Tuesday, September 8th, 2015 Edition

www.peoplesdailyng.com

Tuesday, September 8, 2015/ Zul Qaadah 23, 1436 AH

Police arrest 100 Biafra campaigners in Delta << pAGE 7>>

. . . putting the people first

@pmlonline

TSA: PMB gives MDAs Sept 15 deadline to comply << pAGE 2>>

peoplesdailyng

Vol. 17 No. 06 N150

30 prostitutes bag 6 weeks jail term in Lagos >> pg 3

<< pAGE 8>>

Ex govs, senators, others lose diplomatic passports As FG orders immediate withdrawal

l

<< pAGE 2 >>

President Muhammadu Buhari (left), receiving flower bouquet from a little girl, during the President’s visit to Ghana yesterday. With them is Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama (right).

I’ll name ministers in three weeks- Buhari P

By Lawrence Olaoye resident Muhammadu Buhari Monday in Aburi, Ghana reassured Nigerians and the international community that he will name his cabinet before the end of the month.

Traffickers of N600m cash in EFCC net

page 3

President Buhari gave the assurance at a joint press conference with President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana. “After I was sworn-in, I said I will have my cabinet in September. I expect that Nigerians should ask me questions after the 30th of September if I do not do so,” Contd on Page 2

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

PAGE 2

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

News

senators, ministers lose diplomatic passports CONTENTS Ex-govs,

By Tahab Maryam and Zingfa Government has directed the and should return them to the of Interior.

News 2-11

Editorial 13 Op.Ed 14 Letters 15 Politics 16-18 Business Stockwatch

19-22 23

S/Report 24-25 Feature 26 Defence 27 Agric 29 Feature 30

Felicia

T

he Federal Government yesterday officially revoked the diplomatic passports of former State governors, Senators, members of the House of Representatives and ministers.

Others affected by the revocation are former members of State House of Assemblies, Commissioners, Special Advisers and Special Advisers, Chairman and Vice Chairmen of Local Governments Areas, all retired heads of parastatals and retired public servants.

Consequent upon the revocation, the Federal

affected persons to return their passports to the Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters Sauka Abuja with immediate effect.

A statement from the Comptroller-General of Immigration, MK Abeshi yesterday in Abuja which disclosed this, said that, “ Further to the directive on the withdrawal of diplomatic and official passports held by unauthorized persons the Nigeria Immigration Service hereby directs all affected persons to comply forthwith. “ These categories of persons are hereby informed that these passports which were previously held by them have been revoked

Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters Sauka Abuja with immediate effect.”

The Federal Government stated that, “Failure to comply with this directive will amount to an offence under the Immigration Act 2015.

Such unauthorized possession will be impounded at our control posts on arrival or departure.”

Recall that the Federal Government had directed the Nigeria Immigration Service to retrieve immediately all valid diplomatic and official passports from all persons who are not entitled to hold such documents.

This is contained in a statement last month by Mr. Yusuf Isiaka, the Director of Press, Federal Ministry

“The Permanent Secretary, Mr Abubakar Magaji, Federal Ministry of Interior, has directed the Nigeria Immigration Service to retrieve all valid diplomatic and official passports with immediate effect from all persons who are not entitled to hold such documents,” the statement said.

The Federal Government said its attention has been drawn to the fact that some Nigerians who are not entitled to hold diplomatic and official passports are in possession of these documents,” it said.

According to the statement, the measure is intended to protect and promote Nigeria’s integrity in the comity of nations in addition to ensuring law and order.

is gaining ground and Boko Haram has been limited to the Sambisa forest.

“Internally Displaced Persons are gradually moving back home and they are being reintegrated into their respective communities,” President Buhari said.

On the declaration of assets, the President affirmed that it was a constitutional requirement that all public office holders in Nigeria should declare their assets before and after their term in office.

“I recall that in 1975 when the late Murtala Mohammed became the Head of State, we were lined up - governors, ministers, members of the Supreme Military Council.

Officials of Ministry of Justice

were brought and every individual was made to declare his assets.

“All Heads of States and Government, governors, ministers, permanent secretaries have to declare their assets because it is a constitutional requirement.

“I have declared my assets four times. When I was governor in 1975, I declared. After being Minister of Petroleum and as a member of Supreme Military Council, I declared. When I was Head of State and now as a President, I have also declared .

Earlier, President Mahama said both leaders had fruitful discussions on how to enhance bilateral relations and improve regional security.

President Mahama said that Nigeria and Ghana will soon begin the process of reviving their joint commission for cooperation.

The Ghanaian President added that both leaders also agreed to encourage closer cooperation between the intelligence and anti-graft agencies of both countries.

A statement by President Buhari’s Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), Femi Adesina yesterday said that Mahama thanked President Buhari for his visit and assured him of Ghana’s support and cooperation with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.

I’ll name ministers in 3 weeks- Buhari Contd from Cover page

P

resident Buhari said while responding to a question on the appointment of ministers.

President Buhari also told reporters that the Nigerian military, in close collaboration with the Multi-National Joint Task Force, has recorded remarkable progress in the fight against Boko Haram since he assumed office as President.

“The first thing I did after I came into office was to reorganize the military and clear orders were given to them in terms of retraining, re-equipping and redeployment of troops.

“In the northeast, the military

TSA: Buhari gives MDAs Sept 15 deadline to comply

By Lawrence Olaoye

We’re using different approach in fighting corruption - Garba Shehu Page 16

Metro

32

Int’l 39 S/World

39

Digest 40 Sports 41 Columnist 48

We want to hear from you The Peoples Daily wants to hear from you with any news and pictures you think we should publish.

You can send your news and pictures to: adverts@peoplesdailyng.com pictures@peoplesdailyng.com contact@peoplesdailyng.com

Phones for News: 08142929046 08024432099

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari has threatened to sanction any ministry, department and agency which flout his directive to remit revenues into the Treasury Single Account (TSA) by the 15th of this month.

According to a directive given by the President through a circular from the Head of Service, all revenues due to the Federal Government or any of its agencies must be paid into the TSA or designated accounts maintained and operated in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), except otherwise expressly approved.

According to a statement made available to newsmen by Buhari’s Special Adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, the directive signed by the HoS, Mr. Danladi Kifasi, urged the MDAs to ensure strict compliance with the deadline to avoid sanctions.

The circular – HCSF/428/S.1/125 of September 4, 2015 noted that a number of MDAs were yet to comply with Circular Ref. No. HCSF/428/S.1/120 of August 7, 2015 which conveyed President Buhari’s original directive on the payment of all Federal Government revenue into a Treasury Single Account.

“In this regard, His Excellency, Mr. President has directed that all MDAs are to comply with the instructions on the Treasury Single Account (TSA) unfailingly by Tuesday, September 15, 2015.

“Heads of MDAs and other arms of Government are enjoined to give this Circular the widest circulation and ensure strict compliance to avoid sanctions,” Kifasi wrote.

Meanwhile, President Buhari also yesterday gave reasons for declining productivity in civil service He said that the nation’s civil service continues to decline because of its inability to clearly articulate a vision and ensure that the service develops the required capacity to articulate and implement various components of the vision.

Buhari made the disclosure yesterday at the Old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja yesterday while launching the Capacity Building Programmes for Public Servants--Structured Mandatory Assessment-based Training Programme (SMAT-P) and Leadership Enhancement And Development Programme (LEAD-P).

The President, who was represented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, said: “Many who mourn the decline of the civil service today from its days as ‘primus inter pares’ in the Commonwealth to one which has earned a reputation for inefficiency, low productivity, corruption and insensitivity to the needs of the public fall into the error of thinking that the problem is a poverty of ideas and capacity on the part of the civil service; whereas, it is the inability to clearly articulate a vision, ensure that the service develops the required capacity to articulate and implement the various components of the vision.

“Here, we’re launching capacity building initiatives designed to strengthen the leadership at all levels in the service and build a new performance management system.

But the fundamental questions are: what is the ethos, the ethical and ideological world view that the service is to deliver? To what purpose do we deploy leadership skills and for what ends? How can we measure performance when the objective itself is unclear?

“Without clear answers to these questions, the service will grope in the dark and take the government and people along with it on a blindleading-the-blind voyage. So, what sort of country do we envision?

We want to build a nation with the citizen as its reason for being and thus its sole focus and responsibility.

The citizen regardless of station in life must be respected by the governing authorities and treated with dignity. Flowing from these is the imperative that our society must be governed by the rule of law administered by a trustworthy, fearless, impartial and efficient judiciary”.

The president however noted that the nation currently stood again on the threshold of a great future “if we desire it badly enough to fight for it”.

He said federal civil servants were the foot soldiers in Nigeria’s march to a great destiny, The president Buhari aid he trusted that the federal civil service would not fail Nigerians.

He, however, emphasised that “an army cannot afford

indiscipline, inefficiency or lack of focus especially because the hopes and aspirations of a whole society rest on your shoulders”.

The president said the civil service must see itself as servants and facilitators of commerce and entrepreneurship, designing policies and removing obstacles to doing business in Nigeria.

He also advised the service to cultivate the habit of scoring itself not in enforcing processes and procedures but as to how efficient and expeditious they have enabled businesses to be.

Speaking further, Buhari said: “What are the strategic and financial planning initiatives important in a strong private sector led, free market economy but with a robust social protection system for the poor majority?

“What are the crucial communications to make to the people in a season requiring sacrifice and perseverance on account of falling revenues or for that matter communicate the position that our anti-corruption, zero tolerance stand, is not merely a moral or ethical stand but a developmental construct that recognises that corruption if not apprehended will destroy all institutions, the economy and eventually our society?”

Earlier, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr Danladi Kifasi, said the overall objective of the launched programmes was to address capacity and leadership. challenges in the civil service.

Page 3

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

News

Nigerian fugitive, Wale KekereEkun, jailed for life in UK for murder

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

A

Nigerian fugitive, Abdul Adewale Kekere-Ekun, who was arrested on February 12, 2015 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFFC, for identity theft-related offences, has been sentenced to life imprisonment in the United Kingdom for the murder of 18-year-old Marcus Hall in 2001, following a brawl outside Luton’s Atmosphere Nightclub, where the popular music group, So Solid Crew, had performed.

Though 39-year-old KekereEkun, who goes by several aliases like Adebayo Dalvin James Ekun, Adeba Yo Kekere-Ekun, Adeba Yo Muta Lito Kekere-Ekun, James Dalvin, James Adebayo, had initially pleaded guilty to the murder charge before the Luton Crown Court, he later fled to Nigeria.

He, was, however, arrested in Nigeria in February by EFCC. During investigation, it was revealed that Kekere-Ekun, who was arrested for fraud, was on the wanted list of the United Kingdom Police.

Consequently, an extradition notice signed by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, was served on him by the EFCC. He was finally extradited back to the United Kingdom, where he reportedly admitted to the killing.

EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren who disclosed this in a statement Monday said that, before his conviction yesterday, seven of the gang members had been convicted in 2002 and 2003 for their part in Hall’s murder, but two convictions were later quashed.

Revealing how he had been traced, the Bedfordshire Police said he was identified in CCTV footage of the attack, where he was wearing a distinctive checked coat.

Upon discovery of a flyer for the shop found by the Bedfordshire Police during a raid on his home, detectives went to a designer clothes store in London, where it was discovered that the jacket was one of only nine sold in the United Kingdom and the convict was listed as one of the buyers.

After the sentencing, Mr. Hall’s mother, Icelyn Wilson, in a statement issued through the Bedfordshire Police, was quoted to have said : ‘‘My son’s death still hurts as if it had happened yesterday and I will never get over it. ‘‘You did not just ruin one life, you left a ‘ripple effect’ which has impacted on everyone involved in my son, Marcus’ life.”

Ag News Editor Ese Awhotu

Flood kills nursing mother, 3 others in Adamawa From Umar Dankano, Yola.

F

lood waters have claimed the lives of a nursing mother and her child in Shuwari village of Mubi North Local Government of Adamawa State.

Reports from the area revealed that the deceased was trapped in her aged mud house during a heavy

dawn pour recorded in the area over the weekend, which washed away the house which eventually collapsed on her.

Another set of two people also met death as a result of flood in Mubi South Local Government..

Confirming the development, Executive Secretary, Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency

(ADSEMA), Mr. Haruna Hamman Furo said that, the woman and her baby lost their lives when their house collapsed on them.

Furo, who spoke shortly after assessing the level of damage, confirmed that two other children between ages 7 and 10 also lost their lives in Mubi South Local Government Area.

He said that they were found dead near a River in Mubi following the heavy downpour, adding that the agency had received a report of loss of four lives. `Two of the deaths were confirmed in Mubi North Local Government Area, while the other two happened in Mubi South.”:, he said L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Linus Awute, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr. Danladi Kifasi and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, during the launch of capacity building programme for public servants, yesterday at the State House, in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Traffickers of N600m in EFCC net T From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

wo persons apprehended by the Nigeria Customs Command at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos yesterday were handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC) ) for their attempt to smuggle out the sum of $271,135 ( roughly N600 million) out of Nigeria.

The two males, a staff of a cleaning company with the airport

authority, Patovillki, Mr. Owolabi Tijani and Uwan Livinus according to the public relations officer of the Airport Customs Command, Thelma Williams were arrested last week.

She said the money was handed over to the anti -graft agency for safe keeping and further investigation Williams said the anti - graft agency will carry out thorough investigation on the circumstances leading to the crime.

The arrest, which was documented in an incident report by the Customs spokesperson said “At about 11.00hrs on September 3, 2015; one Owolabi Tijani a staff of Patovillki “Cleaning Firm” was apprehended by FAAN officials who attempted to smuggle Two Hundred and Seventyone Thousand one Hundred and thirty- five US dollars (US$271,135) through “D” wing departure screening point.

“They said Owolabi after

interrogation confirmed to FAAN Officials names of people involved in the crime, including Mrs Omo Seun (Iya Urobo) and Uwan Livinus.

“Statement was therefore taken from the suspects and officers who witnessed the process.

“They said sum of money kept in the safe, hence this incident report.”

She said the EFCC will give further details of the incident

Director/CFO emerged Managing Director-designate, First Bank of Nigeria Ltd, while Mr. Gbenga Shobo, the current Executive Director, Lagos & West, emerged Deputy Managing Directordesignate. This comes on the heels of the Group’s earlier notice of Mr. Bisi Onasanya’s retirement as GMD/CEO of the Bank. These decisions have been ratified by the Board of Directors, subject to all necessary regulatory approvals and all take effect from January 1, 2016.

As pioneer Group CEO of the FBN Holdings Group in very critical times, Bello birthed the process to establish the multifaceted group to comply with diverse regulatory requirements, navigating through uncharted territory. He will undoubtedly bring his wealth of experience, spanning over 30 years post call to Bar experience as an accomplished Retail, Corporate and Investment banker, to bear in his new role

chairing the Board of the emergent FBN Merchant Bank Ltd. The incoming Group Managing Director, UK has over 30 years’ post experience in financial services, auditing, consulting, taxation, process engineering and capital market operations.

Sola, the Managing Directordesignate, have garnered diverse expertise in Treasury & Financial Management, Risk Management, Accounting, Corporate Governance and Strategy Development, Advisory and Compliance.

The new DMD-designate, Gbenga has a banking career spanning over 25 years with experience in Corporate banking, Institutional banking, Commercial banking, Retail banking and Treasury.

In announcing the appointments, Dr. Oba Otudeko, (CFR), Group Chairman, FBN Holdings, explained: “Following an exhaustive and competitive

process, we are proud to announce these appointments. In reaching these decisions we are mindful of the imperatives for a more efficient group structure that will benefit the Group’s need to deploy systems which deepen efficiency while expanding revenue and returns on investment. We are confident that we have made the right choices in these appointees.

In selecting our MD and DMD we were particularly mindful to identify outstanding and topnotch professionals with complementary and mutually reinforcing skill set.”

A statement signed by Folake Ani-Mumuney, Global Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications released to newsmen yesterday said that, with this leadership restructuring, the FBN Holdings Group is poised to continue the drive to deepen its foothold across Africa, whilst maintaining presence in various regions of the world.

FBN: Awosika emerges chair, Maccido Merchant Bank CEO

By Ngozi Onyeakusi

F

BN Holdings Plc yesterday announced major changes to its leadership team.

According to FBN, effective from January 1 2016. Mr. Bello Maccido, pioneer Group CEO, FBN Holdings, is leaving his position to become pioneer Chairman of the newly-licenced FBN Merchant Bank Ltd, while Mr. UK Eke (MFR), currently Executive Director, South, First Bank of Nigeria Ltd replaces him as Group Managing Directordesignate, FBN Holdings Plc. Other changes at FirstBank will see the current Chairman, Prince Ajibola Afonja, retire and Mrs. Ibukun Awosika become the Chairman, First Bank of Nigeria Ltd. Following a rigorous selection process driven by the Board and supported by Heidrick & Struggle, the internationally renowned executive search firm, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, the current Executive

PAGE 4

Page 4 Report

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

What does it mean to be Nigerian?

By Kayode Ogundamisi

W

ith the challenges of living in Nigeria, it becomes difficult for citizens to feel a sense of national identity.

It is probably easier for a child to fly a spacecraft to the moon than for any Nigerian to define what a “Nigerian identity” is.

This is something citizens of Nigeria have been grappling with since the West African country gained independence in 1960.

This is partly historical, and partly a result of continuous skewed governance structures and unaccountable governments.

Pre-1960 Nigeria was a forced entity created by British colonialists and made up of strong, pre-colonial, independent nation states. After independence, there has not been a conscious effort to build a society based on fairness, equity and justice.

The new post-colonial beneficiaries of a defective system simply carried on. And in the end, what we have today is a nation state and a national identity that mean different things to the more than 300 ethnic nationalities, which are the building blocks of what is today referred to as Nigeria.

Nigerians in a self-help world It is challenging for individuals to identify with a nonexistent or poorly functioning state. Citizens over the years have had to create “mini-states”, with their own “governments” in their communities.

Nigerians had to produce their own electricity through generators, construct boreholes to access water, and set up vigilante groups for security.

Nigerians are now breaking old suspicions, barriers, prejudices and biases about the ‘other’, and are seeing themselves as having a common destiny, despite ethnic and religious differences.

With the collapse of public education, citizens are more or less ministers of education, who have to rely on private education.

Healthcare is inaccessible, even for those who have some resources, leaving the majority of Nigerians to turn to local herbalists for remedies.

With the challenges of living in Nigeria, it becomes difficult for citizens with no access to the state services to feel a sense of “Nigerianess”.

There is no sense of shared, common resources that are beneficial and to be defended, and which are accessible to everyone without discrimination.

What evolved in Nigeria is a situation where a sense of belonging and having a “Nigerian identity” is dependent on a compensatory relationship - those who benefit from the system feel more Nigerian, and the other way round for those who benefit less.

Those who feel more Nigerian and proclaim loudly their

Presicent Muhammadu Buhari “Nigerian identity” and take pride in being Nigerian are likely to be those benefitting, or have benefitted, from corruption, mismanagement, and social and gender inequalities.

And they probably do not constitute more than one percent of the population.

This group includes the very successful civil servants and political office holders who might own several properties, are able to send their children to the best schools and access the best healthcare facilities outside of Nigeria.

Dire living conditions Around 70 percent of Nigerians earn under $1 a day.

To be at the forefront of proclaiming how “great Nigeria is” and the need for Nigerians to come together is some sort of forced nationalism.

State officials often deliberately confuse the criticism

Nigerians level against the government for failing to provide a better standard of living as simply a poor sense of Nigerian identity.

Exploitative colonisation and failure of subsequent governments have led most Nigerians to resort to their primordial and ethnic identities and group affiliations at the expense of a national identity.

negatively by other countries.

Unfortunately, the situation has also given way to a generation of poor communities who constantly look for scapegoats among their classes, and who hold their own ethnic or religious groups responsible for their social status or their suffering. This has led to the ongoing religious, tribal and ethnic conflicts in Nigeria.

Head to Head - Nigeria’s future: Failed state or African superpower?

This has led to a cynical population of deprived Nigerians trying to eke out a daily living while facing the challenges of day-to-day survival. As a result, they do not bother with what a Nigerian identity means.

Of course, there are exceptional instances: Being a Nigerian is often associated with the national football team - the Super Eagles - when they want passports and are targeted

The wind of change The upside is that Nigeria has built an army of illustrious and industrious people, who can be potentially proud, with enough individual resourcefulness if only the social issues of corruption, poverty and the structure of Nigerian state, good governance, and strong viable institutions are genuinely addressed.

A new generation of Nigerians is emerging - helped by the social media and leading to more openness and interaction among themselves.

“

Despite the threat of Boko Haram, organised kidnappings, general state of insecurity across the country, and a deteriorating economy, Nigerians are now more determined to make change possible through nonviolent means. The power of the ballot box to make a change is still seen as much more effective than the power of AK-47s.

The voices of those who have been oppressed and want a better Nigeria are now being heard through social media and are getting louder - louder than those of the minority voices who have held Nigeria in a comatose state and who continue to benefit from the dysfunctional state.

Nigerians are now breaking old suspicions, barriers, prejudices and biases about the “other” and are seeing themselves as having a common destiny, despite ethnic and religious differences.

Governments are being held more accountable than before, budgets are being scrutinised, politicians and those who hold public office are being interrogated, and their past misdeeds are being exposed to render them ineligible for government positions.

Ordinary citizens are defining the political narrative and taking power away from powerful people who own traditional media.

With a renewed clamour for issues, such as gender equality, equitable distribution of wealth, responsible citizenship, the need for good governance is becoming more prominent with young Nigerians.

The wind of change is slow, but it is happening and is soothing to well-meaning Nigerians.

Despite the threat of Boko Haram, organised kidnappings, general state of insecurity across the country, and a deteriorating economy, Nigerians are now more determined to make change possible through nonviolent means.

The power of the ballot box to make a change is still seen as much more effective than the power of AK-47s.

This was represented by the powerful images of women displaced from their homes in the northeast, patiently waiting in queues for hours to vote during the last elections.

Nigerians are steadily beginning to change governments they do not like, voicing more criticism of governments they supported to get into office, and holding fellow citizens accountable for their actions and inactions, leading to the negative perception of Nigerians from the outside.

It is in this new generation of Nigerians where the possibility of a Nigerian identity lies.

However, this is still dependent on the core question about the Nigerian state.

As Nigerians, we should resolve the issues of resource control fairly and equitably.

We, the Nigerian people, deserve transparent electoral processes, open governments, free and responsible press, strong and independent institutions, and we should uphold the true values of separation of powers and federalism.

Culled from Al-Jezeera

PAGE 5

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

News

Ex-Head of State, Abdulsalami urges right training for children From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

F

ormer Head of State, General Abdulsalam Abubakar has called on parents to endeavor to give their children the right training that builds them into responsible future fathers and mothers.

He stated this in his address at the wedding reception of Captain Salisu Ibrahim Mustapha and Kafira Magoro held in Kaduna recently.

The former Head of State said the bane of the problem bedeviling the society today is lack of proper training of children whom are now parents today.

According to him, some parents are busy accumulating wealth at the detriment of their family and this has permanent psychological effects on some of these children.

“Some of the youth grow up in a situation that has a permanent stain on their lives. A child who saw his father using his mother as pouching dag will grow up to do same to his wife believing that he is doing the right thing.

“To you the bride and the groom you should count yourselves luck to have passed through the hands of discipline parents and the benefit is what you are reaping today but I am calling on you to also extends this kind of the training to their wards.” He said Speaking, General Muhammadu Inuwa Wushishi advised the new couple to maintain the good name their family is known for because whatever they do in the society today as husband and wife will bounce back to their family.

Speaking in the same vein the father of the bride, Senator Muhammadu Magoro, said parents should strive that no Mather their status in the society they bring up responsible children and not spoilt child.

The former Army General who is the Galadima of Zuru added that parents should differentiate between loving their children and over pampering them, because such action will affect their future and the parents will be held responsibly here and hereafter.

Buhari’s anti-graft war laudable, says TUC boss From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

T

he former Trade Union Congress (TUC) Kaduna State Chapel chairman, Comrade Paul Jezhi has said President Muhammad Buhari may be slow, but his administration’s corruption crusade is doing well, especially in area of recovering of public funds from people who illegality enrich themselves with such funds.

Comrade Paul who made this remark in an interview with our correspondent, said recovering public funds from people is not an essay task.

He said, “Buhari’s body language has played a serious role for the people to be returning money on their own, some Nigerians will otherwise prefer to go to court first before returning it”.

Bahari’s body language,

according to him has actually made a lot of people to seat up in the fight against corruption, describing him as a one man squad.

“Buhari is like a Lion in a Jungle”, saying that when the lion roar every, other animals maintain.

On the alleged lopsided and delay in appointment of personal aides and Ministers, Paul said 60 percent federal appointment are yet to made, stressing that

the president also deserved to be allowed to appoint people that would help him deliver promises made to Nigerians, and enough time do it to avoid mistake of the past failure of leadership.

He also call on all the governors and other public and political office holders to emulate Buhari and declare their assets publicly now and after their tenure to earn the public trust and society respect, as agent of change.

Borno state Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima (middle), Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-General Tukur Buratai (3rd left), and participants, during the 2015 Regimental Sergeant Majors Convention, yesterday in Maiduguri.

Photo: NAN

Why we set up organization charity – Director

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

O

ur desire to touch the lives of the people at grassroots informed the formation of a Non-Profit Organisation, Prezens for Charity, the Outreach Director of the organization, Catherine Asapokhai has said.

Asapokhai who made the statement while interacting with journalists in Abuja, said the NGO was a Nigerian based charity organization that was incorporated in 2002 as Afemai, meaning my people.

She further stated that the name was changed to Prezens for Charity in 2007 for easy

explanation and understanding of those who don’t know the meaning of Afemai. She said the organization has been working with other NGOs to meet the aspiration of the people at the grassroots.

Continuing, she stated that the organization is solely run by her and her United States based

brother, Francis Asapokhai. She informed that the activities of the NGO spans to education, health and outreach to the needy.

“We also reach out to orphanages, battered women and the disadvantaged in the society”.

She stressed the need for women and Youth empowerment as a panacea to nation woes.

Car snatching: Kwara Police parade 3 cultists, driver From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin he Kwara State Police Command on Monday paraded three suspected cultists, their godmother and a company driver, who allegedly stolen Hyundai jeep belonging to his boss.

While parading the suspects, the new Commissioner of Police, Mr A.M.E Amadasun, represented by the command’s Police Public

Relation Officer(PPRO)ASP Ajayi Okasanmi revealed that the driver of the Chinese Construction Company; Honggye International Nigeria Ltd based in Ekiti,Danie Usman was arrested along Jebba-Lagos road on 5-9-2015 by command’s Special ember months patrol team.

He said the stolen vehicle with registration number; KTU32-BZ, brown colour was recovered from the suspect.

“The suspect had since confessed to the removal of the vehicle from the company yard at Ado -Ekiti enroute to Abuja for it disposal.

The Command added that the suspect informed the police that his master siphoned company’s money through three private bank accounts with FCMB,Diamond and Wema banks stressing that he didn’t compensated him.

While speaking with

journalists, the suspected driver said he has no regret over the action, stressing that his master has cheated him several times over his illicit activities at the company.

The suspected cultists, which includes,Habib Olamilekan,Adebayo Gbenga,Felix Somadima and woman,Abdulrasheed Latifa, who use to supply them illicit drugs such as Tramol,Codeine were arrested.

Roger Nicholas who made this appeal in Abuja during a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Prof.

Bem Angwe said the military has put measures in place to give the body a new look.

“The Nigeria Army is having a new face, peoples oriented Army and peoples friendly Army, we actually

came to the human rights commission to see how we can expand the course in collaboration and cooperation with them, particularly now we are having war against insurgency.

“We came here to finetune on how the relationship between Nigerians and the military can be harmonized.

We want Nigerians to us as their own not a brutalized Army, it Nigeria Army because we the Army are paid with the tax payers money, “he said.

In his welcome address, Executive Secretary of the NHRC Prof. Bem Angwe thanked Brig. Gen, Roger Nicholas for promptly coming to the commission when their

cooperation is highly needed.

He expressed the commitment of the commission to collaborate the military in ensuring a smooth civilmilitary relation especially in the current situation where the military are confront the insurgents who at time mingle with innocent civilians while carrying out their attacks.

T

Army seeks mutual understanding with Human Rights Commission

By Albert Akota

T

he Nigeria Army has requested mutual understanding with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in order tidy up human rights violation in the country.

The Chief of the Civil Military Affair, Brig. Gen,

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

PAGE 6

News

NBA tasks Gov Bindow on judicial autonomy From: Umar Dankano, Yola

Y

ola Branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), has urged Gov Bindow Jibrilla of Adamawa to honour his administration’s commitment to judicial autonomy.

The branch chairman of the association, Mr Abubakar Babakano, made the call when he led the NBA officials on a courtesy call on the governor at Government House, Yola.

Babakano who lauded the governor for intervening in the calling off of the six months old strike action by Judicial Staff Union (JUSUN) in the state said that rule of law and human rights would not be guaranteed without judicial independence.

“We appeal to His Excellency to honour his administration commitment to comply with Section 83 (3) and 121 (2) and (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended dealing with financial judicial autonomy as affirmed by the Federal High Court in 2014, so as to avert any further strike by JUSUN and to guarantee the independence of the judiciary.

“The sustenance of democratic process, the defence of rule of law and human rigths cannot be guaranteed if the judiciary is not independent in all its ramifications.” Babakano said.

The NBA chairman said the association was ready to support and cooperate with his administration in the ongoing reform the state justice sector particularly in the areas of review of obsolete laws and codification of the state laws to hasten justice delivery.

Responding, the Gov Bindow Jibrilla, lauded NBA for its active role in promoting good governance and assured it of his administration commitment to work with the association in transforming the state.

NTI DG proffers solution to mass failure in Maths, science subjects From Mohammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

D

irector General National Teachers Institute, Associate Professor Aminu Ladan Sharehu yesterday said the only way to address mass failure in Mathematics and Science subjects among students is to improve on teachers’ capacity training in the country.

According to him, for Nigeria to develop there is need to train and retrain teachers in mathematics and

sciences. .Speaking during Circle lll 1st cohort training for teachers from Enugu, Nasarawa, Ondo and Osun states under Strengthening Mathematics and Science Education (SMASE) project held in Kaduna, Sharehu said mathematics and science teachers need training on modern methodology and strategies to be able to teach well.

He urged states government to pay more attention to training and retraining of their teachers, particularly in mathematics and

science subjects.

The DG also commended the effort of all stakeholders and their support in the area of improving teachers qualifies in the country.

“For Nigeria to develop, we must take SMASE training seriously, because our teachers need modern methodology and strategy in teaching their students. When you improve teachers’ capacity, you are addressing students’ mass failure in mathematics and science subjects,” he said.

Earlier, National Coordinator

of SMASE, Mr Joseph Aguiyi said building capacity of teachers is expensive, which is why government need to focus more attention in that area.

Nasarawa free education will lift hardship of parents-Perm.

Sec From Gambo Ahmed, Lafia

T

Sokoto state Governor, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, planting a tree to flag-off the 2015 tree planting campaign, yesterday in Kawadata, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto state.

he Permanent Secretary, Nasarawa State Ministry of Education, Mallam Usman Umar Sani has said that the introduction of free education in the state by Governor Tanko Almakura is a good step towards reducing the hardship of the poor peasant farmers in the society.

Mallam Usman who stated this in an interview with Peoples Daily yesterday in Lafia the state capital while examining the essence of the free education policy introduced in the past two and half years by the APC administration in the state.

His words: “when the governor pronounced free education in the state. We started having influx of indigenes and non-indigenes from neighboring states. The parents also have their children education lifted from their shoulders. So for anyone to say that the system has brought set back to the state educationally, is a lie. Government also provide adequate money for the feeding of students and also provide facilities such as books and chalk across board. Government has also constructed structures across the state”. He added that those agitating for the cancellation of free education in the state are enemies of the future generation and the poor masses; adding that, a lot of parents have expressed their appreciation since the state government introduced free education.

Centenary City: Unemployed youths decry calls for cessation

By Stanley Onyekwere

S

ome youth under the umbrella of the Unemployed Youths Vanguard have decried what they described as unwarranted calls and pressures on President Muhammadu Buhari , to halt the ongoing construction of Centenary City project, as it would further worsen the unemployment rate in

the country.

They categorically dissociated themselves with any group whatsoever calling for the termination of the project, saying the Centenary project when completed will employ about 500,000 youths.

In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, the chairman of the Governing board of the Unemployed Youths Vanguard,

Comrade Okpokwu Ogenyi , noted that alleged threat of litigation against the construction of the centenary city by, a group claiming to be representing the unemployed Youths, which ‘have since hit the brick walls as the project has gotten the backing of the Governors of the Board.’

Dissociating themselves from the condemnation and the threat to institute a legal action against

the city, Okpokwu said the group led by one Samuel Adodo, lacked the legitimacy to sue or even speak on behalf of the Unemployed Youths Vanguard, as they do not belong to the registered group and are out to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

He added that the Board which has challenged the group to bring forth its evidence of registration, went further to reiterate their

support for the project even as it has put on standby their own legal team to file a counter suit perchance the threat is made real.

While advising President Buhari to disregard unnecessary pressure to jettison the project, the youth stressed that the estimated over 500, 000 direct jobs from the projected, is capable of turning around the nation’s battered economy.

Adamawa Gov’s wife urges more support for orphans From: Umar Dankano, Yola

T

he wife of Adamawa state Governor, Hajiya Maryam Muhammad Umar Jibrilla, have urged for more public and organizations support to orphanages in the state, with a view to complement government

effort.

Jibrila made the call while commissioning the newly rehabilitated Karewa orphanage home in Yola yesterday; stressing that the gesture has became necessary considering the neglect of orphanages in the state by successive regimes.

Jibrilla observed that supporting orphans who were among the down trodden in the society was a duty that deserve all seriousness. “ There is increasing need, especially in a democratic dispensation; to constantly remind ourselves of how duty

bound it is on us to improve the well being of the down trodden in our midst, especially the abandoned and unaccompanied children.” Jibrilla said.

She noted that the state government respect for the core values for life, liberty, justice and equality among others prompted

it to intervene in rehabilitating the orphanage.

While commending the State Ministry for Women Affairs and Social Development for its supervisory role for a quality job in the orphanage, she urged the staff of the orphanage to observe strict maintenance culture.

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

Expression of Interest (pre-qualification) The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Nigeria Office intends to invite international or national eligible Bidders for the Construction for the establishment of model schools for primary and junior secondary education in Abuja.

1. PROJECT DESCRIPTION - Bid Title Construction for the establishment of model schools for

the primary and junior secondary education in Abuja.

- Site Area 43,542 - Total Floor Area 8,250 - Floors Primary 2 stories, junior 3stories.

- Structure Reinforced Concrete - Location Abuja city Nigeria - Construction Duration 22 months - Budget ceiling up to USD7,050,000 2. SELECTION OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER BY NEGOTIATION 1) Evaluation of bidder’s Pre-Qualification(PQ) documents based on the eligibility criteria(1ststep) 2)The successful bidders are invited to bid conference and technical proposal and bid price(2ndstep): After evaluation, a bidder which obtains the highest scores(based on technical up to 80 points and price up to 20 points) shall be selected as the preferred bidder to proceed with contract negotiation.

3. SCHEDULE OF BID 1) Submission of Pre-qualification Document on September 17(Thursday), 2015 to KOICA Office 2) Announcement of PQ result and Bid Conference with qualified bidder before September 19(Saturday), 2015 3) Bidder’s submission of technical proposal and bid price on October 29(Thursday), 2015 5) Evaluation and selection of preferred contractor before November 2(Monday), 2015 6) Contract negotiation before November 12(Monday), 2015 7) Contract before November 14(Saturday), 2015 * The schedule of bid is subject to change without prior notice(in such case, the announcement shall be made in advance through KOICA Nigeria Office Website (www.koicainnigeria.org) 4. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR PRE-QUALIFICATION A bidder wishing to be pre-qualified must submit the following certificates and documents(3 hard copies and 1 soft copy) with the official cover letter(legally verifiable signing and stamping on the letter): 1) Bid bond amounting to US141,000(One hundred forty one thousand US Dollars only) issued by major banks (within top 5 bank) of bidder's country of origin; 2) Certificate of Incorporation and Registration with the Corporative Affair Commission(CAC); 3) Certificate of company Tax Clearance and VAT certificate for the last three(3)years (2012, 2013 and 2014); 4) Certificate of Registration on the Database of Contractors, Consultants and Service Providers by inclusion of the Interim Registration Report (IRR) issued by Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) in line with the provisions of Section5(h) of the Public Procurement Act (PPA), 2007; 5) Duly authenticated copy of the Company's Audited Financial Statements for the last (3) years; 6) Certificate or evidence that the bidder's annual turnover for the last three (3) years is at least US4,230,000 Dollars; AND 7) Company Profile including Staff organization, Performance, Financial Statement. * Other international bidders should submit the related certificates and documents of the same effects.

5. Bidders should observe the highest standard of ethics during the procurement and execution of such contracts.

In pursuance of this policy, KOICA shall; 1) reject a proposal for award if it determines that the Bidder recommended for award has engaged in bribery, corrupt or fraudulent practices in competing for the bidding and contract.

2) disqualify bidder and contractor who has failed in producing verifiable certificate document as required KOICA. 6. SUBMISSION OF THE PRE-QUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS The required related Pre-Qualification documents containing all as stated on "4. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR PRE-QUALIFICATION" must be in sealed envelopes, labeled “Expression of Interest for Abuja Model school Project” at the top left hand corner with cover letter duly signed and stamped by the center of the envelope (addressed to the following person) with the name card indicating registered address, mobile number and e-mail address of your CEO or legal representative inside of the envelope; Mr. Jung Sang Hoon, Country Director, KOICA Nigeria office No, 9 Ovia Cresent Off Pope John Paul II St. Maitama Abuja(inside Embassy of the Republic of Korea) 7. DEADLINE FOR PQ SUBMISSION The required related Pre-Qualification cover letter, certificates and documents, name card should be hand-carried to KOICA Nigeria office DURING 10:00~13:00, September 17(Thursday), 2015.

8. Enquiry Enquiry could be made through two e-mails(koicanigeria@gmail.com / cho3340179@heerim. com) three days prior to the deadline for the PQ submission, and any other notice could be made on our KOICA Nigeria Office website (www.koicainnigeria.org)

PAGE 7

News

Police arrest 100 Biafra campaigners in Delta

From Osakhare Erese, Asaba

N

o fewer than 100 young men and ladies alleged to be members of the Movement for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) were on Sunday evening arrested by the police in Asaba, Delta state for what was described as an unlawful assembly.

The suspects, Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mrs. Celestina Kalu confirmed were arrested in an undisclosed location within Asaba by a combined team of conventional and mobile policemen.

Sources said their arrest was followed by a tip off by concerned Nigerians who have not

being comfortable with the activities of the group and had last July written the Inspector General of Police IGP, Solomon Arase.

According to informed sources, the suspects were deeply enmeshed in the meeting discussion perceived to be unlawful agenda when the police swooped on them at gun point.

It was gathered that policemen stormed the meeting venue, said to be hide out of the group, in several Hilux vans, cordoned off the area and arrested the group members.

Speaking further, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state Mrs. Celestina Kalu said investigation has

commenced but refused to disclose the area where the suspects were arrested, saying that the police were keeping it secret.

Investigation revealed that the group members were arrested inside the abandoned Asaba textile mill premises at the peak of their meeting where it was presumed to be sinister and unlawful.

One of the group members who escaped arrest but spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity said “I jumped through the fence on a head breath when I noticed policemen presence and they swooped on my other members, I do not know how they got the information that we were inside the premises where the gates were locked”.

FIDA worries over increase in violence against women

T

he International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Nigeria, has expressed concern over the increase in violence against women, especially rape, sexual assault, female circumcision and genital mutilation in the country.

Mrs Hauwa Shekarau, the National President of the federation, expressed the worry in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

She appealed to the media to lead the vanguard in the fight against all harmful and discriminatory practices on women, children and other persons.

Shekarau called for the effective implementation of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015 and its domestication in the states as well as total compliance with the NAPTIP Act. She said the Act was a legal frame work borne out of genuine desire to address the high incidences of violence against women and prohibited female circumcision and genital mutilation.

According to her, the law frowns at forceful ejection from home without due legal process; forced isolation or separation from family and friends, and emotional,

verbal and psychological abuse.

The Act also prohibits harmful widowhood practices; abandonment of spouse, children and other dependants without sustenance.

The FIDA president said victims of violence had the rights to receive medical, psychological, social and legal assistance through governmental and non-governmental agencies.

She said women also had the rights to be informed of the availability of affordable health, legal and social services and to be rehabilitated and reintegrated. (NAN)

Businessman docked over alleged theft of goods worth N50m

A

24-year-old businessman, Edafe Daniel, was on Monday arraigned in an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, for allegedly stealing shipping documents and clearing goods valued at N50 million.

Daniel, whose address is unknown, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and theft.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, Insp.

Benson Emuerhi told the court that the offences were committed on

April 3, at 10. 50 a.m. at Apapa Wharf, Lagos.

According to Emuerhi, the accused conspired with others still at large, to steal a bill of lading marked NYKS2310982540, belonging to one Mr Chima Orazurume. ``Daniel with the stolen documents cleared and took possession of the goods in the container. ``He carted away Volkwagen motor spare parts loaded in the container, valued at N50 million,” Emuerhi said.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 285 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The Magistrate, Mrs Oluwadamilola Olanipekun, ordered the accused to deposit N500,000 at the deputy registrar’s office as part of the bail conditions.

She granted the businessman bail in the sum of N2 million with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till Sept. 28 for hearing.

(NAN)

PAGE 8

News

Lagos: 30 women sentenced to 6 weeks imprisonment for prostitution

A

n Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Monday sentenced 30 women to six weeks imprisonment for prostitution.

Those sentenced are Funmi Olayemi, Damilola Ibrahim, Blessing Emmanuel, Grace Nwaokoro, Anu Titus, Princess Osu, Cynthian Ozumba, Chindima Eke. Others include Blessing Winwah, Rebecca James, Gift James, Bukola Taiwo, Patience Amos, Oyinda Adesewa, Funmilayo Ajayi, Modinat Bello, Damilola Abiodun, Saki Godwin.

Others are Glory Edet, Blessing Okafor, Tope Obatula, Shade Afolabi, Foluke Kolawole, Tosin Ajayi, Bisi Onanuga, Princess Isaac, Esther Akpan, Cythia Osas, Joy Osas and Patricia whose surname is unknown, among others.

The accused were being tried for prostitution and breach of peace.

The Magistrate, Mrs O. Odusanya sentenced the accused to six weeks each with an option of N10, 000. ``You are hereby sentenced to six weeks imprisonment with an option of N10, 000 fine each,’’ she said.

The accused, during their arraignment on Monday pleaded guilty to the offence, attributing it to the handiwork of the devil.

The accused, whose ages and residential addresses were not given, were arrested at Obalenda area of Lagos at 2 a.m.

The prosecutor, Insp. Femi Alabi told the court that the accused committed the offence on Sept. 5, at Obalende area of Lagos.

He said that the accused paraded themselves on the street as public nuisance. ``The accused were caught soliciting for clients, which is against the law of the state.’’ he said.

According to the prosecutor, the offence contravened Sections 142 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

Pakistan to partner FG on global peace, security

By Agi Victor

T

he Pakistan High Commission in Nigeria has pledged to assist the federal government in the promotion of global peace and security.

The Commission made the pledge yesterday in a statement

issued after its 50th Defence Day. The statement which was signed by the Country’s Head of Cherry, Asim Ali Khan, noted that the Pakistan High Commissioner, Lt. Gen. Agha M. Farooq (rtd), said there were conflicts around the world which

‘are threats to world peace’, adding that Pakistan and Nigeria should intensify cooperation to boost their national defence and world peace. He thanked Nigeria and Nigerians “for their openhearted support to Pakistan in general, and on Kashmir cause in particular at various

international forums”.

The statement also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to lend his increasing global peaceful image to achieve “the freedom aspiration of the Kashmir people through a plebiscite under UN supervision”.

R-L: Osun state Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, discussing with Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, during a condolence visit by the Oba to the governor on the demise of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, yesterday at Government House, in Osogbo.

Again, Niger NDE trains 80 women in bread, wire works From Yakubu Mustapha,Minna.

N

o fewer than 80 Women from across Niger State have commenced training in Beads and Wire Works under the women employment scheme of the National Directorate of Employment(NDE) in Niger State office.

According to the State Coordinator of NDE, Engineer Abdullahi B. Mohammed, the training was set up for women in parts of the state to know how to make several articles from Beads such as bangles,ear rings, neck lace, attachment to shoes and bags among others.

“And it is the technical know how that NDE will provide free of

charge. Right now we are having 80 of the participants undergoing skill acquisition programme which is part of our mandate to train people to be self employed in order to reduce unemployment and poverty in our society.

“If we are able to provide training, we would have done enough by taking care of trainers fees, other logistics for organizing such a training and the participants are being fed during the training period that sometimes last for at least one week because it is possible to learn the trade within one week. But if one week is not adequate, thereafter there would be negotiation with the trainers who are locally sourced” he said.

Mohammed thereby enjoined the participants to pay more attention to the trainers with a view to learning this very scheme, saying women are part of the youths for other special skills being hanled by the Directorate like plumbing, Hair dressing, Computer,GSM,Satellite and Electrical installations among others.

In her remarks, Miss Uyo Okpanachi, representative of the the director general NDE, Mallam Abubakar Mohammed at the occasion stated that if the participants become the masters of their trades after the skills acquisition of NDE, that they were capable of attaining economic independence from their respective families at the end

of the training programmes.

Okpanachi from the entreprenueship development office at NDE Hqtrs Abuja stated further that she was in the state for the Skill acquisition for women “By the time they acquire the skill they will develop themselves, generate income for their families and become relevant, independent and as the saying goes that if you train a woman you have trained the nation.’’

Meanwhile one of the participants Miss Sekinat.

Salihu 17 years old said in a brief interview with our reporter that she was participating in the training programme with a view to starting the business as soon as the programme was completed

COREN vows to ensure quality projects in Zamfara From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

T

he Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria [COREN] has constituted committees in each state of the federation with a view to collaborate with respective state governments in ensuring every awarded contract is professionally monitored in order to avoid poor quality

projects by quack engineers.

In an interview with newsmen in his office, the Rector Federal polytechnic Kaura Namoda, Engineer Ahmad Abubakar Lugga, who also doubled as the Zamfara state COREN Chairman said, the Committees were constituted based on the need to avoid fraudulent recommendations on awarded contracts by fake engineers.

Malam Lugga made the

development known shortly after the first National Conference of Kaura Namoda Branch of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics which was tagged “Science, Technology and Management for National Development” held at the secretariat of the Union last Week.

The Rector has however regretted that, his committee could not function yet due

to delay for the setting of representative members from the state government and the Police Command to legitimately work with as designed by the regulations.

Commenting on problems affecting his institution, the rector said, “ lack of water is our major problem and I appeal to both Federal and state governments as well as even well-to-do individuals to assist

us”.

Meanwhile, Engineer Lugga further declared that, his administration had received a one billion naira intervention fund from TETFUND in 2014 which was duly utilised to embarked upon constructions of a completed 8-classes block for general studies with 16 staff offices among two other viable buildings in the school.

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

Page 9

KANO STATE OF NIGERIA COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE 2015 COMMENCEMENT RETREAT FOR POLITICAL OFFICE HOLDERS, TOP GOVERNMENT FUNCTIONARIES AND DIRECTORS HELD AT HOTEL 17, KADUNA FROM 27TH – 30TH AUGUST, 2015

T

he 2015 Commencement Retreat for Members of the State Executive Council, Special Advisors, Permanent Secretaries, Chief Executives of Parastatals and Directors was held between 27th to 30th August, 2015 at the Hotel 17, No 6 Tafawa Balewa Way/Lafiya Road Kaduna.

2. The retreat which was declared opened by His Excellency, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje OFR, the Executive Governor of Kano State was graced by His Excellency, the Governor of Kaduna State Malam Nasir Ahmad El Rufai, as the Special guest of honour, ably represented by his Chief of Staff, Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman, who delivered the goodwill message of the Governor and wished the participants fruitful deliberations.

3. The Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje OFR, in his address enunciated that the objective of the retreat was informed by the desire to ensure synergy and common understanding by all stakeholders on the best means of accomplishing Government’s policies, programmes and projects for the overall socio-economic development of Kano State. The Executive Governor stressed that Government is pursuing various institutional reforms covering, among others, the Civil Service, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and Kano Master Plan. He emphasized the need for initiating effective Government policies with a clearly defined objectives and feedback mechanism on implementation.

Towards ensuring accountability, transparency and prudent management of public resources, His Excellency, emphatically reiterated a policy of zero tolerance on corruption in Governance.

4. During the three day retreat, eight presentations were made as outlined hereunder: i. The Structure of Kano State Government (The Role of Executive, Legislature and Judiciary: An in depth outlook of the Executive arm regarding the implementation of Government’s Policies, Projects and Programmes by Dr Mansur I. Muktar and Chaired by Ibrahim M. Kankarofi; ii. The 2015 Budget of Celebration of Sucess: Consolidation towards a more Inclusive Development by Hajiya Aisha Muhammd Bello, Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Planning & Budget; iii. Review of Kano State Development Plan by Dr Muhammed Sagagi; iv. DFID-UK: An Overview of Various Sectoral Programmes in Kano State by Dr. Siaka Alhassan; v. The Operational Modalities of SERVICOM at the State Level

by Mrs Nnenna Akajemeli; vi. Taxation and Revenue Generation for Sustainable Development by Prof. Kabiru Isa Dandago and Chaired by Prof Hafiz Abubakar; vii. Due Process Compliance: A tool for ensuring Accountability and Transparency in the Conduct of Government Business

by Ashiru D. Zage; and viii. Tsoron Allah da Riko Da Gaskiya Wajen Sauke Amanar da Allah ya Dorawa Ma'aikata Tare da Gudunmowar da Al'umma ya Kamata Su Bayar Wajen Cigaban Jihar Kano

By Malan Ibrahim Khalil.

6. Arising from the deliberations on the presentations and the round table discussions that followed on topical issues bordering on Civil Service Reforms, Internally Generated Revenue -challenges and prospects, Due Process Compliance, Taxation and Work Ethics etc., the participants observed: i. That the principles of separation of powers as provided in the Constitution i.e. between the three tiers of Government - the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary - are prerequisite for effective administration and checks and balances in terms of attainment of Government laudable policy goals and programmes; ii. That the role of the Executive arm of Government is to articulate and implement public policies for the overall socioeconomic development through MDAs in line with their re-

Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, OFR

spective mandates; iii. That Government provides services to citizens by harnessing and utilizing resources to facilitate numerous developmental projects for the benefit of the society; iv. That the dwindling economic fortunes occasioned by unstable oil revenue being faced globally particularly in relation to the national income, poses great challenge in funding projects and programmes; v. That the “2015 Budget of Celebration of Success” was reviewed to take cognisance of the prevailing economic realities and accommodate the present administration’s aspirations of introducing new projects, formalizing expenditure and facilitating the completion of on-going and inherited projects based on priority; vi. That the on-going review of Kano State Development Plan (KSDP) form the basis of the Administration’s policy thrust; vii. That collaboration with Development Partners particularly DFID-UK in various intervention programmes i.e. Governance and Security, Human Development (health & education) and Economic Growth is yielding positive impact to the development of the State; viii. That the reinvigoration and launching of SERVICOM signifies Government commitment towards ensuring effective and efficient service delivery through feedback mechanism in the transactions between citizens and Government as per the SERVICE COMPACT signed; ix. That fundamental to ensuring enhancement of revenue is to have in place an efficient and effective Tax policy that will engender sustainable development; x. That the generality of our society lacks the full understanding of the link between taxation and development; xi. That despite the significance of taxation in revenue generation, other untapped revenue sources still remain elusive as such necessary machinery to improve revenue generation through institutional reforms has been put in place; xii. That there are inconsistencies among MDAs in the application of Due Process, which inhibits transparency, accountability, operational synergy as well as compliance;

7. While reviewing the foregoing, participants resolved to recommend as follows: i. Ensure the application of the principles of separation of powers in the conduct of Government business as provided in the Constitution; ii. Articulate and implement well defined public policies for the overall socio-economic development of the State through MDAs in line with their respective mandates and available resources; iii. Aggressively explore untapped and other revenue sources in order to ensure diversification for sustainable socio-economic growth and development. Also the best performing MDA in terms of revenue generation should be recognized and commended/rewarded; iv. The decision to have a single account for all revenues should be ensured and sustained as means of providing the basis for monitoring & evaluation as well as averting leakages; v. Ensure strict compliance with the “2015 Budget of Celebration of Success” as reviewed. This should take into cognisance the need for intermittent re-alignment and adjustment as the financial situation improves during the remaining fiscal year; vi. Mindful of the fact that the current Kano State Development Plan (KSDP) expires by the end of the year 2015, Government should come up with a Ten-Year Development Plan with a Three-Year Medium Term Expenditure Frame Work; vii. Foster strategic collaboration with Development Partners particularly DFID-UK in various intervention programmes.

Such initiatives should expand to attract intervention from other pivotal Development Partners to facilitate all encompassing development endeavours; viii. Ensure the entrenchment of SERVICOM values in all MDAs while sensitizing the general public on the relevance of the concept; ix. Put in place an efficient and effective Tax Policy that will engender sustainable development; x. Sensitize and mobilize the general public to fully understand the link between taxation and development; xi. Sustain the strategies for improved revenue generation already put in place through institutional reforms; xii. Evolve a means of changing the mind set of both public officers and the citizens through adequate sensitization and advocacy particularly on revenue generation; xiii. Inspire civil servants/public officers and citizens at large on the fear of Almighty Allah (SWA) in the conduct of Government business as well as discharge of civic responsibilities; xiv. Entrench the principles of Due Process uniformly in all MDAs and in all circumstances to ensure operational synergy and compliance. The process of enacting a law that will strengthen the full implementation of Due Process in procuring goods and services is already in progress in the State hence there is the need for its logical conclusion.

CONCLUSION Participants wish to express their appreciation to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje OFR, for approving the conduct of 2015 Commencement Retreat and recognized the laudable achievements recorded, within a short period of time, therefore resolved to continue supporting the present Administration’s policies, programmes and projects for the overall development of Kano State.

Equally, participants wish to express their appreciation to the Office of the Head of Civil Service for successfully organizing the Retreat.

30th August, 2015 Signed: Hon. Commissioner of Information, Youth, Sports and Culture Kano State

PAGE 10

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

News

Human development priority of my administration - Ganduje From Edwin Olofu, Kano

K

ano State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, yesterday in kano disclosed that his administration would make human and capital development its priority.

Ganduje, who made the revelation in his remarks to mark his 100 days in office at the coronation Hall at the Government House, said that the occasion was meant for self evaluation on his achievements and to also fine tune and complete projects initiated by the previous administration.

According to him, this government is a continuation of Kwankwaso’s administration of which he was an integral part of the administration by embracing the Kwankwasiyya ideology, as well as to embark on institutional reforms, resulting in the streamlining of Ministries from 19 to 14, so as to reduce cost of governance.

The governor, also said that his administration have already repositioned the state by looking inwards to enhance internally generated revenue in order to achieve the set objectives.

He explained that Primary education in the state is now free and compulsory for the indigenes, adding that the independent power projects (IPP) are ready and awaiting commissioning.

Ganduje also hinted that the first Kano Master plan, compiled in 1963 is yet to be reviewed, which would capture the attention of his administration.

To avert cattle/farmer clashes, he disclosed that about 100 Fulani Herdsmen have been sent to Turkey on full sponsorship by the state government to learn modern cattle breeding.

In his remarks, the Commissioner of Information, Malam Muhammad Garba, said that the journey has not been easy, as the administration was confronted with dauting challenges, following the dwindling economic fortunes of the country in which the Ganduje administration is doing its best to transform the state to an enviable position. ‘’We are gradually settling down and with the concerted efforts to improve the IGR to boost education, healthcare and other relevant sector of the economy.

Garba, also said that 44,000 people have benefited from the state government’s free eye treatment in the entire 44 Local Government areas of the state, adding that 500 youths have been trained on skills acquisition in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Director-General, National Centre for Women Development (NCWD), Lady Onyeka Onwenu (m), with graduands of the centre’s short course in cake baking, decoration and sugar craft students, during their graduation, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

Hajj: Kaduna airlifts 5, 464 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia From Mohammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

K

aduna state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare board has so far airlifted about 5,464 out of 5, 710 pilgrims to the Holy Land since last week.

This made it the only state to have airlifted over 90% of its pilgrims all over the country. This was disclosed in a statement issued yesterday by the Public Relations Officer,

Malam Yunusa Abdullahi and made available to newsmen in the state.

He quoted the Overseer of the Board, Malam Habib Umar Mahmoud as reassuring all the remaining 246 pilgrims of the board’s commitment in ensuring that they are conveyed to the Holy Land.

The Overseer also explained that the non issuance of visas by Saudi authorities is responsible for not airlifting

all the intending pilgrims from Kaduna state last Monday as earlier scheduled.

He promised to finish airlifting all intending pilgrims who get valid visas from the Saudi Arabian authorities within the week in order to perform the 2015 Hajj exercise.

According to the statement, the Amirul Hajj of Kaduna state and the Emir of Birnin Gwari, Alhaji jubril Zubair Maigwari II, the chairman of the Task Force

on Hajj 2015, Senator Sani Sale and the Overseer of the Board, as well as 25 officials are all on ground to ensure the successful airlift of the remaining pilgrims.

Malam Habib also appealed to the remaining pilgrims to remain calm as they will all be conveyed to perform the Hajj as soon as their visas are ready.

The statement advised them to be law abiding and be good ambassadors of Nigeria while in Saudi Arabia.

Niger gov. assures CRK teachers of employment From Mustapha,Minna

Yakubu

T

he Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has assured Christian communities that his government will employ Christian Religious Studies, CRK, teachers in the state which former governor Aliyu reneged during his tenure.

Bello made the disclosure at the Silver Jubilee Thanksgiving Service of the Diocese of Minna saying that the moral aspect of every child is enhanced effectively through religious bodies.

He said “I am very much

interested in the moral development of the children of the state.

Already, there are Islamic religious teachers, but something went wrong along the line. The past administration led by Governor Aliyu did not do the right thing.

“I am going to put everything in their proper perspective to ensure that there is moral development in the state.”

It should be recalled that at the tail end of the previous administration, the Christians led by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) requested severally for Christian Religious Teachers in public schools since

there are Islamic Religious Teachers but it all turned in the deaf ears despite assurance from former governor Aliyu.

Governor Bello was represented by the Chief Special Adviser, Political, Mr. Solomon Nyaze who assured that he will ensure the employment of Christian Religious Teachers in public schools across the state, while charged religious leaders not to preach inciting messages that will threaten the peaceful coexistence of the state.

In his message, the Bishop of Wusasa Diocese, Zaria, Rt. Revd. Dr. Ali Buba Lamido called on the government to

expedite action in ensuring the employment of CRK teachers in the state if it must brew good morals.

According to him, “Previous governments in the north did not give much opportunity in the teaching of CRK in schools especially in the far north.

We do experience a situation where CRK is not being taught and it’s not acknowledged in the curriculum of the schools.”

Speaking also, the Chairman of the Anniversary Committee, Barr. Abraham Yisa therefore appealed the government to take advantage of the change it preaches and employ more CRK teachers.

NEMA distributes relief materials to Kebbi flood victims

From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

F

ollowing the flood disaster experienced in some part of Kebbi State, yesterday the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has. donated relief materials to the affected victims.

Presenting the relief materials in Makera village near Birnin Kebbi

yesterday, the NEMA’s Coordinator incharge of Sokoto Operations Office, Mr Thickman Tanimu, said that the gesture would pave way for the victims to regain what they lost.

He said over five hundred flood victims at Makera village would received relief materials from them.

Our correspondent gathered that the flood disaster devastated farm lands

which destroyed crops and houses worth hundreds of millions of naira as well as displaced hundreds of farming communities in the state.

The Assistant Coordinator in charge of Sokoto Operations Office of NEMA, Thickman Tanimu listed the items to include 100 bags of rice, 50 bags of millet, 100 bags of maize and sugar 20 bags.

Others included 10 Jerry Can of groundnut of oil, 5 gallons of Palm oil, 300 mosquitoes nets and 40 cartons of soap and detergents.

Other items also included 30 pieces of blankets, 125 mats, 200 buckets, 200 cups,200 plates and spoons.

Speaking early, the Executive Director of the state Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji

Yahayya Chindo, assured NEMA that the items would be judiciously distributed to the targeted victims.

Also addressing the victims, the District Head of Makera, Alh. Abubakar Sadeeq Saad thanked both NEMA and Hon. Engr Abdullahi Muslim, House of Representative member who facilitated to secure the relief items from Federal Government through NEMA.

Page 11

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

EDITORIAL

Buhari’s Riot Act

P

geese that lay the golden eggs. resident Muhammadu We have the state oil monopoly Buhari on August 9 NNPC that over the years has gave a clear directive superintended over a corrupt oil to federal ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to henceforth operate what, in accounting, is called a treasury single account (TSA) or designated accounts authorised by the Central Bank of Nigeria However, we know as (CBN). The decision was to does Mr. President, that enable government track when you fight corruption federally collected revenues it will fight back. So, we and stop leakages which were are not surprised by the rampant before now.

Well intentioned as the decision defiance that has greeted is, however, almost a month his directive in certain after it was taken most of quarters. But he should be the MDAs have not done as resolute. In this fight, he is instructed. A circular which not alone. Over a hundred the Head of Service of the Federal, Mr. Danladi Kifasi million Nigerians, left issued last Friday lamented impovershed by 15 years the unreadiness of the of a PDP misrule, want him MDAs to comply with the to succeed in this rescue presidential directive. It went mission. What more, he on to give a September 15 deadline for them to do as the is riding on the crest of a President directed or face the huge wave of international music. goodwill.

It is unimaginable that officials of government would so brazenly disobey an order given by the President. The subsidy regime and stubbornly circular by Mr. Kifasi did not refused open its books for name the culprits. However, scrutiny; there are also the Nigerians know the so called Nigeria Customs Service which

“

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

every quarter announces hefty earnings which unfortunately do not end up in the coffer of the government and, of course, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

President Buhari’s APC was swept to power last March on a platform of change. The order he gave regarding the TSA was meant to powerfully convey the message that in our national life it would no longer be business as usual. Corruption which has become a searing pain in our neck is not, and cannot be, in our character.

However, we know as does Mr. President, that when you fight corruption it will fight back.

So, we are not surprised by the defiance that has greeted his directive in certain quarters.

But he should be resolute. In this fight, he is not alone. Over a hundred million Nigerians, left impovershed by 15 years of a PDP misrule, want him to succeed in this rescue mission.

What more, he is riding on the crest of a huge wave of international goodwill.

The war on graft will be long and bloody. There will be heavy costs. But the war is winnable in the end. Ride on Mr. President.

OUR PEOPLE

OUR VISION

Chairman Malam Wada Maida, Oon, Fnge Director/Editor-in-Chief Rufa’i Ibrahim Hameed M. Bello

Editor, Daily

Chief Operating Officer Ali M. Ali

Acting Editor, Weekend Lawal Sabo Ibrahim

Manager, administration Hassan Hammanyaji

Acting Deputy Manager, Production Aminu Jibril Mohammed Head, Lagos Bureau Adesoji Oyinlola

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

PAGE 12

Opinion

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

100 days in office: The missing link

By Baba-Bala Katsina

E

ven if periodic assessment of elected public office holders’ achievements is not a media making and observe not only in Nigeria, media it is which make it known and have it entrenched in the consciousness of Nigerians and further tailored it into a culture of sort—all thanks to social media and uproar it generates whenever there is burning issue like 100 Days in Office. One could simply understand the reason behind 100 Days stage taking evaluation-more or less to keep the public servants on their toes and make sure they are doing the right thing and in accordance with their campaign promises even if the promises could hardly translate into meaningful development.

From 100 days many believe it could be determined whether a leader will live up to his promises or will, if care is not taken, fail. This instilled so much fear in the hearts of the public office holders thereby making them to desperately follow and do whatever they think the public will praise as development or achievement even if those things could hardly pass as development neither could they qualify as achievement in the historical context of the term. This in turn have some people rather place development on different pedestal; people would call it achievement

By Abdullahi Musa

I

saw on a foreign television, Fox News, the story of a Court clerk by name of Kim Davis, who refused to issue marriage certificate to gay couples, even though the Supreme Court had declared gay marriage as legal.

Kim Davis defended her action on grounds of her faith, Christianity. She could not, in all conscience, defy God in order to please any pagan that is in power.

The last I read about her issue was that she had been sent to jail, and even her appeal had been rejected.

In short, the law in America says Kim Davis must defy God in order to please gays and lesbians.

There is a reason why I captioned the article: so we are not Kim Davis? There was a near global show of solidarity when some gunmen stormed Charlie Hebdo satirical magazine and shot dead staff members. The magazine had decided to ridicule Prophet Muhammad, whom Muslims revere. European leaders were unanimous in their solidarity, by extension, their support for the ridicule. In the case of Kim Davis, European leaders, (at least I have not read of a single defense from them) were extremely mute.

In Egypt, Muhammad Mursi, who won an election and became Egypt ‘ s President, was deposed by the military, charged to a Kangaroo court, and is now awaiting execution. His crime? He belonged to Muslim Brotherhood, an Organization that sought

when they see a picture of a public servant visits a hospital or school even if his frequent visits did not yet transmute into quality education or better healthcare service delivery.

Politicians especially made in Nigeria are concerned with two things. Yes, only two things: a) people’s emotions and perception and b) what next election would be. In their minds, except in a very few cases, as their actions prove, they are not thinking about what legacy they leave behind and what history will say about them.

It is heart breaking to learn from the respected Monday columnist of Daily Trust Malam Mahmud Jega’s articles he titled “Governorelect without a program” that most of our public servants especially the governors on whom we rely to bring the change we voted them for have not fully prepared for the challenge ahead of them.

This is why however in most circumstances you find the public servants misplacing lot of priorities; abusing power; and, executing plans that have in no way connection with the society’s needs, wants and aspiration. Whenever projects of a government are in contrast with the wants, needs and where the society aspires to be in a short and long run there is leadership deficit and history will project the incumbent to the next generations in a bad light.

It is this kind of priority

displacements that curve out a situation where amidst massive construction of projects; poverty, unemployment, quality of education received, standard of living, purchasing power and any other indices used to demonstrate a society’s progress running in shortfall. Leaders in this instance walk their way with swag and proud themselves as being wiser than the gullible general public.

Forgetting that there is a grey area they didn’t paint to their color of choice that will hunt them forever after they have left power. That grey, cruel and independent area is-- HISTORY. No one dictates for history nor can anybody influence its verdict. History has a unique way of assessing leaders. It measures IMPACTS rather than processes, how long the impacts last and the problem they were able to solve. This happens mostly after the leaders have for long left power, grown too weak in money, influence and power to manipulate what verdict history would uphold on their past deeds. There is a way to avoid this uncharitable historical judgment: understand the society and its wants and needs; the pressing problems that hold its progress hostage; and what it aspires to be. You as public servants should as a matter of must know your job role well (it is not to loot and accumulate wealth).

Unmindful of this you find

some leaders building structures that not only have no link with the society’s needs but will collapse or dilapidated even before the expiration of their tenure. This kind of unfortunate development can be found all over the country.

In my home state for example a visit to some places will affirm this assertion: in Malunfashi, the road that was built by the last administration so dilapidated that you think it was never repaired before. Many structures you would see being newly built are only waiting for the next rainy season to wash them away.

In every society when there is going to be a change of leadership by election or whatever means, the society must at the time be undergoing a critical condition that will require the new leadership to apply requisite skills to solve the problems and have the society elevated to a greater height than it was when he came to power.

The problems must not always be building a world class stadium, or hospital or a university when the quality of basic education is at its lowest ebb. It could be a social problem like social capital deficit.

It all depends on the kind of the problems at hand. The leader’s ability to address that and the impacts it generated in improving the quality of life of the citizens and clear the society’s way to greatness determine what verdict history will give on the leader.

This is why you find historians for example giving credit for the construction of Katsina mind to MUHAMMADU KORAU, the Sarki of ancient Katsina, than they do to a contemporary leader that might have built some superb physical infrastructure.

Take for instance if we are convinced that the trouble with Nigeria and what holds its progress to ransom and which if address will have it redeemed, join and compete with the developed economies and stand on a moral ground are CORRUPTION AND INSECURITY and Buhari as its new leader is at the expiration of his tenure able to achieve those even if he didn’t build a magnificent rail lines, then according to history he has achieved tremendous strides and will go down in the anal of history as one of the best world leaders. For building the railways and other infrastructure will be the task of the upcoming administration which will need a moral society to build all the magnificent structures. While leaders are so concerned about the periodic evaluations, they should be conscious of what history will say about them after they have long left office.

Baba-Bala Katsina (Tsangayar Malan Dan Malan) is a Public Affairs Analyst.

Oh! So we are not all Kim Davis? that Muslims be true to their declaration of faith. The Justice and Freedom Party, set up by MB, and on whose platform Mursi won the election was equally banned. In Egypt, the military can ban, incarcerate, and even execute it’s opponents, while the world watches in silent approval.

After all, what the world wants is free access to resources and investments, not sermons on Paradise or Hell fire.

Many a Muslim had cause to condemn America in the past for its support for injustice across the globe. The tragedy facing Syrians today, that of Yemenis, that of Iraqis, were authored, supported, and kept alive by American political and military Establishment.

The influx of Syrians into Europe, fleeing the Hell created in Syria by European and American politicians, alarmed a Hungarian political leader that their ‘Christianity’ was being threatened.

But it is a lie. What is being threatened is their paganism.

Otherwise, where was his voice when Kim Davis’ Christianity was imprisoned in America? The story of Kim Davis interests me as a Muslim, and I hope it interests other Muslims as well. We are inclined to believe that American policymakers are acting on behalf of Christianity. It is now apparent they are not. Yes, they may have Christian names, yes, they may

take oath of office using the Bible of Abraham Lincoln, but they are not Christians, they are atheists.

When many African Christians rose up against gay legislation, it was an opportunity for Muslims to realise that they can have common grounds with Christians. The enemy are the atheists who hold the reins of power in nearly all countries of the world. They pit Christians and Muslims against one another, they enter into the fold of Islam to knock the heads of Sunni and Shiites together; in the end, they want the hold of religion weakened in the hearts of believers.

After the devastating earthquake in Haiti, an international journalist was asking a Haitian, what was

“

the condition of his faith in God after what had happened? He must have been astonished when the man replied that his faith was unshaken.

But it is not easy. It is not easy separating the true religion from its chaff. Labels ensure that we feel separated. In Nigeria, the likes of Oritsejarfor saw tremendous opportunity of political, power when the schism between Christianity and Islam was enhanced. Many an ordinary Christian cannot easily forget the horrors experienced when his or her life was threatened in predominantly Muslim North.

That same Christian feels avenged when Israel oppresses Muslims in

The pagans have the upper hand because they clearly know what they want: destruction of any God - based religion. In this they are united. Men and women of religion are however naive. They do not understand the main purpose of religion. A label is not the product. The product can give satisfaction without the label. We kill each other to enhance our labels.

And the pagans will help us in our own destruction.

Palestine. It matters little to them that there are Arab Palestinians who are Christians. They care not to ask Christian Jacob Zuma whether they have any sympathy for Israel when it supported the apartheid regime against their just struggle for emancipation.

Pagans in power rely on the international media to misrepresent issues to the populace. They are United in their agenda. They hate Putin because he refuses to bow to gay rights. I believe they chose to elevate gay rights because it seems to be the greatest affront to God. The pagans have the upper hand because they clearly know what they want: destruction of any God - based religion. In this they are united. Men and women of religion are however naive. They do not understand the main purpose of religion. A label is not the product.

The product can give satisfaction without the label. We kill each other to enhance our labels. And the pagans will help us in our own destruction.

It is our hope that the one whom Adamu Adamu calls the Muslim Bishop will lead Christians to understand who their real enemy is. It is not the Muslim. It is the pagan controlling power and enormous resources. They also control the misguided Press.

Abdullahi Musa is a Public Affairs Analyst.

PAGE 13

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

Comment

NAFDAC: Appraising a stewardship of excellence

By David O Onmeje

I

t is not news that one of the few well deserved appointments by the previous government is that of the Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control ( NAFDAC ), Dr. Paul Bortwev Orhii. His near six years spent in the helm of affairs as the nation’s premier health guard is indeed not a misplaced decision or priority going by the various distinct and dynamic achievements recorded by the agency in its determination to improve healthcare delivery.

Through his instrumentality Dr. Orhii , an international technocrat, administrator, medical icon and legal luminary has necessitated the conferment of global status on local drug plants through World Health Organization (WHO) good manufacturing practice prequalification certification which has boosted self-reliance in production and competitive export Apart from this internationalisation, the drug standardisation process has also led to an overhaul of the agency’s multi-million naira laboratory in Agulu in Anambra state , to render international standard services, as such our locally produced pharmaceutical products can today compete favorably with those of their counterparts abroad.

It not a secret that the agency has collaborated with the nation’s Bank Of Industry to initiate a multi-million naira Pharmaceutical development fund which will in turn avail our indigenous pharmaceutical industries

By Muhammad Abdul

O

ne of the major source of friction between the executive and legislature is the penchant by the former, to over the years disregard motions or resolutions passed by either the House of Representatives or Senate.

Though a motion, in a strict parliamentary procedure, is not compelling or binding on the executive, but rather an advise or request by the parliament for the executive to act on.

In most of advance democracies, lawmakers usually resort to pushing the demands of their constituents to the executive through motions because of its simple process; requiring only simple majority after a debate to scale through.

However, due to the over bearing nature of executive arm in Nigeria, many of the motions passed by either of the two chambers were never implemented by the relevant agencies of government.

At a point, the immidiate past Speaker of the House of Representatives and now Sokoto state governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal had caused to complained in the presence of former President Goodluck Jonathan about his administration’s habitual disragard for the resolutions of the National Assembly.

Giving a vote of thanks on the ocassion of 2013 budget presentation

by Jonathan on Oct 10, 2012, Tambuwal said, “I am compelled however to state that the National Assembly is becoming increasingly concerned about the

with production boosting low interest loans.

It also aims at ensuring the success of the recently launched Federal Government’s Save One Million Lives programme targeted towards achieving the United Nation’s global strategy to save multi-million lives by 2015. This has placed on the agency’s shoulders the onerous responsibility of directing about (50) developed and developing countries worldwide on the modalities of enhancing safety and quality for lifesaving commodities approved for the programme.

In the quest for sanity in the distrubution and sale of drugs came the introduction of a monitored professionalised marketing strategy through the localisation of regional Mega Drug Distribution Centers (MDDCs) as well as State Drug Distribution Centers(SDDCs) coupled with its numerous landmark achievements in this regard has made it a cynosure of all eyes both locally and internationally .

As a legal luminary himself, the Chief Executive has not been found wanting in this regard as on the legal terrain,NAFDAC has recorded notable achievements through successfully securing conviction of many counterfeiters of the agency’s regulated products thereby achieving a feat which indisputably and remarkably remains outstanding being the first of its kind in the history of the agency’s existence.Furthermore,the agency’s enabling Act tagged: Decree No 15 of 1993 as amended to ACT Cap N1 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004, which empowers it to control and regulate the use

of Food,Drugs,Cosmetics,Medical devices and Packaged Water including all drinks generally regarded as regulated products of the agency, is currently being compelled to undergo an overhaul in an attempt to further empower it for more patriotic services.

On food safety, sanitisation and regulation, the agency has introduced the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point plan for Food safety in Nigeria, the convening of intellectual interactions between NAFDAC and Millennium Development Agencies (MDAs), professional and tertiary institutions which culminated in the inauguration of a National Food Safety Committee which has become a focal point of food safety in Nigeria.

Fast food providing industries nationwide have become standardised as they are being intensely monitored and highly supervised thereby compelling them to comply with good hygienic practices so as to forestall outbreak of food borne diseases or ailments. This is in the same vein as bakeries are strictly supervised nationwide by dynamic and strategically seasoned NAFDAC operatives to prevent bakers from using the much detested deadly flour/ dough enhancer Potassium Bromate which is known for its cancer causing ability.

Active and very vibrant enforcement operations aimed at arresting erring operators have been maximally sustained leading to closure of fast food industries and quick service restaurants who fail to comply with the agency’s stipulated good hygienic practices.

Apart from making a huge success of its Vitamin A food fortification programme,as well as maximally promoting food security while imploring stakeholders in the food sector to adopt high quality cassava flour in the production of bread and other bakery products,it has equally recorded victory in the Salt iodisation programme aimed towards eliminating iodine deficiency disorders in the entire Nigeria Federation.To foster safe and ideal application of Agro-Chemicals, befitting guidelines and standard operating procedures have been introduced for effective regulation and control of chemicals.

To ensure its compliance with modern practices, risk assessment and field trials for Fertiliser have been imbibed by the agency as part of measures to enhance effective and efficient control cum management of Agro-Chemicals nationwide.

There is no doubt that modern trend in water provision and consumption has brought about proliferation of water packaging plants nationwide which has subsequently placed on the agency the onus of guaranteeing via dynamic and efficient regulation availability of safe drinking water thereby preventing the outbreak of various water borne diseases like: Cholera,Typhoid,Diarrhea etc. In this regard, numerous packaged water products have been professionally analysed,tested and certified for consumption by NAFDAC such that currently about 10,000 water products have so far been registered by the agency.

Aside its recently introduced E-Clearance Portal which makes

possible on-line clearance of goods at the nation’s ports, the agency has established web presence where information on activities of the agency could be easily accessed. On the other hand, a corporate portal which allows in-house information sharing as well as a laboratory information management system to support quality laboratory procedure and data processes has been put in place. There is also its automated product administration and monitoring solution which is a web portal that is internet enabled to provide electronic platform for the management of the registration process/E-registration and a data base to capture information on the agency’s regulated products.

Obviously, counterfeiting maximally retards health boosting efforts if allowed unabated. This explains why the Dr Orhii led NAFDAC management team have held on tightly to the horns of the proverbial bull in this regard. The agency took the entire world by surprise when it coopted cutting edge technologies into combating pharmaceautical products counterfeiting, a heroic,historic and dynamic attempt which has earned for it,victory and global recognition as well as distinct international reputation for Nigeria.This comprise;Truscan technology, Black Eye and Radio Frequency Identification Systems and the Mobile Authentication Service while also engaging the global pharma health fund mini-lab test kits.

Onmeje, member Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group wrote in from United Kingdom

Senate, NERC and the new order disregard for its resolutions and public comments by certain functionaries of the Executive on same.

However, the recent action of Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in responding to the Senate resolutions has restored the hope of Nigerians that the era of frosty relationship between the executive and the legislature is over and that the individual agencies of government are ready to key into the legislative agenda of the 8th Senate of doing things differently from the past and giving value to Nigerians.

The Senate had on Aug 11, 2015 asked the Commission to abolish the monthly fixed charges being collected from electricity consumers by the distribution companies.

The resolution followed a motion titled, “Unfair trade practices of electricity distribution companies in Nigeria”, sponsored by Senator Sam Egwu and Senator David Umaru of Niger East Senatorial District.

The senators accused the Discos of conspiracy to rip off innocent customers despite epileptic supply of electricity to their homes and business premises.

They urged NERC to inquire into numerous complaints before it in line with the provisions of Section 74 (1) (b) of the Power Reform Act. The Senate had noted that NERC

was established to, among others, license and regulate persons engaged in the generation, transmission, system operation distribution and trading of electricity.

The same NERC was also empowered by Section 32(1) (d) of its enabling legal regime to ensure that the prices charged those licensed are fair to customers and are sufficient to allow the firms to finance their activities.

The lawmakers, however, noted that the DISCOs since the beginning of their operations in Nigeria had been ripping off consumers through fixed charges and bulk metering across the country.

All the senators who contributed to the debate condemned the activities of the electricity distribution companies.

The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, lamented that Nigerians were not feeling the impact of the electricity firms despite the huge sums they were charging their customers.

He urged the firms and the relevant agencies supervising them to be alive to their responsibilities in the interest of the consumers.

Though the far reaching resolutions passed by Senate sought to protect Nigerians and free them from exploitative practices by the electricity companies, many Nigerians were not that optimistic, rather they remained

indifferent, knowing that such motions do not usually attract any attention from the executive and its agencies.

However, on Aug.23, 2015 Nigerians wake to the cheering news that not only the Commission had responded to the Senate resolution but went a step ahead to bow to the upper chamber by directing Distribution Companies (Discos) to look into the issue of fixed charges.

The commission in a 7-page response to the Senate resolutions, said it had asked the distribution companies to find a way to restructure the fixed charges such that no one would be made to pay for electricity not consumed.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, NERC, Sam Amadi, who signed the letter to the Senate, said even though the fixed charge collected was not illegal, the commission had been able to intervene in the matter.

“In recognition of the negative impact of the fixed charge, the commission has held several public consultations to ascertain a measure that will guarantee financial viability in the industry and not expose consumers to paying for electricity not consumed.

“Based on the intervention of the commission, the distribution companies have agreed to find a way to restructure the fixed charge such that a consumer who does not receive electricity supply

does not pay the fixed charge.

On the bulk metering of customers, the commission said it is totally in agreement with the Senate on the need to eliminate the sharp practice.

“The commission agrees with the Senate’s position on the need to eliminate the practice of bulk billing of residential customers and replace the practice with individual metering and billing.

“The decision of the commission stipulated that every customer is expected to be metered individually irrespective of the status of supply coming into the area and the class of billing should be on R2 or as appropriately determined by Discos,” it said.

The development has no doubt open a new vista in the executive legislature relationship that if sustain will enthrone genuine democracy and facilitate the change agenda of the present administration.

The Senate, by passing the resolution has once more demonstrated in few months after its inauguration that it is responsive to the yearnings of Nigerians and raise our almost dashed hope that this dispensation will no longer be business as usual.

Muhammad Abdul writes in from Kaduna

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

PAGE 14

News

Dogara mourns Olu of Warri Thousands of EU farmers take to streets

T

he Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has condoled with the government and people of Delta state over the death of Olu of Warri Godwin Edomi, Ogiame Atuwatse II. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan on Monday, Dogara said the country has lost one of its revered traditional ruler.

He said the late monarch was a father for all and consumate lawyer whose 28 year reign brought peace and tranquility amongst his people.

I am deeply touched by the

news of the demise of Olu of Warri.

I pray God to give his family, his subjects and the people of Delta state the fortitude to bear the irrepalable loss.

He said the late monarch lived an exemplary life worth of emulation and urged the people of Warri kingdom to honour him by living in peace and harmony.

The Speaker said the late Olu`s demise was a big loss not just to the Itsekiri nation but Nigeria atlarge.

He however, said that as people of faith, “we know that he has gone to rest as all mortals must test death.”

T

housands of EU farmers, on Monday held a mass demonstration in front of EU headquarters, in Brussels protesting falling food prices and demanding help. The demonstration by 6,000 farmers and 2,000 tractors came ahead of the Monday, extraordinary meeting of the agriculture ministers from 28 EU member states.

Copa-Cogeca farm trade union, one of the organisers of the event, said the mass demonstration was held “in response to the drastic situation hitting EU dairy, pork, fruit and vegetable and beef producers”.

It said the EU agricultural producers have lost 13 billion dollars in agriculture due to the food embargo against Russia.

The trade union said in August 2014, Moscow imposed a oneyear ban on the import of certain food products from the countries that had introduced sanctions against Russia.

It said the food ban was later extended for another year.

The union said the demonstrators demanded actions from EU ministers, to help alleviate the situation in the immediate- and longer-term sense.

Meanwhile, the Council of

P

T

on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari commended the Bishop for his life-long commitment to the service of God and humanity. In a congratulatory letter to the TREM’s Presiding Bishop Buhari praised his tireless dedication to his duty as the spiritual shepherd of many

Nigerians and non-Nigerians.

“It gives me immense joy to felicitate with you as you clock the landmark age of 70 years.

“More than four decades of these 70 years have been dedicated to the work of God as a pastor and preacher.

“Our prayer is that God will

give you longer life, strength and ability to serve Him for many more years,” President Buhari wrote.

The President wished Okonkwo, members of his family and The Redeemed Evangelical Mission a very happy celebration of his birthday.

He said that, the constant payment of salaries to the teachers, the traditional rulers, local government workers and local government pensioners by the present administration under Governor Ishaku was a well come development that would end insecurity and other social vices at the grass root, since the local government chairmen were receiving the security votes that accrue to them on time.

Bello Yero also stated that the recent approach been given to the electricity power supply by the Ishaku led administration was highly encouraging Small

Scare Industries at various localities within the state.

He urged the governor to sustain the efforts to ensure that other local government areas in the state that were yet to be connected to the national grids are also connected to better the lives of the people at the grass root and bust the economic activities at the local government levels.

He said that the recent engagement of high level meetings of dialogues and consultations with several security chiefs, Christian Association of Nigeria CAN, the Muslim Council and traditional

rulers by the state government to bring lasting peace at local government areas in the 100 days of Governor Ishaku in office was commendable.

“We have started seen peace and from records available to me internal displaced persons have started returning to their various places for their farming activities and the local government chairmen and traditional rulers are well founded to monitor the development which I believe shall bring lasting peace in the state” He commended the governor for his intervention in the education sector by negotiating

with the academic staff of Taraba state University who were on the strike that lasted for three months.

“The university has resumed its activities, in his 100 days in office he has also intervened in the civil service by suspending the alleged illicit employment from 2012 to date and there was rapid discovery of ghost workers, that is a good start and I believe we can move ahead” He called on the people of the state to support the governor to succeed in his endeavors while stating that success by the governor would be success for the entire state.

Buhari felicitates with Bishop Okonkwo at 70 resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday felicitated with Bishop Mike Okonkwo of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) who turned 70.

In a statement made available to newsmen by his Special Adviser

JAMB inspects facilities to be used as UTME centres

he Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has inspected over 600 facilities nationwide for accreditation as centres for the conduct of the 2016 Computer Based Test (CBT), an official said.

The Public Relations Officer of JAMB, Dr Fabian Benjamin, made the fact known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Monday.

He said the board would inspect over1, 000 facilities for accreditation and that only those that met the requirements would be accredited as centres for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). ``Some of the things we are looking out for have a lot to do with the technical aspect. ``For these centres to meet our requirements, they must have not less than 250 computers with reliable power source. ``The computer centres must be integrated with the local area network and there must equally be a high and accessible security in and around such centres,’’ Benjamin said.

He said that the centres were expected to have reliable servers to enable JAMB to send its questions from the headquarters to various centres since it was not using the public servers.

He called for more public and private partnership in the area of establishing well-equipped centres in schools or elsewhere for the purpose of the examination.

NAN recalls that the board used 400 centres in conducting UTME for over four million candidates earlier in the year.

(NAN)

L-R: Under-Secretary, Regions and International Organisations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Hussein Abdullahi, Chairman of the Session’s General Debate, Ambassador Pius Ayewoh and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bulus Lolo, during the close of a retreat on the assessment of Nigeria’s foreign policy delivery capability, on Sunday in Saminaka, Kaduna state.

Photo: NAN

By Lawrence Olaoye

the EU has announced that the ministers would discuss the state of the EU’s agriculture markets, (Reauters/NAN)

Technocrat advocates regular salary payment for sustainable dev

By Mulega Mkom, Jalingo.

T

he Permanent Secretary, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Taraba State, Alhaji Bello Yero has confirmed that regular payment of salaries to local government workers was key to development of the state and peaceful coexistence.

Yero stated this while speaking with Peoples Daily on Monday in his office in Jalingo Taraba state capital on the occasion of 100 days in office under the administration of the Governor of Taraba State, Darius Ishaku.

PAGE 15

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

Group commends security over Kogi ward congress

By Ahmed Abubakar

T

L-R: Deputy Speaker, Plateau state House of Assembly, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, Speaker, Hon. Peter Azi, and Plateau state Governor, Mr. Simon Lalong, during the governor’s inspection of the chamber facilities at the state House of Assembly complex, on Saturday in Jos. Photo: NAN

PMB needs righteous people to achieve his good intention, says Sayawa Chief From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

T

he Gung Za’ar elect, His Royal Majesty (MHR) Air Commodore Ishaku Komo (rtd) has declared that President Muhammadu Buhari has good intention for Nigeria and needs righteous people to help him achieve all his plans for the country.

Air Commodore Komo made the disclosure in his acceptance speech of an award conferred on him by the prestigious Nkwame Nkurumah International Award of Excellence in Leadership by the Nkrumah Vision Alive Movement from Ghana at Tafawa Balewa Local government Area headquarters of Sayawa chiefdom in Bauchi state.

According to him, President Muhammadu Buhari has good intention for Nigeria and he needs

righteous people to help him achieve all his plans for the country.

He called on his followers to pray for President Buhari, Senate President, Bukola Saraki, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara and Bauchi state Governor, Barrister Mohammad Abduallahi Abubakar to all succeed in the task ahead of them.

According to him, the Za’ar chiefdom is still undergoing reorgainzation by the time they are done with the organization they will submit the list of ward, village, and district heads to the state government for approval.

While noting that the motto of the Za’ar chiefdom is “Peace and Unity”, he stressed that his subjects are peace loving, law abiding, God fearing and hospitable people who are being controlled by God and no

evil can triumph over them.

He said: “So many tried to destroy the Za’ar land but they couldn’t succeed because we are being controlled by a spirit from above. God’s ways are not our ways.”

In his remarks, the President of Za’ar Development Association, Barrister Bala Istifanus Gambar appealed to Governor Abubakar to present the staff of office to their paramount ruler whom they have selected as it was the last administration that created the chiefdom which necessitated to select Komo as their ruler but the same government played politics with the stool of Gung Za’ar.

While narrating their frustration in getting the Isa Yuguda’s administration to recognize and present staff of office to the Gung Za’ar select, Gambar

said they wrote three different letters to former governor Yuguda who refused to do the needful but expressed confidence that Governor Abubakar will response look into the matter.

According to him, they have taken the matter to God in prayers and they will continue to pray until the day their chief is recognize and presented with the staff of office.

The chairman of the occasion and University don, Professor Andrew Haruna admonished the Sawaya people to be united and peaceful as they pursue their demand and allow Governor Abubakar’s administration sharpens the state for the overall benefit of all and sundry.

According to him, “We know what we want and we will get it provided we go about it peacefully.

Let’s us be united and be prayerful.”

Heavy security at Benue election petition tribunal he Benue State Election Petition Tribunal sitting …As police manhandle journalists

T

in Makurdi yesterday witnessed heavy security presence as more than 100 fierce, gun wielding policemen and officers of the Department of State Security, DSS were deployed to the court.

Lawyers, journalists as well as party officials from the All Progressives Congress, APC, and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, were seriously screened before entrance into the court premises.

Also, anti- bomb squad of the police using their gadgets thoroughly searched the court before anyone was allowed to enter the court for hearing of the case. This is just as journalists had a hard time with policemen in gaining entry into the court as they were manhandled. The policemen claimed that there was directive not to allow journalists

to cover the proceedings but the pen men had to force their way in amidst been pushed by the security agents.

Similarly, party supporters were restricted from the court arena following a meeting that was held between the new commissioner of Police, Paul Yakadi and political party officials at the week where it was resolved

that only 7 top officials of both parties should be allowed to be in court.

The security measures, it was gathered, became necessary as a result of tension the matter had generated more so, that it is approaching its climax with written addresses and preliminary objections adopted by all the parties in the case yesterday.

he Coalition for Democratic Advancement in Nigeria has commended the security agencies and other stakeholders on the peaceful conduct of the just concluded Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ward Congress in Kogi state.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Executive Director of the coalition, Dr Chris Omelukpeme yesterday in Abuja.

It stated that as an independent observer group that monitored the congress that elected three ad-hoc delegates for the state gubernatorial primary election scheduled for Sept. 10, it found it worthwhile to commend the stakeholders.

The Coalition for Democratic Advancement in Nigeria is a Civil Society Organisation (CSO) with a cardinal objective of deepening and advancing the course of democratic development in Nigeria. ``In line with our objectives, we mobilized 35 members of our organization to the various wards in Kogi State to observe and monitor the process. ``The mobilization was done with a view to ensuring that the provisions of the law and constitutions of the party are strictly adhered to.’’

It stated that in the course of the monitoring, it observed that the Congress Committee led by Mr Leo Ogor arrived Lokoja on Sept. 2, and held briefing with stakeholders in the state. ``The congress committee thereafter dispatched materials to each LGAs of the state through the various returning officers on Sept. 3 at about 10 am as prescribed by the constitution and guidelines of the party. ``The elections were observed to be conducted peacefully across the 21 LGAs of the state, and there was no any form of violence or chaos of whatsoever kind.’’

It noted that while the security officials were present at the most of the LGA coalition centres, Returning Officers also returned the congress results of each LGA to the committee in Lokoja.

The coalition noted that there was also an appeal panel led by Sen. Biodun Olujimi that listened to a few cases of appeal on Sept. 5.

It commended the congress and appeal committees led by Hon. Leo Ogor and Sen. Biodun Olujimi respectively for adhering to the constitution of PDP in the course of the discharge of their duties. ``We commend the members of the PDP across the 21 LGAs for their very peaceful conduct throughout the process.

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

Politics

We’re using different approach in fighting corruption – Garba Shehu Interview

O

n hundred days have passed under President Muhammadu Buhari, how far so far?

When the President visited the United States, he did say that he does not believe in celebrating 100 days because such activities are fraudulent and that he will not engage in deceit.

That is why he went to his Daura home town. If Nigerians have anything to say about it, they should say it and I can assure you that the President will hear. But there will be no special activities about that.

Does that mean there is nothing much to show?

Well, Nigerians will decide whether there is anything to show or not. You represent public opinion. Without meaning to blow our own trumpet, I just left a town hall meeting in Suleja organised by the BBC and I took my notes. The ordinary Nigerians are praising President Buhari for security in the country and some of them scored him 90 percent and above. Tailors there who use to open shops for two hour in three days and now, they can open their shop for up to 20 hours a day and some of them are saying that sometimes they have 24 hours uninterrupted power supply. I think this is an opportunity to clear the claim by the PDP that it is the work of Jonathan that President Buhari has come to claim credit for. The records are there with the Ministry of Power. All the records are there.

They are saying power has improved because it is raining season. Let me say that none of the hydro plants has added any megawatt. What is going on is that, like the Americans will say, there is a new Sheriff in town.

People are taking their cue from the fact that there is a no nonsense President who has taken over the administration of this country and his body language sends the message. Nobody is blocking gas pipelines, the gas is flowing and there is better management and everybody is standing up to do the right thing.

Better management also means better engagement. Whether it is the host community or youth groups who are undermining things, they are looking up to an administration that is selfless and serving the country for the sake of the country.

This is the thing that is responsible for the improved power supply. No hydro station has increased output.

The gas is flowing because people are sitting up. At the town hall meeting, somebody said they drove from Suleja to Yola and back without any policeman or soldier stopping them to ask for bribe and the same thing happened on the way back. This is an environment that has been generated by the presence of Buhari in Aso Rock. Whether anybody like it or not, it has changed things and we are feeling safer and when people go to sleep they are comforted by the fact that there is somebody who will

Recently, President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration clocked 100 days in office. In this interview with some journalists, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, speaks about the achievements of the present administration, among other issues. Umar Muhammad Puma was there. bolt the door. All these things about security are happening because the soldiers themselves believe that they are being led by a caring leader. Citizens are feeling that the pressure of insecurity is going away not because Boko Haram has been eliminated completely missed but because of the work that has been done. The management that has been brought to bear on the nation’s security is reassuring. PDP wants to take away our attention. They issued a statement saying that there is corruption going on even with Buhari in government. Maybe they are alerting President Buhari that the men they left behind are still continuing with their old game because Buhari left everybody behind. In that case, maybe we should watch out and do something about that. So, the country is being managed properly and competently and that is where we are.

A lot of people were surprised that he had to take Col. Hamed Ali to head the Customs when there are several career officers for him to choose from. What informed that choice?

Well, I don’t know because the President didn’t talk to me on this.

Let me ask you one question. Do you, in all sincerity know Col. Hamed Ali? If you do know him, how many of his types do we have in this country?

This is the man who many probably felt should have gone to head the EFCC. But looking at the critical place of the Customs in the economy of this country, you need somebody like him. After oil, the next revenue spinner for the government is the Customs. In these few days we have been listening to briefings, I have seen people flying ideas that Customs revenue can be tripled and that there are ideas that can lead to the revenue being tripled on the basis that corruption is eliminated. I think that Col. Hameed Ali brings a rear breed of reputation that will be difficult to find. There might be a few people in the Customs, but maybe they are too low in rank to warrant this appointment. I think the President has done the best thing anybody can do for the Customs and for the economy of this country. Otherwise, smuggling will ruin Nigeria. Look at what is happening in the textile industry in Aba, Ikeja, Kaduna, Kano and Gusua. There was a time when they use to employ about 400,000 people. All the textile companies in the country today can no longer employ more than 30,000 people.

We have more Nigerians in need of clothing today than those so called glorious days of the textile industry.

This is just one example. Look at

Mallam Garba Shehu the issue of rice. Ebonyi, Anambra, Niger, Osun, Kebbi, Sokoto and Kogi has been brought together by the President and given the matching order to produce the rice need of this country. The rice industry in this country has failed because cheap Asian rice is being dumped here. The President did not ban Importation because that would have offended WTO. What he has done is to say if you want to import rice go and source your dollars anywhere you can get it.

But CBN and the banks will always supply to manufacturers who want to bring in spare parts, equipment and employ Nigerians and for those who want to pay for medical bills abroad and maybe for school fees. By that action, the scope of import has been significantly reduced and that will encourage local production.

There is so much cash crunch in the country today.

What is responsible for that, especially considering the fact that this is happening under Buhari?

I don’t know anything about cash crunch. Perhaps, the more competent people are the bankers.

I should think that there is more money now going to the people because the local farmer who could sell his produce because nobody was buying will now sell their goods.

The tailor who does three hours a day because of lack of electricity can now do 12 hours a day and that will fetch him more money. The revival of the economy is a process that will

take a long time. It will not require government opening the vault and bringing out money and give to people. It is a working economy.

Look at the businesses in the north east that were closed for a long time because of lack of patronage because of lack of security. Now, if you go to Yola it is s booming there, the same thing with Gombe. Even in Maiduguri, you will be surprised at what you see. In spite of the threats that hang over their head, night life is resuming. This is what will bring money to the hand of people because they do business and work to earn money which they spend. So, I don’t think there is any Buhari thing that anybody can say has brought cash crunch. It is the imminent failure of the economy that the government has tried to solve. I assure you that were it not for some of the measures that the President tried to take through the CBN; maybe you would not know the naira by now. The collapse would have been disastrous.

Nigerians are agitated about finding the Chibok girls and despite the improved security; they have not been found despite a lot was said about them during the campaigns?

To be fair to President Buhari, did he ever say he will bring back the girls on the second day of his administration? What he has always said is that we don’t even know where the girls are and that we need to go in there and get the intelligence

and situation of things and then act. Without meaning to endanger what is left of those girls, you know that the Sambissa forest is being degraded right now. The bombing is done in a careful manner to avoid certain locations of interest as far as Chibok girls are concerned. Please take note of what I am saying. I am not saying that the girls are here or there. But there is better intelligence now. In fact, Sambissa forest is under observation 24 hours in case somebody decide to move those girls from point A to point B. If there is any movement that is suspicious, we have drones; unmanned aircrafts that fly around the place at night and during the day, the men takes over and fly the aircraft. In the last few days, you even saw the Chief of Army Staff leading the troops and I am aware that in the last few weeks, very interesting pictures have been shown to the President on the basis of which we will say to Nigerians, don’t lose hope on the Chibok girls. I am not saying they have been found or that they have been seen. But it is not yet time for Nigerians to say we have lost them.

From what you have said it does appear that the government was jolted by what it found on ground regarding the state of security because it appear you have to battle with this again like in the past?

This Boko Haram was there for five or six years under Jonathan and he did not end it. Now you have a president who came and said go and end it in three months and this is about to happen.

From my conversation with these commanders, what they are saying to themselves is that they are not going to wait for three months, but do their best to beat the target given by the President. So, there is so much going on and I can assure you that the spirit is very high. The Army was there with the soldiers for about nine days. That is leadership because you see him leading the soldiers from the front. If the Chief himself is there, who are you not drop your gun? A lot is happening and Boko Haram has been degraded, they have lost central command and are now in splinters. What you have now is bits and pieces carrying out destructive action because they don’t want to go down alone. So, they are looking for very soft targets such as churches, mosques, markets. The Air Force is clearing this place for the ground troops to move in. They are looking for bomb making structures and moving convoy of these insurgents.

But they are being careful about

Continued on page 18

Page 20

PEOPLES DAILY,tuesDAY, september 8, 2015

Energy

AEDC nabs suspected electricity cable vandal in Gwagwalada

By Etuka Sunday

A

suspected electricity cable vandal has been arrested while trying to remove the cables connected to a transformer in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), a statement by the company has disclosed.

The statement said, the suspect (name withheld) was arrested by some residents of the Quarters Community of Gwagwalada and handed over to officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence

Corps (NSCDC) in the area.

Eyewitnesses disclosed that the vandal was nabbed at about 3am on Wednesday last week after he had removed 5 meters of a 500mm2 incomer cable on a 500Kva substation along Oluwafemi Street in Phase I of the Quarters Community in the area.

Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC’s) Service Engineer in the area, Engr. Okpe Cyprian, revealed that the vandal’s action had tripped off Feeder III serving the area, thereby throwing some parts of the community

into darkness. However, the Gwagwalada Area Manager of the AEDC, Engr. Baro Ahmad has confirmed the reconnection of the removed cable, disclosing further that power supply has since been restored to the affected neighbourhood.

The FCT Commander of NSCDC, Mr Patrick Agha while confirming the arrest said that his agency will soon charge the suspected vandal to court for prosecution.

Vandalism has been a major cause of frequent disruption of power supply not only in AEDC’s coverage area but

across the country.

Recall, about three months ago, the AEDC reported that vandals hacked into an 11Kva Feeder injection substation on Mohammed Ribadu Street in Asokoro District of Abuja, thereby disrupting power supply to residents of the area.

The vandals, according to the company, carted away certain items including three 800A LV incomer breakers on the feeder pillar, 19 copper bars and 20 feeder pillar units.

Worried by the rising cases of vandalism in its franchise area, the AEDC in March this

year sought for partnership with the police to curb the menace.

Managing Director/CEO of the company, Mr. Neil Croucher, who paid a courtesy call on the Inspector General of Police, said the company needs the support of the police in dealing with the twin evils of electricity theft and vandalism.

Citing the Penal Code and other relevant laws, Mr. Croucher said the company was ready to collaborate with the police in order to further reduce the incidence of the commercial and technical losses it has been incurring.

Eko Electricity Company calls for stringent measures against vandalism

M

photos of vandal

Oil prices fall on China equity losses

O

il fell on Monday as Chinese equities weakened, with a firmer dollar and global oversupply weighing on prices. The U.S. Labor Day holiday helped keep trade thin.

China’s main indexes closed down on Monday as investors sold shares in the aftermath of a four-day market holiday, during which further restrictions on futures trading were announced.

“Oil is only taking its cues from China,” SEB chief commodity analyst Bjarne Schieldrop said.

“The price is taking little

notice of constructive data like stronger (European) equities, stronger base metals and last Friday’s fall in U.S. rig count,” he said.

Brent crude for October was down 70 cents at $48.91 a barrel by 1315 GMT. U.S. crude for October was down 60 cents at $45.45.

Oil has fallen almost 60 percent since June 2014 on a global supply glut, with prices seesawing in recent weeks as concerns about a slowing Chinese economy caused turmoil in global stock markets.

“For commodities, the key

demand-side figure to care about is not China’s GDP growing at 7 percent instead of 9 or 10 percent, it is the manufacturing price index, which has been falling for more than 40 months in a row,” JBC Energy said.

A surprise gain in U.S. crude stocks of 4.7 million barrels in the week to Aug. 28, the biggest one-week rise since April, added to worries about oversupply.

That was despite the number of U.S. oil rigs falling by 13 to 662 last week, according to Baker Hughes data, the first decline in rig counts in seven

weeks.

A firmer U.S. dollar also hurt oil prices by making the commodity more expensive for holders of other currencies.

The year-long decline in oil prices caused more than 5,000 job losses in Britain’s North Sea oil and gas sector since late last year, the country’s Oil and Gas Authority said on Monday.

Investors are awaiting euro zone second-quarter gross domestic product figures on Tuesday, followed by monthly global oil supply and demand data from U.S. and global energy authorities to give oil further direction. (Reuters)

r Oladele Amuda, the Chief Executive Officer, Eko Electricity Distribution Plc, has called for stringent measures against vandalism of electricity equipment in the country.

Amuda told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Monday that the existing laws were too light for offenders of electricity equipment vandals.

He said that vandalism of electricity equipment was a serious act of economic sabotage that should attract stiffer penalty.

Amuda said that the company had spent so much money to replace vandalised equipment. ``Within the last two years after taking over this Distribution Company , we have spent close to N20billion on infrastructural development as well as system upgrade and reinforcement. ``After spending huge amount of money on power improvement, it will be unpatriotic of anyone to be vandalising the newly acquired equipment. `` Consumers should report anybody who is not our staff found tampering with the company’s installations,” he said.

The chief executive officer said that continuous vandalism of power equipment had contributed to epileptic power supply within the zone.

He called on consumers to be vigilant and report any case of vandalism to the police.

Amuda appealed to security agencies, community development authorities’ chairmen and residents to protect Eko Electricity Distribution Plc facilities in their areas. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY,tuesDAY, september 8, 2015

Page 22

Business

Sustainable development can help improve broadband penetration in Nigeria - Expert

M

r Jide Awe, the Chairman, Conference Committee, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) , has said that only sustainable development can help improve the level of broadband penetration in Nigeria.

Awe told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Monday that Information and Communication Technology

Expert tasks FG on renewable energy initiative

(ICT) had grown in an unprecedented way.

He said that only sustainable infrastructure and development could help enlarge its scope. ``Internet penetration indicates the percentage of internet users in a country. ``The internet is critical to the national growth and will enable more people to gain access to opportunities and benefits of ICT. ``Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of

future generations to meet their own needs,” he said.

The NCS official urged government to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation in policies.

He also urged the government and stakeholders to be stronger and committed in monitoring, evaluating and reporting on targets and implementing corrective action where required in the sector.

According to Awe, mobile phone penetration has

significantly helped the telecoms market and had transformative impact on the economy and society.

Awe, who is also the Managing Consultant, Jidaw Systems in Lagos, noted that the Nigeria National Broadband Plan had bridged the country’s broadband infrastructure gap.

He said further that the plan had launched the country toward achieving its broadband penetration target of six per cent to 30 per cent by 2018.

The NCS official called for incentives, which would

encourage network development and infrastructure sharing in rural areas through subsidies and public-private partnerships.

The NCS committee chairman said the plan was to use ICT to promote development concepts and practices, especially in social and environmental sustainability.

Awe added that IT penetration in rural areas would promote digital literacy, specialist skills development and development of relevant IT tools that addressed local needs and language content. (NAN)

M

r Javier BetanCourt, the Chief Party of the United States Nigeria Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Project(REEEP),on Monday urged the Federal Government to be committed to the initiative.

BetanCourt made the call in Lagos at a one-day seminar on Financing Renewable Energy Projects organised by the Consulate-General of the Federal Republic of Germany.

He said there was need for Nigeria to be more committed to the development of its renewable energy sector.

The energy development expert said that although the country was endowed with energy resources, the development of the sector was still fraught with challenges.

“Experience has so far shown that Nigeria has no standard for renewable energy and energy efficiency development equipment.

“Nigeria also presently has an unfair regulation on energy supply.

“Government should, therefore, come up with incentives, giving concessioning lending to developers. ‘’ Government needs to also facilitate selling of access energy back to grid,’’ he said.

BetanCourt also said the Federal Government was expected to play a major role in providing the necessary incentives to renewable energy developers.

He further enjoined the government to urgently begin to consider duty and tariff waivers for renewable energy equipment being imported into the country.

Mr Olowo Olasunkanmi, the Head of Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) of Ecobank Nigeria Ltd, said that there was huge renewable energy potentials in Nigeria.

Olasunkanmi, who said that his bank was committed to financing renewable energy development in the country, urged developers to always understand the requirements for accessing the bank’s credit.

(NAN)

que in a petrol station

L-R: Team Lead Finance, Abuja Leasing Company Limited (ALC), Ms. Florence Ughiovhe, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of ALC, Mr. Tolu Delano, Product Development Manager of ALC, Mr. Victor Ubani, and Deputy-Chief Legal Officer, ALC, Mr. Ebube Nwankwo, during the official launch of Hetogrow UK solar power bank in Nigeria, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

NAMB chairman cautions microfinance banks against giving out huge loans

T

he National Association of Microfinance Banks (NAMB) on Monday advised operators of microfinance banks to stop giving out huge loans to individuals, to avoid the depletion of their shareholders’ funds.

Mr. Isaac Akowe, the Chairman of NAMB, Edo chapter, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Auchi, near Benin, that such loans could lead to bad debt.

``According to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) rules, loans to an individual should not go beyond N500,000. ``Those who borrow money should also always be monitored. ``Giving out huge loans to individuals could affect the banks’ shareholders fund, leading to bad debt,’’ he said.

Akowe, who is the Managing Director of Auchi Microfinance Bank Limited, said more

microfinance banks in the country might collapse due to high cost of operations.

He said the reason many microfinance banks were struggling to survive was because they were competing with commercial banks. ``The CBN has designed a model and rules for microfinance banks in Nigeria but most operators have deviated from the rules.

``If we follow real microfinance practice, this sector will thrive,’’ the NAMB chairman said.

He urged operators to reduce unnecessary cost in their operations to prevent more banks from collapsing. ``Our business should be for the active poor; I mean for people into small businesses like selling pepper, tomatoes and other petty traders,’’ he said.(NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY,tuesDAY, september 8, 2015

Page 21

ICT

Apple gets 86 more employees to compete with Google, Amazon, Facebook

A

pple has ramped up its hiring of artificial intelligence experts, recruiting from PhD programs, posting dozens of job listings and greatly increasing the size of its AI staff, a review of hiring sites suggests and numerous sources confirm. The goal is to challenge Google in an area the Internet search giant has long dominated: smartphone features that give users what they want before they ask.

As part of its push, the company is currently trying to hire at least 86 more employees with expertise in the branch of artificial intelligence known as machine learning, according to a recent analysis of Apple job postings. The company has also stepped up its courtship of machine-learning PhD’s, joining Google, Amazon, Facebook and others in a fierce contest, leading academics say.

But some experts say the iPhone maker’s strict stance on privacy is likely to undermine its ability to compete in the rapidly progressing field.

Machine learning, which helps devices infer from experience what users are likely to want next, relies on crunching vast troves of data to provide unprompted services, such as the scores for a favorite sports team or reminders of when to leave for an appointment based on traffic.

The larger the universe of users providing data about their habits, the better predictions can be about what an individual might want. But Apple analyzes its users’ behavior under self-imposed constraints to better protect their data from outsiders.

That means Apple largely relies on analyzing the data on each user’s iPhone rather than sending it to the cloud, where it can be studied alongside information from millions of others.

“They want to make a phone that responds to you very quickly without knowledge of the rest of the world,” said Joseph Gonzalez, co-founder of Dato, a machine learning startup. “It’s harder to do that.”

The Cupertino-based tech titan’s strategy will come into clearer focus on Sept. 9, when it is expected to reveal its new iPhones and latest mobile operating system, iOS 9. Apple has promised the release will include a variety of intelligent reminders, which analysts expect will rival the offerings from Google’s Android.

While Apple helped pioneer mobile intelligence -it’s Siri

Apple-iPhone-6-1a

introduced the concept of a digital assistant to consumers in 2011 - the company has since lost ground to Google and Microsoft, whose digital assistants have become more adept at learning about users and helping them with their daily routines.

As users increasingly demand phones that understand them and tailor services accordingly, Apple cannot afford to let the gap persist, experts say. The iPhone generated almost twothirds of Apple’s revenue in the most recent quarter, so even a small advantage for Android poses a threat.

“What seemed like science fiction only four years ago has become an expectation,” said venture capitalist Gary Morgenthaler, who was one of the original investors in Siri before it was acquired by Apple in 2010.

While Apple got off to a slow start on hiring for machine learning jobs, it is closing in on its competitors, said Oren Etzioni, who is CEO of the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence and a professor at the University of Washington.

“In the past, Apple has not been at the vanguard of machine learning and cutting edge artificial intelligence work, but that is rapidly changing,” he said. “They are after the best and the brightest, just like everybody else.”

Acquisitions of startups such as podcasting app Swell, social

media analytics firm Topsy and personal assistant app Cue have also expanded Apple’s pool of experts in the field.

Apple does not reveal the number of people working on its machine learning efforts.

But one former Apple employee in the area, who asked not to be named to protect professional relationships, estimated the number of machine learning experts had tripled or quadrupled in the past few years. Many of the currently posted positions are slated for software efforts, from building on Siri’s smarts to the burgeoning search features in iOS. The company is also hiring machine learning experts for divisions such as product marketing and retail, suggesting a broad-based effort to capitalize on data.

Apple’s hiring mirrors a larger hunt in Silicon Valley for people who can help companies make sense of their huge stashes of data, said Ali Behnam, managing partner of Riviera Partners, an executive search firm. Data scientists are the most sought-after experts in the market, he noted.

Asked for comment about Apple’s strategy, a company spokeswoman pointed to statements from Craig Federighi, senior vice president of Software Engineering, who described the release at a developers’ conference in

June as “adding intelligence throughout the user experience in a way that enhances how you use your device but without compromising your privacy, things like improving the apps that you use most.”

But Google and others have an edge in spotting larger trends, meaning Apple’s predictions may not be as good, said Gonzalez, echoing a commonly held view among machine learning experts.

What’s more, there are some features for which Apple has yet to find an answer, such as Now on Tap, which Google will release this fall.

When users press the home button, Google will scan their screens to deliver helpful information – a user reading about an upcoming movie, for example, might receive reviews or a list of showtimes. It would be difficult to deliver such services without sending data to the cloud, experts say.

ACCESS TO DATA Some techniques Apple and Google are investing in such as deep learning, a hot field of machine learning that roughly simulates the human brain so that computers can spot patterns and classify information – require massive amounts of data that typically cannot be crunched on the device alone.

For machine learning experts at Apple, access to data

complicates the work at every turn, former employees said.

Siri enjoys some of Apple’s most liberal privacy policies, holding onto user information for up to six months. Other services, such as Apple Maps, retain information for as little as 15 minutes, the former employee said.

Machine learning experts who want unfettered access to data tend to shy away from jobs at Apple, former employees say.

But Apple is strengthening ties to academia to find the talent it will need, attending more industry conferences and discussing its use of tools emerging from university labs, academics say.

“They are gradually engaging a little more openly,” said Michael Franklin, who directs UC Berkeley’s Algorithms, Machines and People Lab, which Apple sponsors.

And some machine learning experts might be enticed by the challenge of matching Google’s smarts amid privacy constraints, suggested John Duchi, an assistant professor at Stanford University.

“New flavors of problems are exciting,” he said.

If Apple succeeds without compromising privacy, its Mountain View rival may face questions about its approach to analyzing users’ data.

“People might start to ask Google for more privacy,” Gonzalez said. (Reuters)

Peoples Daily, TUesday, September 8, 2015

PAGE 24

PAGE 25

Special Report

Inside Zuwara, the heart of Libya’s people-smuggling trade T

hey had been there for some time. One appeared to be African, but the other two were so swollen and decomposed it was impossible to tell where they came from.

But they may have been Syrian. Or Palestinian. Or Iraqi. These are the people who flock here in their thousands, paying $1,000$2,000 (£660-£1320) to get on tiny fishing boats they hope will make it across the Mediterranean to Italian waters.

Zuwara is the dark heart of Libya’s smuggling trade. At the jetty of a former chemical plant about 20km (12 miles) from the town, people smugglers operate freely.

A week ago, two of the boats that set off from here ran into trouble. Two hours into their journey, they sank.

Nearly 200 people drowned. Bad weather or a dispute between rival smuggling gangs may have caused these deaths.

“We were sailing and all of a sudden the boat sank,

The walk along the beach in Zuwara was short, but in just 50 yards I found three dead bodies in the sand. They were all adult men, their corpses baking in the brilliant heat of the afternoon. everyone on board died except three or four people who were on top of the boat,” he said. “The ones on top had life vests, but the waves took them in different directions, some people lived… some people died.”

He was being held in a detention centre in Zuwara.

As soon as he was freed, he said, he would head home.

“When I came, they told me there was no risk, they said it was a big ship, it had a captain and two assistants.

They said the ships don’t sink, if there’s any trouble we will be rescued and helped. But none of this was true,” he said.

“I will not try again, this route only leads to death.

Your sell your soul and those of your children taking this journey,” he added.

A people smuggler, who wished to remain anonymous, told me that it does not take much to get started in the business: $10,000 to buy a boat - demand has driven up prices - and the contacts to have refugees and migrants directed your way.

“There’s no one person in control, it’s an open market.

If you have boats setting off earlier you may pass people between smugglers,” he said.

Those making the journey are held overnight at safe houses, then transferred after dark in trucks to the beaches.

“We sometimes teach one of the migrants how

T R E

V D A

The beaches of Zuwara are littered with the belongings of those who attempted the dangerous journey to Europe

to operate the boat,” the smuggler explained. “If he does it, he pays less to travel.”

Three people were detained after last week’s disaster, but no formal charges have been brought yet. In Libya’s chaos, the smuggling business is largely unchecked.

Despite the deaths of the week before, boats were still heading out from Zuwara

under the cover of darkness.

“This business won’t be stopped,” the smuggler added.

The clothes of the dead, and those who escaped, litter the beaches here for hundreds of miles. There are shoes of all sizes, children’s too, and makeshift life vests.

This Mediterranean summer nightmare may soon ease though. By October, the colder weather arrives and

Flimsy boats - such as this one - are used to smuggle migrants

the seas become rougher, meaning fewer will attempt to cross these waters.

However, Asylum applications in Europe have surged this year - with numbers for Germany and Hungary already exceeding their totals for 2014.

Altogether, 438,000 refugees had applied for asylum by the end of July - compared with 571,000 for the whole of last

year.

According to figures from the UNHCR, Germany continues to be the most popular destination for migrants arriving in Europe. It has received the highest number of asylum applications, with more than 188,000 by the end of July 2015 - 15,416 more than in the whole of 2014.

But Hungary has moved into second place, as more migrants have tried to make the journey overland through Greece and the Western Balkans.

Although Germany had the highest number of asylum applications, Sweden tops the list when the data is viewed per 1,000 of the local population with a rate of almost 8 applications per 1,000.

The UK has a rate of 0.5 per 1,000 - one asylum application for every 2,000 residents.

Where do the migrants come from?

The conflict in Syria continues to be the by far the biggest driver of the migration.

But the ongoing violence in Afghanistan, abuses in Eritrea, as well as poverty in Kosovo are also leading people to look

The bodies of migrants recently lost at sea are gathered on a beach

for new lives elsewhere.

The EU is due to hold an emergency meeting in Brussels later this month - it has so far failed to agree on how to deal with the crisis.

A proposal for quotas on the distribution of refugees has been rejected and tensions have been rising because of the disproportionate burden faced by some countries.

The UK has opted out of any plans for a quota system and, according to Home Office figures, has accepted 216 Syrian refugees under the Vulnerable Persons Relocation scheme since it began in January 2014. Prime Minister David Cameron says the UK will accept up to 20,000 refugees from Syria over the next five years.

Hungary has built a 175km (110-mile) fence along its border with Serbia, to try to slow the flow of asylum seekers into northern Europe.

Under the EU law known as the Dublin regulation, refugees should apply for asylum in the country in which they arrive and are first registered. But as the numbers have increased, the rules have been ignored and many

6 by 2

migrants have been allowed through borders.

Although huge numbers have been applying for asylum, the figures do not tell the whole story.

The number of people being given asylum is far lower. In 2014, EU countries offered asylum to 184,665 refugees. In the same year, more than 570,000 migrants applied for asylum - although applying for asylum can be a lengthy procedure so many of those given refugee status may have applied in previous years.

There were more than 25,000 asylum applications in the UK in the 12 months up to June 2015. Most applications are typically rejected and in 2014, more than 60% of initial decisions on asylum applications were refusals.

In the same period, 6,788 asylum seekers and their dependents were removed or departed voluntarily from the UK. How do migrants get to Europe?

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that more than 350,000 migrants

were detected at the EU’s borders between January and August 2015, compared with 280,000 detections for the whole of 2014. The figures do not include those who got in undetected.

The EU’s external border force, Frontex, monitors the different routes migrants use and numbers arriving at Europe’s borders.

The eastern Mediterranean route has overtaken the central route as the most commonly used this year with Syrians forming by far the largest migrant group.

The 350,000 total detected so far this year at the EU’s borders includes almost 235,000 who arrived in Greece and nearly 115,000 in Italy. About 2,100 arrived in Spain.

Most of those heading for Greece take the relatively short voyage from Turkey to the islands of Kos, Chios, Lesvos and Samos - often in flimsy rubber dinghies or small wooden boats.

Migrant deaths The voyage from Libya to Italy is longer and more hazardous. According to the IOM, more than 2,500

migrants are reported to have died trying to make the crossing this year - altogether, 2,643 people have died in the Mediterranean in 2015.

The summer months are usually when most fatalities occur as it is the busiest time for migrants attempting to reach Europe.

But so far this year the deadliest month for migrants was April, which saw a boat carrying about 800 migrants capsize in the sea off Libya.

Overcrowding is thought to have been one of the reasons for the disaster.

Syrian crisis Asylum applications from Syrians in Europe have surged in 2015, fuelled by the country’s vicious civil war which began more than four years ago and shows no sign of ending.

The vast majority of refugees have fled to neighbouring countries such as Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan, and the number of Syrians there far outweighs those who have made the difficult journey to Europe.

Source: BBC

PAGE 33

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

Metro

Sachet water sellers attending to a customer at Nyanya, in Abuja.

School resumption: Board reassures zeal for qualitative learning Stories by Stanley Onyekwere

A

s schools resumed this week for the new academic session, Secondary Education Board (SEB) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reiterated its resolve towards unbroken delivery of qualitative, efficient and sustainable education in the Territory.

The Acting Director of the Board, Hajya Rakiat Daniya gave this assurance during her meeting with the principals of the fifty-six (56) Senior Secondary

Schools in FCT, in readiness for the new academic session, which commenced on Monday.

Daniya noted that, the FCT Administration through the Board had put in place various strategies aimed at improving the teacher’s readiness to teaching, student’s academic performance, and provision of facilities in schools as well as adequate security measures ahead of the schools resumption.

She tasked principals on the need to give priority to sustainable efforts that would enhance teaching and learning in the schools.

Shea equally directed the

principals to ensure teachers are on ground to discharge their duties as expected these include, filling of the statutory records in the school, look into the curriculum content for update teaching and retaining the students’ interest in a conducive learning environment as well as adhere strictly to professional ethics.

According to her, the beginning of the session holds much academic activities, hence teacher as a custodian of knowledge is expected to prepare ahead, keep abreast of new trends in curriculum and global teaching techniques reminding them to take advantage offered

by Information Communication Technology (ICT) to enhance their knowledge.

Furthermore, she revealed that the management of the Board including the Monitoring and Evaluation Division is set to go round the schools for on-the-spot assessment of schools resumption and compliance to directives which will enhance the schools progress as well as ensuring that educational standard is not compromised in FCT. To this end, she urged principals to continue to bring to bear their wealth of experience to lay a solid

educational foundation in their various schools stressing that, the Board will not toy with capacity building of teachers, development of non-teaching staff, creating opportunities for academic, moral, civic and other positive extracurricular improvement of students.

The Acting Director added that, the FCT Administration has taken into consideration the influx of people into the Territory and is not relenting in its efforts in making education accessible and affordable to accommodate this extra emergency.

Abuja indigenes want FG to set up c’ttee on Centenary City

F

ollowing the controversies surrounding the compensation and resettlement of affected communities in the Abuja Centenary City Project, youth in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the auspices of Abuja Original Inhabitants Youth Empowerment Organisation (AOIYEO) have called on the Federal government to immediately set up a Committee to resolve the issue.

Making this known in a press statement at the weekend, President of the indigenous youth organisation, Commandant Isaac David, said that they are aware that in other parts of the country, indigenes have resorted to the use of violence and disruption of state activities to enforce their rights.

David, who explained that the setting up of the committee will

ensure a peaceful process during the execution of the Centenary City Project, suggested that the committee members should include the Presidency, Centenary City Management, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), security services, traditional rulers, area Councils, indigenous NGOs, youth representatives and members of the National Assembly.

According to him, while they remain peace loving people and believe in the sincerity and deep commitment of the present Administration to protect their rights and restore their benefits, they may have no option than to engage in violence to press for their rights as guaranteed, if the right thing is not done.

“We know our rights as provided for in the 1999 Constitution (as

amended) and we cannot continue to watch while our rights are fragrantly abused even by individuals such as Centenary City Plc. It can be seen that the Management of Centenary City PLC has been very economical with the truth.

“Accordingly, we demand that the Management of Centenary City give a breakdown of the expenditure of the N1.237 Billion and the N65 Million they alleged to have been paid as compensation to the original inhabitants.

“This has become worrisome as the traditional rulers and especially the President of the Abuja Original Inhabitants Youth Empowerment Organisation and other stakeholders in the affected communities are being threatened that they connived with the management of Centenary City to divert money meant for

them.

“We need explanation on these issues and especially what happened to the land carved out of the permanent site of the University of Abuja (category 2) for the resettlement of the indigenes who had infrastructure in their land.

“Who are the new allotees of the land? The Management of Centenary City should stop engaging in rhetoric and provide the facts so that the issues will be resolved in a transparent and accountable manner,” he said.

The indigenous youth further said that arising from the above they sincerely advise the Centenary City Plc to stop forthwith further activities in the affected communities located in the Kuje and Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) until the issues concerning the compensation

and resettlement are fully resolved.

“We want to thank the Government for the opportunity given to us to present our perspective on the programme of the Centenary City as it affects the original inhabitants of the FCT. “On Friday, 28th August, 2015 the Management of the Centenary City Plc met with the President to address the controversies, alleged corruption, incongruities and negative media reports on the activities of the firm in the execution of the project.

“While we acknowledge the enormous benefits the Centenary City will bring to the country, we wish to express our appreciation to the government for expressing their concern for the recognition of the rights of the original inhabitants,” he stressed.

PAGE 34

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

Money Sense

12 Cost cutting ideas for your small business

By Suzanne Kearns

A

s a small business owner, you’re always looking to bring in more business and increase profits.

However, another way to boost profits is by cutting expenses.

Even if you’re having a good quarter full of brisk sales, out-ofcontrol costs will quickly eat up your profits.

Avoid the mistakes that other businesses are making. Keep close track of your expenses if you are using a small business accounting tool, cut them every chance you get. Your competitors might overlook some of these expenses, but you won’t.

Hiring staff 1. Try cloudsourcing Studies show that it costs about N500,000 to find and hire a new employee. And once you’ve hired a new staffer, you’ll have to spend time and money on training, sick leave, vacation time, and insurance. As a result, many companies are turning to cloudsourcing, which has revolutionized the way small businesses compete in the world’s marketplace.

Cloudsourcing involves hiring qualified professionals who work remotely for a fraction of the cost of traditional employees. Some of the best professionals out there, especially in today’s job market, choose to work for themselves.

They’ll post their portfolios on sites and you can hire them for a set period of time based on your specific needs. This way, you don’t have to keep a writer, graphic artist, and website designer on your full-time payroll. By using cloudsourcing for your marketing, business administration, or technology needs, you’ll be able to cut down on your expenses substantially.

2. Bring in Interns Sometimes you just can’t use a remote worker, like when the paper filing has piled up or you need other hands-on tasks completed.

Most businesses use “temps” for these jobs, but agencies can be expensive.

Instead, call your local college or business trade school and ask about using interns for the work.

Especially when they’re getting school credit, college students work for small fees or sometimes for nothing at all. You can also hire a virtual assistant to work remotely. Many college students aren’t able to find an internship in their local area, and they look to the net. Going shopping 3. Pool purchasing power Find other small-business owners and collaborate with them to save money on supplies and other goods. Keep in mind that you can even form alliances with other business owners in your niche. It’s called “co-opetition,” and it is one of the latest trends in business. You’re certainly not cutting yourself short by forming these partnerships if you can save yourself some cash.

4. Always ask for a discount

They don’t advertise it, but many top retailers will discount their items for small business owners.

You just have to take the initiative to ask. You won’t necessarily get a discount on a N200 pack of pens, but if you’re outfitting your home office with new equipment or other big-ticket items, you’d be surprised at the number of times you’ll get a better deal for mentioning that you own a small business. You may even have success asking for a wholesale rate. But even if you only get a small discount, you’re still saving money.

5. Don’t buy in bulk No, that’s not a misprint. Often, small business owners buy things like office supplies in bulk because it seems less expensive to buy that way. For instance, if you buy a thousand pens, your cost per pen will be less than if you bought them one at a time. But you have to ask yourself: Will you ever really use a thousand pens? More likely, you’d either lose them or find that most of them dry out before you get around to using them. As a small business owner, you could greatly reduce their expenses by buying only what you need today – not what you think you’ll need tomorrow.

6. Shop around for insurance There are a lot of great ways to lower your insurance costs, but the most important step is to find and compare insurance policies. You should always be looking for the best rates out there, especially at renewal time.

I use an independent agent for all of my insurance needs. Agents aren’t financially bound to any

one company and can usually find great rates based on your unique needs.

Being responsible 7. Eliminate finance charges Many small business owners spend hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars on unnecessary expenses like late payments on loans, credit card processing fees, and membership fees on certain business credit cards. By actively staying on top of bills and paying them when they’re due, you’ll save your business a good amount of money every year.

Keeping up with business bills can be more complicated than balancing your personal checkbook, but online payment services can make everything easier. You can schedule alerts that will notify you when bills are due and never miss a payment again. Take a close look at the membership fees and processing fees that you pay for using credit.

Are they necessary, or can you shop around and get better rates elsewhere?

8. Don’t waste time As a small business owner, you put in a lot of hours, but time is still a limited resource. Wasting time can cut into your sales and hurt your bottom line. As a general rule, anything that you can implement to save time will also save you money in the long run. If you don’t feel you manage your time wisely, look into some effective time management techniques and stop procrastination at all costs.

This is probably the biggest lesson that I’ve learned in my time as a small business owner.

Going green to save green 9. Cut out paper According to research by Xerox, about 40% of office paper is discarded within 24 hours of anyone printing on it. If you add up how much you spend on printing supplies, paper, and labor, you’ll quickly see that using electronic file storage can save you loads of money. By making use of free online space through services like Google Docs, Microsoft Office Live Workspace, Amazon Cloud Drive, and DropBox, you’ll be putting the dust jacket on the money-draining printer in no time.

10. Use energy-efficient appliances You try to save energy at home, so why treat your office any differently? At the top of the list of ways to reduce your utility bills, is using energy-efficient appliances, specifically ones with the Energy Star label, and compact fluorescent light bulbs. They’re sometimes more expensive up front, but most energy-efficient appliances come with government-sponsored rebates and are eligible for green energy tax credits.

You can save money in the long run by making your office more energy-efficient. Remember that you can request a free energy audit from your power company.

An inspector will come out and do an assessment of your place of business and point out ways you can further reduce your energy bills. Finding free stuff 11. Try new advertising Consumers need to hear your

advertising message an average of seven times before they’ll consider buying your product.

And if you’re paying for traditional advertising such as print, television, or radio, your advertising budget can get very big very quickly.

It’s tough to compete with big business budgets and get your message out there. But digital media has leveled the advertising playing field, and today’s small businesses aren’t just seeing better results, they’re spending less. It doesn’t require any financial expense to open a business Facebook or Twitter account, and the amount you save on your advertising expenses will be well worth the time you spend.

12. Barter It used to be tough to make the right connections to build a good bartering relationship. But recently, business-to-business barter sites like U-Exchange and TradeBank have been springing up all over the web, opening up bartering opportunities and making it possible for small business owners to get what they need without increasing their expenses. Bartering can make a big difference in your expenses, especially when you’re first starting your business. For instance, I provide editing and proofreading services to a few of my colleagues in exchange for materials that I need. Final word Cutting expenses only means one thing: more profit for you and your business. By looking at these areas, you’ll be able to increase your profits – even in the current economic climate. www.smallbusiness.com

Page 35

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

International international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

Motives for Tajikistan violence murky ANALYSIS

By Abdujalil Abdurasulov

M

any in Tajikistan were shocked by the announcement that a disaffected deputy defence minister was responsible for attacks on security buildings in the capital Dushanbe on Friday.

Nine police officers were killed when militants led by Gen Abdukhalim Nazarzoda launched the assaults.

Operations against his group are continuing at the Romit gorge, about 50km (30 miles) east of Dushanbe.

Why would a senior security official attack his own colleagues, seize weapons and hide in a gorge with his followers?

It is important to note that the government is providing very little information, which makes these attacks hard to analyse.

Mr Nazarzoda was a field commander during the civil war in the 1990s and fought government forces as part of the United Tajik Opposition (UTO).

After a peace agreement in 1997, he joined the army and became a commander. Other members of the UTO, which had a 30% quota under the peace deal, joined the government.

But the integration into the state structures was never smooth.

Deadly force Edward Lemon, a doctoral student at the University of Exeter who studies Tajikistan, says President Emomali Rakhmon has gradually moved against his former opponents and consolidated power across the country. The breakdown of power-sharing agreements occasionally leads to violence.

Thus an attempt to arrest former warlord Mirzahuja Akhmadov in 2008 resulted in an ambush in which the head of special forces was killed.

Later on, however, Mr Akhmadov supported government operations against other former field commanders - a move which secured him immunity from prosecution, at least for the time being.

When influential commander Mullo Abdullo, who had not been seen for almost a decade, returned to Tajikistan in 2009, authorities launched a special operation to capture him in what it described as a counternarcotics campaign.

During the operation Mirzo

Friday’s attacks raised fears of a return to unrest in Tajikistan

Ziyoyev, former emergency minister and one of the leaders of UTO, was shot dead. Mullo Abdullo was eventually killed in 2011.

Thus, as Mr Rakhmon’s power grew over time, he became bolder in removing former field commanders who still had their armed supporters who could challenge him.

And lately, the government has cracked down on the opposition Islamic Renaissance Party, which was at the core of the UTO during the civil war. Its leader fled the country fearing persecution and the party has been effectively banned.

President Rakhmon has ruled Tajikistan since 1992

“

Sending a message Some observers view the case of Mr Nazarzoda as yet another example of the government’s growing crackdown on anyone who can oppose the regime.

However, Mr Nazarzoda has not been close to the opposition in the past decade. According to

Despite the regime’s concern over radical Islam, the reality is that almost all of the recent conflicts in the country have been less about religion and more about local politics,” says Mr Lemon.

Parviz Mullojanov, a Dushanbebased political analyst, he was not involved in politics and did not pose any threat to the president.

Besides, field commanders do not have the political or military powers they had before, he says.

So motives behind the deputy minister’s decision to take up arms and turn against the government are not clear.

However, suggestions that the attacks are a reflection of growing Islamic radicalisation should be treated with caution.

“Despite the regime’s concern over radical Islam, the reality is that almost all of the recent conflicts in the country have been less about religion and more about local politics,” says Mr Lemon.

Whatever the reasons for the attacks, the government clearly feels it needs to take action.

In 2012, when a group that was under the command of a former warlord killed a security service general in the east of the country, the government sent hundreds of troops with heavy equipment and armoured vehicles. Officially, 30 rebels and 17 soldiers were killed.

This time again, the government will want to punish the gunmen in a similar manner. They will try to deliver the message that anyone who opposes the government will be destroyed.

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

Page 36

International

Hissene Habre:

Chad’s ex-leader carried into court Flabba trial: South African woman denies murder

T

he former girlfriend of South African hip-hop star Nkululeko Habedi, known as Flabba, has pleaded not guilty to his murder.

Sindisiwe Manqele, 26, claims she killed Mr Habedi in self-defence at his home in Alexandra, Johannesburg.

The first witness, Luyanda Sulupha, told the court how he had tried to revive the 38-year-old star after he was stabbed in the heart.

Mr Habedi was a member of the award-winning group Skwatta Kamp.

The prosecution opened its case in the Randburg High Court by calling Mr Sulupha, a cousin of the deceased who was at home on the night Mr Habedi died in March.

He testified that he had heard the two arguing for some time, beforeshe emerged from their room crying and asking for help.

Egypt agriculture minister held on corruption charges

E

gypt’s Agriculture Minister Selah Eddin Helal has been arrested shortly after resigning on Monday.

Security and judicial sources said that he was being held as part of a corruption probe.

A statement from the prime minister’s office said Mr Helal had resigned on the orders of President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi.

It is the first arrest of a high-profile official in such a case since Mr Sisi was elected in May 2014.

Reports say the arrest is in connection to allegations that officials took bribes to help businessmen illegally acquire state land.

Prosecutors had last week banned the media from reporting the investigation.

Anti-corruption protest in Cairo in July 2011Image copyrightGetty Images Image caption Corruption was a major reason for 2011’s anti-government protests In May former President Hosni Mubarak was sentenced to three years in jail on corruption charges after a retrial.

His sons were given four years each in the same case, which centred on the embezzlement of $14m (£9.3m) earmarked for the renovation of presidential palaces.

Hissene Habre was also forced into the court in July

C

had’s ex-leader Hissene Habre has been held down by masked security officers in the courtroom at the resumption of his trial for war crimes in the Senegalese capital Dakar.

Mr Habre had to be forcibly brought to court having refused to attend.

He disrupted proceedings, shouting at the clerk who was reading out a list of names of some of his alleged victims.

Mr Habre is accused of ordering the killing of 40,000 people during his rule in the 1980s, charges he denies.

The trial marks the first time one African country has prosecuted

the former leader of another.

Mr Habre refuses to recognise the legitimacy of the court, a special tribunal set up in Dakar at the behest of the African Union.

“Shut up! Shut up,” he shouted, as the court clerk read out the charge sheet.

One of his alleged victims, Fatime Sakine, tortured during 15 months in prison from 19841986, likened the former leader’s behaviour in court to that of “a spoilt child who won’t take his medicine”, Reuters news agency reports.

Earlier, new lawyers appointed to represent him told the BBC Mr Habre had refused to speak

to them.

If he refuses to recognise his newly appointed legal team, the judge will have to decide whether to adjourn proceedings or try Mr Habre against his will, reports BBC West Africa correspondent Thomas Fessy, who is in court.

The trial opened in July but was adjourned after Mr Habre refused to co-operate with the court.

With many Africans denouncing the International Criminal Court as neo-colonial, this trial is considered a chance for the continent to show it can hold its leaders to account, our correspondent adds.

The trial follows a 25-year campaign to bring him to justice.

Many of Mr Habre’s alleged victims have been calling for him to face justice since his overthrow and exile in Senegal in 1990.

Jump media playerMedia player helpOut of media player.

Press enter to return or tab to continue.

• Born in 1942 to ethnic Toubou herders in northern Chad • Given scholarship to study political science in France • First came to the world’s attention in 1974 when his FAN rebels captured three European hostages to ransom for money and arms • Seized power in 1982 allegedly with the help of the CIA and ousted by current President Idriss Deby in 1990 • Accused of systematically persecuting groups he distrusted • A former swimming pool was used as an underground prison where survivors say they were subjected to electric shocks, near-asphyxia and “supplice des baguettes”, when their heads were squeezed between sticks Battle to bring Habre to court Profile: Hissene Habre Parallels have been drawn between the Habre process and attempts to get the former Chilean military leader Augusto Pinochet extradited and put on trial for crimes against humanity in Spain in 1998, leading Mr Habre to to be called “Africa’s Pinochet”.

A Chadian truth commission found in 1992 that the Habre regime was responsible for 40,000 deaths and disappearances.

In 2005, a court in Belgium issued a warrant for his arrest, claiming universal jurisdiction but, after Senegal referred the issue to the African Union, the AU asked Senegal to try Mr Habre “on behalf of Africa”.

50 Cent posts video of house in Africa amid bankruptcy

U

S rapper 50 Cent has posted a film on Instagram showing his new house in Africa even though he has filed for bankruptcy in the US. He said on the post: “My crib is almost finished in AFRICA. I’m gonna have the craziest House warming party ever.”

In July he filed for bankruptcy days after a jury ruled he had to pay $5m (£3.2m) to a woman suing him over a leaked sex tape.

Forbes estimated in May that 50 Cent’s net worth was $155m.

Africa Live: News updates He doesn’t mention on Instagram where in Africa the new house is located, saying only: “I’ll explain later. I got a good life Man.”

The video showed workmen sweeping up by the pool

The video shows people working outside the house but gives few clues to its location.

Reaction across the media and Twitter has been that of surprise given he had filed for bankruptcy.

The entertainer, whose real name is Curtis James Jackson III, said at the time that filing for bankruptcy was a “strategic business move”.

Chapter 11 bankruptcy gives time for a business to re-organise finances while protecting it from creditors’ demands.

The Grammy-award winning rapper’s business interests have included clothes, boxing, drinks, and mining.

His stake in VitaminWater reportedly netted him tens of millions of dollars when CocaCola bought the drinks brand in 2007.​ His 2003 album Get Rich or Die Tryin‍‘ catapulted him to global fame.

Page 37

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

International

Yemen crisis: Qatar ‘deploys 1,000 troops’

Asia & Middle East

Denmark places antimigrant adverts in Lebanon newspapers

T

Al-Jazeera says it understands more Qatari troops will be sent

Q

atar has reportedly deployed troops to Yemen for the first time, according to the Doha-based alJazeera news.

One-thousand ground troops, supported by armoured vehicles and helicopters, are reportedly headed for the province of Marib.

Last week, 60 soldiers from the Saudi-led coalition were

killed at a base in Marib.

The missile strike by Houthi rebels killed 45 UAE, 10 Saudi and five Bahraini soldiers.

The troops died after an ammunition depot was hit in the town of Safir.

Following the attack, Emirati warplanes launched airstrikes on targets across Yemen.

The Houthi rebels described the attack as revenge for “crimes”

committed by the Saudi-led coalition, which has carried out months of air strikes in Yemen.

The coalition is trying to restore the exiled president, who left as the Houthis gained control over much of the country.

The UN says some 4,500 people - including at least 2,110 civilians - have been killed in fighting on the ground and by coalition air strikes since late

March.

Coalition countries are thought to have sent several thousand troops to Yemen in an effort to restore President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi to power.

They helped southern militiamen opposed to the Houthis retake the southern port city of Aden in July and have since advanced northwards.

Migrant crisis: Influx will change Germany, says Merkel

C

hancellor Angela Merkel has said the “breathtaking” flow of migrants into Germany will “occupy and change” the country in the coming years.

She said Germany would speed up asylum procedures and build extra housing, but called on other EU states to help.

French President Francois Hollande said quotas for EU countries to relocate 120,000 migrants were being planned and that France would take 24,000.

Meanwhile, the flow of migrants across Europe shows no sign of easing.

On Monday, large numbers of people were reported to be streaming into Hungary across its southern border with Serbia.

Migrants sit in the road in front of the police line as photographers mingle with them.

An empty coach waits to pick them up and start the journey to Budapest. There are about 400 people here.

A voice on a loudspeaker tells the migrants in English that buses will come soon.

They are not convinced. They continue their sit-down protest but police warn them that buses can’t

get through if they don’t move.

Other exhausted families trudge along the railway line, heading to the border camp.

Thousands of migrants who had arrived in Hungary made their way through Austria to Germany over the weekend. Those arriving at Munich station were cheered by locals.

Mrs Merkel thanked volunteers who had helped and welcomed those arriving, saying they had “painted a picture of Germany which can make us proud of our country”.

However, she said that although

Germany was “a country willing to take people in”, it was “time for the European Union to pull its weight”.

The Heidemannstrasse reception centre - a converted army barracks - is providing temporary shelter to some of the thousands of refugees and migrants hoping to make Germany their permanent home.

We meet two Syrian families who arrived via Austria eight days ago. A pregnant woman and five children were among them. They had arrived in Europe by boat and then walked to Serbia before being driven to Germany in a car.

Ukraine conflict: France hopes to end Russia sanctions

M

r Hollande has proposed a meeting of the leaders of France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine in Paris later this month on the situation in Ukraine.

He said there had been progress in recent weeks in implementing a troubled February peace deal.

But Mr Hollande said several commitments still had to be

honoured.

They include holding local elections and implementing decentralisation reforms granting more autonomy to two breakaway pro-Russian areas in the east.

“The process has moved forward.

There has been progress in the last few weeks. The ceasefire has almost been respected,” Mr Hollande told a

news conference in Paris.

Mr Hollande also said he had ordered preparations to begin for air strikes on Islamic State militants in Syria.

The Ukraine talks are to be held ahead of the United Nations’ General Assembly, which opens at the end of September.

If local elections are held

and decentralisation reform is successful, “then I will ask for sanctions to be lifted,” Mr Hollande said, referring to penalties implemented by the EU and US on Russia for backing rebels in Ukraine.

EU sanctions and a subsequent Russian embargo have hurt many French and European companies.

he Danish government has placed advertisements in Lebanese newspapers aimed at deterring potential migrants.

“Denmark has decided to tighten the regulations concerning refugees in a number of areas,” the advert begins.

It warns that Denmark has recently passed legislation cutting benefits by up to 50% for newly arrived refugees.

The governing Venstre (Liberal) party won power in June after running on an antiimmigration platform.

Migrants have been arriving in southern Denmark from Germany in the past two days, but most have said they intend to travel on to Sweden. Dozens of people were seen walking on the main road from the south coast towards Copenhagen, Danish media reported on Monday.

Venstre rely on the support of the anti-immigration Danish People’s Party (DPP), which made large gains as they took 20% of the vote in this year’s election.

The DPP’s influence has led to the adoption of some of the toughest immigration policies seen in the EU in recent years.

Along with warning about benefits cuts, the Danish advert also highlights that “all rejected asylum seekers must be returned quickly from Denmark”.

The DPP wants Denmark to leave the Schengen area boosting border controls is one of its top issues - and to make it harder for EU migrants to claim benefits in other member states.

Denmark has already opted out of the EU’s resettlement programme for asylum seekers.

First- and secondgeneration immigrants form 12% of Denmark’s 5.6 million population.

New rules reducing the benefits that asylum seekers can apply for were approved in July.

Single asylum-seekers without children will receive an integration benefit of 5,945 kroner (£582, €985) a month before tax, instead of the previous 10,849.

Married couples with children are able to apply for 16,638 kroner monthly, instead of the previous 28,832.

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

Page 38

International

Two Britons killed in RAF Syria strike, PM tells MPs

Europe and Americas

Pakistan says homemade drone ‘kills three militants’

P

Reyaad Khan, from Cardiff and Ruhul Amin, from Aberdeen, travelled to Syria to fight with the Islamic State group

T

he UK government ordered an RAF drone strike which targeted and killed two British Islamic State fighters in Syria last month, David Cameron has said.

Cardiff-born Reyaad Khan was targeted in Raqqa on 21 August and died alongside Ruhul Amin, from Aberdeen, and another fighter, the PM told MPs. Khan, 21, had been plotting “barbaric” attacks on British soil, he said.

The “act of self defence” was lawful, Mr Cameron said, despite MPs previously ruling out UK military

action in Syria.

Khan was killed in a precision strike by a remotely piloted aircraft, “after meticulous planning”, while he was travelling in a vehicle, the prime minister said.

He had been planning to attack “high-profile public commemorations” taking place in the UK this summer, he said.

The attorney general had been consulted and agreed there was a “clear legal basis” for it, Mr Cameron added.

Acting Labour leader Harriet Harman urged the government to

publish the legal advice.

Two years ago MPs rejected possible UK military action in Syria, but last September approved British participation in air strikes against IS targets in Iraq only.

However, officials said the UK would “act immediately [in Syria] and explain to Parliament afterwards” if there was “a critical British national interest at stake”.

In his statement to the Commons, Mr Cameron said: “My first duty as prime minister is to keep the British people safe.

“There was a terrorist directing

murder on our streets and no other means to stop him.

“This government does not for one moment take these decisions lightly.

“But I am not prepared to stand here in the aftermath of a terrorist attack on our streets and have to explain to the House why I did not take the chance to prevent it when I could have done.”

Unmanned Reaper drones joined RAF Tornado jets in conducting surveillance and air strikes soon after Parliament authorised military action against the group calling itself Islamic State last September.

North and South Korea discuss rare reunion for families

N

orth and South Korea are conducting talks on organising a rare reunion for families separated by the Korean War. The talks are being held at the border village of Panmunjom by Red Cross officials from both sides.

Thousands of families have been separated with little contact made since 1953 when hostilities ended.

The sporadic reunions depend hugely on the state of relations, and the North is known to have cancelled a few. The last one was held in February 2014.

Each meeting gets deluged by tens of thousands of applications from South Korea, but only a tiny percentage get selected. The last meeting saw 100 from each side attending, in a hugely emotional event.

The discussions come after a tense few weeks on the Korean peninsula, which saw exchanges of fire at the border and the evacuation of thousands of South Koreans from the border region.

The tensions began when a border landmine injured two South Korean soldiers - South Korea responded by broadcasting propaganda messages into the North.

The two sides reached an agreement to defuse the situation after marathon talks.

The North, which denied planted the mine, agreed to express “regret” about the incident - though later clarified this was an expression of sympathy not an apology.

The two countries remain technically at war as the Korean War only ended in an armistice.

akistan’s military says it has deployed a locally-made drone for the first time, killing three militants near the Afghan border.

In a statement, the army said missiles fired by the drone had hit a compound in the North Waziristan tribal region.

The army unveiled its Burraq (Prophet’s Horse) drone in March, saying it could fire laser-guided missiles.

Pakistan officially opposes drone strikes carried out by the United States in Pakistan’s tribal regions.

It has consistently demanded help with developing its own drone technology, but the US has refused to supply this.

Military spokesman Maj-Gen Asim Bajwa said the Burraq drone hit a suspected militant hideout in the Shawal valley.

The Shawal valley has seen fierce fighting between Pakistani troops and militants since the military launched an offensive in the region in June last year.

Pakistan already deploys home-produced surveillance drones, but Sunday night’s attack means it joins only a handful of countries with drones which have offensive capabilities.

There were few details about the missile strike - and even less is known about the range of Pakistan’s new attack drone or its accuracy.

Analysts say the country’s drones closely resemble those from its ally, China. Pakistan’s rival India is currently developing its own drone programme.

Lightning in Indian states ‘kills 32’

A

t least 32 people have been killed following lightning strikes in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Orissa, reports say.

Twenty-three people died in seven districts of Andhra Pradesh. Nine people were killed in the eastern state of Orissa.

Most of the people who died were working on farms during torrential rains on Sunday, reports said.

Lightning strikes are common in India during heavy monsoon rains.

In Andhra Pradesh, the deaths occurred in Nellore, Prakasam, Guntur, Krishna, East Godavari,

Anantapur and Srikakulam districts.

At least six women were among those who died.

Reports said two teams of women cricketers had a narrow escape when lightning struck a palm tree near the ground where they were playing a match in Guntur district. The game

was called off.

“It was a miraculous escape for our players as well as the staff,” a senior cricket official told The Times of India newspaper.

In Orissa, nine people were killed and at least eight injured in separate incidents of lightning strikes.

Pakistan’s military launched an offensive against the Taliban in North Waziristan last year

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

Strange World

Page 39

Brave rape victim reveals the harrowing moment she fought for her life after a home invader sexually assaulted her and stabbed her 17 times Shocking moment ‘drunk’ holidaymaker was wheeled out of hotel on luggage trolley after ‘trashing room’ in front of stunned guests Footage shows the man being dumped onto the pavement outside the hotel He smashed dishes and threw a tantrum as police arrived to arrest him The man could not fit inside a police van and was placed in an ambulance This is the shocking moment a distressed holidaymaker was wheeled out of a hotel on a luggage trolley after he tossed dishes and struggled with police officers while wreaking havoc in front of stunned guests.

Footage captured by a Scottish expat shows the man, who was allegedly drunk, being dumped onto the pavement outside the hotel, in the Philippines, as a number of police officers help with the arrest.

Officers then use a sheet to lift the man off the ground, but he has to be loaded into an ambulance because he is too large to fit into the back of a police van.

Former TV news cameraman Ian Maclean, originally from Helensburgh, in Argyll and Bute, grabbed his camera and recorded video after he heard a commotion and the large man was found face down on the floor in a corridor.

Wearing just his underwear, the man was screaming loudly and ranting as he stumbled into furniture.

At one point the man throws dishes and other objects onto the floor before he turns and faces the officers.

He shouts, cries and mumbles incoherently, and drops to the floor again inside the corridor, where shocked guests look on.

Once he is finally handcuffed police put a pair of trousers on him and then place him on a luggage trolley.

When they arrive outside they tip the trolley over so that he rolls off and falls onto the pavement, leaving him with dirt marks all over his face.

The man is then lifted into the back of an ambulance and transported to hospital for an evaluation.

Mr Maclean recorded the moment while he was visiting a friend at the hotel.

He said: ‘While we were in the room I heard a loud commotion – yelling, banging, dishes being smashed.

‘I grabbed my video camera and ran down the hallway to investigate. I found a very large drunk guy in underwear, with local police trying to subdue him.

‘He was wild and completely out of control, threatening the police. They called for back-up and struggled to get handcuffs on him

Police officers wheeled the man out of the hotel on a trolley after they dressed him in a pair of trousers because his wrists were so large.

Mr Maclean said guests went into the room to survey the damage and found two empty whisky bottles.

He added: ‘Because of his massive size, they had to figure out how to get him from the third floor down to the lobby.

‘The cops finally got him into a luggage cart and into the elevator.

He wouldn’t fit in the police van so they called for a larger ambulance, strapped him in and off he went to the hospital.’

DailyMail on Facebook

The man stands with a sheet draped over his shoulders after officers were unable to lift him into a police van

Former TV news cameraman Ian Maclean recorded video after he heard a commotion in a corridor

Page 40

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

Digest How is your job making you ill? (II)

By Diana Pilkington

A

2005 study from Iceland found that airline pilots are three times more likely to develop nuclear sclerotic cataracts - the most common type of cataract which occur when the centre of the eye’s lens becomes clouded and hardened. The exact cause of cataracts is unknown, though lifelong exposure to sunlight may increase risk.

Back pain that cripples dentists Having to bend over patients’ mouths all day can give dentists back problems, says Sammy Margo, a physiotherapist based in North London.

‘I treat a lot of dentists with problems of the thoracic (or middle) spine. Although they are highly trained at maintaining the correct posture, having to do it for so many years can have a cumulative effect.

‘They get pain and stiffness in the middle back and can develop thoracic kyphosis - curvature of the back that makes them look more rounded.

‘And as the thoracic spine becomes stiff, the neck and lower back can compensate, leading to stiffness in those areas, too.’ This can lead to arthritis over time.

Lorry drivers who age quicker There are anecdotal reports of lorry drivers developing Bell’s Palsy temporary weakness or paralysis of the face - as a result of wind blowing through their side window.

But there’s ‘no good scientific evidence’ to suggest this can really be the cause, says Charles Nduka, a consultant plastic surgeon and medical adviser to Facial Palsy UK. He explains that the condition is usually the result of a virus, which causes the facial nerve to become inflamed.

However, studies have suggested that lorry drivers may be at greater risk of sun damage on the side of their face that is next to the driver’s window.

A striking image was published in the New England Journal of Medicine of a U.S. truck driver - the left-hand side of his face was deeply lined, pitted and sagging after 28 years of sun exposure, whereas the right-hand side

was relatively unblemished.

Standard glass won’t protect you against UVA rays, which are typically associated with skin ageing, ‘so you could have skin damage sitting by an office window’, adds Dr Bav Shergill.

Lifeguards with bad hearing It’s well-known that exposure to loud noises can put your hearing at risk. But it’s not just those who work with power tools or play in heavy metal bands who should take care.

People who work in gymnasiums and swimming pools (such as PE teachers or lifeguards) could unwittingly be risking their hearing, too, says Gemma Twitchen, senior audiologist at the charity Action on Hearing Loss.

‘Big, open spaces with lots of hard surfaces mean sound can be reflected. If you think about it, when you go to a swimming pool it’s very echoey and noisy.

‘If you’re working in that environment all the time, there could be a risk if you’re being exposed to noise above 85 decibels (the point at volume at which sound can damage hearing).’ A 2006 Italian study that examined the acoustic conditions of pools and gymnasia in schools found that 80 per cent of the facilities tested did not stick to official limits on reverberation times (the length of time it takes for sound to die away).

Gemma Twitchen also recommends that all musicians, including classical musicians, wear earplugs while rehearsing and performing.

‘The louder the noise you are exposed to, the sooner the damage occurs, but prolonged exposure to loud noise can also take its toll - and orchestras can be very loud.’

Sailors could be ruining their eyes Sailors are at risk of eye problems such as pterygium - growths that develop across the cornea, the clear dome at the front of the eye, says Robert Scott, a consultant ophthalmologist at BMI The Priory Hospital, who has worked as a military doctor.

‘You get more exposure to ultra violet light at sea because it’s reflected off the water, so it’s important to wear sunglasses.’

Nurses face years of skin trouble Around 1,000 nurses a year are thought to develop work-related contact dermatitis - their risk is seven

times higher than the average for all professions, according to the Health and Safety Executive.

Frequent exposure to soaps and cleaners is largely to blame, as well as work involving wet hands. And frequent contact with latex - or to the chemicals used to harden rubber - found in protective gloves, can cause people to develop allergies, leading to an itchy, tingly rash.

As dermatologist Dr Bav Shergill explains: ‘We’re trying to move to nonlatex gloves in the clinical environment now to prevent

this happening and to stop inadvertently touching patients who are allergic to latex. But some doctors still use them, particularly when they need good sensitivity to what they are touching, and other professions who use latex gloves are still at high risk - such as cleaners and gardeners.’

Other health risks facing health professionals include addiction to drink or drugs, with one in six doctors affected at some stage, according to a Governmentfunded study, which some have put down to the stress of their jobs.

Health professionals and those who work in agriculture have the highest suicide rates, reported the British Journal of Psychiatry in 2008.

This ‘suggests a link between occupation and access to, and knowledge of, methods of taking one’s own life’, the report said.

Veterinary surgeons are around twice as likely to commit suicide as other healthcare workers and four times more likely than the general population, research suggests.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk Concluded

SporT 41 Page

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

Experts question Martial’s Manchester United €27.9 million 43 deal pg

sports@peoplesdailyng.com, SMS- 08142929046

I am not a magician Sharp breaks Scottish women’s - Oliseh tells 800m record 44 Nigerians 42 pg pg

Ikeme returns to Wolves after heroics in Tanzania

g >P

46

Oliseh set to test more players against Niger today

Eagles ace Rabiu Ibrahim did not see action in Tanzania

By Albert Akota

T

he Chief Coach of the Super Eagles Sunday Oliseh will get a good chance to test more players when the Super Eagles of Nigeria welcome next-door neigbours Niger in a friendly today in Port Harcourt.

“We need to play more friendly matches like the one against Niger as this will help the players fully understand the new

system the coach is bringing to the Super Eagles,” said top team official Tijjani Babangida.

The disappointing draw

by Nigeria in Tanzania was worsened by the 5-1 spanking Egypt handed down to home team Chad on Sunday to open a two-point gap at the top of the qualifying series for the 2017 AFCON. The midfield remains a big concern for Oliseh after Obiora Nwankwo and Izunna

Uzochukwu failed to rise to the occasion in Dar es Salaam at the weekend as they did not carve out chances for the strikers upfront.

That explained why Bature Yaro (Nasarawa United) and Paul Onobi (Sunshine Stars), both midfielders, were handed late call-ups to the squad.

But the search for top-class midfielders will continue as Nigeria now play catch-up with group leaders Egypt in the race for an automatic place to Gabon

2017.

The return of Lazio youngster Ogenyi Onazi, who was suspended for the Tanzania match, and the injury-prone Joel Obi will be most welcomed.

Home-based Chima Akas, Usman Mohammed and Prince Aggreh are all expected to have run-out against a Niger side, who are still smarting from a 2-0 loss in an AFCON qualifier in Burundi this past weekend.

Foreign-based Godfrey

Oboabona and Rabiu Ibrahim will also get a chance to prove themselves to the new boss after they saw no action in the Tanzania game.

Nigeria plan a top friendly against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon next month and Oliseh will therefore play the Niger game with an eye on this proposed clash of rivals in Europe as well as a CHAN qualifier against Burkina Faso also in October.

PAGE 42

Sport

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

Dolphins beat Bayelsa in battle of strugglers

D

olphins defeated fellow strugglers Bayelsa United 2-0 on Monday in a Week 28 game of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) to boost their survival hopes and further compound Bayelsa’s woes.

However, Dolphins remain in the drop zone in 17th position with 31 points from 28 games, while Bayelsa are bottom with 23 points.

Ebitimi Agoguo broke the deadlock in the 10th minute to give the hosts a 1-0 lead after Bayelsa goalkeeper Gambo Gideon failed to deal with a corner kick.

Wilson Andoh sealed the victory is the 75th minute with the second goal.

Both Dolphins goalkeeper Sunday Rotimi and his opposite number for Bayelsa Gambo were tested in the course of the game.

John Mikel Obi

I am not a magician - Oliseh tells Nigerians

By Albert Akota

S

uper Eagles Chief Coach, Sunday Oliseh has reacted to the backlash that has greeted his team goalless draw against Tanzania declaring he had said that he was not coming to perform miracles.

Speaking at a press conference in Port Hacouth yesterday ahead of his team international friendly match against the Mena of Niger Republic, Oliseh noted that he had said the process of getting the Super Eagles back on top will take some time.

“I have said it over and over that I am no magician. We have to come to accept the hard fact that we are not right there at the top there, at the moment.

“No doubt, we have potential, and based on the unity I have seen amongst the players, and the willingness to work hard and accomplish, we will get back to the top in good time.”

“We are building a new team, and patience is required. It is like starting from the scratch, because the fact is that we didn’t qualify for the last Africa Cup of Nations.

“However, I have the confidence that this group will make Nigeria proud again.”

Meanwhile, Sunday Oliseh expressed delight at the unity in the Super Eagles’ camp as the group focuses on earning a place at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals.

Nigeria could only draw 0-0 with Tanzania’s Taifa Stars at the

weekend as the race to Gabon 2017 reached a third of the way, but former captain Oliseh says he has confidence in his wards to steer Nigeria to the finals.

Coach Oliseh will lead his troops out at the Adokiye Amiesieamaka Stadium against the Mena, who lost 0-2 to Burundi in Bujumbura on Saturday. But right back Leon Balogun, who suffered a knock at training and thus missed the Tanzanian match, flew back to Germany from Dar es Salaam.

Midfielder Izunna Uzochukwu is also out, and this necessitated the invitation of Nasarawa United midfielder Bature Yaro. Also, defender Kenneth Omeruo has recovered from his knock against Tanzania.

NFF commends Eaglets for good conduct in Korea

Dolphins goalkeeper Sunday Rotimi

Nigeria swimmers at All Africa Games record poor performance

N

igeria swimmers are not finding things easy and are crashing out of the events with easy at the ongoing 11th All Africa Games in Congo.

Nigeria could not qualify for the next round in the 100 meters Freestyle (women) and 50 meters Backstroke (men), returning at 1.01.90 seconds and 28.91 seconds to emerge 8th and 7th positions respectively.

However, it was good news for Nigeria in the Volleyball event as the female Volleyball team lost to Algeria 1 – 3 in the group qualifiers. The team meets Kenya

today, September 8th.

Also Nigeria’s Kazeem Soyeye defeated Tanzania’s Ismail Issack in the 60kg lightweight bout. He will now fight Sarouna Fafiou Bless of Togo on Monday, 7th September.

Kehinde Ademuyiwa had a split decision win (2 – 1) over Vidal Gaieta of Angola. He will also meet Abbadi Lyes of Algeria.

The Nigeria’s female football team to the AAG thrashed host, team, Congo’s female team five goals to one (5 – 1) at Stade Massamba Debate. Nigeria female team will now play Tanzania on Wednesday, September 9th.

Golden Eaglets

By Albert Akota

T

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has praised the Golden Eaglets despite finishing third at the 2015 Suwon Continental Cup International Youth (U-17) Football Tournament in Korea.

The Emmanuel Amuneke-led side that lost in a 3-2 dramatic manner to Croatia in their last game had earlier posted a 1-1 draw against Korea and earned a

2-1 win against eventual winners, Brazil.

Addressing the Golden Eaglets after the ill-fated loss to Croatia, NFF board member, Alhaji Ahmad Kawu and Deputy General Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme gave kudos to the team for their overall performance and good conduct in Suwon.

Similarly, Ikpeme said the Golden Eaglets looked promising.

Only six players of the 21 that earned the FIFA U-17 World

Cup Chile 2015 ticket at the African U-17 Championship were in Suwon and Ikpeme said the tournament was a good platform to expose the new lads.

“I was in touch with the NFF president, Mr. Amaju Pinnick and he was happy that you have gained exposure and experience by coming for this tournament,” Ikpeme said. “You have done well but the ultimate gain of this competition was the exposure; we want you to block the loss to Croatia

Fan closes his eyes over swimmers poor performance

Page 43

Sport

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

Experts question Martial’s Manchester United €27.9 million deal

A

nthony Martial was the most overpriced player in Europe in this summer’s transfer window, according to a study compiled by the CIES Football Observatory.

The organisation says Manchester United paid over the odds by €27.9 million to buy the 19-year-old French forward from Monaco, even before the add-ons that could take his €50m (£36m) transfer fee up to €80m (£58.8m).

On Monday, former United midfielder Paul Pogba backed forward Martial to succeed at Old Trafford despite the high expectations he will face considering the transfer fee involved with his move.

Premier League clubs are deemed to have paid the three most excessive fees, with Kevin De Bruyne costing €26.6m more than he should have done when Manchester City bought him for €74m and Liverpool paying €19.7m more than Christian Benteke’s supposed value.

But while City is deemed guilty of paying two of the six most inflated fees, they also signed the player the CIES Football Observatory said was the most undervalued.

It claimed Raheem Sterling, who arrived at the Etihad Stadium for an initial €63m from Liverpool, should have cost €95m.

United received €15.3m more than they should have done for Angel Di Maria, the report concludes.

But it also says that they paid over the odds for Morgan Schneiderlin and sold Robin van Persie for a third of his true value.

In total 10 of the 20 most overpriced players were bought

by Premier League clubs with Martial, De Bruyne, Benteke and Otamendi followed by Arsenal’s Petr Cech, then Schneiderlin, West Brom’s James Chester, Aston Villa’s Jordan Amavi, Norwich’s Robbie Brady and Crystal Palace’s Yohan Cabaye.

But it claims English clubs found bargains in Sterling, Nathaniel Clyne, Connor Wickham, Gerard Deulofeu, Juanmi, Angelo Ogbonna, Xherdan Shaqiri and Fabian Delph.

The study also said that Arda Turan was the most overpriced summer signing not involving a Premier League club, after he joined Barcelona from Atletico Madrid for €34m.

Arsenal in dilemma as Welbeck out for six months

Gabriele Marcotti

Manchester City secondhighest transfer spenders ever

O

nly Real Madrid has spent more than Manchester City in a transfer window, according to a new report.

The Soccerex Transfer Review, compiled by Barcelona’s former chief marketing and commercial officer Esteve Calzada, shows City spent €200 million this summer.

That total was topped only when Real paid out €274m in 2009, the year they bought Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Xabi Alonso.

City paid £54m for Kevin de Bruyne, the second most expensive signing in Premier League history, and £49m for Raheem Sterling, their record buy until the Belgian arrived.

They also spent £31.5m on Nicolas Otamendi, who became the second-costliest defender in the history of English football after his teammate Eliaquim Mangala.

De Bruyne was the biggest signing in Europe this summer and City’s expenditure over the past seven years, of €815m, ranks second only to Real’s €817m.

Because the 2014 European champions have brought in more money in by selling players such as Mesut Ozil and Angel Di Maria, City have the biggest net spend over that period.

Barcelona are the third-biggest buyers over the seven years, followed by Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Manchester United, Juventus, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Arsenal and AC Milan.

Arsenal, who only brought in Petr Cech this summer, were the lowest spenders of those deemed “top teams.”

Monaco recouped the most in sales in the 2015 summer transfer window, bringing in €160m, aided by the sale of Anthony Martial, followed by Atletico Madrid, Porto,

Danny Welbeck

A

rsenal striker Danny Welbeck is facing six months out injured, according to England manager Roy Hodgson.

Arsenal announced last week that Welbeck has undergone surgery on his left knee and will be out for “a period of months.”

The former Manchester United forward has 33 England caps to his name but has not represented his country since March.

Hodgson is concerned about his long-term absence as well as a lengthy period on the sidelines for Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge.

He said: “Well, Welbeck bothers me now. He has already been out for me since March and for Arsenal since April, so that’s over four months, isn’t it?

And now I hear it’s another six months, so I can only hope that Danny recovers a bit quicker and then hits the ground running.

Kevin de Bruyne

United and Wolfsburg.

Premier League clubs spent €1.169bn, a record and a 14 percent increase on last year, with United the second-biggest buyers followed by Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham.

City was responsible for the two biggest signings and, including Otamendi, three of the top five.

The report said English topflight clubs had wasted €650m over the past three years on players who were on the pitch for fewer than 50 percent of the minutes played.

United were deemed to have paid the most for “non-successful players” with €161m spent on for footballers like Di Maria, Marouane Fellaini, Luke Shaw and Shinji Kagawa, who were off the pitch the majority of the time, with the £59.7m Argentine described as the “biggest disappointment.”

Tottenham were second in that list after paying €138m for signings such as Ben Davies, Roberto Soldado, Paulinho, Etienne Capoue, Erik Lamela, Mousa Dembele and Gylfi Sigurdsson.

City came third after buying Stevan Jovetic, Javi Garcia, Jack Rodwell and Matija Nastasic, followed by Liverpool, with Lazar Markovic, Mario Balotelli, Iago Aspas and Fabio Borini.

The fact that most Premier League sides are able to bring in expensive players was underlined by statistics showing that 82.7 percent of funds paid by French clubs came from the four biggest buyers Paris Saint-Germain, Monaco, Lyon and Marseille and 72.5 percent by the Spanish top four, but only 45.7 percent by England’s four top spenders.

English Championship clubs, who paid out €137m, also have far greater spending power than their equivalents, with German secondtier clubs, the next biggest buyers, spending €35m.

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

Page

Sport

Sharp breaks Scottish women’s 800m record J

o Konta stunned ninth seed and Wimbledon finalist Garbine Muguruza in an epic contest at the US

Open.

Konta, ranked 97th, won 7-6 (7-4) 6-7 (4-7) 6-2 after three hours and 23 minutes - a record for a women’s match in New York.

The 24-year-old has now won 15 matches in a row and is into the last 32 of a Grand Slam for the first time.

She will face German 18th seed Andrea Petkovic in the third round on Saturday.

It is Konta’s second win over a top-10 player, the first coming against world number eight Ekaterina Makarova at Eastbourne in July.

Konta’s final service game took her match to a new women’s singles record for Flushing Meadows.

It is the longest women’s match at the US Open since the tie-break was introduced in 1970.

Lynsey Sharp

Poppel wins Vuelta stage despite puncture

D

anny von Poppel won the 12th stage of the Vuelta a Espana in a bunch sprint despite suffering a puncture just a few miles from the finish.

The Dutchman, 22, had to stop with a flat tyre 10km from the end but beat South Africa’s Daryl Impey on the line.

Italian Fabio Aru, 25, retained his overall lead after the 173km stage from Escaldes-Engordany to Lleida.

Earlier Chris Froome had been forced to quit at the start of the stage with an injury sustained the previous day .

The British Team Sky rider, 30, crashed on Wednesday’s 11th

stage and quit before the start on Thursday.

Froome had been hoping to become the third man to win the Tour de France and Vuelta a Espana in the same year.

Meanwhile, the Tinkoff-Saxo team have confirmed that they will continue to race after two of their riders were hit by motorbikes and forced to withdraw.

The Russian outfit sought safety guarantees after Peter Sagan , who is Slovakian, and Portugal’s Sergio Paulinho were both injured.

The 21-stage Grand Tour finishes in Madrid on 13 September.

IAAF defends scale of drug testing against Zakary

M Danny von Poppel

Brook to defend world title against Diego Chaves in October

ore than 1,400 drug tests were carried out at the World Athletics Championships in Beijing, the sport’s governing body says.

Just two positive tests were recorded - although the IAAF says hundreds of samples still need to be analysed.

The run-up to the event saw allegations of widespread doping in the sport.

The IAAF was also criticised for the scale of its testing plans in Beijing after admitting it would test only a third of athletes - 600

Kell Brook

G

reat Britain’s Kell Brook will make the third defence of his IBF world welterweight title against Argentine Diego Chaves on 24 October.

The fight will take place at the Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield and

comes after Brook, 29, defeated fellow Briton Frankie Gavin in London in May. Chaves, who has held the interim WBA world title, has won 23 of 26 professional contests and is confident of ending Brook’s unbeaten record of 35 wins from

35 fights.

A Brook win could lead to a much-anticipated fight against fellow Briton Amir Khan in 2016.

Brook added: “I’ve seen some of Chaves’s quotes and it’s interesting to see he thinks he can over-run me.

Joyce Zakary

to 700.

It also stressed it had focused on “targeted” testing of athletes.

“Thousands of samples were collected out of competition in the lead-up to the event, and the IAAF then implemented an intelligence-led programme in Beijing,” a spokesman said.

Kenyan duo Koki Manunga and Joyce Zakary, who were suspended during the championships, were the two athletes to fail tests. The samples will be frozen and stored for future reanalysis as science and technology progresses.

Page

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

Sport

P-i-c-t-o-r-i-a-l

Nigeria striker Brown Ideye is aiming for a fresh start in Greece after a disappointing season in the English Premier League.

Barcelona sporting director Robert Fernandez has revealed the club will make an enquiry over the signing of Celta Vigo star Nolito ahead of the January transfer window.

Six-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt will miss the Diamond League final on Friday after deciding to end his season early.

Kevin De Bruyneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision to swap Wolfsburg for Manchester City was the right move for the Belgium midfielder, according to former team-mate Diego Benaglio.

Commonwealth featherweight champion Josh Warrington hopes to fight IBF world title holder Lee Selby in the spring.

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

Page

Sport

O

n the eve of English Championship game between Wolverhampton Wanderers against Hull City, Nigerian Carl Ikeme was surprised to be told by his coach, Kenny Jackett that his first choice goalkeeper would be dropped from the team, first time in three seasons.

The reasons, the coach said, was that Ikeme “must work hard in order to win back his place in the Wolverhampton Wanderers starting lineup.”

The coach told the Express & Star that “Carl Ikeme hasn’t done a lot wrong but it’s a football decision and one I felt confident in. Since I’ve been here, which is just over two years now, he has been the number one when fit.

He’s got to really work hard to regain his place.”

The coach had to settle for the team’s loaned goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, who is another top-class goalkeeper.

Wolves, however, played out a 1-1 draw against Hull City in that match on 18 August.

The 29-year-old Ikeme received the notice with disappointment. He kept his cool, believing that he must raise his game as directed by the coach.

Fortune would however smile on him when he was called by Nigeria’s new coach, Sunday Oliseh against Tanzania in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match away in Dar es Salam. This was a dream come true.

The Solihull-born keeper told Wolves Express & Star early July this year that “if I can keep playing well for Wolves hopefully that call (playing for Nigeria) will come.

“It’s not my choice; if it was my choice to get picked I’d pick myself for every international game. My father was born there and a lot of my family members are still in Nigeria so it would mean something to myself and

Ikeme returns to Wolves after heroics in Tanzania

Ikeme in action for Wolves my whole family. But the main thing for me is worrying about my Wolves form.”

Luckily for Ikeme, the called up given to him by Oliseh turned out to be real deal in his international career in the Super Eagles as he was surprisingly given a starting shirt after Nigeria’s first choice goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama,

excused himself from Tanzania match because of his mother’s death.

A rather disappointed Oliseh was forced to look the way of Ikeme, amidst fears and doubts among Nigerians of what a debutant goalkeeper could do in a crucial match against Tanzania.

The faith Oliseh had in Ikeme turned out to be a master stroke as the Wolves man made no less than six stunning saves to prevent the Super Eagles from suffering a humiliating defeat in Dar es Salam. He was adjudged Nigeria’s best in this match.

After the match, the goalkeeper continued to receive accolades from Nigerians and even from his Coach Oliseh.

Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi, a former Secretary-General of

Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) said there was hope for a new Super Eagles following the discovery of goalkeeper Carl Ikeme.

“The goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme is the revelation; he put up a yeoman’s job. He really saved the team,” Ogunjobi confessed.

Mr. Gboyega Okegbenr believes the sterling performance of the debutant would give Enyeama a stiff contest in the Eagles, even as he praised him for saving Nigeria in Dar es Salam.

“Stand up and take a bow new Super Eagles goalkeeper Carl Ikeme, quite a performance to be proud of,” he said.

“I don’t like to single out players from the team but I have to admit that Carl Ikeme had a great game for us against Tanzania,” Oliseh said of the goalkeeper who saved

his Eagles from embarrassment in Dar es Salam.

On his way back to his base in London, Ikeme could not hide his happiness and full of thanks to Nigeria which helped him to find his form back and at the same time sent a strong signal to Coach Jackett that he had been working harder to win back his place in the Wolves squad.

“Great honour to make my debut for the Super Eagles, thanks to my family, friends and fans for your support,” Ikeme said on his twitter handle.

With Wolves playing against Bolton Wanderers this weekend, it is expected that Coach Jackett would want to catch on the exploits of his goalkeeper in his first inrternational debut for Nigeria to unsettle his English Championship opponents.

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

Some Interesting Facts 1. During your lifetime, you will produce enough saliva to fill two swimming pools.

2. Babies are always born with blue eyes. The melanin in their eyes needs time to be fully deposited or to be darkened by ultraviolet light to reveal the babyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s true eye color.

3. Men have erections every hour to hour and a half during sleep. This is because the combination of blood circulation and testerone production can cause erections during sleep and are a necessary part of REM sleep.

4. After eating too much, your hearing is less sharp.

5. If your saliva cannot dissolve or mix with food, you will not be able to taste that food (try tasting something after drying off your tongue) 6. Noise causes the pupils of your eyes to dilate.

Even very small noises can do this.

7. 29 Likes 8. Re: 40 Amazing Facts About The Human Body

Page 47

Leisure

by fellis(f): 2:23am On Jan 29, 2013.

9. Everyone has a unique smell, unique finger print and unique tongue print.

10. By age 60, most people will have lost half their taste buds.

11. Your eyes remain the same size after birth but your nose and ears never stop growing.

12. A simple, moderately severe sunburn burns the blood vessels extensively.

13. We are about 1cm taller in the mornings than in the evenings.

14. The strongest muscle in the body is the human tongue.

15. The hardest bone in the human body is the jaw bone.

16. The hands and feet contains almost half of the total bones in the human body.

17. About 32 million bacteria call every inch of your skin home, but they are mostly harmless and some of them are even helpful.

18. Humans shed and regrow outer skin every 27 days.

19. Three hundred million cells die in the human body every minute and everyday and adult produces 300 billion new cells.

20. The colder the room you sleep, the higher the chances are that you would get a nightmare.

21. Humans are the only species that produce emotional tears.

22. All babies are color blind at birth, they see only black and white.

23. The only part of your body that has no blood supply is the cornea in the eye. It gets its oxygen directly from air.

quick crosswords

CROSSWORD SOLUTION 47

CROSSWORD SOLUTION 46

Say what?

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Dedication: It can take as long as six hours to get your face ready for the dance at the Gerewol festival, held in September. Source: Dailymail.co.uk

www.peoplesdailyng.com

QUOTABLE QUOTE The NNPC has discovered N55 billion (227 million) following a review of toxic crude oil for refined products swap contracts.

. . . putting the people first

tUEsday, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

—Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President

SPORTS Of ethnic champs and Buhari’s appointees latest

T

Hayatou

hey say that President Buhari should respect the sensibilities of a heterogeneous society and subject every appointment to geo-ethnic balance. I say that he should remain numb and unfeeling to the retrogressive tendencies of old that have stunted our growth and arrested our development. It was why we voted for ‘change’. So that for the first time things should be done differently; -and which is what ‘change’ is all about: -substituting something for another.

Those days should be long gone when political appointees were like dogs of hunt scavenging on behalf of sectional enclaves in a virtual ‘State of Nature’ that PDP had turned Nigeria into, where only the fittest survived.

Back then and especially leading up to Jonathan’s roguish, geo-ethnic government, it seemed justified for Nigerians to feel a sense of aloofness from the ‘national cake’ if they did not have one of their own appointed to the ‘baking room’.

Ironically though, even that psychogenic foreboding was largely misplaced because in reality political appointees were not known to regurgitate food back home for communal sharing. The rule had always been: ‘to every dog its day, and to every dog its bone’! It is thus uncharitable to worry that under a Buhari government such claptrap could happen. Nor is the proof against that any far-fetched: we just saw that in spite of the much that was up for the looting under Jonathan, not a dime made it even to the cleaning up of his Niger Delta; yet it took barely weeks in office for Buhari, a Northerner to approve that.

And I thought that it was this kind of ‘every-dog -its bone’ mentality that we have voted to change; so that it should not matter at all who was at the hunt or who makes it to the dishing table, all should be entitled –if not to an equal potion- at least an ‘equitable’ share of the game. If ‘equality’ is not the hallmark even of nature, ‘equity’ thus becomes a more practicable measure of distributive justice.

And maybe it is the reason nonoil producing states accepted the principle of derivation which shares the resources of the land ‘equitably’, not ‘equally’. In fact it is the reason that the least recipient state from the South-South under this principle still tops even Kano which receives the most in the entire North. Yet in 2001 the Ghali Assembly even voted to help Obasanjo abrogate the ‘dichotomy law’ and by so doing conceded, inequitably, more derivative benefits to the South-South from crude extractable some 200 kilometers off of our shores. Meaning that ‘inequitability’, (not ‘equity’ or even ‘equality’) has been the principle guiding the sharing of oil resources under derivation.

But now concerning

Advert: 0806 business: 0704 news: 0814 lagos: 0805 0803

564 385 292 327 454

Fan dies as Benin Republic draws with Mali

T

ragedy struck as one fan died, four survived while the Republic of Benin national team, Les Ecureules were held to a painful 1-1 draw against Gabon in Cotonou.

The Beninoise team lost the fan, whose name could not be ascertained as at when it happened, during the course of the game as a result of overcrowding.

The stadium was filled to the brim. It was observed that the medical team struggled to save the lives of five fans who were pushed down from the popular side terrace. Three of the fans were rushed to the hospital and two were revived on the spot but one later died in the hospital.

The driver of one of the ambulance who did not want his name in print confirmed that one of the three fans was not that lucky to survive despite the medical attention he got.

The home team however restored parity in the 34th minutes of the game through Captain Stephane Sessegnon who converted a free kick from the edge of the Malian 18 yard box to send the full capacity stadium to a frenzy celebration in the game.

The 2nd half failed to produce any changes to the game as the two teams failed in their bids to add to the goal tally. Bayelsa United skipper Salomon Junior who was adjudged the man of the match was able to curtail the several forays of the Malians from the duo of Bakary Sako and Modibo Maiga all throughout the half.

8620 9705 9046 1969 0344

TuesDAY Column Mohammed Adamu (08035892325 sms only)

dankande2@gmail.com

President Buhari appointments even of the personal Aides of a Northern President, ethnic champions are demanding ‘equal’ sharing; so to achieve geoethnic ‘spread’ and ‘balance’ they say. But truth is, we must choose whether to share every national resource –human and material‘equally’ or ‘equitably’. This sudden selective quest for so called geoethnic ‘spread’ and ‘balance’ even in appointive offices not regulated by the Constitution will only, inevitably, raises the questions: why must we share some things ‘equally’, others ‘equitably’ and yet some others ‘inequitably? Why do we not share ‘everything’ ‘equally’?

By the way this geo-ethnic monster of ‘equality’ in appointments which we are trying desperately to create can take a life of its own and soon it may be justified to insist that even National Coaches, in selecting players to make national teams, must ensure geo-ethnic spread and balance. Why not? There are sports talents too in every part of the country, just as others argue there are competent hands for political appointments everywhere. I for one would rather you offer any one of the many footballing talents I see wasting in my locality a chance to make it to Europe than give my State five ministerial slots. And that is because I believe in trickle-down economics more than do those politicians who lie about fighting to bring political appointments to their people. Like Keyamo has said: it has always been about them; not us!

It is because we insist, selfishly, on getting to the Eldorado of ‘equality’ rather than striving to achieve

practical ‘equity’ (to achieve fairness) that we end up with too much baggage! For example, because the Constitution decrees to every State at least a minister, we must have not less than thirty-six even if we may not need as much; because the Constitution provides for ‘Federal Character’, we must sacrifice administrative merit to achieve spread, and because the law provides for ‘quota system’, we must compromise academic quality in favor of parity.

I believe that the justice we must seek should be the ‘equitable’ distribution of the spoils of the hunt so that ‘to each’ as Justinian would say ‘according to his due’- and not necessarily appointing an ‘equal’ number of those who should go to the hunt. We must have a leadership we trust that can create and pass the ‘cake’ round without having to invite every ethnic group to the smoky baking room. It will be uncharitable –and mischievous- to doubt that Buhari is that kind of leader!

And you wonder whether to tap cynics on the shoulders or may be to kick them right in the groin and yell: ‘Hey folks, this is Buhari and not some bowler-hat-Jonathan who hadn’t a mind of his own and was thus cheaply blown about like a yoyo! We may pretend not to, but we know that Buhari is neither in it for the ‘money’ nor is he in it for vainglory. And we know that he’ll do it like the law says it ‘shall’ or it ‘may’ be done! I doubt that as he carries on, Buhari will give a damn that no one is clapping or lose sleep because some are grumbling!

By the way, I do not recollect Buhari promising to be polite in bringing about the radical changes we voted for! What he promised though was to do ‘all that is necessary’; and to do so within the bounds law. And so if he is not precluded by law to make certain appointments, why should he be hamstrung by sentiments not to exercise the prerogative powers available to him? By the way to what end is it that people are ‘equally’ represented in appointments but do not get an ‘equitable’ measure of resources? Or what does it matter that they are ‘un-equally’ represented but are ‘equitably’ provided for?

And if we are to distribute appointments ‘equally’ instead of simply sharing resources ‘equitably’, how do we go about it?: if you say by regions, I ask why not by zones?, -to achieve balance!; if you say by states, I ask why not by councils?,

-to achieve spread!; and if you say by ethnic groups, I ask why not by tribes? -to create a sense of belonging!

Hell why don’t we do it household by household? -to achieve the utopia of ‘EQUALITY’ we are asking for! And maybe soon, we’ll get to that higher state of nirvana when everyone will be their own representative as political appointees in government.

We are always proud to ape even in base imitation of America, but we do not have the patriotism to grow the courage of America and let all things political marinate on their own. When we want others to do right by us, we’ll make a show of how things are done in America; but when we do not want to do right by others, we’ll argue that it has taken America over 200 years to develop its democracy.

Epilogue

I saw a list of largely south-south, south-east appointees of Jonathan bandied around as grounds to justify retaliation, but I do not think that it is about trading a Rolland for an Oliver! Our grouse with Jonathan was not so much the geo-ethnic bias in making appointments as it was the gross nonperformance of most of his appointees and the brazen theft of our common patrimony which many made the raison deter for governance. If they had performed well and had brought our nation to the neplus ultra of development, it would have hardly mattered where they came from.

Like Adeshina said: a new Sherriff is in town –Buhari! We asked for it; we must be ready to deal with it! It’ll be patently hypocritical to vote for ‘change’ and to expect ‘continuity’! We voted Buhari because we trusted only him to work with the impassioned deportment of a ‘surgeon’ who knows too well that ‘sentiments and sensibilities’ have no place in the delicate cut-and-stitch task that lies immediately at hand.

DAN GAYE Bauchi reclaims missing aircraft from Morocco —News

How the plane waka go there?

Published by Peoples Media Limited, 35, Ajose Adeogun Street, 1st Floor Peace Park Plaza, Utako, Abuja. Kano office: Plot 3, Zaria Road, Opposite Kano State House of Assembly. Lagos Office: No.8 Oliyide Street, off Unity Road, Ikeja, Lagos. Tel: +234 814 292 9046. Cell: +234 802 443 2099; 803 7007 759. e-mail: contact@peoplesdailyng.com; pmlnewsdesk@gmail.com ISSN: 2141– 6141