Thursday, November 10, 2016 Edition

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Thursday, November 10, 2016/ Safar 9, 1438 AH

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2019: Gana heads PDP S’ East senators meet Buhari over insecurity, committee to wrest appointments power from APC

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Vol. 23 No. 160 N150

Court jails student 10 years for cultism in Kwara

Clinton pledges support for Trump, despite loss pAGE 15

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lAs Buhari, Saraki, Dogara congratulate US president-elect

L-R: Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi; Minister of Defence, Bgr. Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali (rtd), National Security Adviser to the President, Major Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd), and Minister of Communications, Alhaji Abdul-Raheem Shittu, during the Federal Executive Council Meeting, at the Presidential Villa, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

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

Controversy as Senate suspends grazing reserve bill

page 5

Reps order EFCC, CBN to arrest wonder bank operators

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PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, november 10, 2016

News

CONTENTS News 2-10 Editorial 11 Op.Ed 12 Letters 13

Army to strengthen military relationship with Ukraine

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

T

he Nigerian Military has expressed its readiness to partner with the Ukrainian government in the areas of military technology and equipment.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin made this known on Wednesday when

the Ambassador of Ukraine to Nigeria, Dr. Valerii Aleksandruk visited him at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

The CDS noted that it is the policy of Nigeria to deal directly with governments of countries where it has any interest and promised to study the business proposal submitted by the Ambassador on behalf of Ukrainian companies and take

diplomat disclosed the readiness of Ukrainian companies which produces Military hardware to make presentations to the Nigerian Armed Forces on equipment that will help Nigeria in its fight against terrorism.

He said the companies were ready to transfer some technology to Nigeria and make it a hub to West Africa and other African countries.

stock of areas of interest to the Military.

Speaking earlier, Ambassador Aleksandruk commended the already existing Nigeria-Ukraine bilateral relationship and asked for it to be further strengthened especially in the areas of Military and education.

While submitting a business proposal to the CDS, the

Politics 15-17 Business Stockwatch

19-20 18

Reps move to establish gas processing, marketing board Page 4

Int’l 23-24 Metro

21-22

Feture 26 Sports 27-28 Columnist 32

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Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara in a handshake with Second Deputy Majority Whip, Parliament of Ghana, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim (1st right) look on are: Minority Chief Whip, Parliament of Ghana, Hon. Daniel Botwe (1stleft), Hon.Namdas Abdulrazak Sa’ad (2nd left) and Majority Chief Whip, Ghana Parliament, Hon Mohammed Muntaka (2nd right) during a courtesy visit to the Speaker by a Delegation of Principal Officers of Ghana Parliament, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

2019: Gana heads PDP c’ttee to wrest power from APC

T

he Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, under the leadership of Ahmed Makarfi, has constituted a 115-member strategic committee to regain power in 2019 through every democratic means.

The committee, called Strategic Review and Inter-party Affairs Committee, has Jerry Gana, a professor and chieftain of the party from Niger State, as the head.

Mr. Makarfi, the Chairman, PDP National Caretaker Committee, said at the inauguration of the committee in Abuja on Tuesday, that it was also expected to offer advice on how to make the party stronger and better.

He said the formation of the

committee was not because of the crisis in the party, but in furtherance of democracy and the survival of the country.

Mr. Makarfi said that for long, the PDP leadership had wanted to constitute a number of subcommittees to deal with different aspects of the party’s affairs but refrained because of litigations involving the party.

He said that due to the delay, many members of the party on their own, initiated all sorts of meetings and consultations.

“If we don’t bring all these flocks together and talk as one family, before long, a good chunk of them

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”

would have gone on their own, because nobody will remain inactive forever.

“Therefore, after due consultation, we felt that time was now right to set up a committee, called Strategic Review and Interparty Affairs Committee.

“The strategy is how to come back to power in 2019 through every democratic means.

“It is an inter-party affair because even as caretaker committee, we get approached by various groups and we felt that it is not the few of us that should be talking to these people.

“The committee may seem large but its responsibilities are wide and

OUR PEOPLE Chairman Malam Wada Maida, OON, Fnge Chief Operating Officer Ali M. Ali Editor, Daily Hameed M. Bello Manager, administration Hassan Hammanyaji

huge,” Makarfi said.

He advised the committee to, within its three months’ time frame, break into sub-committees, and start engaging with different groups.

Mr. Makarfi said the number of the committee members was expanded from the initial 85 with the addition of 30 persons to accommodate all interests that were omitted.

He said that the references of the committee included “to explore strategies to engage all possible allies with a view to building positive relationship in overall interest and in furtherance of democracy in Nigeria.

“To consider and recommend strategies to reposition the party; and to recommend necessary amendment to the Constitution of the party”, Makarfi said.

He, however, apologised to all parties who attended the botched inauguration of the reconciliation committee.

The PDP caretaker chairman explained that the problem started when a faction demanded the reduction of the number of committee members from each faction from 14 to six.

“We said that we cannot do so because the caretaker committee represents organs of the party.

“If the organs of the party make nomination, we cannot on our own make changes.

“There is nothing personal about it; we believe we cannot alter it because we do not put the names”, Makarfi said.

The chairman of the Strategic Review and Inter-party Affairs Committee, Jerry Gana, pledged that the committee would work on the reference given to it.

Mr. Gana added that the PDP would not die but come out of its challenges stronger and better.

The PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Walid Jubril, expressed hope that the committee would present recommendations that would be acceptable.(NAN)

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

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PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, Novemner 10, 2016

News El-Rufai plans N800bn investments in kaduna From Femi Oyelola, kaduna

K

aduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, said his administration has assigned the private sector the important role of helping to realise the state development plan from 2016 -2020 through N800bn investments in the state.

Speaking at the second interactive dinner with the organised private sector held in Kaduna, El-rufai, maintained that the present government policies would revive and rehabilitate the moribund textiles factories and other businesses that have had difficulties.

The governor noted : “That is why we are engaging the Federal Government to ensure that electric power supply from the Gurara Hydro and Kudenda Thermal power projects are dedicated to the needs of the Kakuri and Kudenda industrial areas” “At this point, it is crucial to clarify that our focus is not only on the mega deals. We are as interested in the robust performance of micro and small businesses as we are in firms that can employ thousands at a go. We are not even pursuing only greenfield projects” “Without a vibrant private sector, the possibilities of government are already stymied. Not even countries that are awash in petrodollars can sustain the role of government as sole employer. The private sector is the engine of sustainable job creation. It is the duty of government to encourage and support business to unleash its creative powers, to identify and seize opportunities and create a dynamo of growth” “As a government, we assigned the private sector the important role of helping to realise our State Development Plan, 2016-2020 through N800bn of investments” the governor said.

Ag News Editor Ese Awhotu

Court jails student 10 years for cultism in Kwara

From Ilorin

Olanrewaju

Lawal,

A

Kwara State High Court, sitting in Ilorin and presided over by Justice Sikiru Oyinloye, has sentenced a student of Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Fatai Olasile, to ten years’ imprisonment and a fine of N50, 000 for membership of a secret cult and involvement in cultrelated activities in the state.

Olasile was arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on membership of Eiye secret cult, contrary to section 2 of Secret Cult and Secret Societies Law of Kwara State.

He was also sentenced to 10

years’ imprisonment for unlawful possession of a locally made pistol punishable under section 3 (1) of the Robbery and Firearms Act, 2004.

The prosecution, led by Barrister Kamaldeen Ajibade, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, called three witnesses and tendered exhibits to prove its case.

Another person identified as Mohammed Kehinde and two others were also arraigned on a three-count charge of criminal conspiracy, initiation of new members to secret cult and membership of the secret cult.

After a careful analysis of the case and the evidence

presented by the prosecution, led by Barrister Ajibade, Justice Oyinloye found the first and second accused persons guilty and sentenced them to 10 years’ imprisonment each with a fine of N50, 000. The third accused person was however discharged and acquitted of the said offences.

Also, a middle aged man, Rasheed Abiola and one other were also arraigned before Justice I. A. Yusuf of the Kwara State High court on a two-count charge of membership of secret cult and illegal possession of firearms.

Justice Yusuf found the first accused person guilty of count two of the offences of dealing with illegal possession of firearms

and sentenced him to four years’ imprisonment and discharged him of the second offence of cultism.

The second accused person was, however, discharged and acquitted of count one and two of the alleged offences.

Commenting on the outcome of the cases, Barrister Ajibade applauded the judgments and emphasized the Ahmed administration’s zero tolerance to cultism due to its negative impact on youths and the society at large.

He stressed that the government will continue to employ all lawful means to stamp out cultism and other related crimes in the state.

R-L: President Muhammadu Buhari in a hand shake with Deputy Senate President Senator Ike Ekweremadu and with him are Senator Sam Egwu, Senator Chukwuka Utazi and Senator Hope Uzodinnma as President Buhari receives in audience Senators from the South East led by the Deputy Senate President Senator Ike Ekweremadu at the State House, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: State House

Senate to strengthen Customs, as bill scales second reading

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

S

enate yesterday passed for second reading the Bill for an Act to reform Nigeria Customs and Excise Duties and make it more effective and competitive.

The bill which is a concurrence, was passed into law by the lower chamber, was designed to reposition the

Nigerian customs to compete favorably among other customs agencies in the world.

Sponsor of the motion, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, representing Imo East, explained that there was serious legal lapses as the current Nigeria Customs does not have a legal framework for its existence.

“Mr. President, Distinguished Colleagues, you will be surprised

that Nigeria Customers as it is today does not have legal backing to exist and even compete among its contemporaries across the world”, Iwuanyanwu noted.

Anyanwu said that the laws concerning Nigerian Customs which are now in bits, would be consolidated into a single working documents with a clear cut objectives that enhances their performances in the interest of

the nation.

He regretted that the agency has been dotted with corruption in the past, saying that the executive arm of government has understood that there was need to repeal the laws.

Part of the reforms being bright in by the Bill, according to Anyanwu, was that it would allow electronic transactions for global best practices.

After few contributions, Senate President, Bukola Saraki, stressed the need for Nigerian Customs to be dynamic so as to add value to the economy, while commending Senators for their deep contributions in the debate.

While referring the bill to Senate Committee on Customs, he enjoined the Committee to do a thorough job on it and return it to the chambers in two weeks time.

Insurgency: Group to float trauma centre for wounded soldiers

By Stanley Onyekwere

I

n order to ensure adequate care for security agents engaged in the ongoing battle against insurgency in Nigeria’s north east region, a group, Fallen Heroes Project, has unveiled plans to establish a State-of-the-Art Trauma Centre, where soldiers wounded would be given specialist

medical attention.

According to the national coordinator of the Fallen Heroes Project, Kenneth Ibe-Kalu, the group also plans to float scholarship scheme for children of the fallen heroes.

Making the disclosure yesterday while exchanging views with the Corps Marshal of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC),

Boboye Oyeyemi, at the corps’ headquarters in Abuja, Ibe-Kalu said the association also plans an empowerment programme for widows of the soldiers killed in active service.

However, the national coordinator expressed displeasure over the report that only about 17, 000 citizens purchased and wore the annual armed forces

remembrance emblem in 2015.

He noted that citizens need to support the soldiers who engage in the onerous task of protecting the territorial integrity of the country and assure them that they would not be forgotten in an event of paying the supreme price.

Ibe-Kalu told the Corps Marshal that the association was proud of the corps and its efforts

to curb the perennial road crashes across the country.

In his remarks, the Corps Marshall, who was represented by Deputy Corps Marshall and head, Motor Vehicle Administration Department, Charles Theophilus, pledged support to the Fallen Heroes project, insisting that there was need for citizens to stand behind the armed forces.

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PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, november 10, 2016

News Reps move to establish gas processing, marketing board

By Umar Muhammad Puma

A

bill seeking to establish a gas processing and marketing regulatory board. yesterday passed for a second reading on the floor of the House of Representatives.

The Bill which seeks to empower the board to monitor operational regulations and management of strategic gas pipelines and supply networks; formulate and implement all policies aimed at ensuring safety and security of gas processing, transportation and distribution; formulate policies that would enhance the distribution and utilisation of gas for domestic and industrial purposes.

It further seeks to regulate the prices charged for downstream gas, distribution, supply and sale of gas to foreign importers; granting domestic downstream licences for construction and operation of processing plants for gas liquefaction; undertake supply of natural gas and owning and running natural gas processing and retail facilities.

The Bill, which was sponsored

by Rep Agbedi Frederick (PDPBayelsa) would ensure that when the board is established would

bring about gainful harvesting of enormous gas resources as gas is the new world economic direction in the petroleum/energy industry.

Explaining the benefit of gas to the nation’s economy, the lawmaker said that the creation of the regulatory agency would be responsible for the supervision and control of the downstream activities of gas marketing and utilisation.

Frederick said: “Effective gas development is a string catalysts for economic growth which promises a multiplier effect on the Nigerian

economy. As Nigeria is entering into the gas era, the need for a clear legal framework to guide gas exploration, exploitation and utilisation becomes abundantly prominent and that us the basis for the bill under consideration.

“Before this time, gas had been considered a wasteful by-product in petroleum exploration and exploitation that had to be flares.

Interestingly, recently gas has come to be recognised as a valuable product that can be exploited alone or together with crude oil.

“Even with the recognition

and the anticipated earnings from gas, enough consideration has not been given in all existing petroleum industry legislation.

Even in the petroleum industry bill that has been proposed to the House in which one of the objectives is to create efficient and effective governing institutions with clear and separate roles for the Petroleum Industry, no Institution was created for the management and control of the exploitation and utilisation of gas resources. Rather it was sparingly includes in the functions of the Nigerian Petroleum

Regulatory Commission.

We are all aware of the increasing utilisation of gas in motor engines, generation of power, Industries and domestically. Our forests are rapidly depleting which means that we will be relying more on gas for our cooking and other domestic heating activities, this calls for safety and maintenance of safety standards.»

Contributing, Rep Diri Douye (PDP-Bayelsa) lamented the level of environmental degradation of the oil producing communities across the Niger Delta.

Zamfara Killings: LG chair urges FG intervention From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

D

isturbed with the high rate of criminal activities involving killings and incessant abduction for ransom that has bedeviled Maru Local Government Council of Zamfara State, the Council Chairman, Alhaji Salisu Dangulbi has called for the intervention of President Muhammad Buhari to restore peace in the area.

Dangulbi, who made the call

while speaking with newsmen in Gusau the state capital yesterday lamented security challenges facing the local government council.

He further lamented that, his administration receives reports almost on daily basis pertaining to killings and abduction of innocent people across the local government area, stressing that, even though, Governor Abdul’azeez Yari Abubakar is all out to overcome the situation but, still the need for the federal

government intervention is highly demanded.

“In fact, our farmers who took their time and money to have invested in farming could not be able to harvest fear of merciless attack by the dangerous groups.

The gunmen scout for people both at homes and farms like what has just happened in Bindin village”, Dangulbi said.

The Chairman explained that, the plan by the armed bandits to attack the people of Bindin community last Tuesday has

CESJET decries attempt to desecrate Nigeria’s fallen heroes

eventually foiled due to the quick response by the combination of security personnel comprised of men of the Nigerian army and the Police who mounted formidable barricades in defence of the targeted Bindin community.

Dangulbi, while urging federal government’s quick response to save the security situation in Maru local government council and the state in general, called on unpatriotic citizens aiding criminals to desist from such a filthy act.

L-R: Representative of the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Falalu Dalhatu; Chairman, Board of Directors, Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KDEDC), Alhaji Yusuf Abubakar; representative of the Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Hassan Mahmoud; and Managing Director of KDEDC, Alhaji Garba Haruna, at the inauguration of Mass Meter Deployment and Staff Motor Vehicles Distribution, yesterday in Kaduna.

Photo: NAN

By Stanley Onyekwere A human rights advocacy group, the Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) has described as unpatriotic and sacrilegious attempts by some individuals to politicize the death of Lt. Col Abu-Ali and six others.

The group said the death of the army officers who paid the ultimate price with their lives, defending the nation should be a reason to unite Nigerians Addressing journalists in Abuja, Executive Director of CESJET, Joyce Adamu said the show of emotion that followed the death of Lt. Col Abu-Ali and six others is a testament that Nigerians must unit in the fight against terrorism.

She regretted, however, that some Nigerians are still seeking to politicize the death of the national heroes just to promote their selfish course and score cheap political points.

Nigeria rail workers support concession of train lines

A

day after the Senate condemned the planned concession of some major rail lines, railway workers have endorsed the move.

The employees of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, on Wednesday in Lagos endorsed the planned concession of the corporation but called on the Federal Government to pay their entitlements.

The employees, under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Railway Workers (NUR) and the Senior Staff Association (SSA), Nigeria Railway Branch, said that they were in support of the concession of the NRC’s asset, if it would make

the sub-sector a true hub of the Nigerian transportation system.

They were, however, opposed to what they termed a “wholesale transfer” of the workers’ liabilities to the would-be concessionaire.

The workers insisted on full settlement of all labour issues, including payment of a negotiated severance package by the Federal Government, before concluding the concession process and handing over to the concessionaire.

Esan Segun, Secretary-General, NUR, at a rally, said that 10,000 workers would be affected hence, the concession process should be transparent and due diligence

followed.

“Let it be made abundantly clear that workers are not and will not be against the concession of the Nigerian Railway asset only if it is done with patriotism and due diligence, to make the rail sub-sector a true hub of the transportation system in Nigeria.

“We will also not antagonise the process if the Federal Government engages the workers in a dialogue.

“We will demand for a genuine and fair labour disengagement policy that guarantees our rights of fair severance benefits from the Federal Government, and that our demands are heard and fully met before conceding the railway’s asset

to a third party,’’ Mr. Esan said.

He said that the workers would also keep their peace “if the Federal Government decides today, among other things, to monetise the staff quarters to the workers, as directed by the monetisation policy of 2005”.

The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, in September confirmed negotiations for the concession of the narrow gauge lines across the country to General Electric.

The agreement was to be signed before January 2017.

However, the Senate on Tuesday raised concerns over the project and called for a probe.(NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, novemebr 10, 2016

News

Clinton pledges support for Trump despite loss

By Lawrence Olaoye, Ikechukwu Okaforadi and Umar Muhammad Puma

D

efeated US presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton has promised to bury the bitterness of her long presidential race with Donald Trump and work to unify a divided country.

Reuters reports that after the Republican Trump’s stunning upset of the heavily favored Clinton, Democratic President Barack Obama and leading figures in the Republican Party who had struggled to make peace with Trump all vowed to move past the ugliness of an angry and sometimes personal campaign to seek common ground.

“Donald Trump is going to be our president. We owe him an open mind and the chance to lead,” Clinton, the Democratic nominee, said in a concession speech in New York before noon on Wednesday, joined by her husband, former President Bill Clinton and daughter Chelsea.

With a row of American flags in the background, she told supporters her loss was painful “and it will be for a long time,” and that she had offered to work with Trump as he prepares to begin his four-year term on Jan. 20.

According to Reuters, a wealthy real estate developer and former reality TV host, Trump rode a wave of anger toward Washington insiders to win Tuesday’s election against Clinton, whose gold-plated establishment resume included stints as a first lady, U.S. senator and secretary of state.

Trump’s victory marked a crushing end to Clinton’s second quest to become the first woman president. She also failed in a White House bid in 2008.

Obama, who campaigned hard against Trump, invited him to the White House for a meeting on Thursday after a brutal night for his Democratic Party, which also fell short of recapturing majorities in both chambers of Congress.

“We are now all rooting for his success in uniting and leading the country,” Obama said at the White House, adding he and his staff would work with Trump to ensure a successful transition. “We are not Democrats first, we are not Republicans first, we are Americans first.”

Reuters reports that Trump and his senior aides were meeting at Trump Tower in New York on Wednesday to begin the transition. Trump will enjoy Republican majorities in both chambers of the U.S. Congress that could help him implement his legislative agenda.

“He just earned a mandate and we now just have a unified Republican government,” House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan, who had a strained relationship with Trump, told reporters in Wisconsin, saying Congress would “hit the ground running” in January.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the newly elected President of the United States of America, Donald Trump.

In a statement made available to newsmen by his Special Adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari also congratulated American

•As Buhari, Saraki, Dogara congratulate US president-elect citizens on the outcome of the election, which was keenly observed by all true lovers of democracy and those who believe in the will of the people.

“The President looks forward to working together with Presidentelect Trump to strengthen the already established friendly relations between both countries, including cooperation on many shared foreign policy priorities, such as the fight against terrorism, peace and security, economic growth, democracy and good governance.

As Mr Trump prepares to assume the position of the President of the United States, President Buhari extends his good wishes to him on the onerous task of leading the world’s strongest economy,” Adesina wrote.

Also, Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has congratulated the President elect of United States of America, Donald Trump, even as he said he will work with him as Senate President.

This is even as the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

is delighted to receive the news of Trump’s victory, adding that the party will gladly work with the new American President.

In a congratulatory message to Trump yesterday, Saraki said his victory was remarkable, recalling that he persevered through a very challenging Republican primary election cycle, where he defeated sixteen (16) professional and wellorganized candidates.

“While many career politicians tried to write off Mr. Trump’s candidacy as a long shot, he stuck to his positions and controlled the daily media messaging like no other candidate in the history of American Presidential campaigns.

“I look forward to working with President-Elect Trump to continue the strong U.S.-Nigeria relationship and to address our mutual interest in defeating global terror networks, rooting out corruption and strengthening the institutions of governance”, Saraki said.

In a similar development,

the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, through a statement issued by his Media Assistant, Uche Anichukwu, urged emerging democracies to emulate the United States of America.

“Mr. Trump has rightly described the election as historic. But it is not only historic for the U.S, but also for the world. It is an important reminder to the entire world of the true meaning and essence of democracy as government of the people.

“I urge him to work for democracy, global peace and prosperity because the peace and prosperity of America is intrinsic in that of the entire world. In particular, I urge better bilateral deals for Nigeria by the incoming Donald Trump presidency.

“I have no doubt that the people of Nigeria and indeed the Peoples Democratic Party are willing and ready to work with the incoming U.S government for the good of both nations”, he said.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu

Dogara, has congratulated the American President-Elect, Donald Trump, on his victory at the November 8 presidential poll.

In a statement issued in Abuja by his special adviser on media & public affairs, Turaki Hassan, on Wednesday, the Speaker expressed hopes that the cordial relationship between Nigeria and the United States of Africa would be maintained under the incoming administration.

The speaker noted that Americans have made their choice and the international community, whatever their preferences, must accept and respect the wishes of the American people.

The Speaker also hailed Hillary Clinton’s concession call and described the former first lady, senator and secretary of state as a stateswoman who put up a good fight acknowledging that becoming the first woman presidential candidate of a major political party in the United States was in itself no mean achievement which Mrs Clinton has every cause to be eternally proud of.

L-R: Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Commerce, Hon. Sylvester Ogbaga, Director General, Consumer Protection Council, Mrs. Dupe Atoki and a member of the committee, Hon. Bolaji Ayinla, during the Committee’s oversight visit to the Council, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Controversy as senate suspends grazing reserve bill

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi and Christina Nathaniel

T

hree Bills seeking to regulate the grazing of cattle in Nigeria yesterday suffered setback in senate, following the decision of the lawmakers to suspend legislation on the Bill.

The three Bills titled “Establishment of Grazing Areas Management Agency”, “Establishment of National Ranches Commission...”, “Control the Keeping and Movement of Cattle in Nigeria”, was sponsored

by Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,

Banabas Gemade and Chukwuka Utazi respectively.

However, when the matter came up for debate yesterday in the Senate, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, told his colleagues that the Senate had no such powers in the Constitution to legislate on issues that is residual.

Citing sections of the 1999 Constitution, Ekweremadu said the Senate can only legislate on exclusive or concurrent list, arguing further that the issue of lives stock and land is not an exclusive or concurrent list but residual.

Earlier, the Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, had sought the leave of the Senate to consolidate the three bills, pointing out that they deal on the same issue of livestock management and control.

However, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe said the three bills cannot be consolidated because they deal with different issues, which was also supported by Banabas senator Barnabas Gemade.

To this end, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, ruled that the three Bills be stepped down to enable further consultation, since the sponsors cannot harmonise

them into one bill.

Recall that the Senate had received the three Bills, which had different objectives, which include creating a commission to create and regulate ranches, while the other bill seeks to control the movement of cattle across the country, and the third seeks to create grazing reserves across the country.

However, owing to the divergent objective of these three Bills and the inability of the lawmakers to harmonise their differences, the Senate unanimously resolved to step down the three Bills to another legislative day.

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, november 10, 2016

PAGE 6

News

Post Master General laments decayed NIPOST infrastructure From Osakhare Erese Asaba

T

he Post Master-General (PMG) of the Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST), Barr.

Bisi Adebuye yesterday lamented decayed infrastructure at the postal service and charged its workers to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the service.

Barr. Adebuye who was at the Asaba General Post Office to sensitize the workers on the need to work for the growth of the service, said despite the current challenges at the service, spirited measures have been taken to reform its services and re-position it for acceptable service delivery.

His words; “what the Introduction of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) took from us, we will try and get it back in hundred fold”. Stressing that with the situation on ground,

NIPOST has been exposed to many ICT services.

He said that by the time the reforms and re-positioning of the service are completed, NIPOST would be better for all in carrying out its duties effectively unhindered.

Speaking to journalists, the Post Master General disclosed that the Postal Reform Bill had passed the second reading at National Assembly, assuring that when the bill is finally passed, NIPOST will be transformed for a well service delivery.

On the welfare of workers, Barr. Adebuye explained that the new management team led by himself will continue to demonstrate transparency, disclosing that salary arrears of the workers had been paid with entitlements approved for levels 1-7.

According to him, “we must embrace change ourselves, it must begin with us the way we do things, and then change NIPOST; we must change and embrace training and retraining so that we can fit into the new ICT reforms that are underway” and allayed the fear of workers that the reform bill once passed, would retrench many of them.

He called on the workers to key into training and the use of modern ICT technology to be able to fit into the new era of technological usage, adding; “we must catch up with reforms, we must measure up to the new order”.

Meanwhile, Delta State government on Tuesday presented a staff of office to His Royal Majesty, Obi Christopher Akazue Gbemudu II, the Ogbelani of Illah Kingdom.

The Delta State Governor, Dr.

Ifeanyi Okowa represented by his deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, at the ceremony, noted that Illah Community had been well known for her abundant production of rice and other crops including fish.

While congratulating the Obi on his appointment and recognition as the Ogbelani of Illah Kingdom. Dr. Okowa appealed to the Obi to discharge his responsibilities in a transparent manner by being fair and just to all of his subjects.

His words; “As custodian of the tradition of your people, it is important that you do not in words, or action, give cause to ability to uphold the sanctity of their traditional norms” and urged the people of Illah community to strive to promote the integrity of the stool by according the Obi the respect and honour he truly deserves.

L-R: Secretary to Plateau Government, Mr Rufus Bature; representative of the State Governor, Prof.

Soni Tyoden; and Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Sen. Aisha Alhassan, during the Minister’s advocacy and sensitization visit, yesterday in Jos. Photo: NAN

Gunmen storm Katsina community, kill one, injure several others

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unmen have killed at least one person and injured several others in Kasada Local Government Area of Katsina State.

A witnesses told journalists that the armed bandits numbering about 12 invaded the town on motorcycles at about 3 a.m. on Wednesday.

The witnesses who craved for anonymity, said the hoodlums searched many houses in Makera, Marina, Yara-gabas, Yara-arewa and Kofar-fada areas of the city.

They said the bandits blocked roads linking to those areas and shot sporadically to pave way for their operation.

According to them, the armed men killed the Deputy Imam of Kasada, Badamasi Abdullahi, injured several others and carted away undisclosed sums of money from the residents.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Salisu Agaisa, confirmed the incident.

Mr. Agaisa said that the police had arrested one person in connection with the incident, and had intensified investigations to arrest the rest of the culprits.

He urged the public to assist the police by exposing hideouts and activities of criminals in the state.(NAN)

FG to adopt Nasarawa state policy on special education

By Umar Muhammad Puma

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he Universal Basic Education Commission UBEC has said that it will encourage the adoption of Nasarawa state’s broad base concept of all inclusive special education policy across the country.

This was disclosed by the Executive Secretary UBEC, Dr. Hammeed Boboye when he

visited the newly built premier comprehensive school for the disabled in Lafia, the state capital.

Dr Boboye who was represented by the Deputy Executive Secretary Academic, Dr Yakubu Gambo commended Nasarawa state for the special education concept and assured the state of its support in subsequent policies.

He explained that Nasarawa will be given a special consideration

as a centre of excellence anytime the commission comes up with new policies that will promote special education.

Dr Gambo said that the commission has a concept of special education embedded in UBEC enabling law which stipulates that some finances be given to states to boost its special education programme. “ Centres of Excellence will be

built in states that have perform excellently and places like Nasarawa state should be sure of such centres” “What we saw here in Nasarawa is inclusiveness in all stages for all people either Natural or artificial” He urged other states to emulate Nasarawa to boast Special education and ensure inclusiveness in all sectors of the society.

Boko Haram: Group mourns fallen heroes, frowns at politicising soldiers death By Umar Puma

T

Muhammad

he Buhari Media Support Group has mourned the death of Lt. Col Mohammed Abu-Ali and six other soldiers but condemned in strong terms the attempt by some former President Goodluck Jonathan’s supporters to use the unfortunate demise to raise extraneous issue of equipment purchase under the former President’s administration.

The group berated the supporters for not honouring the dead soldiers who sacrificed their lives while defending the country.

“Under the prevailing emotional circumstances, what is expected of patriotic Nigerians including the former president’s supporters is to show empathy with the dead, their bereaved families and the institutions they represent, the group says.

In a statement issued by the group and signed by the chairman, Muhammad Labbo and the Secretary, Cassidy Madueke, BMSG considered it the height of insensitivity for any person or group of persons to descend to the ignoble level of pointing fingers at this moment of national mourning on issues related to equipment purchase.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the purported equipment purchased under the former President Jonathan administration were refurbished T72 tanks from the Warsaw pact countries manufactured before the second world war as evidenced in the video footage posted in the Vanguard newspaper of November 7, 2016.

“This is similar to other equipment like the decommissioned Alpha jets and MI 25 helicopters which led to the death of several officers and men as they kept falling off from the sky during operations against Boko Haram in the North East.

“The group views with disdain the approach of some political elements to always attempt to draw any seeming benefits of the past, while at all times calling on the present administration not to make reference to the misdeeds and misrule of the past.

“The BMSG joins all Nigerians in condoling with the families of the bereaved and enjoin all Nigerians to continue to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in their effort to completely eradicate the menace of Boko Haram.”

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PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, november 10, 2016

News

Delta Police arrest 73 suspected kidnappers, armed robbers From Osakhare Erese OSAKHARE ERESE, ASABA

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he Police in Delta State determined to make crime a history, have arrested at different locations Vigilante Boss, one Anthony Oren, 73 other suspected kidnappers, and armed robbers in the past one month of its operations.

Mr. Zanna Ibrahim, Police Commissioner in the state who disclosed yesterday to journalists while parading the suspects, said the police recovered six stolen vehicles and N1, 800, 000.00 under the period reviewed.

The Police Boss said that one Mrs. Osayande Judith of No. 30, Chris Mary Street Benin-city, Edo was kidnapped along Edjegba road Warri by unknown armed men, adding that the police while acting on available intelligence stormed Ejewu Community in Udu Local Government Area of the State where they arrested one Joshua Okoh alias “ONOS”.

The suspect, he said, confessed to the crime and following a thorough search of his house, the sum of N1, 800, 000.00 part of the over N3 million ransom collected before releasing the victim was recovered.

The Police Commissioner said that other items recovered were the victim’s Toyota Camry Car with Registration No: BEN 825JA, one automatic pump action gun, a double barrel gun, thirteen live cartridges, one Honda Accord with Registration No: DSZ 183DG belonging to the suspect, and believed to have been bought with the proceeds of kidnapping and other house hold equipment.

Also arrested in connection with the crime are; one Anthony Oren, the Vigilante Chairman of Arhakpo Community (alleged of concealing criminals), thank God Okpeperhie of Orhakpo Community, an errand boy to one of the gang members identified as Dennis (surname withheld) currently at large and Clement Efanyhobera of No. 19 New Street Orhakpo Community who allegedly aided the escape of the said Dennis.

Mr. Zanna Ibrahim said that as part of the Police untiring strategies to ensure that criminals, especially of heinous crimes, are eradicated, the command had rolled out the “Eagle Net” which will complement the efforts of the existing operational outfits in the state as there will be no hiding place for criminals.

Fight against corrupt judges to ensure judicial independence-CJN

By Paschal Njoku, Abuja

C

hief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, yesterday said that the recent decision of the National Judicial Council to bar two Supreme Court Justices and some Judges from performing judicial functions over allegation of corruption reflected the desire of the judiciary to be independent.

Justice Mohammed stated this at the swearing in of Ejembi Eko, and Amina A. Augie as Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

In the face of the anti corruption war being waged

against some judicial officers, the outgoing CJN said, “We must not forget that we operate a constitutional democracy, which clearly prescribes the powers accorded to each organ of the state”.

“I therefore wish to state without fear of contradiction that the Third Arm of Government will remain resolute in its commitment and resolve to uphold its independence and to adjudicate with utmost fairness and justice as prescribed in our constitution and the law”.

“Certainly, the decision of the National Judicial Council at its

last meeting reflects our desire for this independence. Hence, we proclaimed to the World that any judicial officer that is standing trial will cease to perform judicial functions” the CJN said.

Justice Mohammed however pointed out that the NJC took the decision to suspend the judicial officers based on the position of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice on the matter.

“The council took this stand following communications it received from the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice that he was

embarking on the prosecution of the affected Judicial Officers for the offences disclosed again them from the evidence on the ground” Justice Mohammed stated.

But he explained that a common thread that runs through all judiciaries is that judicial officers are traditionally accorded the highest dignity and respect by all.

This he said, “is because justice is rooted in confidence and where confidence in our judges is undermined and independence eroded, it is the nation that ultimately suffers most while true democracy is fatally undermined”.

L-R: President, Council for the Regulation of Engineers in Nigeria, Mr. Kashim Ali, Permanent Secretary, Ministry Of Communications, Sonny Ochoma, President Nigerian Academy of Engineering, Engr. Joan Maduka; and Executive Vice Chairman/CEO Nigerian Communication Commission(NCC),Prof Umar Garba Danbatta, at the 2016 Public Lecture of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering , yesterday in Abuja .

Photo: Justin Imo_owo

Boko Haram: Foundation wants effective re-integration of rescued persons From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

A

humanitarian NonG o v e r n m e n t a l Organization (NGO), Neem Foundation, yesterday urged governors of the six northeast states, the federal government and other stakeholders to initiate an effective mechanism aimed at reintegration of Children Associated with Armed Forces and Groups (CAAFAG) following the Boko

Haram insurgency.

Executive Director of the organisation, Dr. Fatima Akilu, made the call, while speaking at a two-day workshop on reintegration of children associated with armed group, organised in partnership with United Nations Children Fund, (UNICEF), holding in Maiduguri.

According to Dr. Akilu, the organisation is focused on conflict prevention and providing psychosocial support for the children, who

had associated with insurgents or security forces.

She however expressed worry that yet children continue to be involved in conflict, with many of them, upon being released or returned home on their own often face an uncertain future and a further fight for acceptance from their family and community.

“Through the forum, NEEM Foundation aimed to raise awareness and secure the buy-in of key child protection, community

and state actors. There was the need for the stakeholder to map out existing child-support systems and structures, and develop a comprehensive, multistakeholder strategic framework and action plan with clearly defined roles and responsibilities”, she declared.

According to her, the recruitment and use of children by armed forces and armed groups has been a focus of international attention and has been widely.

1 killed in fresh Adamawa herders, farmers clash From Umar Dankano, Yola.

A

fresh clash between farmers and herdsmen has claimed one farmer’s life in Sangere a suburb of Yola, the Yola South Local Government in Adamawa state capital.

Report from the area indicated that,the clash ensued as a result of trespass by the suspected herdsmen with their cattle in to the deceased farm feeding on his harvested farm produces where he ordered

them to move out but they ignored deliberately.

The development created a serious disagreement between the duo which later turned physical assault and in the process the herdsmen used their machete in a causing a deep cut on the slain Usman Abubakar alias Gwamna in the area even though he struggled hard and retaliated by injuring one among his assailants .

Commenting on the incident, the Qur’anic teacher to deceased

Mallam Idris told journalists that Usman Gwamna was in the farm to assist him in cultivating the crops unfortunately the invaders came in to the farmer with their animals illegally around evening time on the fetchful day.

Idris added that they reported the matter to Kofare police station and on reaching the scene of the murder a mobile phone belonging to one of the attackers was found and a call to put to one of names on the call log which it was answered and identified the

owner of the phone.

Contacted on the development on phone interview, spokesman of Adamawa state Police Command, Othman Abubakar said the information is yet to reach his office because they have been on Police formations farmilarazation tour with the new commissioner of police, Musa Kimo posted to the state recently.

At the time of filing in this report the PPRO did not call to confirm the incident as promise.

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PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, november 10, 2016

News

Man jailed three years for stealing generator

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n Ikeja Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday sentenced a 23-year-old unemployed, Fatai Obadeyi, to three years imprisonment for stealing generator valued at N60,000.

The Chief Magistrate, M.O. Osinbajo, sentenced Mr. Obadeyi

after he pleaded guilty to the charge.

“Based on the facts of this case confirmed report and the plea of leniency, I hereby sentence you to three years imprisonment without an option of fine,” she held.

Mr. Obadeyi, lives at No. 3,

Matomi Street, Ilupeju, Lagos.

The prosecutor, Yomi Egunjobi, had earlier told the court that the convict committed the offence on October 30 at about 3.00 a.m. at Number 55, Giwa Street, Ilupeju, Lagos.

Mr. Egunjobi said the convict

stole a generator belonging to a man, Aro Olusanya, and took it to Mushin Area of Lagos and sold it to one Ubong now at large.

“But luck ran out on Obadeyi when he came back to the same area very early hours of November 1 to steal another generator and

phones, property of Ojo. “The convict was apprehended while trying to abscond with the stolen items and handed over to the police,” Mr. Egunjobi said.

He said the convict contravened Section 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. (NAN)

Nasarawa probes primary healthcare agency over alleged fraud From Ganbo Ahmed, Lafia

A

L-R: Director, Internal Control, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mrs. Mary Uduk, Director General of SEC, Dr. Mounir Gwarzo and SEC Executive Commissioner, Corporate Services, Mr. Zakawamu Garuba, during the SEC meeting with House of Representatives Committee on Capital Market Institution, at the National Assembly, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

PDP inaugurates c’ttee to regain power in 2019 T

he Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, under the leadership of Ahmed Makarfi, has constituted a 115-member strategic committee to regain power in 2019 through every democratic means.

The committee, called Strategic Review and Inter-party Affairs Committee, has Jerry Gana, a professor and chieftain of the party from Niger State, as the head.

Mr. Makarfi, the Chairman, PDP National Caretaker Committee, said at the inauguration of the committee in Abuja on Tuesday, that it was also expected to offer advice on how to make the party stronger and better.

He said the formation of the committee was not because of the crisis in the party, but in furtherance of democracy and the survival of the country.

Mr. Makarfi said that for long, the PDP leadership had wanted to constitute a number of sub-

committees to deal with different aspects of the party’s affairs but refrained because of litigations involving the party.

He said that due to the delay, many members of the party on their own, initiated all sorts of meetings and consultations.

“If we don’t bring all these flocks together and talk as one family, before long, a good chunk of them would have gone on their own, because nobody will remain inactive forever.

“Therefore, after due consultation, we felt that time was now right to set up a committee, called Strategic Review and Interparty Affairs Committee.

“The strategy is how to come back to power in 2019 through every democratic means.

“It is an inter-party affair because even as caretaker committee, we get approached by various groups and we felt that it is not the few of us that should be talking to these people.

“The committee may seem

large but its responsibilities are wide and huge,” Makarfi said.

He advised the committee to, within its three months’ time frame, break into subcommittees, and start engaging with different groups.

Mr. Makarfi said the number of the committee members was expanded from the initial 85 with the addition of 30 persons to accommodate all interests that were omitted.

He said that the references of the committee included “to explore strategies to engage all possible allies with a view to building positive relationship in overall interest and in furtherance of democracy in Nigeria.

“To consider and recommend strategies to reposition the party; and to recommend necessary amendment to the Constitution of the party”, Makarfi said.

He, however, apologised to all parties who attended the botched inauguration of the reconciliation committee.

The PDP caretaker chairman explained that the problem started when a faction demanded the reduction of the number of committee members from each faction from 14 to six.

“We said that we cannot do so because the caretaker committee represents organs of the party.

“If the organs of the party make nomination, we cannot on our own make changes.

“There is nothing personal about it; we believe we cannot alter it because we do not put the names”, Makarfi said.

The chairman of the Strategic Review and Inter-party Affairs Committee, Jerry Gana, pledged that the committee would work on the reference given to it.

Mr. Gana added that the PDP would not die but come out of its challenges stronger and better.

The PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Walid Jubril, expressed hope that the committee would present recommendations that would be acceptable.(NAN)

uthority of the Nasarawa State Primary Health Care and Development Agency said that an investigation panel has been inaugurated to ascertain and fish out the alleged misappropriation of funds by some of its principal officers in the recent time.

According to him “In-line with the present administration determination to rid out corruption in the country.

Transparency accountability and sincerity as the chairman of the Agency will be my cardinal ideology” “ Any body found misappropriating funds meant for the agency will definitely refund it” he noted Doctor Mohammed added that “my plan is to change the attitude of health workers towards work. I will make sure that I will strengthen the health workers. Some of them take salaries without working for it. Truancy is common among health workers because of no supervision. Ethics have been abused. I will ensure that health workers adhere strictly to ethics.”

He further stressed that so far steps have been taken by the agency to carry out a comprehensive data of staff; adding that some of the staff enroll themselves in schools without permission from the agency. “ I have directed all directors in the 13 local government councils and development areas to ascertain the exact number of staff who are in schools whether with permission or no permission” Adis added According to him “ If the primary Health Care is strengthen in the stat, then secondary health care too would be strengthen

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSday, November 10, 2016

Page 9

News

FEC approves N326.7m to procure vehicles for ministry

By Lawrence Olaoye

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he Federal Executive Council has approved the direct procurement of Nissan fourwheel patrol vehicles for Mines Inspectorate division of mines and steel in the 36 states and the FCT. Briefing State House Correspondents after the weekly FEC meeting yesterday, Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Kayode Fayemi said, “For a decade no vehicle has been purchased for the mines and steel Inspectorate division to oversee what’s going on in our various states in artisanal and informal mining situations, surveillance of illegal mining activities taking place and the various challenges we face on the field.”

This just as President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday chaired an anniversary Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting commemorating one year of the appointment of the cabinet members.

Buhari’s ministers would be exactly one year in office by tomorrow.

Fayemi said, “We will be one year in office in two days time so this was an Anniversary Federal Executive Council meeting. And it gave us the opportunity to really reflect on the progress we have made as a government; the challenges that we still have to tackle and the commitment we have to reiterate.

We thank Mr. President for giving us the opportunity to serve the nation and do so in a manner that advances our democracy and the development of our country.”

He added that the council approved a memo seeking procurement of vehicles by his ministry for surveillance in the mining sector.

Fayemi said “FEC approved the direct procurement of Nissan fourwheel Patrol vehicles for Mines Inspectorate division of mines and steel in the 36 states and the FCT. For a decade no vehicle has been

purchased for the mines and steel Inspectorate division to oversee what’s going on in our various states in artisinal and informal minning situations, surveillance of illegal mining activities taking place and the various challenges we face on the field.”

He continued “You may have read, for example, even though it’s not directly linked to the minning operation, what happened in Zamfara yesterday and the number of people that were killed.

Miners that were killed by bandits that have been operating in that area. Which is one of the reason as part of our road map a surveillance task force has also been established with the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Defence, EFCC, Police and the Civil Defence.”

On the economic benefit of the approval, Fayemi said “What is also important with the approval we got for these vehicles, is that it speaks directly to the government›s commitment to

support made in Nigeria products.

«Over the last two, three months, all the approvals we have got for vehicles not just ours in Mines and Steel but the ones for the Prison Service, Immigration, EFCC are procurements authorised to buy vehicles from local assembly plants so that we can begin to strengthen our automotive industry.

«The government remains committed to that and this approval is further confirmation of the government›s commitment in that direction. And it speaks directly to our determination to begin to focus lot more seriously on the activities of informal or illegal miners.

Only yesterday I was in Paiko LGA where two people died last week to examine what precisely led to that, to people who are just trying to etch out a living in supporting artisinal and small scale miners, in order to fulfill Mr. President›s job creation agenda.»

The Minister disclosed that 38

vehicles were approved with one for each state of the federation and FCT and an additional one for Lagos because of its size.

The unit cost of the vehicles was put at N8.190 million totalling N326,781 million in all.

Similarly, the FEC also approved the rectification of the Lake Chad Basin Water Charter.

Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu, who also briefed newsmen said “Council rectified the Lake Chad Basin Water Charter. The Lake Chad Basin Commission comprises of a number of countries - Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Central Africa Republic and Libya.

“A treaty was signed in 2012 by all countries which requires 95 per cent of member countries to rectify it before it comes into effect.

«The next stage is for it to go to National Assembly for an enactment of law.”

Kebbi graduates 105 orphans, vulnerable children on skills acquisition From Ahmed Idris Birnin Kebbi

T

he Kebbi State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with MALLPAI Foundation an NGOs has supported and graduated 105 orphans and vulnerable children and their caregivers across the 21 local government areas of the state.

Delivery her speech, the Wife of the Kebbi State Governor, Hajiya Aish Atiiku Bagudu and the founder of the MALLPAI Foundation said that the programme which was flaggedoff May this year was aimed to assist the less privilege and end poverty in the state.

She explained further that the programme which was also aimed to given life a meaning to young Nigeria on becoming professional Tailors and other skills acquisitions.

“They would acquired in tailoring, furniture work, plumbing, knitting, wielding catering or cosmetic in building a better life for themselves” she added.

In her remarked, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of women affairs, Hajiya Rafa’au Hamanni who express gratitude to Almighty Allah for the development and support of the present government towards the less privilege in the state.

She added that the support of SACA the Ministry will share materials and take off grants to the older OVCs and their care givers to enabble them to start their business and be a self employed.

L-R: Executive Staff of Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Mr. Chris Ehizokhale, Mr. P.H. Ngadda, Mr. A.S Bello, Representative of Vice President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Ruase , Head, CPAU of NDIC, Mr. H.S. Birchi and Mr. Oyetayo, during the NDIC Special day at Lagos International Trade Fair on Monday in Lagos .

Women urged to be self reliant From Ahmed Bauchi

W

Kaigama,

omen Empowerment Initiative (WEIN), Bauchi state chapter has called on women to be self reliance through entrepreneurship as a way out of economy recession in Nigeria.

The Deputy State Coordinator of WEIN, Mrs Hajaratu Pisagih stated this while presenting a paper titled \’Self Reliance as a way out\’ at the occasion of its 2016 annual General Meeting held in Bauchi yesterday.

According to her, women come

out and engage in small scale entrepreneurship to alleviate their financial predicament gone are the days when you relied on people you have to think enterprise.

She said, “‘ the government alone cannot solve this serious economic threat of our nation, hence the need to introduce measures of self-reliance through entrepreneurship.”

Mrs Pisagih lamented that the economic challenge is highly threatening because of the shift to oil over dependence saying \’the falling of the international value of oil is a big blow to the

Nigerian economy. Many citizens are finding it difficult to cope with the decline which poses serious hardship on the populace.

According to her, to achieve self reliant economy in Nigeria, government should consider increasing sources of lending to upcoming entrepreneurs as well as create an enabling atmosphere for private sector led economic development and genuinely support upcoming entrepreneurs through promoting favorable economic policies.

Also speaking, the state Coordinator of WEIN, Mrs Tabawa S Atiku said WEIN has

implemented 2 projects as well as currently implementing 4 projects funded by different donors.

The projects implemented according to her are Education Crisis Response (ECR), Gender Response Budgeting and Public Finance Policies and Practice adding that the projects were sponsored by CISLAC, Save the Children and Northern Eduction Initiative Plus.

She thereby call on WEIN members as well as other well meaning Nigerians to continue to support the organization in its efforts to reposition itself for better service delivery.

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PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, November 10, 2016

News

ITF re-strategizes towards economic diversification

From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua,Katsina DirectorGeneral of the Industrial Training Fund(ITF), Sir Joseph N. Ari has unveiled plans to actualise its mandate and positively impact all segments of its stakeholders and the national economy.

Ari stated this, yesterday, in Katsina while speaking at the stakeholders interactive forum.

He noted that the fund has also re-strategized towards the nation’s economic diversification agenda and focus area of the federal government including provision of skills, revival of agriculture and entrepreneurial

development.

Ari reminded stakeholders on the Act establishing the ITF has mandated all employers of labour with five and above employees or N50 million turnover to register with the fund and pay training contribution of one per cent of their annual payroll to the fund annually.

The DG said the national industrial skills development programme ,(NISDP), is one of the major programme of the fund, adding that the NISDP provides youth with skills that would make them self-reliant.

He disclosed that the fund had trained over 75,000 since inception,

R-L: General Olonisakin presenting a souvenir to the Chairman Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmad Lawan, during the oversight visit to DHQ on Teusday in Abuja.

Niger govt assures of accelerated dev’t From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna.

T

CBN anchor borrowers programme targets 30,000 farmers in Bauchi From Bauchi

Ahmed

Kaigama,

T

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Anchor Borrowers Program (ABP) targets 30,000 farmers in Bauchi state with a view to lifting small farmers out of poverty and generating more jobs in the state.

Speaking to journalists after the stakeholders meeting held at BSADP conference hall Bauchi yesterday, the Deputy Director Development Finances of CBN Bauchi, Masa›ud Ibrahim Tulu, said in Bauchi the scheme is targeting 30, 000 farmers that will benefit and already over 10,000 had registered, opened account with five Banks of FCMB, UBA, Sterling, Jaiz and BOA. He said, «we are going out to screen those registered farmers,

plot and train the extension workers to make up with the Agricultural technology and the structures of the Scheme.

According to him, the essence of the programme is to diversify the economic system, huge sums spent

by Nigeria on the importation of food items that could be produced locally, stressing that the N1 trillion importation bill was not sustainable.

Ibrahim emphasized the implication of falling oil prices to Nigeria’s foreign reserve, said the situation underscored the need for Nigeria and Nigerians to diversify the productive and revenue base of the country’s economy and conserve her foreign reserve by curbing the appetite for imported goods that can easily be produced locally.

The Deputy Director said CBN has to shift from concentrating only

on price, monetary, and financial system stability to act as a financial catalyst in specific sectors of the economy particularly agriculture, in an effort to create jobs on a mass scale, improve local food production, and conserve scarce foreign reserves.

Also speaking, the Bauchi state Lead Consultant of the ABP, Dr Nura Abdulmalik said the state has mobilised and sensitized all the farmers on bank account opening and as well trained the extension workers that are responsible for training of the farmers.

He stressed that the state government is to coordinate the structures of the Scheme that made up of 3 the Anchors, farmers, and the up takers.

Abdulmalik also explained the state government has agreed to service the interest of the banks

looking at the conservative nature of the people in the state, «the 9% interest will be upset by the state government to allow the farmers get free from interest that almost scare them from obtaining the loan.» he said On his part, the Programme Manager of the Bauchi State Agriculture and Development Program (BADP), Alhaji Aliyu Iliyasu Gital has commended the Initiative of the Federal Government by introducing the scheme that alleviate poverty in the country.

Gital explained that the BADP will provide the technical backup of the program by providing train staff to train farmers, identification of plots, educates farmers on the new improve Agricultural Technology to obtain the optimum yield required in the dry and rainy season farming.

LASU demotes professor over lack of requisite papers

T

he Lagos State University, LASU, Ojo, has announced the demotion of a lecturer, Olatunji Abanikannda, from professor to a senior lecturer over alleged lack of requisite papers and journals.

Mr. Abanikannda, a former Professor of Animal Breeding and Genetics, was the immediate past Director, LASU External System (part-time programme).

In 2014, he contested for the post of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, but lost to Fidelis Njokanma.

stressing that in 2016 alone the fund had trained 7,000 youth across the nation while 500 youth benefitted from the programme.

In a remark, the Fund area manager in Katsina, Alhaji Saleh K. Garba said the role played

by ITF was the promotion and encouragement of skills in industry and commerce.

The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Olanrewaju Fagbohun, however, confirmed the demotion in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos.

Mr. Fagbohun said the demotion of the lecturer was a decision taken by the governing council, adding that the university management had implemented it.

The university’s governing council decision followed a petition against the lecturer by the Academic Staff Union

of Universities, ASUU, LASU chapter.

The union had petitioned the governing council, headed by Adebayo Ninolowo, alleging that the former Vice-Chancellor, John Obafunwa, promoted the lecturer without due process.

A five-member panel was consequently set up to investigate the allegations levelled against the lecturer.

Some concerned members of staff of the university had also lodged complaints that Mr.

Abanikannda was not qualified to be a professor, but was promoted

by Mr. Obafunwa.

The panel, after several meetings and investigations, recommended the demotion of the lecturer.

It was gathered that the council also reprimanded the former vice-chancellor and the current registrar, Akinwunmi Lewis, for taking certain decisions contrary to the laid down rules and regulations of the university.

(NAN)

he Niger State Government said it has designed programmes and policies that will bring rapid development to the State as well as improve the leaving standard of the people.

The Secretary to the State Government SSG, Hon. Ibrahim Isa Ladan made this known when he received members of the Nigeria Mining Association, Borgu Local Government Chapter in his Office.

Hon. Ladan revealed that the State is endowed with amazing solid mineral resources that have great potentials to turn the economy of the State around if properly harnessed.

The SSG told members of the Association that the commercial deposits of the mineral resources available in the State can be used for both domestic and export markets.

He further explained that the abundant resources is making the State a potential hub for investors and other stakeholders as a lot of investment opportunities in the solid minerals sector exist in the State.

According to Hon. Isa Ladan, the present administration under the leadership of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello would make the State a model and leader in the mining sector and global solid minerals destination, where employment and wealth would be created in an atmosphere of peace.

The SSG charged the newly elected executive members of the Nigeria Mining Association, Niger State Council to make their Offices a model for service delivery, servant leadership and efficiency.

In his remarks, the Assistant State Secretary, Nigeria Mining Association, Alhaji Yusuf Anaruwa Saidu commended the laudable programmes and policies of the present administration.

He therefore offered prayers to God to continue to give the leadership of the State and Nigeria at large the wisdom, good health and strength to continue with the good work they are doing.

Page 11

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, November 10, 2016

LEGAL NOTICE

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FATIMA

OLD NAME: ICHIE SOCIAL CLUB MBANESE OF NIGERIA. NEW NAME: ICHIE MBANESE SOCIAL CLUB OF NIGERIA. CAC/IT/ NO. 1766.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT HE ABOVE NAMED CLUB HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR CHANGE OF ITS NAME ,REMOVAL AND APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT OF 1990.

I, formerly known as FATIMA LAWAN DAGUMA now wish to be known and addressed as FATIMA LAWAL All former documents remain valid. All authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Benneth Okafor - REMOVED 2. Innocent Ugwunne - REMOVED 3. Paulinus Onyagu - REMOVED 4. Christopher Olejeme - REMOVED 5. Cyprian Udoji - REMOVED 6. Robert Edochiem - REMOVED 7. John Onwuzuligbo REMOVED

OLOWOKINTE

THE NEW TRUSTEES ARE: 1. SAMSON NNAEMEKA UKACHUKWU-CHAIRMAN - NEWLY APPOINTED 2. DENNIS NNUBIA - NEWLY APPOINTED 3. SAMSON OYIBOKA AWIAKA - NEWLY APPOINTED 4. SAMUEL ANAYOR OBIKA - NEWLY APPOINTED 5. MARK EZEPUE- NEWLY APPOINTED 6. CHIGOZIE HYACINTH ORJI - NEWLY APPOINTED 7. RAPHAEL CHUKWUMALU - NEWLY APPOINTED 8. OBENS OKAFOR -NEWLY APPOINTED 9. BARTH ELOCHUKWU UGWUMBA - NEWLY APPOINTED 10. JAIRUS CHUKWUELOTAM OKAFOR-SECRETARY -NEWLY APPOINTED THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAINS THESAME. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS CHANGES SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: CHAIRMAN

I, formerly known as KOLADE BANKE MERCY now wish to be known and addressed as OLOWOKINTE MICHAEL BANKE MERCY. All former documents remain valid. All authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

ILORI I, formerly known as Sijuade Aderenle Florence now wish to be known and addressed as Ilori Aderenle Florence. All former documents remain valid. Fmc Birnin-Kebbi, Nursing and midwifery council of Nigeria, GTbank and general public should take note.

DANLADI

RAIHANATU

Faith

I, formerly known as SULEIMAN MARYAM now wish to be known and addressed as DANLADI S. MARYAM. All former documents remain valid.

All authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

I, formerly known as RAIHANATU LAWAN now wish to be known and addressed as RAIHANATU MOHAMMED LAWAN. All former documents remain valid. All authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

I, formerly known as Faith Obaye now wish to be known and addressed as Faith Oluwayemisi Olaofe. All former documents remain valid.

All authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

UMAR I, formerly known as Umar Haruna Adam now wish to be known and addressed as Umar Haruna Kofarna’isa.

All former documents remain valid. All authorities concerned, Sterling Bank and the general public should please take note.

RAMATU I, formely known and called RAMATU NDAJI now i wish to be known and called RAMATU NDAIJI all former documents remain valid and the general public should please take note.

GODSON I formerly known as Robinson Nsimaeyien Emah now wish to be called & addressed as GODSON NSIMAOBONG EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid. ACFM, Zenith Keystone Banks and members of the public please take note.

ABUBAKAR I, formerly known as ABUBAKAR DAN’IYA now wish to be known and addressed as ABUBAKAR AA DAN’IYA. All former documents remain valid. All authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

Miss Charity

I formerly known as Miss Charity Sule Obaje. wish to be called & addressed as Mrs Charity Jonathan Joseph Agum.

ACFM, Zenith Keystone Banks & members of the public take note.

AHMAD I FORMERLY KNOWN AS AHMAD MUHAMMAD ADAM. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AHMAD SAIDU ADAM. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS SHOULD REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

PAGE 12

Opinion

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSday, November 10, 2016

Why we must allow our fallen heroes rest in peace

By Sanmi Ola

T

he death of Lt Col. Muhammed Abu Ali and six other troops cast a pall on the nation, opening the month of November on a sad note. Those deaths were preceded in September and October by some other casualties in the war theatre. Before them other gallant soldiers had paid the supreme price in the war to rid Nigeria of Boko Haram terrorists. And before that there have been thousand others that died securing the fatherland.

One’s thoughts are often with the bereaved families considering the state of our socio-cultural evolution and the fracture that the death of breadwinners can inflict on families – oftentimes young families with the older children barely out of primary school. The fallen soldiers could have opted for less risky and more lucrative careers – lifting crude, padding budgets, inflating contracts and other vices that have all but received national absolution, rather they opted for the noble choice of serving the nation with their lives.

This why the raving frenzy around the death of the troops in Boko Haram ambush leaves a nauseating feeling. On the surface it appeared to be a nation united in grief as people take to the social media to share the photos of Lt Col Abu Ali – sadly that created the impression that only one officer has died in the half decade insurgency.

The sad reality beneath the impassioned sense of national mourning is that the greater part of the population were acting out in a zombie-like manner – they hit the share button because that is the way they have become conditioned, think of a cyber crow that click like on

photos of mutilated bodies at accident scene, the mindless horde that type ‘lol’ (laugh out loud) in response to an update of someone losing their loved one or a robotic gang that share links without reading.

The installed capacity of the crowd in question is further understood if one recalled that they are the same ones that trended the Je Suis Charlie hashtag when terrorists struck in France yet they had prior to that never declared their Nigerian patriotism. It is the assemblage of people that have changed their profile pictures to the national flags of other nations undergoing crisis but barely know what just transpired in their neighbouring such that asking them to understand what happened nationally would be an unfair task. The population represents folks who do not know the name of the chairman of their local government area council but yet are obsessed with voting against Donald Trump as US president, a country to which some of them would never get visas to visit in ten lifetimes.

The negligible percentage – a vocal minority with agenda, found useful fodder in this mindless online mass.

They simply convoluted the story of the military casualty and the automatons became readily available to amplify the distortions.

Suddenly the story has shifted from the tragedy of human loss to that of political posturing. The mass opinion has moved from thinking of that uncertain moment of the soldiers being on the threshold of death and knowing they are dying. The focus is now using these great lives for advancing perverted political goals. No one is pondering how the loved ones left behind by these gallant troops would survive knowing that offers of

extended support are drying up in a world suffering the fallouts of declining economies.

Instead, the sacrifices of these souls is being leveraged as the entry point to reopen attacks on the military leadership, especially Lt Gen Tukur Buratai, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), who is now being pitted against President Muhammadu Buhari. The lies are rolling out faster than Boko Haram insurgents are being defeated. As would be expected the online drones are replicating the lies without the knowledge to process and appreciate that they have become unwitting fighters against the state in the new phase of the anti-terror war and that their misdirected posts in essence constitute fighting the late soldiers they thought they were revering.

In our various national cultures and beliefs, the tenet is not to speak evil of the dead. Why then must we use the deaths of people that died in service of the nation as rags to mop up the mess of failed political touts?

Those who are truly touched by the sacrifices of these soldiers would at this point be interested in using crowd funding for setting up a foundation that will cater to the needs of the vulnerable persons soldiers leave behind when they die in the line of duty – aged parents, wives and children. This will be a more productive approach than moaning in cyber space while ignorantly spreading the propaganda of those that have sustained the terrorists for their own selfish reasons.

By all means there should be outrage over the deaths and a good suggestion for expressing that outrage is to make contributions and suggestions on how to continue the fight against terrorism

at a time when the economic situation is making the funding of anything possible.

Since Boko Haram constitute a greater threat to the collective, the suggestion will include asking the handlers of the Niger Delta militants to call their boys to order while the threat of extremism is dealt with since the government is looking into their 16 points demand.

Those backing the Boko Haram terror group must not be spared a dose of the national outrage. For as long as they are there to sponsor, recruit, radicalise and deploy more youths as terrorists it is becoming apparent that the insurgents will continue to get regenerated after every wave of defeat. The military will take out the terrorists but only the stakeholders in the north east and clamping down on the sponsors would turn off the tap at the source in this instance.

Pending when any of these happens, Nigerians must take lesson. Social media sites are shutting down accounts connected with terrorism but the everyday user is dumbly becoming the channel for spreading the message and propaganda of the terrorists with each like, share and comments that further terrorism in the most innocent form conceivable. This kind of behaviour is nothing short of dancing on the graves of hour fallen heroes and could not have been what we have in mind when we prayed that they continue to rest in piece.

So before joining the bandwagon in sharing stories concerning troops in the Boko Haram theatre of war it is prudent to ask “when I share this story, on whose side am I?”.

Ola writes Germany.

from

CotBus,

Negative consequences of indecent dressing

By Folorunsho Favour-Toyin

I

ndecent dressing can be defined as the wearing of cloths that are not appropriate for a particular occasion or situation, it means deliberate exposure of one’s body to the public, the practice she opined is contrary to the acceptable norms and values of the society.

Indecent dressing can as well be defined as a social malady that cuts across many countries of the world, but answer.com described indecent dressing as a way that is likely to shock or offends people. What may offend people, it added are parts of the body, usually sexual organs, which normally should be covered. For girls, these are breasts, thighs and buttocks. As a teenager you must be cautious of the kind of clothes you put on. Your dress can show if you are responsible or irresponsible, serious minded or unserious. Dressing in a manner that parents, society and religion frown at is not civilization.

Indecent dressing is the major cause of the various assault and sexual harassment recorded in our society today and over time.

Nigeria students and some ladies may be as result of civilization dress half naked to occasions, parties all in the name of fashion and this is contrary to the cachet placed in Nigerian’s female’s students and indeed Africa women This habit is embraced by all ages in the society but it is prevalent among youths. In today’s Nigeria, over exposure to foreign culture through modern day channels of mass communication like satellite broadcast, internet and unregulated pirated

videos, especially musical videos have taken their toll on the moral rectitude of our youth especially girls. Dresses that are meant as stage costumes for musicians and actresses are misconstrued by our gullible female students as everyday wears.

Although it could be ascertain that these are some of the reasons why these students dress indecently such as poor parenting, peer pressure, wrong use of internet, fading values as well as demonic influence among others The negative consequences of dressing indecently were identified to include rape, prostitution, HIV/AIDS and other venereal deadly diseases and poor school grades.

However, to reduce the ugly scenario parents are advised to be good moral examples to their children, give them attention and to as well regulates the films they watch at home, also the mass media must at all times promote good moral values, religious leaders must preach against, counsel and deliver those under demonic influence, as well the introduction of institutions dress code.

Good dressing is good business. It will elicit respect from your fellow students and lecturers and most importantly it will save you the hazards of being a target for rape, for most rape victims are bad dressers.

Indecent dressing is a social malady that cuts across many countries of the world.

The concept of dressing from the Biblical point of view started from the Garden of Eden where Adam and Eve used leaves to cover their nakedness. Right from then, dressing became part of humankind.

The Qur’an also captures it right when

it says ‘’Tell the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty. From the above, it clearly shows that both Christianity and Islam preach against indecent dressing.

Do you observe that many children have gone haywire all in the name of dressing? It becomes imperative at this juncture to ask: why do ladies dress indecently? Indecent dressing has been closely associated with poor parenting, peer pressure, wrong use of the internet, fading moral values as well as demonic influences among others.

Indecent dressing no matter how well we try to link it with ‘civilization’ has no place in the African culture. The African culture places so much prestige on the African woman. Whether in the Western or African society, indecent dressing is the major cause of the various assaults and sexual harassment recorded in the society over time. There is a strong belief among some people that a large number of rape victims were victims of their mode of dressing. As a result of this ‘civilization’ ladies dress half naked to schools, events and even religious gatherings all in the name of fashion.

This social malady has made our male counterparts to become sexually restive.

Late last year in a neighbouring campus, some ladies who went to the University for post UTME examination and had accommodation challenges that made them to lay their heads in a nearby primary school were reported raped.

To the society this menace is gradually becoming a norm and the etiquette that African society is known for is gradually becoming a thing of the past. African

culture is being eroded by indecent dressing. Culturally, you know a country is advancing when the citizens honour their own culture but the reverse is the case in our society today.

The consequences of this habit are glaring- it debases womanhood. It speaks evil of the society where it obtains.

Irresponsible, undisciplined, ungodly, and greedy men are attracted and earn young girls rape. The negative consequences of indecent dressing have also been identified to include rape, prostitution, HIV/AIDS and other venereal diseases, infections as well as armed robbery and poor academic performance in school. One needs more than a gift of discernment to distinguish and differentiate a prostitute from a lady in provocative wears. Like the old will always say, “girls in decent attire are less likely to misbehave.” This is very true to an extent.

To curb the menace of indecent dressing, parents are urged to be good models in morals to their children, give them attention and regulate the type of films they watch at homes. The mass media must promote good moral values while religious leaders must preach against it, counsel and deliver those under demonic influences. The introduction of college or university dress codes can also help. These are necessary if decency must be achieved.

Miss Folorunsho FavourToyin, a HND11 student of Mass Communication Department wrote this piece from Federal Polytechnic, Bida.

PAGE 13

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSday, November 10, 2016

Comment

The future of contemporary youth

By Salim Umar Ibrahim

M

oved by the current development and challenging factors that are most pointing the perception of our youth’s future nowadays really agitates in the state of the environment and community in general.

It is with deep regards I see this as a major factor that I have to ascertain my pen to write up this piece because, I have seen the four walls of the contemporary youths temperament. Don’t ask me if I told you I did see someone who cut his nails in the dark! Hmmm… where are we hoping to?

Looking back to the history of youths in the past two decades, we have completely loss it. Nothing is put to practice nowadays as we all have given it away.

Youths are generally seen as the future of every community, determined in each generation. People of the same kind, each ones brother’s keepers, responsible, strong and independent individuals, but the reverse is the case

in this era of selfishness, dishonoring, blackmail and disruptive behavior.

One major factor that really disturbed is how our youths now engage in a substantial smoking, ranging from the usual cigarette to smoking of weed (Indian hemp), and the likes.

And besides, all sort of certain drugs consumption with room for drowsiness, recreating custom purpose for those drugs and syrups which are meant and manufactured to heal under a physician prescription.

This act leads to many different appalling happenings in the past few years and of present, but the most disgusting news is, the proceeding of the act is ever growing to a profound level.

The consumption and smoking of these drugs and syrups which are manufactured for the purpose of healing one’s health at which it is made to, is now entirely something else as the youth now misuse them upside down to a point which even leads in the rise of the drugs and syrups cost in the market.

Only concerned citizens who sell

these medicines now conceal them and only sold to the appropriate customer who they believed will not misuse it for the purpose of what youth now bought it for. And the most repulsive thing is that; most of these drugs, especially the syrups are even meant for children.

Camels drinking from chickens bowl!

Smoking, drinking, risking self to unprotected sexual activities, stealing from each other apart from an outsider are all attributes of the contemporary youth. Neither creative nor tried to explore the talent in him/her which God has already possesses in them.

It happens in a circle of fifteen friends in a neighborhood, whom all are youths ranging from the age of 19-23years. These friends happen to be each brother’s keepers, devouring themselves to all sorts of things that could score them to success and achievement in the mean time.

Adhering to anything that could result to misunderstanding among each other and always on the track for good in their leisure time. They are known for this substantial attributes throughout

the neighborhood.

This could be the most tragic diverse of a union you have ever encounter or heard of. In this case, as the contemporary youth’s engrossment to this unwavering unification radically raptures. I will not fall for this story line because; it always leaves me heart-sick!

Appealing to this kind of situation; how could one think positive when all he does is at drowsiness and his mind is always for drugs and smoking? How could he/she do something to benefit themselves outside when all they do is degrade themselves and reduce the limit of their dignity in the eyes of the public?

Who are the roles of youth’s responsibilities and better being bestowed on? Parents alone or those the government has its role to play at the sentiment? What are the major precautions and ways need to be adopted to revive the culture of the ancient youth?

Politics makes things happen.

In our case, politics makes things happen in strange ways. Consider, for example, the ceaseless Boko Haram attacks on innocent citizens in the northeast and elsewhere, conflict over land ownership and grazing rights in the north-central, the increasing theft of crude oil in the Niger-delta, and homes riven by hunger and hardship. To address these problems we need a programme of constitutional and legislative reforms and a stable legislature. How can all of this be possible when our legislators display a certain proclivity for laziness and utter disregard for the pain we endure? The problem I see here is the high purchase on power that huge pomp, emoluments, allowances, salaries and entitlement afford our political leaders that they repudiate the very essence of politics thereby making our democracy empty.

The appeal to force, might and power to resolve political conflicts, rather than seeking to mediate them through compromises and cooperation, makes our democracy chaotic. It is this appeal that births the idea that the will of the godfather is supreme or that it is the will of the godfather that constitutes the supremacy of the party, regardless of other competing wills. Not true. The idea that a political party represents the collective interests and aspirations of all members quite rightly makes the party supreme. The nonrecognition of competing wills, otherness and difference, or “the difference of the other”, is most worrying. Yes, it is worrying, but I

doubt if our politicians make sense of the destruction they unleash on our democracy and the chaos that threatens it. Bukola Saraki appears to make sense of this destruction when he tweeted recently, “it is time to remind ourselves of the solemn promise to deliver real change, which can’t be achieved in atmosphere distracted politics” (sic).

Will our politicians make sense of Saraki’s reminder and begin to act in a manner that makes politics less distractive or our democracy less chaotic? I doubt it. Here, the politics of chaos merely allows our politicians to negotiate new terms and framework favorable to their pursuits and engagements and to enjoy new privileges and entitlements. Saraki’s reminder, though correct, is a curious one, which makes sense only if our politicians accept that representation is not about sharing “two hundred positions” as a certain Abdulmumin Jibrin gleefully let out as the odious carrots of reward at the disposal of his House principal, Yakubu Dogara.

Can our politicians redeem themselves? Can we fix our politics?

Can we bring order back to our democracy? Yes, but it appears already late. The bull is no longer in a china shop; it is rampaging through our quarters of governance.

Consider this: two acting DirectorsGeneral were announced at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) within three days. That too is chaos!

Salim umar Ibrahim freelance writer

is

a

Our nascent democracy

By Abdul Mahmud As many perceptive observers have correctly noted, chaos lies at the core of our democracy. They point to the madness or, more profoundly, the struggle over “who gets what, when and how”, of those who squeeze the civic out of our democratic order to gain political notoriety, as evidence.

The madness that characterizes fraudulent party selections and the chaos and violence that often follow our general elections make the evidence irrebuttable. Two points are implicit here: the first one concerns order as the nature of democracy.

The rooting of democracy is practically impossible in a polity reduced to chaos. The argument here is that how power is acquired is governed by rules and by the “principle of societal organization”.

In effect, democracy must be rule-based in order to reduce or eliminate tension. The second one centers on representation as an essential character of democracy.

For democracy to flourish the recognition of otherness and difference must exist to promote harmony and unity in the party political rank.

The evidence seems to point out the problem we are always confronted with when we elect folks who turn public offices into the wonderland of mad people, the asylum of those whom the gods have condemned to death by first making them mad with power. Do I tar everyone with the same brush? No. There are folks who unfortunately find themselves inside the insane asylum of the

men and women of power and who, like Alice in Lewis Caroll’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’, despise the stereotyping because they were voted to be among mad people. I enjoin these folks to Cat’s message to Alice: “Oh, you can’t help that…I am mad. You are mad. You must be, or you wouldn’t have come here”.

If the evidence truly exist, here it is: pugilists who turn the hallowed chambers of the legislature into boxing rings and their fellow colleagues into opponents or sparing partners. It doesn’t matter to them if the gavel, the symbol of legislative authority, becomes the hammer while the heads of their colleagues are the nails they hammer into nothingness.

No sane person undresses in the public and lashes at anything or everything in sight like the bull in a china shop. The emptying out of psychiatric inmates of the state asylum system into our national and states Houses of Assembly where they display animality is a yearly ritual in our part. Foucault describes this ‘emptying out’ as a voyage outside the city walls to where mad people become prisoners of their own departures.

In our case, we don’t send our mad legislators outside the city walls; in fact, we send them with our votes to Abuja and the states capitals of our country to mock our collective unreason, conjure up images of our collective insanity, and create party political squabbles. No sane person undresses in the public only to put on rags of shame as our legislators have consistently done since the inception of civil democracy in 1999.

Abdul Mahmud is a Public Affairs Analyst

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, November 10, 2016

PAGE 14

News Kaduna launches business licensing reforms From Femi Oyelola, kaduna

K

aduna state government has launched its business licensing reforms to ease the registration of at least 800,000 businesses in the state.

Speaking at the launch of the business licensing reforms held in Kaduna,Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who said business must succeed in the state noted that to create jobs the teeming youths require,his administration would fashion the conditions that will encourage private investments to thrive Kaduna.

El Rufai who was represented by his Deputy,Arch. Bala Barnabas Bantex, said Kaduna Economic and Investment Summit (KADInvest) held in April this year which enabled consolidated Tax Code law, and legislation to digitise the land registry, has shown that it has the policies and laws to support business investments.

“That is why we welcome today’s launch of the Business Licensing Reform (BLR) programme.

Put simply, we are committing to continuous refinement of the process for obtaining business permits and to improve the quality of regulations that impact the private sector.

Successfully implemented, we expect the BLR programme to strengthen our regulatory processes and to promote economic activities in the state” “BLR will reduce the cost and time it takes to process licenses and permits and eliminate regulations that hinder businesses, impede competition or impose restraints to trade. This should encourage more private businesses to formalise, boost revenue generation in the state and propel economic growth in the state.

“Let there be no doubt that the Kaduna State Government is deeply committed to realising the objectives of the BLR process. It is in the interests of our people that our state should attract and keep investors who will create, maintain and expand their business in our state. We want the return of manufacturing in our state and we look forward to the Kakuri industrial area regaining its vibrancy” “We want trade, agriculture, construction, transportation and services to consider Kaduna State a place of dynamism and positive returns. Our people will be the ones to benefit from jobs and the better social services that can be enabled by improved revenue generation” “With optimism that we are embarked on the right path to move our people out of poverty, it is my pleasure to launch the BLR programme. It is our programme, and we shall make a success of it within our broad commitment to promote the Ease of Doing Business in Kaduna State” El-Rufai said.

On his part,Leslie Emegbuonye,manager Business Licensing,a European Union sponsored Programme, said the reform would facilitate easy registration of 800,000 businesses to create wealth in Kaduna :” With Kaduna state business licensing reforms launched,we target the registration of 800,000 businesses both retailers and wholesales” he said

Reps condemn food wastage

by Nigerian elites

N

igerian lawmakers on Wednesday called on President Muhammadu Buhari to wade in on the waste of edible food items in the country.

The lawmakers said the rate at which some Nigerians destroy foods had become alarming in recent years, adding that it is deplorable to keep wasting food in harsh economic times.

The concern was raised by a

lawmaker from Lagos, Rotimi Agunsoye, during today’s plenary at the House of Representatives.

Mr. Agunsoye said the House is very worried that affluent Nigerians are stocking foods at home while the poor continue to die of starvation.

“Food wastage thrives with lavish lifestyle of citizens who are well-to-do in the society,” Mr. Agunsoye said. “They buy what

they would not eat, set a table they will not finish and throw more food away than they would ever need.”

The lawmaker said Nigerians waste about 1.3 billion tonnes of food annually, which contributes significantly to the global average of 30 per cent waste per year.

Mr. Agunsoye urged lawmakers to prevail on the Buhari administration to embark

on a sensitisation campaign to make Nigerians eschew their food-wasting habits.

To further drive the message, the lawmakers urged the president to incorporate campaign against food waste in his ‘Change Begins with Me’ national orientation policies.

Speaker Yakubu Dogara ruled that the House accepted the motion.

Gov. Umaru Al-makura and players of Nasarawa United Football Club displaying documents of the plots of land donated to each of the players as rewards for reaching the final of the 2016 Federation Cup, in Lafia, yesterday The team lost 5-4 to FC Infeanyi Uba on penalty kicks following an indecisive regulation period.

Suspension: Edo traditional ruler drags Oshiomhole to court By Osaigbovo Benin

S

Iguobaro,

uspended traditional ruler of Uromi kingdom in Edo state , the Ojuromi of Uromi, HRH Anselm Eidenojie II, has filed litigation against the governor of the state Adams Oshiomhole who is scheduled to hand over the reign of power to his successor on Saturday.

The monarch also joined eleven other respondents in the suit before a Benin High court in connection with his suspension as the traditional ruler of the community for one year by the government.

Eidenojie II, was initially suspended for seven days by the state government for allegedly assaulting Ms. Betty Okoebor during the September 28th 2016 governorship election in Edo Central senatorial district of the state.

Other respondents in the suit include the Commissioner of Police Edo state, Mr Haliru

Gwandu (CP Edo state), ASP Natuke. Assistant InspectorGeneral of Police - Zone 5, Inspector General of Police Abuja, Nigeria Police Force, Betty Okoebor, Matthew Okoebor and Edo State Executive Council.

In the suit filed by his counsel Mr. Benjamin Iruobe, the plaintiff is asking the court for a declaration that the action of the 2nd Respondent who is the governor of Edo state amounts to recklessness and abuse of office, unconstitutional, unlawful, actionable and without a just cause.

The plaintiff who instituted the suit pursuant to Order 2 and 4 of the Fundamental Rights Procedure Rules 2009 of the administration of Criminal Justice At, 2015 among others, want an order of the court for the enforcement of his fundamental rights under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in terms of the reliefs sought in the statement in support of the application.

The Onojie of Uromi is also asking the court for a general, aggravated and exemplary damages as compensation for the sum of N1Billion against the respondents jointly and severally as a reparation for the assault, torture, arrest, detention and harassment against him in the course of their unlawful acts.

He also prayed the court for an injunction restraining the defendants by themselves, agents, servants and or privies or such other persons from oppressing him or imposing any inhibition or restrictions on his freedom of movement or agents and family in respect of this complaint.

The plaintiff wants the court to declare that the arrest, psychological torture, detention and his embarrassment by the respondents from 10am till 7.00pm on the 4th day of November, 2016 which he described as unconstitutional, unlawful, actionable and without a just cause.

The plaintiff wants the court to order the respondents to tender public apology to him in respect of the complaint In the suit which is accompanied by a 44 paragraph affidavit, the plaintiff claimed that he was arrested on the 4th day of November 2016 at about 10 am and detained till 700pm at the office of the Commissioner of Police, Edo state for a period of 9 yours.

He also claimed that the said Betty Okoebor was ready to withdrawn her complaint against him, adding that she was in a dilemma since the Edo state government did not want her to do so.

The plaintiff stated that the 5th respondent, who is the Investigation Police Officer told him that he had instruction from above that the 9th respondent, Betty Okoebor could write a withdrawal letter since she was insisting that she did not want the plaintiff prosecuted as they have settled the matter at home.

PAGE 15

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSday, November 10, 2016

2017 budget: Funding Democratic Institutions ‘ll get priority attention Dogara

• L-R: A MINUTE SILENCE FOR LATE LT COL MOHAMMED ABU ALI: President Muhammadu Buhari, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh Minister of State, Agriculture, Hon Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma and Minister of State budget and National Planning, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed and other Ministers in A minutes silence for the dead Soldier during the Federal Executive Council Meeting held, at the Council Chamber of the State House, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: State House

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T

S/East Senators meet Buhari over insecurity, appointments

By Lawrence Olaoye

S

enators from the South Eastern part of the country yesterday met with President Muhammadu Buhari over alleged issues of insecurity, lopsided appointments and others.

The caucus led by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, met with the President behind closed door.

Briefing State House Correspondents after the meeting, the Ekweremadu said “For us from the South East, we believe that dialogue is better than any other form of engagement.

“So we decided to visit the President and present to him some of the concerns of the South East including the issues of roads, general infrastructure: the rail, airports.

We also discussed the issue of security with him and of course the issue of IPOB. We had a good conversation and he promised to look into the issues.”

Chairman of South East Caucus in the Senate, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, said “This is the South East caucus in the Senate and we came to see the President because of the issues we have in the South East.

“We had a fruitful discussion with the President. He has promised us that he is going to look into the problems of South East.

“We know that there are problems everywhere but we also believe that the South East is the zone that is far much shortchanged at this time than other zones.

“We also talked about the issue of appointments from the South East, especially with respect to the National Security Council. The President also told us that governors of the South East have also engaged him on

the same problems we engaged him on.

“There is a concerted effort from the people of the South East to be sure that we engage with this government meaningfully. We are reassured with the response

we got from the President; and we look forward to further interaction with him in this manner.”

Others in the delegation included Senators Sam Egwu, Hope Uzodinma, Andy Uba and Chukwuka Utazi.

Reps Order EFCC, CBN to Arrest wonder bank promoters

T

he House of Representatives on Wednesday ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Central Bank of Nigeria to immediately go after the promoters Mavrodi Mondial Moneybox, otherwise known as ‘MMM’ in Nigeria.

Nigerian Bulettin reports that the lawmakers warned that the “trick” used by the operators was to attract as many Nigerians as possible to invest substantial

amounts of money before the bubble would burst.

MMM Nigeria promises 30 per cent return on investment for any money put into the scheme within 30 days.

The investment scheme has a Russian origin and “involves directing clients to make money available for an anonymous person with a promise of 30 per cent return within one month.”

But, members described the

scheme as a “scam” and warned Nigerians not to be carried away by the “mouth-watering” returns on investments.

The Chairman, House Committee on Telecommunications, Mr. Saheed Fijabi, lawmaker from Oyo State, represents Ibadan-South/West Federal Constituencyhad in a motion, drawn the attention of the House to the growing popularity of the scheme among Nigerians.

he Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has disclosed that the National Assembly will give priority to allocation of funds to the democratic research and trainings institutions.

In a statement issued by his special assistant on media broadcast, Yakubu Musa Fagge, at a two-day Conference on “The Dynamics of Democratic Practice in Nigeria, 19992015”, organized by Aminu Kano Centre for Democratic Research and Training, Mumbayya House, in Kano yesterday, the Speaker enjoined all stakeholders in the country to work towards salvaging the nations democracy.

He noted, the country’s democracy was in critical situation, hence the need for Nigerians to salvage it.

Represented by the chief whip of the House, Rep Alhassan Ado Doguwa, Dogara reminded Nigerians that for us to sustain our democracy, everyone must participate in nourishing it.

“Let me remind us that an effective democracy is that which everyone is a stakeholder, irrespective of bureaucracy. It is only through genuine participatory democracy that we shall overcome most of our variations that used to wound our democratic system”.

He commended the organizers of the conference for choosing a theme which he said was timely.

“It is clear that fora like this offer opportunities for differing views to be heard and harnessed. Therefore, we need to prioritize the more, the aspect of funding to research trainings and Institutes.

“We shall through budgetary powers vested upon us as lawmakers, review our priority areas especially towards providing enough resources that would strengthen our already existing research institutes like Mumbayya House.”

Ondo Election: A powerful cabal forced me to relocate to Abuja – Mimiko

G

overnor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State has alleged that there are some cabals in the presidency working day and night to ensure that his former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede SAN is not recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the November 26, governorship election.

Mimiko, particularly said the actions of those cabals had forced him to relocate to Abuja in order to ensure that their injustice did not stand.

Daily Post reports that Mimiko

spoke in Akure, the state capital, at a programme organized by a group of youths, known as “Integrity Icons” to honour the Founder of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Dr. Frederick Fasheun.

The Governor, who also chaired the occasion, said the cabals were afraid that if Jegede should be allowed to participate in the poll, he will defeat their candidates.

Jegede, who is the anointed candidate of Mimiko was removed from the lNEC list and replaced with Jimoh Ibrahim, who was declared by Justice Abang as the authentic candidate.

Already, the Ahmed Markafi PDP’s faction, which the governor and Jegede belong to, has filed an appeal against the ruling.

The governor said, “Some people are in the Presidency causing the injustice on us. But I know President Buhari is not part of the injustice.

“I am now a part-time resident of Abuja these days to ensure my people get justice and I know the injustice will not stand.”

Similarly, the factional chairman of the PDP in the state, Mr. Clement Faboyede has assured members of the party across the state that Jegede would

get justice from the court of appeal in Abuja.

Faboyede, who met with thousands of members of the party from Ondo Central Senatorial District of the state in Akure on Wednesday urged the people to collect their Permanent Voters’ Cards to enable them exercise their civic duties on November 26.

According to him, “If you have not collected your PVC, make sure you collect it, it is sure that the injustice against Jegede will not stand. So collect your PVC to enable you vote for Jegede.

He will contest the election and win the election.”

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, NovemBER 10, 2016

Politics

Senator Petitions NJC, seeks probe of Uyo High Court judge

By Christiana Nathaniel

T

he Chairman, Senate committee on Gas Resources , Senator Bassey Albert Akpan, has petitioned the National Judicial Council (NJC) seeking the probe of Justice Fatun Riman of the Federal High Court, Uyo, Akwa Ibom division over allegation of bias, judicial misconduct and arbitrariness.

Akpan told journalits in Abuja, that he had sought the NJC leave to mandate Justice Riman to excuse himself from further hearing the case involving him and Bassey Etim pending in the Federal High Court, Uyo Division.

Hon. Bassey Etim took Senator Akpan, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to court claiming that he was

wrongly substituted in the primary election of PDP in Akwa Ibom State.

Akpan, in his petition addressed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the NJC, accused Justice Riman of “bias, arbitrariness and unfairness” in his handling of the case.

Specifically, Senator Akpan noted that the petition to NJC was warranted by what he called “the inauspicious ruling delivered by Justice Riman on 3rd November 2016 which artfully crafted in essence refused our application to amend our statement of defence in terms of our prayers and limited our right to amend to consequentially responding to the Plaintiff’s amended claim.”

He added, “Despite the fact that Justice Riman informed us on 3rdNovember 2016 after the delivery of the ruling that the said

Ruling was ready for collection, His Lordship has refused to avail me a Certified True Copy of the Ruling.

“I’m by this petition respectfully calling on the Council to investigate Justice Riman in respect of these conducts which are unbecoming of a judicial officer and to humbly request that the council restrain him from continuing to handle this matter pending the determination of this petition.”

Akpan insisted in the petition that Riman’s conduct and handling of the case showed complete bias against him and his party the PDP. He said, “The evidence of bias is amply reflected in and confirmed by his conflicting and unsupportable decisions and rulings against us as well as his refusal to release the certified true copies of the rulings and records of proceedings to me in spite of our having applied for

same.

“There is also evidence of bias against me due to Justice Riman’s conduct of always giving undue advantage to the plaintiff by assisting and conducting the plaintiff’s case from the Bench under the guise of fast tracking the proceedings and in effect hamstringing me by refusing to release certified true copies of the rulings and records of proceedings.”

Akpan noted that the refusal of Justice Riman to release the certified true copies of the, “several adverse rulings and records of proceedings of the trial court, despite my applications has scuttled my right to study those rulings and make a decision on whether or not to appeal given gravity of this matter, thereby infringing my right to fair hearing and lends ample credence to my allegation of bias

• L-R: Rivers Commissioner for Sports, Mr Boma Iyaye; Commissioner for Justice, Emma Aguma; and Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers, during a News Conference, yesterday in Port Harcourt.

Photo: NAN

T

historic victory at the US Presidential Elections. Mr Trump victory came against many odds and shows the strength of democracy in the US. “We commend Secretary Hillary Clinton on her hard-fought campaigns.

She showed herself as a role model for young men, women and children all over the world. The campaigns that preceded these elections has been hard fought and sometimes fractious in a manner that has taken its toll on the American people.

“We urge President-Elect Trump

to move quickly to heal the divides and to reassure all Americans, particularly its minorities, that his administration will pursue policies and programmes that protects and promotes all their constitutional rights and freedoms.”

“We also urge President-Elect Trump to quickly formulate policies that will ensure a mutually beneficial relationship between the US and Africa in general, and Nigeria in particular. At this time, the US and Nigeria must work harder to deepen mutual security and economic

interests. ” May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. May God bless the United States of Nigeria.”

Mr Trump defeated his opponent, Hillary Clinton to emerge the winner after a campaign that saw both candidates trade insults and banters both directly and indirectly.

Trump secured over 270 electoral votes, the majority of the 538 electors in the electoral college, enough to effectively make him the Presidentelect.

Kwara: Gov Ahmed approves constitution of TIC for LGs

From Olanrewaju Lawal,Ilorin

T

he Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, has approved the constitution of Transition Implementation Committees (TICs) for the sixteen local governments in the state following the dissolution of the

Tinubu, Atiku will form alliance against Buhari in 2019 – former presidential candidate, Agoro

A

PDP congratulates Donald Trump

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated the President-elect of the United States of America, Donald Trump, who was the morning declared the winner of the most keenly contested presidential election in the history of America.

In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Dayo Adeyeye, the party said, ”We congratulate Mr Donald J. Trump on his emergence as the President-elect of the United States of America after his

against Justice Riman.”

He added, “My party and I have again filed a Notice of Appeal to challenge the Ruling refusing us to fully amend our statement of defence and we are in the process of filing a motion for stay of proceedings.

“However, given the antecedent of Justice Riman and his handling of this case, I strongly believe he will refuse to grant the motion for stay regardless of his knowledge of the Appeal and this petition and in spite of his knowledge that I have written to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to request that he be ordered to rescue himself from the case.

“I believe the Council should intervene and investigate Justice Riman’s conduct in this matter without prejudice to my application to the Chief Judge.

councils last week.

According to a statement issued by the Secretary to the Kwara State Government, Alhaji Sola Isiaka Gold, each TIC comprises a Chairman and three Supervisory Councilors.

The Secretary to the State Government said the new TICs will be inaugurated on Monday, 14th

November, 2016, by the governor.

Few of the nominees includes Alhaji Kazeem Adekanye, Chairman Irepodun Local government; while Alhaja Sherifat Bukola Abdullahi, Mr. Olanrewaju Awotayo and Alhaji Tunde Lawal were appointed as Supervisor I,II,III. Similarly, the governor

appointed Mrs Sidikat Uthman Ajibola as the Chairman of Ilorin East local government and Ahmed Idris Mohammed as Patigi Chairman; while Abdullahi G. Mohammad and Alhaja Lawal Arinola Kudirat were appointed as Edu and Okero local government Chairmen respectively among others.

two time Presidential candidate of the National Action Council, NAC, Olapade Agoro has alleged that former Vice President, Abubakar Atiku, will form alliance with a National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu against President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.

Agoro, who is the National Chairman of NAC predicted that the former Lagos State governor will not work with Buhari in the coming elections.

Daily Post reported Agoro saying, “He told the world after he lost the 2011 presidential election that he was no longer going to contest. Tinubu package him because he has no money to contest election.”

“Buhari couldn’t have raised any money to contest the election, but Tinubu sponsored him and I thought that the government would be government of ‘TinuBuhari’ but we have now seen it. Now, the man is waking up to his own reality and life values, trying to show who he is; and that is why there is problem.

“I know that Atiku Abubakar is warming up to contest 2019 presidential election. He is going to team up with Tinubu against Buhari.

Tinubu is one of the richest characters in Nigeria today. He can contest 20 elections together.

“I don’t see him working with Buhari in 2019; but for Buhari to make a name and be successful, he has to drop all those surrounding him. He has to rediscover himself.”

The two time Presidential candidate said, “We need a strong hand in the economy now because food is not there. People are hungry; and within one year of Buhari’s presidency, thousands of industries have shut down. The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria is crying and all the societies adding relative values to economy are crying.”

PAGE 17

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, november 10, 2016

Politics

Trump’s victory: We’ll have to retool our foreign policy - Ogbeh

By Lawrence Olaoye

M

inister for agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, has warned that authorities in Nigeria must begin to think about tinkering with the nation’s foreign policy in readiness for the consequences of Donald Trump’s Presidency in the United States of America (USA).

This is just as the Minister of Defence, Brig. Gen. Monsur Dan-Ali, insisted that the new President-elect had no alternative than to continue to support the global fight against insurgency and terrorism.

Ogbe, while reacting to Trump’s emergence as the US President-elect and its likely effects on Nigerians living in that country said “The rest of the world will have to then carefully watch and see the impact first.

“He made comments about Nigerians when he was campaigning, that they had stolen money, they should go back to their country and live.

“He has a very low opinion of the blacks and Hispanics. We hope he will become a president now for all including Nigerians and others resident in the US. But if he doesn’t, it means we’ll have to retune and retool our foreign policy to begin to find a situation where we may have to be welcoming some of our people if they come under extreme pressure. We hope it doesn’t happen.”

Commenting generally on Trump’s victory, Ogbeh said “I am in a bit of shock but we are witnessing some very dramatic changes in the world and I think some of these things began many years ago.

“The current economic theory ravaging the world is now reaching the poor and the ordinary people.

It’s causing a lot of stress. Brexit

...He must support fight against terrorism, says Defence Minister

happened, America has done this now.

Many other countries are going to have near extremism ruling the minds of people.

“Trump’s language before the elections definitely did not endear him to people. It scared a lot of people and yet he got this massive support.

Which means there is something fundamentally wrong and some of us have been complaining even here for 30 years.

“The economic theories we are practicing are hurting too many people and so there is a lot of anger and people are looking for a way to express it.

“In this country for instance, interest rate has remained averagely at 25 to 35 percent for for 30 years.

It’s impossible for young people to dream dreams and achieve them.

The rural areas are emptying, hunger is increasing. Only a small number of people have access to wealth. The rest are complaining but nobody is listening. That’s what has happened.

“Because, even though America is a powerful country, the wealth is in the hands of the people in the stock exchange and the big business people, the ordinary people have a rough time.

Even the black people didn’t turn out to vote, they’ve lost hope. So, that’s the result.

“So, it means we have to reverse out economic thinking. If you can’t take a loan, you have no mortgage, you can’t feed your wife, your salary can’t

pay school fees, you can’t even plan for tomorrow, what kind of life are you living in the country. That is what you are seeing now.

“Trump himself is one of those capitalists who have managed to exploit the system but have now turned around to bring down that system. I do hope that he can manage the US without falling into the trap he thinks he has freed the others from.

Because eventually when he gets to Washington and begins to feel the pressure of the White House he may not be as calm as he was this morning when he was accepting the victory, I can assure you. Those jobs exert a lot of pressure.”

The defence minister in his

reaction said, “Security wise, as always, we will always collaborate with external forces where we can get peace and tranquility in our country.

As I said, I advise Nigerians to accept it and then forge ahead. Look ahead and bring about a synergy so that things can move forward.”

On whether Trump would continue the US support against terrorism, DanAli said “Like I always said, insurgency is a global phenomenon whether you like it or not he must also put his efforts because it is not Nigeria alone that is suffering.

You can find insurgency today here in Nigeria, next tomorrow it could in America or Europe or anywhere in the world. So, it’s a global problem which all the nation must come together and fight it together.

L-R: Chairman of Lagos State Council of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU), Mr Dare Durosinmi; Assistant Chief Inspectorate Officer, Advertising Practitioner Council of Nigeria (APCON), Mrs Emme Akande; Registrar of APCON, Alhaji Garba Kankarofi, and Vice President of RATTAWU in South West, Mr Akande Adewale, at the inauguration of APCON Chapter of RATTAWU under the State Council of RATTAWU, yesterday in Lagos. Photo: NAN

Niger: PDP accuses Gov. Bello for squandering N300m on retreat From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

T

he Niger State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused governor Abubakar Sani Bello administration under the All Progressive Congress, APC, of squandering over N300 million on a retreat organized for political appointees in the state.

The Vice Chairman of the PDP Zone C, Hon. Yahaya A. Ability, made the accusation in a press briefing in an interview yesterday in Minna, that he described as ‘Corruption of the highest order’ which, if not checked, will surely move the state backward.

According as him, “it’s very unfortunate that the hard earned tax payers’ money is being wasted around in the state, especially on unnecessary retreats like the one held in Kaduna last week despite the present economic recession biting harder on the people.”

Ability urged the present leadership to urgently admit the failure of its responsibilities to the people of the state, due to their inability to provide essential needs to the people that elected them as government.

He noted that “this is not the kind of change the people of Niger state clamored for; because today, instead of the change, they prefer yesterday.”

He attributed the present challenges in the state to bad leadership on the part of the governor who doesn’t follow due process in award of contracts, but running government like his Private firm; hence has failed in almost all his party’s campaign promises to the people haven reigns for about two years without result.

He further accused governor Bello of having lost tracks of the APC manifestoes, adding that the retreat held in Kaduna was counterproductive to the social and economic development of Niger State; and the amount involved was uncalled

for, hence should have been held in the state to reduce cost.

The Vice Chairman berated the present administration for wasting N500 million on Suleja, Minna road that could not service for three months, giving unsatisfied excuses of heavy trucks passing through the state while in reality it was due to sub standard work by the contractor.

Investigation revealed that the retreat held in Kaduna, hosted participants cutting across all political appointees that included commissioners, director generals, Special Advisers, SSAs and SAs. It was handled by a consultant who was

allegedly the governors close ally.

But in a swift response to the allegations, the commissioner of information, culture and tourism, Mr Jonathan Tsado Vatsa denied expending such huge amount of money for the retreat that was aimed at empowering appointees on prerequisite knowledge and was held in Kaduna to avoid distractions from people.

Vatsa added that it was a deliberate attempt to distract the present government, hence will remained focused and determined in providing dividend of democracy to the people of the state.

Okowa Congratulates Dickson on Supreme Court Victory From Osakhare Erese, Asaba

D

elta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated Governor Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State on the affirmation of his electoral victory by the Supreme Court.

Governor Okowa, while commending the judiciary for upholding the sanctity of the peoples mandate, thanked Bayelsans for their support to the PDP and the Restoration

Government of Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, in Asaba, Governor Okowa, said that by this judgment, the Supreme Court lifted a burden off the shoulders of well meaning people of Bayelsa State and tasked Governor Dickson to reciprocate the gesture by running an inclusive government.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I

congratulate you on your hard earned victory at the Supreme Court.

“Bayelsa State, her friends and neighbours waited with baited breath for this favourable judgment. Your ‘long walk’ to victory must not be taken for granted. You must reward the state with open, transparent and purposeful leadership. Bayelsa people can’t settle for less” Governor Okowa noted.

“The Supreme Court’s affirmation of your election

is a fulfillment of the clearly expressed wish of the people of Bayelsa State, I therefore urge you to be humble and magnanimous in victory, remain focused and ever committed to your Restoration Agenda and work for the advancement of the interests of all Bayelsa people irrespective of their political affiliations or loyalties,” adding “The judgment of the apex court in this case is a victory for our democracy and a reaffirmation of the divine mandate freely given to

Governor Dickson and the PDP by the people of Bayelsa State and commended the Apex court for ensuring the sanctity of the people’s mandate.

“The ruling of the Supreme Court will go a long way in restoring the hope and confidence of the Nigerian people on the sanctity of the judiciary”.

Okowa urged the opposition to accept the Supreme Court ruling in good fate and cooperate with the Governor to move the state forward.

PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSday, November 10, 2016

Stock Watch: Wednesday, November 9, 2016 Company

7UP

Previous Closing Price Opening Price High

185.06

184.5

184.5

Low

184.5

Close

184.5

Change Trades Volume Value

-0.56 25

233,796

Company

Previous Closing Price Opening Price High

Low

Close

Change Trades Volume Value

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

ABBEYBDS 1.25 - - - 1.25 0 - -

MBENEFIT 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

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

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

ACADEMY 0.59 - - - 0.59 0 - ACCESS

4.46

4.46

4.64

4.46

4.5

0.04 321

28,060,764

126,589,999.78

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

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

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

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

AFRPAINTS 2.59 - - - 2.59 0 - -

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

AGLEVENT 1.02 0.97 -

-

1.02

8 48,971 46,330.44

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

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

126,800 124,264.00

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

822.99 822.99 822.99 822.99 8.99 73

115,282 94,401,035.72

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

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

NNFM 8.99 - - - 8.99 0 - -

AUSTINLAZ 2.09 - - - 2.09 0 - -

NPFMCRFBK

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

0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 0

6

174,000 170,510.00

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

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

PREMBREW 2.95 - - - 2.95 0 - -

CAPOIL 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

PREMPAINTS 10.93 - - - 10.93 0 - -

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

-

8.73

7 51,560 458,087.60

CHAMPION 4.17 4.17 -

-

4.17

11 146,282 587,170.36

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

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

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

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

CONOIL 27.41 26.04 -

ROADS 6.6 - - - 6.6 0 - -

-

27.41

8

13,350 330,799.00

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

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

SCOA 4.16 - - - 4.16 0 - -

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

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

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

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

MBENEFIT 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

DANGSUGAR

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

DEAPCAP 0.58 - - - 0.58 0 - -

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

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

JOSBREW 1.51 - - - 1.51 0 - -

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

JULI 1.75 - - - 1.75 0 - -

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

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

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

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

NCR 11.02 - - - 11.02 0 - -

LEARNAFRCA

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

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

-

2.62

8 37,850 99,859.50

Top Gainers Company

Previous Closing Price Opening Price High

NEIMETH 1.03 0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 -0.05 6

126,800 124,264.00

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

822.99 822.99 822.99 822.99 8.99 73

115,282 94,401,035.72

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

Top Losers Low

Close

Change Trades Volume Value

Company

Previous Closing Price Opening Price High

Low

Close

Change Trades Volume Value

ALUMACO 7.75 - - - 7.75 1 200 1,474.00

MULTITREX 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

FORTISMFB 5.42 - - - 5.42 0 - -

NNFM 8.99 - - - 8.99 0 - -

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

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

INFINITY 1.42 - - - 1.42 0 - -

UTC 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

OMOSAVBNK 0.92 - - - 0.92 0 - -

UNIONDICON 11.84 - - - 11.84 0 - -

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

MANDRID 5.35 - - - 5.35 0 - -

ASOSAVINGS 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

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

ABBEYBDS 1.25 - - - 1.25 0 - -

JULI 1.75 - - - 1.75 0 - -

Page 19

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSday, November 10, 2016

Reps moves to expand AMCON board

By Umar Muhammad Puma A bill seeking to amend the Assets Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) Act 2010 yesterday passed through second reading on the floor of the House of Representatives.

The bill, which was sponsored by Rep Joseph Edionwele (PDP,Edo), title “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria Act of 2010 to Expand the Board of the Corporation so as to Enhance its Efficiency in the Discharge of its Statutory Duties and for Other Related Matters.”

Leading debate on the bill, Edionwele said although AMCON

was established for the purpose of addressing the issue of non performing loans of banks in the country, its board as presently constituted makes it impossible for the agency to function optimally.

“A corporation saddled with such responsibility is left to be managed by part-time chairman and representatives solely from MDAs. These people have their agencies to manage.

The lawmaker said to to cure this deficit and defiecency, it is imperative to amend the principal act “which prescribes appointment of a part time chairman, executive directors, non executive directors among officers from various MDAs exclusive to the

Ministry of Finance.”

He said the proposed amendment seeks to expand the board AMCON to include persons who have requisite qualification and are unencumbered by other government official engagements.

Edionwele said apart from ensuring a fair representation from the six geopolitical zones in the country in the AMCON board, the amendment will equally enhance the running of the corporation.

Contributing to the debate, Rep Albert Adeogun (PDP,Osun) said the AMCON as presently constitued makes the corporation an appendage of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as six out of ten members of the board are

nominees of the apex bank.

He urged the House go beyond section 10 in amending the AMCON Act. “Section 10 of the AMCON act shows that AMCON is just an appendage of the CBN. Six out of ten members of the board are nominated by the CBN. It is important that this section is amended to weaken the influence of the CBN. It is obvious that there is need for the house to do amendment to go beyond section 10,” Adeogun said.

The speaker, Hon Yakubu Dogara , who presided over yesterday’s plenary referred the bill to the House Committee on Banking and Finance.

Acting Director General, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Dr. Vincent Onome Akpotaire(in glasses) receives an award for his extraordinary contributions in public service in Nigeria from the Special Adviser to the Dean, Management Sciences in the University of Benin, Mr. Christopher Ovie.

BPE well positioned to drive nation’s economy-Akpotaire declares

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Acting Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, Dr. Vincent Onome Akpotaire, has said that the Bureau is a unique public institution with well-groomed workforce positioned to drive the nation’s economy.

He likened the work ethics, orientation and world view of the agency’s work force to that of the private sector.

A statement by the Head, Public Communications, Alex E. Okoh,quoted Dr. Akpotaire to have

made the observations when he received an Award of Excellence conferred on him by the Faculty of Management Sciences of the University of Benin.

The presentation of the award according to the statement was made by the Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, UNIBEN, Professor I. O. Osamwonyi in Abuja.

The BPE boss, in his acceptance speech, thanked the Faculty and University for the award, saying that the award was a personal honour and also honour to the privatization agency given that the Bureau gave

him the platform to exhibit his managerial skills.

He also thanked the University who groomed him for national service as a student and lecturer in the Faculty of Law. Akpotaire pledged to keep up with the good work as he saw the award as a call for more hard work towards national development through the public service.

The award which was presented by the Special Adviser to the Dean, Management Sciences of the University of Benin, Mr. Christopher Ovie was in recognition of Akpotaire’s

extraordinary contributions in public service in Nigeria.

The Award for Excellence is in appreciation of efforts by notable Nigerians towards nation building.

Osamwonyi added that Akpotaire who has made his mark in the academia and in the public service, was worthy of recognition of his accomplishments which needed to be encouraged. He said that nation building was a collective effort and that the University of Benin would always support good causes.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSday, November 10, 2016

Page 20

Digest

Suffering from insomnia? Don’t pop pills –train your body to sleep again

T

ossing and turning night after night? Don’t automatically reach for a sleeping tablet.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - a way of conditioning the brain and body to slumber again - should be the first choice to treat chronic insomnia, doctors have said.

It takes more time and effort than popping a pill, but CBT can be effective and doesn’t carry the side effects of medication, according to the American College of Physicians.

The recommendation, published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, is intended to spur doctors to suggest the therapy for people struggling to sleep.

If it doesn’t work, they could then consider prescribing drugs.

‘Prescribing a sleeping pill is not the desirable first step,’ said Dr Thomas Tape, chief of general internal medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Yet the behavioral approach ‘wasn’t really on doctors’ radar screens,’ he said.

Here, experts explain the difference between a sleepness night and chronic insomnia - and how CBT can help with the latter...

THE RIGHT SLEEP Adults ages 18 to 60 are supposed to sleep at least seven hours a night for good health.

Not getting enough sleep can increase the risk of health problems from high blood pressure to obesity to fatigue-caused car crashes.

WHEN INSOMNIA LASTS People often get too little sleep because of lifestyle or job circumstances.

That’s different than trying to sleep and failing.

Many bouts of insomnia that last several weeks to a month or two come about because of stress or an illness.

But between 6 per cent and 10 per cent of adults meet the criteria for an insomnia disorder.

They cannot fall or stay asleep for at least three nights a week for three months or more, suffer daytime problems because of this - and their problems cannot be explained by another disorder.

Chronic insomnia is more common among older adults and women.

WHAT IS COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY FOR

INSOMNIA? CBT is a talking therapy which helps people change the way they think and behave.

It goes beyond advice on sleep hygiene - which are common-sense tips to keep the bedroom dark and cool and avoid too much caffeine.

It is all about reconditioning a brain and body away from habitual tossing and turning and back to normal sleep patterns, said Meg Lineberger, a clinical psychologist at Duke University, North Carolina, said.

A certified behavioral sleep medicine specialist, she wasn’t involved with the new guidelines but hopes they increase patients’ access to care.

HOW DOES IT WORK? CBT, which is also used to treat other mental illnesses, teaches people to change how they think (cognitive) and what they do as a result (behaviour).

While treating insomnia, the hardest step involved is ‘sleep restriction’.

For example, a person with insomnia may sleep for an average 5.5 hours of sleep a night — better some nights, worse others.

During sleep restriction, they should tack on an extra half-hour, and then count back the resulting six hours from the time they have to wake up.

If the alarm goes off at 6 a.m., then midnight is the prescribed bedtime.

Staying up that long builds the body’s natural drive for sleep so that once in bed, patients slumber right away, Ms Lineberger explained.

Gradually, patients move to an earlier bedtime.

They also undergo a variety of other steps.

For example, just as dieters might be told to eat only at the table and never in front of the TV, it’s important to strengthen the brain’s expectation that bed is for sleep.

If you can’t fall asleep, don’t read in bed — get up and go to another room to read until you’re drowsy and ready to try again.

WHAT ABOUT MEDICATIONS? A variety of prescription sleep medications are available but a scientific review concluded they’re best used for shorter-term insomnia, as use beyond four to five weeks hasn’t been well studied.

The new guidelines said when insomnia becomes chronic, there’s not enough information to directly compare medications and CBT.

CHANGE OF DATE OF BIRTH I, OKOYE SUNDAY NWABUNWANNE HEREBY NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF CHANGE IN MY DATE OF BIRTH FROM 04/04/1973 TO 14/06/1973. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - a way to condition the body to slumber again - should be the first choice to treat chronic insomnia, according to the American College of Physicians

NIGERIA

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

WaterAid is a UK registered international charity dedicated to the provision of safe water, sanitation and hygiene to the world’s poorest people. We support local organizations to manage low cost, sustainable projects and also provide policy support to secure the right of poor people to safe water and sanitation services across the world. waterAid has worked in Nigeria to develop sustainable access to water, sanitation and Hygiene.

Towards our programme implementation for the current year, waterAid hereby invites eligible companies/suppliers to submit quotations for the supply of tool boxes to our partners in Plateau, Bauchi and Benue States.

The complete list of tools to be contained in each tool box will be available at the following offices: 1. Plateau Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (PRUWASSA) Opposite Nigeria Defence Academy Base Camp Anguldi, Along Vom Road Jos. 2. Bauchi State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Bauchi State Agricultural Development Programme (BSADP) Opposite Dass Park, Yelwa Road, Bauchi State 3. Benue State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (BERWASSA) No. 179 Amadu Bello Way, Old GRA Makurdi, Benue State.

It is advised that interested parties should pick up a copy of the list of tools from any of the above addresses before submitting their quotations.

Submission and Closing date: Quotations should be submitted in a sealed envelop and clearly marked “Tool Box Procurement” written at the top right hand side of the envelope. All documents should be submitted at the above addresses not later than two weeks from the date of publication of this advert. Late submission will not be accepted.

Please note: •waterAid reserves the right to reject any or all the submissions which do not meet the requirements as specified.

•The evaluation of the received documents shall be strictly based on the ability to supply and quality of products •Please note that only qualified companies shall be notified at the end of the exercise.

Signed:

Management

Page 21

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSday, November 10, 2016

Yuletide: FRSC takes ‘Don’t Drink and Drive Road Safety Campaign’ to motorists at Utako Park

By Stanley Onyekwere

A

s the human activities and events associated with the ember months period continue picking up, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) yesterday took its ‘Don’t Drink and Drive Road Safety Campaign’ to motorists at Utako Motor Park, otherwise called Jabi Park, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The road safety sensitization campaign which is a partnership between the FRSC and Nigerian Breweries Plc, is organized in ember months. And the theme of this year’s

campaign is ‘Crash the Crash: Speed Kills’.

Speaking at the event that was well attended by transporters and their leaders, representatives of Nigerian Army, Police and other security agencies, the Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of the FRSC, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, said the enlightenment drive is deliberately structured to compliment all ongoing road safety campaigns especially during the ember period.

The FRSC boss, who was represented

by Yahaya Y. Gojara, stressed that the Corps through the initiative, a nationwide exercise intends to create awareness among

road users in the FCT and the country at large,which explains why for the past 9 years the FRSC has been collaborating with Nigerian Breweries Plc. Stressing the importance of key stakeholders working together towards improving safety on Nigerian roads, the Corps Marshal enjoined all and sundry to take up the ‘Don’t Drink and Drive’ initiative, so as to reduce incidences of road crashes on the roads.

Earlier, in his opening remark, Sector Commander, FRSC-FCT Command, noted that drink-driving has been fingered as being responsible for a great percentage

Some women selling cassava tubers, recently in Abuja.

of preventable road crashes around the world.

He said the ingestion of alcohol before or while driving is a potent source of danger and may directly or indirectly contribute to and manifest in any or all of the unwanted/unsafe acts by motorists including pedestrians’ action posing danger and resulting in loss of property, injury and sometimes death.

He adds: “Road safety is both a personal and collective responsibility and we must therefore take responsible proactive steps towards preventing any excesses that may jeopardize our safety on the trend.

“Interestingly, whereas in the past emphasis with regards to alcohol ingestion and traffic safety has been focused on drivers, alcohol/drug ingestion by pedestrians could also be a ready source of danger to the pedestrian, motorists and other road users.

“Alcohol, we must appreciate lowers the psycho-motor skills, reduces reaction time and reaction time to emergencies and general driver performance behind the wheels.

“It also affects the pedestrians’ judgment with regards to speed of oncoming vehicle or even the need to use such safety facilities as marked pedestrian crossing or foot bridges for safe passage from one end of the road to the other.

“The Don’t Drink and Drive Road Safety campaign is therefore an all-time road users’ affair, which must be faithfully embraced and ensured. Let us remember to reduce speed always, maintain our vehicles with emphasis on lighting and braking systems especially in the harmattan season.”

On his part, Deputy State ChairmanFCT of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Ibrahim Gaji, who described the awareness rally as a welcome development, said they have stopped the selling of alcoholic drinks in motor parks.

He however urged the FRSC to take the message to the nooks and crannies of the FCT and Nigeria as whole, in order to achieve the objectives of the campaign.

Residents lament dearth of amenities in Damagaza community

By Sani Abubakar

R

esidents of Angwan Hausawa in Damagaza Community of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), in Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have continued to lament over the dearth of basic social amenities, needed for the wellbeing of the people in the area.

A cross section of residents who were

interviewed noted that the community overtime is faced with challenges of health care, road network, drinking water and basic standard of education amongst others.

Some of the residents described the situation as a surprise that even the immediate past Chairman of AMAC, Micah Jiba, who is an indigene of Damagaza Community could not do anything to bring

development to the area.

They complained that the absent of a health care centre has caused several lives to be lost in the community.

A resident of the community, Salisu Maaji who spoke on behalf of the Head of the Angwan Hausawa community of Damagaza, Abdulhamid Ibrahim noted that following the recent outbreak of Cholera disease in the area, the residents

have commenced on a weekly sanitation programme.

On a visit to the area the road network was an eye saw, while some intervention project such as borehole promised by AMAC Chairman, Abdullahi Candido have been provided but not put to use.

Moreover evacuation of refuse is still left undone, there putting the lives of residents at risk.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSday, November 10, 2016

Page 22

news world Trump Presidency Brings

international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

ANALYSIS

By William Ide

T

he election of Donald Trump as the United States’ next president not only raises huge questions about America’s relations with the world’s second largest economy, China, but traditional allies in the region as well, analysts say.

On the campaign trail, Trump routinely attacked China over its trade policies and practices, pledged to designate Beijing a currency manipulator on his first day in office and levy punishing import tariffs on Chinese goods.

Trump was also very critical of the United States’ military allies in the region.

Trump’s election is both good news and bad news for China, said Ethan Cramer-Flood, an associate director for The Conference Board’s China Center and Asia Programs in Beijing.

“The good news for China is that a Trump presidency will most likely mean the end of the Trans Pacific Partnership, a regional free trade grouping that Beijing was excluded from and has yet to be finalized,” he said. “China sees the grouping as a threat to its own regional trade ambitions.”

“The bad news on Trump’s rhetoric and trade globalization is that it was directed at China,” he added.

Trump argues that international trade deals have hurt U.S. workers and the country’s competitiveness. He also says that he will renegotiate or scrap the North American Free Trade Agreement, the 1994 free-trade deal with Mexico and Canada.

One of president-elect Trump’s toughest pledges regarding China was to impose a 45 percent tariff on Chinese imports.

Cramer-Flood says that while the pledge could be used as a bargaining chip with China to renegociate a new trade relationship with Beijing, it’s implementation raises the risk of a possible trade war and driving both economies into a recession.

Trump’s pledge to withdraw from the TPP would please China, it would be a serious blow to the other 11 regional signatories of the trade pact, analysts say.

“There’s a whole range of relatively outlandish statements that Trump said during his campaign that if they were to come to pass could create some pretty dramatic business and economic consequences for the region,” Cramer-Flood said.

China’s Foreign Ministry says it looks forward to working together with the new U.S. administration to, as it puts it, “push forward a consistent, healthy and stable China-U.S. relations.”

Chinese analysts on state media, however, were less certain about where the direction of the

Uncertainties for Asia

People watch a screen showing coverage of the US presidential election at an election event organized by the US Embassy, at a hotel in Seoul, Nov. 9, 2016.

The South Korean presidential office at the Blue House also called a meeting of the National Security Council on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the potential impact of the U.S. presidential election, according to officials in Seoul.

While meeting with members of Parliament, South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byungse said on Wednesday that he believed Donald Trump would maintain the current U.S. policy of pressuring North Korea over its nuclear and missile tests.

“Trump has indicated that the greatest problem facing the world is the nuclear threat and members of his national security team hold the position that favors applying strong pressure against the North,” Yun said.

An employee of a foreign exchange trading company looks at monitors showing U.S. President elect Donald Trump speaking on TV news in Tokyo, Japan, Nov. 9, 2016.

relationship was heading. They say the United States’ withdrawal from the TPP would be an opportunity for China’s “One Belt, One Road” project, which seeks to grow sea and land trade links from China, but noted the uncertainty of a Trump presidency would last much longer than it usually does.

Trump is not a typical Republican, they say.

S h i Y in h o n g , a p o l it ic al scientist at Beijing’s Renmin University, said Trump’s election will have a very negative impact on both the world’s political and economic situation and that even harder economic times could be on the horizon.

“In this context, China will

face very severe financial and economic difficulties,” Shi said.

During the U.S. presidential campaign Trump was very critical of America’s military allies South Korea and Japan, accusing them of not bearing enough of the financial burden for forces stationed in their countries.

Trump suggested he would pull troops and allow allies in the region to develop their own nuclear weapons if they did not agree to pay the U.S. more for protection.

He also denounced the U.S./ South Korea free trade agreement as unfair to American companies and workers.

There was not a pro-Trump

“

I wouldn’t expect that Donald Trump on day one is going to sort of disengage America from Asia or just withdraw geopolitically, but you might see less,” he said. “You know, you might see a semi-disengagement.

Less interest in the South China Sea for instance

supporter to be found among Koreans attending a U.S. Embassy election watch party in Seoul.

Many of the of the 400 Korean college students and professors who attended the U.S. Embassy watch party in Seoul described themselves as opposing Trump’s disruptive positions on the close U.S. / South Korea alliance, rather than favoring Clinton who promised to maintain the status quo.

Trump’s surprising election victory shocked and concerned many Koreans who were following the results.

“This result is not what I expected [and not] what I want.

I don’t want my country to be affected by American politics, by any changes of American politics.

That’s why I am against Donald Trump,” said Han Seung-hee.

Alliance reassurances U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Mark Lippert tried to reassure Koreans that the 60-year-old alliance will remain strong.

“It’s been through ups and downs,” he said, but “it will always get stronger. I am confident that that trajectory will continue.”

People watch a screen showing coverage of the US presidential election at an election event organized by the US Embassy, at a hotel in Seoul, Nov. 9, 2016.

Asia re-pivot pivot In China, analysts note that many of the hawks and nationalists are excited about a Trump presidency because of what they see as isolationist global view.

They also see Trump’s “pay for friendship” approach to relations with Japan, South Korea and the Philippines as benefiting Beijing’s own ambitions in the region.

“Some in China feel that they will have an opportunity to come and fill in those spaces as the Trump team sort of withdraws or creates new tension points,” said Cramer-Flood.

But he believes that view is a bit speculative of a view at this point.

“I wouldn’t expect that Donald Trump on day one is going to sort of disengage America from Asia or just withdraw geopolitically, but you might see less,” he said.

“You know, you might see a semidisengagement. Less interest in the South China Sea for instance.”

Renmin University’s Shi Yinhong said that while some believe Trump could alienate U.S. allies in the region, benefiting China, he thinks that is likely to only be temporary.

“Japan perceives that it faces a China threat and South Korea faces the North Korean threat.

They have no other way, they have to pay money,” Shi said. “After their payment, Trump will be very pleased to further strengthen military alliances with South Korea and especially Japan.”

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSday, November 10, 2016

Page 23

News From Africa

‘Under Trump, Zimbabwe might be off the radar’

T

endai Marima is a freelance journalist currently based in Southern Africa. She holds a doctorate in Comparative Literature and is currently working on post-doctoral research on literary representations of African women in the colonial era.

As millions of Americans are due to make their choice for a new president, Tuesday’s election seems to be more about choosing the better of two bad options rather than electing the best.

While Donald Trump might be the worst of the two candidates, Hillary Clinton’s coming to power doesn’t necessarily signal an improvement in US relations with Africa, and more specifically Zimbabwe.

A new US president will not mean an overnight change in relations with President Robert Mugabe’s regime.

Since 2003, targeted sanctions against Mugabe and his allies have been rolled over annually and despite the country’s steps towards re-engagement with the international community, relations between Zimbabwe and the US remain strained.

Under Clinton that’s unlikely to change

because, in her view, Robert Mugabe’s Zanu PF has destroyed Zimbabwe and during the election campaign she has made comparisons suggesting if Trump were elected he would do to the US economy what Mugabe has done to Zimbabwe.

Although the Zimbabwe government has expressed a preference for Trump to the extent that Mugabe has even claimed friendship, Harare continues to represent “an unusual and extraordinary threat” to Washington’s foreign policy, so there wouldn’t be an easing of travel bans or business sanctions simply because Mugabe’s preferred candidate has come to power.

If anything, under Trump, Zimbabwe might be off the radar because it doesn’t represent an immediate economic interest to the US. So speaking out against human rights abuses and the partisanship nature of Zimbabwe’s governance might not be such a big concern, as Trump doesn’t seem too phased about that.

Ultimately, Clinton may win the day, so her condemnation of abuses would be welcome, but beyond that she really doesn’t seem to have much to offer, other

‘Clinton may win, so her condemnation of abuses would be welcome, but beyond that she really doesn’t seem to have much to offer’ [AP]

than a continuation of what we’ve seen

during Barack Obama’s tenure.

US election 2016 result: Historic win for Somali-American woman

I

lhan Omar, 34, has made history by becoming the first Somali legislator in the United States.

A former refugee, the Somaliborn activist has been elected to serve as an MP in the US state of Minnesota.

The Muslim Somali-American woman becomes the highestranking Somali elected to office in the US. Her election comes just days after US President-elect Donald Trump accused Somali immigrants in Minnesota of “spreading their extremist views”.

Minnesota has the nation’s largest Somali community about 50,000 according to the US census.

Celebrating her victory, Ms Omar said she would be the “voice for the marginalised” in the state parliament.

“I think I bring the voice of young people. I think I bring the voice of women in the East African community. I bring the voice of Muslims. I bring the voice of young mothers looking for opportunities,” Minnesota Public Radio quoted her as saying.

Ms Omar escaped from Somalia with her family at the start of the civil war when she was eight years old.

They lived in a Kenyan refugee camp for four years, before moving to the US and settling in a Somali-American neighbourhood in Minnesota.

Ilhan Omar said she would be the “voice for the marginalised”

‘Proudly wears the hijab’ Standing for the DFL

coalition, which is affiliated to the Democratic Party, Ms Omar

won a seat to represent District 60B in the state legislature.

She faced nominal opposition after her Republican opponent who had withdrawn from the race for family reasons.

During a primary in August she unseated one of the longestserving members of the Minnesota legislature.

Minneapolis’s Star Tribune newspaper described her as a “Muslim-American woman who proudly wears the hijab”, saying she had been “suddenly thrust into leadership of a rapidly emerging DFL coalition that is younger, more urban and more racially and ethnically diverse than at any time in its history”.

Mozambique’s Debt Crisis Plan Fail to Impress Investors

M

ozambique’s finance minister has a plan to deal with a debt crisis that threatens to derail one of Africa’s most promising frontier economies, but investors are far from convinced.

Adriano Maleiane told money managers in Maputo last week an independent audit should bring transparency to billions of dollars of debt, while negotiations with creditors would calm financial markets and bring the International Monetary Fund and Western donors back to the table.

However, in interviews, bondholders, energy executives, Western diplomats and political analysts expected Mozambique’s crisis will run deeper and longer than Maleiane says, as debt talks hit hurdles and a planned gas boom is delayed.

Mozambique map

Mozambique map Much to be negotiated “There will be no quick fix,” one banker, who holds Mozambique government debt, told Reuters.

“There is a lot to iron out and we need evidence of long-term stability before restructuring,” added the banker, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

President Filipe Nyusi’s government last week appointed risk management firm Kroll to conduct an audit into secret loans, a condition for the IMF to resume aid talks with this war-scarred southeast African nation. The Mozambique government said earlier this year it arranged sovereign borrowing without parliamentary approval, as required by law.

Maleiane said he does not think the audit will uncover any more secret loans, but left the door open by asking anyone who knew about

A street vendor sells cashew nuts in Catembe, across the bay from Maputo, Mozambique, Sept. 26, 2016. extra debt to come forward.

“That doesn’t fill me with confidence,” said another bondholder who declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the issue. “If the finance minister doesn’t know, who does?”

Maleiane wants to renegotiate some of the government’s $11.2

billion in debt with creditors by January, but Western donors, the IMF, international banks and hedge funds will all want the best deal and for the other parties to commit first.

“Who wants to blink first?”

Stuart Culverhouse, an analyst at Exotix investment bank, said, adding: “Comprehensive debt

restructuring could take a long time and potentially get messy while the audit may reveal more skeletons.

The government’s timeline is extremely ambitious.”

Until recently one of Africa’s brightest prospects, Mozambique is facing its biggest economic crisis since a 16-year civil war ended in 1992, after evidence of more than $2 billion in secret loans emerged earlier this year.

Problems have accelerated since the IMF and Western governments withdrew aid vital to funding the budget of Mozambique, which gained independence from Portugal in 1975 after five centuries as a colony.

The metical currency has dropped 40 percent this year, public services have deteriorated and inflation rose to 25 percent in September, from just 5 percent a year ago.

Page 24

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSday, November 10, 2016

Asia&Middle-east Turkey ‘backsliding’ in bid to join EU, says Commission

T

he European Commission has accused Turkey of “serious backsliding” in rights and the rule of law since a failed coup on 15 July.

An EU official said Turkey was not heading in a European direction, as he gave an annual appraisal of its progress towards EU membership.

The Turkish president challenged the EU to “make your final decision”.

For days there has been a war of words, with Europe accused of failing to take terrorism in Turkey seriously.

And a Turkish minister rejected the latest appraisal as “not objective”.

The worsening relations have led to fears that an EUTurkey deal on migrants in March could collapse.

Under the March 2016 agreement, migrants arriving in Greece are now sent back to Turkey if they do not apply for asylum or their claim is rejected, but Turkey complains it has not got its end of the bargain.

A conditional promise of visa-free travel now seems a long way off.

Nonetheless, the Commission statement stopped short of severing talks or imposing sanctions - reflecting the reliance of each side on the other, say commentators.

Pakistan Deports Famed National Geographic Green-Eyed Afghan Girl

P

akistan officials said on Wednesday that the Afghan woman known for a famous National Geographic magazine cover, was deported to her native country.

The green-eyed Afghan girl, Sharbat Gulla, who became a symbol of her country’s war because of a 1985 cover photo, was found guilty on charges of using fraudulent identity papers.

Officials say she and her four children crossed the border around 2:30 a.m. after being discharged from a hospital where she was treated for Hepatitis C. Fayaz Khan, a local government official, said Gulla was “unhappy,” adding that she looked back to Pakistani territory and hoped for good wishes to the people living in Pakistan.

“Afghanistan is only my birthplace, but Pakistan was my homeland and I always considered it as my own country,” she told AFP last week, adding she was “heartbroken” by the court’s decision.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani welcomed the woman and said the government would provide Gulla with a furnished apartment to ensure she

Pakistan’s Inam Khan, owner of a book shop shows a copy of a magazine with the photograph of Afghan refugee woman Sharbat Gulla, from his rare collection in Islamabad, Pakistan, Oct. 26, 2016. “lives with dignity and security in her homeland”.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani,

right, meets with National Geographic’s famed green-eyed “Afghan Girl” Sharbat Gulla at the Presidential palace

in Kabul, Afghanistan, Nov. 9, 2016.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, right, meets with National Geographic’s famed green-eyed “Afghan Girl” Sharbat Gulla at the Presidential palace in Kabul, Afghanistan, Nov. 9, 2016.

“I welcome her back to the bosom of her motherland,” Ghani said with Gulla standing beside him during a small welcoming ceremony in Kabul.

“I’ve said repeatedly, and I like to repeat it again, that our country is incomplete until we absorb all of our refugees.”

Gulla, however, did not comment after the president’s remarks.

She was arrested in October on charges of carrying phony documents while living in Pakistan.

For many years, Gulla was an unnamed figure that was immortalized after her photo was featured on National Geographic and became the symbol of Afghanistan’s suffering during the 1980s Soviet occupation and U.S.-backed mujahadeen insurgency against it.

“The woman who stands next to me became an iconic figure representing Afghan deprivation, Afghan hope and Afghan aspirations,” Ghani said. “All

Mexico foreign minister: We won’t be paying for a wall

M

exico’s foreign minister has reasserted that his government would not pay for a wall along the US border - a promise made by US president-elect Donald Trump during his election campaign.

“Paying for a wall is not part of our vision,” Claudia Ruiz Massieu told local television on Wednesday, after Trump triumphed in the US election.

Trump had vowed that he would build a massive border wall, and make Mexico pay for it.

Massieu said that the government had maintained communication with Trump’s campaign team since the prperty mogul paid a visit to Mexico in

August.

“There has been a fluid, daily communication with different members of the campaign,” she said.

Separately, Mexico’s President Pena Nieto said he was ready to work with Trump to improve bilateral relations, and that the two countries would continue to tighten bonds of cooperation and mutual respect.

Nieto was heavily criticised for receiving Trump in Mexico during the campaign, after the Republican candidate called Mexican immigrants rapists.

“Mexico and the United States are friends, partners and allies and

we should keep collaborating for the competitiveness and development of North America,” Nieto said on his Twitter account.

Trump has said he would rescind the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which has increased commerce between Mexico, the United States and Canada, saying that it has killed US jobs.

Having hitched its fortunes to free trade with the United States for over two decades, Mexico faces a hard road to find new markets if Trump carries out threats to force significant changes to the terms of the deal.

Pitching a protectionist message to US workers disaffected by globalisation,

Trump has vowed to nullify NAFTA if he cannot renegotiate it and halt the migration of jobs south to cheaper Mexican factories.

If Trump follows through, Mexican policymakers say they will have to try to offset losses in US trade by promoting closer commercial ties with Asia and Latin America, as well as seek to work alongside Canada to defend NAFTA. From 1994, NAFTA united Mexico with the United States and Canada in a single free trade area, modernising its economy. Backers argue it made the whole continent more competitive, but Trump complains it hollowed out US manufacturing.

What does Trump’s victory mean for the Middle East?

R

egarding foreign policy in general and the Middle East in particular, Donald Trump, as the new president of the United States, would stand out as the most unpredictable man to have occupied this position ever since his country started deploying an overseas imperial policy in the late 19th century.

Trump has contradicted himself and changed positions and/or tone on several issues time and again during the electoral campaign.

Judging, however, by a few key themes that he persistently reiterated over the past year, here is what can be guessed at this point about the way his presidency may affect the Middle East: The Syrian people will be the first to suffer from his election. The doors of the United States will be slammed shut in the face of would-be Syrian refugees, with maybe an exception made for Christians as Trump’s agitation against Syrian refugees has always centred around Islamophobia.

To stop altogether the outflow of refugees from Syria, Trump has advocated the creation of a “safe zone” within the country’s borders, where Syrian displaced persons would be concentrated rather than allowed to go abroad as refugees. He boasted that he would make the Arab Gulf states pay for this as he would make Mexico pay for the wall that he intends to build on the border between the two countries.

How will US election affect Middle East policy?

Secondly,Trump will inaugurate a new policy of friendship and collaboration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, based on accommodating Russia’s interests. In the Middle East, this includes accepting Russia’s role in Syria as positive and supporting Bashar al-Assad’s regime as the lesser evil.

It would logically involve demanding from the United States’ traditional allies in the region that they cease supporting the Syrian armed opposition. Washington would then co-sponsor with Moscow a Syrian “coalition government” that would include conciliationist “opposition” members. This could open the way to US collaboration with the Assad regime in the name of the “war on terror”.

What will the US election mean for immigrants?

Pursuing the policy of favouring “strong men” in power, which he shares with Putin, Trump will want to improve Washington’s relations with both Egyptian President AbdelFattah el-Sisi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

He may try to mend fences between the two men and coax them into adhering to a joint effort against “terrorism” that would accept each president’s definition of what he regards

‘Donald Trump has contradicted himself and changed positions and/or tone on several issues time and again during the electoral campaign’ [Reuters] as terrorism in his own country.

Since Trump is poised to antagonise Iran by revoking the nuclear deal negotiated by the Obama administration, he may even try to entice Saudi Arabia into joining what would emerge as a Sunni triangle of Ankara, Cairo and Riyadh backed by Washington.

Herein lies the principal inconsistency in Trump’s vision for the Middle East (whereas his hostile stance towards China is the principal inconsistency of his global vision): overcoming

it requires luring both Moscow and the Assad regime into breaking with Tehran.

Lastly, another regional “strong man” whose relations with Washington will greatly improve under Trump is Benjamin Netanyahu. Thus, another direct victim of Trump’s election will be the Palestinian people as Netanyahu will be given more of a free hand in dealing with them than any Israeli prime minister has had since Ariel Sharon in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, November 10, 2016

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PAGE 26

Feature

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, november 10, 2016

Unlikely love affair: Who’s pouring millions of dollars into a failed state?

An old abandoned ships at Mogadishu port

By Mary Harper

T

he chaos and conflict that once consumed the port of Mogadishu are now gone and a few foreign investors are starting to move into Somalia. Turkey is leading the way - but why is there such a strong bond between these two countries?

Where once rival militias battled for control of these docks, giant container ships now line up to discharge their cargoes of cement, vehicles, pasta and rice.

Huge cranes swoop up and down. Some operated by Turks, others by Somalis.

As a container swings uncomfortably close above my head, the sprightly Turkish manager of the port tells me that since his company took over in September, it has

been bringing in monthly revenue of $4m, and rising. Fifty-five percent goes straight to the Somali government.

Broadcast on Radio 4 on Saturdays at 11:30 BST and BBC World Service He won’t let me take his photograph.

“I’m too ugly,” he says.

It’s not just the port. Turks are everywhere in Mogadishu. And so is their flag. This visit, I think I saw more Turkish flags in the city than Somali ones.

Turks run the airport and are busy building a new terminal. Turkish Airlines now flies to Mogadishu four times a week, the first international airline to do so in more than 20 years.

At a gleaming new hospital, built by the Turks, Turkish doctors wear simple white polo shirts. On one sleeve is an image of

Before Turkey resurfaced the roads they were full of holes

Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his wife Emine during their visit to a camp for displaced people in August 2011 the Turkish flag. The Somali flag is on the other.

Outside, Turkish builders in cowboy hats and Somalis in tatty T-shirts are putting the final touches to an Ottomanstyle mosque with room for 2,000 worshippers. Craftsmen were flown in from Turkey to hand paint the ceiling in rich blues, reds and gold.

Even the garbage trucks trying to get rid of the 20 years’ worth of rubbish and rubble come from Turkey. I saw one such truck hosing down a street after a suicide bombing, to make sure every trace of blood and wreckage was removed.

It all started with the famine of 2011.

The then Turkish prime minister, now president Erdogan, flew to Somalia.

Unlike other foreigners, who keep at a safe distance from the country, preferring to do Somali-related business from neighbouring Kenya, he walked through the streets of Mogadishu. In a suit. Not body armour.

Somalis still talk to me about how he picked up dirty, starving children. How his wife kissed members of the despised minority clans.

And hence the love affair began.

Somalis called their boys Erdogan, their daughters Istanbul.

This affection for a foreign country is highly unusual in Somalia. Somalis generally do not like outsiders, and have all sorts of abusive nicknames for them. But I struggled to find a Somali who would criticize Turkey, apart from the complaint that they hadn’t provided adequate drainage for the new roads they’re building in Mogadishu, and that they hadn’t done enough to help other parts of the country.

In private conversations, Western diplomats have told me Turkey doesn’t communicate or co-ordinate with other donors, that it is too unilateralist.

Turkey, like many other countries, is keen to lay its hands on Africa’s natural resources and to exploit new markets as the continent develops. But it has chosen

an eccentric way in - Somalia is classed by many as one of the world’s most dangerous countries.

The Turks in Mogadishu seem to have a different attitude to danger. On the day of a suicide bombing, I was forbidden access to the highly fortified airport, where I was due to meet the British ambassador.

But just nearby was a Turkish school, guarded by a couple of lightly-armed Somalis. Turkish children scampered about, playing hide and seek amongst the papaya trees. They share classes with Somali students, who the teachers say are especially good at computing and languages.

The Turks have paid a price for this more relaxed attitude to security. A few have been killed and injured in attacks by the Islamist group al- Shabab; some have been shot dead in disputes over money and other issues.

The next day, I managed with some difficulty to get into the airport compound, this time to meet the United Nations, based in a sterile, grey complex of containers.

Somewhat to my embarrassment, I didn’t have a pen. The UN lady kindly lent me a pencil. I forgot to give it back, and later on I gave it to a Somali friend.

Wielding the pencil, he rushed off to his friends shouting, “Look. This is all the UN has to offer us, after more than 20 years and billions of dollars. In just three years, the Turks have helped transform our man-made earthquake of Mogadishu into a semi-functioning city.”

Of course, it’s not as simple as that.

The UN and others are paying for African Union soldiers who are helping make Somalia a safer place. The Turks have gone for highly visible projects.

But as I sat eating the cube of Turkish delight offered to me by the sleek stewardess on my homeward Turkish Airlines flight, I couldn’t help wondering whether the rest of the world could learn something from what the Turks are doing in the broken city of Mogadishu.

PEOPLES DAILY

Sports

thursday, november 10, 2016

Page

27

sports@peoplesdailyng.com, SMS- 08142929046

Eagles seek 9th win over Algeria as team depart for Uyo

Mikel Obi

N

igeria will be aiming for a ninth victory over Algeria when both countries clash again on Saturday in a 2018 World Cup qualifier.

There have been 17 clashes between both teams (all at competitive level), with Nigeria winning eight times, drawing three and losing six.

Nigeria captain Mikel Obi was less than three years old the last time Algeria defeated Nigeria, in the final of the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations in Algiers.

Super Eagles’ current goalkeepers’ trainer Aloysius Agu was the Eagles’ goalkeeper and captain that day, 16th March 1990.

It was a tough game at the July 5 Stadium in Algiers, but the Fennecs won their first (and still only) Africa title when Cherif Oudjani’s long range effort beat

Agu for the only goal of the match.

At that same competition, Algeria had beaten the Eagles 5-1 in the opening match.

But the Eagles would remember that and pay back the Fennecs when lashing their hosts 5-2 in Oran in a 2006 World Cup qualifier on 4th September 2005.

The first clash between both countries was on 10th January 1973, during the football event of the 2nd All-Africa Games that Nigeria hosted. The match ended 2-2.

Seven years later, the Green Eagles would thrash the Algerians 3-0 to lift their first Africa Cup title.

In their last four confrontations, the Eagles have enjoyed a winning streak against the Algerians, which is more than the three consecutive wins Algeria had over Nigeria between October 1981 and March 1982.

Federation Cup: Nasarawa United get cash, land gift from governor

>>Pg 28

In the qualifying race for Espana ’82, Algeria beat Nigeria 2-0 in Lagos and 2-1 in Constantine, and the Fennecs then came from behind to edge the Eagles 2-1 at the 1982 Africa Cup of Nations in Libya.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles looked sharp in training yesterday ahead of their crucial match against Algeria, the Fennecs, and would certainly have a mountain to surmount in Uyo on Saturday.

The team had their final training at the National Stadium, Abuja, before flying to Uyo in the afternoon.

It was a full house as all 23 players invited by Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser Gernot Rohr for Saturday’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Algeria participated yesterday’s training session.

Victor Moses (l) and Obi Mikel on

reserve bench in readiness for action.

Belgium defender Elderson Echiejile, who was the last to arrive the team’s Team A had Goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi, Kenneth Omeruo, William Trost-Ekong, Shehu Abdullahi, Musa Mohammed, Leon Balogun, Mikel Obi, Oghenekaro Etebo, Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi and Victor Moses. While, goalkeeper Dele Alampasu, Uche Agbo, Wilfred Ndidi, Elderson Echiejile, Ogenyi Onazi, John Ogu, Wilfred Ndidi, Brown Ideye, Moses Simon, Odion Ighalo and Ahmed Musa made up Team B. Goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa watched the game from the bench.

The likes of Captain Mikel, Iwobi and Etebo also showed class in the midfield, while Musa and Moses were also effective on the wings.

Aguero plays down Guardiola rift

>>Pg 29

Sport

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, novemBER 10, 2016

Page 28

Federation Cup: Nasarawa United get cash, land gift from governor From Gambo Ahmed, Lafia

G

overnor Tanko Umar Almakura Yesterday Described the Nasarawa United Football Team as a wonderful “golden Players “ Viewed from their performance exhibited at the federation cup competition held at Tsylem Balogu Stadium Last Sunday Between the club and the ifeayi Ubah Players.

The governor who expressed his joy while at a civic reception organized by the state government in honor of the players based on their gallant demonstration during the federation cup competition saying that the team has so far made Nasarawa a great state in the annals of Football in the country.

According to him “Every moves by the boys was in the right direction. Their focus, Professionalism they made to bring the cup was enough to make us happy

and to celebrate” “I thank God for bringing us today together. It is not to show any agony or worry. But is for us to celebrate the people that made Nasarawa great in Football” Almakura added.

Governor Almakura further described the players as “Team of the future in Nigeria; adding that they won the spirit and the psyche of the people generally with their talents.

“Cup or no Cup. You are our heroes. You have won the hearts of spectators. The most valued and cherished players are from Nasarawa State” He maintained.

The Event which Climaxed with the presentation of cash and certificate of occupancy (C of O) for a plot of land located at Koroduna village Karu Local government council to each player’s ant the management team of Governor Tanko Umar Almakura presenting certificate to player Nasarawa United Club by the government.

England demolishes Nigeria 8-1 at Suwon tourney

By Albert Akota

A

nglo-Nigerian Dominic Solanke was among the goalscorers as England U20 spanked Nigeria U17 team 8-1 in the Suwon Continental Cup. Manu Garba’s team was broken in the 19th minute when Young Lions’ captain Taylor Moore opened the floodgate. Barely a minute later Barnsley striker Adam Armstrong netted the first of his treble and Chelsea forward Solanke scored to make it 3-0.

The first half scoring was capped off by an Armstrong second.

Musa targets more trophies with Super Eagles

In the second period, the on-loan Newcastle striker got his hat-trick with Patrick Roberts recording a brace and aCallum Connolly lone strike a minute after the restart.

Golden Eaglets, playing six Nigerians (Fikayo Tomori, Ovie Ejaria, Josh Onomah, Ademola Lookman and Solanke) in Paul William’s squad managed to get a solitary goal after they had let in six goals.

The Golden Eaglets will look to improve when the confront Iran on Thursday in their second match of the four-team invitational tourney, before facing South Koreato cap off the event.

Ahmed Musa

S

uper Eagles vice captain, Ahmed Musa has said that he’s determined to win more trophies with the senior national team before calling it quits with football.

Musa who will be in line to face the Desert Foxes of Algeria in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, was part of the Super Eagles squad that won the 2013 African Cup of Nations in South Africa under late manager, Stephen Keshi.

Having enjoyed strings of starting shirts in the colours of Leicester City in the Premier League recently, the former CSKA Moscow winger revealed that he’s happy with current crop of players in the team and that he’s determined to win more trophies for Nigeria.

“My dream in the Super Eagles is to win more trophies. My last trophy was at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa but then, I will be so delighted to qualify Nigeria for the 2018 World Cup. I am delighted with the calibers of players in the team and I am confident that the team will do well,” Musa said.

“I am very happy with my progress so far because at the beginning I never thought things like this would have happen. I hope to achieve more great things for my club and country because that is the most important thing as a footballer,” he said.

U-17 team

Eagles will miss Ikeme against Algeria, says Agu

S

uper Eagles goalkeepers’ trainer Alloy Agu has said that first choice goalkeeper Carl Ikeme, who is out of Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Algeria due to injury will be missed, even as he insists that there are able replacements for the Wolverhampton Wanderers safe hands.

Nigeria’s 2013 Under-17 World Cup-winning goalkeeper Dele Alampasu, Olympic bronze medalist Daniel Akpeyi and the only homebased player in camp Ikechukwu Ezenwa are the three goalkeepers battling to get the nod to replace Ikeme on Saturday against Algeria.

“Truth be told, we’ll miss Carl who

has been very outstanding for the Super Eagles since he joined the team last year,” Agu said.

“He kept us in the game in Zambia and he organises his back four very well but we will not be lacking in that area on Saturday because we have able substitutes who who can stand in for him.

“He no doubt will be missed but I want to assure Nigerians that whoever gets the nod to be in the post will not disappoint. I am confident that any of Akpeyi, Ezenwa or Alampasu can do well on Saturday. I cannot tell you who would man the post now because, we are still working on the trio on and off the field to ensure that we make the

right choice.”

On the match, he said the Algerians have a very good team and being the best ranked team in Africa will come all out to get a result but pointed out that they will meet a young team that also want to write their names in gold by qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The former Super Eagles goalkeeper said that the Eagles will try to stop Algeria from scoring any goal and take any of the chances to come their way because “the opportunities might not be many. It should be one chance, one goal and operation no goal against.”

Ikeme

Page 29

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, novemBER 10, 2016

Sport

Enyimba, Tornadoes, others chase Aguero Kaduna United players – Babayaro plays down Guardiola T rift

By Bashir Bello Kaduna

M

anchester City striker Sergio Aguero has dismissed talk of a rift with manager Pep Guardiola.

Aguero has been left out of the City side in recent weeks - most notably against Barcelona at Camp Nou - as Guardiola continues to demand various improvements in his game.

It has even been suggested that the Argentine could leave the club in the summer and he is unlikely, there are several issues which do suggest all is not as it should be behind the scenes.

But Aguero insists there have never been any problems between the two of them, and reiterated his stance that he will return straight to boyhood club Independiente when he eventually leaves City.

Guardiola has taken several opportunities to point out that he wants Aguero to do more for the team so far this season.

That includes a need to press opposition defenders more readily, make better movements while City’s midfielders are in possession, and to “realise his importance to the club”.

Aguero was kept out of games against Everton and Barcelona in October after receiving criticism in Argentina for a poor performance for his country against Paraguay.

he big Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clubs like Enyimba International FC of Aba, Niger Tornadoes and several others are making enquiries with the intention of signing talented players to beef up their squad from Kaduna United FC. Kaduna United Chairman, Emmanuel Babayaro disclosed this in Kaduna yesterday, during the draws for the Kaduna Net Busters Challenge Cup, held at the Indoor Gymnasium Hall of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium.

According to him, the players that are being sought were discovered by Kaduna United as part of its grassroots development plan for football in Kaduna State.

“As I speak to you, we have Enyimba, Tornadoes and other big clubs coming for our players. This is part of our mandate that we gave ourselves when we came on board as the management of Kaduna United FC,” he said.

Babayaro explained that because all their players were groomed by them from the grassroots, they turn out to become honest, dedicated and goals oriented players.

Speaking further, he said that as a result of the sound management team overseeing activities at the club, even if he were to be absent, the club would still be run without hiccups.

“This competition that we are having today was not just thought out recently. We have a four-year plan that we are executing and we believe by the end of the timeframe, there would be several results to show,” he added.

Griezmann drops Manchester United hint

A

tletico Madrid winger Antoine Griezmann has hinted that he could be interested in a future move to Manchester United.

The France international has five years remaining on his contract at Vicente Calderon although has been linked with a switch to Old Trafford in the past.

And Griezmann, who is part of the 30-man list of nominees for the Ballon d’Or award, admits he has discussed United, and manager Jose Mourinho, with France team-mate Paul Pogba.

“I’ll see if I want to do something else in the future though. Right now I’m very happy at Atletico and I still want to win trophies with this club.

“I always ask Pogba about United.

I think Manchester United is a huge club with a really good infrastructure.

I ask Paul about some of the players.

If they’re really that good and if Mourinho’s really that good.

Griezmann and Pogba

Bellerin drops out of Spain Under-21 squad

A

Aguero

rsenal full-back Hector Bellerin has dropped out of Spain’s Under-21 squad to face Austria due to injury.

The defender felt some discomfort after Sunday’s gruelling north London derby against Tottenham and will return to the capital to undergo treatment.

He has been replaced in the squad by Sunderland’s Javier Manquillo, with La Roja looking to secure their spot in this summer’s European Championships.

They face Austria in a two-legged play-off this week, with the first leg on Friday ahead of the return game on Tuesday.

Bellerin is not the first Arsenal player to suffer with injury during the international break, with Alexis Sanchez set to miss Chile’s clash with Colombia with a calf injury.

And Gunners fans are set to be sweating on both players’s fitness with matches against Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain on the horizon immediately after the break.

Bellerin

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, novemBER 10, 2016

Page 30

NASS and the Buhari inititiative Cont. from back page for the President. And worse still –as in our present situation- if the President himself, is decidedly his own enemy. And this was exactly the case with Obasanjo’s Presidential Liaison Officers (PLOs) – Kashim Imam and Esther Oduehi- during their Principal’s first term in office.

Obj’s Baptism Of Fire Obasanjo’s Executive in its first four years, little equipped and little selfmotivated to equip for the all-important task of executive-legislature liaison, was the sole victim of the very chaos that its own approach to the legislative process had occasioned. The Senate of that dispensation at some point in reaction to Kashim’s excessive grandstanding –or was it over-gladiation?- had to issue the President an ultimatum to replace him or to risk non-cooperation. The House was even less diplomatic; it simply banned Ester Oduehi from its Chamber.

It took this extreme baptism of fire for Obasanjo to realize his weak initiative in the legislative process and to proceed, in his second term, to create a coordinated, one-channel Executive approach to the Legislative process. And it was this Executive rapprochement -and not the rumored existence then of a ‘rubber stamp’ Assembly- that was responsible for the smooth passages thereafter of Executive bills under the Obasanjo Administration. President Buhari has to up his game in dealing with the NASS. But first he must be thorough with his legislative requests. Because with a Saraki NASS there will always be no free meals for the President.

Postscript As America Decides Excerpts from: ‘The Trump-Hillary Conundrum’, (04/08/16) “…let’s face it, whether Trump or Hilary wins the next presidential election, one thing is certain: that America will continue to be ruled not by elected politicians, as the impression is falsely given, but by covert non-democratic security institutions who –behind Washington’s Closed Doors- will continue to determine how America makes her living: by might not by right; and by the promotion of a defective merchandize, ‘democracy’ as a decoy to entrench an unjust economic system.

Whether Trump or Hilary wins the next presidential election, democracy especially in the rest of the back countries of the world, will continue to be not really about ‘good governance’, but about continued devotion to a system no matter how non provident.

It will not matter whether poor nations feed or starve as long as they remain so called ‘democratic’.

Notwithstanding who wins between Trump and Hilary, the ‘right’ of ‘might’ in international politics will continue to take precedence over both ‘legal’ and ‘moral’ imperatives. America, in all her dealings with the rest of the world, will continue to keep no ‘permanent friends’ or ‘permanent enemies’; but she will continue to assert the ‘permanence’ only of her ‘interests’. Whoever emerges President of the United States of America, will continue to ride roughshod over both the written and the unwritten rules of international law.

The feature of America’s foreign

policy will continue to be ‘global war’.

She will continue to use her might to perpetuate injustice around the world.

Injustice around the world will continue to breed terrorism around the world.

And terrorism by making the world insecure will continue to legitimize curtailing the freedoms of the people – in their movements, in their transaction and in their communications; until the ultimate ‘Security State’ is created, leading to the ‘jackbooted, Police-State’ of George Orwell’s fictional prediction in his book ‘1984’, -in which we will be walking ‘chips’ watched wherever we are by ‘Big Brother’.

Notwithstanding whether Trump or Hilary wins, the agenda for the creation of a ‘Pax-America’ will not suffer any delay!

Re- ‘Now That Abati Is On The Menu’ -Mohammed let’s plead for Abati.

We all know what usually ends a call to come and work (eat) in the Villa; to ignore it is to your detriment, to honor it is also to your detriment. The man Abati wasn’t oblivious to these facts; likewise he wasn’t oblivious to the fact that when you have your hand soiled with oil from the public pot of soup, you are no longer to be counted as undefiled.

Against that background, Abati seemed to have knowingly followed the dictates of his mind, and there was a lot of prudence in that. But I am not sure if he knew that in this regime, he wouldn’t be allowed to go unquestioned if he was found to return with a soiled hand.

All I just hope and pray for is that all his years of muckraking and calling leadership to order won’t go in vain and would be considered in his favor, and

thus his soiled hand would be accepted as an excusable outcome of what you are bound to suffer when you are in an highly contagious association, like working amongst bewitched people in a bewitched environment. However with Abati’s involvement in this to the tune of a whopping N50m, I may say that the Villa is indeed under the control of some supper extra-powerful potpourri of ghoulish spirits. –Sesan Bello.

Mohammed, whatever goes up must come down. Once very powerful, but now a wailer. Hmm mm! Very educative and interesting article. Bravo. –Victoria Tabak.

-You dine with the devil, you lose your soul. You live with the consequences of your action. No excuse. Good piece. – Busola Odunuga Shokan.

-For those of us who queued behind our senior colleagues of your ilk; we did watch bemused by ‘egbon’ Ruben’s sudden penchant of talking from both sides of his mouth in defense of his former principal, regardless of the excesses of that administration. He may still be ours but he no longer occupies that lofty seat of reverent icons of the Fourth Estate to be dotted over.

-Thomas Brown Usman Wamba.

-Hmmmm… I enjoy it when journalists write.. Abati to my opinion later metamorphosed to ‘Liquor Adviser’ to GEJ than SSA Media!!! Was one of my favorites in The Guardian in those days, but I realized that the most variable of all variables are the human beings!! He became unfortunately a protégé and appendage of the clueless one. -Abdul Ganiyu Tairu .

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, novemBER 10, 2016

Some Interesting Facts 1. Benin Kingdom: The high quality and highly sophisticated bronze work of the Benin Kingdom dating as far back as the 13th century is a world wonder.

Great works in iron, wood, ivory, and terra cotta products also highlight the empire’s history.

2. Benin Kingdom: Lourenco Pinto, captain of a ship that carried missionaries to Warri in 1619, described Benin kingdom, ‘Great Benin where the king resides is larger than Lisbon, all the streets run straight and as far as the eyes can see….’

3. Rivers/AkwaIbom: King Jaja of Opobo,

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puzzle 17

Page 31

Leisure

(1821–1891) JuboJubogha, an Igbo from Imo state founded Opobo city-state in 1867 and shipped palm oil to Britain independently of British middle men.

4. Ancient Greeks appear to have Nigerian roots as supported by the Benin Haplogroup or Haplogroup 19. According to JideUwechia, ‘The Benin Haplotype (which originates from Nigeria, West Africa) accounts for HbS associated chromosomes in Sicily Northern Greece.’

5. Ilorin’s ‘Oba’ Afonja utilized Fulani warriors to help rebel against the Oyo Empire. The warriors after defeating Oyo took over Ilorin and Sheikh Alimi, their leader became the first Emir.

6. Much of north Nigeria was part of the Songhai Empire.

Muhammad Kanta annexed Kebbi and other states between 1512 and 1517.

7. The Obasanjo military regime converted Nigeria from a Parliamentary system to a Presidential system of government.

Say what?

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. . . putting the people first

thursday, november 10, 2016

QUOTABLE QUOTE

High ranking public officers who use safe havens and secrecy jurisdictions to breach the fundamental requirements of asset declaration must be sanctioned, named and shamed - SERAP

SPORTS NASS and the Buhari inititiative latest

FC IfeanyiUbah players get N10m Federation Cup reward

F

C IfeanyiUbah players have been rewarded with N10m by the owner of the club, Patrick IfeanyiUbah following their triumph in the Federation Cup last Sunday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

The business mogul also gave out N3m to the coaching staff, while members of the supporters club got N2m for their immense support to the team.

The Anambra Warriors won the trophy 5-4 on penalties after regulation time ended in a 0-0 draw.

It was the first time they would be appearing in the final of the Federation Cup. They will make their debut appearance in the CAF Confederation Cup next year.

Falconets arrive Papua New Guinea for U-20 Women’s World Cup

By Albert Akota

T

he Falconets of Nigeria yesterday morning arrived Papua New Guinea to a rousing welcome ahead of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup. The players and officials who left Nigeria Sunday, 6th November, landed at the Jackson’s International Airport at Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea at 4:24 am local time, aboard Air Niugini flight from Singapore.

Nigeria arrived for the biennial FIFA tournament behind Germany, Brazil, Spain, Sweden and Korea Republic who touched down on Tuesday. FIFA officials and Local Organising Committee (LOC) members were on ground to receive the team and guided players and officials in the procurement of visas at point of entry.

Despite the early morning arrival of Nigeria, locals turned out in large numbers at the airport singing, dancing and waving a giant Nigerian flag in welcome of the 2014 silver winning team.

The players and officials were driven in a convoy to the Crowne Plaza Hotel, located approximately 20 minutes drive from the Jackson’s International airport.

The team completed their check –in procedure at the hotel by 6am and had breakfast by 7am local time.

Taye Taiwo and Oduamadi

Advert: business: news: lagos:

T

hat the President’s Executive proposals nowadays go through rough legislative times before they are either rejected or at best rancorously approved, should worry Mr. President. Or so I thought. From the perennial proposal for the passage of money bills, to the routine requests for clearance or confirmation of Presidential nominees, and now even to the most critical request for approval to take a 29billion dollar loan to get Nigeria out of a biting recession, the APC NASS seems always ready to stand in the way of executive requests.

Even when it was merely rumored recently that Mr. President might be placing before the National Assembly, a request for economic emergency powers in order to fast track the efforts by his administration to get the nation’s economy out of the woods, the NASS, surprisingly was already preemptively hysterical, with most of its members readily filled with the fire of anticipatory disapproval, so much that if it was true such an Executive request was in the pipeline, it would definitely have been dead on arrival already.

Why would an APC-majorityAssembly be poised always to give executive requests from an APC government such hard time? Because APC’s victory at the polls has not been properly managed. This often bi-partisan hostile treatment of presidential requests at the legislature, is an indication not only of the inability of the APC government to manage its legislative majority tactfully, it is also a clear indication that the President’s ‘Executive Initiative’ at the legislature is not handled with the circumspection, tact and diplomacy that it requires.

The ‘legislative process’ in any democracy is the heart and soul of the democratic enterprise.

It is tended to for the overall good of the entire body polity, and it is ignored often at great peril not only to the Executive arm but to the entire system’s operation.

The ‘legislative process’ feeds the democratic circulatory system from the mighty jugular pipe of life, right to the minutest capillaries of everyday administration. It is the most all-encompassing of any governmental processes touching on virtually all sectors of a polity and of a necessity leaving no stone unturned and in fact no turn un-stoned.

In most western-type democracies the importance of the legislative process is such that presidents necessarily establish a special department

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THURSDAY Column WITH Mohammed Adamu (08035892325 sms only)

dankande2@gmail.com headed by a carefully selected political lobbyist to advise them on how to deal with this vital arm of government in their executive dealings with the legislature and to interface with lawmakers for the executive arm. In the United States it is the office of ‘Senior Advisor to the President and Director for Legislative Affairs’. Its equivalent in Nigeria is the office of ‘Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters -which is rooted administratively in the bureaucratic nomenclature of ‘Department for Legislative Liaison’ Thus in presidential democracies especially, strong and weak Presidents are usually judged almost exclusively by the deftness of their executive initiatives in the legislative process; and maybe it is the reason Theodore Lowi and Randell Ripley wrote, in their book ‘Legislative Politics’ that “The president is the agendasetter for the congress and the chief continuing initiator of subject matter.”

As agenda setter, it is incumbent not only on a President to take the lead role in executive-legislature relations, but is expedient also that his cabinet members operate in synch with the goal of ensuring an excellent presidential initiative at the legislature. They must, in relation to their specific duties, double as Mr. President’s legislative foot soldiers -availing as regularly as possible- ‘valuable time’ and ‘useful information’ to Parliament both in trying moments of frosty executivelegislature relations and even more so during times of mutual camaraderie.

“

A President must take the lead role in executive-legislature relations. He must always be a notch ahead of his constitutional check-mates. How he does this is less a matter of theory than it is of expediency. And whereas a jackbooted approach would be practically unsustainable, passive non-interference –which Buhari seems to favor- can be terribly self-harming! Rather than portray the President as respectful of democratic limits, it betrays a weak presidential initiative to the legislative process and by implication a weak presidency.

But it is in tactfully striking a delicate balance between the extremes of meddlesomeness and non-interference that ‘strong presidents’ in a presidential democracy live up to their Executive billings in getting matters through legislative bottlenecks. The APC lost the momentum when –no thanks to Mr. President’s ill-advised aloofness- it failed to corral its newly elected legislators to speak with one voice and to install party-centrist leaderships in both chambers.

Since then virtually every internal crises of the APC owes its origin to that presidential indiscretion.

Executive-Legislature Liaison The office of the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, is not any different from other political offices. But unlike others, this hub of executive-legislature liaison may not effectively function to meet presidential objectives if just ‘any’ run-ofthe-mill politician is appointed

But it is in tactfully striking a delicate balance between the extremes of meddlesomeness and noninterference that ‘strong presidents’ in a presidential democracy live up to their Executive billings in getting matters through legislative bottlenecks.

to man it. Although commonplace political savvy, relevant academic qualifications or simply legislative experience may suffice to qualify for the job, these alone may not always avail to see executive requests through the legislature.

It is the reason those who know this turf well see superintendence over this key governmental office not as a ‘political appointment’ but a ‘special assignment’ requiring more of ‘advocacy’, ‘diplomacy’ and ‘tact’ than merely ‘politics’ or ‘administration’. In truth sometimes it may require all of the above. It is inconceivable that the current undertakers in that office have the attributes necessary to make a success of this job –and especially with a SarakiNASS that has every reason to be both intra and inter-partisan.

Any appointed to man this office, no matter his political experience, his academic credentials –or notwithstanding even the lack thereof- must bring to bear not the usual blithe of harum-scarum that everyday politicians are known to go by, but a certain go-getting, soldierly mentality of an Ita-Giwa when she was there, or the deftness of a profoundly diplomatic Aminu Wali who set up the office in the first place. A square peg to this square hole must bring more than a little measure of sagacity, tenacity, gumption and then guts.

Such must be one of consummate social skills; dignified and up to his political snuff.

He must be ready sometimes to stoop or -whenever necessaryeven to grandstand to conquer.

And it is in knowing when to stoop to conquer from when to grandstand to conquer, that the touch of the tactful undertaker stands out from the tactless tackle of poor gladiators whose conduct may only help to line up enemies

Continued on page 30

DAN GAYE

Kano prosecutes II women for drug abuse – News

What a man can do...

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