Peoples Daily, Tuesday, August 02, 2016. Edition.

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Tuesday, August 2, 2016/Shawwal 29, 1437 AH

840 Days after Will the abducted Chibok schoolgirls ever be rescued?

. . . putting the people first

Buhari appoints new heads for JAMB, NUC, TETfund, 14 others page 2

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Vol. 23 No. 57 N150

RESULTS FOR MINJIBIR BY-ELECTION

APC - 21,970 VOTES PDP + KWANKWASIYYA - 1,238 VOTES

Troops foil declaration of Niger Delta Republic •As Avengers surrender

page 5

Chairman, of Global Infrastructure Nigeria Limited , Mr. Pramod Mittal, Minister of state, Solid Mineral, Mr. Abubakar Bawa Bwari ;Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Minister of solid Mineral, Dr. Kayode Fayemi during the signing ceremony of the re-negotiated Ajaokuta /Niomco concession agreement at the presidential villa, yesterday in Abuja , Photo: State House

FG extends online job applications to Aug 31 We’ll abide by UN decision on Bakassi - Buhari pAGE 3

Presidency carpets London Telegraph, denies diverting IDPs funds pAGE 5

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Budget padding: Gbajabiamila denies working against Dogara

>> pg 3

pAGE 5

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PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, AUGUST 2, 2016

News

CONTENTS News 2-10 Editorial 11 Op.Ed 12 Letters 13 Politics 15-18 Business Stockwatch

19-22 23

S/Report 24-25 Property 27 Motoring 28 Arts

30

Metro

31

S/World

39

Digest

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Sports

Buhari appoints new heads for JAMB, NUC, TETfund, 14 others

By Paul Efiong

P

resident, Muhammadu Buhari has appointed 17 new chief executives of parastatals and agencies under the Federal Ministry of Education.

The appointments, according to a statement by Benjamin Bem Goong, Deputy Director (Press) issued in Abuja yesterday, takes effect from Monday, August1, 2016.

The agencies and parastatals together with their approved new chief executives are: National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abubakar Adamu Rasheed, Nigerian Institute For Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), Prof.

Mrs. Lilian Salami, Universal Basic Education Board (UBEC) .Dr Hameed Bobboyi, National Library of Nigeria (NLN), Prof. Lanre O. Aina, National Examinations Council

(NECO), Prof. Charles Uwakwe National Commission For Mass Literacy, Adult And Non-Formal Education (NCMLA&NE) Prof. Abba Haladu and Nomadic Education Commission (NEC) Prof. Bashir H. Usman Others are National Business and Technical Examination Board (NABTEB), Prof. Ifeoma IsiugoAbanihe, Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) Prof.

Sunday Josiah Ajiboye, Computer Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN) Afolabi N. Aderinto, National Commission For Colleges of Education (NCCE) Prof. Bappah Aliyu, Tertiary Education Tax Fund (TETFund) Dr. Abdullahi Bichi Baffa and National Teachers Institute (NTI) Prof. Garba Dahuwa Azare While Librarian Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) has Prof. Michael Afolabi as its new head, National Mathematical Centre, Sheda

(NMC) is now headed by Prof.

StevenEjugwu Onah Finally, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) will now be headed by Prof. Ishaq OlarenwajuOloyode Similarly, President Buhari has also approved that the following four chief executives to be retained in their respective agencies. They are Prof Samaila Junaidu, Nigeria Educational Research & Development Council(NERDC), Prof Raauf Adebisi, Nigerian French Language Village Badagry, (NFLV) , Dr Mas’ud A. Kazaure, National Board For Technical Education (NBTE), Prof Muhammad Mu’az, National Arabic Language Village, Maiduguri, Borno State (NALV) The statement said that the 17 new chief executives have been invited to the office of the Hon. Minister of Education on Tuesday.

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Columnist 48

R-L; UNICEF Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, MS Jean Gough, President Muhammadu Buhari, UNOWA Special Representative to the United Nations Secretary General, Dr. Ibn Chambas and United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWA), Senior Legal Officer, Mr Don Eden Webster during an audience with the President at the State House, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: State House

The agony of pregnant women in Kaduna community Page 4

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Hajj 2016: Group partners ICPC, lauds NAHCON From Mohammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

T

he Independent Hajj Reporters has partnered with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (ICPC) towards enlightening Nigerian pilgrims on their rights and the need to shun acts that can tarnish the image of the country.

This was contained in statement jointly signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammed and Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Mahmoud made available to newsmen yesterday in Kaduna.

The statement said the group has partnered with ICPC to produce “Know Your Right” pilgrims’ enlightenment pamphlet to be distributed to Nigeria pilgrims going for hajj in Saudi Arabia. Towards this ends, ICPC and IHR are to jointly facilitate the production and

distribution of the enlightenment material to pilgrims in Nigeria before their departure to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

In the same vein, the group lauded NAHCON on the establishment of national media team for this year hajj.

“The unification of media team in hajj operation is long overdue.

Reporting hajj activities entails the dissemination of correct, accurate and balanced information. The hajj beats is different from business, crime, politics or ICT. “When you are assigned with the responsibility of reporting hajj operations, alas, you have been assigned to a duty by Almighty Allah. You are to reports about his guests; you are to cover the activities of those who embark on a journey to heed his call.

“Blending ethical requirements of journalism and religious

obligation of adhering to facts and objectives is an enormous task that needs central coordination. Other countries like India, Ghana, and Indonesia have only central media team that covers all its pilgrims’ activities in the holy land.

“We are also happy that the head of states media team and their spokesman are part of the national media team which will guarantee unison and lack of contradiction in information dissemination during hajj operations,” he said.

However, the group urged members of the national media team to always uphold the cherished ethical value of journalism by ensuring that their reports is a true reflection of what transpired in the interests of pilgrims and Islam.

“They should dedicate themselves to the service of pilgrims and the nation.”

Nigeria to manufacture military hardware, says Rear Admiral Alade

T

he Commandant, National Defence College, Rear Admiral Samuel Alade, says the Nigerian military has begun taking steps towards the manufacture of military hardware.

Alade gave the indication in Abuja while addressing State House correspondents after he led the Course 24 of the college on a courtesy visit to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the State House.

According to him, the Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) in Kaduna is being strengthened to produce arms while the military industrial complex will produce heavy military equipment.

“We have an institution that was established basically to help develop production of hardware.

“That is the Defence Industry Corporation, which is located at Kaduna.

“That institution is being strengthened; I believe that in the new dispensation a lot of things will start happening.

“As we speak, they produce rifles and some other hardware.

“But I can assure you that we have started.

“Just recently we had a defence cooperation workshop with South Africa and that workshop was held at the Defence College and that is the beginning.

“We want to develop our military industrial complex and within that framework we will be able to manufacture hardware and even the software as well.’’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that in Aug. 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari had directed the Ministry of Defence to design a plan for the establishment of a military industrial complex for local production of weapons.

He gave the directive at the graduation of Course 23 of the National Defence College in Abuja.

Buhari had said that such weapons, when produced, would meet some of the requirements of the country’s armed forces.

He had described as unacceptable, Nigeria’s over-dependence on other countries for critical military equipment and logistics.

Alade said that the group visited the Vice President to submit some policy proposals to the Federal Government on how to effectively administer the country.

He said the proposal emanated from the recent workshop at the college with the topic ``Youth Bulge in Nigeria and its implication for National Security’’.

Alade said the presentation was a way of contributing to national development and national security.

According to him, the students made some useful suggestions on how to move the country forward especially on youth development.

He said the presentation would continue based on the directive of the presidency adding that the college was ready to conduct various researches to engender development.

NAN

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PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, AUGUST 2, 2016

News Ag News Editor Ese Awhotu Military to We’ll abide by UN decision rehabilitate 800 Boko Haram on Bakassi-Buhari members Defence Chief P T

By Lawrence Olaoye

resident Muhammadu Buhari has assured that his administration will abide by the decision of the International Court of Justice on the Nigeria – Cameroon border.

According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari gave the assurance yesterday receiving a United Nations Mission led by

a Special Representative of the Secretary General, Mohammed Ibn Chambers.

Buhari said Nigeria will not do anything to hamper the work of the various UN committees on the border.

“We will abide by the law.

Having accepted the judgment of the ICJ, we are ready to support the security and logistics requirements of the CameroonNigeria Mixed Commission (CNMC) to carry out the border

demarcation,” the President said.

He expressed his total support for the exercise, recalling that as Military Head of State between 1984 and 1985, his administration instituted the demarcation of the Nigeria land borders from Benin to Bakassi and urged that all committees be allowed to carry out their functions in line with the ICJ decision.

Earlier, Mohammed Ibn Chambers, Chairman of CNMC,

had informed President Buhari that 2,001 kilometers out of 2,100 kilometers separating Nigeria and Cameroon had been marked, leaving a balance of 99 kilometers to conclude the demarcation.

He expressed hope that the remaining area will be completed latest by the first quarter of next year following the relative calm that has returned to border areas earlier inhabited by Boko Haram terrorists.

• .L-R: Acting Director General National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons (NAPTIP), Mr. Abdulrazak Dangiri; Head of Cooperation, European Union (EU), Mr.Brain O’Neill; representative, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Mrs. Cristina Albertin and Country Director, United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Dr. Lamin Beyai, during the official launch of the guidelines on National Referral Mechanism (NRM) for the protection and assistance to trafficked persons in Nigeria, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

PDP state chairmen re-iterate loyalty to Markafi

By Ahmed Abubakar

S

tate chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have debunked a purported declaration of loyalty and support to the former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff by the Borno state PDP chapter chairman, Hon. Shehu Shettima.

In a signed statement by Hon. Yahaya Y. Suleiman PDP chairman, FCT & chairman of PDP state chairmen, declared that, “I wish to state on behalf of the State Chapter Chairmen of the PDP in 29 States of the Federation, that our unflinching and unalloyed loyalty and maximum support remains with the Party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi’s National Caretaker Committee”.

He said that their loyalty was first and foremost to the party,

the PDP and to the National Caretaker Committee which is a product of the party’s highest decision making organ, the National Convention that held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and also affirmed by the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on the 4th of July, 2016.

The statement reads; “My position which represents that of 29 out of 30 chairmen of our Party in the state where congresses held during the last State Congresses is that, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) must first of all survive before we can remain Chairmen in our respective States. So, our loyalty is first to the PDP and then to the National Caretaker Committee which is approved, constituted and appointed by the PDP’s National Convention; and upheld by a Court of competent Jurisdiction.

“Any of our member or members pitching tent with the

former National Chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff should know that the interest of the Party is supreme, paramount and bigger than any personal or parochial interest. This is why we are also pledging our maximum support to the PDP leadership to dislodge and uproot the APC in Edo State come Saturday, September 10, 2016.

“The PDP have only one candidate in Edo State, and his name is Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and that is already confirmed by the Court Judgment in Port Harcourt, on the 4th of July, 2016 which also made INEC to accept him as the PDP Flag-bearer. We are all queuing behind him and his running mate to provide the necessary dividends of democracy to the people of the State that have been impoverished in the last 71/2 years of the APC’s Administration.

“We wish to therefore advise anyone hanging on to a non

existing Court Judgment or Order on Thursday, 28th of July 2016 by Justice Okon Abang to desist from doing so. Any such person or persons are only working to destroy the PDP and playing the script of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).”

The party chairman stated that, since the matter in Appeal Court has not been decided, Senator Sheriff has no power to file any case in Court as ‘National Chairman’ of the PDP because a competent Court has already sacked him as Chairman of PDP in all its Judgments.

The called on their members nationwide to continue keeping faith with the PDP and support the Senator Ahmed Makarfi’s led National Caretaker Committee and be focused on the preparation towards the forthcoming National Convention of the Party in Port Harcourt, Rivers State holding on the 17th of August, 2016.

From David Hassan, Gombe

he authority of Nigeria military yesterday said arrangement has been concluded to rehabilitate 800 Boko Haram members.

Chief of Defence staff Gen. Gabriel Onishaki who was represented by Air vice Marshal Emmanuel Anebi stated this in Gombe while inspecting the proposed site of the rehabilitation camp.

He said the exercise would soon commence to ensure that members of the Boko Haram who surrendered themselves get rehabilitated.

While commending Gombe state government for the gesture rendered for them for the exercise, the coordinator Operation Save Corridor, Gen. Bamidele Shafa said operation save corridor would liase with other sister agencies to ensure that those rehabilitated return to their families.

Also speaking, the Director-General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alh Sani Sidi said its agency has recorded 15 residential camps, 18 settlement in Yobe, adding that most camps collapsed living five camps.

According to him, efforts are being made to ensure that all IDPs return to their communities.

He said the agency has donated food items to support the rehabilitation of Boko Haram members who are about to be trained in camp in Gombe.

The DG who commended the effort of the military in fighting insurgency, said NEMA would continue to support them with their programmes.

Alhaji Sani Sidi also led a delegation that includes Operation Save Corridor, and Human Right Commission to paid courtesy call on Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo at Government House to brief him concerning their visit to the state.

Governor Dankwambo appreciated their visit to the state and to support them when need arises.

He commended initiative taken by the military for tackling insurgency in the north east.

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Page 4 Report

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, AUGUST 2, 2016

The agony of pregnant women in Kaduna community

By Mohammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

T

hirty five year old housewife, popularly known as Tani is five months pregnant with her fourth child. Tani unlike other women in her village do attend ante-natal care at a Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in Marrabar Rido community which is about 20 minutes drive from her small village.

On the day of her appointment she trekked to the roadside as early as 8 am with the hope of getting a Tipper truck to give her a lift to the healthcare centre in Mararraba Rido.

Tipper trucks are the only vehicles that pass through her village to a nearby bush to pack sand, on their way the Tipper drivers usually give people they see waiting by the roadside a lift, including women and children from Tani’s small village to town. Which means if Tani becomes unlucky to get any tipper to assist her she will miss her appointment in the hospital since small vehicles don’t ply the road and her husband doesn’t have motorcycle to take her.

In fact, no commercial motorcycles operating within the route because they live in a remote village off the main road.

Welcome to Tani’s small village called “Kakura” located in Kujama ward of Chikun Local government Area of Kaduna State. Kakura a Gbagy dominated community has about a thousand households. The people there are subsistence farmers, the women equally assist in the farms.

The community is surrounded by Marrabar Rido, Kamazo and Danhono communities. Fulani and Adara speaking people are also found within the community. The community is known to be where tipper truck is the only means of transportation in the area.

For Tani after about an hour waiting by the roadside with no Tipper going her way she decided to return home filling sad with the hope that she maybe lucky another day. This was the kind of life pregnant women in Kakura community in Kaduna State Northwest go through while trying to meet up their ante-natal appointments.

A housewife, Alisabatu Auta a mother of six said because of the risk involve in boarding Tipper truck to town with pregnant made women like her to prefer given birth at home. “ Imaging a five months or seven months pregnant woman climbing a Tipper truck to go for ante-natal with nobody to assist her. It’s because of the difficulties in climbing the Tipper truck that make women like me to prefer given birth at home,” Alisibatu said “ I used to go for ante-natal but when it comes to delivering I prefer given birth at home because it’s not easy to climb Tipper while in labour. For me, I’m lucky, because I always give birth without difficulty and most times I give birth inside my room alone with nobody

Kaduna state Governor, Malam Nasiru el-Rufai

to assist me. “ Although the experience is scary but since we have no choice we just have to do it. There was a time I almost called for help because the baby refused to come out but it later came out peacefully,” she said.

Alisabatu said about 10 women have died within three years in the village during childbirth. “ We lost about 10 women in this village due to childbirth. We don’t have hospital within the village, we don’t have road, we don’t have vehicles in the village to convey us to hospital. We are just here on the mercy of God and those Tipper drivers who sometimes assist us in time of emergencies,” she said.

Ladi Zakari a mother of Five children said four of her children were born at home and one at the hospital. “ Four of my children were born at home without even the help of any nurse or traditional birth attendance. Only one was born at the hospital. You see it’s not

easy for pregnant women to climb back of Truck while in labour. “ There was a time a pregnant woman fell from the truck while climbing and had a fracture on her leg. We thank God nothing happened to the child in her womb. So the truth is we are not happy climbing tipper with pregnant,” she said.

Jummai Sunday, a housewife too added that women in the village are finding it extremely difficult during childbirth. “ When a woman is in labour in the village we do go on our knees to prayer for her safe delivery. We use to pray for her safety against any complication. As you heard we don’t have even traditional birth Attendance in this village. We do everything ourselves,” she said.

With the increase in maternal death in the community, The women appealed to government and other agencies to come to their aid so as to safe the lives of women in the community.

Village Head of Kakura, Mr Ishaya

“

We do suffer a lot during dried season because all wells within the village get dried off. The only borehole provided to us by an NGO in year 2000 has stopped working. Now our women fetched water from well but as soon as the rain stop they move to the pond to fetch water,” Said a Community Leader Sunday Kakura

Gwamna lamented on the lack of health care facilities within the village despite their closeness to the city. “ If the government repair our main road It will be just about 15 minutes drive from Kakura to Marrabar Rido.

But now it takes about 30 minutes to Marrabar Rido to get medical attention because the road is totally bad. “ The moment the rain comes sometimes we spent days without going out of the village because the only bridge linking us with city usually get flooded.

Only the tipper drivers get access to our village and sometimes they don’t even come since they are not from this area ,” he said It was even gathered that even the tipper drivers avoid the road if rains falls so as not to get hook.

The village head added that because of the bad road their few children who enrolled in secondary school outside the village miss classes anytime the tipper trucks failed to show up in the village. “ This is really affecting our children because many of them do missed their examination because no vehicles to convey them to the city. So we are pleading for government to please complete the road project so that our people can have easy access to city,” he said.

The team of journalists who visited the village under the sponsorship of a Non Governmental Organization, Devcoms among them our correspondent also gathered that the community lack access to good and clean water.

The people drink from a pond covered with dirt particularly during dried season.

“We do suffer a lot during dried season because all wells within the village get dried off. The only borehole provided to us by an NGO in year 2000 has stopped working. Now our women fetched water from well but as soon as the rain stop they move to the pond to fetch water,” Said a Community Leader Sunday Kakura.

According to him, they are not happy drinking from a pond shared by people and cows. “ We have no choice but to drink from same pond because we just have to survive. But we need assistance from any individual to provide us with boreholes in the village. We are subsistence farmers and need government intervention in our village,” he said.

The village head Ishaya Gwamna also expressed sadness with regards to lack of portable water for his people. “ We vote during elections because politicians do come to seek for our votes.

But they never fulfilled their promises to us.

“We are appealing to philanthropists, other agencies and even the government to provide us with primary health care centre where our women and children can access health care. We equally need drinking water in the community which is another big challenge to us,” he said.

PAGE 5

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, AUGUST 2, 2016

News

Troops foil declaration of Niger- Delta Republic

By Ese Awhotu with agency report

T

he declaration of the NigerDelta Republic slated for yesterday in Bayelsa state by a militant group, Adaka Boro Avengers was successfully foiled by the military.

Following threats by the Adaka Boro Avengers to declare the Niger-Delta Republic, there was massive deployment of troops to the designated area, Boro Town, Kaiama, in Kolokuma-Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, reports said.

The Adaka Boro Avengers, had recently threatened to declare the republic and open its headquarters in Kaiama, the country home of the late Ijaw freedom fighter, Major Isaac Adaka Boro.

However, reports said that the

•As avengers surrender massive presence of troops forced the avengers to call off the planned declaration slated for yesterday.

Residents were quoted as saying that, there was no major incident aside the massive presence of security operatives in the town.

The Adaka Boro Avengers in a statement, said it had cancelled its declaration of a Niger Delta Republic.

The militant group, said rescinding their decision was not based on selfish interest.

The statement reads, “We received calls from prominent leaders like Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Mrs.

Ankio Briggs, Chief E. K. Clark and especially King Alfred Diete Spiff calling on the freedom fighters to abort their mission to declare Niger Delta Republic.

“We adhere to the voice of our people, because our struggle is for the Niger Delta people and not for selfish reason. But this is not the end. More is yet to come.

“Our mission to cripple the economy of the Nigerian nation will not stop until the Nigerian government is ready to sit on a roundtable to dialogue and to restructure Nigeria.”

They, however, praised President Goodluck Jonathan over his effort to stop the declaration of the Niger Delta Republic that was slated for yesterday.

The militant group had in a statement by its spokesman, ‘General’ Edmos Ayayeibo, asked the Yorubas and Hausas to leave the Niger Delta region.

Recall that the Chief of Army Staff, General Buratai had warned the militants in the Niger-Delta to embrace peace or face force.

He said the only option left for the military if dialogue failed was to apply

FG extends online jobs application till August 31

L-R: Representative of Minister of Health, Dr Christopher Ugboko, Senior Program officer, Nutrition, Nigeria, Bill and Melinda Gates foundation, Mr Victor Ajieroh and Chief of Parley, working to improve Nutrition in Northern Nigeria, (WINNN), Dr Mohammed Liman during the 2016 World Breastfeeding week, yesterday in Abuja .

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

he Federal Government has extended the deadline for its N-Power online jobs and training applications till the end of August.

In a statement made available to newsmen by Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President, the application process which commenced on 12th of June was supposed to close on 25th July.

According to him, the decision was in line with keeping the government’s promise of empowering and uplifting young Nigerians by improving their livelihood and creating opportunities such as this (in an as inclusive and diverse manner).

N-Power is one of the initiatives of the N500B President Muhammadu Buhari’s Social Investment Programme designed to empower young Nigerians with life-long skills to find or create work.

It is targeted at young Nigerians aged between 18 and 35 and is aimed at enlisting a total of 600,000 young Nigerians in phases, and under different sectors, in the largest capacity development and empowerment effort yet in the country.

He stated “The Federal Government will continue to work with the State Governments through their respective focal persons on Social Investments to ensure that N-Power is diverse and inclusive.

“This extension presents an opportunity for persons who have not had the opportunity to apply to do so now. This will also allow those yet to complete the application process to ensure they see the process through as incomplete applications will not be processed.

force to restore peace to the trouble region, considered the economic heart of the country.

Recall also that, Ijaw leaders had before the planned declaration of Niger Delta Republic by the avengers warned militants against going ahead with the declaration. This is even as they distance themselves from the militants.

Meanwhile, reports said there were no hostilities between the avengers and troops as people went about their duties normally, though with the fear of the unknown.

Presidency carpets London Telegraph, denies diverting IDPs funds

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

he Presidency has debunked the allegation that funds meant for emergency relief for refugees and the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Boko Haram ravaged North East are being diverted by officials of the Federal Government.

Senior Special Assistant to President Mohammadu Buhari in a statement made available to newsmen yesterday quoted the London Telegragh’s article as alleging that children in the IDPs were dying in droves because funds meant for their welfare were being diverted by the government officials.

He stated “the Nigerian Government is in no position to divert aid monies used for emergency relief for refugees or IDP camps for any other purpose, as these are dispensed directly by DFID, USAID, the United Nations, the International Red Cross, Doctors without Borders and many other organizations - with which we enjoy excellent relations.”

The Presidential aide similarly debunked an earlier allegation that the Buhari’s administration was using United Kingdom (UK)’s aid to Nigeria

to persecute his political enemies and Christians instead of fighting the Boko Haram insurgents.

The statement read “The London Telegraph’s article “Children Face Death by Starvation in Northern Nigeria” (30th July) repeats a claim from an earlier piece “Nigeria Using UK Aid to Persecute President’s Political Foes” (12th April) - that Nigeria is diverting UK aid monies away from defeating the Islamist terror group Boko Haram towards those the newspaper identifies as political opponents of the Administration. This is as incorrect as it is unhelpful.

“These claims in both articles are attributed to an unnamed “source” in the United States, and “Western officials”. Yet when the first article was published it drew the condemnation of the US Embassy in Abuja as having drawn conclusions directly opposite to the position of the US government.

“To state the facts: the UK government does not give development aid to the Nigerian administration for use in military operations against Boko Haram. Where British military support – such as intelligence - is provided, it is precisely and only, given for operations directly against

Boko Haram. Similarly, the Nigerian Government is in no position to divert aid monies used for emergency relief for refugees or IDP camps for any other purpose, as these are dispensed directly by DFID, USAID, the United Nations, the International Red Cross, Doctors without Borders and many other organizations - with which we enjoy excellent relations.

“The humanitarian situation in these camps is real. The Administration remains deeply concerned about the medical, health and nutrition challenges and we are doing everything with the limited resources we have at our disposal to improve the situation.

However, the blame for the plight of refugees lies with Boko Haram.

They are its cause, not the Nigerian Government.

“In the light of ongoing efforts, we regret the recent attack on the UN humanitarian convoy in the Northeastern region and are encouraged by the world body’s determination to continue rendering assistance to the displaced victims.

That the attack was repelled by Nigerian troops escorting the convoy shows precisely how the Government and humanitarian agencies are

working together.

“As for claims that the Administration is targeting Christians and the opposition, these are without foundation.

“Since assuming office, President Buhari has treated all Nigerians without bias for ethnicity or religion as the composition of his cabinet and the policies and programmes of his Administration demonstrate.

“To suggest his government as deepening Muslim-Christian division is not only untrue, but plays into the hands of Boko Haram who wish to divide Nigerians along religious lines.

Fighting this group is key priority of President Buhari’s Administration.

Indeed the international community has widely acknowledged his determination to defeat terrorism in Nigeria and the entire Lake Chad Basin.

There is nothing to gain by attempting to mould public opinion against these facts. Therefore we invite The Telegraph to visit Nigeria: to witness first hand not only the challenges we face, but the Administration’s determination to confront them.”

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, AUGUST 2, 2016

PAGE 6

News Edo 2016: Oshiomhole accuses PDP of buying PVCs

By Osaigbovo Benin

Iguobaro,

G

overnor Adams Oshiomhole has accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of buying PVCs from voters in different parts of the state with a view to rigging the September 10 governorship election in the state.

Speaking at a rally of the All Progressives Congress in Jattu, Etsako West Local Government Area of the state, yesterday, Oshiomhole said anyone caught in the illegality will be prosecuted and jailed if found guilty.

According to him, “They are

going round, collecting PVCs and dropping lies, please don’t sell your PVCs. Poverty cannot be cured with a dash, it has to be fought on a systematic basis.

“In Agenebode, they are buying PVCs, they will say bring it, we will give you N5,000. Ask them, if they sweat to make the money, will they use it to buy PVC? “Don’t allow them, after impoverishing you, they take N5,000 and stop you from voting.

I’ve told the security agencies to monitor, when we catch them they will be prosecuted and jailed, but please, N5,000 will not bail anyone out of poverty.”

The governor said, “when we say the PDP, you actually buried it, we only announced it, and they will remain politically dead. They died in sin, they undermined the people, looted the treasury, failed all the questions and they breached all 10 commandments of development, so they died in sin and shall never resurrect in our lifetime.

“I hear them say change the change, the dead cannot change the living because they are dead politically, they cannot change us who are politically living. So it’s a futile slogan.

He said the PDP ruined the nation’s economy in 16 years.

According to him “On May 29, 1999, when the PDP took over the reins of the Federal Government, the official rate of naira was N21.90 to $1, by the time they were chased out of power, the naira was already exchanging for close to N200.”

“We have written our own development testimonial in our own ink and they have written the testimonial of their failure in their own ink.”

Speaking , candidate of the APC, Mr Godwin Obaseki said the Edo progress cannot be put on the reverse by the PDP, adding “we will continue with what Oshiomhole has started; he has built roads,

…As Edo govt heads to court over ownership of $31m cement coy

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

W

ith few months to the end of the All Progressives Congress ledgovernment in Edo state, the state governor, Adams Oshiomhole yesterday confirmed speculations, engaging the services of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SAN’s to unmask, ascertain the true owner of Avan Cement factory in AkokoEdo Local Government Area of the state.

The company was established during the administration of the former governor of the state, Lucky Igbinedion and was

subsequently traded off few year later, leaving the state with a paltry 15 percent shares, with a private investor, having 85 percent shares to a prominent Edo citizen using a Chinese investor as fronts.

The $31million dollars sourced from the coffers of the state government expended into the company is among the issues to be determined by the court, according to the governor.

Oshiomhole made the assertion when the APC governorship Campaign berth at Akoko-Edo yesterday, said: “all the problems were are suffering today is as a result of the bad leadership of the

PDP both in Edo state during their ten years reign and the 16 years they led this Country. “...That is why we have told our people to monitor, the last time I heard they were trying to steal the asset after I revealed what I saw in the books, we arrested some of the guys and handed them to the police. Giving the natural endowment we have in Akoko Edo, when we bring that factory into operation by reclaiming the ownership from the thieves, we will employ our people there.

“Because you cannot take 31million dollars from the Edo state government account and

you set up a business and you call it a private business, we will not accept that. We have already briefed Senior Advocates to ensure that that factory is returned to the government of Edo state. And it will be Godwin’s pleasure to bring that factory into work. He will create jobs with it.

“PDP killed our state and we can never go back to Egypt. Things are tough today in Nigeria because of how PDP looted this nation and today one fake Pastor is coming from the god fathers that he wants to be governor, we will punish them with our votes” he said.

R-L; president muhammadu buhari, in a chat with UNOWA Special Representative to the United Nations Secretary General, Dr. Ibn Chambas during an audience with the President at the State House, yesterday in Abuja.

schools, hospitals, so we will continue with the next phase with human capital development.”

He said, the Leventis Farm which has been shut for a long time now will be re-opened and will provide over 10,000 jobs for youths of the area.

He hailed Governor Adams Oshiomhole for establishing the Edo University’s in Iyamho, saying the university which is world-class will be appreciated by people of the state in the next 20 years.

Over 2,000 people led by Hon Peter Iyhu decamped to the APC from the PDP at the rally.

Unilorin, Japanese varsity partner on health research From Olanrewaju Lawal,Ilorin

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he Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof.

AbdulGaniyu Ambali has disclosed that the University remains committed to projects that will facilitate good health and good living among the people.

Ambali stated this last Monday while receiving a visiting scholar, Prof.

Mamoru Koketsu of the Gifu University, Japan, in his office.

The Japanese university don was in Ilorin on a mission to forge a collaboration agreement between the two institutions in the areas of producing nutraceuticals and food supplements.

The Vice-Chancellor described the project, which was expected to be funded through a grant by the Japanese government, as an interesting one that would not only be an academic project but will be immensely beneficial to communities in developing nations like Nigeria.

Ambali said that the Gifu University, Japan, has a worthy partner in the University of Ilorin because of its uniqueness, consistency and stability of its academic calendar “The University of Ilorin is unique because for the last 16 years we have never closed down which is uncommon in quite a number of developing countries. We are very consistent in our academic calendar; we are very dedicated to research and we have a great appetite for community service because we want our immediate community to feel the impact of the University of Ilorin and more especially these days, when they see a lot of visitors like you coming into the University of Ilorin,we want to take the products to their doorstep so that they can benefit from it tremendously.”

Earlier in his remarks, Professor Koketsu, who was accompanied on the visit by Mr Hitoshi Izawa, a sales engineer with the Chabu Electric Power Company Limited, Japan, expressed happiness at being in Nigeria.

He explained that a proposal was being prepared in collaboration with the University of Ilorin to be submitted to the Japanese government regarding the research project that has to do with nutraceuticals and developing food supplement in the country.

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PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, AUGUST 2, 2016

News

Cattle rustler arrested with 110 cows, 25 sheep in Kebbi

From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

The Joint Securities Operatives attached to border area between Kebbi and Zamfara states have apprehended a cattle rustler with one hundred and ten cows and twenty five sheep.

Briefing newsmen shortly after the local government security meeting held at the Mahuta, the Sole Administrator of the area, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammad said that it is

obvious for the security personnel to buckle up since the President launched the Nigeria Army day celebration in Dansod in Zamfara state which shared borders with Fakkai local government of kebbi state.

He further revealed that the culprits will usual take advantage of the proximity and spill over to the local government as their hideouts which eventually will not be well for the people.

The sole administrator explained further that the aim of the meeting is to foster how to find lasting solution to the menace adding that for the quite long time the area have been enjoyed peace and harmony with the communities while urge them to continue to maintain peace with one another.

He then directed the traditional title holders as well as the village heads to be vigilant in accommodate unknown person, urge them to do

through investigation.

In his remark, the National President Meyyith Allah Cattle Breeders, Alhaji Muhamadu Kiruwa who was represented by the Secretary of the Association, Alhaji Garba Bala commended the sole administrator for his effort towards ensuring peace in the area.

Those in attendance are the commissioner of environment, traditional order and other relevant security agencies.

Pastor Samuel Idion from Domanis church, inaugurating his grace and mercy kids international school in Angwan Danlami, in Nasarawa state on Sunday, with him are the Propriotress, Grace and Mercy kids international school, Mrs Elizabeth oche (L) invited guests, Mrs Comfort Adole (2nd-L), and Mr Edwin Ngbeqe, at the inauguration ceremony of Grace and Mercy kids international school, Angwan Danlami in Nasarawa state,

New Benue CP declares war on criminals From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

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ew Benue State Commissioner of Police Bashir Makama has warned criminals terrorizing the State to relocate, vowing to crush them if they fail to do so.

CP Makama who made the vow at the weekend during his maiden press

briefing at the State Police Command, Makurdi, said any situation devoid of peace and safety of the people, would not be tolerated.

He promised that the police under his leadership will provide qualitative service to the people of the State and fight serious crimes of armed robbery, kidnapping and cultism with every

vigor.

While regretting the lingering crisis between farmers and herdsmen which led to the loss of many lives and destruction of properties in most part of the State, Makama said he will attempt to identify the cause of the crisis as well as dialogue with the groups in bid to curb the incessant killings.

He also, condemned the ugly trend of jungle justice in the State, averring that no one has right to another person’s life except the court.

“The only way to stop this is for people to report crime promptly.

Mob action is spontaneous. We will dialogue with community leaders and stakeholders to avoid this”, he said.

2 Nigerians killed in Johannesburg - President, Nigerian Union

M

r Ikechukwu Anyene, President, Nigeria Union in South Africa, has confirmed that two Nigerians were killed in Johannesburg, Gauteng Province.

Anyene told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Port Harcourt in a telephone interview from Pretoria that the two men were killed on Friday, July 29, at different areas of Johannesburg.

He said that the first victim, Gideon Ogalaonye, an indigene of Onitsha,

Anambra, was allegedly shot dead at 7 p.m. while on a visit to the residence of his daughters.

He said that the second victim, Nnamdi Michael, an indigene of Enugu state, was allegedly stabbed to death by a Zimbabwean national at Yeoville at 8 p.m on the same day.

Anyene said eyewitnesses said the assailant first demanded for money from Michael, which was not given and later attempted to forcefully remove his phone.

He said that the assailant stabbed the victim, adding that Nigerians at scene pursued and arrested him.

Anyene said: `` The Zimbabwean has been handed over to the police and we will follow the case. `` The two incidents have been reported to the Nigerian mission in South Africa and the South African police. `` The Nigerian community in South Africa are not happy with the killings.

`` We urge the Federal government to persuade its South African counterpart to investigate and prosecute incidents of killings of Nigerians in that country. `` We are getting worried about these incessant killings and we want the culprits prosecuted.”

NAN recalls that Ikejiaku Chinedu, a 35 year-old Nigerian businessman, was killed on July 26 at Mokopane town, Limpopo Province by operatives of a private security firm. (NAN)

Ex Appeal court president seeks probe of conflicting judgments

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former President of the Court of Appeal, retired Justice Umaru Abdullahi , says there is need for the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate reoccurring conflicting court judgments in the country.

Abdullahi, who spoke with newsmen in Abuja on Sunday, said that conflicting judgments and activities of corrupt politicians had undermined Nigeria’s judicial system.

He decried politicians’ attitude of going to another court to get a new judgment instead of appealing the earlier one if they were not satisfied with it. ``NJC must wade in to address these contradictions; investigate if there is any corrupt undertone in these judgments; arrest the indiscipline and recklessness by some judges. ``Politicians should learn to appeal unfavourable court decisions rather than making unlawful utterances and fomenting crisis. ``Politicians are desperate to win their cases; rather than appeal a particular unfavourable judgment, they approach a similar court with another version of the case in an attempt to mislead the judge resulting in conflicting judgements,’’ he said.

He made references to the recent judgments on Abia governorship tussle and that of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s leadership crisis.

Abdullahi advised aggrieved parties to petition the NJC if they were not satisfied or felt the need for clarification in the face of conflicting judgments.

He said that NJC acted based on petitions before it. (NAN)

Niger govt assures on security of lives, property From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

T

he Niger state government has reiterated its determination in ensuring peace and security of lives and properties of the people in the state regardless of their background.

The Secretary to the state government (SSG), Alhaji Shehu Umar Danyaya disclosed this shortly after presenting thirty motorcycles to security agencies in his office yesterday in Minna.

The SSG explained that the partnership between the state government and security agencies in the provision of adequate security as well as protection of lives and property which is one of the fundamental objectives of government would be sustained.

He urged the security agencies of their sacred duty of holding in trust for Nigerlite and Nigerians in order to achieve the set goals.

Danyaya said that peace and security remain vital ingredient for progress and development of any society, hence the need for people to live peacefully with one another irrespective of their affiliations.

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PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, AUGUST 2, 2016

News Fashion show will boost tourism, says Expert

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fashion designer, Mr Ayodele Mayowa, on Friday said that regular organisation of fashion shows would boost the development of tourism in the country.

Mayowa told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that they would also serve as platforms to showcase the varieties of the country’s local fabrics to the international community.

Mayowa, also the Director, Mayowa Clothline, said that fashion acceptability in the country had reached the stage where Kampala, Ankara and Tie-and-Dye could be used for clothes, bags and shoes. ``If a platform where these innovations can regularly be exhibited to the public can be created, I believe it will bring in a lot of foreign investment into the country on the long run.’’

The fashion icon said that traditional wears were, mostly, made from cultural attire, therefore, organising exhibitions was a sure way of preserving such culture.

Mayowa advised unemployed youths to embrace tailoring, weaving, and modeling as they would yield great benefits. ``Instead of staying at home and becoming a nuisance to the community, young people can engage in various forms of fashion-related occupations to add value to themselves. ``This will also give them an opportunity to make money for themselves.’’

Mayowa lauded the organisers of the Africa Fashion Show for its efforts at assembling experts to discuss the way forward for the industry.

He said that with such events, Nigeria would be able to continually showcase its rich cultural attires to the rest of the world. (NAN)

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Amb. Danjuma Sheni; Chairman Federal Civil service commission, Mrs Joan Ayo; Head of civil service of the Federation, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita; representative of the Vice President, Pastor Oluseyi Malomo, and other officials, at the memorial service to mark the civil service week celebration on Sunday in Abuja

Zamfara Police arrest 3 kidnap kingpins, recover N7m From Ibrahim Gusau

Sidi

Muh’d,

T

he Zamfara state Police Command has succeeded in the arrest of a suspected 3-man syndicate who robbed a Toyota Row Jeep belonging to a Youth Corp member identified as Ngozi Dabiri serving in Abuja before they finally kidnapped her along Trinity Church Maitama, Abuja to unknown destination.

Parading the suspects yesterday at the Police headquarters Gusau the state capital, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Shehu Muhammad said, the abducted Ngozi Dabiri was originally from Delta state and was returning to Abuja from gym before she met the deadly group of robbers/kidnappers to have whisked her away along with her Jeep.

The PPRO further informed that, having received the information that the kidnappers would drove through

north-west axis, men from Zamfara Police Command embarked on special patrol until they rounded and arrested them while on the move to escape from Sokoto to Gusau.

“We have arrested them alongside the sum of 7,343,660.00 suspected to be money for ransom being collected from the affected family of the Youth Corp member, and the victim too has been rescued while the remaining two members of the gang identified as Alhaji Usman Argungu and his

brother, Danladi Argungu who are now at large have been put on trail”, the PPRO announced.

In separate confessional statements, the suspects claimed that, they were enticed into the business by the two other suspects at large, and both of them were new as they are few months old in the dangerous game, calling for those still in the business to change to legal life.

Fashion show will boost tourism, says Expert

2015 hajj stampede: S/Arabia yet to compensate victims -NAHCOM

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T

he National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has confirmed that victims of a crane crash and the Munna stampede in the 2015 hajj were yet to receive monetary compensation promised by the Saudi authorities a year after the incident.

Speaking at an investigative hearing on the role of NAHCON in the operation of the 2015 Hajj by the House of Representatives yesterday,

the Chairman of the Commission, Alhaji Muktar Abdullahi, said no Nigerian victim have not received any form of compensation from the Saudi authorities.

He said that the commission was working hard to ensure that the compensations as promised were paid to the families of over 300 deceased and 12 injured victims of the incidents which occurred in Sept.

11 and 24 in Saudi Arabia.

“Nigeria has not received 1 million Saudi Riyal and 500 Saudi Riyal that

were promised as compensation for the dead and the injured.

“We are working on it and as soon as we receive them we will forward them to the families of the victims,’’ Mohammed said.

He denied reports that the deceased among the victims received a mass burial.

“This is far from being the truth, there was no mass burial as each victim of the stampede was buried in his own grave marked and identified.

“Also the stampede did not occur as a result of the movement of Nigeria’s tent or as a result of the movement of VIPs as erroneously conceived,’’ he added.

He called for adequate training to increase the capacity of officials handling the crowd during hajj. ``Officials involved in management should be multilingual so that they will be able to communicate with people of different nationalities and ensure more efficient crowd management,’’

Niger Gov sacks SSG, Danyaya From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna.

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new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mallam Ibrahim Isah Ladan was yesterday appointed by the Niger state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello.

The New Secretary to the state Government who replaced Alhaji Shehu Umar Danyaya from

Kontagora local government was an APC chieftain in Borgu local government.

In a statement issued by the state Commissioner of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Jonathan Tsado Vatsa said that the New SSG has since been inaugurated and resumed office immediately in Minna.

Before his appointment he was a Director in the Federal Character

Commission in Abuja who was a one term Chairman of Borgu local government area in Niger state.

Consequently, there was no reason given for the relief of Alhaji Danyaya from office however, the Governor thanked him for the services rendered and wished him well in his future endeavor.

It was gathered that the immediate past SSG was imposed on the governor by a very close

relation who was rejected by the people from the zone C while the zone B where the SSG supposed to come from earlier agitated over his appointment.

The sacked latter was handed over to the former SSG by the Chief of Staff, Hon. Mikhail Matusai after over four hours meeting at government house yesterday before he was shown the way out of government.

he added.

The NAHCOM chairman further said that modalities had been put in place to guard against Nigerians participating in Hajj from becoming casualties in the case of any future stampede.

He said that the commission had adopted a more robust reorientation programmes for pilgrims at state and local government levels. ``Virtually all the state and local government officials have been engaging pilgrims on education on possible areas of dangers and ways to avert them.

“The commission is also working with the ministry of health to establish a blood back to be used in DNA profiling in case of any emergency. ``We also have to sensitize the state officials on the need for probing the pilgrims’ movement to avoid crowd areas and to observe the timing given to us by the relevant authorities.

“And we will introduce an electronic device that will help us in the management and tracking of the pilgrims’ location at all times,’’ Mohammed added

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, AUGUST 2, 2016

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News

Plateau govt restates commitment to reconstruct Jos main market

From Ado Abubakar Musa ,Jos

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lateau State Government has unveiled commitment to the reconstruction of the Jos main market in partnership with Roughton International London (UK) Limited in collaboration with Cynergy Associates Consortium.

The State Commissioner of Commerce and Industry Hon. Ezekiel Daju signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on behalf of the state Government with Roughton International and Cynergy Associates Consortium for the redevelopment and enhancement of the burnt Jos main market which has been in ruin since 2001.

Daju said the Jos main market remain a critical project to the development of the state and urged the Roughton company to use the project and attract investors to invest in the state.

According to the Commissioner the MoU is for the first face of the redevelopment and enhancement worth 230millions for a period of 12 months.

Chairman of Project Implementation Unit (PIU), Nde Ezekiel Gomos hailed Governor Simon Lalong for his determination to re-build the famous market that had made Jos a hub for traders from across Nigeria and West African countries.

The PIU, comprising the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Jos Main Market Authorities, and Plateau Investment and Property Company (PIPC) said there was a transparent bidding process which Roughton International became first and promised government’s total commitment in the rebuilding process

L-R: Senior Special Assistant to the president on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mrs Abike DabiriErewa; DirectorGeneral, Centre for Management Development, Dr Kabir Usman; Chief Executive Officer, Diaspora Innovation institute (DII), Mr Akinwale Ojomo, and Chairman, Wi-pay Technologies Ltd, Dr Chamberlain Peterside, during a seminar on Diaspora Active Engagement in creating disruptive sector to support entrepreneurship for national development, organized by CMD and dii, recently in Abuja .

Buhari has changed Nigeria for good — Lai Mohammed

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he Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has said the change promised Nigerians by the All Progressives Congress is not a ruse.

Speaking in Enugu at a town hall meeting for the South East organised by the ministry on Monday, the minister said the change was already manifesting in every sector of the nation’s life.

He said contrary to the insinuations in certain quarters that the people were not feeling the impact of government, a lot had been done in moving the country forward.

He said the government would remain undaunted in implementing its change agenda to improve the lot of Nigerians.

“Many have said they are yet to see the change we promised. Many more have called the promise a ruse,” Mr. Mohammed said.

“In fact, they are now mocking us.

But we remain undaunted because we know that the change we promised is real.

“In fact, the change we promised is already here, and it is manifesting all around us,’’ he said.

Buttressing his position, the minister said that the government had successfully stopped the looting of public funds which was responsible for underdevelopment.

He said, “Before now, public officials simply opened the public till, took as much money as they wanted and walked away without

consequences.

“That explains why funds allocated to the military to fight Boko Haram ended up in the piggy banks of many unscrupulous Nigerians.

“Today, all those who looted the public treasury are being made to answer for their actions, as impunity gives way to accountability.

“Many have offered to return their loots, and many more are facing charges,” Mr. Mohammed said with the introduction of the Treasury Single Account, funds meant for the federal government were directly paid in and used for development of infrastructure.

He noted that before now, funds accruing to the government were paid into so many accounts and went to

Delta: Landlords, property developers raise alarm over armed robbers’ threats From Asaba

L

Osakhare

Erese,

andlords including property developers in Issele- Azagba, Okpanam communities, Oshimili North local government area of Delta State are currently living in fears of the unknown over alleged murder of one person in the past few weeks in cold blood by suspected armed robbers including land speculators operating in the areas.

While the landlords/ developers have raised the alarm through their lawyer, they said that the situation might portend bad omen if

urgent steps are not taken to foil the sinister motives of the suspected armed robbers/ thugs.

In petition letter dated July 20, 2016, addressed to the state commissioner of police, Mr. Ibrahim Zanna, by the communities’ lawyer, Barr.

Afam Nkemnachor, a copy made available to our reporter, titled: “ armed robbery, malicious damage and conduct likely to cause breach of peace” described the present nefarious activities of the hoodlums in the communities as pathetic, and urged the police to take steps with a view to bringing them to book.

A victim in the recent attack, Adinnu Obiora Johnbosco who claimed to have been attacked by the hoodlums, said that he bought a land from Akpoma Quarters, Isele Azagba Community where he and some of his workers were allegedly attacked by the suspected hoodlums numbering eight persons, armed with guns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons.

But the police commissioner, Ibrahim Zanna on a telephone chat confirmed that three persons before the incidence were allegedly murdered in a land dispute, adding that the police at present have arrested

and detained six persons likely to be charged to court upon completion of investigation.

Investigation revealed that hoodlums have allegedly lay siege on lands within Issele Azagba and Okpanam communities not developed and have reportedly injured several unsuspecting persons including robbing them of their belongings .

Speaking further, the police boss in the state said “we have observed that the perpetrators, many of whom are within both communities, but we are determined to flush them out and bring the hoodlums to book”.

private purses.

He said the government had successfully identified and stopped salaries hitherto paid to more than 30,000 ghost workers.

According to him, “We promised to diversify the economy away from oil, to ensure that other sectors are able to significantly contribute to sustainable development.

“In June 2016, for the very first time, about 70 per cent of the more than N500 billion raised from the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee came from the non-oil sector, while 30 per cent came from the oil sector.

“It was the first time in 2016 that the Federal Government shared more than N500 billion among the three tiers of government.”

In the area of security, Mr. Mohammed said that the government had successfully crushed the Boko Haram terrorists and not a single territory was being administered by them.

On infrastructure, the minister said that construction firms had been mobilised to sites on major roads in the country.

He said, “As they move to site, they are creating thousands of new jobs. No part of the country is left out of this.

“Where the contractors have not been seen on site, it is because of the rains, not because of lack of mobilisation.

The minister said the complaints over perceived or real instances of lopsidedness in appointments were being addressed.

“There are hundreds of appointments yet to be made. It is an evolving scenario and any lopsidedness is being addressed as we progress,” he said.

The minister said the town hall meetings were held to bridge the communication gap between the government and the people and to carry the people along in the process of governance.(NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, AUGUST 2, 2016

News Niger begs FG on Abuja-Niger rail line project, cargo airport From Yakubu Mustapha,Minna

T

he Niger state government has appealed to the Federal Government to use the proximity of Niger to FCT, and consider construction of Niger-Abuja rail line as the next priority in the list rail lines to be constructed and a deliberate plan to make Minna airport an international cargo airport.

Niger state Commissioner of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Jonathan Tsado Vatsa made the disclosure in a press statement in Minna that the call has become imperative because of the proximity of Niger state to the FCT. He noted that the state has the historical record of being an economic melting pot with the existence of the famous Baro port and the railway transit through Mokwa, Minna, Akare, Wushishi and Gwada.

Vatsa therefore stated that it was wise that with the recent inauguration of the Abuja-Kaduna rail line by President Muhammadu Buhari, which was jointly financed by the Federal Government of Nigeria and China Exim Bank; the same gesture should be advocated for the state as deliberate policy aimed at economic expansion of not only the state but the Federal capital territory He than congratulated the federal government for a successful inauguration of the Abuja-Kaduna rail line.

President Mustafa comprehensive school Kontagora, Alh. Usman Sani Bello, presenting the(Dr) Mrs Maryam Babangida overall best student award, to Bilkisu Adamu Panti during the 21st graduation ceremony of the school, in kontagora.

Immigration promotes 2,424 personnel

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he Nigeria Immigration Service on Monday announced the promotion of 2,424 of its personnel to the inspectorate cadre.

This was contained in a statement by the spokesperson of the organisation, Ekpedeme King, a deputy comptroller.

The statement quoted the Comptroller-General of NIS, Muhammad Babandede, as urging

the newly promoted staff to see their elevation “as a call to give more to the society in terms of improved service delivery and to government, dedication to duty and loyalty”.

He said the promotion examination result for senior officers would soon be released by the Civil Defence, Fire Service, Immigration and Prisons Board.

He said the Service currently have

three deputy Comptroller-General out of the statutory seven. He said two out of the three DCGs were on pre-retirement leave while only one is currently in service.

Mr. Babandede said the organisation was set to introduce online promotion examination where the result would be known real-time to guarantee transparency.

He explained that though seniority

in service and other considerations such as federal character would still be part of the requirements for promotion, the online examination would give everyone the satisfaction that results had not been tampered with.

The Immigration boss also said the committee he set up on the Service Posting Policy had already submitted its report.

Queens/Kings school graduates 156 students

By Usman Shuaibu

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he management of Queens/ Kings Science and Arts Nursery/ Primary and Secondary School in Suleja local government area of Niger state on Saturday graduated a total number of one hundred and fifty-six (156) outgoing students who had spent six years of their academic pursuit in the school.

The director of the school, Prince (Dr) Natty Nwaneri who made this disclosure in an interview with Peoples Daily during the graduation and prize giving day ceremony in Rafin-Senyi, Suleja, advised the outgoing students to work hard in their academic pursuit at all times.

He said that his leadership would continue to provide the needed facilities to boost the morale of the students in the institution, charging the entire students/ pupils of the school to deem it necessary to read their books always.

He called on the proprietors/ proprietresses of the private schools in Suleja to gear up towards providing quality education for the children, urging them to be patient with the parents over the payment of the school fees.

He pointed out that the management of Queens/Kings school had trained over one hundred students on scholarship in order to put smiles on the faces of the less privileged children in the society.

Nwaneri, however, commended the Niger state Ministry of Education

as well as Suleja Local Education Authority (LEA) for their efforts in moving the education to the next level in the area.

Also speaking, the chairman of the occasion, chief Simon Iroegbulem, urged the parents to give the necessary attention to the education of their

children anytime of the day.

Iroegbulem applauded the authorities of the school for their contributions towards the progress of the children, and appealed to the parents to intensity efforts to pay the school fees of their wards as at when

due.

Meanwhile, the occasion featured Debate Presentation titled “Art students perform better than science students in school”, news presentation, drama presentation, cultural dance and prizes, gifts presentation.

Minister lauds FMC Keffi’s MD for transforming centre From Gambo Ahmed, Lafia

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inister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole has commended Dr.Joshua Giyan-Ndom, the Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Keffi, Nasarawa State for transforming as well as ensuring quality health care service delivery at the centre and Nigeria at large.

Adewole gave the commendation in Keffi at the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) with the theme “Health Care Financing in Nigeria, Meeting the challenges.

The minister who was represented

by Dr.Kingsley Enweremadu, the First vice President of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) said that the commendation became

imperative considering the laudable achievements recorded at the centre which impacted positively on the lives of the host communities and Nigerians at large.

He urged resident doctors at the centre to adhere strictly to the ethics of their profession and to always avoid strike, adding that striking action has done more harm than good especially in the health sector. “ We are aware of his giant programmes and policies at the centre which impacted positively on the lives of the people of this area and Nigerians at large and I want to urge him to sustain the tempo in order to improve on the living and health condition of Nigerians, “he said He also identified lack of will, poor data collection, corruption among others as some of the problems

affecting the health sector.

The minister restated the federal government commitment to continue to fund the health and other sector adequately in order to better the standard of living of Nigerians.

Dr.Joshua Giyan-Ndom, the Medical Director of the FMC, Keffi, while presenting a lecture on “ Electronic Medical Records, Keffi Taking the lead” urged hospitals across the country to key in to Electronic Medical Records considering its enormous benefit.

“Electronic Medical records have a lots of advantages which include reduction in medical Errors, no missing of patients information, cost effectiveness, increased clinical process, reduced waste of time among others, so hospital should key in to, “he said.

Also speaking, National President of the Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Dr Muhammed Askira said that the NEC is a constitutional programme where the association appraises their level of engagements throughout the fiscal year.

Askira also commended the medical director of the FMC Keffi for keying into positive health programmes that have direct bearing on the lives of the center’s staff, patients and other Nigerians and called for its sustenance.

Earlier, the state chapter president of the association, Dr. David Elukpo said that the theme of the NEC meeting titled “Health Care Financing in Nigeria, Meeting the challenges” is quite apt at this time considering the present reality of the nation challenges.

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, AUGUST 2, 2016

Page 11

PAGE 12

Opinion

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, AUGUST 2, 2016

I want to rule my tomorrow today

By Yaji Ibrahim

T

he recent bill sponsored by Hon. Tony Nwulu representing Oshodi/ Isolo Federal Constituency II of Lagos on the 26th May, 2016 has become an interesting topic of discussion in the polity of Nigeria as this subject has resulted to a lot of controversy and intellectual argument as to whether the passage of the Bill would bring a turn around in the fortune and current socio-economic status of Nigeria. Prior to this time the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon made this remark in August 2010 when celebrating International Youths Day “let us acknowledge and celebrate what youths can do to build a safer and more just world.

Let us strengthen our efforts to include young people in polices, Programs and decision making processes that benefit their future and ours” this statement was made by the world leader in view of the fact that no growing Nation in the world advance without the inputs and services being offered by the youths.

The age range being used to define youth status has been variable over the years but this has mostly been between the ages of 25 to 45 years.

The acceptance of the said raised bill came with so much energy and enthusiasm by the Nigerian youth, this explains how much the Nigerian youths crave for enabling platforms to contribute their quota in the development and governance of the Nation. The Bill with gazette number Hb(544) seeks to alter section (65),(106), (131), (177) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as Amended) to reduce the age qualification for the office of the president from 40year to 30 years; governor, 35to 30 yrs, senate 35yrs to 30, house of Representatives 30 to 25yrs and state house of assembly 30 to 25yrs respectively. This would enhance and promote the participation of the Nigerian youths in active politics in the nation. The Bill is said to if passed reduce racketeering, violence, thuggery, hooligans and gangsterism amongst the youths, Seeing how the population is dominated by the youths, it is only logical that the youths should be involved in the decision making and policy making of the entire populace. Looking at the precedence in the national polity particularly from 1999 till date the participation or engagement of youths in elective offices or appointed positions is quite very low compared to the useful energies been put by the youths in every election to ensure the emergences of different political interests in the different political parties in Nigeria. The Nigerian youths have always complained that exclusion of the youths in the

government in the past 16years of our democracy has resulted to backwardness in the political, socioeconomic growth of the nation seeing that campaign promises made by our so-called leaders since 1999 which includes constant power, conducive drinking water, Robust Health care facility, abundant employment opportunities, standard and affordable educational system, a Robust agricultural sector e.t.c is still the same as of 2015 this is to say progress is not being made Now critically looking at the Nigerian system over the years a lot of things are set to be working against its progress, these include (1) The incompetence of leaders as earlier stated (2)Tribal and Religious sentiments which have resulted to communal clashes and terrorism,(3) Monotonous nature of the economy that is the total dependence on crude oil which has crippled our economy by not allowing diversification of the economy into other lucrative sectors like agriculture, mineralization which would have resulted to millions of job vacancies (4)Faulty electoral system which has resulted to emergence of unpopular and incompetent candidates who have no regard for the mandate given to them since the mandate was not earn but rather bought, (5) Institutionalization of impunity and corruption which has resulted to truncation of due process and gross abuse of rule of law. Now the system in its complexity requires so much expertise and wisdom to efficiently run its affairs. Due to the pressure always mounted on the leaders and the exaggerated expectation of electorates, it takes strong will but flexible sense of leadership to manage the country.

The approach to fight some of the major ills eating into the heart of the nation such as corruption, Nepotism, Impunity e.t.c requires maturity and wealth of experience so as to proffer long lasting solutions which in the long runs would not affect the unity and integrity of Nigeria.

Looking at the youths of Nigeria today, starting from the level of students to level of graduates, most times, careless hopeless statements are been made about the youths due to the laziness and mediocre attitudes the youths portray towards responsibilities. The popular adage of “youths are leaders of tomorrow” is not forthcoming due to some unfavorable factors both on the part of the youths and the controversial system of governance in Nigeria.

Looking at how the minds of Nigerians youth have become so monotonous concerning the means of job creation in the country, the will to channel energies and creativity used for electioneering towards job

creation and solidifying the economy so as to help themselves and the country in terms of job creations is weak but rather the Nigerians youth depends totally on the government for provision of jobs. Few of these youths have ventured in small business enterprise in various sectors like Agriculture, textile, entertainment e.t.c and so far, they have been doing well but they represent the minority among millions roaming the streets searching for jobs. Considering the leadership roles being handled by youths or students in various tertiary or pressures groups across the country, It is tempting to say that attitude of present leaders in the nation is been replicated in these cellular units of leadership so it becomes a paradox on the issue of weather this youths should take over the nation affairs or not. The legal adoption of youth into the space of the national polity might not be of much significance and might rather leads to more controversy about a lot of national issues. Many factors in my opinion explain the disadvantages of allowing the said class of people into the polity. These factors include: (1) Wealth of experience: By the proposal of the bill it means from the seat of the president down to state house of Assembly members would be controlled by people within the age of 25 to 30yrs.

Now looking at the average age of youths finishing tertiary education in Nigeria is between 23-27 years, considering the indebt of wisdom and experience required to govern a multi-ethno, multi -religious, and multi party system like Nigeria. An Individual at that stage of life has not attained enough height intellect and wealth of experience to step into the shoe of leadership, reason being that within that period of life one has not attaimed enough wisdom and wealth of experience that would be required for survival talk less of handling responsibilities of representation thereby leading to Incompetent decision taking which would cause a lot of organs in governance to be sort of defective which would result to Time bombs in the long run. Moreover at that stage, one is expected to take specialty in designated careers and acquire wealth of experience because in the long run the followers might subconsciously be expecting more in that area and unfortunately within that age range knowledge or specialty in designated careers is not visible, so stepping into elective positions which is most times is independent with shallow wealth of experience and knowledge would be dangerous for the future of Nigerian.

(2) Impunity and corruption: Looking at the level of corruption and impunity at cellular level

Curbing hazards of electricity

By Reuben Bassey

T

he rising incidents of electricity-related accidents and electrocutions have exposed yet another aspect of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry’s dilemma.The recent case of electrocution in Tudun Wada area of Lugbe in the Federal Capital Territory wherein three persons lost their lives while some were injured has once again called for a closer look at the reasons for these accidents.

Are these accidents occurring due to the fault of the electricity distribution companies (DisCos)?

Are they a function of the level of awareness of the customers or outright carelessness on the part of the customers or is it that the network the DisCos inherited is so obsolete that they may be required to shut down some networks? Is it a case of contributory negligence of bad urban planning? It is important to ask these salient questions because, by finding answers to these question, all relevant stakeholders would have become aware of what each party ought to do to avoid these accidents.

It is common knowledge that various unwholesome practices such as deployment of faulty electrical equipment by consumers and rampant recourse to unlicensed and quack “electricians” are among the malaise has too often led to avoidable deaths and serious injuries as well as destruction of property from electricity-

related accidents. These practices seemed to have been condoned if not encouraged under the previous era of government ownership of the entire power sector by a combination of laxities in preventing influx and use of sub-standard electrical equipment, active surveillance, apprehension and prosecution of culprits.

Nowadays, however, it has been observed that there is an unusual eagerness to shift the burden of responsibility to the DisCos and demand compensation. The task of sensitizing the public to the clear and present dangers of carelessness and sharp practices in the use of electricity, which is the more effective lasting panacea, has also become the exclusive responsibility of the regulatory bodies and the DisCos who also grapple with the disruptive impact on the power distribution systems.

Nevertheless, the DisCos in particular have responded to the situation positively by identifying the major types of carelessness and use of substandard electrical materials that plague the distribution networks and embarked on frequent sensitization campaigns in communities to draw attention of consumers to the hazards of the abuses and the need for greater awareness and a change in attitude.

Ignorance of thedangers of electricity is widespreadand takes the form of residential buildings under or close to high tension

lines, careless mounting of TV antennas close to electricity distribution wires and even unprotected handling of live wires, among others, all of which have led to electrocutions. It is clear from the array of unwholesome practices affecting the distribution networks that what is required is an all-inclusive concerted effort involving not just DisCos but also government agencies dealing with imports and standards as well as law enforcement agencies and community leaders and associations.

But the DisCos have been up and doing in raising awareness even as their massive investments in new modern infrastructure and equipment significantly improved safety of the electricity environment. The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), for example, traversed its franchise area sensitizing electricity users on the need to observe the basic principles in the design and use of electricity and electrical materials after discovering that the issue of safety was tenuously managed, with no laid down policy. Among areas visited by AEDC for the Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) sensitisation campaigns since 2014 included Jiwa District, Lugbe area of the FCT, Lokoja, theKogi State capital, Minnain Niger State and Lafia in Nasarawa State.

At AEDC, adhering to Safety, Health & Environment (HSE) rules and regulations is strictly observed even within the Head Office

of students leadership which comes in different forms ranging from offering of bribes to pass exams even when is not demanded for, involvement in fraudulent activities in students union governments and students representatives governments,now considering the major issues pointed by the youths against the present crop of leaders which is corruption what moral objective is being made if the said class of people are involved in the sins they have accused the latter of. Again looking at the inability of the students leaders to administer punishment or sanctions on members of theirs found wanting in one way or the other therefore defining impunity in their own way a lot of times politicians in the country have used this same youth bodies/unions to organize unwanted protest and violence which is accorded to their selfish political, religious and ethnic interests.

The youths in question have not been able to resist the abuse of their age and reject this trick used by the nation leaders and so how can do better if given the chance. The Nigerian youths have not been so far able to stand against corruption and impunity which are two major agents that have eaten the heart of Nigeria for the past 30years and have handed the development of the nation at large and so is only a more dangerous scenario that is too if within this group of people leaders emerge.

(3) Electioneering : Over years elections are increasingly becoming more experience which in a way is one major reason corruption has been institutionalized from the campaigners, security agencies and electoral officers all have abused the electioneering system of the country which has resulted to unnecessary and extravagant expenses.

Now the question is how would individuals within the ages of 25to 30 years raise clean money that would be used in their electioneering? Even if fundraisers are done how much of money can be raised? When probably most associates of the said individuals one most likely on the same level of financial status wit them and how can a fund raiser stand when a candidate cannot even fund up to 50% of campaign expenses? Now it all point back to God fatherism where rich important individuals in the society that fund elections after which they detect what ever happens to governance in the society when in most situations they do it to suit their selfish interest. So instead of fighting for power within that age why not fight for proper implementation of campaign purposes so that the unemployment, corruption and so many societal ills can be corrected.

Yaji Ibrahim is a Public Affairs Analyst.

where workmen wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety hats, boots, etc. Customers are constantly educated on the lethal nature of electricity with a caveat not to toy with it and advised toalways take safety steps while fixing electrical appliances such as bulbs, plugs, avoid having contact with naked wire, to promptly draw the company’s attention to detected faults and to stop engaging unlicensed electricians as AEDC would not take responsibility for disasters caused by consumers’ illegal actions.

Despite the frequency of electricityrelated accidents across the nation, it must be emphasized that they are mostly avoidable and it is expected that heightened enlightenment/sensitization campaigns by various stakeholders like the AEDC, and such agencies of government like the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), whose responsibility it is to enforce the use of standard materials by both the service providers and customers, will go a long way to stemming the tide. However,this cannot obviate the need for all inclusive concerted effortsby other relevant government agencies, law enforcement agencies and community leaders and associations to comprehensively address the hydra-headed problem.

Reuben Bassey lives in Lokoja.

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PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, AUGUST 2, 2016

Comment

An appraisal on the offense of rape

By Edikan Ekanem

A

police inspector attached to Mkpat Enin Police Division in Akwa Ibom State allegedly raped a 15-year-old girl at gunpoint, a senior secondary pupil of Community Secondary School in the area, when she returned from church on a Thursday and a police team accosted her. She reported: “he forced me to remove my clothes, he ordered me to lie down and open my legs. And what I noticed was that he brought out his penis and inserted it into my vagina”. “As he was romping over me, he forbade me crying as he threatened to shoot me if I should open my mouth but when I could not bear the pains any longer as blood was running out of my private part, –punch newspaper.

On July 29, 2016, in Ado-Ekiti Magistrates John Julius, a 19-year-old man, stood trial for alleged rape of a 35-year-old woman. He was said to have allegedly committed the offence on July 12 when he unlawfully raped a 35-year-old woman on her way from the farm and inflicted injuries that led to her being hospitalized. -Daily Times Presently in Uyo state high court, a 40-year-old man, who hails from Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, LGA, of Akwa Ibom State, confessed of having sexual intercourse with his two teenage daughters.

The suspect, Okon Jimmy Amah, allegedly turned his daughters to sex objects and always raped them without using condoms. -Punch newspaper.

The source added further: “When I inserted my manhood into her vagina, I discovered that no man has had sex with her. I immediately removed my manhood after which i used car fan belt to beat her after having sex with her” Rape is a social problem affecting significant number of people in an unpleasant manner, physically, socially and psychologically. It alienates the victims, traumatises the parents and disorganises the society. All these (above) developments are brought in to show that rape is not abstract rather is something that is happening within and around us.

The extent rape has gotten into in the State is alarming, the reported number of victims of rape is growing every day. The fact that rape has permeated the world does not change moral view and the legal consequences of rape. The paper will deliberate and expound on the factors that constitute the offence of rape and the legal consequences of the offence.

Is imperative we know the definition or rape so as to help us see how serious the offence is. But

what it profit a man to rape a single woman and spend the rest of his days in the prison? What will it also profit a man to attempt raping a woman and spend a great number of his days in the prison? It amounts to insanity to commit such offence at the detriment of the offender.

It will not be an exaggeration to say that such developments are prevalent in this state. But why would a sane man rape? If it was his (rapist) wife or daughter or mother that was defiled, would he be happy? If he was in the victim’s shoe, would he be exited being defiled? Where are our consciences?

Section 357 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C38, defines rape as follows: “Any person who has unlawful carnal knowledge of a woman or girl, without her consent, or with her consent if the consent is obtained by force or by means of threat or intimidation of any kind, or by fear of harm, or by means of false or fraudulent representation as to the nature of the act or, in the case of married woman, by personating her husband, is guilty of an offence which is called rape.”

It should be noted that the above definition applies to states that criminal code is applicable as against penal code. This does not in any away any make rape not an offence in the remaining states of the country. States that do not use the criminal code Act uses the penal code, which mostly obtained in the northern part of the country. For emphasis and comparison, it will be good to point some sections of the penal code that deals with such offence in the northern part of the country.

Section 282, Cap 89 Penal Code Laws of the Federation says: “A man is said to commit rape who has sexual intercourse with a woman in any of the following circumstance: against her will; without her consent; with her consent, when the consent is obtained by putting her in fear of death or of hurt. Others include with her consent, when the man knows he is not her husband and that her consent is given because she believes herself to be lawfully married; with or without her consent, when she is under 14years of age or of unsound mind.”

Furthermore, section 358 of the criminal code states that “any person who commits the offence of rape is liable to imprisonment for life, with or without canning”. Rape is one of the capital offences classified as felony in the criminal law and its punishment could extend to life imprisonment.

What will it profit a man to rape a single woman and spend the rest of his days in the prison?

In discussing the offence of rape as contained

in section 357 of the Criminal Code, there are basic issues worth considering like, capacity, carnal knowledge and consent. They will be discussed accordingly below.

Carnal Knowledge In an offence of rape, carnal knowledge of the woman by the man must be proved. Section 6 of the Criminal Code defines carnal knowledge and it states that when the term carnal knowledge or the term carnal connection is used in defining offence, it is implied that the offence so far as regards this element is complete upon penetration.

It has however been held that even the slightest penetration will be sufficient to constitute the act of sexual intercourse. Where penetration is proved but not of such a depth as to injure the hymen, it was held sufficient to constitute the crime of rape.

Proof of the rupture of the hymen is therefore unnecessary to establish the offence of rape”. It is therefore becomes unnecessary whether the man achieves ejaculation or not.

If a third party aided the rape or procured it, will he go without punishment? It is settled law that the act of sexual intercourse which follows is part of the offence itself, so that aid given after penetrating makes the aider a party to the offence.

See the case of R. v. Mayberry (1973) QDR 211, See also Okonkwo’s Criminal Law in Nigeria.

Consent On a charge of rape, absence of consent is very important and the prosecution has to prove that the accused had carnal knowledge of a woman or girl, despite her age, without her consent. It is no excuse that the complainant is a common prostitute or that she has consented to intercourse with the accused person as a concubine, a prostitute can be raped as well. Consent obtained by force or by means of threats or intimidation or fear of harm is no consent. Consent given because of exhaustion after persistence struggle or assistance would appear to be no consent.

Usually evidence of some struggle or resistance by the complainant may be the best proof of lack of consent but this is not always necessary.

The law is that for one to have a carnal knowledge of a sleeping woman, one is said to have committed the offence of rape. It is also rape to have carnal knowledge of woman by impersonating her husband. Submission by a person of weak intellect or a person who is young to understand the nature of the act done is no consent. Thus if a child of five or seven consent, it amounts to no consent. It must be stated that,

no consent is effective which is obtained by fraud relating to the nature of act. See the case of R. v.

Flattery (1877) 2 QBD 17.

Capacity The provision of section 30 of the Criminal Code says that “a male person under the age of 12 years is presumed to be incapable of having carnal knowledge”. It follows from this that he cannot be guilty of the offence of rape or attempted rape, although on such a charge, he may be convicted of indecent assault.

The presumption is one of law and cannot be rebutted by showing that the accused has reached the full state of puberty even though he is below the age of 12 years. The prosecution cannot be allowed to adduce evidence to rebut that presumption.

This presumption maybe different on grounds of morality and religious believes.

Still under capacity, the question is, whether a woman is capable of being convicted for the offence of rape? The answer is that it is an impossibility having regard to the definition of rape as contained in section 357 of the Criminal Code. The definition of rape in section 357 makes no reference to a woman or girl. Apart from that biologically, only the males are equipped to achieve penetration by virtue of section 6 of the Criminal Code. But all the same, it does not mean that a woman cannot be charged as a principal offender under section 7 for aiding, counselling or procuring the commission of the offence of rape.

Having examine all the ingredients of the offence of rape, is it not obvious that the above stated reports really describe the offence of rape? Why are these permeating the world as ever before? How can parents try to protect their children from falling victim? This is indeed the right time for us to have a second thought and look at the possible ways to curb this menace and protect others as well to the best of our ability.

But meanwhile, none of the rapist should go unpunished; they should be severely punished to deter others from committing the same act.

An individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for the law – Martin Luther King Jr. Edikan Ekanem is a columnist, a literal observer, an analyst and remains politically neutral.

Budget padding: On Hon. Jibrin’s resort to blackmail

T

he 8th National Assembly is gradually becoming the most controversial since the inception of this present democracy not with the various controversies and scandals that has bedevilled it. Just as one of such controversies seems to be simmering, another one rears its head.

As the House was about to go on its annual recess, the Chairman of the committee that worked on the budget that was approved in April amid allegations of padding was removed from office owing to what majority of members in the Green Chambers considered as his glaring betrayal of trust which the House reposed on him as Chairman of a very sensitive committee in the House.

Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin a member from Kano state did not take the matter of his removal by Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara lightly.

He felt having worked for the emergence of the Speaker he was a lord in the green chamber who can do anything and get away with it. He refused to understand that under this change regime, the country and its people have zero tolerance for corruption which was all what his action depicted.

Realising that he has been exposed for who and what he is, Hon. Abdulrahman Jibrin resorted to the highest level of blackmail which the House has not witnessed before.

He went on air to declare that Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara Speaker of the 8th session of the House of Representatives and the leadership of the House was responsible for the padding of the budget which had elicited strong reactions in the polity when the issue came up earlier this year as a result of the refusal of President Muhammadu Buhari to assent to the budget.

If Mr. Jubrin’s intention was to create a level of distrust between Nigerians and the House leadership then he may have goofed or been goofed by those who advised him to tow such course. He failed to understand that this is an age of information where people can get any information they need in a split second.

The question then is when did he suddenly change? Nigerians have been left wondering where this born again whistle blower was when the controversy of the budget padding was raging and why he chose to keep mute then. The truth unfortunately is that Hon. Jibrin has lost all forms of integrity and as a sinking man he wants to drag innocent persons into the mud thinking that such action will make his garment clean. His action before his removal as Appropriations Committee chairman is as shameful as his present resort to blackmail sandwiched in utter mendacity and desperation to save face.

It will not be out of place to say that while he was working for the emergence of Yakubu Dogara, he was busy scheming on what to get out of it and when he got it, he ensured he made the best out of it by cornering a whopping sum of more than four billion naira worth of constituency projects to himself. Who among members of the House got such huge sums for themselves if he was forced to pad the budget by the leadership as he alleged? The leadership did not force him to pad the budget rather he Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin deceived both the leadership of the House and the members in general leading to serious embarrassment for the 8th House of Representatives which the House is doing all it can to obliterate.

If the truth is to be told, Mr. Speaker out of respect for him allowed him stay such far so he can honourably resign from the position of Committee Chairman of appropriations but being the recalcitrant politician he is, he chose to ride on with the belief that he is untouchable and even if he is removed he will blackmail the entire leadership of the House to submission.

As a Parliamentary Writer in the National Assembly and with my lucid perception of Hon. Yakubu Dogara since he became a member of the House of Representatives, I am forced to doubt the credibility of the of

Mr. Jibrin’s allegations. Hon. Yakubu Dogara while as member of the House Committee on Services as well as Customs and excise, he has never been involved in or associated with any form of scandal. It is his transparency and honesty as well as patriotism and loyalty to the whole that endeared him to his colleagues despite the insistence of his party the All Progressives Congress APC to field somebody else as Speaker of the House.

For Hon. Jibrin a member who has been involved in scandals even as Chairman of the House Committee on Finance during the Tambuwaal days to attempt to denigrate the person of Dogara is as impish as it is mischievous, misleading and totally condemnable.

Just as it is important that the anti corruption agencies investigate the role of Hon. Jibrin in the budget padding saga, it is also important that he apologises to the Speaker, the leadership of the House, the entire members and Nigerians in general for his deceitful, shameless and uninspiring conduct in office as chairman of the committee on appropriations.

Kingsley Frank is a member of the Legislative Writers Forum LWF and Contributed this piece from Abuja.

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, AUGUST 2, 2016

PAGE 14

News

ABU unveils online distance learning platform Youth corps

By Stanley Onyekwere

I

n furtherance of its effort towards meeting the continuous demands for university degrees, the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria has launched a comprehensive online model of Distance learning Centre (DLC) for undergraduate and Post-Graduate degrees respectively.

PeoplesDaily reports that its target beneficiaries are qualified applicants unable to secure on-campus admission, passive applicants, on-campus students unable to continue studies on-campus, Nigerians in Diaspora and foreigners

interested in Nigerian degrees and organisations seeking special trainings.

Also, the ABU DLC e-learning model, which begins with registration for Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme this September, and commences classes in October, will run complete online courses equivalent to that of on-campus programmes, and the same degrees will be the ones oncampus.

Interestingly, students will be required to have a computer, tablet or smartphone from which lectures will be received both in online and offline mode. Speaking at the official

unveiling of the online DLC platform to the public, in Abuja, Director, ABU DLC, Professor Adamu Z. Hassan, said the initiative is part of the e-learning revolution, where learning is brought to students’ comfort. According to him, the justification for the launch of a complete e-learning platform include; the inability of ABU to admit applicants requiring its UG and PG degrees; need to review educational delivery in line with current trend; and need to improve the University’s revenue base.

He said students in the platform can visit any of their resource centres in Lagos, Abuja and Zaria every

Wednesday, where answers will be proffered for questions and help resolve all they require for a smooth sail into their respective MBA programme.

He added that the programme is starting with the MBA in October, and conclude within the suggested time by the Nigerian University Commission (NUC), which is between eighteen months and three years.

He explained that the DL e-learning model involves the applications of multimedia technology that support electronic instructional delivery mode (e-learning) as well as independent learning.

member sensitizes Nigerlites on free blood donation

From Yakubu Mustapha,Minna

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L-R: Senate Majority/Special Guest of the Occasion, Senator Ali Ndume, Representative of Chairman, Governing Board of Muslim Community Centre (MCC), Alhaji Dalhatu Abubakar, Representative of Custom Comptroller General, Mr. M.R. Abubakar and Chairman, PTA OF MCC, Alhaji Abdulmajid Shogo, during the speech and Prize Giving Day of Fou’ad Lababidi Islamic Academy and Presentation of 19th Edition of the School Magazine, at the Weekend in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

member of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mr Adebisi Adenipekun has embarked on mobilization and sensitization of public on the importance of free blood donation just as about 300 persons donated their blood freely during the program for the most vulnerable groups.

Adenipekun who is a Pharmacist serving at General hospital, Minna from the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) said that his vision was to assist the vulnerable population like children, pregnant women and accident victims who are in critical situation and needed blood and could not have access to them.

He said that one pint of blood can save three lives while trying to encourage free donation of blood to save lives of others in the society.

The Corp member while briefing our reporter at the venue in College Of Education (COE), Minna said that the major target was on the students who were responding positively compared to such activities in the past.

Kwara Correspondents Chapel re-elects Sun reporter as chairman From Olanrewaju Lawal,Ilorin

T

he Correspondents Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ),Kwara State has re-elect The Sun correspondent in the state as the chairman for second term.

The Chapel, in a statement issued

by the newly elected Secretary,Alhaji Abiola Azees,the Tribune Correspondent confirmed that the new executives were inaugurated at an emergency congress held on Friday.

According to the statement made available to Journalists stated that “this is to inform members of public

that a new executive council of the Correspondents Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara state have been inaugurated at an emergency congress of the chapel on Friday, July 29, 2016.

“The executive council is headed

by Mr. Layi Olarewaju (The Sun)

as chairman, while Pastor Biodun Oyeleye (The New Telegraph) was reelected as vice chairman.”

Others according to the statement are Alhaji Biola Azeez (Tribune) as secretary, Mr. Oluseyi Dasilva (National Vision), Assistant Secretary, Mallam Abdulhakeem

Garba of Channels TV, Financial Secretary, Miss Jeje Oyisa of AIT/ Raypower, Auditor while Mr. Mike Odoegwu of Channels TV emerged as Treasurer.

He added that thirty (30) members of the chapel attended and participated in the congress.

Minister calls for adequate utilisation of dam

By Mohammed Usman

T

he Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu, has said that the Federal Government dam located at Omi Community of Yagba West in Kogi State is underutilized and called on the State Government to tap on the ongoing Graduate Farmers Scheme by making use of the dam for water supply, fish farming and irrigated agriculture.

In a statement signed by the water ministry’s Director of Informations and Public Relations, Margaret E.

Umoh, Adamu stated this when he flagged off the first Graduates Youths Empowerment Scheme in the area of fish farming and crop production in Kogi State.

The Omi dam which was constructed by the Federal Government in the 70s is primarily to serve the community and its environ as source of wealth creation, water supply and irrigation.He therefore called on the State Government to tap on the enormous potentials of the dam as Federal Government has provided the bulk raw water and land needed for

business.

Earlier, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, AhlajiYahaya Bello, represented by the Deputy, Simon Achuba, stated that there can be no meaningful development or empowerment in food production without water. He reiterated that to be all season farmers, there must be developed irrigation system to support all round season farming in Nigeria.

Also, the Governor said that the need for collaboration in this important task of national food security and

employment generation cannot be overemphasized as the country is currently trying to diversify from reliance on oil.

Also, he called on Federal Government’s attention to the alarming rate of the water level in the state.

According to him, the water level has increased to 6.5 millimeter and this portends danger of a repeat of the 2012 flooding experienced in the State if measures are not taken urgently by the National Emergency Management Agency.

The Traditional ruler of the

community, the Elegbe of Egbe, HRH, Oba Irokira, commended the Federal Government for choosing Kogi State for the pilot scheme. He added that the scheme without any doubt would bring rapid development to the state by creating job opportunities for the youths of the community and the state.

However, he lamented the neglect the dam has suffered in previous administrations and said that the visit of the Hon. Minister would open a new chapter in the history of the community and the state.

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PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, AUGUST 2, 2016

Budget padding: Gbajabiamila denies working against Dogara

By Umar Muhammad Puma

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he Leader of the House of Representatives, Rep Femi Gbajabiamila (APC Lagos), has rejected allegation that he was behind the former appropriation chairman, Rep Abudulmumin Jibril to distabililise the House.

Rep Gbajabiamila who was responding to the insinuations being made that he was behind the embattled former appropriation chairman, warned the public not to pass judgement him on the controversy surrounding the issue of budget padding.

He said “this text message, which desperately seeks to finger me in some macabre plot to destabilize the House,

is a throwback and echoes our dark post Speakership election history. The resurfacing or resurgence of the faceless text messengers will not help us as a House and let me quickly add that it will. Since the budget controversy that engulfed the House about a week ago, I have pointedly maintained a dignified silence.

“I did this for the sake of the institution I represent and which I have labored hard to grow and protect, knowing that whatever I say could be impactful both within the House and outside it”, he added He maintained that he was determined to keep in place the glue that holds an otherwise fragmented House, protect its integrity and at same time avoid eroding the little confidence

and vestiges of hope Nigerians have in us.

“Unfortunately, the controversy has now taken a different turn following the rather strange if not comical text making the rounds amongst members about my complicity in this rather sordid matter. I am being dragged into an arena I tried very hard to stay out of only for the good of the House.

“On the budget issue at hand, it is clear that our budget process needs radical reform and very quickly too.

Yes, allegations have been made but I strongly believe judgment should not be passed based on allegations.

“We operate a constitutional democracy and we must at all times submit to its dictates and ethos. All parties are innocent until otherwise

proven. This should be our guide.

I plead with all members. The mudslinging must stop.

“My strongest critics and biggest political adversaries in the House cannot deny the fact that my commitment has always been to strengthen the legislature and its processes and our democracy as a whole.

“I consider everyone a friend and colleague and urge that as we collectively work towards a stronger legislature and strive to deepen our democracy, we do not pull back the hands of the clock nor lose sight of the enormous responsibility placed upon us by providence as members of a critical arm of government”.

• L-R: APC Gubernatorial Aspirant of Ondo state, Chief Olusola Oke, Director of Administration of APC, Alhaji Abubakar Kari and APC Organising Secretary, Senator Osita Isznaso, during the collection of Nomination form for Ondo state Governorship Election by Chief Olusola Oke, at the Party’s Secretariat, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

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ailors in Edo state have threatened to dump the state Governor, Adams Oshiomhole and shift allegiance from All Progressives Congress and vote the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in the September 10th 2016 election in the state.

This followed the alleged failure by Governor Adams Oshiomole to redeem promises made to the association last year.

Peoples Daily reports that Adams Oshiomhole who was the former Secretary General of the National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, had meant two excluding the N75 million loan to association in the

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he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa yesterday said it had rejected the results of Saturday’s local government election in the state, and called for its cancellation.

Addressing a news conference in Yola, Chairman of the party in the state, Chief Joel Madaki, said that what happened on Saturday was a “mockery of democracy’’.

“The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) view with dismay, the way and manner the purported local government election was conducted throughout the state.

“The election was characterized by fraudulent processes inimical to the conduct of an acceptable election.

“We, therefore, in totality, reject the process of the election and call for cancellation,” Madaki said.

He stated that the irregularities perpetrated in the election by their opponents constituted shame to democracy.

He, however, appealed to the party’s supporters to remain lawabiding, saying that the party was preparing to challenge the election in court. (NAN)

Security votes should be scrapped – Aide to Katsina Gov

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Tailors threaten to dump Oshiomhole, APC for PDP From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

Adamawa LG Polls: PDP rejects result, wants poll cancelled

five requests made by the group since 2011.

Comrade Bayo Oladepopo, State Secretary, Tailors and Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria, Edo State Chapter, issued the threat notice yesterday during anniversary held at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium Indoor Sports Complex, Benin City.

Oladepopo remark was endorsed Isaiah Onaiwu, State President, Tailors and Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria, Edo State chapter ; also State Chairman, National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, Edo State Chapter.

“Comrade sir, as you know the union is non-partisan, and because

you are from our constituency, and to reinstate it, all the members are ready and are with their voters cards to do the same for your party if you can only redeem your pledges and failing to redeem it, fellow comrade what will happen?

Are will not going to relocate?”

Onaiwu, the state President of the association, also recalled the state Governor, Adams Oshiomole on the 15 of March, 2011, during their first Tailors Day, promised to donate a Bus, N75 million loans with 6% interest rate.

He however, said 100 sewing machines and N2 million to the union but, he has only redeemed the pledge of the N2m and the hundred sewing machines while others are yet to be meant.

But, the National President, National Union of Textile and Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, Comrade John Adaji, defended the state government.

He said Governor Oshiomhole was not unmindful of challenges and the governor’s background as a tailor, will not disappoint the union Also speaking, Edo state Commissioner for Special Duties and Establishment, Comrade Didi Adodo, said the governor is aware of the promises he made and that he is conscious of fulfilling them.

Didi, who represented the governor at the occasion, blamed multiple taxations as hand work of agents working for the opposition party in the state.

pecial Adviser on Legislative Matters to Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State, Rabi’u Idris, has called for total scrapping of security votes.

Rabi’u said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Funtua, Katsina State, that such funds should be used to execute meaningful projects.

According to him, the security votes are tagged in approved budgets as miscellaneous, without any specific projects attached to the provision, thereby giving the president, governors and local council chairmen the chance to do as they like with it.

“I vehemently condemn the security vote allocation and call for its scrapping,’’ Mr. Idris said.

Idris, a former member of Katsina State House of Assembly, said scrapping the security votes would enhance accountability and proper utilisation of public funds.

The governor’s aide urged federal lawmakers to support President Muhammadu Buhari in his effort to promote transparency in governance.

He criticised ongoing attempt to provide immunity to some lawmakers, describing the move as self-centred and detrimental to democratic growth. NAN

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PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, AUGUST 2, 2016

Politics

Ahead PDP convention: Nasarawa PDP endorses Dokpesi for National Chairman From Gambo Ahmed, Lafia

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head of the party’s National Convention, the Nasarawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has picked Chief Raymond Dokpesi for the party’s National Chairmanship position.

The Nasarawa State Chairman of the party, Francis Orogu, made the declaration yesterday during the candidate’s visit to the party’s secretariat in Lafia the state capital.

Orogu stated that from the candidate’s presentation it showed clearly that he has what it takes to deliver the party as well as

recapture power in 2019.

He further stressed that the decision to support Dokpesi is not just the position of the state executive members of the party, but it was also with wider consultation with all the stakeholders of the party in the state.

His words: “All our serving

Senators, House of Representative members, House members and former political office holders and elected officials gave us the go ahead,” he added.

Orogu further explained that given Dokpesi’s wealth of experience, voting for him means voting for PDP that would “change

• R-L: Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Barr.

Abdullahi Mukthar, Commissioner, Personnel Policy Management and Finance, NAHCON, Alh. Yusuf Adebayo and Chairman, Hajj and Umrah Association, Abdulfatai Abdulmajid, during an investigative hearing on the role of NAHCON in the operation of Hajj and Umrah especially 2015 operation vis-à-vis the stampede of Mina in Saudi Arabia at the National Assembly, , yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mamud Isa

PDP group begs N/Central leaders to support Kwara for National Publicity Secretary From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

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Gov. Abubakar trying to cover his deficiencies 15 months-Yuguda’s aide From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

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ormer Commissioner of Information in the immediate past administration of governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi state, Alhaji Salisu Ahmed Barau yesterday, said Governor Mohammed Abubakar is trying to cover his deficiencies by deviating people’s mind from his alleged non performance in 15 months of his administration.

It could be recalled that Governor Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar, has accused the administration of his predecessor of withdrawing N1bn from one of the state’s accounts in one day, in a press briefing in Abuja last Wednesday alleging that the N1bn was withdrawn from one of the state

government’s accounts with multiple N10m cheques.

According to him, the ecological funds Governor Abubakar is talking about some people have already petitioned Yuguda to ICPC on same issue, which the ICPC waded in and confirmed Yuguda blameless.

“And I am sure the present Governor is aware of that, I don’t know why he is becoming so particular about the matter now.

“If withdrawal of fund is against the ethics and principles or rules and regulations governing withdrawal of funds, banks are there to take care of the issue not the governor.”

Salisu Barau stressed that the questions to ask whether the money in question is judiciously used.

“If you check the money was used judiciously, why crying wolf?

“I was a serving Commissioner during Yuguda’s administration the 2 billion Naira ecological funds disbursed was mainly for ecological problems facing the state in 2013 -2014 floods, where erosion ravaged some communities in Darazo and Alkaleri.

“There was also the issue of environmental degradation, collection and clearance of refuse in the state especially in the northern parts of the state particularly those ravaged by floods, drainages were built across state to take care of the ecological problems. In fact the communities involved will speak or comments better on that.”

Barau said Abubakar’s claim was

part of a smear campaign against the personality of Mallam Isa Yuguda and his administration.

“This has become the strategy of the present administration; it wants to divert attention from its failings. Since it has set up a committee to probe, let them probe. We will advise them to avoid a witch-hunt.

“It is clear that a script has been prepared to ensure that the outcome of this probe indicts the Yuguda administration.”

The former commissioner asked the present governor to stop crying wolf by looking for sympathy from people; he should rather focus and maintain the solid foundation put on ground in most facet of the economy by the Isa Yuguda administration.

Zamfara APC hails Yari’s reconciliation with lawmakers over alleged impeachment threat From Raji Bello, Sokoto

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he All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara state has commended the state Governor, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari, for the peace accord reached with aggrieved lawmakers in the state.

The party described the peaceful resolution as signs of good tides that are set to manifest in the state politics.

Speaking through the State

the change in 2019”.

Also speaking, the PDP National Chairmanship aspirant, Dokpesi, told newsmen that if elected chairman of the party, the party under him would ensure strict adherence to the principle internal democracy.

Dokpesi added all interest in the party would be considered in order to recapture power in the country in 2019.

Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Sani Gwamina, the party also exalted the fatherly role played by the governor, describing him as “a true, patriotic and visionary leader with sacrifice mind.”

The party maintained that the peace deal would no doubt further strengthen the existing robust relationship between the two arms of government in the state.

It urged lawmakers to unconditional support the giant

stride of the governor as to further enhance good governance and development to the state.

“As a party we welcome the peace accord. We want to specifically thank the state governor, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar for his foresight and wisdom in ensured that this impasse is resolved amicably.

“The party is solidly behind him.

He is our leader and will continue to support him as to bring about the necessary development, as

well as meeting the yearnings and aspirations of the people of Zamfara state” the party explained.

The party also commended the role played by the traditional rulers in addressing the face-off.

It could be recall that the legislators had threatened to impeach the governor for alleged abuse of budget implementation, misappropriation of bailout funds released to the state by the federal government.

group within the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, Kwara PDP Support Group KSG has appealed to North Central zone leadership of the party to concede its slots of the National Publicity Secretary to Kwara State on the basis of equity and justice.

Leader of the PDP group, Olanrewaju Olokode urged party leaders and stakeholders in the North Central to graciously reconsider the zoning arrangement of the party’s National Publicity Secretary in favour of Kwara State.

Olokode also urged the leaders and stakeholders to prevail on the Benue State leadership by reasons and brotherliness to concede the National Publicity Secretary slot to Kwara State PDP. He said that Benue State had for 8 years enjoyed the Senate Presidency, a slot zoned to the North Central geo-political zone under the PDP arrangement.

“Also, in the 2011 and 2015 Presidential Elections the Benue State produced the Zonal Coordinator, then Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswan. Benue has had a good fair share of North Central Zone States collective stake, Kwara state should been given this slot in spirit of friendly relationship, equity, justice and good political calculation ahead of 2019 election.”

Olokode said the position will also rally members and supporters of the party together for a reinvigorated and strong PDP in Kwara State ahead of 2019.

The PDP group also appealed to Professor Jerry Gana, Senator David Mark, Alhaji Senator Ibrahim Mantu, Senator Jonah Jang, ExGovernors Gabriel Suswan, Idris Wada, Abdulkadir Kure, Babangida Aliyu and all other key stakeholders that have influence to support the Kwara State PDP in its quest to produce a vibrant National Publicity Secretary for the party.

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PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, AUGUST 2, 2016

INTERVIEW

Fethullah Gulen not sponsor of attempted coup in Turkey – Says UFUK Dialogue UFUK Dialogue is a Nigerian based Turkish organization which promotes the ideas and ideals of Hizmek Movement. In this interview with Ali Abare Abubakar and Ikechukwu Okaforadi, spokesman of the association, Cemal Yigit absolves the founder of the Hizmek Movement, Fethullah Gulen, of alleged complicity in the failed military coup in Turkey.

President Edorgan was elected by a popular vote for second term in office, how did he become unpopular that a coup was attempted against his government?

Thousands of people supported him and made him the prime minister of Turkey consecutively for two terms. The main reason was that he was the one who promised for civilian constitution, he promised for more human rights, he promised all freedoms, freedom of expression, freedom of thoughts, and everything, but again he is the one who diverted from that direction from 2002 by adopting polarizing language, and started heavily politicizing Islam, he drove people like us, and emboldened some other people who are have mentality or ideology of political Islam, and then comes a social discomfort in the society. Why, because by doing this swift shift, you brought to an end the social contract that you advocated in 2002. So, that is why today, you have huge problem in terms of social cohesion, it is broken.

Before the attempted coup, was there any form of ethnic or other social divisions in the country, which might have prompted the coup?

I will not call it ethnic, but there are ideological camps today in Turkey, as a result of that. Since 2014, after the corruption allegation against President Edorgan’s regime, rather than going to court and come clean, he opted to declare his own parallel courts that he will appoint judges who will simply drop charges against him.

President Edorgan’s government has accused the leader of Hizmek Movement, Fethullah Gulen, of masterminding the coup. How do you react to that?

He has been constantly accusing HIZMEK movement of being infiltrated into government, being infiltrated into military,

being infiltrated into here and there. I am Turkish, I did not infiltrate anybody of anywhere, with my own philosophy, I can work as a journalist, do things as law abiding citizen, I can be present in any place that I like to be. Today, like Nigeria that you and I are seeing, can you demonize a Tijani person because he is working with military, can you dehumanize a person, or Jehova Witness who is a doctor at the National Hospital, can you today somehow complain about some Catholics because they are professors at the universities, that is what I mean. Hizmek movement is a philosophy, and in my personal life, if I have adopted that philosophy, and without reason, be it lifestyle, be it money, be it anything, if that makes me happy, is it your business? It is not. So, as long as I am law abiding citizen, and as long as I am acting in the line of the rule of law, that should not be your problem. But today, unfortunately, the level of demonization has reached the level of paranoia and this is fueled by President Edorgan and polarized by him also deliberately so that the mobs in Turkey could do something very worrying.

Can you give a little insight on the Hizmek Movement?

Hizmek movement is an open project, there is no registry, there is no hierarchy, there is no entry, and there is no exit.

There is no form that you can fill in order to become a member of HIZMEK movement. But our projects and more studious projects are based on the

Cemal Yigit

collaboration with the hosting nations. For example in Nigeria, whatever we do in Nigeria, we do not do the same thing in Japan.

It is up to you. It is a philosophy, it is brought to you and you are asked that these are the things we want to exercise, education, humanitarian, philanthropy, and you chose what you want.

The UFUK dialogue, which promotes Hizmek Movement across the world, has dismissed the accusation made against the Movement and its founder, Fethullah Gulen, by the Turkish government, as being the brain behind the failed military coup in Turkey.

How do you react to recent calls by the Turkish Ambassador urging Nigerian authorities to close all Turkish international schools in the country?

That’s how the Turkish government is going about its defamation campaign and it’s unfortunate that the smear campaign and witch hunting is even reaching Nigeria, a sovereign country. As if the Ambassador of Turkey has the luxury of giving instructions

“

to Nigerian authorities on privately invested institutions in Nigeria, which is today poised to employ more than two thousand Nigerians directly, God knows how many people are indirectly affected. This is the defamation campaign from Turkey on Turkish international schools all over the world and that’s what the Turkish Ambassador in Nigeria is doing. As I said before, let me repeat, the Nigeria-Turkish International Schools Nizamiye Hospital and Nigeria/Turkish Nile University and First Surat Group of companies are privately invested here by some Turkish private investors and their responsibilities are to Nigerian authorities, there accountability is to Nigerian authorities. These groups of companies, schools and hospitals have nothing to do with Turkish government and there are nongovernmental, non political entities. These schools are open, the hospital, university are open. There is no way these could be closed down or shut.

They are open and functioning.

This is just misinformation deliberately disseminated by the Ambassador of Turkey in Nigeria.

He’s doing and taking every step in other to consolidate his power, in other to build up his own dictatorship where he won’t be accountable for anything. He wants to enjoy life-time immunity and be a life-time president

What’s your take on claims that President Edorgan is presenting constricting the democratic space in Turkey by demonizing mostly the opposition?

He’s doing and taking every step in other to consolidate his power, in other to build up his own dictatorship where he won’t be accountable for anything.

He wants to enjoy life-time immunity and be a life-time president. That’s why I believe he is in need of all this purging of one hundred thousand people, including teachers, doctors, judges, lawyers, nurses and school teachers.

Definitely, he has gone very inhuman phase, like demonizing groups, dehumanizing others through defamation on certain congregations by mobilizing other groups against other groups, actually inciting a kind of genocide instincts in people. So that they could feel that committing atrocities against the other group is a necessity for establishing the so-called democracy according to his definition of democracy of course. This is not a secret, anyone that studies Turkey and knows the region very well, they could easily tell you that since 2010 Edorgan’s regime has been more and more authoritarian and discord really exacerbated after 2013. And with the latest failed coup on the scene, now what we are seeing is beyond authoritarianism, it’s about practicing absolute authoritarianism or dictatorship.

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PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, AUGUST 2, 2016

Politics

Budget Padding: I’ve nothing to fear, Jagaba tells Abdulmumini

By Ali Abare Abubakar

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member of the House of Representatives, Hon Jagaba Adams Jagaba (Kagarko/ Kachia Federal Constituency) of Kaduna State, has told the embattled former House Committee Chairman on Appropriation, Hon. Jibril Abdulmumini to face his ordeal and stop dragging others into his mess.

Jagaba who was reacting to a statement credited to the embattled lawmaker, indicating that he submitted his name among other lawmakers to the EFCC for investigation, said Abdulmumini has no moral justification to call for his investigation.

The House Committee Chairman

on Interior, Jagaba, said he has been living a modest life unlike Abdulmumini who lives in a posh personal apartment at the highbrow Maitama District, drives very expensive automobiles that include Landcruisers, Range Rovers and moves around with a very long convoy of expensive cars with a host of security guards armed to the teeth.

“My attention has been drawn to a publication in the Leadership Newspaper of Sunday, July 31, 2016 in which the former Chairman of House Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Jibril Abdulmumini listed my name among the honourable members he has petitioned the EFCC and other anti-corruption agencies to investigate for living above their

means.

“Ordinarily, I would have ignored the said publication, but I am compelled to respond for posterity sake. Without sounding immodest, my anti-corruption crusade dates back to my first term between 1999 and 2003, when I exposed the plot of the Presidency which attempted to bribe honourable members for the purposes of effecting a leadership change in the House of Representatives.

“As Chairman, House Committee on Anti-Corruption then, I exhibited the money meant for that plot on the floor of the House at plenary. Again, in 2012, during the scandal that was referred to as “Faroukgate”, my name was mentioned, however, after

thorough investigation by the Police and other relevant agencies, I was exonerated and given a clean bill of health,” Jagaba stated.

“It amazes me therefore, for Hon. Abdulmumini to petition the EFCC to investigate me for living above my means without giving any proof. As a third term member of the House of Representatives, I live in a rented three bed room apartment that has no boys quarters. Amongst the cars I drive, the most expensive one is a RAV4 2.2 Horse Power.

“I do not move around with a convoy of expensive cars. If as a third termer and at fifty-six (56) years of age this is a summary of my life-style as stated above, I have nothing to fear.

Can this be said of Hon. Abdulmumini

• Former Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Jibrin Abdulmumin at the EFCC, yesterday in Abuja.

who is less than forty (40) years old and only a second termer? Certainly not,” he added.

According to Jagaba, he (Abdulmumini) has cause to fear because the Presidential Villa he built in his village (Kofa) complete with state-of-the art conference centre and facilities is certainly a life-style way beyond his means, “and he knows it.”

“Hon. Abdulmumini may claim that he has been into business for a long time. But the question remains, what type of business? Before his election in 2011, he was a lecturer. It is a known fact that he was arraigned

by EFCC in 2012 for some shady deals he got involved.

“It is characters like him who should tremble in fear at the mention of the name of EFCC. I hope I should not have cause to pick up my pen on this issue again, as Hon. Abdulmumini may not find it palatable. My counsel to him therefore is: ‘Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones’”.

APC sweeps Adamawa councils poll From Umar Dankano, Yola

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ISMN gets new executive

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

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he Institute of Strategic Management of Nigeria (ISMN) at the weekend in Abuja elected new officers to run its affairs, even as it inducted new members to its fold, while it also conferred fellows and honourary fellows to distinguished Nigerians at its annual conference with the theme “Strategy as the Anchor of Change”.

Oyeka C. Emma was elected President, Enebeli Alex Ndudi - 1st Vice President, Aderemi Apatira - 2nd Vice President, Evong Murdock Evong – National Secretary, Dr. Usung Isaac Akpan – Assistant National Secretary and Izebhokhae Sylvanus Ailegba – National Treasurer.

The new national executive will take over from Professor Oluwayemisi Obashoro - John leadership of the Institute.

The Institute inducted six associate members, 13 full members and conferred fellows to 30 distinguished Nigerians and three honourary fellows.

Among those conferred with fellows were Ajiboye Dare, Abdulhamid Musa and Chike Obidigbo, former governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Grand Alliance and Chairman/ Managing Director Hardis and Dromedas Limited.

Obidigbo, who responded on behalf of inducted members and fellows of the institute expressed joy for the honour accorded them and pledged to promote and projects the ideals of the institute in the quest at building a strong, industrialized, prosperous and just democratic nation.

Earlier, the out-going President/Chairman-in-Council of the Institute, Oluwayemisi Obashoro-John, commended

members for supporting her leadership and ensuring that the institute continued to make progress towards attaining the lofty heights envisaged by her founding fathers.

“When we came on board in the year 2014, we promised integrity, commitment, service and progress for our Institute. We stated the desire to enhance the quality of our membership; continue the expansion of our membership; further the expansion of our reach as well as improve networking in order to increase and attract significant members of corporate membership of the Institute”, she stated.

Obashoro-John expressed delight that her leadership significantly achieved its objectives.

“Fellow strategist, the Institute is moving forward and the stakes are higher. If we remain resolute, focused, determined, hardworking

and creative and support the incoming team, surely, the Institute of Strategic Management of Nigeria (ISMN) will be the strategy hub for the change Nigeria awaits”, she said.

Oyeka commended members for the confidence reposed in him to take the institute to the next level; “with your mandate. I will build a Leadership Team ISMN deserves”.

He promised to build up ISMN as a competent professional, viable and business oriented organization and assure the development of appropriate capabilities and capacities in all organs/structures of the institute.

Oyeka further pledged to create innovative platforms for value additions to all categories of membership status and entrench platforms for inclusion and collectivism in all governance structures of the institute.

he Adamawa state Deputy Governor, Engineer Martins Babale has sworn in the eighteen (18) out of twenty-one Local Government council chairmen elected during the council’s election held in the state over the weekend.

Engineer Babale warned the elected officials against corruption and corrupt tendencies, saying that they should be guided by the anticorruption stance of the Buhari administration.

The Deputy Governor, who stood in for Governor Mohammed Jibrilla charged the newly elected chairmen to ensure that the electorate feel the impact of their tenure.

Earlier announcing the results of the election Monday in Yola, the Chairman of Adamawa State Independent Electoral Commission, ADSIEC, Alhaji Isah Shettima stated that APC chairmanship candidates won in 18 out of the 21 Local Government councils so for declared.

He disclosed that elections in 3 Local Government areas of Numan, Lamurde and Michika were cancelled due to irregularities.

Shettima added that election into the 3 Local Government councils have been fixed for August 6 this year.

The elected Chairmen were at their declaration presented with certificate of returns and sworn in by the state Deputy Governor, Mr. Martin Babale.

Administering the oath of office on the council Chairmen, at a ceremony at Government House Yola, Babale appealed to APC electorate to come out en mass to vote for the party in the remaining three councils come next Saturday

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PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, AUGUST 2, 2016

Some members of Association of wuye ultra modern market Allottees (awumma), protesting over their forceful ejection and closure of their shops, on Sunday in Abuja . Photo: NAN

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Militants attack Shell affiliated pipeline in Delta

eports say suspected militants have blown up an oil pipeline operated by Shell around the village of Odimodi in Delta State.

This attack comes as the Federal Government confirmed that it is holding talks with representatives of various militant groups in the Niger Delta, aimed at resolving the agitations of marginalisation and environmental degradation of the

area.

According to some residents who spoke with Reuters, the latest explosion at the Trans Ramos pipeline occurred early on Sunday morning, shaking nearby homes and creating a “ball of fire”.

US energy stocks poised for worst day in a month

NAHCO Shareholders hail board over dividends earnings

hares of US energy companies took a beating on Monday as US crude fell below $40 a barrel for the first time since April.

The S&P 500 energy index fell 3.1 per cent and was the biggest decliner on the benchmark index as West Texas Intermediate, the US oil marker, pushed further into bear market territory. If energy stocks were to hold on to their losses it would be their biggest one-day drop in more than a month.

The decline in crude prices is also expected to see energy companies listed on the S&P 500 log a 79 per cent year-on-year decline in earnings in the second quarter.

Here’s a look at how some individual companies were trading: Murphy Oil was the biggest decliner with shares down 6.5 per cent to $25.65; Transocean shares fell 5.7 per cent to $21.32; Chesapeake shares slipped 5 per cent to $5.15; Halliburton shares were down 3.7 per cent to $42.05; ExxonMobil shares fell 3.2 per cent to $86.19; Schlumberger shares declined 2.8 per cent to $78.27.

(Financial Times)

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hareholders of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc, NAHCO Aviance, have commended the board and management of the company for declaring dividend and profitability for 2015 financial year.

Speaking at its 35th Annual General Meeting(AGM) in Abuja yesterday(Tuesday), the shareholders said while most companies are now posting losses, NAHCO Aviance was able to record an impressive turnover and growth in assets.

The company’s turnover increased from N8.1billion in 2014 to N8.5billion in 2015; while its Profit Before Tax(PBT) increased from N769.5million in 2014 to N796.8million in 2015.

The shareholders also approved dividend payouts of N324.8million at 20kobo per ordinary share of 50kobo less withholding tax for the financial year ended 31st December 2015.

Speaking at the AGM, National Coor-

In a statement obtained by Reuters, shell says it is “investigating the reported incident”, adding that the Trans Ramos pipeline (TRP) transports oil to Forcados terminal and has been shut since the leak on the Forcados export line in February.

dinator of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria Sir Sunny Nwonsu said: “Today we have seen the usefulness of right thinking and focus by the chairman and the board. We are happy with the 20k dividend.”

The Chairman of Shareholders’ Trustees Association of Nigeria Otunba Mukhtar Mukhtar said despite the difficulty being experienced by many companies in Nigeria and with over 40,000 flight cancellations, it is commendable that the chairman of NAHCO Suleiman Yahyah and the board succeeded in growing the company’s earnings.

Chairman of the Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Onitsha Zone Bishop Okpere said he and his association have always been pleased with Mr.Suleiman Yahya’s led board.

Other shareholders who spoke glowingly about the board and the management include: Sir Shola Abodunrin from Ibadan and Mr. Taiwo Aderinde among

Nigeria’s crude oil production has been cut to less than two million barrels per day as a result of the continued attacks, especially by the Niger Delta Avengers, which claimed it is not part of the dialogue with the Federal Government.

several other shareholder associations.

Speaking chairman of NAHCO Aviance Mallam Suleiman Yahyah said the company has strategized to make sure that it emerged as one of the winning companies as Nigeria’s economy enters into recession.

One of such strategies, he said, includes investment in the NAHCO Agric Zone Project which was conceived four years ago.

He expressed optimism that the government’s planned commissioning of the new four airport terminals will bolster the company’s earnings and growth.

He said the company handled 39,699 flights in 2015 compared to 35,557 flights in 2014.

Three directors were reelected by the shareholders. They are: Suleiman Yahyah, Chris Oshiafi and Denis Hasdenteufel.

The shareholders also approved the appointment of Mrs Folashade Ode as a director and Company Secretary.

Page 20

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, AUGUST 2, 2016

Energy AEDC is restructuring for optimum performance-Katepa

M

r. Emmanuel Katepa is the Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director for Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) Africa based in Zambia. CEC Africa is a core investor in the privatised Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC). In this interview, with some newsmen in Abuja, Mr. Katepa spoke on the AEDC restructuring and the achievements two years after its acquisition in 2013. Etuka Sunday was there. Excerpts:

What can you say about the ongoing restructuring in the company?

We are more operationally focused now and are looking at restructuring the operations side of the business; we have the finance side which we have mentioned the various challenges and we are very hopeful that our innovative solutions will bear fruit. The other side is the support services including procurement, human resource management and others. Safety of our employees and the public we serve also continues to be a high priority for us. We are reorganising the company to reflect these priorities.

The current Chief Executive of AEDC, Mr. Neil Croucher who has been with CEC for 12 years and now at the end of a 37 year career in the power industry, wishes to retire. Hence, the Board of ADEC has appointed the Executive Director, Commercial, Mr Ernest Mupwaya will take over leadership of AEDC. We are in the process right now of recruiting a Chief Operating Officer,-Mr. Abimbola Odubiyi will be running Corporate Services. Mr Andrew Atterbury will be continuing in his role as Chief Financial Officer. We think this structure is a bit more focused because we need to move a more little quickly in attaining the company’s goals in this fast moving market and macroeconomic environment.

Operationally, we are feeling very positive as we have learnt a lot in the last two years and we feel we have a good team at the helm of the company. Mr. Mupwaya is a very experienced utility man. He has worked in the generation and distribution sector having served with the vertically integrated national utility in Zambia at the level of Chief Executive Officer. His main focus was on distribution; he is an electrical engineer with an MBA and we are confidently in safe hands.

How have you improved the company since you took over?

Since we took over, we felt, ICT engagement is quite critical. I can’t imagine how staff would work in this day and age in this circumstances we found and expect to be competitive, so it became a priority for us. We have invested in computers, laptops, servers, the vending and billing system which are all very critical. We are looking at pushing the technology agenda throughout the company.

One of the changes we are making in structures in pushing the role of the chief information officer to be sitting at the executive management level since we believe that technology is growing in importance and it has to permeate every corner of the company.

During the first two and half years, we didn’t have accurate information on our customers in terms of where they are, so we are doing customer enumeration which is also tied into our metering drive.

Since rolling out the 450,000 meters will take a while, we have an initiative to put about 10,000 meters on all our distribution transformers so we can be more accurate in our estimated billing system. Although 10, 000 meters is quite a lot, but it is far less compared to rolling out the 450,000 meters at once. We are working with the community in a scheme where we will be reading the meter together and people will know that we are charging them fairly. The pilot of this scheme has started in Kabusa area of Abuja and we have got good reception on this so far from the local communities there as we expect to improve on the accuracy of their estimated billing. I am sympathetic with those who get huge bills that they believe they may not have consumed, if it is a prepaid meter, they could conserve energy but not for estimated billing, so we have to intervene to ensure improved verifiable accuracy of their bills.

Katepa, CEO/MD of Copperbelt Energy Corporation You have said the firm was not making profit in the first two years. What is the status now?

You have a right to the company’s annual statement which is a public document. Indeed we have made losses in the last two years but that loss has been reducing. Our projection at the beginning of this year was that we were going to break even

by December. Unfortunately, developments in the market are really threatening that projection. We are dependent on the tariff and the more energy that comes into our system, the lower the tariff can be. We had a tariff increase last year and we had one this year as well, it was on assumptions of available generation capacity that we made projections to breakeven but generation has been less than half this year and there has been a significant resistance from the paying public on the new tariff which obviously puts the whole model at some levels of concern.

There is a big issue of trust from the public and even some people in the industry think the Discos are collecting a lot of money. Maybe some Discos have managed to figure it out but for us at AEDC, we are obliged to put money into the collection account which can easily be monitored. They thought they could pressure Discos to get money out but unfortunately there is no hidden money.

How have you been able to fund your firm despite your declaration of losses and issues with loan facilities?

One good thing is that at privatisation, the

local banks participated intensively and therefore are aware of all the dynamics. Despite all the challenges, we have wonderful relationship with our bankers. There were lots of crises especially in 2015 when the Discos declared a force majeure because of some regulatory pronouncements which threatened the feasibility of the business. If they were carried out the Discos would have been no more, so that force majeure notification was made to at least bring attention to the issues and that happened; so we were all able to remove the force majeure by early this year.

We have also been looking at a project finance structure and with that we will be able get funds for the meter, not on the balance book of the AEDC but on the basis of the improved cash flows to result from the meter installations. That requires some work and we are in the process of engaging a transaction advisor to package the deal for us. We are looking at 450,000 meters on that. We recognise that it will be a little bit of a slow process, we have in the meantime authorized the procurement of 80,000 meters immediately through a vendor financed solution to meet with our metering timeline. We expect to have both foreign and local vendors participating.

We also looked at our large power users who are very critical to our financial backbone.

The advantage is that they are only about 3,500 customers and they include most commercial users, industries and some government establishments. We are going to meter them by

100 per cent this year.

On the 80,000 meters, when are we expecting you to roll them out?

The contracts are not yet finalised, we can’t give details. But the board has approved the procurement the contracts are in final negotiation now, we hope to see them being rolled out by year end. These units of meters we are rolling out are not with the inclusion of customers being metered under the Credited Advanced Payment for Metering Initiative (CAPMI). CAPMI is not very favourably for us logistically. This is because those requesting for meters under the CAPMI are scattered and we have to supply them everywhere that a request is made, but in our metering programme, we select a region or cluster and complete that region first which is better for us, both in commercial impact and logistically. We look forward to a day when electricity customers won’t need CAPMI anymore, when we will have the capacity to roll out meters on a planned basis.

For now, it is a necessary programme to help bridge the gap.

How are you tackling your collection losses from many customers who are either not paying their bills or your staff are not reaching them enough?

It has become critically apparent to the company that unless we improve collection, improvements in all other areas cannot save the company. Here is one thing with collection, collecting dues only works well when there is a strong enforcement on disconnection. The biggest weakness in this matter is the attitude of some of our colleagues in the company, possibly because some might be collecting money in some other personal capacity. The challenge is that of attitude change– we need to get everybody to know that collection itself is the heart of the business. We provide the electricity for the exchange with money. We give the customer electricity and he gives us money, if we break that contract, it affects us all-the entire value chain up to the gas producers.

For the month of June, our data review indicates that losses in the project area dropped by 5 per cent and if we can expand that, before the close of the year, we expect to have achieved maximum collection reduction. Of course that could translate to lower tariff in the near to medium term when tariff reviews are carried out.

Is this unwillingness to pay for utility bills prevalent in Southern Africa where CEC also operates?

Over the years, some of the disconnection enforcement has been quite strong. There are other laws too, like tampering with power infrastructures is in some cases tried as espionage in the Zambian courts of law. It means that people will be a little bit more cautious about utility assets.

Is there any improvement in the MDA debts payment?

There is no improvement in payment currently.

However, we have positive communication coming out of the Ministry of Finance which has set up a mechanism for keeping current with the bills and by early next year, they expect to clear the past debts. Under the new budget, they will put a new provision for the debts because one of the issues raised is that there is no provision for clearing debts in the current. This effort was spearheaded by the Honourable Minister of Power with the execution of the policy by the Finance Ministry.

For us in AEDC, we have quite a lot of exposure to the MDAs. About 19 per cent of our bills are for MDAs and if that comes on stream, it will be a very big boost for us.

What is your present monthly invoice rate?

I will not comment on the other Discos but for AEDC, we are currently doing about 51 per cent.

Unfortunately, things deteriorated for us from the about 63 per cent payment levels reached last year.

That is the state of things at the moment and we cannot wish it away and say tomorrow we will start paying 70 to 80 per cent. That is the level of money available now.

Page 21

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, AUGUST 2, 2016

ICT R-L: Hon. Suileman Yahaya, Hon. Jones Onyerei, the chairman committee on local content Hon. Emmanuel Ekon and Mr. Laurent Couderc, MD Potnticelli during oversized function at Pontiecelli oil and Gas company Nigerian limited in River State

Clinton campaign also hacked in attacks on Democrats

A

computer network used by Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton’s campaign was hacked as part of a broad cyber attack on Democratic political organizations, people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The latest attack, which was disclosed to Reuters on Friday, follows two other hacks on the Democratic National Committee, or DNC, and the party’s fundraising committee for candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives.

A Clinton campaign spokesman said in a statement late on Friday that an analytics data program maintained by the DNC and used by the campaign and a number of other entities “was accessed as part of the DNC hack.”

“Our campaign computer system has been under review by outside cyber security experts. To date, they have found no evidence that our internal systems have been compromised,” said Clinton campaign spokesman Nick Merrill.

Later, a campaign official said hackers had access to the analytics program’s server for approximately five days. The analytics data program is one of many systems the campaign accesses to conduct voter analysis, and does not include social security numbers or credit card numbers, the official said.

The U.S. Department of Justice national security division is investigating whether cyber attacks on Democratic political organizations threatened U.S. security, sources familiar with the matter said on Friday.

The involvement of the Justice Department’s national security division is a sign that the Obama administration has concluded that the hacking was sponsored by a state, people with knowledge of the investigation said.

While it is unclear exactly what material the hackers may have gained access to, the third such attack on sensitive Democratic targets disclosed in the last six weeks has caused alarm in the party and beyond, just over three months before the Nov. 8 U.S. presidential election.

Hackers, whom U.S. intelligence officials have concluded were Russian, gained access to the entire network of the fundraising Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, or DCCC, said people familiar with the matter, detailing the extent of the breach to Reuters for the first time.

Cyber security experts and U.S. officials said earlier this week they had concluded, based on analysis of malware and other aspects of the DNC hack, that Russia engineered the release of hacked Democratic Party emails to influence the U.S. presidential election.

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation said on Friday it was “aware of media reporting on cyber intrusions involving multiple political entities, and is working to determine the accuracy, nature and scope of these matters.”

“The FBI takes seriously any allegations of intrusions, and we will continue to hold accountable those who pose a threat in cyberspace,” the agency said in an emailed statement.

The hack did not involve the private email system Clinton used while she was secretary of state.

Yahoo News reported on Thursday night that the FBI had warned the Clinton campaign last March that it was a target of a cyber attack involving spearphishing and had asked the campaign to turn over sensitive data to help in its investigation, but that campaign lawyers rejected this request as too intrusive. A source familiar with the matter confirmed this account to

Reuters.

RUSSIAN HACKERS The new disclosure to Reuters that hackers gained access to the full DCCC network means they would have had access to everything on the network from emails to strategy memos and opposition research prepared to support Democratic candidates in campaigns for the House.

The hack of the DCCC, which is based in Washington, was reported first by Reuters on Thursday, ahead of Clinton’s speech in Philadelphia accepting the Democratic party’s nomination.

Russian officials could not be immediately reached for comment.

Several U.S. officials said the Obama administration has avoided publicly attributing the attacks to Russia as that might undermine Secretary of State John Kerry’s effort to win Russian cooperation in the war on Islamic State in Syria.

The officials said the administration fears Russian President Vladimir Putin might respond to a public move by escalating cyber attacks on U.S. targets, increasing military harassment of U.S. and allied aircraft and warships in the Baltic and Black Seas, and making more aggressive moves in Eastern Europe.

Some officials question the approach, arguing that responding more forcefully to Russia would be more effective than remaining silent.

The Obama administration announced in an April 2015 executive order that it could apply economic sanctions in response to cyber attacks.

TRUMP ON EMAILS The hack on the DNC, made public in June, led to WikiLeaks publishing more than 19,000 emails last weekend, some of them showing favoritism within the DNC for Clinton over U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont.

DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz resigned on Sunday as a result, creating a rocky start for the party’s convention in Philadelphia this week.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Wednesday invited Russia to dig up thousands of “missing” emails from Clinton’s time at the State Department, prompting Democrats to accuse him of urging foreigners to spy on Americans.

On Thursday, Trump said his remarks were meant as sarcasm.

Earlier in the week, Clinton campaign senior policy adviser Jake Sullivan had criticized Trump and called the hacking “a national security issue.”

Trump campaign spokesman Jason Miller said on Friday the reported breach showed cyber security is “a problem wherever Hillary Clinton goes. Hopefully this time there wasn’t classified or top secret information that puts American lives at risk.”

In Washington, the DCCC said early on Friday it had hired cyber security firm CrowdStrike to investigate. “We have taken and are continuing to take steps to enhance the security of our network,” the DCCC said. “We are cooperating with federal law enforcement with respect to their ongoing investigation.”

The DCCC had no additional comment late on Friday. Officials at the DNC did not respond to requests for comment.

Senator Dianne Feinstein, a California Democrat and the top Democrat on the Senate intelligence committee, told CNN on Friday she had not heard about the hack of the Clinton campaign.

But she said: “It wouldn’t surprise me. I think it should be pretty clear that both campaigns should be aware that there’s a problem out there. Everybody should be cautious.”(Reuters)

Judge voids VirnetX’s $625.6m Apple verdict

A federal judge has thrown out a verdict requiring Apple Inc (AAPL.O) to pay VirnetX Holding Corp (VHC.A) $625.6 million for infringing four patents relating to Internet security technology, causing VirnetX’s share price to plunge.

VirnetX shares were down $1.93, or 44.6 percent, at $2.40 in Monday morning trading, after earlier falling to $2.14.

In a decision late Friday, U.S. District Judge Robert Schroeder in Tyler, Texas said it was unfair to Apple that two VirnetX lawsuits had been combined into a single trial.

He said jurors may have been confused by more than 50 references to the earlier case, though it contained “incredibly similar” issues, and deferred improperly to the prior jury’s findings when it found Apple’s liable for willful infringement.

“The repeated references to the prior jury verdict in the consolidated case resulted in an unfair trial,” Schroeder wrote.

He ordered that both cases be retried separately, with the first trial beginning on Sept. 26.

VirnetX is a Zephyr Cove, Nevadabased company that derives most of its revenue from licensing patents.

It accused Cupertino, Californiabased Apple of infringing patents used in products including FaceTime and iMessage.

The $625.6 million verdict announced in February was one of the highest in a U.S. patent case.

“We are disappointed,” VirnetX Chief Executive Kendall Larsen said in a statement on Monday. “We are reviewing all our options and will follow the court’s direction as we start preparing for these retrials.”

Page 22

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, AUGUST 2, 2016

Business

NCP approval sale of Eleme Petrochemicals follow due process-BPE

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) has said that the sale of Eleme Petrochemicals to -Indorama was transparent and followed due process with all the necessary approvals given by the National Council on Privatisation (NCP).

BPE also described the transaction as one of the success stories of the Federal Government’s privatisation programme in terms of compliance to the executed Share Purchase Agreement (SPA)/Post Acquisition Plan (PAP, contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the creation of employment in the country.

A statement by the Head, Public Communications, BPE, Alex E. Okoh Quoted the Acting Director General of the Bureau, Dr. Vincent Onome Akpotaire, represented by the

Director, Mines & Steel Development Department, Mallam Abdullahi Muhammad Dikko to have stated these at the Investigative Hearing on the Privatisation Process and performance of Eleme Petrochemicals which held on Tuesday, July 27, 2016 by the House of Representatives Committee on Privatisation.

Akpotaire said that four companies were pre-qualified for the bidding process at the close of the deadline on May 2005 for the submission of Expression of Interests (EOIs) which after evaluation, only Dangote Chemicals Co. Consortium, Indorama Group and LG Chem were shortlisted.

However he stated that LG Chem subsequently pulled out on the grounds that it intended to participate as an Operations and Management (O & M) contractor and not to acquire controlling interest in EPCL which left the contest between Dangote Company

Consortium and Indorama Group and in the end; the latter won to take over the company at the cost of $225 Million from the earlier $215,088, 888 it had bid with a commitment to invest $150 million to be sourced from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to revamp the company’s plants and facilities.

The Acting DG said that because of the impressive performance and compliance of the Core Investor to all the obligations it covenanted in the Post Acquisition Plan (PAP)/Shares Sale Purchase Agreement (SSPA) signed with the Federal Government, the National Council on Privatisation (NCP), at its meeting held on December 18, 2014, approved the ‘discharge’ of the company from the 5-year monitoring programme of BPE. Consequently, he said the company would no longer be monitored routinely as provided for in part b of section

8.4 of the SSPA except for occasional performance assessment purpose (s).

According to him, in eleven years after take over, the company, which was almost moribund before privatization, has recorded many milestones in its vision of building Africa’s largest petrochemicals hub in Nigeria as it now operates at over 100% capacity, meeting the need of the Nigerian plastics industry, which uses petrochemical products (polymer resins) as its raw materials.

He added that the company’s surplus supplies are exported to about 20 countries in Europe, Asia, US and parts of Africa and that since take over in 2006, the company has done two major turnaround maintenance (TAM) and carried out extensive innovations and modifications of existing facilities thus creating 13 new ranges of polymer resins to suit the needs of various customers.

Also speaking, the Director of Post Privatisation Monitoring (PPM) in the Bureau, Mr. Chigbo Anichebe listed the milestones achieved by the new investor as: Investment of $470 million by the investor for 75% EPCL equity; Having one of the highest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the downstream non oil & gas sector till date; Conversion of dead assets through world class technical support and now committed to expansion; and Commitment to build the largest Petrochemicals in Nigeria; among others.

In his presentation, the Acting Director, Oil & Gas in the Bureau, Mr. Sunday Olatunde Ikhuerowo also gave kudos to Indorama for turning around the company since take over, saying it is a success story for the Reform and Privatisation programme of the Federal Government.

R-L: Hon. Suileman Yahaya, Hon. Jones Onyerei, the chairman committee on local content Hon. Emmanuel Ekon and Mr. Laurent Couderc, MD Potnticelli during oversized function at Pontiecelli oil and Gas company Nigerian limited in River State

Global stocks steady, lower oil prices cap gains

G

lobal equity prices steadied near their highest in almost a year on Monday as investors pared expectations of any near-term rise in U.S. interest rates, but lower oil prices kept a lid on gains.

Oil prices fell more than 3 percent on worries over OPEC output. The U.S. dollar recovered some ground against a basket of major currencies after its worst week in three months.

Wall Street was little changed but a slight advance earlier in the session allowed the S&P 500 to post a fresh intraday record high. The index has remained in a very tight range over the past 13 sessions and is struggling for direction.

“The economic data until last week had been pretty decent but since the (U.S.) GDP numbers came out, we’re seeing holes in the argument that the second half of the year is going to be better,” said Art Hogan, chief market strategist at Wunderlich Securities in New York.

“At these valuations, the market is desperate for a catalyst to move higher.”

Growth in U.S. gross domestic product in the second quarter came in below expectations on Friday, fuelling speculation that the Federal Reserve may not pull the trigger on raising interest rates anytime soon.

On Monday, data showed that U.S. manufacturing activity slowed in July as orders fell broadly, while a drop in construction spending in June suggested a downward revision to the second-quarter economic growth estimate.

The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI fell 52.28 points, or 0.28 percent, to 18,379.96, the S&P 500 .SPX lost 4.92 points, or 0.23 percent, to 2,168.68 and the Nasdaq Composite added 15.95 points, or 0.31 percent, to 5,178.08.

The S&P Energy index .SPNY, down 2.7 percent, was the biggest loser among S&P 500 sectors.

MSCI’s world stocks index .MIWD00000PUS, which tracks shares in 45 nations, was last down 0.11 percent.

Earlier in the session the index touched its highest level in nearly a year.

Europe’s broad FTSEurofirst 300

index .FTEU3was down 0.61 percent at 1,339.15. European stocks initially rose but gave up gains as bank shares turned broadly negative following Friday’s release of stress tests on 51 European Union lenders.

Oil prices fell with U.S. crude hitting April lows, weighed by a survey showing output in OPEC reached record highs last month and by the biggest addition of U.S. oil rigs in two years.

Brent crude LCOc1 was down 3.2 percent at $42.14 a barrel, while U.S. crude CLc1 was down 3.5 percent at $40.14.

The dollar index .DXY rebounded helped by gains against the yen, which pulled back from three-week highs reached on Friday after the Bank of Japan eased policy less aggressively than expected.

The dollar index, which tracks the greenback against six major currencies, was up 0.14 pct to 95.665.

In bond markets, U.S. Treasury yields rose from Friday’s multi-week lows on anticipation of a corporate bond

offering from Microsoft (MSFT.O), with profit-taking also fueling the move.

U.S. 10-year Treasuries prices US10YT=RR were last down 8/32 to yield 1.487 percent, after touching a more than two-week low in yield of 1.450 percent on Friday. (Reuters) One million bank workers go on strike across India to protest reforms Banking operations across India on Friday were immobilised as around 1 million employees went on strike to protest government proposals to reform the industry.

CH Venkatachalam, general secretary of the All India Bank Employees Association, said from the southern city of Chennai.

Staff from 45 governments, private and foreign banks participated in the strike, which was called by the United Forum of Bank Unions, an umbrella organisation representing nine unions of bank employees.

The forum opposes government proposals to consolidate public sector banks through mergers, allow more private and foreign capital into banks

and issue new licences to corporations to start new banks. ``The day-long strike was successful and affected work at nearly 80,000 branches across India. ``We oppose further privatisation of banking sector. ``For one, we want strong safety of people’s money, which will be vulnerable to risks with private banks taking more risks with their profit motive,’’ Venkatachalam said.

The general secretary added that India’s banking sector was already beset with a huge number of bad loans. ``Besides, in a developing country like India, priorities are different, we want banking to be expanded and reach priority areas like loans for rural poor and loans for women. ``This will not be the lookout for private banks who will not venture to remote areas,’’ he added.

However, industry body Assocham estimated customer transactions valued as much as 2.25 billion dollars could be affected by Friday’s strike. (dpa/NAN)

PAGE 23

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, AUGUST 2, 2016

Stock Watch: Monday, August 1, 2016 Company

7UP

Previous Closing Price

185.06

184.5

Opening Price

184.5

High

Low

184.5

Close

184.5

Change

Trades

-0.56 25

Volume

Value

Company

Previous Closing Price

Opening Price

High

Low

Close

Change

Trades

Volume

Value

233,796

43,137,315.02 MAYBAKER 1.26 - - - 1.26 5 26,078 32,955.18

ABBEYBDS 1.25 - - - 1.25 0 - -

MBENEFIT 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

ABCTRANS 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0 4 505,000 252,500.00

MCNICHOLS 1.2 - - - 1.2 5 154,383 176,896.62

ACADEMY 0.59 - - - 0.59 0 - ACCESS

4.46

4.46

4.64

4.46

4.5

0.04 321

28,060,764

126,589,999.78

ADSWITCH 1.63 - - - 1.63 0 - AFRIK 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - AFRINSURE 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

MOBIL 138.99 - - - 138.99 20 6,378 854,115.18 MORISON 1.73 - - - 1.73 0 - MRS 49.66 - - - 49.66 1 500 23,590.00 MTECH 0.91 - - - 0.91 0 - MTI 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - MULTITREX 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

AFRIPRUD 2.65 2.7 2.7 2.61 2.61 -0.04 35 553,581 1,479,349.55 MULTIVERSE 0.5 - - - 0.5 1 10,000 5,000.00 AFROMEDIA 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0 1 550,000 275,000.00

NAHCO 4.38 4.17 4.17 4.17 4.17 -0.21 19 203,175 850,145.97

AFRPAINTS 2.59 - - - 2.59 0 - -

NASCON 7.18 7.5 7.3 7.16 7.3 0.12 26 1,031,170 7,479,398.60

AGLEVENT 1.02 0.97 -

-

1.02

8 48,971 46,330.44

AIICO 0.9 0.91 0.91 0.91 0.91 0.01 18 983,972 898,207.23 AIRSERVICE 1.91 - - - 1.91 3 1,505 2,918.35 ALEX 9.84 - - - 9.84 0 - ALUMACO 7.75 - - - 7.75 1 200 1,474.00 ANINO 0.25 - - - 0.25 0 - ARBICO 5.04 - - - 5.04 0 - -

NB 135 135.2 135.2 129.51 129.51 -5.49 105 1,220,085 161,842,702.19 NCR 11.02 - - - 11.02 0 - NEIMETH 1.03 0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 -0.05 6

126,800 124,264.00

NEM 0.69 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.01 16 1,774,600 1,241,859.00 NESF 552.2 - - - 552.2 0 - NESTLE 814

822.99 822.99 822.99 822.99 8.99 73

115,282 94,401,035.72

NIG-GERMAN 4.91 - - - 4.91 0 - NIGERINS 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

ASHAKACEM 22.5 - - - 22.5 16 55,698 1,233,876.58 NIGROPES 7.46 - - - 7.46 0 - ASOSAVINGS 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

NNFM 8.99 - - - 8.99 0 - -

AUSTINLAZ 2.09 - - - 2.09 0 - -

NPFMCRFBK

AVONCROWN 1.52 - - - 1.52 0 - BECOPETRO 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - BERGER 9.6 9.61 9.61 9.61 9.61 0.01 9 379,696 3,674,398.56 BETAGLAS 48.51 - - - 48.51 0 - -

0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 0

6

174,000 170,510.00

NSLTECH 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - OANDO 8.5 8.92 8.92 8.48 8.48 -0.02 364 7,671,197 65,761,034.51 OKOMUOIL 28.82 - - - 28.82 21 108,772 3,056,214.60 OMATEK 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - OMOSAVBNK 0.92 - - - 0.92 0 - -

BOCGAS 4.18 - - - 4.18 0 - PAINTCOM 1.14 - - - 1.14 0 - CADBURY 20.1 - - - 20.1 15 82,240 1,655,764.64 PHARMDEKO 2.14 - - - 2.14 1 5,000 10,850.00 CAP 38 39 39 39 39 1 16 166,666 6,492,031.87 PORTPAINT 3.53 - - - 3.53 0 - CAPHOTEL 4.07 - - - 4.07 0 - -

PREMBREW 2.95 - - - 2.95 0 - -

CAPOIL 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

PREMPAINTS 10.93 - - - 10.93 0 - -

CAVERTON 2.63 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 -0.13 7 145,913 366,122.50 CCNN 8.73 9.16 -

-

8.73

7 51,560 458,087.60

CHAMPION 4.17 4.17 -

-

4.17

11 146,282 587,170.36

CHAMS 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - CHELLARAM 3.76 - - - 3.76 0 - -

PRESCO 30.5 - - - 30.5 6 32,910 1,045,950.40 PRESTIGE 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - PZ 25.5 25 25 25 25 -0.5 33 567,539 14,195,538.05 RAKUNITY 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - REDSTAREX 4.2 - - - 4.2 2 19,785 83,097.00 REGALINS 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

CILEASING 0.5 - - - 0.5 2 4,000 2,000.00

RESORTSAL 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0 1 100,000 50,000.00

CONOIL 27.41 26.04 -

ROADS 6.6 - - - 6.6 0 - -

-

27.41

8

13,350 330,799.00

0.6 - - - 0.6 0 - 1.06 1.01 1.06 1.01 1.06 0 11 3,520,635 3,661,166.09 ROKANA ROYALEX 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - CORNERST 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - RTBRISCOE 0.5 - - - 0.5 3 78,164 39,082.00 COSTAIN 0.5 - - - 0.5 1 5,000 2,500.00 CONTINSURE

COURTVILLE 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - CUSTODYINS 4.1 - - - 4.1 6 16,101 64,845.03 CUTIX 1.45 - - - 1.45 1 26,666 38,665.70 CWG 2.67 - - - 2.67 0 - DAARCOMM 0.5 - - - 0.5 1 4,000 2,000.00

SCOA 4.16 - - - 4.16 0 - -

SEPLAT 230.04 225 225 225 225 -5.04 20 77,862 17,490,790.00 SIMCAPVAL 103.24 - - - 103.24 0 - SKYEBANK 1.9 1.9 1.99 1.9 1.99 0.09 75 2,020,105 3,920,083.45 SKYESHELT 100 - - - 100 0 - SMURFIT 0.98 - - - 0.98 0 - -MAY-

DANGCEM 162 163 163 163 163 1 33 156,759 25,532,904.96

BAKER 1.26 - - - 1.26 5 26,078 32,955.18

DANGFLOUR 2.31 - - - 2.31 16 31,484 75,328.68

MBENEFIT 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

DANGSUGAR

- - - 1.2 5 154,383 176,896.62 6.52 6.32 6.51 6.32 6.51 -0.01 26 343,221 2,210,542.55 MCNICHOLS 1.2 MOBIL 138.99 - - - 138.99 20 6,378 854,115.18

DEAPCAP 0.58 - - - 0.58 0 - -

DIAMONDBNK 2.87 2.8 2.8 2.74 2.74 -0.13 43 1,315,800 3,645,250.00 IPWA 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - JAPAULOIL 0.5 - - - 0.5 1 10,000 5,000.00 JBERGER 39.5 - - - 39.5 4 1,180 44,879.00 JOHNHOLT 0.96 - - - 0.96 0 - -

MORISON 1.73 - - - 1.73 0 - MRS 49.66 - - - 49.66 1 500 23,590.00 MTECH 0.91 - - - 0.91 0 - MTI 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - MULTITREX 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - MULTIVERSE 0.5 - - - 0.5 1 10,000 5,000.00

JOSBREW 1.51 - - - 1.51 0 - -

NAHCO 4.38 4.17 4.17 4.17 4.17 -0.21 19 203,175 850,145.97

JULI 1.75 - - - 1.75 0 - -

NASCON 7.18 7.5 7.3 7.16 7.3 0.12 26 1,031,170 7,479,398.60

LASACO 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0 1 300,000 150,000.00

NB 135 135.2 135.2 129.51 129.51 -5.49 105 1,220,085 161,842,702.19

LAWUNION 0.54 0.53 0.53 0.52 0.52 -0.02 14 910,610 481,548.30

NCR 11.02 - - - 11.02 0 - -

LEARNAFRCA

0.68 0.65 0.65 0.65 0.65 -0.03 10 1,074,871 699,416.15

LENNARDS 3.15 - - - 3.15 0 - LINKASSURE 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - LIVESTOCK 1.4 1.41 1.41 1.41 1.41 0.01 9 134,400 192,410.51 MANDRID 5.35 - - - 5.35 0 - MANSARD 2.62 2.55 -

-

2.62

8 37,850 99,859.50

Top Gainers Company

Previous Closing Price

Opening Price

High

NEIMETH 1.03 0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 -0.05 6

126,800 124,264.00

NEM 0.69 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.01 16 1,774,600 1,241,859.00 NESF 552.2 - - - 552.2 0 - NESTLE 814

822.99 822.99 822.99 822.99 8.99 73

115,282 94,401,035.72

NIG-GERMAN 4.91 - - - 4.91 0 - NIGERINS 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - NIGROPES 7.46 - - - 7.46 0 - -

Top Losers Low

Close

Change

Trades

Volume

Value

Company

Previous Closing Price

Opening Price

High

Low

Close

Change

Trades

Volume

Value

ALUMACO 7.75 - - - 7.75 1 200 1,474.00

MULTITREX 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

FORTISMFB 5.42 - - - 5.42 0 - -

NNFM 8.99 - - - 8.99 0 - -

UNHOMES 5.23 - - - 5.23 1 3,750 18,637.50

MCNICHOLS 1.2 - - - 1.2 5 154,383 176,896.62

INFINITY 1.42 - - - 1.42 0 - -

UTC 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

OMOSAVBNK 0.92 - - - 0.92 0 - -

UNIONDICON 11.84 - - - 11.84 0 - -

MULTIVERSE 0.5 - - - 0.5 1 10,000 5,000.00

MANDRID 5.35 - - - 5.35 0 - -

ASOSAVINGS 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

CADBURY 20.1 - - - 20.1 15 82,240 1,655,764.64

ABBEYBDS 1.25 - - - 1.25 0 - -

JULI 1.75 - - - 1.75 0 - -

PAGE 25

Peoples Daily, tuesday, august 2, 2016

PAGE 24

Special Report

Disabled wrestlers enter the ring in Japan A wrestling club made up of mostly disabled fighters is the focus of a new documentary. The director, Heath Cozens, hopes it will challenge people’s perceptions of what is right and wrong when it comes to disability.

I

n downtown Tokyo inside a traditional town hall, a paraplegic man throws his head forward to headbutt another. Both of their legs are tied together and, lying on the floor of the ring, they wrestle until the bell signals the end of the round.

The next fight is introduced and Shintaro “Sambo” Yano, a 46-yearold man with cerebral palsy slowly enters the ring.

His opponent is Yukinori “Antithesis” Kitajima, Shintaro’s long-running wrestling arch nemesis. But Kitajima isn’t disabled, and is noticeably stronger than Shintaro.

“He’s the Hitler of disabled care,” shouts the female announcer as she introduces Kitajima. Then the fight begins.

Heath Cozens, a video journalist and documentary maker has been watching the wrestlers go head-to-head for more than five years. He felt uncomfortable when he first attended a fight night and saw the violent scenes of disabled people being pummelled to bleeding point.

“I was so shocked I almost wanted to laugh,” he says, “then I felt bad about wanting to laugh at disabled people, so I felt ashamed. I just couldn’t figure out if this was

exploitation, entertainment or true equality.”

Initially he felt it was an abusive situation, especially when he realised that nondisabled people were pitched against disabled opponents who are physically much weaker than them. He even considered making an expose, but after approaching the wrestlers and beginning to film with them, his views changed, and his new documentary emerged.

Named after the wrestling group, the film Doglegs follows five members of the Tokyo league as they confront their disabilities and personal lives - both in the wrestling ring and out. For Cozens it was a chance to show the realities of their lives, and the stark contrast of their experiences in and out of the ring. “These are people who experience extreme prejudice in most areas of their lives,” he says, “but Doglegs gives them an escape from that.”

At the heart of the film is Shintaro - the star of the wrestling group. He started Doglegs 20 years ago, after a fight with another disabled man over the affections of a woman made him realise how much they had both enjoyed the competition and physicality of the brawl.

Along with Kitajima

- his life-long friend and wrestling partner - Doglegs was created as just this, a place for disabled people to go and have fun, away from the prejudices of their dayto-day.

Since then it has grown and is now made up of 40 wrestlers.

Hundreds of people turn up to watch their fights and the crowds mostly consist of other disabled people and their carers. It is a real community, Cozens says, and disability is at the heart of it.

The group includes people with a number of different disabilities, from multiple sclerosis to mental illness, and all are given their time to prove themselves in the ring.

Yuki Nakajima has severe depression and is currently undergoing treatment for

cancer. He often weeps openly when making the walk to the ring as alter ego “Hopeless Goro”. Out

of the ring he is close to the other members of the group.

They joke about each other’s disabilities and perceived

hardships, poking fun of the way each other looks, or the struggles they may endure.

“It’s like when I told you guys I first had cancer,” Nakajima says, “Shintaro looked up and said ‘pass the beer’... It was great. It was so Doglegs.”

Outside the ring Nakajima has a job as the carer for another wrestler Ooga “L’Amant” Ohga who has cerebral palsy. For most of the day Ohga has to stay in his small flat, since his disability and alcoholism is causing serious ill-health.

Technically the wrestlers are split into four different “classes”: Those who lie on their backs to fight, those who sit and fight, those who stand and fight, and an open class.

This last option has fluid rules including all wrestlers being tied up, or just headbutting.

But sometimes the rules are ignored entirely, Cozens explains.

So it is that Ohga, weighing just 39kg goes against his 80kg wife in the ring. Her legs are tied together in an attempt to make their physicality more equal but she is still able to launch herself into the air to come crashing down onto Ohga, or lift him up and chuck him onto the ring floor.

It seems impossible that Ohga would enjoy this physical barrage, but after one fight in which

he is deemed victorious he triumphantly takes the microphone stating: “This is the only place we can can

fight and win... I will fight in this ring as long as I live.”

It’s clear that in the ring is the only place Ohga feels

equal, and Cozens says that for most of the wrestlers it’s this that makes them want to give the matches their best

“

shot, pain or not. “It doesn’t matter if you’re paraplegic, have depression, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, everybody can get in that ring together and wrestle.

In the street people stare at them but they would never expect them to be in a ring that evening wrestling.”

He is keen to point out that people may feel uneasy watching the film. “A lot of non-disabled people feel uncomfortable looking at disabled people’s bodies in general,” he says, “but that is one of the most important things about Doglegs, that they are saying unapologetically, ‘look at me doing this and focus on what my body looks like as I do it.’”

While life in the ring may be enjoyable, outside of the ring the relationship between two members - Shintaro and Kitajima - is intense. They are incredibly close and view each other as brothers. But Kitajima pushes Shintaro

Technically the wrestlers are split into four different “classes”: Those who lie on their backs to fight, those who sit and fight, those who stand and fight, and an open class. This last option has fluid rules including all wrestlers being tied up, or just head butting. But sometimes the rules are ignored entirely, Cozens explains. So it is that Ohga, weighing just 39kg goes against his 80kg wife in the ring. Her legs are tied together in an attempt to make their physicality more equal but she is still able to launch herself into the air to come crashing down onto Ohga, or lift him up and chuck him onto the ring floor.

harder than anybody, calling him a “loser”, slapping him and urging him to keep practising when he is tired.

As the documentary progresses, their bond in particular is focused on.

The time has come for their 20-year battle to be over.

Shintaro wants more, and has decided to retire from Doglegs. He wants to be happy now and find love, he says.

But first, he must face Kitajima one more time in the ring.

“I won’t be a pathetic cripple no more,” Shintaro says, “I’m going to beat Kitajima.”

Source: BBC Doglegs has just had its US premiere at Fantastic Fest in Austin but hasn’t yet been screened in the UK. Mat Fraser, a presenter and actor who is thalidomideimpaired, says a UK audience will probably struggle to understand Doglegs and be shocked by it. Having spent time in Japan with the wrestling group, he’s keen that people approach it with an open mind. “You have to contextualise Doglegs in Japan, where being a man means being a warrior. These men are being warriors when they enter the ring,” he says.

Fraser sees the wrestling group as a wholly positive thing, but wrestling fan Tom Caster - who has cerebral palsy - says he would be concerned about disabled people being exploited if a similar group was set up here.

“It’s all well and good for people to say this is all fun, but I think it is a step backwards to the era of the freak show rather than a sign of equality,” he says. “I would feel very uncomfortable with people laughing at me or finding entertainment in me fighting another disabled person.”

Cozens says his main aim with this documentary is to challenge people’s “kneejerk reactions of what is right and wrong when it comes to disability.” Whether Doglegs, and the relationships between the wrestlers are “right” is very much left up to the viewer to decide.

Source: BBC

PAGE 26

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, AUGUST 2, 2016

Feature

Does Africa still need the United Nations?

United Nations’ forces preparing for assignment in Africa

I

n our series of letters from African journalists, film-maker and columnist Farai Sevenzo considers why the UN matters to Africa.

If the 70th UN General Assembly had a face, it would not only be showing its age, but it would be covered in the cuts and bruises from unending wars, new coups and the perennial problems of poverty, hunger and the new open, weeping sores that are the movements of the desperate and despairing across oceans and borders.

For African leaders, the UN in New York is the place to be seen and heard every September.

They are there under the magical veil of diplomatic immunity, not only because their leadership is recognised but also because it allows those who are older than the General Assembly to attend, as well as those who have been ostracised by international opinion, those who have been targeted by the International Criminal Court, and those who wish to plead for special attention or show that they are tackling corruption.

Small budgets are prepared from the national coffers for the delegates accompanying the heads of state and first ladies fond of shopping, who mark the General Assembly dates in their diaries long in advance.

This year’s gathering has even featured a rock star Pope, and the Catholics among Africa’s leadership may have wanted to touch that holy hand, though they may not have been so keen on confession.

Keeping the peace?

Still, it does not help to be too cynical, for Africa needs the UN more than any other continent.

A brief scan of the UN’s history will show us that while its predecessor, the League of Nations, threw South West Africa - present-day Namibia - from the frying pan of German occupation into the fire of apartheid jurisdiction, the UN has been largely present in tumultuous events in Africa these past 70 years.

A UN Secretary General - Swedish statesman Dag Hammarskjold - lost his life in a plane crash

in the Zambian town of Ndola in 1961 on his way to peace talks in the Congolese breakaway province of Katanga.

Since then UN peacekeeping forces in Africa have been a regular and needed part of the continent’s story: 19,000 troops are currently serving in the Democratic Republic of Congo; 12,000 are trying to restore order to the Central African Republic, another 10,000 are deployed in Mali and the UN mission in Liberia is due to end in June 2016 - having been there since 2003.

“

The relationship between peacekeepers and Africa has been fraught with accusations of mineral theft and more seriously the sexual abuse of women and children by the international UN forces, but the security situation without them does not bear contemplation.

In 2015 a look at the headlines shows us that from Libya downwards, violence prevails.

It reveals that the fight for self-determination in South Sudan has resulted in increasing deaths after independence; Burkina Faso’s presidential guard has become addicted to power and that economies wrecked by Ebola cannot do without international assistance.

Current UN peace missions in Africa Central African Republic: Launched 2014, 12,000 currently deployed - Minusca Democratic Republic of Congo: Launched 1999, 19,000 deployed - Monusco Ivory Coast: Launched 2004, nearly 7,000 deployed - Unoci Liberia: Launched 2003 - nearly 6,000 deployed- Unmil Mali: Launched 2013, 10,000 deployed Minusma South Sudan: Launched 2011, 12,500 Sudan: Hybrid mission in Darfur with African Union launched 2008, nearly 16,000 deployed - Unamid Abyei - disputed territory between South Sudan and Sudan, 4,000 deployed - Unisfa Western Sahara - 200 deployed Minurso The relationship between peacekeepers and Africa has been fraught with accusations of mineral theft and more seriously the sexual abuse of women and children by the international UN forces, but the security situation without them does not bear contemplation.

In 2015 a look at the headlines shows us that from Libya downwards, violence prevails.

It reveals that the fight for self-determination in South Sudan has resulted in increasing deaths after independence; Burkina Faso’s presidential guard has become addicted to power and that economies wrecked by Ebola cannot do without international assistance.

World leaders have now agreed on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which replace the Millennium Goals, and feature many of the issues that the 20th Century grappled with.

But paramount amongst the 17 SDGs is the struggle to end hunger.

“While the number of people suffering from hunger in developing regions has fallen by half since 1990, there are still close to 800 million people undernourished worldwide, a majority children and youth,” said Mogens Lykketoft, president of the 70th session of the UN General Assembly.

Of course hunger has not arrived unannounced, the state of the planet and the effects of global warming have been playing havoc with people’s crops all over southern Africa.

Malawi, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) has warned, faces its worst food crisis in 10 years.

The WFP says 2.8 million people are at risk and that an astonishing four out of every 10 Malawian children are suffering from stunted growth.

Poor rainfall affected the crops in 2013/2014 and then floods compounded the problem in early 2015 by destroying homes and wiping out food supplies.

USAid’s Famine Early Warning System has also listed food shortages in Ethiopia and Somalia, as well as in Sierra Leone and Liberia following the outbreak of Ebola.

From rising prices, to lack of pasture for cattle to drought and floods - food and hunger remain the continent’s major worry.

Those attending the Sustainable Goals event spoke of its wide scope; UN chief Ban Ki-Moon said the new development blueprint was designed to “resonate with people across the world”, while UN Development Programme head Helen Clark said the goals called “for a paradigm shift in how the international society understands development”.

Development, if truth be told, has sometimes been hampered by some of the very people who gather every September in the autumn sunshine.

But it is their solemn duty - and ours - to try and develop ourselves.

At its worst, the UN is a grey monolithic beast that is overstaffed with career diplomats and “angels of mercy” who run around African cities in their 4x4s on behalf of Western charities and their own ambitious career paths.

But at its best, the UN is the last refuge for the powerless, the hungry and the needy.

And Africa has far too many people in all three categories to do without it.

Source: BBC

P A G E

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, AUGUST 2, 2016

Defence

Air Force fetes IDPs with medical services Stories by Mashe Umaru Gwamna with agency report

I

n its commitment to enhance civil-military relations, the Nigerian Air Force has extended medical assistance to some Internally Displaced Persons who are currently hospitalized and receiving treatment at the 47 Nigerian Air Force Hospital (47 NAFH), Yola.

In a statement released by the Air Force and signed by Squadron Leader MG Tsekaa, Group Public Relations Officer 75 Strike Group, Nigerian Air Force Yola noted that the assistance is also part of its ambitious social responsibility initiatives in NAF’s areas of operations.

The passionate care shown to the ill IDPs, according to the Commander 47 NAF Hospital, Yola, Group Captain T Kamla was in line with the Chief of Air Staff’s unbending commitment to the good health of the IDPs. “The hospital draws its inspiration and encouragement in dealing with the IDPs from the CAS’ unfettered commitment towards their wellbeing”, he explained. He insisted that these people need assistance and, according to him.

Group Captain Kamla disclosed that in every quarter, at least 30 IDPs are treated in the hospital.

Those treated in the hospital, he explained are the ones with serious health conditions. “The hospital has five consultants who pair up with our own medical team to give the best medical diagnosis and treatment to the sick IDPs”, he further enthused.

With the air offensive commitment of the NAF in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists and the great determination to ensure the IDPs who are sick receive the best possible and affordable medical care, the IDPs could very well be on their way home in the shortest possible time.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Baba Abubakar in his recent address during the Sallah celebration with officers and men at the frontline,

in Yola assured the IDPs of the NAF’s commitment to winning the war against Boko Haram terrorists as to ensure the quick return of IDPs to their respective communities.

“We want to ensure the quick return of all

Olonisakin seeks stakeholders’ commitment on security

T

he Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin, has called for the patriotic commitment of all stakeholders for the unity, peace and security of the country in view of the myriad of country’s security challenges.

The CDS stated this at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Abuja, during the One-Day Defence Correspondents’ Seminar titled: “Constructive

Navy raids illegal refineries in Warri T

he anti-crude oil theft operations of the Nigerian Navy have yield more positive results. This time, patrol team deployed

by NNS DELTA, naval base in Warri raided an illegal refinery at Asiagbene community in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State. Four large GP tanks laden with about 10,000 liters each of product suspected to be illegally refined AGO was destroyed.

Also the patrol team on 21 July 2016 located and destroyed 2 illegal refineries with 3 Cotonou boats containing approximately 350MT of illegally refined AGO at Asosolo and Ugbosede in Warri South West LGA. During the raid, 2 persons were arrested while the following items were recovered; 5 speed boats, 20 drums of illegally refined AGO, 5 drums of illegally refined DPK, 1 pumping machine, 1 generator and 1 x 90HP outboard engine. The suspects are undergoing further investigation.

Additionally, patrol team deployed by NNS PATHFINDER in Port Harcourt, Rivers State has raided and destroyed 2 active illegal refinery sites around Ogu Bolo in Rivers State. During the raid, 6 Storage tanks each containing 60,000 liters of suspected stolen crude and 2 speed boats carrying 15 drums each of illegally refined AGO were destroyed.

The patrol team also destroyed a barge laden with about 120,000 liters of suspected illegally refined AGO. In another development, the Navy has said

the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their respective villages to live their normal lives”, he had pledged.

The Air Force Chief has left no one in doubt on the Nigerian Air Force unwavering commitment

towards the annihilation of Boko Haram terrorists in the North East, as demonstrated by the enduring air offensive operations in support of the ground troops.

While he said, the total defeat of the insurgents is the only way that can guarantee the return of the IDPs to their respective homes, he said such return would lose its value if the IDPs are not in good health. It is only in good health that they “can live their normal lives”, adding that this was why he earlier this year renovated and equipped the IDP Camp medical facilities.

Beneficiaries of the medical scheme have however expressed their profound appreciation to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for the satisfactory medical attention they are receiving in the hospital.

To them, the medical efforts of the hospital to ensure their good health makes them hopeful that they would lead a normal life again.

One of the patients at the 47 NAFH Yola, Mr Goni Mohammed Mustapha, expressed great appreciation to the Nigerian Air Force for the uncommon care availed him since his admission in the hospital. He said: “Our lives have been broken. But every day, we hear the sounds of NAF aircraft fighting for us. This gives us hope that the insurgents will be defeated and we shall return home one day. The Air Force is also treating me and taking good care of me in the hospital, here. I believe that I will live my normal life again.”

that their attention has been drawn to a news report titled “Chief of the Naval Staff faces sack for rejecting illegal recruitment list from Mamman Daura”. The report was published on Tuesday 26 July 2016 by an online medium going by the name vaxity.com.

After a thorough scrutiny of the publication, it was evident that this is one of the many attempts to disparage and scandalize the current efforts of the Federal Government to eliminate all forms of corrupt tendencies in our national life.

The Naval Headquarters therefore wishes to reiterate that the news report is false, mischievous, malicious and is intended by its sponsors to create disaffection among the citizens as regards the conduct of the Nigerian Navy Recruitment Exercise. Members of the public are hereby adviced to disregard this report.

Finally, the upsurge in criminal activities via the numerous waterways in the hinterland are often tagged as being perpetrated by militants with an accompanying call on the NN to act. The NN however wishes to state that while it identifies with the concerns of the citizens in the affected areas, the NN’s statutory mandate does not cover most of these areas and that there is a need to treat each incident on a case by case bases using the Nigeria Police and other security agencies as the driving force to secure life’s and property within the hinterland.

Reportage as an Important Ingredient for National Security”.

He said that the media and military are two of the most important stakeholders in projecting, promoting and protecting the national security.

According to him, it is incumbent on all the stakeholders in the national security and allied sectors to assist Defence media practitioners to build human and institutional capacity to facilitate effective performance and goal attainment, especially on issues that affect national security of Nigeria.

“It is important from the onset, to state that although, we play different roles and may see things from different perspectives, we all must be responsive as stakeholders in the overriding task of nation building,” he said.

Olonisakin noted that in a developing nation like Nigeria, which is engulfed with a dynamic flux of security challenges, the media is required to build bridges of understanding between the military and the people in the discharge of its national security mandate.

He emphasised that as professionals, the two parties are expected to have a clear understanding of the challenges confronting the country, which include pastoralist/farmers’ clashes, cattle rustling, kidnapping, militancy, vandalism of Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) particularly oil facilities, ethnic nationalism, terrorism and insurgency.

He said: “These challenges singly and collectively, have the grim potentials to undermine the Nigerian State. These are very potent and sensitive crisis situations that have the capacity to wreck our ship of state, if not handled with utmost care and professionalism that they deserve.

“To prevent this, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has been called upon to provide Military Assistance to Civil Authority (MACA) in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).”

“In the past one year, the AFN has made remarkable progress in the provision of security across the nation. In particular, I can proudly state that the patriotic and gallant efforts of our troops in alliance with other key-players, downgraded the Boko Haram terrorists in the North East.

“However, the security situation in Nigeria is still rather fluid and calls for the patriotic commitment of all institutions and citizens, governmental and non-governmental organisations,” he added.

In the same vein, the Minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed, said that what

remains is for the civilian populace to rise up to the security situation in the country by mobilizing support for the military and other security agencies.

Mohammed who was represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Ayotunde Adesugba, said that the relevant stakeholders should be able to keep the public abreast of other developments in the security sectors, which they ” are currently demonstrating this through ‘winning hearts and minds’ projects”.

“To achieve this, I will recommend the putting in place of a sound public information strategy to enlighten Nigerians about the important roles the military has been tasked to play in the country,” he said.

Earlier, the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Brig-Gen. Rabe Abubaka, said that the seminar will serve as a platform for enhancing a robust cooperation, understanding and partnership between the AFN and the media practitioners “especially at this critical time of security challenges facing our dear nation”.

Also the Communique issued at the end of the seminar recommended among other things that Defence Correspondents and military information managers need regular training to improve capacity in defense reportage; experienced reporters should be assigned to Defence and security beat; and that military information managers should give timely access to information to Defence correspondents.

The communique further called for “enhanced interpersonal relationship between military information managers and Defence correspondents; the Defence Correspondents are encouraged to do more investigative reports; and there is need for confidence building and trust between military information managers and Defence correspondents.

“Need to engage in official and unofficial communication with Defence correspondents to agree on what to report and what not to report; Military information managers should de-emphasize the recurrent preference to foreign media outfits in Defence /security related matters; and there should be transparency and openness in the management of information on military operations.”

“That Defence correspondents should report all military operations with sense of responsibility and patriotism to promote national security; and the military should devise strategy to honour officers and men who paid the supreme price in Defence of the fatherland.”

PAGE 28

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, AUGUST 2, 2016

Agriculture

Could we soon have tomatoes that never go soft? British scientists ‘turn off’ gene that makes fruit decay

Biologists have identified a gene that encodes an enzyme which plays a crucial role in controlling softening of the tomato (stock image), which could lead to new varieties of better tasting fruit that stay firmer for longer

By Sarah Griffiths

F

rom scattering them in salads to slicing them in sandwiches, the tomato is a picnic-time favourite – as long as it’s not soft.

But the precise mechanisms involved in tomato softening have remained a mystery until now.

Biologists have identified a gene that encodes an enzyme which plays a crucial role in controlling softening of the tomato, which could lead to new varieties of better tasting fruit that stay firmer for longer. The tomato is one of the most valuable fruit crops in the world with an annual global value in excess of $50 billion (£38 billion).

Consequently, plant breeders are working continuously to

supply high yielding, better tasting, more nutritious and longer lasting tomato varieties, but some of the best tasting varieties soften rapidly and can have a short shelf life.

‘To support the tomato industry and further improve consumer satisfaction with new tomato varieties, a major scientific goal has been to identify genes that allow the targeted control of fruit softening without impacting other aspects of ripening,’ said lead author Professor Graham Seymour, of the School of Biosciences at The University of Nottingham.

‘Such work would permit excellent fruit flavour and colour development, combined with enhanced shelf life.’

To reduce wastage, hybrid tomatoes are often bred to

include natural mutations that slow the whole ripening process, but such longevity comes at a cost, in the form of flavour and colour.

The question of how the tomato fruit disassembles its cell walls and softens during ripening has perplexed researchers for over two decades, but the study, published in the journal Nature Biotechnology, has revealed the key to uncoupling softening from the other aspects of fruit quality.

Together with scientists from the Royal Holloway, University of London, the researchers have identified a gene that encodes a pectate lyase, which normally degrades the pectin in the tomato cell walls during ripening.

Professor Seymour said: ‘In laboratory experiments we have demonstrated that if this gene

is turned off, the fruit soften much more slowly, but still show normal changes in colour and the accumulation of taste compounds such as acids, sugars and aroma volatiles. ’Natural variation exists in the levels of pectate lyase gene expression in wild relatives of cultivated tomato and these can be used for conventional breeding purposes.

‘This discovery can provide a means to refine the control of fruit softening in modern tomato cultivars.’

Dr Charles Baxter from agrochemical company Syngenta said: ‘This discovery has relevance for the development of new tomato varieties via conventional plant breeding and is a significant step forward in understanding processes involved in fruit development, allowing more

refined control of this process in plant breeding.’

Using conventional plant breeding, tomato wild species can be readily crossed with the cultivated tomato.

One wild species, Solanum pennellii, has low levels of pectate lyase gene expression in the fruit.

This genetic variation can be used to breed slow softening cultivated tomatoes.

Paul Fraser, Professor of Biochemistry at Royal Holloway said: ‘The study also shows how you can precisely alter fruit ripening properties without adverse effects on the chemical composition of the fruit.

‘In this way the consumer traits such as taste, colour, and nutritional quality are not adversely affected and in some cases enhanced’.

Page 29

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, AUGUST 2, 2016

Agriculture

Organic: Is it the future of farming?

I

n its pure form, maybe not.

But elements of the organic philosophy are starting to be d e p l o y e d i n ma i n s t r e a m agriculture. Nature’s reporters analyse this trend, assess the extent of organic farming worldwide, and frame the questions on which its wider adoption will depend.

If your politics are green, you like your medicine ‘holistic’ and you’re deeply worried by economic globalization, the chances are your fridge is full of organic produce.

Today, support for organic farming is frequently part of a bigger social and political mindset — one that holds that ‘natural’ is best, and that naked capitalism is a threat to the health of the planet and its people.

But the origins of organic agriculture, in 1940s Britain, are more down-to-earth. Its pioneers were concerned, above all else, about the soil beneath their feet.

Their philosophy was centred on practices designed to improve the richness and stability of the soil by restoring its organic matter and avoiding synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. Wider concerns about biodiversity, social justice and animal welfare have grown from this core concept about how to manage our farmland’s key resource.

These ideals have always set the organic movement squarely against intensive farming and chemical-based agribusiness.

And, at least in public and in the media, those arguments rage more fiercely today than ever before.

Yet behind the harsh rhetoric, a little-noticed convergence of views is taking place. For decades, the study of organic farming sat on the fringes of the green revolution in agriculture, as intensive techniques marched across the world, sending yields skyrocketing. But mainstream agronomists are becoming concerned about the long-term sustainability of this approach, and are focusing increasingly on soil integrity. Could it be that both sides of agriculture’s great divide now want the same thing?

“It’s been a huge move,” says Mark Alley, an agronomist at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg.

“Twenty-five years ago, yield was everything. But in the past ten years, there’s been a major recognition of the need to maintain organic materials in soil.” And with the turn of the millennium, farmers have started to embrace approaches that keep soil structure intact and cut the high level of inputs — energy, fertilizer, pesticides and herbicides — that characterize intensive agriculture.

Going green ... again These new methods diverge significantly from the purist organic vision. In particular, they rely heavily on ‘low tillage’ methods, which help to improve the soil but depend partly on the use of herbicides, fertilizers and pesticides. Those remain

Farmers remove weeds to enhance crop growth anathema to the organic movement. But the change that is taking place — sometimes referred to as the second green, or doubly green, revolution — stems from a growing acceptance of the organic critique of the first one. Mainstream agronomists now acknowledge, for example, that intensive farming reduces biodiversity, encourages irreversible soil erosion and generates run-off that is awash with harmful chemicals — including nitrates from fertilizers that can devastate aquatic ecosystems.

For the organic movement, caring for the soil involves interspersing each harvest with a cover crop such as clover or rye that can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere. Cover crops keep down weeds, retain moisture and prevent erosion. Ploughing them into the soil at the end of the season restores the soil’s organic content, and boosts its nitrogen content without the need to use synthetic fertilizer.

The low-till approach borrows heavily from these principles.

Low-till farmers ensure that their soil is not left open to erosion by growing nitrogen fixers between rows of their cash crops and between seasons. But low-till farmers don’t completely unhitch their wagon from conventional inputs. They still use nitrate fertilizers and pesticides as needed. Before each planting, they kill the previous crop with a broad-spectrum herbicide such as Roundup, made by Monsanto of St Louis, Missouri. This lets them punch the new seed directly into the ground through the decaying plants without tilling.

Till life Low-till agriculture is taking root in both rich and poor countries. Pat Wall, head of conservation agriculture at CIMMYT, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center in Mexico, estimates that about 70 million hectares of arable land — something like 2% of the global total — is now using the method, with about a third of that in the United States.

Brazil has been in the vanguard of the change in the south, says Cheryl Palm, an ecologist specializing in tropical agriculture at Columbia University in New York. “It’s swept through the country, and cut down soil erosion dramatically,” she says.

Although many of the farms that are converting to lowtill agriculture are large-scale operations, the approach is also rapidly gaining acceptance on smallholdings in places such as Ghana and India. On the Indian subcontinent, the area where low-till is being implemented has grown from nothing in 1997, through 100,000 hectares in 2001, to one million hectares this year.

Besides conserving soil structure, low tillage also reduces energy inputs. Farms in India that grow rice in the summer and wheat in the winter have cut their number of annual tilling operations from eight to one, Wall reports, reducing fuel use by 70%.

“When I was there, the only people complaining about the change were the petrol station owners,” he says.

Low-till farming also substantially reduces the need for

chemical fertilizers. Cover crops provide some nitrogen initially, and then, as organic matter builds up in the soil, nitrates and other nutrients are less readily leached out of it, further decreasing the requirement for added fertilizer.

But for organic purists, any approach to maintaining soil integrity that incorporates regular sprayings with Roundup and continued applications of nitrates is heresy. Peter Melchett, policy director of Britain’s Soil Association, the world’s oldest organic farming organization, scorns low-till approaches. “They tend to be something you can do for two or three years until you get grass weeds that aren’t well-controlled by Roundup,” he says. “Then you have to resort to ploughing.”

Wall disagrees. He argues that the need for herbicide applications tails off after the first few years of low-tillage, as weed seeds disappear from the top layer of soil. “I think it is possible to get to no tillage and almost no herbicides,” he says.

Such disputes might be resolved more readily if there was an abundance of data comparing pure organic methods with the low-till approach to soil conservation. “But there aren’t a lot of long-term studies,” says Mark David, a biogeochemist at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “It isn’t a simple comparison to make.”

Chemical cuts Some of the other ideas being borrowed from the organic movement — in particular a reduction in pesticide inputs — are resulting in a closer meeting

of minds. For instance, farmers have been forced to discard methyl bromide, the main soil fumigant that has been used to kill soil pests, as it will be phased out by 2005 under the Montreal Protocol to close the ozone hole. This has led farmers to experiment not only with other fumigants but with organic methods of killing insect larvae as well, including flooding fields between plantings and allowing the Sun to bake the soil through clear plastic sheeting.

Farmers are also bowing to consumer pressure. “People don’t want pesticides in their food,” says Diana Wall, director of the Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. US orchards, for instance, have largely adopted organic methods for controlling the codling moth (Cydia pomonella), the larvae of which bore into ripening fruit and can destroy 80% of an apple crop without control.

In this case, concerns about pesticide residues on apples and pears led to legal restrictions on the use of organophosphates, the most effective class of pesticides, under the 1996 Food Quality Protection Act. Organic control of the codling moth disrupts mating by releasing sterile males and spraying female sex pheromones to confuse the rest.

The doubly green revolution doesn’t necessarily embrace the broader aspects of organic ideology, such as social justice and animal welfare. But if the organic movement wants to change the world, it is making a reasonable start. www.nature.com

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, AUGUST 2, 2016

Page 30

Feature

Water mafia: Buying water on the black market

In the congested Delhi neighbourhood Sangam Vihar, home to 500,000 people, the air is fraught with anticipation.

Often there’s a mad scramble to fill up drums with the clean water that’s being provided by tankers

“

Many have to wake up at dawn to catch the water tankers

R

ows of men and women are gathered in its narrow lanes, some sitting on their haunches. Large plastic drums are placed strategically in front of them.

Suddenly a cry goes up: “It’s here, it’s here.”

A water tanker backs into the lane, and the place descends into chaos.

Young men charge towards the truck, clambering onto the top with pipes, which are then lowered into the tank. Others push the drums in place - there’s a mad scramble to fill them up with clean water.

Fights break out as some people are pushed out of the way.

“It’s always like this,” Jainisha Khatoon says. “People push and pull. We get abused. That’s when I step back.”

In 15 minutes, the water runs out and the tanker drives away, leaving many desperate people behind.

“It only comes once every 10 days or so,” says Rupa Jha, another resident.

“How do you expect it to last? We have to buy water from private suppliers.

Water’s always available but at a price.”

About 20% of Delhi’s population have no access to piped water and have to be supplied by water tankers. But the difference between demand and supply is more than 750 million litres a day.

So they have to rely on the black market - water supplied by private contractors, or “the water mafia”, as it has come to be known.

“It’s always existed here. A network of people who steal water and then supply it to those who need it,” says Anuj Porwal, a social activist from Sangam Vihar.

“They have the backing of the police and local politicians. That’s why no one can stop them,” he alleges.

The allegations have always been denied.

It costs about $10 (£6) to buy 200 litres of water from the mafia. In contrast, water provided by the city government is free, when available.

“I make about $80 a month. So you can imagine how hard it is for us to come up with that kind of cash,” says Bimla,

Delhi’s poorest are forced to pay a price for a resource that’s meant to be freely available

Under the cover of darkness, the mafia works to bridge the gap between supply and demand. It is 04:00 at Balla, a sandy enclave by the banks of the Yamuna river that flows through Delhi. The single street, with a few shops and houses on either side, is deserted save for a few stray dogs. It’s also dark - most of the streetlights are switched off or are missing.

A row of tankers sneaked through the street and then pull into one of several alleys.

Men jump out and quickly haul thick pipes which are then rigged into the tanks.

The other end of the pipes are attached to borewells sunk deep into the ground. With a low hum, thousands of litres of water are pumped into the trucks. another resident of the area.

Under the cover of darkness, the mafia works to bridge the gap between supply and demand.

It is 04:00 at Balla, a sandy enclave by the banks of the Yamuna river that flows

through Delhi.

The single street, with a few shops and houses on either side, is deserted save for a few stray dogs.

It’s also dark - most of the streetlights are switched off or are missing.

A row of tankers sneaked through the street and then pull into one of several alleys. Men jump out and quickly haul thick pipes which are then rigged into the tanks.

The other end of the pipes are attached to borewells sunk deep into the ground.

With a low hum, thousands of litres of water are pumped into the trucks.

It takes less than half an hour to fill up a truck. As one leaves, another takes its place. Details are entered into a logbook.

It’s a well organised operation that is conducted swiftly and stealthily.

“No one really challenges them because they can be dangerous,” one local resident warns us.

The men themselves are reluctant to talk.

When one does, he offers this by way of explanation: “We only supply water to those areas that need it.”

The immediate fallout of this informal, but shadowy, syndicate is that many of Delhi’s residents - especially its poorest - are paying a price for a resource that’s meant to be freely available.

But there’s a long-term impact too.

The mafia is drawing out water from India’s groundwater, which is slowly being critically depleted.

If unchecked it could lead to a potentially devastating social and economic cost.

Source: BBC

About 20% of Delhi’s population have no access to piped water

PAGE 31

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, AUGUST 2, 2016

Unpaid salaries: Striking FCTA cleaners insist on No-Pay-No-Work

By Stanley Onyekwere

D

espite passionate appeal by the Federal Capital Territory Administration to the cleaning contractor to resume work, cleaners have vowed not to go back to work until their three months’ salary arrears are paid by the administration.

Our correspondent reports that the strike action embarked upon by the cleaners since last week has already taken a different

dimension as offices within the minister’s block now stinks.

It was equally gathered that the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Babatope Ajakaiye has not approved the payment of their salaries before he embarked on his foreign trip a week ago.

The absence of the Permanent Secretary, our correspondent gathers compelled the minister, Malam Muhammad Bello to give ministerial approval for the payment of the backlogs.

However, despite the step taken by the minister, the cleaners have threatened that until their three months salaries are paid, no worker will be allowed to resume work.

One of the cleaners who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity said since the inception of this present FCT Administration, cleaners are finding it difficult to receive their salaries as when due.

“We are told last week that

the minister has approved our payment, but we are yet to receive the money.

“All we are saying is that no pay, no work. We have shown understanding with the administration in the past, but this time around, we must demand for our right,” she affirmed.

It could be recalled that last week the cleaners charged with the responsibility of cleaning the office complex of the FCT

Minister and other Agencies and Departments within the Administration embarked on industrial action over none payments of salaries arrears owned by the Administration.

The discontented cleaners who came out in large number used the occasion to pour out their anger as they rained curses on the FCT Minister and the Permanent Secretary respectively.

• 1.

Gbagi cultural troupe showcasing their rich culture, during Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Cultural Day celebration, recently at Aleita, in Abuja

Ophthalmologist tasks citizens on regular eye screening A n Ophthalmologist at the National Hospital, Abuja, Dr. Martin Chukwukaodinaka, has advised FCT residents and Nigerians at large to go for regular eye check to prevent glaucoma and other eye defects.

Chukwukaodinaka told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that most eye diseases could be prevented.

According to him, glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause progressive damage of the optic nerve at the point where it leaves the eye to carry visual information to the brain.

He said most types of glaucoma

progressed without warning or obvious symptoms to the patient.

“Glaucoma is an eye condition that develops when too much fluid pressure builds up inside the eye.

“Eye screening is very important for early detection of glaucoma, the disease cannot be prevented, but if it is diagnosed and treated early, the disease can be controlled,’’ he said.

Chukwukaodinaka said that it was estimated that 4.5 million persons globally were blind due to glaucoma.

He said that due to silent progression of the disease at least in its early stages, about 50 per cent of those affected in the

developed countries were not even aware of the disease.

The medical practitioner explained that the increased pressure which is also called Intraocular Pressure(IOP) could damage the optic nerve which transmits images to the brain.

He added that if the eye pressure continued due to the damage to the optic nerve, overtime glaucoma could cause loss of vision, stressing that the loss of vision could not be reversed.

“It was once believed that the cause of most or all glaucoma was high pressure within the eye which is known as Intraocular Pressure

(IOP).

“It is now established that some people with normal IOP may still have glaucoma, therefore, the diagnosis of glaucoma is not just based on IOP alone, but other factors would be considered along,’’ he said.

He said age incidence of glaucoma was higher from the age of 40 and above.

The eye consultant said that glaucoma usually occurred in both eyes but that it could involve each eye to a different extent.

He said glaucoma had no early symptoms or pain from increased pressure, noting that prevention was very important through

regular eye screening He said the diseases could be diagnosed and managed before long-term visual loss, adding that in cases that were beyond the normal rage, medication could be administered to manage the condition.

Chukwukaodinaka said the risk factors associated with glaucoma could be inherited in the family which posed a greater chance of contracting the diseases.

He urged the public to take a preventive measure by engaging in regular eye screening as early diagnosis of glaucoma helped in managing the condition. (NAN)

PAGE 32

Photo Splash

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, AUGUST 2, 2016

A waste collector set out for business, yesterday at Garki 2, in Abuja

A middle-aged man sitting on top of the over loaded truck along Nyanya Keffi road, yesterday in Abuja

Apprentices learning the art of auto repairs, yesterday at Area 1, Garki, in Abuja

A tailor mending clothes, yesterday at Kubwa, in Abuja

Cobbler polishes his client shoes, yesterday at Garki village, in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

PAGE 33

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, AUGUST 2, 2016

Metro

Bello reaffirms readiness to partner financial institutions on property development

By Stanley Onyekwere

T

he Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has reaffirmed the readiness of the FCT Administration to partner with financial institutions

across the country to play very important roles in property development in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Bello said such partnership would surely make available the needed funds for the rapid property development in the

Territory, with beneficial multiplier effects on the society.

Speaking when the Managing Director of the Jaiz Bank Plc, paid him a courtesy call in his office at Area 11, Garki I District of Abuja, the Minister stressed that such collaboration would

stimulate economic activities in Abuja, thereby providing skilled and unskilled employment opportunities across board.

He specifically enjoined Jaiz Bank Plc to continue to be in the forefront in participating in the property development of Abuja;

• People buying of tomato, yesterday at Zuba Central Market, in Abuja

saying that the market has a lot of untapped potentials.

“You have been known to be a very good important player in the property market and you know here in Abuja, the property market constitutes an important segment of economic activities.

“The FCT as you know has mandate for the entire Territory, which includes the six Area Councils. A lot of our interventions are commercial related.

“Some are educational or social; but whatever service we provide, the need for financial institutions like yours is always there, so we will continue to partner with you,” he added.

The Minister however noted that whatever the financial institutions do in this segment of the economy somehow impacts positively on the residents of Abuja, because the FCT Administration as well earns revenue through such activities.

According to him, “People get employed through your activities.

So, overall, there is economic development and I congratulate you for that”.

He said that the close collaboration with FCT Administration can be done through the Abuja Investment Company Limited, to leverage on what is available and by going into a very long-term arrangement for mutual development of good locations for continuous investment returns.

Speaking earlier, the Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer of Jaiz Bank Plc, Mr. Hassan Usman said that his organization has been a keen player in the socioeconomic development of the Territory, being the only financial institution with headquarters in Abuja.

The Managing Director asked the Minister to assist the Bank with a plot of land to build its head office.

Author admonishes CSOs to promote cultural heritage

G

eneral Secretary of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Abuja chapter, Salamatu Sule, has urged Vivil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the country at large to promote cultural heritage.

In a presentation entitled: “Civil Society as Agent of Mobilisation in the Promotion

of our Cultural Heritage”, at a recent workshop on Intangible Cultural Heritage in Abuja, Sule noted that civil society served as a mediatory realm between the individual and the state.

“The civil society has the ability to trigger action toward social solution to social problems. They also have the ability to sensitise and mobilise members of the society to

achieve certain socio-cultural benefits.

“Civil societies in the country should partner with the different cultures toward improved global cultural development among the various cultures within Nigeria and other parts of the world,” she said.

Sule explained that civil societies should promote Nigeria as a brand and place the country

in a global cultural space.

According to her, they should also create awareness and programmes which enhances cultural relation for tourists and bring other culture under a specific platform such as the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

“Civil societies in the country should help in the promotion of indigenous languages as well as documentation.

“They should bring state actors from various parts of the country and the world to identify cultural sites and festivals in the effort to expose the different cultures to the world.

“Writers are the mirror of the society and will continue to do so for the growth of our socio-cultural and political revolution,” she said.

(NAN)

PAGE 34

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, AUGUST 2, 2016

Money Sense

Get your cash flow in the right direction Pick the right type of mortgage to suit your needs “Making more money will not solve your problems if cash flow management is your problem.”

– Robert Kiyosaki

C

ash flow is the backbone in money management. Without a good cash flow, it will be difficult to execute a long-term financial.

A healthy cash flow is essential if one wants to achieve financial freedom. In case you are facing challenges in this area of personal finance, here are some tips that you can immediately apply: Track your expenses Cash flow has two aspects: Income and expenses. If you are employed, it is easy to track your income since it is coming from one source.

What’s more difficult for many is the tracking of expenses. It would seem tedious to list down every peso that we spend, so making this task as convenient as possible would help.

I use my planner to list down my daily expenses. From there, I will transfer them to a spreadsheet (either daily or weekly) that summarizes my monthly expenses. Some people might prefer using some mobile application

for tracking expenses. My problem with that is that I don’t get to see the overall picture of my expenses and budget so I prefer the spreadsheet.

You may also want to upload this file so you can access and update it anytime. MoneyMax. ph also suggested budget mobile apps such as Expensify, Wally, Money Monitor, and Monefy to do expense tracking while on the go. It is a tedious process, but like any business, it is an important step.

Set your budget The main reason for setting a budget is to make sure you don’t overspend and go beyond your means. So this step is as important as tracking your expenses. To start, look into your ATM and wallet and add the total amount of money you have. List down all the things you will be spending on from today until the next payday. Make sure you don’t exceed the total amount of money you currently have. In case you are going overboard, you can set the excess expenses as payables to be deducted from your next salary. Do the same on the next payday.

You’ll probably go beyond the budget a month or two of doing this, but once you get the hang of

JEREMY JESSLEY TAN, RFP things, it’ll get better.

Consolidate your debts In case your cash flow is showing that you are paying too many debts, it would be a good idea to find a way to consolidate them into just one payable. This way, it will not be confusing and you could also save paying too much interest. The immediate step when you have too much debt to worry about is to look for a source with a lower interest rate that will pay off all the other debts.

Assess which expenses to cut Whenever I track expenses with my clients, almost always I will see them surprised that they are spending so much on an item or two.

Once you realize that you are spending more on an item, you will now be conscious and you will reduce that, assuming you have the will to really change your spending habits. Going cold turkey on some unnecessary expenses will be difficult, but not impossible. In case it will be a challenge, start by lowering your budget for those items rather than cutting them off completely.

Find other sources of income You’ll be surprised; reducing some expenses

is actually the easy part. Finding other sources of income to boost your cash flow is definitely a lot harder simply because your enemy is time.

It is, however, very possible for one to have multiple sources of income. All you need are good time management and a strong resolve to fix your cash flow problems. A word of caution, though, more money doesn’t necessarily mean that cash flow problems will be solved. More income would just mean more money and more expenses to track.

These tips for getting your cash flow in the right direction make a good start. These tips can get more personal depending on one’s current situation. It can also get a little more complicated depending on the financial mess one is in. What is important is that there is a plan to get out of the mess and set the path in the right direction—the path towards financial freedom.

Jeremy Jessley Tan, RFP is financial adviser and a member of the Registered Financial Planner Association. He has shared financial advice at various channels such as Money Sense Magazine, ANC On The Money, and the Money Summit and Wealth Expo.

The right path to riches Seth and Rachel have all their money invested in real estate. Can they still retire at 65?

By Julie Cazzin

E

ight years ago, Seth and Rachel Jacobson of Edmonton met through an online dating website. The two hit it off right away in their initial meeting at a local diner. “We realized immediately that we had a lot in common,” says Rachel, 37, an office manager in Edmonton. “We both love adventure travel and given that we both spent time studying theology in bible college, our philosophy about life and how to live it meshed nicely.” (We’ve changed names to protect privacy.)

Where they standWhile the couple have two dogs, their focus shifted this past year. Now, they want to start a family—hoping for two or three children over the next five years. Trouble is, the Jacobsons consider themselves novices when it comes to investing in anything besides real estate and they’re afraid they’ve missed the boat when it comes to building a financial portfolio. Currently, they own a house and two rental properties—all of which have mortgages. “One of us grew up in a very religious home where investing was considered ‘worldly’ and not ‘planning for heaven,’” says Seth, who works in communications for a local college. “So we’ve come late to investing in stocks or mutual funds. But we’re realizing that we may have too many eggs in the real estate basket and I don’t know how to change that.”

Between them, Seth and Rachel make about $140,000 in household income and their three properties are worth approximately $1,065,000, although they still owe just under $600,000 on the mortgages. The couple also has $708,850 in savings with the majority invested in GICs and roughly $145,000 invested in their TFSAs and RRSPs. They also have another $83,000 sitting in various bank accounts. “We parked our money here because we’re unsure of where to invest outside of real estate,” says Seth.

The crux of the couple’s frustration is whether or not they should be using TFSAs and RRSPs more strategically. Right now, the couple is on track to pay off all their mortgages by the time Seth turns 65. This debt repayment is helped, in part, by the $5,000 in net income they earn each year from their rental properties. If finding a good investment strategy wasn’t challenging enough, Seth and Rachel have decided that once they have children, they will remain a one-income family for 12 to 14 years, with their children being homeschooled by Rachel. Their priority now is to grow their family. “I’m undergoing fertility treatments

and we’ve put our names on adoption lists. We want a full and happy family life,” says Rachel.

But Seth is worried. “Looking at the numbers and facing the fact that I’m 45, I don’t know how we’re going to reconcile our goals to have a family with our desire to retire at 65,” says Seth. “Are both these goals still achievable for us?”

The good news is that Seth and Rachel were able to prioritize their goals, and for this couple, family now comes first. In fact, this goal is so important they are willing to cut back on many of their expenses, including the $14,000 they give annually to charity. However, cutting out charitable donations completely isn’t an option. It was Seth’s generosity that first drew Rachel to him: “He had strong religious beliefs, was frugal and made charitable giving a priority,” says Rachel.

“Add that to his adventurous side and his love for travel and I was drawn to him.“ Both Seth and Rachel were raised in religious families where giving was a priority. “When we have kids, we will bring our charitable giving down to whatever is within our means,” says Rachel. “The amount itself is not critical to us.”

Having goals and values that are the same is certainly an advantage and this is, in part, because both Rachel and Seth attended bible college in their twenties. Each one then went on to complete college diplomas—in communications for Seth and in office management for Rachel. When they met online in 2006, they immediately recognized their shared values and joys. This has translated into some wonderful adventures for Seth and Rachel. “This was a first marriage for both of us and we’ve enjoyed a lot of travel, including a $6,000 safari in Africa last year,” says Rachel. “When we have a family, we plan to keep travelling, but just doing it different. Maybe doing some homeexchange vacations and throwing some housesitting into the mix.”

Another big advantage is the couple’s ability to save. Before marrying in 2010, both Seth and Rachel each bought a duplex. (Rachel bought the investment property with her sister, while Seth went at it alone.) After marrying the two bought a home together just outside of Edmonton. Today, the house has a market value of $440,000 and there is $287,013 left on the mortgage. “One day we’d like to have a small home in the country, but we realize that’s a lot of work,” says Seth. “So for now, we plan to stay in our home.”

Right now, what worries them is the fact that their debt repayment has been at a minimum,

while their savings are ballooning. In addition to their home mortgage, they also owe $309,000 on their rental properties as well as $74,290 in other personal debt, including a car loan, equity line of credit and a personal loan that was used to pay for their trip to Africa. “Unfortunately, all we did over the past five years was make regular biweekly payments on our principal residence—no extra payments, mainly because interest rates were so low and we were planning to build savings for another rental property,” says Seth.Where they stand “The truth is, real estate investing has been good to us and we’ve been building up cash because we’re considering the purchase of a third rental property,” says Seth. “But I think a good stock portfolio also has its merits. We’re unsure of what to do next.”

Seth points out that his parents never discussed money but managed and saved well. “Dad thought the stock market was too risky, but never lived beyond his means,” says Seth. “I’m like him in that I believe in the value of looking for a good deal, and Dad’s wisdom of ‘I can save even more if I don’t buy it,’ has guided me through life.” This philosophy hasn’t stopped the couple from living, though. Each year they spend about $2,500 on two separate trips to Saskatoon to visit Seth’s ailing parents. They also spend about $2,200 each year on their two black labs—Goldi and Pablo.

This leaves the couple just over $13,000 each year to invest, but that may change dramatically when Rachel leaves her job to become a full-time mom.

“These expenses probably won’t go down much,” says Rachel, “but everything else is available for trimming.”

But the couple’s indecision has led to paralysis and confusion when it comes to choosing an investment strategy. “Our limited investment knowledge gets in the way of making good decisions,” says Seth.

For instance, Seth doesn’t know if he should maximize his own RRSP savings, given that he’s been a member of his company’s defined benefit pension plan for the last 11 years. With eyes on the long term, Seth is concerned that the pension won’t provide enough money for their retirement at age 65. “We’ll have three kids at that time who will still need to be supported in some way or another,” says Seth. “If it means working past age 65 that may be a compromise I will have to make for the family.”

To overcome their concerns, the couple reads about investing and they like the idea of building

a low-cost, passive portfolio with ETFs and index funds. But they’re still not sure of two things: their risk tolerance and how much money they’ll need once Rachel leaves the workforce. “We’ll be a oneincome family for a while so that’s challenging,” says Seth.

What the experts say Seth and Rachel Jacobson are doing lots of things right. Their two greatest assets are a solid household income coupled with the fact that they see eye-to-eye in their philosophies about life and money. “They strike me as being two very capable people who are surrounded by a lot of noise which leaves them feeling scattered,” says Julia Chung, a certified financial planner with JYC Financial in Vancouver. “They have to pick one priority and, right now, that’s growing their family. Then their financial goals need to suit that life goal.” Here’s what the couple should do.

Pay down their debts. With a growing family, the Jacobsons will have many years ahead with a lower household income and higher expenses.

Annie Kvick, a certified financial planner in Vancouver says they should focus on paying off their personal debts (their credit card, line of credit, car loan, etc.) before Rachel goes on maternity leave.

The couple also needs to cut their charitable donations to $1,000 a year, from $14,000. Do all this and, along with Seth’s income and the $5,000 in rental income, they should have an annual household income around $65,000—enough to live well as a one-income family, says Kvick.

Reconsider real estate. Right now, the Jacobson’s have 77% of their assets in real estate.

That’s too much, say the experts. “It makes sense to diversify,” says Chung. “Any additional real estate purchases should be put on hold until their primary goal of having and managing a family has been realized.” Heather Franklin, a financial planner in Toronto, goes one step further: She thinks the Jacobsons should sell one of their rental properties and use the proceeds to pay off the mortgage on their principal residence. “If they sold both rental properties they could pay down their mortgage and their personal debt and get close to debt-free, an ideal position when living on one income and starting a family,” says Franklin.

Maximize Rachel’s RRSPs. Chung advises Rachel to top up her RRSP while she’s still working. This will give her a tax rebate each year and that can be used to further pay down debt. “It will also give her some RRSP savings to draw on, if the need arises, when she’s raising the kids.”

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News From Africa

South Africa Opposition Smells Upset in Municipal Elections A

member of South Africa’s opposition Democratic Alliance said President Jacob Zuma’s rhetoric ahead of Wednesday’s municipal elections is a sign of desperation -that the once mighty African National Congress [ANC] may be losing ground to the opposition in terms of popularity.

President Zuma on Sunday admonished South Africans to vote for the ANC so that the party will continue to improve their lives.

The ANC controls a majority of the country’s 278 cities, but a new opinion poll shows the ANC is threatened in Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Port Elizabeth.

Sheila Camerer, a former South African ambassador and a member of the Democratic Alliance party said this time around, many South Africans will not listen to President Zuma because they feel their lives have not been improved under years of ANC rule.

“The statistics and opinion

polls indicate that the ANC will have an uphill battle to hold on to three big metros in this country, namely Port Elizabeth, called Nelson Mandela Bay, or Pretoria, which is called Tshwane, and Johannesburg where the Democratic Alliance is polling ahead of the ANC in two of them and level pegging in Johannesburg with the ANC,” she said.

Camerer accused President Zuma of using all kinds of “peculiar rhetoric” to urge people to vote for the ANC. “He said yesterday that the ancestors will come back to hunt everybody if they didn’t vote for the ANC, which is ridiculous.

He’s also using a number of racist remarks in his urging for people to vote,” she said.

President Zuma defended the ANC at a Johannesburg rally on Sunday saying, “The ANC wants an end to all forms of corruption and will diligently pursue all those who are corrupt.”

Zuma also said the opposition Democratic Alliance is a party that

South Sudan Appointed Delegation to UN Questioned

A

spokesman for Sudanese opposition leader Riek Machar has called on the international community not to engage or acknowledge Taban Deng Gai, who recently replaced Machar as the deputy to South Sudan President Salva Kiir.

Machar’s spokesman James Gadet Dak says the peace accord signed between President Kiir and Machar has collapsed following Kiir’s decision to appoint Taban Deng Gai. Deng was the chief negotiator for the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in opposition (SPLM-IO) in talks with the government in Juba to end the country’s recent conflict.

“The peace agreement is collapsing because we are at war now… As fighting is going on now around Juba. They have attacked our positions around Juba for the last number of days. So fighting has been continuing and President Salva Kiir has been violating the cease-fire which they declared…

So there is no peace agreement and implementation,” said Dak. “We have been calling for a deployment of a third force in Juba so that the situation can be corrected. But if that does not happen, then we would be forced to move on to Juba and take control of the capital, so this is the situation we are in now.”

South Sudan has been ripped apart by political and ethnic violence since fighting erupted between pro-Kiir and pro-Machar

army factions in December 2013.

Tens of thousands of people have died and more than two million have been displaced from their homes, many to neighboring countries.

A peace deal between the government and opposition signed last August led to creation of a transitional government with Machar as first vice president. But the agreement was severely tested this month by several days of fighting in Juba that killed at least 300 people.

Machar has not been seen in public since attending a news conference at the presidential palace on July 8.

South Sudan’s second Vice President James Wani Igga said Deng would soon lead a delegation to the United Nations in New York to explain the new changes made to the opposition party. He also said President Kiir has encouraged the SPLM-IO members currently In Juba to meet officials of regional bloc, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to dispel any suspicions that may have arisen from the replacement of Machar.

“The United Nations should not give him an audience because he is illegitimate; his nomination was illegal and his appointment was illegal. So he should not be given an audience in New York by the United Nations to try to justify his nomination,” said Dak.

Schoolgirls walk past election posters for the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, ahead of local government elections, July 29, 2016.

only cares for black people on the eve of an election. He said, “No white party can run this country.”

President Zuma’s second term ends in 2019 and he is not eligible greatly under nearly 22 years of ANC rule.

“The reason why they are not going to heed his call is that a majority of people that he’s appealing to feel that their lives haven’t been improved at all. And the only big city where one can say without contradiction that things have improved is the Western Cape and Cape Town which is controlled by the Democratic Alliance,” Camerer said.

to run for president again. He also been plagued by allegations of corruption, and some say Wednesday’s municipal elections could be seen as a referendum on But Zuma insisted Sunday that, “The ANC will ensure that all Local Municipalities, District Municipalities and Metropolitan cities achieve unqualified audits and spend their budgets on what has been approved in councils.”

However Camerer said things are looking good for the Democratic Alliance and other opposition parties as the Wednesday vote approaches.

“And there is a serious chance

Zuma’s rule.

Camerer said this time around, some black South Africans are feeling disillusioned because they feel their lives have not improved that power can be taken away from the ANC in at least two of those metros, possibly or even probably in a coalition between opposition parties,” Camerer said.

The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has rejected fresh demands from the opposition that elections be held and President Joseph Kabila step down by December 20 of this year.

Addressing his supporters in

DRC Government Rejects Opposition Demand for Election by Year’s End

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he government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has rejected fresh demands from the opposition that elections be held and President Joseph Kabila step down by December 20 of this year.

Addressing his supporters in Kinshasa on Sunday, opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi reportedly said it would be “high treason” if Kabila did not launch the electoral process by September.

“I think it is not ignorance but irresponsibility because President Kabila is not in charge of organizing election. According Congolese law, it is the electoral commission that organizes elections, and the electoral commission has already announced that there is no way to organize election before the end of this year because the electoral census has started and will not end before 10 months,” information minister Lambert Mende told VOA. The 83-year-old veteran opposition

Supportes of Congo opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi, rear, hold up a cross that symbolizes no third term for Congo President Joseph Kabila, during a political rally in Kinshasa, Congo, Wednesday, July 31, 2016.

leader Tshisekedi returned last week to Democratic Republic of Congo after spending two years abroad for medical reasons. Sunday’s rally reportedly drew tens of thousands of supporters.

Opposition parties claim President Kabilia just wants to stay in power

The opposition has repeatedly accused President Kabila of working to push off elections to stay in office after his second mandate expires in December, something the government denies citing logistical challenges with the vote.

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PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, AUGUST 2, 2016

Russian Military Helicopter Downed in Syria, Killing 5

Asia&Middle-east

New Security Laws Launched in Malaysia

A

Russian military helicopter was shot down Monday in northwestern Syria, killing all five people on board.

Russia’s defense ministry said the transport helicopter was hit as it returned from delivering humanitarian aid to the city of Aleppo, and that the dead included two officers and three crew members.

Russian forces have been conducting airstrikes in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government since September of last year.

The conflict between Assad’s forces and rebels who want him out of power has been going on since March 2011 when peaceful protests spiraled into a civil war that includes multiple rebel groups as well as Islamic State militants battling for territory.

The Syrian government said Sunday it is ready to resume U.N.-sponsored peace talks with the opposition in Geneva at the end of August without preconditions or “external influence.”

Uber sells Chinese business to DidiChuxing

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he two firms have been fierce competitors, but DidiChuxing dominates the Chinese market with an 87% share.

Uber China launched in 2014 but has failed to make any profit so far.

Cheng Wei, founder and chief executive of DidiChuxing, said the two companies had “learned a great deal from each other over the past two years in China’s burgeoning new economy”.

He added that the deal would “set the mobile transportation industry on a healthier, more sustainable path of growth at a higher level”.

As part of the deal, Mr Cheng will join the board of Uber, while Uber chief executive Travis Kalanick will join Didi’s board.

Uber’s China business will retain its separate branding while US-based Uber Technologies will hold a stake of about 17.5% in the combined company.

DidiChuxing is backed by Chinese internet giants Tencent and Alibaba, and has also invested in Uber’s rival US taxi-booking service Lyft.

Three jailed for India mother and daughter gang rape

T Malaysian Prime Minister NajibRazak addresses delegates during his speech at the Malaysia’s ruling party United Malays National Organization’s (UMNO) anniversary celebration.

C

ritics say the new measures give Prime Minister NajibRazak sweeping emergency powers which could be used to trample on human rights.

The new law enables Najib to suspend civil liberties whenever he believes there is a security threat.

Josef Benedict, Amnesty International’s deputy director for South East Asia and the Pacific, said “the government now has spurned checks and assumed potentially abusive power.”

The United Nations human rights regional office said it was “gravely concerned” that the laws may encourage

human rights violations and lead to “unjust restrictions” on free speech and assembly.

The new legislation was passed as the prime minister is embroiled in a corruption scandal. Critics see the new laws as a way for Najib to hold on to power.

The prime minister has been under fire since revelations surfaced that he received about $700 million in his private bank accounts that appeared to have come from the state-owned investment fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad or 1MDB. Najib has denied all accusations of wrongdoing, insisting

the money was a political donation from someone in the Middle East whom he has refused to identify.

In the largest initiative of its kind by the U.S. Justice Department’s Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative, authorities in the United Sates have initiated measures to seize more than $1 billion worth of luxury real estate, artworks, jewelry and even rights to a Hollywood movie that authorities allege were obtained with assets stolen from the 1MDB fund, which Najib founded in 2009 and now is owned by the finance ministry that the prime minister controls.

Life among barrel bombs for Aleppo’s children

A

leppo, Syria - Eight months ago, Hala’s mother was killed in front of her when a shell struck the family’s home in rebelheld eastern Aleppo.

“Whenever I remember this moment, my tears just fall by themselves,” Hala, 14, told Al Jazeera.

“Even after we moved to another house, I have been having nightmares, and I awake suddenly in the middle of the night and I just can’t sleep again,” she said. “I feel very exhausted.”

Regardless of how many civilians

manage to leave besieged Aleppo in the coming days or weeks, the psychological scars left on the city’s children will take much longer to heal, doctors say.

Some 300,000 civilians remain in the opposition-held part of the city, 60 percent of whom are women and children, according to Save the Children.

The Russian and Syrian governments announced last week that civilians and any fighters who surrendered would be allowed to leave the city via humanitarian corridors, but Amnesty International

expressed scepticism, noting that even if safe routes were provided, this “will not avert a humanitarian catastrophe”.

John Kahler, a paediatrician from Chicago who recently visited Aleppo on a voluntary medical mission with the Syrian American Medical Society - one of the biggest organisations still providing healthcare inside the country - said the situation has become increasingly dire.

“It was powers of 10 worse than what I expected. You can’t expect it if you haven’t seen it - whole blocks were bombed out,” he told Al Jazeera.

‘We do have a lot of cases of mental health and children really badly affected, psychosocially, by the

hree men suspected of participating in the gang rape of a woman and her teenage daughter have been sent to jail for 14 days as investigations continue.

The two were dragged out of a car by a group of men along a highway between Noida, a Delhi suburb, and Kanpur city on Friday, reports said.

Three male relatives travelling with them were assaulted and tied up.

The incident has caused outrage across the country and raised questions about police efficiency.

Some of the victims alleged that they got no response from the official helpline number.

One of the men who was attacked told the Hindustan Times newspaper that the line had been continually busy and that when they finally got through, the officer at the other end of the line had “repeatedly asked questions instead of rescuing the family”.

Family members also alleged that a police van had driven past the field in Bulandshahr area where the incident took place, but had not stopped.

Senior police officer SujeetPandey told BBC Hindi on Monday that the three men, who were arrested on Sunday, were remanded in prison after they were identified by their victims.

Three more men were detained today, he added.

The Uttar Pradesh state government has suspended seven policemen in connection with the incident and set up a 300-member taskforce to investigate the incident.

The family was also robbed of money, jewellery and their mobile phones.

Scrutiny of sexual violence in India has grown since the 2012 gang rape and murder of a student on a Delhi bus.

However, brutal sexual attacks against women and children continue to be reported across the country.

The incident has caused outrage across the country, and raised questions about police efficiency

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, AUGUST 2, 2016

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Europe & Americas

Turkey Captures Soldiers Allegedly Linked to Coup as Crackdown Intensifies

Turkey President RecepTayyipErdogan, left, reviews officers of the special police forces, at their headquarters in Ankara, Turkey, Friday, July 29, 2016.

T

urkish forces detained 11 soldiers Monday who are suspected of attacking a hotel where President RecepTayyipErdogan was staying during an attempted coup in mid-

July.

The captures were made near the resort town of Marmaris, and followed the detention last week of several other soldiers accused of targeting Erdogan. The president

had been vacationing in Marmaris on July 15 when the attempt to overthrow his government began and has said he left his hotel shortly before a group of soldiers attacked.

Monday’s captures are the latest in a crackdown against those who allegedly played a role in the attempted coup.

Sunday, the government dismissed nearly 1,400 military personnel, including Erdogan’s top military adviser, as the president also brought the country’s armed forces under civilian rule.

More than 50,000 people have now lost their jobs across the country and more than 18,000 have been detained in connection with the coup attempt, which the government has blamed on Muslim cleric FethullahGulen.

Gulen is an Erdogan opponent who has lived in the United States for nearly two decades and has denied any connection in the uprising. Turkey has demanded the U.S. extradite the 75-year-old Gulen and sent documents on his alleged involvement in the failed coup to U.S. officials.

The top U.S. military officer, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford, is visiting Turkey Monday as part of a trip to assess the battle against the Islamic State group. The U.S.-led coalition conducting airstrikes against the militants has been using Incirlik airbase in southern

Just how powerful are France’s labour unions?

A

few days into the European football championship, Irish and Swedish fans in green and yellow football shirts stood bewildered amid the crowd at a Parisian train station. They had unexpectedly discovered a French speciality: a railway strike in opposition to a labour law reform, enacted after four months of social unrest, had cut the main line leading to the stadium, forcing thousands of fans to make last-minute travel arrangements.

In June, the French strikes made international headlines as rubbish piled up in the streets, trains and planes were cancelled, and oil refineries paralysed - overshadowing the start of one of the world’s biggest sporting events.

Although France hosted more than a million tourists for the tournament, while being under a state of emergency since the attacks in November, French workers did not relinquish their right to strike.

From March to July, unions organised 12 days of protests and strikes opposing a new labour law that “offers total freedom to employers and constitutes a historical setback for workers’ rights”, according to the General Confederation of Labor (CGT), France’s biggest and oldest

Demonstrators march in Paris during an anti-labour law protest [Paul Fargues/Al Jazeera]

union.

Its main contested articles were the introduction of a 46-hour working week - up from 35 - allowing employers to lower wages for extra work hours, and facilitating lay-offs for economic purposes.

On July 21, Prime Minister Manuel Valls used Article 49-3 of the constitution, allowing the government to force through the legislation without a parliamentary debate and vote. This action, criticised by both the right-wing

opposition and socialist dissidents, abruptly ended four months of social unrest.

Christiane Taubira, a former justice minister in President Francois Hollande’s government, who resigned earlier this year, tweeted her opposition, saying in French: “Reciprocal institutional violence, 49-3 and defiance, are always failures. Without debate, democracy is a dead star.”

Francois Fillon, a member of the right-wing opposition Republican

party and former French prime minister, decried the move on French radio as “the symbol of Hollande’s term: imposture and incompetence”.

In response, unions called for new strikes and protests in September.

The right to strike, enshrined in France’s constitution, has shaped the country’s social structure. In an era of global economic liberalisation, France’s propensity for paralysing strikes stands out as a rare exception, but for how much longer?

Turkey for about a year after getting approval from Erdogan.

The Turkish government Monday also summoned Germany’s charge d’affaires after a German court ruling prevented Erdogan from addressing by video a rally in the city of Cologne Sunday that drew tens of thousands of his supporters. An Erdogan spokesman called the ruling a violation of free expression.

Mexico violence: Eleven killed in Acapulco

P

olice in the Mexican resort town of Acapulco say eight people were killed there on Sunday and the bodies of another three found in a shallow grave.

The town, which used to be one of Mexico’s most popular tourist spots, has seen a rise in violence in recent years as criminal gangs fight for control over illegal activities.

According to a recent report, the city is now the most violent in Mexico.

The government wants to bring the city back to its former popularity.

Officials from the Guerrero state prosecutor’s office said three men were killed and another injured in a shoot-out in a bar in the early hours of Sunday.

Also on Sunday, two men and a woman were found murdered in a car. Their bodies showed signs of torture.

In the port area of the city, two young men were killed in their vehicles in separate incidents.

And an anonymous call led police to a shallow grave on the outskirts of the port, where they found the remains of three people.

The Guerrero state prosecutor had warned of a rise in violent incidents less than two weeks ago following the jailing of a local drug lord.

He said taking David Analco Palma, alias El Deivid, off the streets would create “a reaction” and a “reshuffle” among criminals active in the area.

In July, the Mexican government announced a plan to “restore the glory” of the resort town, which was once a popular destination for celebrities and Hollywood film stars.

Despite the arrest of a number of high-profile criminals in Guerrero state and beyond, the government has struggled to curb the high levels of murder in some of the states most affected by drug-related violence.

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, AUGUST 2, 2016

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Strange

world

A father, a son, and a machine When his father died young, Evan Rosenbaum formed an attachment to the Apple computer his dad left behind.

By David Zax

E

van Rosenbaum was 2 years old when his father brought home the Power Macintosh 7100.

This was 1994, and the 7100, a new personal computer from Apple, was a hefty gray console, hardly anything to look at. (It would be three years before Steve Jobs fatefully met the designer Jony Ive.) Nevertheless, the computer was cutting edge at the time, and Rosenbaum’s father, Howard, an accountant with entrepreneurial aspirations, unboxed it with delight. He installed it in the woodpaneled den overlooking the backyard of his Long Island home.

Apple Power Macintosh 7100Source Photo: via Wikimedia “I just remember how excited he was, setting it up, seeing what it could do,” Rosenbaum says. Howard sat his young son on his lap, and together they explored the computer. His father showed Rosenbaum how to move the mouse around, how to type on the keyboard. They tried out various applications, including AppleWorks, a drawing program, and HyperCard, a user-friendly programming tool. Similar joyful moments at the computer repeated themselves many times over the next few months.

But then, Howard passed away suddenly, stricken with a heart attack at 35. Since Rosenbaum himself was only 2, the memories of the 7100 emerged as his strongest— almost his only—memories of his dad. Over the next few years, Rosenbaum began to associate the machine very strongly with his father. More than in the framed photos around the house, more even than at his gravesite, Howard seemed to live on, for his son, in that humming gray console in the wood-paneled den.

When Rosenbaum turned 3, then 4, he spent more and more time with the 7100. He played Sim City on it, but soon realized he was more interested in creating his own games than playing ones others had made. He became adept at Hypercard, programming a Tic-Tac-Toe game on his own.

Anytime Rosenbaum had a moment of joyful discovery on the 7100, he remembered the same excitement his father had expressed playing with it.

Rosenbaum didn’t realize the degree to which he associated his dad with the 7100 until the year he turned 6. That year, the 7100 began to slow down considerably.

There were applications he had seen on other kids’ computers—PrintMaster, Kid Pix—that couldn’t run on the 7100. He realized that you couldn’t use the same computer forever, that there was such a thing as a hardware upgrade.

Without thinking too heavily about the implications, he asked his mother for a new machine.

One day in September, just as kindergarten was about to begin, the Sony Vaio came. Rosenbaum and his mother set it up on the desk next to the 7100. He looked at the Vaio, he recalls, with a “mix of sadness and joy.” He was excited to have the new computer. But he couldn’t bear to get rid of the old one yet. If his mother proposed bringing the 7100 up to the attic, he resisted. He would still need to use some applications on the 7100 for a while, he explained to her. She left him alone with the two computers side by side.

Rosenbaum hesitated to turn on the Vaio. “I knew the moment I pressed that power button, I’d be losing a dayto-day connection with him,” he says, referring to Howard.

Finally, he steeled himself, and switched on the Vaio.

Its opening animation came up, and Rosenbaum felt a glimmer of excitement: “It was a moment of joy that

helped end the moment of sadness,” he says. He began to play around on the new machine, just as he and his father had played around on the 7100. The connection with his father was about the joy of exploring computers generally, he tried to tell himself. Not about one particular machine.

Even so, for the next several months, as he got acquainted with the Vaio, Rosenbaum insisted on keeping the 7100 nearby. Every week, his mother would suggest they take it up to the attic, and every week, Rosenbaum would find a reason to keep it in the den. Finally, he relented. His mother took the 7100 upstairs and into the bathroom, where a door at the rear of a closet led to an elevated attic space. She left the 7100 up there and closed the door behind it.

It wasn’t easy letting go, Rosenbaum says. But he knew Howard would have wanted him to upgrade to a better computer. “He wouldn’t want me to be stuck in the past, using a computer from the early ‘90s forever.”

Rosenbaum became adept at the Vaio. As before, whenever he made a discovery on the new machine—when he learned to record TV shows with a TV tuner card, for instance—he knew it was a moment that would have thrilled his dad.

Yet even as he tried to become platform-agnostic about the way he associated his memory of his father with computers, Rosenbuam still felt a strong pull to the 7100.

In the months following its move to the attic, Rosenbaum would occasionally be brushing his teeth and glance at the closet. Every so often he’d go inside, open the door at the rear, climb a step or two so that his head was level with the 7100, and look at it.

In 2002, his mother purchased an iMac, restoring Apple to the Rosenbaums’ home. (A Powerbook G4 and a MacbookPro would follow.) Rosenbaum was using Apple machines again on a day-to-day basis, and his attachment to the 7100 in the attic grew more faint, his visits to it more sporadic.

At age 14, he watched Steve Jobs give the keynote announcing the iPhone. The excitement in Jobs’s voice was palpable, and not unlike his own father’s excitement over the 7100 all those years ago. And though the initial iPhone didn’t open its ecosystem broadly to developers, that didn’t stop Rosenbaum. He founded a platform called iGiki to make apps for Apple’s revolutionary gadget. He juggled high school coursework with correspondence with developers in China he employed. He wrote college essays about his relationship with his father and his founding

of iGiki, and soon headed to Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Two years later, Philadelphia magazine would dub him one of the smartest people in the city.

In 2013, about a year before graduating from Wharton, Rosenbaum cofounded a group messaging app called Blend. Today, Rosenbaum is the company’s chief product officer. Blend has over 300,000 active users from around the world, and the company has received over $9 million in venture funding.

Last year, after securing his latest round of funding, Rosenbaum climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. He then flew back to his family home on Long Island, which he hadn’t visited in some time. He caught up with his mother and went upstairs and went to sleep.

The next morning, he entered the bathroom near his room. He went up into the attic space, and there it was: the 7100. A tarp lay draped over it. During Hurricane Sandy, he had called home to ask his mother to cover it, in case the roof leaked.

He removed the tarp and took the computer downstairs to his room. Eager to boot it up, he didn’t bother to clear a space on his desk, setting it up right on the floor. He worried for a moment that the machine might not work at all. It was over 20 years old, after all. But then he heard the familiar rattle of the fan, and icons began to appear on the monitor.

Rosenbaum had done this occasionally over the years, whenever he had hit a major milestone and wanted a moment to relate to his father’s memory more strongly.

Now, on the floor of his room, Rosenbaum opened HyperCard and other applications, looking at some of the files they’d created together. As he did so, he engaged in an imagined conversation with his dad. Howard asked how Blend was going, and Rosenbaum told him.

His father asked what sort of technology they were using, and Rosenbaum told him. In this back-and-forth, Howard was proud of his son for the traction of his app, for the investment he had secured. He was proud that his son had made good on the spirit of entrepreneurship he himself hadn’t had time to act on.

After a while, Rosenbaum powered down the 7100 and returned it to its resting place. “I felt a sadness bringing it back up to the attic,” he recalls. “But also a joy that I had the opportunity to update him.” www. fastcompany.com

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PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, AUGUST 2, 2016

Digest

Humans never stopped evolving The emergence of blood abnormalities, an adult ability to digest milk, and changes in our physical appearance point to the continued evolution of the human race.

By John Hawks

N

atural selection is tricky to catch in action. As Darwin put it, “A grain in the balance will determine which individual shall live and which shall die.” The grain in the balance—the slightly increased chance that organisms carrying one gene variant will fail in the struggle for existence—is the cost of selection. It is almost invisible, only becoming statistically evident when viewed across thousands of individuals, who may display only subtle differences in the affected character.

In the human population, the toll of natural selection is hidden within millions of deaths and births around the world every year. Everyone dies, many tragically young. And while obvious patterns sometimes emerge from early deaths—certain diseases, traffic accidents, drug overdoses—these are often challenging to connect to the action of genes.

Likewise, only by comparing the genes of parents with those of childless people, and the genes of large families with those of small families, can we begin to understand how natural selection is acting on births.

Six years ago, Yale University’s Stephen Stearns and colleagues took advantage of a long-running study in Framingham, Massachusetts, to assess whether the effects of natural selection could be discerned among the people in the multigenerational study population.

Over the last seven decades, public-health researchers have been monitoring the residents of Framingham, noting their vital statistics as well as blood sugar and cholesterol levels to understand the factors that lead to heart disease. As the initial group of research subjects got older, the study started to include their children, and then their grandchildren. The records provide a unique view of the health of a segment of the American population since 1948.

When Stearns and his coworkers analyzed the data, they found lots of evidence that selection was occurring, albeit with many curious patterns. Shorter women had more children than taller women, and heavier women had more children than lighter women. For men, height and weight weren’t as correlated with fecundity. High or low blood-sugar readings in both men and women were associated with fewer offspring, and the age at which individuals had their first child also seemed to influence lifetime reproduction—people who had their first child younger ended up with larger families.1 The results left scientists frustrated. To what extent are these traits—stature and age at first birth, for example—heritable? What other factors are shaping the population? Age at first birth is surely influenced by cultural factors that can confound the attempt to tease out the contribution of genes.

To get at those kinds of details, we need to combine records of traits with a look at the genes themselves.

That kind of research is just now becoming possible.

Last month, for example, Harvard University’s Jonathan Beauchamp published a study in which he compared known gene variants with relative lifetime reproductive success (rLRS)—a proxy for the number of biological offspring an individual has—in people of European descent living in the U.S. and enrolled in the Health and Retirement Study. In this cohort, Beauchamp found evidence that evolution may have selected against educational attainment, while favoring a higher age at menarche for women.

Although he notes that cultural and environmental factors may have overridden the effects of natural selection, he makes the case that humans do continue to evolve.2 In the blood The first solid evidence of natural selection in recent human populations was found in blood. Type B blood is common across central Asia, but much rarer in other places.

Newly identified blood types outside the ABO system have also been found, and each has a distinctive geographical distribution. One of the most extreme is the Duffy blood type, which has three different versions, or alleles, just like the ABO system. One of these types, Duffy “null,” occurs in up to 95 percent of people in sub-Saharan Africa, but is very rare among people whose ancestry comes from other parts of the world.

In addition to blood type, researchers have investigated

“

the evolution of blood disorders and abnormalities.

One of the most interesting The advanis a deficiency of the enzyme lucose-6-phosphate tage of lactase gdehydrogenase (G6PD), persistence which helps maintain red blood cells. An insufficient was enorlevel of this enzyme mous, perhaps occasionally causes extreme, lethal health problems, the strongest even but is better known for known for any causing a reaction to fava in people suffering RECENT hu- beans from the deficiency. Other man trait. blood peculiarities include the sickle cell trait, reduced production of hemoglobin (alpha thalassemia), hemolytic anemia (ovalocytosis), and abnormal hemoglobin types (hemo-globin C and hemoglobin E). By examining the frequencies of these conditions, researchers have found that these blood variations coincide with regions where malaria has been common throughout history. Further work revealed how small changes to hemoglobin can impede the malaria parasite’s ability to break into red blood cells.

The Duffy null allele, too, helped carriers to resist malaria.3 The FYA and FYB versions of the gene both result in molecules on the surfaces of red blood cells that function in inflammatory reactions but also provide an avenue of attack for the malaria species Plasmodium vivax.4 People who lack these molecules may avoid P. vivax infection.

These variations were not without consequences,

come from a sugar called lactose, and to make use of the energy stored in lactose, the digestive system must be able to break it down into its two chemical subunits, galactose and glucose. This chemical reaction is catalyzed by the enzyme lactase, the gene for which is shared across all mammals. In most species, however, lactase is only expressed in young prior to weaning, leaving adults unable to digest lactose.

Pre-agricultural humans followed, and many modern humans still follow, this same pattern of lactase expression in infancy only. Regular consumption of milk by an adult can sometimes spur a minimal amount of lactase production, but drinking a large amount of milk or other lactose-containing dairy products can cause severe digestive distress. People from China often have trouble digesting milk, as do many people from southern Europe. Yet in northern Europe and parts of sub-Saharan Africa, more than 95 percent of people produce the lactase

enzyme throughout their lives and can thus digest milk as adults without difficulty. A smaller fraction of adults in other populations, such as those in the western half of Eurasia and other parts of sub-Saharan Africa, also have this persistence of lactase.

The persistence is not due to any change to the enzyme itself, but to the short patches of DNA outside the gene that regulate its activity. People from Ireland to India share one mutational change that prompts lactase persistence. In Arabia and sub-Saharan Africa there are four others. At least five times, ancient humans had a chance mutation that spurred lactase activity in adults and began to spread through the population. Not surprisingly, these populations live in precisely the areas where people domesticated cattle, sheep, goats, and camels for the purpose of consistent milk production. That domestication happened only within the last 10,000 years, and cattle became common in sub-Saharan Africa and northern Europe much later than this, placing an upper time limit on these genetic changes.

Lactase persistence is one of the most profound changes in recent human populations, and was one of the first to be investigated by scientists working with DNA directly from ancient skeletal remains, first by Joachim Burger of Johannes Gutenberg University in Germany and colleagues, and later by Humans across the many others.

Before 7,000 globe have been livyears ago, ing under very differ- the ancient les ent selective pressures pof e o pEurope since our sub-Saharan lived only hunting, roots, and the cultural by fishing, and differences that have g a t h e r i n g ; they did not emerged appear to farm or keep have accelerated some domesticated Gene kinds of evolutionary animals. sequences changes. from the

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however. While one sickle cell allele is protective against malaria, most people who carry two copies die young, usually without reproducing. It’s no surprise, then, that malaria-free areas have extremely low rates of the sickle cell trait and other red blood cell variations.

Milk digestion Whilethedistributionofbloodtypesandabnormalities was the first evolutionary pattern identified among recent human populations, perhaps the most famous is people’s ability to digest milk beyond infancy. Around 30 percent of the calories in milk from humans and all other mammals

remains of these people have never produced any evidence of lactase persistence. Only well after people began to keep cattle—as evidenced by milk residues found in pottery from early farming and herding contexts in Europe and west Asia—did mutations promoting lactase persistence arise. (See “What’s Old Is New Again,” The Scientist, June 2015.)

Once it appeared within these ancient populations, the numbers of people with lactase persistence grew by up to 10 percent per generation. Its advantage was enormous, perhaps the strongest known for any recent human trait. This kind of evolutionary advantage likely resulted from increases in fertility. Women on calorierestricted diets have lower fertility, and they take longer after the birth of a child to conceive again. If lactasepersistent women could use the extra energy from milk to begin their reproductive lives a couple of years earlier, or could space their children a few months closer together, it would create a huge reproductive advantage.

Indeed, the frequency of lactase persistence has continued to climb substantially in some places even within the past 2,000 years. Just this spring, Stanford University’s Yair Field and colleagues reported on a new study that sampled more than 3,000 human genomes from the United Kingdom to look at the effects of selection on genes. They found that lactase persistence is the largest single change within the British population since Roman times, increasing in frequency more than any other allele across the genome.5 Not so simple The lactase example connects human populations and their cultural innovations. But in one important respect it is misleading: it is much too easy to understand.

Unlike lactase persistence, most human traits are not the product of a single gene. Rather, they are influenced by many genes, and studying selection on such traits has proven very difficult.

Skin color is a classic example. One of the largest and most obvious physiological differences between populations, skin color is influenced by more than two dozen genes in a pathway that produces the pigment melanin and regulates the amount of this pigment in different tissues. Changes to these genes interrupt the generation of the dark pigment eumelanin, leaving skin with larger amounts of the reddish pigment pheomelanin, leading to various skin tones and patterns of coloration, such as freckles. Despite its complex genetics, skin color shows consistent patterns of evolution across the globe.

People whose ancestors lived in the tropics tend to be dark-skinned, while those who lived further north and south tend to be lighter. One of the revelations of the last 15 years is just how recent this pattern really is. According to analyses of ancient DNA, people who lived in northern Europe only 10,000 years ago would not have had the extremely light skin of today’s people in that region.

Other types of human coloration are also evolving.

In their recent study, Field and colleagues found several genes related to hair and eye pigmentation that had markedly increased in the ancestors of modern Brits.

These traits include one associated with blue eyes and two that are found in people with blond hair. Britain has experienced extensive immigration since Roman times, including the arrivals of Vikings, Anglo-Saxons, and Normans, but the genetic changes seen in this population are not due merely to migration; they mark the increase of particular genes above and beyond the contributions of immigrants. The British have become blonder over recent millennia.

Stature is another complex trait that has continued to evolve in recent years. Northern Europeans are a bit taller than southern Europeans, and looking at the genes that differ between them, Field and his colleagues found that the height differences were driven by natural selection for taller stature in the north over the last 2,000 years. This trend is not seen worldwide, however. The Framingham population and other studies in the U.S. have found that shorter women have had a reproductive advantage during the last few decades. On the other hand, a study from one sub-Saharan African nation, Gambia, showed a pattern more in line with the changes seen in Britain’s population: taller women had more children.6 For men the story is even more mixed. Dutch and Polish men have been under weak selection for taller height over the last several decades, but in other countries a man’s stature seems to make no difference to his lifetime reproduction.7

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sports@peoplesdailyng.com, SMS- 08142929046

Supreme Court judgment will decide NFF president- Giwa tell Nigerians

Ambassador Chris Giwa

By Albert Akota

T

he President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ambassador Chris Giwa has declared that he is ready to abide with any decision the Supreme Court will come out with regarding the authentic leadership of the Nigeria football administration saying it is only a mad man that will deliberately disobey their order.

Speaking in a well attended press conference in Abuja, Giwa explained the reason he decided to appeal the judgment of the Appeal court which ruled that the High court erred in relisting their case.

He noted that they have been able to apply for a stay of the execution of the judgment.

“We have been able by the grace of God to appeal to the Supreme Court. Appeal is different from stay of execution. They are two different processes. We have filed an appeal and we have filed a stay of execution saying

that do not agree with the judgment”, Giwa disclosed.

He continued, “The Court of Appeal has given us 19th of September, 2016 for that motion of stay of execution to be heard.

Once that is done by law that judgment is ineffective till when that motion is argued.

“When we got our ruling from the Federal High Court (Jos), I know some people may ask why you held on to it. Yes we held on to it because the defendant there did not ask for stay (of execution). If they had applied for stay that judgment wouldn’t have been effective till when the Court would give a pronouncement.

“But they never did that, all they did was they applied for stay of proceedings and ask for leave to appeal and when we went to the Court they withdrew the stay of proceedings.

Stay of proceedings is different from stay of execution; they are not the same motion. So they withdrew it and they relied on leave to

Lobi players protest over unpaid salaries, allowances

>>Pg 42

appeal and went to the Appeal Court.

Luckily for us, the Judge at that date hands off from the case since he has granted them the leave to appeal. As we all know that Appeal Court is not the final court, the Supreme Court is the final court.

If this judgment they got came from the Supreme Court there is nothing like stay (of execution). But because it is coming from the court that is not the final court we stand on the advantage to ask for stay (of execution) and which we have done.

“So the Court of Appeal cannot effect that judgment because there is a motion pending before them. I want to say this because we have gone to the Supreme Court I can tell you very well that the Appeal Court has nothing to do with the matter again.

“The Court of Appeal ruling delivered by His Lordship Joseph Tine Tur delivered his final judgment in the Appeal without allowing the Respondents right of legal representation

of our choice.

We have appealed to the Supreme Court against the ruling of 21st July 2016 and the judgment of 25th July 2016. The effect of this application is that the judgment of 25th July shall be stayed pending the hearing of the application.

“In view of the foregoing, we have taken patience to pursue the slow but sure processes in our laws. We have secured all legal decisions that guarantee our place in the management of Nigerian football.

With the quality of patience we have exhibited, we shall explore all legal means without violence. This is not to say we are not capable of violently taking what belongs to us otherwise, we would have posited that if the next stage will warrant forceful execution, we may consider same. We are going to inform the structure in a matter of days agree and take all steps to take our legal mandate”, Giwa warned.

Mikel Obi emerges Olympics’ senior boy

>>Pg 43

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Dalung quells crisis in Dream Team camp in Atlanta as team hit Rio

By Albert Akota

T

he National Under- 23 football team’s camp in Atlanta USA is back to life after the Minister of Youth and Sports Barrister Solomon Dalung had a heart to heart talk with the captain of Team Nigeria John Mikel Obi. The Dream Team VI camp in Atlanta, was reportedly in disarray following poor camp and welfare conditions which even affected the training program of the team ahead of the opening of the football event in Rio. The Minister who is in the United States of America to visit the football and basketball teams ahead of the games said he had been properly briefed about the state of affairs in the players’ camp by the captain of the team John Mikel Obi and the Consulate in Atlanta.

He said arrangements have been concluded to airlift the team to Manaus, Brazil venue of their first game in a chartered plane today. (Tuesday Aug 2, 2016) Barrister Dalung said clearance has also been obtained from the International Olympic Committee IOC in Rio to facilitate smooth flight operations.

The Minister however frowned at the camp conditions and welfare of the players as he restated

that the Ministry was not carried along in line with approved training and camping programs for the games.

“There is no doubt that the ministry was not considered while plans were being made for the Olympic football team. Nevertheless, we shall intervene to remedy the situation. I have appealed to the captain to assume control of the team and restore sanity.

For officials who decided to violate the code of their profession and take to media rampage to secure cheap blackmail, their conduct will definitely be measured with existing rules.

We have decided to restore sanity and discipline in Team Nigeria. We shall stop at nothing to sanction any conduct that is not within the code of Rio operations. All federations are hereby directed to stick to the rules” Dalung said.

The U-23 team will play Japan on Aug 4, 2016.

They are in Group B also with Columbia and Sweden.

Barrister Dalung had earlier arrived in the Hotel ICON Houston camp of the men’s national basketball team to cheer the D’Tigers in their last friendly match against the star studded USA team.

D’Tigers leave on August 3, 2016 for Rio.

John Mikel Obi

Lobi players protest over unpaid salaries, allowances

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

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layers of Lobi Stars’ Feeder team yesterday protested over the nonpayment of salaries, allowances and match bonuses by the State government.

This is the second time under the present administration that the players are protesting. The first time, players of the senior team had also, protested over non payment of their salaries and allowances when Dominic Iorfa was vice chairman The players led by their captain Tar Terhemba who

stormed the Government House told newsmen that the State government owe them over 7 months, decrying too that their traveling allowances have been slashed from N7,000 to less than N3,000.

Terhemba lamented over the manner the management of the team led by Mike Idoko handled the mater, regretting that he adamantly refused to hold any meeting with the players to address the issues, rather continued to make tired fake promises to them.

When information of the protestor to the Deputy Governor Engr. Benson Abounu who doubles as chairman

of the team, he quickly summoned Mike Idoko to his office.

During the closed down meeting, Abounu lashed out at Idoko for his negligence, asking “if your children are going through this situation how would you feel” At the end of the brief meeting, Idoko refuse to talk to the media, saying “no comment”.

It could be recalled that sometime ago, Lobi Stars’ management was enmeshed fraud when the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Crimes Commission, ICPC indicted office of the deputy government of double payment of N37.5 million to coffers of the club.

I dump Nigeria for Germany due to instability in football-Iyoha

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ermany youth International Emmanuel Iyoha says the political instability in the running of football in Nigeria made him snub the West Africa Nation for Germany, the land of his birth despite his father hailing from Nigeria.

18 year old Iyoha who plays for German second division side Fortuna Dusseldorf featured for Germany at the recently concluded European Under-19 tournament, making one appearance in the six goal thriller against Netherlands, which they later won 5-4 on

penalties.

Speaking to Bild in an interview on why he opt to play for Germany instead of Nigeria, the striker who made five appearances for Fortuna Dusseldorf in the German second division last season revealed, instability in Nigeria football played a big part in his decision making.

“I’m a real native of Dusseldorf, as I was born here, although my father is from Nigeria, my mother is a German but I feel German in every way, I presently play for the U19 and am happy because Germany is

just right for me, Nigeria is a political unstable country”.

True to the words of the talented teen, the instability in the leadership of Nigeria Football is well documented, especially in the last two years, with two different factions claiming to be in charge of the running of football in the country.

Although FIFA President, Gianni Infantino confirmed the Amaju Pinnick lead board as the recognised body in charge of football, Chris Giwa is still insisting he has the right to occupy the office of the president of Nigeria Football Federation.

Emmanuel Iyoha

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Mikel Obi emerges Olympics’ senior boy U20 World Cup in The Netherlands few months later.

The Flying Eagles were pipped 2-1 in that final by an Argentine team that included Lionel Messi.

The 29 –year old midfield enforcer won his first senior cap for Nigeria in a friendly against Libya in Tripoli on 17th August 2005, and would then score a brilliant goal against Zimbabwe at the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt the following year as Nigeria scooped bronze.

Obi also scored at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana in 2008, though the Super Eagles were eliminated in the quarter –finals. The same year, he opted out of Nigeria’s squad to the men’s football tournament of the Olympics due to club commitments.

By Albert Akota

N

igeria skipper John Mikel Obi is one of only two players at the men’s football tournament of this year’s Olympics with as many as 75 senior caps. The other is South African goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune.

Obi starred for the Nigeria U17 squad at the FIFA U17 World Cup in Finland in 2003, where the team coached by Augustine Eguavoen failed to reach the knock –out rounds.

In 2005, he was in the U20 squad coached by Samson Siasia and which won the Africa U-20 Championship in Benin Republic, before reaching the final of the FIFA

Rahman joins Schalke training camp ahead of Chelsea exit

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he Blues left-back was reported to have undergone a medical with the Bundesliga club on Saturday, and he is close to sealing a temporary move away from Stamford Bridge Baba Rahman has been cleared to join Schalke’s training camp in Austria as he nears a loan departure from Chelsea.

The Ghana left-back is thought to have passed a medical with the Bundesliga club.

Rahman has previous experience of German football, having left Augsburg for Chelsea in an estimated £14million deal just a year ago.

However, he struggled to make in impact under Jose Mourinho and Guus Hiddink, making just 11 Premier League starts across the season.

Rahman’s coach at Augsburg was current Schalke boss Markus Weinzierl.

Two years later, Obi also missed the FIFA World Cup in South Africa as a result of injury, despite playing a huge role for the Eagles in qualifying.

The Chelsea FC star was key for Nigeria as the Super Eagles won the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, and also starred at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil (where he scored against Uruguay). Mikel was also impressive for Nigeria in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying series, and played in all four matches for the Super Eagles in Brazil.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Youth and Sports has already named John Mikel Obi as Captain of Team Nigeria to the Games. He is also the captain of the football team, as well as captain of the Super Eagles.

Oscar can join Inter Milan for £30m – Conte

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helsea boss Antonio Conte will let Oscar sign for Inter Milan for around £30million. The Italian does not think Oscar, 24, works hard enough for the team and was lazy during a 3-2 loss to Real Madrid in Detroit on Saturday.

Asked if Oscar has a future at Chelsea, Conte said: “All 29 players are Chelsea’s players at the moment. After this period I speak with my club.

“I agree after this tour to

see all the players and then to take a decision. When we finish this period I will take the right decision for the player and for the club.

“There are players who will stay and others will go. This is football. It is important to be clear with all.

“My experience in my career as player and manager teaches me if you want to fight for the title you must be a team on and off the pitch. It’s very important.”

Rahman

Yedder rejects Arsenal to join Sevilla

T

he 25-year-old has been a long-term target for Arsene Wenger but opted to move to La Liga instead of joining the Premier League side, the Toulouse coach says Wissam Ben Yedder turned down the chance to join Arsenal in order to move to Sevilla, according to Toulouse boss Pascal Dupraz.

The 25-year-old was one of stars in Ligue 1 last season, scoring 17 goals in 35 appearances as Toulouse narrowly avoided relegation.

Ben Yedder had attracted interest from the Gunners but rejected the opportunity to link up with Arsene Wenger, and has now signed a fiveyear deal with the La Liga club.

“He could have gone to Arsenal, who is one of the best,” Dupraz said. “But Sevilla are also a big club and I think La Liga is perfect for him, because he is a technical player and very attacking.”

Ben Yedder

Conte has not been impressed with the work rate of the Brazilian

Montoya finalises Valencia switch from Barcelona

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alencia has signed Martin Montoya on a four-year deal after Barcelona agreed to cancel the rightback’s contract two years early.

Barcelona secured the €50 million signing of Valencia playmaker Andre Gomes last week, with Montoya’s switch thought to be related.

Barca winger Cristian Tello has also been linked with a move to Mestalla.

Montoya, who made 67 appearances in five seasons for Barca’s first team, winning La Liga three times, as well as two Copa del Rey crowns and one Champions League success, spoke of his delight at joining Los Che. “Valencia first expressed their interest in me a few

months ago. They are a big club, an historic club and I decided to come here,” he told the club’s official website.

“We are going to try to get the club back into the Champions League, which is where they belong. I am going to work hard; I promise a lot of dedication, effort and sacrifice. Together we will try to achieve our objectives.”

A struggle at Inter saw a season-long loan move cut short last term, although Montoya restored his reputation with 13 appearances at Real Betis as they earned a 10th-place finish in their first season back in La Liga.

Montoya

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Halep beats Madison in Montreal at Rogers Cup

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imona Halep beat Madison Keys in straight sets in the Rogers Cup final in Montreal.

The Romanian, 24, won 7-6 (7-2), 6-3 to claim her third title of the year.

However, the world number five was unable to add a second title as she and compatriot Monica Niculescu were beaten

by Russian duo Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina in the doubles final.

Makarova and Vesnina, who will represent their country at the Rio Olympics, won 6-3, 7-6 (7-5).

It was a different matter in the singles where fifth seed Halep eventually breezed through a tiebreak against the 21-year-old American after a first set that saw eight breaks of serve.

Halep, who also beat Keys in the fourth round at Wimbledon, broke again in the second set and never looked troubled thereafter.

Simona Halep withdrew from the forthcoming Olympic Games because of fears over the Zika virus

Walker wins 33 spots to 15th in world rankings at US PGA Championship

Fearon runs third Cruz victory put fastest 100m by Frampton on boxing superstar a Briton

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elfast’s Carl Frampton has said his victory over WBA featherweight champion Leo Santa Cruz puts him “close to being a superstar in the boxing world”.

The 29-year-old from Tiger’s Bay gained the belt after beating the previously unbeaten Mexican in New York.

He became the first Northern Ireland fighter to win a world title in two weight divisions.

Anthony Geathers Image caption Frampton became the first Northern Ireland fighter to win a world title in two weight divisions Another Northern Irish sporting superstar who watched the fight ringside - golfer Rory McIlroy - described it as “absolutely incredible”.

McIlroy congratulated Frampton in his changing room after the fight.

J

immy Walker has climbed 33 places to 15th in the world rankings after his US PGA Championship victory.

The American, 37, held off Jason Day at Baltusrol, New Jersey, on Sunday to claim his first major.

Australian Day, 28, remains top of the rankings, followed by Americans Dustin Johnson and Jordan Spieth, and Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy.

Walker’s career-high ranking of 10th came in April 2015 after he won the Valero Texas Open in San Antonio.

Joel Fearon (front left) was part of Britain’s fourman bobsleigh team that came fifth in the 2014 Winter Olympics

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Jimmy Walker finished on 14 under par to win by one shot at Baltusrol

obsledder Joel Fearon ran the joint-third fastest 100m by a Briton at the English Athletics Championships on Saturday.

The 27-year-old Birchfield Harrier’s time of 9.96 seconds was also the quickest time by a Briton this year.

Of Britons, only Linford Christie and James Dasaolu have run 100m faster.

Fearon, who will not be at Rio 2016, was part of the four-man bobsleigh team that came fifth in the 2014 Winter Olympics.

The Coventry-born athlete was part of the GB 4x100m relay squad at the 2013 World Championships but did not compete at the event.

He had improved his 100m personal best from 10.10 to 10.04 at a meeting in Loughborough two weeks ago.

Fearon becomes only the seventh British man to post an official sub-10-second time for the distance.

McIlroy congratulated the 29-year-old after his historic victory

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P-i-c-t-o-r-i-a-l

David Moyes unveiled as Sunderland boss, rolling transfer news and gossip, build up to Rio 2016, debate, gossip and social media.

Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend says he expects Finn Russell to miss the start of the new season.

Novak Djokovic secures a straight-sets win over Kei Nishikori in the final of the Rogers Cup in Toronto.

Carl Frampton says becoming the first Northern Irish boxer to win world titles at two weights is a “huge statement”.

Germany midfielder Leroy Sane is close to completing a move to Manchester City from Schalke for a fee of £37m plus add-ons.

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Nigeria’s boxer to Rio Olympics vows to break 20-year laurel jinx It’s barely 10 days to the opening of the 2016 Olympics and optimism about Nigeria winning any shade of medal in Rio is quite low.

However, in all of the pessimism, Nigeria’s sole boxer to Rio, Efe Ajagba, is talking tough. He says his mission to Brazil is to end the 20-year jinx that has seen Nigeria not winning any boxing medal since the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.

In this interview with agency, Tunde Eludini, the 91+ Kg fighters said he is ready to shock the world even though many are not giving him any chance to make impact.

How does it feel to be the only boxer that will be going to Rio to represent Nigeria?

Ajagba: I must confess I am not too happy because I am the only one who qualified for the Olympics games. You know that to have a lot of boxers qualify would have been better and it would have been an encouragement.

However, this would be an opportunity to shine and encourage other boxers that were unable to qualify because it would be like I am raising the hopes of other boxers that were not able to make the cut. If I win gold it would benefit all the others and encourage them as we celebrate that medal that we win.

Why did you choose to go into boxing and not any other sports?

I actually started sports by playing football when I was in secondary school but I discovered that it was not the best for me as it would not give me the opportunity to stand out and there was no income.

I was playing in a football club in Delta state at the time when a guy in my area challenged me to a fight. The guy was bigger and looked heavier than me and people thought I would be floored but I brought him down with just a punch.

That was when friends encouraged me to take up boxing but at that time, I did not think boxing was for me. A couple of years later, I just decided not to continue in football. That day, I went to the stadium at Ughelli, to look for a boxing coach; that was in November 2011.

Though I started training in boxing, I did not leave football completely. However, I got into boxing fully after I won silver at the National Sports Festival.

That was when the national coaches saw me and invited me to join the national team to represent Nigeria at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

What was your family’s reaction to your choice of boxing?

My father was Ajagba Samuel and he used to be a boxer. Though he was a good boxer, he did not gain income from it but he encouraged me after I told him I wanted to get involved in boxing.

He told me I had the physical strength to be in the profession and that encouraged me to continue. Right now, they are very happy with my progress so far.

I have always won medals in any competition I participate and they appreciate that. My dad is so happy about that.

Have you enjoyed the best of preparations for the Rio Olympics?

I have been training for the past two months. My coaches have given me the best training and right now I am focused on going to Rio to give my best.

I want to concentrate on my energies for that.

So no thought for training tours because this is late into preparations. The boxers I am going to meet are going to be the best of the best, but I am not going there to just watch and be intimidated.

It is the same training they have received I have also received here so I am going there to try my possible best.

Which boxers challenge you the most?

Efe Ajagba

Countries like Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Cuba and England. They have countries with very good boxers especially Toni and from England are very tough and I think I am the only one that can give them a tough time. I have the talent and I have the power to overcome them.

What is your target in Rio? The target is simple I want to be the first Nigerian to win a medal in boxing since 1996, I want to break that 20-year jinx and let the world know that Africa and Nigeria have a new boxer that is ready to rule the world.

I can confidently say Ajagba will make history and bring home a medal. I will surprise the world even though many people are not giving me any

chance of doing well in Rio. In every competition I have gone, I have always won something; In 2016 I won the gold medal in the super heavyweight event at the African Boxing Olympic Qualification Tournament held in Yaoundé, Cameroon. By doing so I qualified to represent Nigeria at the 2016 Summer Olympics.

At the at the 2014 Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow, I won Bronze even though I was robbed of getting into the finals at the 2015 African Games held in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo I won gold.

The records are there for all to see, by the grace God I will make it to the podium in Rio and we will all celebrate.

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, AUGUST 2, 2016

Some Interesting Facts 1. Right-handed people live, on average, nine years longer than left-handed people do. This is largely due to the fact that a majority of the machines and tools we use on a daily basis are designed for those who are right handed, making them somewhat dangerous for lefties to use and resulting in thousands of accidents and deaths each year.

2. Your ears secrete more earwax when you are afraid than when you aren’t.

3. Koalas and primates are the only animals with unique fingerprints.

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puzzle 5

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4. Humans are the only animals to produce emotional tears.

5. The human heart creates enough pressure to squirt blood 30 feet in the air.

6. It is impossible to lick your elbow (busted) 7. A crocodile can’t stick it’s tongue out.

8. A shrimp’s heart is in it’s head.

9. People say “Bless you” when you sneeze because when you sneeze,your heart stops for a mili-second.

10. In a study of 200,000 ostriches over a period of 80 years, no one reported a single case where an ostrich buried its head in the sand.

11.It is physically impossible for pigs to look up into the sky.

12. A pregnant goldfish is called a twit. (busted?)

13. More than 50% of the people in the world have never made or received a telephone call.

• Rats and horses can’t vomit.

Say what?

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Photographer Kyaw Win Hlaing from Myanmar snapped away and caught this beautiful image of children playing in the street.

Source: Dailymail.

www.peoplesdailyng.com

QUOTABLE QUOTE

Fighting corruption is a sacrifice that everyone must do if we have to make this country work. . . . putting the people first

TUESday, AUGUST 2, 2016

-Plateau State governor, Mr. Simon Lalong

SPORTS Taking Turkey Back to the Stone Age latest

Golden Eaglets to face Junior Menas in Abuja

By Albert Akota

T

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has picked Saturday, 6th August and the National Stadium, Abuja to host this weekend’s CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match between the Golden Eaglets and Junior Menas of Niger Republic.

Nigeria’s Eaglets, who won a record fifth FIFA U-17 World Cup trophy in Chile last year, were drawn bye into the second round by CAF in the race towards Madagascar 2017 and will now start their quest against their familiar foes in the Junior Menas.

Last year, the Eaglets came fourth at the continental cadet championship hosted by Niger Republic, where they inflicted a 2-0 defeat on the Junior Menas in front of their fans at the Stade Général Seyni Kountché in Niamey.

Incidentally, Saturday’s match will be the fourth encounter between both sides in the last four years with the Golden Eaglets also claiming a 10-1 aggregate win in the qualifiers for the 2013 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations hosted by Morocco.

CAF sends doctor to supervise Golden Eaglets MRI scans

T

he Confederation of African Football has sent a medical doctor to supervise the MRI scans for Nigeria’s U17 team.

A top Egyptian doctor arrived in Lagos last week to ensure the Golden Eaglets MRI scan for the players were not manipulated.

Th i s i s a m o ve b y t h e continent’s governing body to clampdown on age cheating in youth tournament.

“This is the first time that a doctor from an independent country will be sent by CAF to supervise the MRI scan. It is expected to further rid the U17s of age cheats,” a source informed only AfricanFootball.com “A doctor from Nigeria was also in Cameroon to do the same thing all in an effort to ensure only eligible players feature in the U17 AFCON, whose qualifiers begin in August.”

Advert: business: news: lagos:

O

ne week ago, I wrote a piece, “Lunacy and bloodbath in Turkey” It was my analysis of the Turkish government’s insane reaction to the July 15, attempted coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. I did not then entertain the possibility that it could have been a phantom coup. Although Fethullah Gulen, the United States-based cleric Ankara accused of masterminding the coup had voiced such an opinion, I dismissed it. But a further review of the attempt, the lightening decimation of sections of the populace and attacks on institutions, give quite some credence to that likelihood.

The cerebral Professor Warisu Alli further drew my attention to this when he wrote me: “I have a feeling this coup was stage-managed. How can you have a military coup and all high ranking government officials were not arrested or shot but instead were allowed to be flying about? Meanwhile the soldiers were killing civilians, holding bridges while senior military officers were spared?

Were these soldiers or Boys Brigade in a country with such a rich culture of coup making?

And in the end civilians and police saved the day? And immediately the President flew in to take charge and the airport was secured for him by civilians?

And he immediately knew the coup plotters to such an extent that thousands of civil and public officials were arrested or sacked? I think it was a kind of plan by the President to get rid of his political opponents. If there was a coup at all it was a setup, a phantom coup!”

Erdogan’s story of how he survived the coup attempt does not add up. His regime claimed that the plotters knew he was at the Marmaris holiday resort, and a few minutes after he left, twenty five soldiers in helicopters using ropes, descended on the hotel shooting.

Assuming the low flying helicopters did not detect his convoy; that their intelligence network failed and Erdogan miraculously escaped, what happened next was baffling.

Erdogan boarded a plane and two F-16 jets allegedly piloted by the plotters were in the air; they had the President’s plane in

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Monday Column

By Owei Lakemfa sight while it was also in flight.

So why did coup plotters who were allegedly bent on bringing the country down in order to get rid of Erdogan, not bring his plane down or at least, force it to land in a place of their choice?

Why would alleged plotters who would blow up bridges, bomb parliament and massacre people in order to execute their coup, literarily escort Erdogan back to the capital where he took control and crushed them? Is this a case of witchcraft?

When American Secretary of State, John Kerry suggested that Turkey would need to provide evidence of Gulen’s complicity in the so-called coup, Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag retorted “does one need evidence to prove the existence of the Sun? This is just as clear a matter.”

So Turkey does not wish, or has no evidence to present before demanding suspects be extradited? The same way it found some 60,000 people guilty of either complicity in the coup or guilty by association, and took punitive action against them.

The coup has been used as pretext to purge the populace with so many detained that large open places like sports facilities and stables are being used as detention centres. The Human Rights Commission of the Ankara Bar Association reported that detainees are being starved with some are being physically abused including having their hands bound for days. Schools have been physically attacked by roving mobs and academics barred from travelling out

“

of the country. The main attacks are on the military which is being decimated with over 100 generals on trial.

Also, as a possible counter balance to the Armed Forces, Erdogan has asked civilians to arm themselves. Soon, new recruitment will be made and they are likely to be pro-Erdogan supporters with extremist religious flavor.

A State of Emergency Act has been passed which gives the President power to rule by decree; it also oust the jurisdiction of the Constitutional Court.

It further curbs fundamental human rights including that of expression.

The Act legalizes Erdogan’s illegal actions since the attempt; this includes finding people guilty without trial and sacking some 60,000 people without following legal procedures.

His supporters are also doing all they can to hang the coup round the neck of its ally, the United States. In this, Erdogan is gambling; hoping to play Russia against America and gain more concessions. He knows that in the politics of the region, America needs Turkey to maintain its attacks on the Islamic State; a group he has assisted over the years. He is aware that Russia will not be adverse to extending its political and military influence beyond Syria into Turkey. So Erdogan, while being wedded to America, is having an affair with Russia and romancing ISIS while hoping to wipe out the Kurds whom he will soon accuse of complicity in the coup attempt.

While Erdogan has kept to his side of the inhuman trade, the crafty EU has sidetracked him by channeling the money so far released through aid organisations rather than pay Turkey directly

However, it is on the European Union (EU) he hopes to put most pressure. In March 2016, the Europeans had entered into a dubious trade agreement with Erdogan in which they will force refugees and migrants – who had undertaken the perilous sea voyage to Europe – out of Greece to Turkey. Apart from accepting these defenceless people, Erdogan’s other task is to detain them for a handsome fee of three billion Euros. There were other promises that Turks will be accepted in the EU club and would require no visa to enter Europe.

While Erdogan has kept to his side of the inhuman trade, the crafty EU has sidetracked him by channeling the money so far released through aid organisations rather than pay Turkey directly. After the coup attempt, Erdogan who claims to be catering for three million refugees on behalf of Europe said “What will Europe do if we let these people go to Europe?…

The European governments are not honest” In response to Erdogan’s antics, the Head of the EU Community, JeanClaude Juncker said Turkey is not in a state to join EU. So, it is a case of two crafty entities playing politics with human lives.

In this age of information technology and globalisation, the Erdogan regime is dragging Turkey back to the Stone Age and negating that country’s old civilization. Who can save Turkey from the Erdogan mob?

Lakemfa wrote via african examiner. com

DAN GAYE

Budget padding: Gbajabiamila denies working against Dogara

Then tell us, who is working against him

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