu said.

The prosecutor said the

complainant was later rushed to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Medical Centre for treatment.

He said the offence contravened the provisions of sections 262 and 247 of the Penal Code respectively.

However, the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The counsel representing the first and third accused persons, James Alhassan and Clifford Omozeghian, prayed the court to grant their clients bail on liberal terms.

Alhassan said the accused were presumed innocent until proven otherwise as stipulated in the Nigerian constitution and urged the court to exercise its discretion in favour of his clients.

The Magistrate, Chukwuemeka Ubani, granted bail to each of the accused persons in the sum of N200, 000 with a surety each in like sum.

Ubani ordered that the sureties must be civil servants, resident within the court’s jurisdiction and adjourned the case to Nov. 14 for further hearing. (NAN)

Kuje Magistrates’ Court has ordered that Justina James, a 35-year old businesswoman be remanded in prison custody for mischief.

The woman, who resides at Dafara village, Kuje, is facing two counts of disturbance and causing mischief.

The magistrate, Okeagwu Azubike, ordered that she be remanded in prison after she pleaded guilty to the charges leveled against her.

“The accused person pleaded guilty to telling her husband to damage the complainant’s properties and causing mischief.

“You are to be remanded in prison till Nov. 20 for judgment,’’ he said.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Cpl. Ocheche Samuel, told the court that Gabriel Bigwan of the same address as the complainant lodged a report against the accused at the Kuje Police Station on October 23.

He said that on October 22 at about 4.30 p.m., Justina told her husband to destroy the complainants’ door and windows.

“After committing the crime, her husband escaped to an unknown destination and was arrested on October 23 in Dafara village,” Samuel told the court.

He said the offence contravened the provisions of sections 263 and 327 of the Penal Code respectively If convicted under these sections of the law, the accused could be imprisoned for a maximum of one year and six months or be fined or be punished with both. (NAN)

PAGE 17

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

Metro

Environmental workers evacuating garbage from large waste bin, yesterday at Federal Secretariat, Abuja.

A middle-aged clothes dealer on the move, with a bag of wares on his head, yesterday, at Durumi Village, Abuja

An overloaded vehicle with goods on the move yesterday, in Kabusa area of Abuja.

Women engaged in buying and selling during Bwari market day, yesterday, in Bwari, Abuja.

A tipper filled with sand on the move, while some three labourers (sand loaders in local parlance) sitting comfortably on top, yesterday at Apo village, Abuja.

Photos: Justin Imo-Owo

PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

PAGE 19

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

INSIDE

Isa_abdulwahab@yahoo.com, Isaabdulwahab@gmail.com 08033045613

AfDB increases investment stake in coastal regional fund by $10m

- Pg 20

L-R: Senior Fellow, Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (NSChE), Engr. Anyaoku Ayanoku, National President, NSChR, Engr. Abubakar Yar’Adua and former NSChE Chairman, Kaduna state chapter, Dr. Boniface Wada, during the Society’s preconference media briefing, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Chemical engineers reposition for enhanced role

By Stanley Onyekwere

A

head of its annual gathering later this month, Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (NSChE), a division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) is being re-positioned by its leadership to play active role in the manufacturing sector.

The re-engineering of the professional body under the leadership of incumbent National President Engr. Abubakar Lawal Yar’Adua is aimed at making chemical engineering practice in Nigeria play active role in industrialization, in order to contribute maximally towards the advancement of the country.

Speaking yesterday in Abuja at a pre-conference press briefing, the National President

By Abdulwahab Isa

A

re-branded Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) anchored on dedication, fairness and transparency was unveiled to the public yesterday with a stern warning to staff to align with corporation’s tenets or be shown the way out.

At a special brand launch in Abuja which attracted past chief executives of the corporation, top government functionaries and bankers, NDIC board chairman, Ambassador Hassan Adamu (Wakilin Adamawa) described the occasion which involves changing from old corporate identity to a new one as the beginning of a new dawn.

Adamu said the re-branding

of the Society, Engr. Abubakar Lawal Yar’Adua, said the NSChE is increasingly concerned with the quest for restoration of the manufacturing industry in the country, particularly the chemical processing sector from Nigeria’s abundant Oil and gas resources and other primary materials.

He added that the move was in cognizance of the fact that no nations can truly develop without a robust industrial and manufacturer base, which represent one of the few ways of creating job opportunities for citizens.

On the forthcoming NSChE’s 43rd annual conference exhibition, Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Award Dinner with the theme: “Oil and Gas as a Springboard

for Industrial Development”, scheduled for November 15 and 16 respectively, at Le Meridien Ibom and Golf Resort, Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital, the Yar’Adua said the topic was carefully chosen, as is most timely and apt.

“As part of our contribution towards our nation’s achievement of Vision 20:2020, we are focused on repositioning of the Society and our profession, to contribute maximally towards the advancement of Nigeria, and to sustain the position of Chemical Engineering as one of the most respected professions in the country.

“But there is a gap between the academia and real world aspect of the profession, which must be filled if the industry would

A re-branded NDIC vows to sanction staff who derail from core values exercise which was a subject of rigorous research has produced a new corporate brand, complete with refreshed brand values that will move the corporation forward.

He however warned staff that the board will not be hesitant dropping any that refuses to align with the tenets of dedication, transparency, fairness and commitment to duty.

In his remarks, NDIC Managing Director, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim noted that, the aspiration to attain FSS 2020 can’t be achieved in the absence of a virile banking system, adding that

the corporation will do its best to uphold best practices in the banking sector.

He said: “We are aware there are perceptions amongst stakeholders about NDIC that are not accurate. Our brand strategy is about combating those perceptions with the real information. Similarly, there are also many positive perceptions about NDIC, and our new brand aims to build upon them. In truth, the need to rebrand did not just arise from changing perceptions; it began first and foremost with the request for enhanced service delivery”.

make the desired impact on the nation’s economy. And Practical experience is what is required for our engineering students, to be productive in the industry.”

On preparation for the NSChE’s 43rd annual conference, exhibition, Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Award Dinner, Yar’Adua, who was a former Group Managing Director (GMD), of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), said efforts are on top gear to ensure a hitch free and successful outing.

He said new fellows of the Society will be admitted and other deserving members and groups within the Society, who have made exceptional contributions or performed outstandingly during the year, will also be recognized and conferred with awards, during the Awards Dinner.

PHCN customers in Ikeja complain of constant power outage - Pg 22 Exchange Rates CBN as at 30th September, 2013 Buying

Selling

$

154.8

155.8

€

248.67

250.27

£

212.98

214.36

Riyal

41.27

41.54

YEN

1.57

1.58

CFA

0.306

0.326

MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY

Give feedback like a sports coach

A

s a manager, you play different roles at different times – but the job of a manager, just like that of a coach or teacher, is to inspire people to be better. Most people respond better to encouragement than to criticism, so give praise when you can.

According to Sir Alex Ferguson, one of the most successful coaches in sports history, nothing is better than hearing: “Well done.” He says, “Those are the two best words ever

invented. You don’t need to use superlatives.” At the same time, giving clear criticism is important when your team members don’t meet expectations.

If you are too soft in your approach, you won’t be effective – but showing your anger all the time doesn’t work, either. There’s no point in harping on criticism; pick your moment, do it right away, and consider it done. Your timing and tone matter.

Source: Harvard Business Review

PAGE 22

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

Business

L-R: Mrs. Chioma Afe, Marketing Manager, DStv; Mr. and Mrs. Nduka Obiajulu winner of an all-expense paid Trip to the NBA Live Game and Mr. Segun Fayose, Head, Public Relations, MultiChoice Nigeria during the prize presentation to winners of the MultiChoice Nigeria 20th Anniversary Promo held Wednesday, 30th of October, 2013 at the MultiChoice head office, in Victoria Island Lagos.

SMEDAN trains 90 unemployed youths in Kebbi

T

he Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) yesterday said it had trained 90 unemployed youths in Kebbi under its Entrepreneurship Development Programme for Unemployed Youths (EDPUY).

An official of the agency, Alhaji Ishaq Hamis, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Birnin Kebbi that the training was part of Federal Government’s programme to make the youths self reliant.

Hamis said that the programme was aimed at educating unemployed youths in record keeping and business management.

“We expect the trainees to reduce unemployment by becoming employers and experts in marketing strategies and product expansion”.

He said the trainees would be assisted to obtain loans from the Bank of Industry (BoI) or National Economic Reconstruction Fund (NERFUND) provided they presented feasibility plans for viable ventures.

The SMEDAN official said that the agency would open additional centres in the state and called on job seekers to exploit the training opportunities for self employment.

Hamis said that the agency and its partner, Bubbles Consulting Nigeria Ltd., would sustain the training programme and ensure that youths acquired skills that would make them self reliant.

Malam Zayyanu Shehu, who spoke on behalf of the participants, called for the sustenance and expansion of the training as well as provision of take off capital for the trainees to set up enterprises.(NAN)

Alhaji Bature Umar Masari

AfDB increases investment stake in costal regional fund by $10m

By Abdulwahab Isa

T

he Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved additional $10 million equity investment in Atlantic Coast Regional Fund (ACRF), a 10year US$ 72 million generalist private equity fund whose area of focus includes fragile states and low income countries in Western and Central Africa.

AfDB’s financial contribution will therefore enable ACRF to scale up its operations and thus its contribution to poverty reduction, economic growth, capital markets development and regional integration, a statement from the regional bank explains.

Through this targeting of growth and expansion oriented opportunities in the

region; supporting indigenous entrepreneurs and converting promising local enterprises into regional players, ACRF is managed by the Advanced Finance & Investment Group (“AFIG Funds”), a Mauritius-registered limited liability company headquartered in Dakar with offices. AFIG’s investment team has over 40 years of combined experience in Africa.

With this additional investment, AfDB is participating in the recapitalization of ACRF, and supplementing its earlier investment of US $15 million in 2007. This additional investment is informed by the Fund’s implementation progress and performance to date.

As of September 2013, ACRF

had made seven investments in 6 countries and the Fund manager had generated a strong deals pipeline of up to US$140 million.

The additional investment will increase development impact and economic benefits through the creation of new jobs in downstream commercial infrastructure and expansion projects sector. The Fund has to date, contributed to sustain 1,821 jobs of which 508 are held by women and also helped create 86 new ones.

The recapitalization is expected to result in creation of an estimated over 2000 additional jobs and help to leverage additional investments in target companies.

ACRF’s new investments will augment revenues to

governments in the targeted region; facilitate technology transfer and development of local entrepreneurship. The investments are also expected tocontribute to infrastructure development and regional integration.

The proposed investment is aligned with the AfDB’s Private Sector Operations Strategy to support entrepreneurship, thereby contributing to job creation and increased exports. AfDB’s participation in recapitalization will reassure other participating DFIs and provide comfort to minority African investors of the Fund.

The capital increase will enhance the Fund Managers’ involvement in community development and business promotion activities in the region.

…Invests $20m in ARM-Harith infrastructure fund

T

he Board of Directors of AfDB has approved $ 20 million equity investment in ARM-Harith Infrastructure Fund (ARMHIF).

ARMHIF is a new infrastructure private equity fund based in Nigeria with a targeted fund size of USD 250 million.

The bank has identified lack of efficient infrastructure as a major obstacle to doing business in West Africa.

Better infrastructure in the region would create an enabling environment for economic

growth by competitiveness of local production, promoting foreign direct investments and facilitating trade. The level of investment required for infrastructure development is far in excess of public and donor resources.

The AfDB support to ARMHIF will catalyze further resources necessary to develop infrastructure projects.

ARMHIF has been set up to invest, through equity, in infrastructure projects and companies across West Africa, with a focus on Nigeria.

The Fund will invest in assets across a range infrastructure sectors including energy, transport, ICT, water and utilities. ARMHIF is sponsored by Asset and Resource Management Company Ltd (ARM), a leading Nigerian non-bank financial services company established in 1994 and currently managing over US$ 2.7 billion of assets.

ARM has formed a partnership with Harith General Partners (Harith), an experienced infrastructure

investment manager on the continent, to manage the Fund.

Harith already manage the US$ 630 million Pan African Infrastructure Development Fund (PAIDF).

Acting Director of the AfDB’s private sector department Mouhamadou Niang, said “the Bank’s support to ARMHIF will contribute toward the delivery of modern and reliable infrastructure that will reduce the cost of doing business and enhance the region’s competitiveness”.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

PAGE 23

Tax alert Illegal tax practices: Tax avoidance and tax evasion

By Embuka Anna

T

ax avoidanceis process whereby an individual plans his or her finances so as to apply all exemptions and deductions provided by tax laws to reduce taxable income.

It entails the legal utilization using of the tax regime to one’s own advantage, in order to reduce the amount of tax that is payable by means that are within the law. It is the process whereby an individual plans his or her finances so as to apply all exemptions and deductions provided by the tax laws to reduce taxable income.

Most taxpayers use some forms of tax avoidance. For example, individuals who contribute to employersponsored retirement plans with pre-tax funds are engaging in tax avoidance because the amount of taxes paid on the funds when they are withdrawn is usually less than the amount that the individual would owe today. Furthermore, retirement plans allow taxpayers to defer paying taxes until a much later date, which allows their savings to grow at a faster rate.

The term tax planning and tax mitigation is a synonym for tax avoidance. It was originally used by tax advisors as an alternative to the negative term ‘tax avoidance’.

The term has also been used in the tax regulations of some jurisdictions to distinguish tax avoidance foreseen by the legislators from tax avoidance which exploits loopholes in the law.

Through tax avoidance, an individual takes advantage of all legal opportunities to minimize his or her state ortax. An individual may, for example, avoid federal income tax by investing a large sum of money in state bonds, since the interest on such bonds is not considered taxable income on which federal tax is due.

A taxpayer may lawfully arrange his/her affairs to minimize taxes by such steps as deferring income from one year to the next. (For example, interest on property sold on 31st of December 2012 is taxable as part of 2012 income. If the property is sold on 1st January 2013, it would be taxable as part of 2013. This is legal to do.)

It is lawful to take all available tax deductions. It is also lawful to avoid taxes by making charitable contributions.

One way a person or company may lower (avoid) taxes is by changing one’s tax residence. This is usually accomplished by relocating to a tax haven, (countries with low or negligible tax rates, usually done to attract investors) or by becoming a perpetual

traveler.

However, some countries, such as the U.S.A tax their citizens, permanent residents, and companies on all their worldwide income. In these cases, taxation cannot be avoided by simply transferring assets or moving abroad.

Most countries impose taxes on income earned or gains realized within that country regardless of the country of residence of the person or firm. Most countries have entered into bilateral double taxation treaties with many other countries to avoid taxing nonresidents twice—once where the income is earned and again in the country of residence.

However, there are relatively few double-taxation treaties with countries regarded as tax havens (countries with low or negligible tax rates, usually done to attract investors).

To avoid tax, it is usually not enough to simply move one’s assets to a tax haven, one must also personally relocate to a tax haven.

Without changing country of residence personal taxation may be legally avoided by the creation of a separate legal entity to which one’s property is donated. The separate legal entity is often a company, trust, or foundation. Assets are transferred to the new company or trust so that gains may be realized, or income earned, within this legal entity rather than earned by the original owner. If assets are later transferred back to an individual, then Capital Gains Taxes would apply on all profits.

The company/trust/ foundation may also be able

Revenue House

Acting FIRS Chairman, Alhaji Kabiru Mashi

to avoid corporate taxation if incorporated in an offshore jurisdiction (countries abroad).

Although income tax would still be due on any salary or dividend drawn from the legal entity. For a settlor (creator of a trust) to avoid tax, there may be restrictions on the type, purpose and beneficiaries of the trust. For example, the settlor may not be allowed to be a trustee or even a beneficiary and may thus lose control of the assets transferred and/or may be unable to benefit from them.

Tax results depend on

definitions of legal terms which are usually vague. For example, vagueness of the distinction between “business expenses” and “personal expenses” is of much concern for taxpayers and tax authorities. More generally, any term of tax law, has a vague penumbra, (confine) and is a potential source of tax avoidance By contrast, tax evasion is the general term for efforts by individuals, firms, trusts and other entities to escape (dodge) taxes using illegal means. Tax evasion usually entails taxpayers deliberately

misrepresenting or concealing the true state of their affairs to the tax authorities with the intention of reducing their tax liability.

It particularly includes, dishonest tax reporting (such as declaring less income, profits or gains than actually earned; or overstating deductions).

Tax evasion typically involves failing to report income, or improperly claiming deductions that are not authorized. Examples of tax evasion include such actions as when a contractor “forgets” to report the N100, 000 cash he receives for building a pool, or when a business owner tries to deduct N100, 000 of personal expenses from his business taxes, or when a person falsely claims she made charitable contributions, or significantly overestimates the value of property donated to charity. Similarly, if an estate is worth N5 million and the executor files a false tax return, improperly omitting property and claiming the estate is only worth N1 million, thus owing much less in taxes, he has evaded taxes.

Tax evasion is an activity commonly associated with the underground economy.

One measure of the extent of tax evasion is the amount of unreported income, namely the difference between the amount of income that should legally be reported to the tax authorities and the actual amount reported.

Some of those attempting not to pay tax believe that they have discovered interpretations of the law that show that they are not subject to being taxed.

These individuals and groups are sometimes called tax protesters.

An unsuccessful tax protestor has been attempting openly to evade tax, while a successful one avoids tax. Tax resistance is the declared refusal to pay a tax for conscientious reasons (because the resister does not want to support the government or some of its activities). Tax resisters typically do not take the position that the tax laws are themselves illegal or do not apply to them (as tax protesters do) and they are more concerned with not paying for particular government policies that they oppose.Tax evasion is a crime in almost all developed countries and subjects the guilty party to fines and/or imprisonment.

Conclusively, John Maynard Keynes was not wrong to have postulated that ‘the avoidance of taxes is the only intellectual pursuit that carries a reward.’ However, it is worth noting here that the difference between tax avoidance and tax evasion is just but the thickness of a prison wall.

PAGE 24

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

Business

By Etuka Sunday with agency report

I

n a bid to light up the country and transformed itself into a regional player, Ethiopian Government has secured $1.26bn funding for Ethiopia Kenya high-voltage transmission line, due for completion in 2015.

Once completed, the economic benefits for Ethiopia and its neighbouring economies will be felt far and wide, reports said.

The project is co-funded by the World Bank, the African Development Bank, the French Development Agency and the Ethiopian and Kenyan governments, and is already resulting in valuable tenders.

Additionally, the $289 million Ashegoda wind farm was inaugurated three days ago, contributing 120MW to Ethiopia’s national grid- further

Ethiopia’s $1.26bn high-voltage transmission PHCN customers in line, due for completion in 2015 …plans to commission its 6000MW project in 2017 showcasing the strength of the partnership between Ethiopia and its international donor communities.

Most recently, the groundbreaking partnership with US-Icelandic firm Reykjavik Geothermal was established to build Ethiopia’s first private power project; at 1000MW, the largest geothermal facility in Africa.

Totalling $4 billion private sector investment, it is projects such as these which will enable Ethiopia to tap into its vast geothermal power resources and open up the private power market.

Also in Ethiopia’s impressive

project pipeline is the 6000 MW Ethiopian Grand Renaissance Dam, potentially the largest hydroelectric power plant in Africa. This will be wholly funded by the Ethiopian government at a cost of $4.8 billion and scheduled for completion in 2017.

According to Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, Ethiopia’s economy is set to maintain a growth rate of 11 percent in 2013/14 with prominent plans to upgrade infrastructure as a priority focus in its annual budget.

To support these goals, the Ministry for Energy is again supporting the second Powering Africa Ethiopia

Executive Meeting in Addis (28 - 29 November 2013) where His Excellency Alemayehu Tegenu, thiopia’s Minister for Water and Energy and Miheret Debebe, CEO at the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCO) will join other stakeholders, investors and technology providers to discuss specific project tenders and the path forward.

The meeting will provide direct insights on how government is working towards attracting Foreign Direct Investment and seeking tangible investor solutions in what has traditionally been a public sector dominated market.

L-R: Managing Director, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr- Brovo Kim, Samsung Electronics Brand Ambassador, Ms Kate Henshaw and Director, Hand Held Products, Samsung Electronics Weat Africa, Mr. Emmanouil Revmatas, during the launch of Samsung Galaxy Note 3 + Gear, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Federal government must overhaul aviation industry, says Arik Chairman From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

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hairman of Arik Air, Joseph lKhide Arumemi has declared that the country aviation sector need total overhaul following the unfavourable business climate indigenous airlines are operating, just as laments that Nigerians don’t patronise their own products.

He said Nigerians still prefer patronizing foreign carriers at the expense of indigenous airlines whenever they embark on foreign trips to the United Kingdom, United States and

South Africa even when local airlines fly the routes.

He said a complete change of policy of engagement among the regulators and airlines is imperative in order to save the airlines from collapse.

Chief Arumemi said “a situation where even the federal authority will rather choose to engage a foreign carrier to convey its national team to play against the national team of the carrier’s nation does not show that the government wants its domestic businesses to grow”.

The Chairman spoke at the 7th anniversary of the airline in Lagos and the unveiling of the airline’s new Airbus A330200 at the airline’s corporate headquarters in Ikeja.

Managing Director of Arik Air, Mr. Chris Ndulue, who reeled out the achievement of the airline in the past 7 years, said the airline has ferried 13 million passengers in the course of its operations.

He said Arik has trained 16 cadet pilots at the cost of $2m having initially trained another 60 at the cost of 1.5 million pounds, and created over 2500

jobs alongside 18 female pilots.

Ndulue explained that the airline took delivery of two Airbus A330-200 aircraft and sent another 40 pilots to CAE in London for simulator assessment screening.

Part of the its next plans include the launch of a Bombardier CRJ1000NG aircraft, the expansion of its long haul operations to Dubai, Jeddah and Sao Paulo and also expand the interlining and code share arrangements to develop services to points beyond Europe, Middle East and the United States.

Ikeja complain of constant power outage

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ome customers of PHCN under the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company said that the constant power outage in the area was affecting their socio-economic activities.

The aggrieved consumers, who spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos said that the power outage could be deliberate.

Mr Ademola Salisu, a community leader in Alimosho, said that some communities within the local government had not gotten regular supply in the last two months.

Salisu said that some residents in the area could not key into the new pre-paid metering scheme due to the total blackout.

He said that the development had paved way for some filling stations and diesel sellers in the area to be extorting money from them. ``In the last few months, this community has not seen electricity supply in spite of the Federal Government’s effort in ensuring effective rural electrification in the country, `` he said.

Salisu, who attributed the situation to the deplorable state of the transformer serving the community, called on the authorities to make good their promise to intervene in the power supply situation. ``As a community leader and resident of this great community, we call on the authorities to intervene in this matter, `` Salisu said.

Mrs Yinka Banjoko, Chairperson, Seriki/Oke-Aro community in Agege, also said that power supply to the community had not been stable.

She said that many industries and factories had folded up due to the power situation and called for urgent attention of PHCN to the problem. `` The total power outage in this community has grossly affected the socio-economic growth of this place. ``We urge government at all levels to urgently come to our aid to find a lasting solution to this situation so as to move the community forward, `` she `said.

Mrs Abosede Johnson, who runs ice block-making business in the area, said that the state of power supply in the community was threatening her business. ``Currently, I spend over N7, 000 on fuel every week just to ensure that I have products to sell to my customers and at the end of the day, I scarcely make profit.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

PAGE 25

Stock Watch

Report as at Thursday, October 31, 2013

PAGE 24

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

PAGE 25

Special Report

Reducing child mortality rate through vaccination M

edical experts have expressed concern over the recent recurrence of measles in the country despite immunisation campaigns and other efforts by stakeholders to curtail the spread of the disease.

Experts say that measles is a highly contagious virus that kills more Nigerian children than any other vaccine-preventable disease.

Statistics by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) indicates that cases of measles in Nigeria increased from 383 in 2006 to 2,542 in 2007 and 9,510 in 2008.

Citing UNICEF data, experts noted that routine immunisation cover against measles range from 35 per cent to 70 percent between 1999 and 2008.

According to them, Nigeria conducted a twophased nationwide measles vaccination campaign in 2005 and 2006 on children between nine months and 14 years.

They also recalled that in 2008, a followup nationwide campaign targeting children between nine months and four years was conducted in two phases, and wondered why measles outbreak had not abated.

Available records say that out of the 9,510 cases of measles in 2008, some 717 cases occurred in children below two years of age, while 1,445 cases occurred

in children between two and four years old.

The records also say that 354 cases were found in children between five years and 14 years old.

Considering the trend of outbreaks in Nigeria and the African continent, the World Health Organisation and UNICEF recommended accelerated measles control in Africa, using measles mortality reduction strategies.

The strategies include a target to achieve and maintain more than 80 per cent coverage with routine measles vaccination of infants, and to provide a second dose of measles vaccine through Supplemental Immunisation Activities (SIAs) among others.

Complementing the strategies, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) said it was set to embark on a second phase of a nationwide mass vaccination of children.

Head, Primary Health Care Advocacy and Social Mobilisation Division of NPHCDA, Mrs. NkiruAsomughasaid the five-day campaign would hold in 17 southern states between Nov. 2 and Nov. 6.

Speaking at a media orientation workshop in Benin, she said the agency had concluded the first phase of the campaign in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) between

Health Minister, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu

??????

Oct. 12 and Oct. 16.

According to her, the first phase of the campaign in the northern targeted more than 15 million children, while more than 12 million are expected to be vaccinated during the campaign in the southern parts of the country.

Asomugha said that a total of 9,418 vaccination posts had been set up in all the 17 states to provide free vaccination services to children against measles. ``Measles, which is a vaccine-preventable disease, is still endemic in Nigeria and remains a leading cause of death of children under five years. ``The campaign is targeted at children between the ages of nine months to 59 months, and the key objective of the campaign is to reduce child mortality in Nigeria through a second vaccination opportunity against measles through SIAs,’’ she said.

Asomugha announced that measles vaccine was

completely safe, effective and free, stressing that the major symptoms of measles included high fever, rashes and cough.

She warned that if not treated in time, measles could cause serious health complications, including blindness, diarrhoea, brain damage and pneumonia.

According to her, the disease reduces a child’s

ability to fight other diseases, resulting in frequent illness, while malnourished children could die.

She noted that 950 cases were reported on July 30, with 585 deaths throughout the country in which 85 per cent of the victims were never vaccinated before.

Asomugha also said that current data in Nigeria

“

The report says about half of under-five deaths occur in only five countries-China, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, India, Nigeria, and Pakistan. It notes sub-Saharan Africa is the region with the highest child mortality rates in the world, with 98 deaths per 1,000 live births

indicates that more than 57 local government areas had measles coverage figures below the national average of 78 per cent.

But Mrs. OmawumiDaibo, the South-South Zonal Coordinator of NPHCDA, assured Nigerians that the Nigeria Integrated Measles follow-up campaign would strengthen the health system in the country.

Daibo regretted the existence of measles immunity gap, adding that the 2011 post followup campaign coverage was poor in 299 local government areas of the country. ``UNICEF is supporting Nigeria to fight measles; the country is moving forward and our aim is to bring infant mortality to its lowest level. ``This is the second campaign against measles, having done the first in the northern parts of the country a few weeks ago. ``In a few weeks from

now, we will also have a campaign against yellow fever,’’ she said.

Medical experts believe that since protecting children against measles through inoculation will reduce child death, parents, care-givers and guardians, should ensure that their children and wards are immunised.

They note that their roles in making immunisation exercise successful will justify the saying, ``Healthy children beget a healthy nation’’.

A new report says the number of global deaths among children under age five is almost half what it was 22 years ago. A joint report by the United Nations Children’s Fund, the World Health Organization, and World Bank finds about 6.6 million children died before reaching their fifth birthday in 2012 compared to 12 million children who died in 1990.

The report calls the progress being made

in cutting child deaths remarkable. However, it says this is still not good

enough. It says most child deaths are preventable, and that by applying a number of simple, affordable measures, more children’s lives can be saved.

Elizabeth Mason, director of the World Health Organization’s department of maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health, says the first 28 days of life are critical for a child’s survival. That, she says, is inextricably linked to the care the mother receives during pregnancy and, most importantly, the care she receives during labor, childbirth and the early hours of the baby’s life.

“We have new low-cost solutions that can reduce deaths of pre-term babies by up to three-quarters.

And these include anti-natal corticosteroid injections to the mother when she goes into pre-term labor, kangaroo mother-care where the baby is literally put into a pouch, but next to skin-to-skin care, next to the mother’s chest so that the baby can keep warm and can have early access to breast milk,” said Mason.

The leading causes of death among children under five years old include pneumonia, prematurity, birth asphyxia, diarrhea and malaria.

Globally, WHO says about 45 percent of under-five deaths are linked to under-nutrition.

The report says about half of under-five deaths occur in only five countriesChina, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, India, Nigeria, and Pakistan.

It notes subSaharan Africa is the region with the highest child mortality rates in the world, with 98 deaths per 1,000 live births.

It says a child born in sub-Saharan Africa faces more than 16 times the risk of dying before his or her fifth birthday than a child born in a wealthy country.

At the same time, the report says the pace of decline in the number of annual deaths has quadrupled since 1990.

Mark Young, a senior adviser on health at the U.N. Children’s Fund, says overall economic development is helpful in reducing child mortality, but poor countries that have a good strategy can make significant gains.

He cites the case of Niger, one of the poorest countries in West Africa.

Two decades ago, he says, Niger had the highest rate of under-five mortality in the world. This, he says has been cut by nearly twothirds.

“They have done this through a series of targeted, focused, government-led initiatives that UNICEF has supported,” he said. “They

instituted a free health care policy for women and children, abolished user fees, so increased financial access.

They expanded geographic access by establishing a series of rural health posts… staffed by community trained health workers to deliver essential maternal-newborn child health services at the peripheral level.

They implemented a series of integrated mass campaigns to deliver a package of high impact preventive interventions.”

The package includes childhood immunization, vitamin A, and insecticide treated nets for malaria.

Young says Niger also has set up an emergency nutrition program to address child malnutrition.

The report notes other countries are also implementing life-saving interventions.

It says Ethiopia, Kenya, Niger, Tanzania, Bangladesh and states in India are following strategies to reduce child deaths from pneumonia and diarrhea, which together kill two million children each year.

These interventions providing antibiotics and oral rehydration salts, introducing new vaccines against these diseases and ensuring access to sanitation and safe drinking water.(NAN)

The former Minister of State for Health, Dr Mohammed Ali-Pate, presenting a plaque to the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, after she had been decorated as the Goodwill Ambassador for Immunisation and Child Survival in Abuja, recently. With them are Executive Secretary, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Mohammed Ado, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina, and the President, Paediatrics Association of Nigeria, Dr. Dorothy Esangbedo.

PAGE 26

Islam

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

Neglecting the Holy Qur’an (VI)

Allah says: “And the Messenger has said: “O my lord, indeed my people have taken this Qur’an as [a thing] ignored (abandoned).” [alFurqan: 30] n the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. All Praise is due to Allah! We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and we seek refuge in Him from our evils and bad deeds. Anyone who is guided by Allah is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and final messenger to mankind. May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon His last and final Apostle, his Household, his companions and all his followers until the end of time.

Today by Allah’s leave, we will conclude the series. For five weeks now we were talking on this very momentous topic because there is no better time to engage in it than now. Now that Muslims, majority of them have in one way or the other thrown away the Book of Allah behind them for various selfish reasons and motives. Whatever may be their intentions, they will not be farfetched from worldly gains such asextortion of money, craving for fame and popularity, endearing big followership or pleasing the enemies for some sort of compensation.

However, today in sha Allah we will conclude the topic. Though not because it has beenthoroughly exhausted, but because we have said much and may be enough consider the Qur’an as the only available guidance for humanity.

Similarly, we must hold fast on to it as the final solution to all our problems; private and public. We must not consider it as a private document, just to be referred privately on private matters or issues. The Qur’an is for every Muslim revealed by Allah tohelp him or her as indispensable manual to operate and run him or her, in open and in hidden.

Unfortunately, this Qur’an has over the centuries been neglected and abandoned by many Muslim rulers and kings in many parts of the Muslims world. Many of these rulers have used and dumped it, and many of them have physically sanctioned the ulamasthat refused to support them and their selfish interest. Similarly, many Ulamas have wasted their time, intellects and energies in trying to discover the hidden meanings and treasures of the Qur’an. Many more have abandoned it in study of its grammatical proficiency only;they have, in its favours, ignored its guidance.

Thus, any extra efforts spent over and above of what is required or needed to fully understand the divine messages of the Qur’an may become unnecessary or construed to mean partial or

I

total neglect of the Qur’an. This has gone to include excessive exploration trying to find the basis of its eloquence, articulacy, rationalization, prosody, syntax or modulation and intonations in utter disregard to its teachings in but neglecting it.

Memorization of the Qur’an is a very lofty and commendable exertion by every Muslim; male and female. To recite proficiently and melodiously is a recommendable injunction too, provided it is not commercialized or sought public admiration and applause. It becomes a glaring disregard when itdoes not physically manifest in one’s behaviours and personalities.

It is an honour indeed, aspired and admired by all Muslims to be crowned or named a ‘Hafiz’ or ‘Qari’; a fountain of the Qur’an.

However, it is more adorable to be a living Qur’an an exemplary model amongst the Muslim Ummah and even the non-Muslims. So also, it is most appalling and reprehensible for an ‘Alaramma’ (a Hafiz) to disdain the presence of the Qur’an in his or her ‘mu’amalah’ (conduct) with all the people around.

Sincerely speaking, this trend is very rampant and common amongst the modern reciters of the Qur’an, not only in Nigeria, but throughout the Muslim world.

I have personally interrelated with many of them, but I am yet to be impressed by many of them, let alone learn anything positive from them.

For these and many other reasons, the colossal money and efforts put in training the young boys and girls to merely memorize the Qur’an by heart will become a total waste of resources, if its application is not stressed over and above the rudiment of parrot learning! Please understand me!

I am not saying that we should abandon the exercise completely, but we must to merge the practical aspect and the theory

ISLAM EXPLAINED

By Husain Zakariyya Yawale +234-8052952900 (sms only) islamexplained35@yahoo.com firmly together. Such that even if one commits the Qur’an to memory and hisbehaviour is ratedunsatisfactory, one is relegated and downgraded; a kind of disciplinary measure to be applied.

The messenger of Allah got these to say: ‘I asked Sahl bin Hunaif, “Did you hear the Prophet (saws) saying anything about the ‘AlKhawarij’?” He said, “I heard him (saws) saying while pointing his hand towards Iraq, ‘There will appear in it (i.e., Iraq) some people who will recite the Quran but it will not go beyond their throats, and they will go out from (leave) Islam as an arrow darts through the prey’s body.’”

[Narrated by Yusair bin Amr;AlBukhari Hadith 9.68] Allah’s Messenger (saws) said: ‘Verily there would arise from my Ummah after me a group (of people) who would recite the Quran, but it would not go beyond their throats, and they would pass clean through their religion just as the arrow passes through the prey, and they would never come back to it. They would be the worst among the creation and the creatures.’[Narrated by Abu Dharr; Muslim Hadith 2335] These behaviours are already very much around with us today.

They are more demonstrated during the Ramadan when young ‘Huffaz’ will be competing in showcasing their capabilities

of memories and retentions, as well as their styles of intonations and modulations; including the melodies! The ‘taraweeh’ and the so called Tahajud are two avenues of exerting the power of mental retention, and preservation, as well as the articulacy and the descant of their voices! The Imams also show-off their piety openly to the observation of the congregation, not only in the length of the standing posture, but also in the period spent during the ruku’s and sujuds! Allahuakbar!

In fact, many a time the hadith I am quoting hereunder unrelently pops-up to soothe me. The hadith: I heard Allah’s Messenger (saws) saying, “There will appear some people among you whose prayer will make you look down upon yours, and whose fasting will make you look down upon yours, but they will recite the Quran which will not exceed their throats (they will not act on it) and they will go out of Islam as an arrow goes out through the game whereupon the archer would examine the arrowhead but see nothing, and look at the unfeathered arrow but see nothing, and look at the arrow feathers but see nothing, and finally he suspects to find something in the lower part of the arrow!”[Narrated by Abu Said Al Khudri; Al-Bukhari Hadith 6.578] Similarly, this show of expertize is also demonstrated in many ‘masajids’ during the

Somali children in Mogadishu Madarasa read verses of Qur`an Karim with ink made from charcoal brushed up in water

Ramadan ‘Tafseer’. The ability to interpolate a relevant ayah is usually not enough to impress the listeners, but the swiftness and eruditeness, coupled with his voice melody,are then counted as a mark of superiority!

Many people think that holding the Qur’an in high esteem is demonstrated only in one’s ability to commit to memory very large potion, only to read them aloud whenever the situation calls for it. This tendency unfortunately, kept away many of them from studying the Qur’an as a Book of guidance and knowledge. The Qur’an becomes your guide to doing what is always right, only if you learn to put it into practice.

Otherwise it becomes against you if you neglect its practical aspects.

Though many recite the Qur’an regularly, the recitation does not have any bearing on their pattern of characters. Such people may be aware of the importance of the Qur’an, but their awareness of the role of the Qur’an is extremely erroneous and narrow.

The hadith in the following paragraph suffices: On the authority of Abu Malik al-Harith bin Asim al-Asharee (may Allah be pleased with him) who said:The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Purity is half of iman (faith). ‘Al-hamdulillah (praise be to Allah)’ fills the scales, and ‘subhan-Allah (how far is Allah from every imperfection) and ‘Al-hamdulillah (praise be to Allah)’ fill that which is between heaven and earth. And the salah (prayer) is a light, and charity is a proof, and patience is illumination, and the Qur’an is a proof either for you or against you. Every person starts his day as a vendor of his soul, either freeing it or causing its ruin.” [Related by Muslim in the 40 Hadith Nawawi, No. 23] In essence, we must as a matter fact; we must understand and believe that the real purpose of the Qur’an is to give guidance from the individual to the universal level.

The individual must remember thatthe main purpose of his creation is to worship Allah. Thus, the Qur’an’s guidance is in its meanings, not in the elocutions, dictions, intonations of its phrases or its memorization.

Finally, I ask Allah to grant us the ability to constantly read, understand, believe and practise all the enshrine guidance of the Qur’an for His pleasure! Indeed the Qur’an is guidance, mercy, cure and light for the real believers! O Allah! Count us not amongst those the Messenger of Allah (saw) will lament about them due to their neglect of the Qur’an during their sojourn in this world! May we not be amongst those whom the Messenger will also complain about their negative attitude towards the it in the following words of Allah: “And the Messenger has said: “O my lord, indeed my people have taken this Qur’an as [a thing] ignored (abandoned).” [alFurqan: 30] Amin thummaamin!

Concluded

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

DIPLOMATIC

PAGE 27

CIRCUIT

Hungary and the new business drive in Abuja T

By Hassan Haruna Ginsau

he Hungarian government reopenedit’sembassy in Nigeria after a twoyear shutdown due to the worldwide global recession this week in Abuja.

The embassy which is located at 61, Jose Marti crescent, Asokoro was declared open at a ceremony on Tuesday by the Hungarian State Secretary of Foreign and External Economy Affairs, Mr. Peter Szijjarto.

During his speech, Szijjarto pledged Hungary’s commitment to sign the economic partnership agreement with Nigeria, in order to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries. He also revealed that the Hungarian government had granted 50 full scholarships to Nigerian students, in addition to the 700 Nigerian students currently studying in Hungary.

Speaking to newsmen about the importance of the reopening, Hungarian envoy to Nigeria, Ambassador Zsolt Maris said “personally, it’s a big deal because I’ve been working for more than 30 years for Africa, in four different African countries, and it’s a big achievement that we could reopen our representation in one of the most important countriesin West Africa.”

He reiterated Nigeria’s continued economic growth as a driving factor for the reopening, citing its important role in the sub- region.

He expressed hope at increasing the 700 Nigerians already studying in Hungary, aside from the 50 scholarships awarded to the students.

The envoy said both Nigeria and Hungary could cooperate in other fields such as agriculture, energy generation, and sports and culture.

Hungarian State Secretary of Foreign and External Economy Affairs, Mr. Peter Szijjarto, who declared the embassy reopen, expressed great optimism in the Sub- Saharan Africa’sgrowth forecasts. “There’s no doubt that West Africa is going to be the most rapidly emerging part of the world, and Nigeria plays an important role in that.” He said.

“Our bilateral trade is on a very developed level now because Hungarian exports have reached $125 million this yearespecially on the field of technology, mobile phones, Hungarian ones, and I think we can still widen our cooperation”.

Szijjarto pointed out that

Hungarian State Secretary of Foreign and External Economy Affairs, Mr. Peter Szijjarto cutting the ribbon to declare the embassy reopen.

without representation it was impossible for the two countries to develop bilateral cooperation in any field, in his words,“that’s why we have decided to reopen the embassy, and we expect an increase in the volume of our foreign trade, and we are expecting further cooperation in the area of agricultural technologies, L.N.G exploration and exportation.”

embassy stating that he had personally put in a lot of work to ensure the consulate was reopened after the temporary shutdown.

Onuoha lamented the difficulty Nigeria faced in relations with Hungary during the closure, especially to the hundreds of Nigerian students studying in Hungary who had to go to all the way to Cairo and Nairobi to get their study visas and in his words “I thought that was too cumbersome for them.”

Speaking on the NigeriaHungary relationship the ambassador said “Nigeria and Hungary have had a relationship since 1964, and it’s been wonderful, it’s been good, we’ve had a lot of technical relationship with them in the educational sector in particular”.

“Some time in the 21st century they closed the embassy due to the global recession, now we are reinventing and resurrecting the relationship between Nigeria and Hungary, we intend to give it a very robust boost to improve on all our sectors with Hungary” Onuoha added.

As part of efforts to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries, Mr. Peter Szijjarto during a courtesy call on the Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom, also on Tuesday, said the re-opening of the country’s consulate was in recognition that without a permanent representative in Nigeria it will be impossible to have strong economic ties

between the two countries.

Accompanied by the Hungarian Consul-General, Mr. Maris, the State secretary said that because Nigeria plays a role of utmost importance in Africa and world’s economic development, Hungary is very keen on signing the economic corporation agreement with Nigeria, as there is a very positive dynamism in the country.

“If we can sign the economic partnership agreement with Nigeria, to begin to do business, especially in the oil and gas sector; it will enhance the bilateral relationship between the two countries”, Szijjarto added.

Nigeria and Hungary are apoised to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on areas of joint co-operation of the multitude of opportunities presented for the mutual benefits of both countries.

This position was reached during another courtesy visit, this time to Vice-President Namadi Sambo by a Hungarian delegation headed by Szijjarto.

Szijjartoadmitted that Europe was envious of the position of Nigeria and congratulated the country for her splendid economic achievement in attaining six per cent economic growth.

He said Hungary desired to cooperate with emerging regions of the world and that, after the Hungarian crisis.

The Hungarian embassy was closed in 2010 due to the global economic crisis.

“In order to have a stable, long term cooperation we are happy that there are 700 Nigerian students, and we are just about to conclude the negotiations about the economic cooperation agreement.” The secretary said.

Speaking at the occasion, the Nigerian ambassador to Hungary, Chief Eddy S Onuoha expressed elation at the reopening of the

“

He expressed hope at increasing the 700 Nigerians already studying in Hungary, aside from the 50 scholarships awarded to the students.

The plaque of the newly reopened Hungarian embassy in Abuja

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

PAGE 28

International Congo army says hunting rebels into mountain bases

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ongo’s army said yesterday it was hunting rebels deep into forests and mountains along the border with Rwanda and Uganda, the last insurgent hideouts after they were driven from towns they held during a 20-month rebellion.

Ugandan mediators said talks had restarted on Wednesday in Kampala between the government and M23 rebels, but Kinshasa’s U.N.-backed army appears on the verge of defeating the most serious uprising to plague the mineral-rich east since the end of the last major war a decade ago.

“We are going to pursue M23 and push them into a corner, wherever they hide, because they are criminals,” Congo army spokesman Colonel Olivier Hamuli told Reuters.

“We must not leave them time (to reorganize) because they have martyred the Congolese people for too long. Now is the time to bring peace,” Hamuli said.

M23 officials said they withdrew from towns under diplomatic pressure. Bertrand Bissimwa, M23’s political leader, told French radio RFI that the military losses would not alter their demands in talks.

Clashes were reported in the hills above Bunagana, the last rebel-

Congo soldiers during a battle with M23 rebels controlled town to fall this week, and fighting. around Runyoni, a hill that was the While the deep roots of conflict birthplace of the rebellion last year. - ranging from the presence of At their peak last November, Rwandan Hutu rebels, ethnic M23 occupied the regional capital, tensions and simmering conflicts Goma, after the army fled and over land and minerals - remain, rebels marched past peacekeepers. the pace of the advance of Congo’s This defeat led to the U.N. force army is unprecedented. and mandate being bolstered, “The M23 may be nearing its an overhaul of Congo’s army end,” Jason Stearns, a Congo expert, command and pressure on rebel wrote on his blog, Congo Siasa. “This support, changing the tide of the would be historic - it would be the

R

referendum, election officials said, amid warnings the poll could inflame tensions in the volatile region.

Ghana arrests 46 Chinese, Indian illegal gold miners

first time the Congolese government had defeated a major rebellion.”

“And it would be the first time since 1996 that an armed group allied to Rwanda is not present in the eastern Congo.”

U.N. experts and human rights groups have repeatedly accused Rwanda of backing M23, the latest in a series of rebellions in eastern Congo that has been linked to Rwanda’s political and military elite.

Abyei’s Dinka vote to join South Sudan esidents of contested region Abyei have chosen overwhelmingly to join South Sudan in an unofficial

The ballot sheet used for the vote

Only one of the two ethnic groups living in the area voted yesterday in the poll, which is not recognised by either Khartoum or Juba and which the African Union has warned is a “threat to peace”.

The fate of Abyei is one of the most important and sensitive issues left unresolved since South Sudan became an independent state in 2011, ending two decades of civil war in Sudan.

“The referendum committee has announced the results, and the number of people who have chosen to become part of South Sudan is 99.9 percent of the vote,” Luka Biong, spokesman for the Abyei Referendum High

Committee, told AFP news agency.

Celebrations including dancing and music broke out after the results were announced, he said.

Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, the African Union chief, has said the vote was illegal and its organisers risk sparking a return to war between civil war foes in Juba and Khartoum.

“They pose a threat to peace in the Abyei area, and have the potential to trigger an unprecedented escalation on the ground... with far-reaching consequences for the region as a whole,” she said in a statement on Monday.

87 dead migrants found in Niger desert

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he bodies of 87 migrants were found in Niger’s northern desert after they died of thirst just a few kilometres from the border of Algeria, their planned destination, security officials said.

The corpses of the seven men, 32 women and 48 children were in addition to five bodies of women and girls found earlier, a security source said.

All died in early October after a failed attempt to reach Algeria that began in late September, the source added.

Almoustapha Alhacen, a spokesman of local aid organisation

…84 rescued off Tripoli coast

AghirIn’man, confirmed the death toll and gave a graphic account of discovering the bodies.

“The corpses were decomposed; it was horrible,” he said. “We found them in different locations in a 20km radius and in small groups, often under trees, or under the sun.

Sometimes a mother and children, but some lone children too,” Alhacen said.

The bodies were buried according to Muslim rites, “as and when they were found,” added Alhacen.

Nigerien officials said on Monday

that dozens of migrants, most of them women and children, had died of thirst in the Sahara desert earlier this month. Two vehicles carrying the migrants broke down, one about 83km from the city of Arlit in northern Niger where they had set off from, and another at 158km, a security source said.

Meanwhile, Libya’s navy has rescued 84 African emigrants from a boat that was foundering off its coast, state news agency Lana said, after hundreds drowned this month trying to reach Europe.

Navy boats and special forces picked up the Africans, who were from a number of different countries, north of the capital Tripoli late on Tuesday, Lana said late on Wednesday.

Rescuers attempting to rescue migrants at sea

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hanaian police have arrested 46 foreign nationals from China and India accused of illegally mining gold.

They were detained in overnight raids in the country’s Central region where they were operating small barges to dredge the bed of the River Offin.

More than 4,500 Chinese nationals have been repatriated this year after a series of swoops on illegal goldmines.

Officials says since the clampdown began, some illegal miners have been going out at night to avoid detection.

Ghana is Africa’s biggest gold producer after South Africa.

Ghanaian law prevents foreigners from working in small-scale gold mines.

The authorities say the illegal mining pollutes the rivers and destroys the environment.

Illegal miners use makeshift barges to dredge mud from river beds which is then sifted for gold.

Sammy Darko in the capital, Accra, says illegal miners also mine in the forest leaving behind huge holes and cutting down trees.

The holes collect with water and chemicals like mercury used to sieve through the mud for gold drain into rivers.

Our reporter says officers set fire to the illegal miners’ equipment during the raid near the mining town of Dunkwa-on-Offin.

Officers also fired in the air to warn off any other illegal miner who might have been working, but did not engage in a shoot-out, he says.

Police said if the 43 Chinese and three Indians who were detained did not have the correct paperwork they would be deported.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

PAGE 29

International

Syria meets deadline to destroy chemical production facilities

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yria has destroyed or rendered inoperable all of its declared chemical weapons production and mixing facilities, meeting a major deadline in an ambitious disarmament program, the international chemical weapons watchdog said yesterday.

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, which won the Nobel Peace prize this month, said its teams had inspected 21 out of 23 chemical weapons sites across the country.

The other two were too dangerous to inspect, but the chemical equipment had already been moved to other sites that experts had visited, it said.

Syria “has completed the functional destruction of critical equipment for all of its declared chemical weapons production facilities and mixing/filling plants,

rendering them inoperable,” it said, meeting a deadline to do so no later than November 1.

The next deadline is November 15, by when the OPCW and Syria must agree to a detailed plan of destruction, including how and where to destroy more than 1,000 metric tonnes of toxic agents and munitions.

Under a Russian-American brokered deal, Damascus agreed to destroy all its chemical weapons after Washington threatened to use force in response to the killing of hundreds of people in a sarin attack on the outskirts of Damascus on August 21.

It was the world’s deadliest chemical weapons incident since Saddam Hussein’s forces used poison gas against the Kurdish town of Halabja 25 years ago.

“This was a major milestone in the effort to eliminate Syria’s

chemical weapons program,” Ralf Trapp, an independent chemical weapons disarmament specialist, said.

“Most of the sites and facilities declared by Syria to the OPCW have been inspected, their inventories verified, equipment for chemical weapons production disabled and put beyond use, and some of the unfilled weapons have also been disabled.”

At one of those locations the OPCW said it was able to verify destruction work remotely, while Syrian forces had abandoned the other two sites.

Trapp said it was “important to ensure that the remaining facilities can be inspected and their equipment and weapons inventoried and prepared for destruction as soon as possible”.

The United States and its allies blamed Assad’s forces for

OPCW chemical workers

the attack and several earlier incidents. The Syrian president has rejected the charge, blaming rebel brigades.

Under the disarmament timetable, Syria was due to render unusable all production and chemical weapons filling facilities

by November 1 - a target it has now met. By mid-2014 it must have destroyed its entire stockpile of chemical weapons.

The OPCW mission is being undertaken in the midst of Syria’s 2-1/2 year civil war, which has killed more than 100,000 people.

The unprecedented conditions had raised concerns that the violence would impede the disarmament, but the OPCW says Syrian authorities have been cooperating with the weapons experts, who have been able to visit all but three of the chemical sites.

Syrian authorities said that “the chemical weapons program items removed from these sites were moved to other declared sites”, an OPCW document said. “These sites holding items from abandoned facilities were inspected.”

The OPCW has not said which sites it has been unable to visit, but a source briefed on their operations said one of them was in the Aleppo area of northern Syria and another was in Damascus province.

One major chemical weapons site is located close to the town of Safira, south-east of Aleppo.

Assad’s forces have bombarded the town in recent weeks in an attempt to expel rebel fighters including al Qaeda-linked brigades.

Saudi court convicts Jordanian of spying for Israel

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Saudi court convicted a Jordanian citizen of spying for Israel and sentenced him to nine years in jail and 80 lashes, a pro-government Saudi newspaper reported.

Saudi Arabia and Israel are officially enemies, although the U.S.-allied Muslim kingdom has for more than a decade been promoting a plan for Israel to withdraw from

occupied Arab lands in exchange for peace with the entire Arab world.

The Arabic-language al-Riyadh newspaper did not identify the Jordanian but said the Riyadh criminal court found him guilty of “writing to the Israeli prime minister and communicating with a Zionist (Israeli) intelligence officer” by email and receiving a financial payment.

The pro-government newspaper said the court also convicted the defendant, who was not identified, of using narcotics and having an illicit relationship with a foreign woman.

“The suspect gave his reply orally, admitting he had communicated with the state of Israel, saying he did not full mental capacities due to the hashish and

Khmer Rouge leaders deny guilt

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ormer Khmer Rouge leader Nuon Chea has denied all charges against him on the last day of a trial for leaders of the Cambodian regime widely blamed for the deaths of some 1.7 million people.

The 87-year-old Nuon Chea, the Khmer Rouge’s chief ideologist, and 82-year-old Khieu Samphan, its head of state, are charged by the Khmer Rouge tribunal with genocide and crimes against humanity.

Nuon Chea yesterday denied charges including torture, enslavement and murder for their roles in the radical communist regime nearly 40 years ago. Khieu Samphanalso denied the charges.

A verdict is expected in the first half of 2014, more than two years after the trial began.

Deaths due to execution, disease, torture and starvation were widespread during the Khmer Rouge’s rule in the 1970s.

Samphan (L) pictured with Chea

the pills,” it said.

After he serves his sentence, the Jordanian will be deported back to his homeland, al-Riyadh said.

Saudi Arabia this month refused to take up a temporary seat on the U.N. Security Council, citing among other things what it said was the world body’s failure to make Israel find a just solution to its conflict with the Palestinians.

Asia & Middle East

Pakistan criticised over lowering drone victim numbers

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he Pakistani government has been criticised for lowering civilian casualty numbers of US drone strikes, contradicting its past calculations and estimates by independent organisations.

The defence ministry said on Wednesday that only 67 of 2,227 people killed during the 317 attacks since 2008 were civilians, insisting there have been no civilian casualties since 2011.

The Bureau of Investigative Journalism, based in London, has estimated that drones have killed at least 300 civilians in Pakistan since 2008, while the Washington-based New America Foundation puts the figure at 185.

The US rarely speaks publicly about the CIA-run drone programme in Pakistan, because it is classified.

But some American officials have insisted that the strikes have killed very few civilians and that estimates from the Pakistani government and independent organisations are exaggerated.

Ben Emmerson, a UN expert investigating drone strikes, said earlier this month that the Pakistani foreign ministry told him that at least 400 civilians had been killed by the attacks in the country since they started in 2004.

“If the true figures for civilian deaths are significantly lower, then it is important that this should now be made clear, and the apparent discrepancy explained,” Emmerson said in an email to the Associated Press news agency.

The attacks, which mainly target suspected rebels near the northwestern border with Afghanistan, are widely unpopular in Pakistan, because they are violating the country’s sovereignty and killing civilians.

The Pakistani government regularly criticises the drone programme in public, even though it is known to have secretly supported at least some of the strikes in the past.

Nawaz Sharif, the Pakistani prime minister, pressed US President Barack Obama to end the attacks in a visit to the White House last week, but the US considers the attacks vital to its battle against al-Qaeda and the Taliban and gave no indication it was willing to abandon them.

Sharif

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

International

NSA used 9/11 to justify mass spying T

he National Security Agency advised its officials to cite the 9/11 attacks as justification for its mass surveillance activities, according to a master list of NSA talking points.

The document, obtained by Al Jazeera through a Freedom of Information Act request, contains talking points and suggested statements for NSA officials (PDF) responding to the fallout from media revelations that originated with

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zech Social Democrat leader Bohuslav Sobotka took back control of talks to form a new government yesterday after a failed bid to oust him by party rebels unhappy over a poor result in last weekend’s election.

The Social Democrats are the largest party in the new parliament and have a chance to build a coalition government with two other parties, but their share of the vote, at 20.5 percent, fell to its lowest in two decades, emboldening Sobotka’s opponents.

The internal party squabble has dented hopes that the central European country of 10.5 million can quickly emerge from a political crisis that began with the fall of a center-right government in June amid bribery and spying allegations.

The party rebels, who voted on Sunday to remove Sobotka from the team negotiating a new government, backed off after he won the support of rank-and-file Social Democrats.

“We have to quickly get back to full strength to be able to negotiate the formation of the next government,” Sobotka, a former finance minister, said after a ninemember party leadership team gave him a mandate for the talks.

former NSA contractor Edward Snowden.

Invoking the events of 9/11 to justify the controversial NSA programs, which have caused major diplomatic fallout around the world, was the top item on the talking points that agency officials were encouraged to use.

Under the subheading “Sound Bites That Resonate,” the document suggests the statement “I much prefer to be here today explaining these programs, than explaining another 9/11 event

that we were not able to prevent.”

NSA head Gen. Keith Alexander used a slightly different version of that statement when he testified before Congress on June 18 in defense of the agency’s surveillance programs.

Asked to comment on the document, NSA media representative Vanee M. Vines pointed Al Jazeera to Alexander’s congressional testimony on Tuesday, and said the agency had no further comment. In keeping with the themes listed in the

talking points, the NSA head told legislators that “it is much more important for this country that we defend this nation and take the beatings than it is to give up a program that would result in this nation being attacked.”

Critics have long noted the tendency of senior U.S. politicians and security officials to use the fear of attacks like the one that killed almost 3,000 Americans to justify policies ranging from increased defense spending to the invasion of Iraq.

Czech left leader back in talks to form government Sobotka

“We have the key responsibility as the winning party,” he said, adding that a wider gathering of the party’s central executive committee called for November 10 should endorse his continued leadership.

After that date, Sobotka said official coalition talks with the antigraft ANO movement of billionaire businessman Andrej Babis - which came from nowhere to win second

place in the election - and the centrist Christian Democrats should start.

The Czech crown has largely shrugged off the election result and the Social Democrats’ internal rift, but stocks have gained ground as the center-left party is unlikely now to be able to push plans to raise taxes on banks and utilities.

The rebels were weakened by

news they had secretly met with President Milos Zeman, a former Social Democrat leader and a longtime opponent of Sobotka, after the election results last Saturday and before the call for Sobotka’s departure on Sunday.

Zeman has in the past hinted he may prefer to appoint the leader of the rebel faction, Michal Hasek, not Sobotka, as the next prime minister.

3 UK journalists plead guilty to hacking

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The last copies of the news of the world tabloid

hree senior journalists at the defunct News of the World tabloid, owned by media mogul Rupert Murdoch, have pleaded guilty to charges related to phone-hacking, according to a UK prosecutor.

Lawyer Andrew Edis said on Wednesday that former news editor Greg Miskiw, ex-chief reporter Neville Thurlbeck, and former reporter James Weatherup all entered guilty pleas ahead of this week’s high-profile phone hacking trial.

The trial of two of Murdoch’s former editors was heard on Wednesday.

Rebekah Brooks, Murdoch’s former British newspaper chief, and Prime Minister David Cameron’s

former media head Andy Coulson are on trial at London’s Old Bailey court accused of conspiring to illegally access voicemail messages on mobile phones.

The defendants all deny the charges, but Edis said that the guilty pleas already entered show “there was a conspiracy which involved a significant number of people”.

Their guilty pleas, which had not previously been reportable, are the first public admissions by former News of the World journalists since police launched an inquiry in 2011 into allegations that staff on the Murdoch paper had hacked the phones of celebrities, politicians and victims of crime.

Europe and Americas

Putin tops Forbes most powerful people list

Putin

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ussian President Vladimir Putin has been named the world’s most powerful person by Forbes magazine.

He has beaten US President Barack Obama into second place on the US magazine’s 2013 list.

Pope Francis features at number four after Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Mr Obama’s “lame duck period” had started earlier than usual while Mr Putin had consolidated his control of Russia, Forbes says.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel ranked number five - one of only two women to feature in the top 20.

British PM David Cameron is 11th most powerful, in the magazine’s opinion - well ahead of his French counterpart but well behind American philanthropist Bill Gates.

It is the first time in three years that Mr Obama has dropped to second place on the Forbes list.

It comes as relations between the US and Russia have been hit by the civil war in Syria.

Mr Putin, who has been dominating Russian politics for 12 years, was re-elected president in March 2012.

Mr Obama, on the other hand, has emerged bruised from a 16-day US government shutdown caused by a budget and debt crisis in Washington, Forbes says: “Putin has solidified his control over Russia, while Obama’s lame duck period has seemingly set in earlier than usual for a two-term president - latest example: the government shutdown mess.”

Russia granted asylum in August to former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor Edward Snowden, who is wanted in the US over intelligence leaks.

A month later, Mr Putin “played the trump card again” by averting Mr Obama’s threatened missile strikes on Syria with a plan for Damascus to hand over chemical weapons, the magazine says.

“Anyone watching this year’s chess match over Syria and NSA leaks has a clear idea of the shifting individual power dynamics,” it adds.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

PAGE 31

Strange World The unbelievable story of Mike the headless chicken

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ccording to Mike the chicken, losing your head is not that bad as it’s thought to be. You better believe it since this one of a kind rooster lived headless for two years and became worldfamous for it.

Mike became “the Headless Chicken” on September 10th, 1945 after being decapitated by his owner, Lloyd Olsen from Fruita, Colorado, who wanted to cook him for dinner. During Mike’s attempted decapitation, Llyod hit all the wrong (or right) spots, leaving Mike headless but still alive. Baffled, the owner had a change of heart and decided to nurse the rooster back to health.

Mike shook off the upsetting incident and shortly after, started pecking around and grooming his feathers as if nothing had happened.

Well, he couldn’t really do all those things because without a head the bird couldn’t eat, drink or see but that didn’t stop him from trying! After feeding him grains and quenching his thirst, Olsen took Mike to the University of Utah where flabbergasted scientists took a close look at the

death-defying chicken. According to them, a blood clot prevented Mike from bleeding to death after Olsen’s ax had missed the jugular.

As if by miracle, Mike was still left with his left ear and most of his brain stem intact which was enough to keep this feathered critter healthy for the following two years of his life.

Apparently chicken’s reflexes lie in their brain stem which explains why Mike still attempted to peck and even sing – gurgle rather, despite his handicap.

Olsen swore to take care of him for the rest of his life, feeding him milk and water with syringes.

Mike was doing so well, he even gained weight determining Lloyd to call him a “robust chicken – a fine specimen of a chicken except for not having a head.”

The five-and-a-half month old rooster soon became famous.

Nicknamed “The Headless Wonder Chicken,” he toured the country and people paid 25 cents to see his body wandering about with not a care in the world. At one point, Mike was earning $4,500 a month and was valued at $10,000 – more than any other chicken, that’s for sure. According to this

website dedicated to him, “His fame and fortune would earn him recognition in Life and Time Magazines. It goes without saying there was a Guinness World Record in all this.”

After two years, the fame got to him and Mike was found dead in his hotel room, having overdosed on illegal drugs. This is only half true as the “Wonder Chicken” did die in a hotel room in Arizona, but only because Olsen was unable to find the eyedropper used to clear Miracle Mike’s open esophagus.

After the star’s sad death, Olsen claimed that he had sold the bird off, resulting in all kinds of hairraising stories of Mike appearing on various shows around the country.

Mike and Olsen’s story inspired other people to behead their chicken in an attempt to create another living headless miracle.

Some unlucky birds did survive but only for a short time. Mike’s story is unique and therefore his body was preserved in an institution in his hometown. He is also celebrated annually in his own “Mike the Headless Chicken Day,” which people celebrate by engaging in various fun activities such as “5K

German man marries his cat

Mike

Run Like a Headless Chicken Race”, egg toss, “Pin the Head on the Chicken”, the “Chicken Cluck-

Couple gets married in cemetery on Halloween night

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alloween is not exactly known as a romantic holiday, but for one Albuquerque couple it was the perfect time to tie the knot in a cemetery.

Officials from the Fairview Memorial Park Cemetery admitted they get all kinds of bizarre requests, but this was the first time someone asked them to use the venues for a wedding on Halloween night. Scott Rivera and his girlfriend Kiera love Halloween because “yiu can be totally crazy and no one looks at you strange” so they decided it was the perfect time to have their special wedding.

As the sun cast its last rays on the gravestones of the cemetery,

Mitzscherlich with Cecilia

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German postal worker, from Possendorf, has unofficially married his beloved cat, Cecilia.

39-year-old UweMitzscherlich has shared precious moments with Cecilia, for the last 10 years.

Unfortunately, the purring furball is now obese and asthmatic, and the vets don’t think she has much more to live. Because

they’ve had such a unique relationship, for many years, Mr. Mitzscherlich decided to make it official, and asked Cecilia’s… paw, in marriage.

Sadly, human-animal weddings aren’t recognized in Germany, so UweMitzscherlich had to pay a female actor to officiate the ceremony. At first she thought it was a joke, but

quickly realized this was a dream come true, for the German postal worker.

The couple dressed for the occasion, with Uwe wearing a wedding suit and top hat, and Cecilia boasting a lovely white dress. It was a beautiful ceremony, and 15-year-old Cecilia even meowed loudly, through the exchanging of the vows.

Off”, and “Chicken Bingo,” where the chicken themselves choose the numbers by pooping on them.

The Riveras

the couple made their entrance dressed in custom-made medieval costumes, along with friends and family, who also wore their own Halloween outfits.

Despite the odd setting and timing of the wedding, it was a romantic ceremony that shows it doesn’t really matter where you wed, as long as you have your loved one by your side. “It’s not the kind of place you want to be at night” Kiera said about their fairytale wedding location, but ““For the most part, our friends just loved it.

They think it’s awesome, and wish they had the guts to do something like it too.” At least they had plenty of witnesses, although most of them didn’t have a pulse.

PAGE 32

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

Weekend Revue

WITH TOBIAS LENGNAN DAPAM lovelengz@yahoo.com 07036990957

Emeka Ike calls for peace concert in geo-political zones

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eteran Nollywood actor, Emeka Ike has called for peace concert in all the geo-political zones to address insecurity problems rocking the country, Nigeriafilms. com has said.

It added that a rally will be preceded by a press conference in Abuja on Monday followed by mobilisation of Nollywood and football stars to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, which has been the epicentre of the Boko Haram insurgency.

The actor also said that Nollywood will collaborate with music stars and some footballers to hold peace concerts in all the geopolitical zones of the federation as part of their initiative to address the problem of drifting Nigerian nationhood.

Ike led a delegation which met with the PDP national chairman, Bamanga Tukur, told him that the stars would mobilise Nigerian youths on the need for togetherness and peaceful coexistence in the country, most especially at the grassroots.

The group asked Tukur to support the project which they claimed was for the nation’s interest.

He told the PDP national chairman that Nigerians would be amazed at the outcome of the peace rally that would be staged by the stars.

Ike said the planned rallies would also focus on the need for the PDP to resolve its internal crises so that the ruling party could focus on governance in the interest of the Nigerian people.

According to him, a module has been developed for infusing the culture of responsiveness and national interest in political office holders in the land.

Renowned footballers like Celestine Babayaro and music stars like 2-Face Idibia, would join this rally.

Tukur, in response, expressed delight in the resolve by the Nollywood stars to champion the cause of peace and national reconciliation in the country as he urged other Nigerian youths to mobilise in their support.

Emeka Ike

Chris Brown enters rehabilitation centre

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he 24-year-old singer - who was arrested for assault after allegedly punching a man outside a hotel has decided to seek help following his recent troubles by checking into a treatment facility, Hollywood Reporter has said.

Chris brown

Chris’ representative told E! News: “Chris Brown has elected to enter a rehabilitation facility. His goal is to gain focus and insight into his past and recent behaviour, enabling him to continue the pursuit of his life and his career from a healthier vantage point.”

The news comes just days after the ‘Forever’ singer was arrested, along with his bodyguard, in Washington, DC, after reportedly hitting a man and making a homophobic slur in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Chris reportedly punched the man, breaking his nose, when the unidenitified male and a friend attempted to insert themselves in a picture he was taking with two females. The star’s lawyer insists he is not guilty.

The crooner was expected to co-headline a concert with girl band Danity Kane at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City on Tuesday but he cancelled the gig ahead of checking into rehab.

Chris is still on probation for assaulting then-girlfriend Rihanna, 25, in February 2009 and his latest arrest could be deemed a violation of his probation, resulting in a potential four-year prison sentence.

Ice Prince releases “Fire of Zamani” album

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ET awards best African winner, Ice Prince Zamani has released his second studio album, Fire of Zamani, Pulse.com has said.

The new song is titled “Komotion”, and it features fellow superstar, Wizkid.

According to his record label, Chocolate City Records, the album stands one of the best the label has ever worked on. Fire of Zamani (FOZ) features Ice Prince himself alongside close to 20 other superstars on different collaborations including: Wale, French Montana, Don Jazzy, Burna Boy, Wizkid, Sunny Nneji, Olamide, Jeremiah Gyang, Sound Sultan, E. Kelly, Young L, Jesse Jagz, Montrell, Shaydee, Chopsticks, Sammy Gyang, M.J and Chip.

Meanwhile, Ice Prince has been nominated for the prestigious ChannelO Awards in South Africa for Most Gifted Video of the Year and Most Gifted Africa West Video.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

PAGE 33

Weekend Revue

Multi Choice thanks Nigerians, rewards more customers in anniversary promo

Beyonce gets step father M

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ulti Choice, Nigeria’s leading provider of premium payTV on the DStv and GOtv platforms, has once again thanked Nigerians for the unwavering support the brand has received in the last 20 years, as it unveiled names of second set of winners of various prizes in the ongoing MultiChoice Nigeria 20th anniversary promo.

The second draws were held at the SuperSport Studio, Billings Way, Oregun, Lagos, on Thursday, October 24, 2013.

In the latest draws, PortHarcourt based Mr Nduka Obiajulu won a return ticket for a couple to the National Basketball Association (NBA) games in the United States of America while the duo of Mr Gbenga Olumilua and Pastor Wale Ogunsola each won return tickets for a couple to witness Wimbledon Tennis games live in 2014. Mr Nnaemeka Ejike won a cash prize of N200, 000. The winners were at the MultiChoice Nigeria office for the media presentation of prizes Chioma Afe, Marketing Manager, DStv, at the official presentation of prizes to the winners, which held at the MultiChoice head office in Lagos on Wednesday, 30 October 2013, expressed MultiChoice’s joy at rewarding more Nigerians who have contributed to the success of the brand through their loyalty over the years. “For 20 years, MultiChoice, through its DStv platform and recently GOtv, has being an entertaining brand.

The brand has evolved over time and now caters to the need of every family member no matter their size, interest and economic spectrum.”

Mrs Afe added that MultiChoice has successfully democratized paytv in the country by constantly lowering cost of acquiring and enjoying pay-tv services, and by offering premium quality programming and content at affordable prices.

Tina Knowles

Richard Lawson

Beyonce

ove over Matthew Knowles, Tina Knowles, Beyonce’s mother, has found a spanking new, hot love, Hollywood Reporter has said.

The no-nonsense business woman was spotted last night holding tight unto actor, Richard Lawson [from Four Colored Girls] at the Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation’s 2013 Angel Ball held at Cipriani, Wall Street New York to help raise funds for cancer research.

Beyonce’s mother obviously gave everyone a head-turning moment not only with the shocking handsome date by her side, but she dazzled in a super hot black lacy & feather gown plus a fresh make up and flirty blond hair.

However, R&B super star, Usher was the man of the hour at the event as he debuted his Sugar Ray Leonard-inspired hair and nailed his smooth performance to everyone’s delight, according to Nechole Bitchie.

Also present were, music producer, Pharrell Williams and wife, Helen, Rita Ora,Irana Shayk, Jessica White and Huge Jackman.

Copy cat: Actress KCee finally features Wizkid in new video Princess Pemu imitates igerian singing star, KCee, has dropped the official music video to his banging song, “Pull Over”, which featured Wizkid, and had a number of high-profile cameos, Pulse.com has said.

Tonto Dikeh’s mermaid It added that an amazing video for a song this popular was never going to be an easy act but that KCee and his team did an amazing job. tattoo The video leaned heavily on humor, with Nollywood veteran comic actors, Hafiz ‘Saka’ Oyetoro,

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P

ulse.com has repoUpcoming Nollywood actress, Princess Pemu, is struggling to make her mark in the Nigerian movie industry, but what she lacked in the make-belief world, she makes up for it by being a copy-cat of unrepentant controversial actress and singer, Tonto Dikeh, aka Poko.

Princess, who said Tonto is her role model and is so much in love with the one famously called Tontolet, strived to do everything Poko does, including smoking, going topless and mutilating her body with Tonto-like tattoos and carvings.

Osita ‘Paw Paw’ Iheme, Chinedu ‘Aki’ Ikedieze and others, coming together to make it quite entertaining.

Dustin Hoffman to star in ‘Boychoir’

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Princess Pemu

eteran actor, Dustin Hoffman had been scripted to play a role in ‘Boychoir’, Hollywood Reporter has said.

It added that the film, which will be directed by Francois Girard (The Red Violin) from an original screenplay by Source Code, writer Ben Ripley, also will feature Alfred Molina and Kathy Bates in supporting roles.

Hoffman will play Choir Master Carvelle, who runs a boys choir school on the East Coast. The story follows a troubled and angry 11-year-old named Stet who is sent off to the school. A search is currently underway to cast the young lead.

Molina will play Drake, a teacher at the school; Bates will portray the school’s headmistress.

Dustin Hoffman

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

PAGE 34

Reporter’s Diary

Fighting fear by lighting Lagos’s streets W

aiting on the streets of Lagos is darkness. And with it, fear.

I spent days and nights following electricity crews who are trying to change that. They are building big generators and installing lights that bypass what Nigerians call the "epileptic" offerings of the national power grid.

At night the crews work with a security detail. On Lagos Island, the man in charge of it is called Mr. Omo. He is short and beefy, not sculpted, like a body-builder, more rounded and somehow solid, like a large refrigerator.

“You are the tough guy,” I said when we met by the side of a darkened road. Above, the street lights were out. Below, an electrician was on his knees with a torch in his mouth and a nest of cables in his hands.

“I am not the tough guy,” Mr. Omo said, with a shrug, but he said it with a demeanour that suggested he was not someone who would back away from trouble.

I liked him immediately. And not just because I had already been in dark neighbourhoods where shouts and noises and people come from every direction; and when you walk you cannot see the ground, so you almost trip over children, or fall into storm drains; and you have no idea why that crowd of young men over there are yelling and fighting, or where to go if they come any closer.

“Just a second,” Mr. Omo

said. He raised a phone to his ear.

“Go ahead,” he said. Then, to me: “Soon the lights will come on.”

They did and there was a collective “Aaah”. I looked around and was surprised. I had no idea there were so many people around me. The crew started to pack up and I asked Mr. Omo why they needed a security detail in the first place.

The big problem, he said, was the “area boys” - gangs of young men who hassle the crews for money. They are a scourge across Lagos.

I had once stopped to record the sound of children crowded under a street light. They were dressed in creamy white clothes, singing prayers with an imam.

I was there maybe five minutes before a group of area boys came up and started demanding money from my guide. They spoke heatedly in Yoruba, the local language.

My guide sounded firm, but soon he said to me in English: “Let’s go.”

We did not give them any money, but I spoke with street traders who said they regularly paid 10% of their daily take to area boys, who would threaten to beat them up or wreck their stalls.

The government in Lagos hopes light will change that. At the Iyana Ipaja market - a major trading centre in the north of the city - it has spent $1.2m (N192m) to install and restore lights.

I met a man there named Mr. John, who sells alcohol from a small stall. He told me about the

Flying into Lagos at night, you would never know there are up to 21 million people down there.

There is no orange glow, as you see on approach to cities such as New York or London (both with about eight million inhabitants).

moment the lights came on, a week earlier.

“There was a jubilation along this street - ask anyone,” he said, waving his arm. “We opened drinks for people because of the

light.”

He and the other traders used to close when the sun set around 6.30pm. “Now they stay open as long as they like,” he said gleefully.

Mr. John says the area boys have vanished and profits are up. Others in the market say the same thing.

On Lagos Island, Mr. Omo is also starting to see change. “As more light comes, it is getting easier,” he says. “The tension is going down, little by little.”

Electricity crews have yet to come to the street where Mr. Omo lives. The plan is to do the main roads first, then work into neighbourhoods. So far, they

“

Broken electricity transformers are a common sight in Lagos

have lit about 120 miles (190km) of road, in a place where there are more than 8,000 miles.

Standing in the dark outside his house, Mr. Omo and I began to hear shouts from the other end of the road, then crowds of men began to run past looking over their shoulders.

“Come to the back,” Mr. Omo said, as he put himself between me and the street. “Maybe they are fighting. They might be throwing stones or bottles.”

We had been talking about Lagos’s reputation as a dangerous place. “You now, do you feel safe?” he asks. Of course I do, I say, I’m with Mr. Omo. Source: BBC

I had once stopped to record the sound of children crowded under a street light. They were dressed in creamy white clothes, singing prayers with an imam. I was there maybe five minutes before a group of area boys came up and started demanding money from my guide

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

Interview Start something honest and good, young entrepreneur tells graduates Ewomazino Onoruvie, a beautician and fashion designer, is a graduate of Computer Engineering from Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Enugu. In this interview with Evelyn Okakwu, Onoruvie, popularly called Zino, shares her experience about how she got into beauty making after her studies as well as her advice to youths. Excerpts:

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id you always know you would become a beauty maker?

As a matter of fact, beauty and fashion has always been my passion. I have always had a strong affinity for makeup and cosmetics in general, traceable to my days as a toddler (as often recounted by my mother and older siblings). So, basically, when it comes to making a person or people look and feel better than they were initially, has always been my drive and passion.

Do you have any intention of doing a whitecollar job?

That would be a definite NO. Already I have my head and hands full with my brand, Perfect Reflections, growing it and getting it out there. Although like any other growing or new businesses, the challenges are basically the same; ranging from getting sufficient funding for the business, to building a strong clientele base.

Those have been the most basic challenges for me. But that does not mean I have plans for doing anything else.

So you have had a premeditated thought about this business all along?

Building a brand in the beauty and fashion industry did not happen out of necessity or just something that I had to fall back because of a lack of options. It has been a conscious and deliberate move, as matter of fact, one of the most deliberate moves that I have ever made in my life so far.

I didn't always know what path I would tow (even though this one path stood out clearer than the rest), what I always had was flair and a very keen eye and an even keener mind for cosmetics, beauty and fashion. As soon as I had learnt to walk, I sought out my mother's dressing mirror, I would paint my face with her lipstick and eyeliner and then when I was done with my face painting, I would do the same to the mirror.

It was routine for me and also the constant fate of the mirror.

I started putting on makeup at a very early age and when I could, I would make my elder sisters up (this part I actually remember).

Ewomazino Onoruvie I gradually graduated to making up my friends and then, the very first major work I did came in April 24, 2004, the marriage of a very close family friend. I still don't know how I convinced her I would make her beautiful, but I only know that at the end of the day she was confident that I could and the goodpart? Her husband loved it! His words to her were

Ewomazino attending to a client

and I quote, "...you are looking regal..." This was some sort of validation for me and I started to work as a freelance makeup artist since then. During my early University days, I had stated to picture myself building career in this industry and then the vision of building a brand in the cosmetic and fashion industry was conceived .

In August 2007, I had the business registered under the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as Perfect Reflections, operating along the lines of aesthetics, cosmetics and fashion. From then onwards, it became obvious and clearer that cosmetics and makeup artistry was more than just favourite past time to me. By the time I was half way through my University education, I was categorically sure about my career pat hand my life's work and I wasn't afraid to voice it out to the people around me and those in my life.

What is your take on the issue of unemployment in Nigeria?

We have more qualified graduates littering the streets and at home than there are jobs

to pass around. Let's face it, if you live among people, that is a very common and a much too familiar picture. Now, do you know the alarming fact? It is not just that there aren't enough jobs to go round; the ratio of jobs available to jobless graduates is more like 1:50. Alarmingly, that ratio is growing, tending towards1:100 because students are graduating from higher institutions in their droves only for a larger percentage to be a part of the jobless community.

How does this affect the economy and the society at large?

You want to know what happens when you have desperate, jobless people in a community, city or nation in the ratio. Try putting starved fish and nicely fed fish in the same pool.

Yes, that's what you get. Your result will be a couple of dead fish floating on the water after someday. I have an aunt who once ran a fish farm.

Though she constantly fed them, we found a couple of fish dead a few times from being eaten by another fish. We don't have to search far, try the Bible, Pharaoh’s

dream about the impending famine: 7 lean cows swallowing 7 fattened cows. While growing up, we had a dog that started to eat its puppies, probably because we were not feeding it well enough.

Look, let us not kid ourselves; it is a primitive survival instinct that is inherent in living creatures, man especially. Survival of the fittest; (May the best man win). We have different terms to tag it with.

In Nigeria today, the majority of the jobless hold feelings of animosity towards the rich, affluent and well-placed people in our society. For most of them, it doesn't just stop at animosity; they actually dance with the idea of ripping away the wealth of the rich and coveting it for themselves through some vile means. For some others, they actually take it further and put the plan into action. So guess what? We have for ourselves an insecure nation, crime and robbery taking over our streets. The nice man that would have stopped to give a stranded individual a ride in his car or the once hospitable couple who would have given shelter to the homeless suddenly holds back from being so giving because we have taken to protecting ourselves from the next man. This is the Nigeria we now live in.

Any advice for youths in the country?

My advice to my fellow Nigerian youths is to find honest work. Get your hands busy. You know what is said about an idle mind being the devil’s workshop.

I don't need to reiterate it. There is no shame in honest work no matter what it is. In fact, I derive pleasure and pride when I put my mind and bend my back to work and see my earnings, the fruit of my labour. There is no shame in hard work, it should be your best friend; a friend that will bring you profit. And do you know what’s better? You can be a source of inspiration to other people, young and old alike; like I am being now. You can even make your community a better place and grow to be able to employ other young people thereby reducing unemployment around you. But it starts with you; make a decision now not to sit idle.

What about a word for the government?

Our government has started to make an effort in supporting and encouraging enterprise among Nigerian youths via various schemes, like the “You-Win initiative”. While I'm raising my glass to that, I'd also like to add that more of these schemes and initiatives be made available and the word of it should get to every nook and cranny of the nation, from schools to market places, because a lot of people have not gotten wind of it and therefore cannot access it.

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

Issues

MTV-300: The Making Of Nigeria’s First Teachers’-only Estate

By Isa Gusau

The idea of the Monguno Teachers Village is to have houses with the number et’s go straight to the point. MTV stands for of rooms that wouldn’t attract any big Monguno Teachers’ Village and ‘300’ stands man. There will be a policy that any for three hundred units of 2-bedrooms. I am allottee must be a teacher and he or she referring to an estate initiated by Governor must reside in the house allotted. The Kashim Shettima in February, 2013 which teachers know themselves; they also have the Vice President, Architect Mohammad Namadi a union, in any case- the Nigeria Union Sambo laid its foundation stone on 22nd February, 2013 of Teachers, NUT. The houses are also when he first visited Borno as Vice President. The estate designed to have large rooms and some is officially called Dr Shettima Ali Monguno Teachers’ spaces that can be converted as so wished. village. It is an ultra modern and large estate for only I do not know if it is because he was teachers. a University lecturer, Governor Kashim I think I should tell you this. In the last one month, I Shettima, is so passionate about teachers. have made frantic calls to my colleagues, practicing as The Governor hates it when people say journalists across almost the 36 States of the federation. that the reward of teachers is in heaven.

Haven worked as Bureau Chief for the Northeast and the ‘Why shouldn’t they begin to get their South-South geo-political zones for a leading national The Executive Governor of Borno State rewards on earth like other professionals, Governor Kashim Shettima Newspaper in Nigeria, I was already aware of projects since they (teachers) are the builders of taking place in the 12 States that make up the zones; all other professionals getting rewards on I only needed an update which I got. After interacting with colleagues earth’ Shettima always wonder in his public utterances? and friends of colleagues, I think I can say from credible information The Governor also feels that Borno needs an educational available to me that unless another state started work by middle of last revolution, already taking place, though, which should include higher night, Wednesday, October 30, 2013, Borno is the first and so far, the only, motivation of teachers in addition to their training and supervision in the country undertaking the building of an estate with as many as 300 for better service delivery. The Governor was also pained by the units of modern houses, specifically for teachers. This, therefore, makes fact that many teachers retire from service without roofs over the very apt, the bold headline on this page. heads of their families and loved ones while some of their students, That reminds me, please don’t confuse staff quarters you might have including bad pupils in class, turn out very rich through right or seen in some schools where you might be to mean an estate. Here in wrong means. Governor Shettima was also disturbed by the killing Borno, there are many staff quarters. Governor Shettima has initiated just of teachers in their remote houses during some insurgency attacks, too many of them in Government College, Yerwa Girls College, Shehu so he feels that getting them in planned and secured estates could Garbai Model school amongst many of them, you can even see some of save them from attacks. It would also make them more organized. them as you drive on the airport road, near the Borno Express terminal He feels that teachers should be in an atmosphere they can have in Maiduguri. The new houses that make up the staff quarters should be access to books to do research even at night and mark the scripts of over 100. But I am not talking about them now; I am talking about an their pupils. These, they will get in MTV-300. estate with all the unique features of perimeter fence, schools, shopping Governor Shettima has made teaching to become so attractive in complex, worshipping centers and children play-grounds amongst others, Borno State by regularly advocating for their welfare. By the way, for the use of residents.

Borno pays one of the best salaries in the country, to teachers.

The Monguno Teachers Village is being built with the aforementioned I do not know when, but the Governor is thinking about a policy features and even more. There will be a fire service unit, a police outpost, that will make it mandatory for all teachers and school administrators clinic, mini research centre etc. to have their children and wards, in the schools they teach or You might be wondering why two-bedrooms are being built instead of manage so that they do not compromise standards. But all of these, say 3 or 4 bed-rooms. Governor Shettima gave what many see as a good would not be morally right unless the schools are made to become reason. One can hardly rule out political influences and connections in any standard, as in have adequate and good class rooms, teaching aides allocation of built houses in at any of our federating units. There are people and books, good feeding and accommodation system, freedom from you cannot deny houses when they ask. The worst condition you can give fear, good transport system, better curriculum, teachers’ training is that they must live there. Shettima said he had observed that ‘big men’, and re-training system etc, all these are what Governor Kashim referring to connected political actors and opinion leaders, often do not Shettima is currently putting in place through very good actors like like 2 bed-rooms. For instance in estates built by previous governments, his Commissioners for Education , the teaching service board, the low cadre persons mostly accepted to happily live in two bedrooms while Task force on education quality assurance and committee on quality the big men prefer 3 and 4 bed-rooms. You know that big men mostly school feeding programme, initiated in the last two years. Parents have big families, if not more than a wife, they would have house helps, are happy, teachers are well motivated and importantly, students cooks, drivers, gatemen, gardeners or atleast they would need rooms for are highly inspired and committed to learning more than they ever harboring visitors, wanted and unwanted, who would visit rich relations, were. friends and associates for kind or exploitative motives .

Yes, Borno is working!

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

PAGE 37

Confab tears Jigawa youths apart From Ahmed Abubakar, Dutse

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he proposed national conference has continued to generate frictions amongst Jigawa youths as the gap between them widens every day.

One of the faction of the Jigawa State National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), under the leadership of comrade Aminu

Aminu issued a statement stating that it, “wishes to categorically make it clear that (NYCN) in Jigawa is not divided and comrade Aminu Aminu is the legitimate Chairman of the chapter recognised by the National Body”.

The statement which read in part and signed by the NYCN Vice Chairman Ummi

Abdullahi Gumel stated that, “the contributions of Comrade Aminu Aminu towards uplifting the lives of not only youth in the state and the nation at large is conspicuous as evident recently in Wurma, Larabar tambarin Gwani and some other places in an effort to provide succor to the victims of flood incidents”.

“The Youth should not be left

behind in the journey that would address the concerns of all of us and masses of Jigawa state. This will certainly give us prominent stance on several national issues like State Creation, Revenue allocation, Local government autonomy, Security among others.

To this end, the NYCN

Jigawa state chapter has called on the so called Nura Yakubu to stop parading himself as the Chairman of the council in the state.

“Indeed, the entire youth of Jigawa state are solidly behind Comrade Aminu Aminu in this gigantic struggle to make our voice heard nationally”, it concluded.

Assembly scores Osun 2013 budget performance below average

O

sun House of Assembly yesterday in Osogbo said the 2013 budget performance by ministries, agencies and parastatals of the state government was ``below average’’.

Mr Kamil Oyedele, the House Committee Chairman on Finance and Appropriation, made the observation when the budget and planning office of the governor presented budget performance of the organisations between January and September.

Oyedele said the statistics given by the budget office showed that the 2013 was ``poorly implemented’’.

He said it was time for the organisations to buckle up and be more aggressive, to generate revenues for effective implementation of the budget.

Oyedele, who described the 2013 budget as bogus, said the irregular federal allocation to the state also affected its performance.

According to him, ``from what we have seen so far, the 2013 budget performance by the MDAs (organisations) is below average’’.

“It is time for us to move away from bogus budget and for the MDAs to buckle up towards robust internally generated revenue.

Mr Rasheed Afolabi, Chairman, House Committee on Public Account, said the state could not continue to rely on federal allocation to finance its budget.

“We cannot continue to rely on federal allocation to finance our budget. Come next year, our IGR must be put in place to implement our budget effectively,” he said.

Earlier in his presentation, Mr Bade Adeshina, Special Adviser to Gov. Rauf Aregbesola on Budget and Economic Planning, said the budget was not implemented as expected by the MDAs. Adeshina, however, said there was need for improved capacity training and orientation for MDAs. (NAN)

Gov. Theodore Orji of Abia state receiving some documents from Sen. Femi Okoruonmu, Chairman, National Advisory c’tte of the National dialogue during the committee’s visit to Abia state, recently.

APC, APGA fail to stop Enugu council polls

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he All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday failed to secure a court injunction to stop the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) from conducting council polls in the state due on Saturday.

In a motion filed before a High Court in Enugu, the party sought the suspension of the Nov. 2 council polls in the state following the disqualification of some its candidates from the elections.

The APC counsel, Mr Benjamin Nebe in his submissions urged the court to clarify the issue of eligibility of candidates to contest

the elections.

Nebe also urged the court to seek judicial interpretations by the Court of Appeal of constitutional provisions regarding the eligibility to contest elections in the country. ``All the party is asking is for the court to clarify the issue of candidacy eligibility to contest in the elections,’’ he said.

Nebe said his candidates were all eligible to stand for the elections since the Nigeria constitution did not state that candidates should make payments for eligibility to contest elections.

He said that if his clients were

asked to pay for a conference fees and they failed, it would have been understood.

The Counsel to ENSIEC, Mrs Amaka Madu, said that the disqualified candidates did not meet the requirements for contesting the elections.

According to her, many of the candidates submitted `fake’ tax clearance certificates for the elections.

The court, presided over by the state Chief Judge, Mr Justice Innocent Umezurike, however, adjourned the case till Nov. 5, 2013 for ruling.

In a similar development, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) also urged an Enugu High Court to suspend the local government elections in the state pending the determination of a suit filed before it.

The counsel to APGA, Mr Alex Amuzieogu prayed the court to stop ENSIEC from conducting elections in Isiuzo, Ezeagu LGAs and Ngwo Asaa ward in Udi Local Government Areas where the party fielded candidates.

Amuzieogu said the election should be suspended pending the determination of the suit filed before the court. (NAN)

National Dialogue: Taraba govt. inaugurates mobilisation committee

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araba State Government yesterday in Jalingo, inaugurated a 23-member committee to mobilise the people of the state for the proposed National Dialogue.

The committee is made up of seven special delegates and 16 persons representing the 16 local

government areas of the state.

Speaking at the inauguration, the state acting governor, Alhaji Garba Umar, urged the committee to come up with a paper that would capture the position of the state to present to the Presidential Advisory Committee on National Dialogue.

Umar called on the committee to

accelerate its work to meet the one week deadline for submission at the zonal meeting in Bauchi.

Also speaking, Mr. Yusuf Janwe, the Conference Assistant to the National Dialogue, said he had come to assist the state and its interest groups on how to prepare and present the memoranda.

Janwe urged the people of the state to feel free and express their views regarding the composition, timing, structure and the agenda of the Dialogue.

He, however, said that religious groups and political parties were exempted from submitting memoranda. (NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

Politics 2015: Gombe INEC boss wants citizens to be proactive during elections From David Hassan, Gombe

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Mrs Hannatu Dantong cutting a tape to officially commission a new primary health centre initiated by her late husband, Sen. Gyang Dantong. With her (holding microphone) is Senator representing Plateau North Senatorial District Zone, Mr Gyang Pwajok, who succeeded her late husband, during the commissioning in Vom, in Jos, yesterday.

We will resist imposition in APC, says Rep Kawu

By Lawrence Olaoye

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eputy minority leader of the House of Representatives and a governorship aspirant on the platfotm of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, Rep. Suleiman Abdurahman Kawu Sumaila, yesterday vowed that the would resist any form of imposition in the party ahead of the 2015 general elections.

Kawu made this statement on the heels of the visit to the governor of Kano state, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, by APC leaders to woo him into the party.

Kwankwaso, alongside his fellow aggrieved governors in the splinter People’s Democratic Party

(nPDP) had recently held secret meeting with national leaders of the APC in Sokoto.

Kawu, who said all Nigerians are welcomed into the party so long as they will respect the tenets of democracy, rule of law and justice, however cautioned that the imposition and impunity the reign freely in the ruling PDP must not be allowed to thrive in the APC. In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja yesterday, Kawu said: “As democrats we welcome all progressive minded persons into the APC but as a matter of necessity they must honor and respect democratic tenets and norms which are the cardinal principles that

characterize the APC ideology.

“While I commend our national leaders for the ongoing drive to expand the tentacles of the party, I also urge them to ensure that they to reach out to all stakeholders in the party especially those that played key role in the formation of the APC so that everyone is carried along. This is the sure and only way of ensuring harmony in the party in our collective struggle towards deepening of democracy in Nigeria.

“I have for over a decade consistently voiced out against misrule, injustice and all antidemocratic tendencies of the People’s Democratic Party. And, as a member of the APC merger

committee, I am not unaware of the tremendous sacrifice our leaders made to achieved this unprecedented feet in the annals of Nigerian politics.

“If others now have seen the light of what we are doing, they are welcome and we are happy about it but I must draw the attention of the APC leaders to know that what has brought PDP to its knees now is injustice, imposition and impunity which we all must resist and not allow to happen in our party I wish to restate that, we are against the norms and culture of PDP and we will resist it until we liberate our people from the claws of the monster in PDP.”

he Resident Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Gombe state, Prof.Istifanus Ishaku Dafwang, has urged citizens in the state to be proactive during the forth coming general elections in 2015.

He made the disclosure yesterday during a stakeholders meeting on preparation for 2015 general elections held at Ambar Hall in Gombe.

He said that the Commission would do any thing possible to ensure a free and fair elections come 2015, adding that the aim of the interactive session with the stakeholders in the statewastoinformallthestakeholders about INEC preparation for 2015 general elections and to educate the electorates on voter registration that will soon commence.

According to him, the Commission will ensure a comprehensive voter register to enable a free, fair and credible elections.

He however said that in 2011, the Commission made a remarkable impact in improving voter register than previous year, adding that there is a need to eliminate multiple registration.

While commending the effort made by Prof. Attahiru Jega during the last general elections, the commissioner said due to his commitment he was able to constitute a committee in 2010 which was led by Justice Uwais to asses the performance of past elections management bodies in Nigeria.

He called on voters who are below 18 years of age to stay away from polling units during elections as the Commissin will not spare any one found wanting.

Speaking further, the Commissioner explained that electorates who intend to vote during elections shall appear in person at the registration venue with their birth certificates or any document that will prove their identity.

Sen. Dantong’s wife inaugurates late husband’s constituency health project

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ife of late Sen. Gyang Dantong, Mrs Hanatu Dantong, yesterday inaugurated four health centres initiated by her husband and completed by his successor, Sen. Gyang Pwajok in Jos. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the widow inaugurated the Plateau North constituency projects at the behest of Pwajok in memory of his late predecessor, who died in a stampede on July 8, 2012, when gunmen attacked mourners in Bachit, Plateau State.

The four health centres, undertaken by the office of the Millennium Development Goals

(MDGs) included a Management Care ward and Primary Health Care (PHC) centre facility at the Christian Hospital, Vom, as well as a PHC centre at Fan-Loh and Bisichi in Barkin-Ladi, Plateau.

Also inaugurated was a block of three classrooms, VIP toilets and boreholes at the Jos Township Primary School.

In separate addresses before inviting Mrs Dantong to inaugurate the projects, Pwajok said he insisted in completing the projects because they were ``very crucial’’ to the living standards of the rural dwellers.

He promised that every project started by Dantong would

be completed and put to use so as to minimise the incidences of abandoned projects that had become common in many places.

Pwajok commended his predecessor for striving to leave lasting legacies, and urged beneficiaries of the projects to maintain them.

The senator promised to pay special attention to water supply to minminise the incidences of cholera and other environmental hazards associated with the consumption of dirty water.

NAN also quotes Pwajok as telling pupils of Jos Township Primary School, incidentally his former school, to ensure proper

care for their new classes, toilets and boreholes, and also challenged government to strive to improve public schools.

Pwajok promised to work with the MDGs office for more facilities that would make the rural areas habitable so as to check ruralurban drift.

In her remarks, Mrs Dantong expressed happiness that the projects started by her husband had been completed, and challenged politicians to make it a duty to personally supervise projects in their constituencies.

She called for more projects for the Christian Hospital, Vom, where her husband served as Chief

Medical Director (CMD) for 25 years before joining politics, saying the late senator dreamt of making the hospital a teaching hospital to meet Nigerians’ health needs.

Dantong urged beneficiaries of the projects to make the utmost use of the facilities, pointing out that government had so many competitive needs and would deploy other resources elsewhere rather than coming back to maintain the PHCs. Mr Etu Waji of the office of the MDGs, reaffirmed the office’s resolve to complete all projects, and declared that abandoning projects had always led to colossal waste of resources. (NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

Confab will strengthen Nigeria’s unity - Isah From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

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former Army Commander, Major General Muhammad Danhanne Isah said the national dialogue by President Goodluck Jonathan is an opportunity to discuss Nigeria’s problem and strengthen unity.

He stated this shortly after their inauguration in to the state committee of the national conference at Government House Birrnin kebbi.

“The move for national dialogue by President Goodluck Jonathan is a long awaited opportunity for Nigerians to discuss on ways of solving the country’s lingering problem and chat a way forward for a stronger and united Nigeria.

“Even in a family, communication is very important. So, in traditional African way, problems are resolved through dialogue or through discussion with elders in various communities”.

Isah is among earlier 41-man member committee that was increased to 46 and inaugurated to represent Kebbi State at the North-West zonal conference in Sokoto.

Sanga LG Chair impeached From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

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he Chairman of Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Hon. Emmanuel Adamu (Dan Zaria) has been impeached by the councillors the council.

Addressing newsmen, the spokes person of the Councillors’ Forum, Hon. Shehu Mohammed representing Gwantu Ward disclosed that the chairman failed in areas of accountability, good governance and transparency.

Mohammed said the chairman who was fond of lies and deceit alleged that the Governor of Kaduna State does not remit funds meant for Sanga local government area for the past two years.

He further stated that no single project had been executed for the past two years, adding that there was no due process in deliberation of important matters in the council.

The councillor also claimed that they were being witch hunted by some officials of the ruling party in the state for insisting that the governor must be accountable.

When contacted, Hon. Emmanuel Adamu described the Councillors as mischief makers who were being sponsored by people trying to destabilise Sanga local government.

News Extra

Arms proliferation worries NIALS

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

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he Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) yesterday decried the alarming rate of arms proliferation the country.

Director General of the Institute, Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN), who said this at a round table on disarmament of non state actors in Nigeria, organised by the Institute in Abuja, stressed

the need of evolving measures to check the increasing rate of proliferation of weapons in the country.

Azinge said: “What we are here for, is to examine the issue of gun control, there could be gun policy via the Firearm Act. We must leave here with a clear cut weapon seizure measures.

“Over five million guns are controlled by civilian population, how do we enforce compliance

with gun licensing and renewal?

Nigeria is 34th out of 178 countries in gun control efforts” he revealed.

The NIALS boss who sued for definite measures of combating gun control and illegal firearm possession, said combating kidnapping and arm rubbery must start by checking proliferation of firearms among civilian population.

“Before we combat

A team of Agricultural Consultants from Royale Criterion Consults, being conducted around milking workshop of Adamawa state Agricultural Skills Development Centre at Damare village in Girei local government area of the state, yesterday.

Photo: NAN

kidnapping and arm rubbery, we must answer how to combat gun control. Something must be done to reduce civilian weapon control in our country. The police must ensure adequate search for weapon possession by non state actors”, he noted.

In his key note address, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, said, Nigeria has witnessed the proliferation of more militia groups in the last two decades with increasing cases of weapon in the hands of these militias.

Abubakar who was represented by Fatai Onu, Principal Staff to the IGP, said the Nigerian police is committed to combating proliferation of illegal weapons and firearm possession by non state actor.

“Nigeria has witnessed proliferation of more militia groups in the last two decades with the increasing cases of arm possession by non state actors, but we are committed to combating this challenge”, the Abubakar stated.

On his part, the Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Ibrahim said, the proliferation of firearms among civilians has led to the formation of mini armies in the country.

Admiral Ola who was represented by Brigadier General KC. Osuji, the CDS said, “the proliferation of small arms among non state actors, have led to the aggravating security challenges, prompting civilians to constitute mini armies unto themselves”.

Edo to impound vehicles without `approved code’ From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

E

do State government has declared its intention to impound commercial cars and buses plying roads across Benin metropolis without approved colour code.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole dropped the hint recently at the formal flag-off of the presentation of 100 Suzuki cars to displaced commercial motorcycle riders in Ikpoba-Okha local government

area of the State. ``From now on, anyone who uses a vehicle that is not registered or painted for commercial purpose would be arrested and their vehicles impounded”, he said.

He urged the beneficiaries to liaise with the State commissioner for transport for necessary advice while cautioning the operators to pay adequate attention to security and traffic regulations.

He also commended the

Ikpoba Okha local government Chairman, Mrs. Itohan OsahonOgbeide for ``the pleasant surprise, saying ``I’m proud of your leadership and the leaders of Ikpoba-Okha for not asking you to bring the money to share’’.

Chairman of Ikpoba-Okha local government, Mrs. Itohan Osahon-Ogbeide said private partnership programme (PPP) and insurance cover was N1.9 million each.

According to her, the move was to support the effort of the

State government, assuring that the palliative scheme will provide alternative means of income to the affected former bike riders in the locality. ``The choice of Suzuki Motor cabs is due to cost effectiveness, ruggedness and the assurance of three years warrantee of the product’’ adding that ``arrangement had been concluded to train youths that have not benefited in the aforementioned scheme to be engaged in other sectors.

Army destroys Boko Haram operational vehicles in Borno

T

he Nigerian Army yesterday said it destroyed two suspected operational vehicles of the Boko Haram sect in the ongoing operations in Maiduguri.

The spokesman of the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri, Lt.-Col. Mohammed Dole, announced this in a statement.

Dole said that the destruction was to clear the insurgents terrorising motorists on high ways

in Borno. ``We have been able to identify camps used by the terrorists in planning attacks against motorists and innocent villagers in Kaga Local Government Area of the state. ``Troops of the division, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, have been able to destroy these camps since we began the operations this week,’’ Dole said.

He said three surveillance motorcycles believed to be used

by the sect in planning attacks had also been recovered. ``They mostly used the motorcycles in spying to plan for attacks on innocent people. ``The General Officer Commanding the division (GOC), Maj.-Gen. Obidah Ethan, is happy with the cooperation of the public towards supplying vital information on the movement of the terrorists. ``I therefore wish to express our gratitude to the public for the

support and cooperation extended to us so far. ``We have been able to dislodge the terrorists from their camps which have been their hiding places. ``They are now in disarray, trying to save their lives instead of planning attacks on innocent persons,’’ Dole said.

He said the division had created patrol teams on major high ways in the state to prevent isolated attacks on motorists. (NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

News

480 Nigerians die in road accidents monthly- NEMA From Muhammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

T

he National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, North-West Zonal Coordinator, Musa Ilallah, yesterday said that at least 480 Nigerians die in road accidents monthly across the country.

According to him, the chief

executive of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) disclosed that between 100-120 road accidents resulted to such deaths.

Speaking to stakeholders at a workshop on Mass Casualty Handling during Ember months held in Kaduna, Ilallah said the statistic released by FRSC on road crashes is worrisome.

He pointed out that the figure

released puts deaths on road accident as the top cause of loss of human lives in the country.

“The increase in deaths is compounded by our response to such accidents at scenes and also in the hospitals. NEMA as an agency of the federal government saddled with the responsibility of managing disasters in the country found it very necessary

to mobilize and sensitize all segments of the society in order to prevent, prepare and respond to all manner of disasters”, he said.

In his remarks, Head of Operation, FRSC, Isaac Akporowho advised road users, particular drivers to always abide by traffic rules and regulations while driving.

BRIEFS

National Task Force inaugurates Lagos exco

T

he Lagos chapter of the National Task Force Executives was formally inaugurated in Lagos.

In his opening remark, the National President, Dr Osita Okereke notedthat it become imperative that in the face of the present security situation and to complement the efforts of other security agencies that a body like the National Task Force be fully established.

He noted that he is basing his optimism on the pedigree of the bodywhich is barely three years old and has made tremendous achievements in unraveling hitherto secret activities of those he referred to as enemies of the nation.

From Matthew Aramunde, Lagos

N13m fraud: EFCC docks man for issuing fake cheques Senator representing Plateau North Senatorial District Zone, Mr Gyang Pwajok in a group photograph with the pupils of his former primary school, Township Primary School Jos, after commissioning of the school blocks of three classroom block, VIP toilet and hand pump borehole in Jos, recently.

Mass Housing Bill suffers setback in Senate

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

A

Bill seeking to establish a framework for government to implement mass housing scheme for low income Nigerians on Wednesday suffered a setback in the Senate due to some legally controversial clauses in the proposal which the Senate directed the committee on Housing and Urban Development to address.

Despite the efforts by the chairman of the committee on Housing and Urban Development, Bukar Abba Ibrahim to convince his colleagues on the need to pass it into law, the bill could not sail through as majority of senators

insisted that its passage would create legal and procedural problems that could affect its implementation.

The controversy was mainly on the source of the fund for the project, which the committee said in the bill, will come from unclaimed dividends, deposits of deceased people without next of kin, dormant accounts in banks, five percent of ecological fund and two percent of the oil and gas proceeds.

Senator Ibrahim, while presenting a report to the Senate on how the bill will improve the lives of Nigerians when passed into law, said the passage of the bill would be a big relief to the poor masses as it would afford

them opportunity to own their houses without stress.

Ruling after the debate, Senate President David Mark said the committee should be given proper guidelines because of the importance of the bill, adding that it will be in the best interest of the nation to pass it into law.

Mark described the bill as a good concept, but insisted that the committee should look at the legal aspect of it to enhance its success.

Earlier in her remarks, Nkechi Nwogu (PDP Abia), contended that the sources of funds as contained in the report, which include recovering people’s personal money either in form

of dividends or in dormant bank accounts to fund the housing scheme, would be a difficult task because there was no law that barred access to personal funds in banks after a period of time.

Ahmed Lawan (APC Yobe) advised the committee to look at the practice in other countries with the same socio-economic environment with Nigeria, so as to adopt their social housing scheme.

Vice-Chairman of the committee, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, said the bill stipulated that houses for low income earners would attract a token and that the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria should be brought into the scheme.

Lagos to spend N489.690bn in 2014 From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

T

he Lagos state government has proposed a budget of N489.690 billion for the 2014 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly.

Lagos governor, Babatunde Fashola, who presented the budget Wednesday at the Assembly said that the 2014 budget is N9.587 billion less than the 2013 budget because “this is the last full year budget that my administration will

be implementing”.

The summary of the 2014 budget showed that: recurrent expenditure was N234.665 billion while the Capital Expenditure takes N255.025 billion.

The total personnel cost/total revenue is 19%, total personnel cost/IGR, 27%; while the personnel cost as percentage of recurrent expenditure is 37%.

The budget states “the Capital to Recurrent ratio is 52:48 for Y2014 as against 58:42 in year

2013”.

Fashola, while reading the allocations to various sectors said, “the sector with the largest share is the economic affairs which takes N160,046,436,169 billion which represents 32,68 percent of the total budget.

“It is immediately followed by the general public service which received N100,215,966,990 billion, a figure which represented 20.47 percent.

“Other sectors include:

education, N77,423, 827, 872 billion which represents 15.81 percent; environmental protection, N39,727,711,248 billion (8.11 percent); recreation, culture and religion, N3,482,081,806 billion ( 0.71 percent); housing and community amenities, N50,537,201,984 (10.32 percent); health, N37,812,553,057 billion (7.72 percent); public order and safety, N17,977,368,027 billion, (3.67 percent); social protection, N2,466,309,939, (0.50 percent).

T

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arraigned a 53-year old man, Tony Iwena, before a Lagos High Court in Ikeja over alleged issuance of dud cheques.

Iwena was arraigned alongside his company, Tonad Publishing Ltd. before Justice Atinuke Ipaye on a three-count charge bordering on issuance of dishonoured cheque.

Iwena pleaded not guilty to the charge The EFCC Counsel, Mr. M.K. Bashir, informed the court that the defendant had committed the offences on October 14 and 21, 2010, at Mushin, Lagos.

Bashir said that Iwena had issued three Union Bank cheques for a total sum of N13.05 million in favour of Star Chem Industries Ltd. He said the cheques were dishonoured when they were presented because there was insufficient funds standing in the credit of the defendant’s account.

According to him, the offences contravened Section 1 (1) of the Dishonoured Cheques (Offences) Act, Cap D11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The judge remanded him in prison custody pending the hearing and determination of the bail application filed by his counsel, Mr. Monday Ubani.

She adjourned the matter till November 11 for hearing of the application.

From Matthew Irinoye, Lagos

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

Stories by Albert Akota

T

he Head Coach of the Super Eagles Stephen keshi, has said he is unfazed about his team’s defeat to the Jordanian football team Keshi revealed that the international friendly against Jordan was a good test for his boys as they prepare for next year’s Championship of African Nations billed for South Africa.

The former national team skipper admitted that he is not worried that they lost to Hossam Hassan’s men but insisted that his target is to ensure Nigeria performs well at CHAN 2014.

“Friendly matches are not all about winning. It’s about assessing the players on how they can perform and also to examine how quick they can adapt to the tactics and system the coach is playing. Besides, the game has nothing to do with our ranking with Fifa,” Keshi said.

“It was a good experience for

Jordan friendly: Good experience for Eagles, says Keshi the boys [not minding] the fact that we had just three days to train and 18 hours journey to contend with which I think is too much for the players who are very young.

“The boys have learnt a few things from the encounter which I think they will benefit from, “he said.

The Africa Cup of Nations winning coach hinted on the probable date the home based Eagles will resume camp for their debut appearance in next year’s CHAN. “Hopefully, we will resume camp sometime in December if all things go on fine. Nigerians should keep praying for us that everything should go on fine,” he concluded.

NEMA trains FCT coaches, youths on disaster management

T

he Mifalot Education and Society Enterprises, an NGO from Israel through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), trained coaches in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in order to train youths in aspect of disaster management.

The Director Development & Strategy of Mifalot Education and Society Enterprises Mr Clive Lessem, who disclosed this in Abuja during the training at government secondary school, zone 4 said the initiative was meant for the training of football coaches to become community leaders.

He said the NGO had been successful in mobilizing the coaches and training them on how to become the major players in organising the community during disasters.

The three-day training which was sponsored by Motorola Solutions Foundation on Public Safety had 40 coaches and over hundred students participating in the exercise.

Football coach in the FCT commended the Search and Groom Youth for Development Centre for organising the public safety integrative in training the youth on self resilience.

Godwin Bamigboye, the Chairman of FCT Coaches Association, said the training was commendable because it had exposed them to other ways football can be useful outside competition.

PAGE 41

Bamigboye said football could be used to create relief in camps for disaster victims by engaging them in football and taking their minds away from problems.

“Coaches are ready to contribute their quota in humanitarian service by enlightening the youths on what they can do during emergency situations.

“We want to specifically contribute our quota in camps for internally displaced persons, especially when we have flood.

“If we are available to give them hope by teaching them the game of football, we will help to mitigate their suffering and they will be happy because we are giving them hope.

“Football can be used as an instrument of peace and development. It can be used as an instrument of unity to bring hope to the people,” he said.

Sunday Obasi, a student who participated in the training said the training was commendable.

He said the programme made much impact, and more time should be given to the training because students can’t comprehend the training in just three days.

“What I have learnt now will help me in my football career and my team, the programme has helped me a lot to managing my team-mates during disaster ,’’ he said.

Keshi

NSC, NFF reject Club Owners’ sack of LMC

T

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and National Sports Commission (NSC) has flatly rejected a declaration by owners and managers of clubs in the Nigeria Premier League that they have ‘sacked’ the League Management Company (LMC).

Rising from its meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, the club owners/managers had declared in their communique: “The meeting emphasized on the expiration of the tenure of the LMC in line with the terms of reference given to them by the NFF. “The meeting specifically thanked the chairman and members of the LMC for their efforts in organising the justconcluded league as well as their several innovations and suggestions on the way forward and wished them well in their future endeavours.”

However, minister and chairman of the NSC Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi said categorically

Abdullahi

that the club owners don’t have the prerequisite to sack the LMC led

by Nduka Irabor.

According to him, only NFF has the power to sack LMC not clubs owners: why would they sack LMC, do they have such power, LMC has done credibly well by bringing sponsor to the league, LMC remain, “he said.

Meanwhile, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, stated emphatically that the League Management Company remains in place.

Speaking from the United Arab Emirates where he is with the Golden Eaglets as the youngsters aim to make Nigeria the first country to win the FIFA U-17 World Cup four times, Maigari insisted that the LMC was inaugurated by the NFF, granted license by the NFF to administer the Premier League on its behalf and can only be sent packing by the NFF.

“I am shocked to hear about a meeting of club owners/managers where they reportedly told the LMC to hand over to the Secretariat of the League. That is not within their purview; it is the responsibility of the NFF to determine the fate of the LMC. “The LMC has done very well within the past 10 months to reposition the Premier League, and they deserve commendation.

The club managers themselves admitted that the LMC has brought several innovations to the running of the League. Why would we want to throw all that away in a hurry?

“As far as the NFF, the supreme football-governing body in Nigeria, is concerned, the LMC remains firmly in place and will have the opportunity to continue its good works for a period to be determined shortly.”

Maigari called on the club owners/managers to be focused on improving the structures of their teams in line with the demands of professional football, rather than get sucked into illusory political manoeuvrings and hysteria.

“Sincerely speaking, the NFF will always accord the club owners/managers their regard and we see them as critical stakeholders in the development of the game in our country. But there is architecture of authority, which is not horizontal.

The NFF has prerogative on issues bordering on the running of the game in Nigeria and has not conceded this authority to any other group or body.

“Should the club managers have any grouse with the way the League is being administered, they should approach the NFF with their misgivings and we would resolve such matters, as we have done in the past,” Maigari said.

PAGE 42

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

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PAGE 43

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

PUBLIC NOTICE

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THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ONYEACHOR WILSON 2. UMEH EMMANUEL 3. OKAFOR JOSEPH 4. IKE CHRISTIAN NNAEMEKA 5. OBIAGWU MICHAEL 6. ONWUMERE REMMIJUS 7. NWANKWO CHIKA THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PROTECT THE INTEREST OF MEMBERS..

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THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR ADEBANJO ADEKUNLE ADEWUNMI 2. DEACONESS FOLASHADE OMOLARA ADEBANJO 3. PASTOR OLUFUNMILAYO CLEMENT 4. ASSISTANCE PASTOR BISOLA AINNAH 5. PROFESSOR KUNMBI BANJO 6. MRS. FOLASADE ADESANYA 7. MRS. ARENYEKA ESTHER IYABO THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO REACH OUT TO THE LOST SOULS IN THE WORLD. 2. TO RAISE ROLE MODEL. 3. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF TRUTH. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: LIVINGSTONE LAW

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR THE REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.PASTOR. CHRISTIAN EBRUKA - CHAIRMAN 2. PASTOR CHRISTIAN IKIRI 3.PASTOR MRS GLORIA EBRUKA 4. EVANGELIST MRS FAITH IKIRI 5. PASTOR COSMOS AGOGO - SECRETARY 6.PASTOR EMMANUEL AGBOR 7. JAMES OKONGOR 8. LIVINUS ODIGHA 9. PASTOR WILSON AGBOR 10. ELDER ODUDU CHRISTOPHER THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1.TO PREACH GOSPEL OF OUR JESUS CHRIST. 2. TO SAVE THE SOUL OF MANKIND. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: ARIKU THOMOS ESQ. 08034984330

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AMAZING SOUL LIFTERS MUSIC MINISTRY

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THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. CHIEF FREDRICK EDAMISAN AIYENOMURO- CHAIRMAN 2. PRINCE JADEL ADEOLA APEYIOMO- SECRETARY 3. MADAM RODIA OLUFEMI AIYENOMURO 4. MR MISILIAM OLU OREYOMI 5. MRS BAMIGBOLA ISAAC. THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO FOSTER UNITY AMONG MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: CHAIRMAN

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PAGE 44

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

Sports

Murray aiming to boost profile with Wood victory

M

iddleweight Martin Murray hopes victory over Garth Wood in December will result in him beginning to gain the recognition he feels he deserves.

St Helens-born Murray, 31, faces Australia’s Wood for the interim WBA world title in Sydney on 11 December.

“It will all work out right in the end, regarding getting the exposure and getting talked about the way myself and my team feel we should.”

Murray has twice fought for a world title, both on foreign soil, and impressed on both occasions.

He drew with Germany’s Felix Sturm in Mannheim in December 2011 and then lost on points to Sergio Martinez in Buenos Aires in April, despite knocking down the Argentine in the eighth

Commonwealth Games: Shooters, triathlete join Scotland team

E

ight shooters and one triathlete have been named in the Scotland team for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, bringing the total to 36.

Jonathan Hammond and Jennifer McIntosh are included and will be aiming to add to the seven medals they won between them at the Delhi Games in 2010.

David McNamee makes the team, a reward for strong finishes in the Triathlon ITU World Championship Series.

The sport will feature in the Commonwealth Games

Jonathan Hammond

round.

“By fighting who I’ve fought and with how I’ve done, it’s worked against me,” added Murray, who has won his other 25 professional bouts, 11 of them by knockout.

“None of the fighters want to fight me and I’m not getting the big fights I’m looking for because I’ve done so well in other fights.

“This is the longest I’ve been outside the ring since I turned professional. There was a lot of momentum coming from the Martinez fight and that dwindled off with me not having a fight.

“This fight is over in Australia and I’m not going to take many over there. I’m just hoping it’s going to be seen on a big television channel over here.”

programme for a third time, having first been included in Manchester in 2002, then in Melbourne four years later.

At Strathclyde Country Park for the Glasgow Games, a new mixed team relay event will follow the individual men’s and women’s races, which are the first medal events of the Games on day one.

McNamee, from Irvine, has posted three top-10 finishes in the Triathlon ITU World Championship Series this year.

He now trains in Leeds as part of the GB programme with top triathletes the Brownlie brothers, who look likely to be wearing England vests next July.

“My last four years have been focused on reaching the Commonwealth Games and now to finally be selected is so exciting,” he said.

“I have never represented Scotland before and the fact it’s in Scotland makes it 10 times more important.

“I picked up my first ever senior triathlon medal at a European Cup event at Strathclyde Park so I’ve fond memories competing there.

In shooting, double Commonwealth gold medallist McIntosh had her best World Cup placing with the air rifle this year, finishing 18th in Munich.

Last year she made her first World Cup final, taking 6th in the 50m rifle 3P event, also in Munich, in her first year as a senior.

Hammond, originally from Aberdeen and now based in West Virginia, said: “Now I am selected I can begin all the planning for the winter and next season in the lead-up to Glasgow.

Martin Murray (L)

Ennis-Hill resumes training after injury

O

lympic heptathlon champion Jessica EnnisHill is back in training after an injury-plagued season.

Sheffield’s Ennis-Hill missed the World Championships in August because of an Achilles injury but started jogging again

“I’d love to do the pentathlon at the World Indoors but I have to make sure I’ve got enough time to be technically where I need to be and competing at the top of my game.

“It’s been a challenging year but I’m on the mend. Things are going in the right direction finally and hopefully I’ll be back at my best soon.”

Ennis-Hill, who won heptathlon gold at London 2012, won the World Indoor pentathlon title in Doha in 2010 but had to settle for silver last year in Istanbul.

She competed in the Anniversary Games in July, finishing fourth in the 100m hurdles and eighth out of eight in the long jump.

Jessica Ennis-Hill

Federer reaches ATP Tour Finals after Paris win

R

oger Federer qualified for the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals thanks to a convincing victory over Kevin Anderson in the second round of the Paris Masters.

The Swiss, 32, needed to progress in Paris to book his place in London next week and did so with a 6-4 6-4 win.

It ensures the world number seven will participate at the season-ending event for the 12th consecutive year.

The 17-time Grand Slam champion has won just one tournament this season - the Gerry Weber Open in Halle - but has done enough to equal Ivan Lendl’s record for successive appearances at the season finale.

Federer’s involvement at the event was in doubt following a poor year by his standards, but victory over South African Anderson ensured that he had enough points to appear at London’s O2 Arena.

The world number six,

McIlroy takes lead at World Golf Championships

N

orthern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy shot a sevenunder-par 65 to take a twoshot lead in the first round of the World Golf Championships event in Shanghai.

McIlroy, 24, has struggled for form in 2013, failing to win a tournament.

He said: “It felt good to be out there and be in control of my golf ball. It’s a great start, but it’s only 18 holes.”

Open champion Phil Mickelson

birdied his 16th hole to share the lead but a quadruple-bogey nine at the next and a bogey at the last left him one under.

The American, who started on the 10th hole, twice found water on the par-five seventh, the second time after watching his ball land on the green and spin back more than 30 yards.

He then hit his approach to the ninth into a greenside lake as he ended with a 71.

Jamie Donaldson, of Wales, and

this week.

The 27-year-old told BBC Sport that she would like to compete in the pentathlon at the World Indoor Championships in Poland next March.

Spain’s Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano shared second place on five under par.

McIlroy, who sank eight birdies, is 62nd on the European Tour’s Race to Dubai and needs to move into the top 60 this week to have a chance of qualifying for the DP World Tour Championship in November.

The two-time major winner is just £3,400 behind Garth Mulroy in 60th place on the money list and victory in Shanghai would earn him £856,000.

Roger Federer

who plays Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber in the third round, added: “I’m a little disappointed about the end of the match - it could have gone 5-5.

Top seed Nadal, 27, overcame fellow Spaniard Marcel Granollers 7-5 7-5 to reach the third round.

Defending champion Ferrer battled past Czech Lukas Rosol 6-0 2-6 6-3, while in-form Del Potro achieved his 14th win from 15 matches by beating Marin Cilic 6-4 7-6 (7-3).

PAGE 45

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

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THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO CORPERATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. DR. MRS. PATIENCE ENIFOGHALE AGBAZA 2. PASTOR FRANKLIN AGBAZA 3. MRS. PRINCESS OWEH 4. MRS. MIRIAM ONODJE 5. MISS ESTHER AGBAZA 6. MISS BLESSING AGBAZA THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO EMBARK ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT THROUGH PROVIDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, MEDICAL ASSISTANCE, FIRST AIDS, AND INTERVENTIONAL FINANCIAL AIDS FOR ACCIDENT VICTIMS, ELDERLY PEOPLE, PREGNANT WOMEN AND YOUNG MOTHERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: OGHENOVO O. OTEMU ESQ. 07039046200

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THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CENTER HAS APPLIED TO CORPERATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO CORPERATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. REV. APOSTLE S.A OBATOLA PRESIDENT/FOUNDER/CHAIRMAN OF BOARD 2. MRS. BOSE OBATOLA VICE PRESIDENT 3. MR. MICHAEL OBATOLA SECRETARY 4. MR. ISAAC OBATOLA TREASURER 5. MRS. OLUFUMILAYO EMMANUEL FINANCE SECRETARY 6. MR. DAMILARE OBATOLA ASSISTANCE FINANCE SECRETARY 7. MRS. MARIA OBATOLA WELFARE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PROPAGATE THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST 2. TO ORGANIZE CRUSADES, EVANGELISM, AND TEACH THE WORD OF GOD 3. TO PREACH THE TRUTH AS FOUND IN THE GOSPEL 4. TO EMBARK ON GLOBAL EVANGELISTIC/MISSIONARY AND PRAYER OUTREACHES 5. TO TEACH AND TRAIN GOSPEL MINISTERS AND CHURCH WORKERS AND LICENSE MEMBERS FOR WORK OF THE GOSPEL 6. TO RENDER HELP TO THE FATHERLESS, MOTHERLESS, WIDOWS AND THE LESS-PRIVILEGED IN THE SOCIETY 7. TO RECONCILE MEN TO GOD THROUGH THE DEMONSTRATION OF GOD POWER 8. TO WIN SOULS TO JESUS CHRIST AND GOD 9. TO ENCOURAGE WORSHIP AND TO BE ACTIVE WITNESS FOR CHRIST, THEREBY LEADING MEN AND WOMEN TO A PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS AS THEIR LORD AND SAVIOR 10.

TO PRINT, PUBLISH AND DISTRIBUTE ALL FORMS OF CHRISTIAN LITERATURE AND BOOKS 11. TO ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN FACILITIES FOR ALL FORMS OF CHRISTIAN COMMUNICATION, IN RADIO, TELEVISION, NEWSPAPER AND MAGAZINES, ETC. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

THE ARTICLE FOR AMENDMENT ARE: ARTICLE: 1-9 OF THE CONSTITUTION ANY OBJECTION TO THE ABOVE SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MALTAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO CORPERATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MR. EMMANUEL OKON 2. BARR. AKANINYENE BEN 3. MR. NSIKAN LINUS NKAN 4. BARR. ISANG UMANA 5. HON (BARR.) DAN BASSEY MORROW 6. MR. ANIETIE IBANGA 7. MR. ESITEKOM EKPO THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PROMOTE ETHICAL REORIENTATION AMONG THE IBOM PEOPLE 2. TO PROMOTE POSITIVE CONSCIOUSNESS AMONG THE POPULACE 3. TO POSITIVELY ENGAGE THE YOUTH ON PRODUCTIVE AND RESULT ORIENTED VENTURES AND RENDER CHARITABLE SERVICES TO THE SOCIETY 4. TO POSITIVELY SENSITIZE THE POPULACE ON SOCIAL AND GOVERNMENTAL ISSUES. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARR. AKANINYENE BEN (SECRETARY)

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1)PROPHET (DR) SOYEWO ADEKUNLE ALABA 2)PASTOR STEPHEN OLADELE 3)PASTOR JELILI AKOREDE 4)MR ADELEKE ARO 5) MR SEGUN SUNDAY SOYEWO THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. APOSTLE DANIS PAUL OKEY AGBO 2. MRS. OLIVIA NNENNA MBADIUGHA 3. BARR. MRS. BLESSING IBENEME EZE 4. BRO EMEKA EZE 5. BRO. ONWUKA AGBONWAEZE 6. MISS CHIOMA EZE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO BUILD THE CAPACITY OF FAMILIES ON PEACE BY THE WORD OF GOD 2. TO PROMOTE LOVE, UNITY, PEACE AND LOVE AMONG NIGERIANS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARR. MRS. BLESSING EZE

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THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MR. OGHENERUEGBA ROBINSON 2. BARR. VWERODA VERA EDORE 3. MS. VWETA ARIEMUGBOVBE 4. DR. VOVWERO KARYN OHIOMA

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THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. OFFER SUPPORT, SKILL ACQUISITION TRAINING AND REHABILITATION FOR VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING WITHIN COUNTRIES OF OPERATION AND DEPORTED VICTIMS OF HARD LABOUR, SEXUAL EXPLOITATION, FAILED MARRIAGE AND TRAFFICKING. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPERATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. OFFER SUPPORT, SKILL ACQUISITION TRAINING AND REHABILITATION FOR VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING WITHIN COUNTRIES OF OPERATION AND DEPORTED VICTIMS OF HARD LABOUR, SEXUAL EXPLOITATION, FAILED MARRIAGE AND TRAFFICKING. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPERATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

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PAGE 46

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

Sports

Monaco interest in Valdes confirmed

L

udovic Giuly has confirmed Monaco’s interest in signing Victor Valdes when the Spain international goalkeeper leaves Barcelona this summer.

Valdes, 31, has already announced he will not renew his contract at the Camp Nou when it expires in June, and declared on French TV earlier this month he would welcome a move to Ligue 1 and Monaco in particular.

Valdes’ former Barca teammate Giuly, 37, said the man he played alongside in Catalonia between 2004

and 2007 had contacted him with regard to a move to the Stade Louis II. “He’s been at Barca since he was young. He wants to discover something calmer, with less pressure.

He needs to find out about something new, and I know Monaco have contacted him discreetly many times already,” said Giuly.

He established his own reputation during six years at Monaco before joining Barca, and then returned for the 2011-12 promotion campaign under Claudio Ranieri.

UEFA may reject Celtic stadium for another venue

Bertrand Traore

Chelsea sign Traore

C

helsea has signed Bertrand Traore on a four-and-a-half year contract.

Traore, 18, was taken on Chelsea’s preseason tour of Asia where he impressed the club’s coaches, playing in all three games and scoring in games against Malaysian and Indonesian select sides.

His form prompted the club to keep him on trial until his 18th

A

ny request by Celtic to play one of their home Champions League fixtures in either England or Ireland next season will be denied by European governing body Uefa.

If Celtic wins the Scottish league title this season they will be required to play a two-legged Champions League qualifying match next summer.

But with Celtic Park, along with Ibrox and Hampden, all in use as Commonwealth Games venues, a new location for the game would need to be found.

Celtic’s chief executive Peter Lawwell had asked Uefa to look at options for the tie, including stadiums outside Scotland.

Matches may be played either at the ground of the home club or at another ground in the same or another city within the territory of its association, or, if so decided by the Uefa administration and/ or the Uefa disciplinary bodies, in the territory of another Uefa member association for reasons of safety or as a result of a disciplinary measure.

Celtic is citing their European Cup Winners Cup game at Old Trafford in 1984 against Rapid Vienna as a potential precedent for moving the game.

Victor Valdes

C

helsea star Juan Mata is ready to leave the club in January as big-spending French side Paris Saint-Germain aint-Germain prepare a bid worth €41 million for thee playmaker.

T h e Spanish starr started and scored in Tuesday’s Capital One Cup win against Arsenal but is unhappy under Jose Mourinho having again been left out of the starting line-up for key matches including last Sunday’s home win over Manchester City.

birthday when he became eligible for a professional contract, subject to work permit approval.

The attacking midfielder is already a full Burkina Faso international with 10 caps; having made his debut aged just 15, and made one substitute appearance at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.

In 2011 he helped his nation win the Africa U17s championship.

Mata is fearful for his place in the Spain squad for next summer’s World Cup in Brazil - and he is ready to quit Stamford Bridge in i the winter as he goes in search of g rregular first-team ffootball.

Chelsea are willing to listen to offers for the 25-year-old but will refuse to sell him to a Premier League rival, ruling out a transfer to Manchester United or Tottenham, who both tried to sign the former Valencia man over the summer.

PSG prepare €41m bid for Mata

Real boss delighted with Bale performance

R

eal Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti was pleased with Gareth Bale’s performance after the Wales forward scored twice in his first home start for the club.

Bale also set up goals for Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema to help Real to an emphatic 7-3 win over Sevilla in La Liga at the Bernabeu.

The 24-year-old also played 90 minutes for the first time since his world record move from Tottenham in August.

Alonso set for talks over future

R Xabi Alonso

eal Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso says he is delighted to be back playing after five months out injured, and is now thinking about beginning talks to decide where he will play next season.

Alonso, 31, was a second-half substitute in Madrid’s manic 7-3 La Liga win over Sevilla at the Estadio

Santiago Bernabeu.

His current deal with Los Blancos ends in June, and he has been linked persistently in recent months with moves to either Chelsea, Juventus or Real Sociedad next summer with Marca claiming recently that a reunion with Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge was most likely.

Gareth Bale

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

PAGE 47

The DNA of Nigerian Leadership

By Maryam El-rufai “I see leadership primarily as a form of service but it was while teaching in developing countries that I found out leadership to them was focused on position, privilege and power” – John Maxwell

T

he quote above from leadership training guru, John Maxwell is perhaps the reason why we are still developing and have not moved forward; we have missed the whole concept of LEADERSHIP. Following last week’s discourse on positional leadership (level 1), it is apparent at this point our so-called Nigerian leaders have gone off the train and the train has since long gone and left them. Once they get an appointment or win their elections, then all hell breaks loose. The all too familiar ‘I-have-arrived-syndrome’ kicks in, and they start driving with their rear view mirror!!

Most of our leaders are positional leaders, appointed not by merit or their track records, but for political gain or as favors. Now I ask? How do we expect people thrust on us in such circumstances to lead us successfully, most of whom were not prepared for any positions of authority?

Most often, such leaders have no clear ideas of what they intend to accomplish in office, and fail to appreciate the basic principles of leadership. They were just randomly picked and put on the bus, all having different visions and strategies, but with no idea where that bus is going, or even how start the engine.

This is the situation in Nigeria: A bunch of clueless people picked and put on the bus, all sitting on the wrong seats. Once supposed leaders have a position or title, people will identify them with it.

However positions and titles are very misleading; a position always promises more than it can deliver. What they don’t understand is leadership has been given to them but not yet earned by them. Leadership is action not position.

The problem with positional leaders is they come to rely heavily on their position for leadership and all the comfort that comes with it. They often place very high premiums on holding on to these positions. They neglect many of the humanitarian aspects of leadership and ignore the fact that the people they lead have hopes, aspirations of their own. They do not recognize that as leaders, they must bring together their vision and that of the people in a way that benefits

NASIR EL-RUFAI ON FRIDAY elrufai@aol.com everyone. They do not lead well because they have failed to acknowledge and take into account that leadership of any kind, in any location, for any purpose is about “working for the people” In many cases, people value position over the ability

to influence others and the environment and this has led them to feed on politics.

The environment has ended up being very political, focusing on control instead of contribution, which has created a vicious cycle of gamesmanship, posturing and

President GoodLuck Jonathan

“

Most of our leaders are positional leaders, appointed not by merit or their track records, but for political gain or as favors. Now I ask?

How do we expect people thrust on us in such circumstances to lead us successfully, most of whom were not prepared for any positions of authority? Most often, such leaders have no clear ideas of what they intend to accomplish in office, and fail to appreciate the basic principles of leadership. They were just randomly picked and put on the bus, all having different visions and strategies, but with no idea where that bus is going, or even how start the engine.

maneuvering. They have ended up placing their rights over their responsibilities, they expect people to serve them; they don’t look for ways to serve their people, they emphasize rules and regulations that are to their advantage and ignore the people that they are meant to serve.

The truth is, just because someone has the right to do something as a leader doesn’t mean that it is the right thing to do. However, many of our leaders get overwhelmed and excited by the leadership and the authority that comes with it and what they can do with it.

That power can be exhilarating, if not downright intoxicating.

Position is the starting place for leadership, it is the bottom floor and the foundation upon which their leadership skills should grow, the reverse is the case in Nigeria, Once an individual attains a position he starts to believe the position makes him a leader, they then stop and start to “graze” meaning they stop there and enjoy the position’s benefits and forget their mandate by the people. The leaders who do the greatest harm are the ones who think they have “arrived” once they receive the title or position they desire; they stop growing, they stop innovating, and they stop improving.

Leadership position affords people the opportunity to decide what kind of leader they want to be, the position they receive may be defined but the person is not. When one first becomes a leader, their leadership page is blank and they get to fill it in any way they want. Our country unfortunately is over populated by positional leaders who no one wants to follow, and who are so ineffective that they leave the followers frustrated. One of my favorite sayings is “If you think you are leading and no one is following, then you are only taking a walk.”

Have they asked themselves why they are just taking a walk and why we are not following them? Why have we Nigerians lost confidence in them? Why can’t they have an influence on us? Because we the followers want more!!!!

We have watched leaders put the public good last and themselves first.

We want Leaders who care, Leaders we can trust, Leaders with character, Leaders we can respect, Leaders who are competent, Leaders we can approach, Leaders who are consistent, Leaders we admire, and leaders with commitment.

Our leaders should understand that leaders set examples for the people they lead, they expect people to do as they say, not as they do, but

here is the problem, people do what people see.

As a nation that yearns for progress, we must devalue titles and positions, we must realize that they are ultimately empty and no man is above any other. We should emphasize performance and track records as opposed to affiliation. If the work is significant and adds value to people, then it doesn’t need to come with a title. Our leaders should know that we don’t expect them to have all the answers; a leader’s job is not to know everything but to attract people who know things they don’t. Shun quota systems, ethnic thinking or gender balance, treat everyman fairly, and judge them on their qualifications, intellect.

As it is, no system in Nigeria works: corruption is at its peak, our health system is decaying or has decayed, education is broken down, there is widespread violence, unemployment is at levels it has never been, our security forces are painfully inadequate as a majority of them are in different nooks and crannies of the nation carrying the hand bags of politicians ‘wives. Look at infrastructure and the case is similar. These are all symptoms of bad leadership; the symptoms will keep getting worse.

Until we get the correct medication and in the right dosage will we see the desired change we all are yearning for.

“If a leader can’t navigate the people through rough waters, he is liable to sink the ship” The ship called Nigeria is sinking fast because of bad leadership.

As the saying goes, “anyone can steer the ship, but it takes a leader to chart the course”.

This course should break down the walls of corruption, and recharge our movement towards national development.

Obviously those at the helm of leadership today not only fail to understand the meaning of leadership, but have no ideas where or how to sail the ship of state. Is it any wonder, then, that Nigeria is sailing perilously close to the rocks?

It is evident that fundamental changes need to be made to address the situation.

The mantle has to be picked

by Nigeria’s youth, who have been referred to for so long as ‘leaders of tomorrow’ without defining when that tomorrow will be. Well, that day that has been perpetually postponed is here. The third part of discourse will throw light on youth, their questions to their leaders, what they expect from their leaders, what level of leadership they want to operate on, and ultimately how they should prepare their selves for leadership.

www.peoplesdailyng.com

. . . putting the people first

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013

QUOTABLE QUOTE It is disturbing to say the least, that the NJC, whose membership consists of eminent and experienced judges and lawyers, should act in the manner they treated Justice Salami —Uwais slam NJC over Salami’s suspension

SPORTS Africa’s dearth of leadership excellence LATEST

Mourinho loses Spanish libel case against journalist

J

ose Mourinho has lost a legal case taken against Marca writer Roberto Palomar who wrote in an article that Mourinho was like a “typical hit-and-run driver”.

The article was published on Sept. 17, 2012 at a time when Mourinho’s Real Madrid side was not playing well amid Cristiano Ronaldo’s claims of ‘sadness’ and the worsening of relations between Mourinho and players including Iker Casillas.

It argued that the Portuguese coach did not take responsibility for his own mistakes, and he was the type of person who would cause a mess and not stick around to fix it.

Mourinho was not impressed and ordered his lawyers to sue for retraction, while also seeking 15,000 euros in damages which he would donate to the youth team in Madrid for which his son played at the time.

The judge Sagrario Arroyo Garcia rejected that plea, ruling that “the freedom of information and expression of the accused must prevail, so the legal action has been rejected.”

Palomar’s article was an early skirmish in the long-running battle between Mourinho and the local press in the Spanish capital, at the beginning of what Further events included Marca claiming on its cover that Madrid’s senior players had issued an ‘either Mourinho goes or we go’ ultimatum to Blancos president Florentino Perez, which lead to Perez calling a press conference to defend his manager and label the story as “lies”.

There was also an unsavoury event when a Marca radio reporter was called into a room adjacent to the Bernabeu press area, and told he was a journalist.

On arriving back at Chelsea in June he declared himself now “the Happy One” as he was back where he was appreciated however, by late September he had walked out of a press conference upset at questioning from British journalists.

ADVERT: BUSINESS: NEWS: LAGOS:

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A

s the world focused on the African Union’s extraordinary session on the International Criminal Court (ICC), little attention was accorded the announcement by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation that, yet again, it would not be awarding the African Leadership Prize to any African leaders.

In an effort to promote peaceful democratic transitions, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation had created this award to be given to departing African heads of state in order to secure their financial well-being in retirement. In addition to $5 million (disbursed over ten years), the recipient is also awarded $200 000 annually for life. The criteria upon which the prize is allocated are that they need to (1) be a former African executive head of state or government, (2) have left office in the last three years, (3) have been democratically elected, (4) have served their constitutionally mandated terms, and (5) have demonstrated exceptional leadership.

Since 2007, only three former heads of state have won the prize: President Joachim Chissano of Mozambique (2007); President Festus Mogae of Botswana (2008); and President Pedro Pires of Cape Verde (2011). South Africa’s President Nelson Mandela was an honorary recipient of the prize in recognition of his role as an exceptional leader. In other words, four out of seven years have passed without the prize being awarded.

With each announcement of there being no recipient some observers cry foul, while others acknowledge the dearth of exceptional leadership on the continent.

A cursory glance at elections over the last three years, the period during which a former head of state can become eligible, reveals that the pool of potential candidates is actually quite limited. From 2010 to date there have been a total of 34 presidential elections. In 19 instances the incumbent was reelected, and 15 new heads of state were appointed.

Re-election is not an uncommon scenario given the advantages that incumbent presidents and governments have in election campaigns, and is fairly typical across the globe.

Of the 19 incumbents who were re-elected, seven are among the longest-serving rulers in the world, averaging over 26,6 years in power.

In 2009, before the period under review, President Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea was re-elected and is currently the longest-serving head of state on the continent at 33 years, closely followed by President José Eduardo dos Santos of Angola, re-elected in 2012, who began his term a month after Nguema in

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GUEST COLUMNIST Stefan Gilbert

Mr. Mo Ibrahim September 1979.

With 15 new heads of state appointed, there should be a corresponding pool of departing presidents and thus potential prize candidates.

However, the 2010 presidential election in Guinea-Conakry was the first of its kind since independence from France in 1958.

Of the remaining 14 incumbents who were not re-elected, four died before the end of their term and three were ousted in military coups d’état.

President Amadou Toumani Touré of Mali, for instance, was ousted by a military coup d’état only months prior to the end of his term, which may have led to his disqualification as a prize candidate.

President Hosni Mubarak fell victim to a popular uprising, and in Niger, President Mamadou Tandja was removed from office by the military for trying to unconstitutionally extend his term of office, an act that would have automatically disqualified him.

As Pires had won the prize in 2011, the remaining pool of candidates is reduced to six: presidents Mwai Kibaki of Kenya, Fradique de Menezes of São Tomé and Príncipe, Ahmed Abdallah Sambi of the Comoros, Dahir Riyale Kahin of Somaliland, Laurent Gbagbo of Côte d’Ivoire, and Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal.

It is to these six that a rigorous application of the prize criteria would have been applied.

Kahin, Gbagbo and Sambi could be disqualified on counts of neither

being democratically elected nor honouring their constitutionally mandated term. Gbagbo and Kahin both extended their terms by means that were legally or constitutionally questionable. Gbagbo’s refusal to accept defeat after the elections, the ensuing violent upheaval, and the ongoing ICC trial against him would not count in his favour.

These three would undoubtedly fail to qualify in the category of demonstrated ‘exceptional leadership’, the qualitative component of the prize criteria.

Within the remaining and diminished list, only Menezes is without great controversy. His election and re-election for a second term were not disputed and seem to have taken place within a democratic context.

Menezes did not try to extend his tenure of office or to disrupt the transition.

Although Menezes did not commit any obviously egregious acts by abusing his position or power, he also did not distinguish himself as an exceptional leader.

One can only surmise that, due to the dire economic conditions and extreme levels of poverty on these small islands, the Prize Committee did not see his tenure in office as being of great note. In other words, in terms of the qualitative criteria, a leader must not only serve his/or her term but must also demonstrate that during this period the conditions of his/her people had improved.

The remaining two candidates were of an entirely different calibre.

Both figured prominently on the world and continental stages, and played important roles in the political paths of their countries.

However, both Kibaki and Wade have been highly criticised and their tenures in office have been marred by events that have led to some questioning their excellence as leaders within a democratic context.

Wade was a giant figure in West

Africa and enjoyed great popularity for most of his term. However, towards the end of his time in office, his efforts to centralise power and ensure a family heir to the presidency betrayed his promising start. His altering of the constitution, which allowed him to claim eligibility for an additional term, was widely disputed and no doubt contributed to the lack of popularity that led to his losing the 2012 election.

Kibaki’s transition to his second term of office was equally problematic, if not more so. The haste with which he claimed electoral victory in 2007, the violence that ensued, and the problematic transitional government that resulted, did much to provoke political stagnation and a general decline in Kenya’s human development ratings.

Whether or not either of these former heads of state would or should have qualified for the Mo Ibrahim African Leadership Prize is questionable. Despite their early promise, both leaders ended their tenures in the presidency on less than auspicious terms.

One can therefore see, perhaps, why once again the prize was left un-awarded, and why, with so few eligible candidates, perceptions regarding the lack of good leadership on the continent persist.

What may be more remarkable is that, of the 34 presidential elections that have taken place since the beginning of 2010, only four have resulted in an opposition candidate taking office through peaceful and democratic means.

With governance indicators showing long-term stagnation, particularly those around rule of law and corruption, and evidence signalling that many African states will fall well short of the Millennium Development Goals, it is time to insist that heads of state should not only be held accountable for acts that they commit against their people, but also for what they fail to do for their people.

Stefan Gilbert is Senior Researcher, Governance, Crime and Justice Division, Institute for Security Studies (ISS), Pretoria, South Africa.

This article was first published in The Sunday Independent, October 27.

NASIR EL-RUFAI ON FRIDAY elrufai@aol.com

See Page 47

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