Wednesday, January 13th, 2016 Edition

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Wednesday, January 13, 2016/ Rabiu’l Al-Thani 3, 1437 AH

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Arms deal:

peoplesdailyng

Vol. 21 No. 92 N150

EFCC may arrest Mu’azu, Hassan Tukur I didn’t get any money from Dasuki -Ribadu

page 2

TSA: Zamfara freezes 1,000 accounts page 8

639 Days after

Will the abducted Chibok schoolgirls ever be rescued?

Vice-President Yemi Osinbanjo (2nd right), Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasiru el-Rufai (right), and Managing Director, UACN Property Development Company Plc (UPDC), Mr. Hakeem Ogunniran (middle), and others, during the official ground breaking ceremony of Galaxy Mall and Galleria by the vice-president, yesterday in Kaduna.

Photo: Bashir Bello

Reps want budget ready 90 days’ to new fiscal year page 2

Lassa fever death toil hits 41-FG pAGE 5

Immigration arrest 2 traffickers with 29 victims in C/River pAGE 7

NASS mgt divertedN7bn severance package - Ex legislative aides allege >> pg 3

pAGE 5

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

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News CONTENTS News 2-10 Editorial 11 Op.Ed 13 Letters 14 Politics 15-18 Business

19-22

Stockwatch

23

S/Report 24-25 Property 27 Motoring 28 Arts 30

Arms deal: EFCC may arrest Muazu, Hassan Tukur

By Ali Abare Abubakar

T

hese surely are not the best of times for looters of Nigeria’s treasury as President Muhammadu Buhari keeps up the momentum in his anti corruption crusade.

Facts emanating from sources close to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC indicated that the anti-graft agency has perfected plans to arrest a former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Ahmadu Adamu Muazu and former President Goodluck Jonathan’s principal private secretary, Hassan Tukur.

The arrest it was learnt is not unconnected with the ongoing arms deal involving the former National Security Adviser, NSA, Sambo Dasuki.

This is even as Peoples Daily gathered from unconfirmed sources that former chairman of the EFCC; Nuhu Ribadu has returned an undisclosed amount of money alleged to be part of the Dasuki arms deal.

However, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Adamawa State PDP guber candidate in the 2015 general election, has expressly denied the allegation that he returned undisclosed sums of money to the EFCC. Ribadu was alleged to have returned part of the money he was rumoured to have received from the former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki.

The former EFCC boss, in a statement issued to Peoples Daily yesterday categorically said he had nothing to do with the former NSA while he was office, describing the speculation as “shocking for me to be accused of receiving something from someone I never had any relationship with, not to talk of refunding money he gave me.”

The statement Ribudu issued reads: “My attention has been drawn to insinuations in certain quarters of my purported repayment of some monies I was allegedly given by the former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd).

“For the record, let me categorically state that I had nothing to do

with the former NSA while he was in office. I cannot remember meeting him at anytime while he held sway. It is therefore shocking for me to be accused of receiving something from someone I never had any relationship with, not to talk of refunding money he gave me.

“Let me reiterate that I did NOT receive any money at any time from the ex-NSA, either directly or through a proxy. There is therefore no reason for me to make any refund.

“Also, I have not been contacted by any security agency on this matter to warrant any action of that nature on my part.

“Those trying to discreetly plant that story should come forward with documentary evidence to suggest that I refunded money. The security agencies are there to confirm or deny this”.

Some prominent members of the PDP are currently under EFCC investigation. The party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Barrister Abdullahi Jalo yesterday advised President Muhammadu Buhari to force all the PDP members

who had benefited from the $2.1b arms deal to return the money.

Jalo who was reacting to the arms deal scandal on the Hausa Service of the BBC monitored in Jos, said that all the money collected from Dasuki arms deal by PDP members were illegal and therefore he didn’t take money that was illegal, adding that that was why he was not part of the scandal.

According to Jalo, even though scandal affected most PDP members that would not affect the PDP as a party because the alleged looters did not collect the money in the name of the party but in the name of their personal companies.

Details of the planned arrest of both Muazu and Tukur could not be obtained from the EFCC as at press time yesterday because its spokesman, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, did not respond to phone calls or text messages sent to him.

Similarly, effort to reach the immediate past PDP chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu through his Personal Assistant proved abortive even as he did not reply the text message sent to him on the matter.

Reps want budget ready 90 days to new fiscal year

By Umar Muhammad Puma

Buhari’s committed to people’s needs- Osinbajo Pgae 3

Metro

31

Int’l 39 S/World

39

Digest 40 Sports 41 Columnist 48

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I

n a bid to ensure a predictable budgeting system in the country, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara on Tuesday, said it is necessary to introduce some amendments in the relevant sections of the constitution.

He said Section (81) 1 may be amended to read, “The President shall cause to be prepared and laid before each House of the National Assembly not later than ninety days before the end of the financial year, estimates of the revenues and expenditure of the Federation for the next following financial year”.

In a welcome address to his

colleagues, Dogara said that with the crashing prices of crude oil in the international market and the concomitant impact on the economy should be the realisation that would shape views and decisions as they consider the 2016 budget.

According to him, submitting a budget at least 3 months before the end of a financial year is consistent with international best practices and allows the parliament enough time to scrutinise and pass the budget early, before the commencement of a new financial year.

“This would do away with the current provision that allows the President to present the Budget at “any time” before the end of

the financial year.

“Furthermore, Section 82 of the Constitution may also need to be amended to reduce the period allowed for pre budget expenditure authorisation by Mr President from six months to three months, as this distorts the budget process.

“Time has come also to enforce the reporting requirements imposed in the yearly appropriation Bills on the Minister of Finance and various MDAS “,he added.

The Speaker noted that the recent monetary and fiscal policies aimed at preventing money laundering and protecting our currency, though well intentioned, have resulted in avoida-

ble hiccups in the country’s international financial transactions.

He said it has had a multi faceted counterproductive implication for commerce, foreign investor promotion, students and Nigerians in Diaspora.

“This is a matter of urgent national importance requiring all hands on deck.

“Accordingly, the House Committees on Banking and Currency; Finance; Diaspora and both Basic and Tertiary Education are hereby directed to quickly put their heads together and collaborate with the relevant executive agencies to expeditiously resolve the prevailing bottlenecks in our Foreign Exchange regime “ ,Dogara said.

Reps move to restructure EFCC

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T

he House of Representatives yesterday passed for second reading a bill seeking to restructure the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by amending section 2 (1) (a) (ii) of the principal act to ensure that the chairman of the agency is not a serving member but a retired member of the security or law enforcement agencies.

The bill which was sponsored

by Rep Ossai Nicholas Ossai (PDP, Delta) is also seeking for the establishment of a new committee in the EFCC called Operations Review Committee, which shall consist of a retired chief justice of Nigeria, justice of the Supreme Court, retired inspector general of police, governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, president of the Nigerian Bar Association and president of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

Leading debate on the bill, Ossai Ossai explained that the Operations

Review Committee shall be saddled with the responsibility of reviewing every complaint before the EFCC and advice where necessary.

He said “this committee is to properly guide the EFCC in the execution of its duties and to ensure that Nigerians get justice, equity and fair play from the administration and execution of official duties by EFCC”.

The lawmaker said the bill also seeks the amendment of section 2 (1) (2) of the principal act, which added a new area with specificity and particular mentioning of professional bodies and their nominees years of experience who are to be members of the EFCC adding that this to ensure that only people with cognate experience are appointed into the composition of the commission.

The second segment of the bill is compensation for victims of an offence, trial and investigative processes as provided in sections 3, 4, and 5. “The amendment of section 14 (2) and (3) of the principal act is provided

for in section 3 of the bill to ensure that offenders are justly treated in court. The newly introduced section 14 92) is to the effect that when EFCC has attached or removed all or a substantive part of the property traceable to an offender, in that circumstances EFCC can charge the offender for a lesser offence if he pleads guilty to that lesser offence of same kind” The bill also provides for the establishment of witness protection unit and detention unit. The detention unit will ensure that there is a conducive and enough detention space to keep suspects in accordance with the law.

Supporting the bill, leader of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila said the bill was apt in view of the renew fight against corruption by the President Muhammadu Buhari led government. He however expressed reservation with the Operations Review Committee saying it may be tantamount to over sighting the EFCC “which is supposed to be an

independent organisation” He however appealed to his colleagues to support the bill explaining that when it gets to the committee stage, some of the contentious areas will be cleaned up.

Chairman of the House committee on basic education, Hon. Zakari Mohammed also threw his weight behind the bill submitting that the EFCC needs to be professionalized.

Also supporting the bill, Hon. Mohammed Bogo, chairman of the committee on marine transport said there was need to encourage police and retrain them to carry out investigation work for the EFCC adding that investigation was primarily the function of the police force.

The bill was subsequently passed and committed to the committee on financial crimes for further legislative actions.

Also yesterday, the House passed 12 bills out of the 130 bills it has promised to pass before the end of the first quarter of 2016.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

PAGE 3

News

AG News Editor, Ese Awhotu

Police deploys 7,000 officers for Niger LG polls From Yakubu Minna.

Mustapha,

T

he Niger State Police Command has said that about 7,000 police officers would be deployed for the local government council polls to be conducted on Saturday 16, 2016.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRP), ASP Bala Elkana disclosed this yesterday in Minna while speaking to newsmen, said the policemen are currently undergoing training on how

to conduct themselves before, during and after the elections.

He said that two policemen will be drafted to each polling unit across the state while armed policemen would be policing the streets and targeted hot spots.

Elkana who stated that operation orders have been drafted warned against anyone with the intention to perpetrate violence to shelf the idea as the police is ready to arrest any individual inciting violence.

“Whoever does not call his

supporters to order should be ready to face the law. We are ready to curb any in- eventuality.

We did it during the last general elections and we are ready and prepared to do it again.”

While speaking on the clash between PDP and APC in Suleja local government area of Niger state, Elkana said the command will not tolerate or encourage impunity noting that whoever is found culpable will be prosecuted.

“Although no arrest has

been made but whoever is found culpable will be made to face the law no matter how highly placed the person is.

The Member in the House of Representatives fingered to be involved in the crisis will be brought in to explain his role in the incident.”

The PPRO then said that the DPO and other policemen injured during the clash are responding to treatment and would soon be discharged from the hospital.

L-R: Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbe and Vice-President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Sani Dangote, during the inauguration of the second phase of Agricultural Equipment Hiring Enterprise, yesterday at the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation, in Ilorin.

Photo: NAN

Buhari committed to people’s needs - Osinbajo

By Lawrence Olaoye

V

ice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration was committed to the needs of the people.

According to his Senior Special Assistant on media and publicity, Laolu Akande, Osinbajo made the declaration while speaking yesterday in Kaduna at the ground-breaking of construction projects spearheaded by the state governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai in Kaduna.

According to the Vice President, “when we talk of change, we are saying it is possible for government to meet the needs of the people, serving the people.

From Ado Musa, Plateau

F

ederal College of Education (FCE), Pankshin in plateau, said yesterday that it would graduate 8,210 students during its

Our error

We inadvertently referred to the serving MD of NBC, Emeka Mba as ex-boss on the front page of our Tuesday edition.

Our error is highly regretted — Editor

He added that the two projects - a 2000-unit residential housing scheme and a modern shopping mall- are evident of the fact “that change has truly come.”

Reiterating the commitment of the Federal Government under Buhari to fulfill the promises made to the Nigerian people about change, Osinbajo noted that one of the reasons why people “voted for us is because they believed in change and that we are able to provide that kind of leadership.”

Continuing, he said “I want to emphasize that when we talk of change, what we are really saying is that it is possible for government to meet the needs of the people, that government is not just about

going around in motorcades and looking important, but it is serving the people.”

The Vice President also noted that “Nigeria can be great if we manage our resources well, Nigeria can be great if we stop corruption. I am sure that many of you have seen that this government is serious about ending corruption.”

According to him, ”we are serious about prosecuting those who believed that our resources, the resources of the nation can be plundered at will and they give all kinds of excuses.”

The Vice President while restating the vision of the administration of President Buhari to transform the lives

FCE Pankshin graduates 8, 210 students 25th and 33rd convocation.

Prof. David Wonang, College Provost, made this known in Plateau during pre-convocation press briefing held at the College Board Room.

He explained that the figure included, 5, 020 Nigeria Certificate of Education (NCE) and 3, 010 First Degrees students.

Wonang said that the convocation slated for Saturday, Jan. 16 would be held under the distinguished chairmanship of Engr Mohammed Khali, former Chairman, Governing Council of the college.

The provost explained that for a decade the college could not hold the any convocation until now due some challenges before it, which include

lack of funds and adequate staff.

He disclosed that in spite of that the college had been able to achieve a lot in terms infrastructural development with gratitude to TETfund, which he said did so much for the college.

According to him, the college began degree program in 2009 and has graduated three sets with the fourth still lingering due to strike action by lecturers of its affiliate University, University of Jos. He further disclosed that during the convocation, four deserving personalities would be conferred with Fellowship Awards for their individual contributions to the education sector.

The awardees, he stated,

of the people said “President Buhari has said repeatedly he is committed to good governance and the fight against corruption.”

He observed that “the country has resources for all of us to live decently and well. That is what we are trying to do,” adding that whoever is guilty of stealing our resources would be brought to book as the President has often noted.

He highlighted some of the various intervention programmes of President Buhari such as the homegrown school feeding programme for primary school pupils across the country, making soft loans available to market women and artisans among others.

include; Lt. Gen. T. Y. Danjuma (rtd), former Chief of Army Staff, Mrs Sarah Ochekpe, and former water resources minister, Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, JAMB Registrar and Late Yakubu Dimka, former Principal BSS Gindiri (Post Humous).

He said that the Minsiter of Education, Alh. Adamu Adamu, who is the Visitor of the college and Prof. Monday Joshua, Executive Secretary of NCCE, Abuja would be the special Guests.

According to him, the executive secretary, TETfund, Prof Suleiman Bogoro alongside the vice chancellors of ATBU, Bauchi, University of Jos, PLASU, Bokkos, would be the Guests of Honour.

He stated that the preconvocation ceremony would be held on Friday, Jan. 15, with Prof Clement Dakas (SAN) of University of Jos as the Guest Lecturer.

FG to assist Kwara expand rice production

From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

The Federal Government has said it would assist Kwara state in its rice expansion programme to boost food sufficiency in Nigeria.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh stated this on Tuesday in Ilorin when he paid a courtesy visit to the State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed at his lodge.

Ogbeh who said Kwara State is identified with massive rice and cassava production called on farmers in the State to take interest in cashew production as the Federal Government would soon send varieties of cashew seedlings to Kwara State and some other states of the federation.

He also called on each state of the federation to focus on one or two major export crops with comparative advantage as a measure towards improving Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings.

The minister promised that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari would turn agricultural sector into new oil and gas by making the sector more attractive to farmers and potential investors.

Ogbeh who expressed concern over the neglect of agricultural sector due to the discovery of oil in commercial quantity encouraged Nigerians to go back to agriculture, saying that Nigeria is blessed with good arable land and weather for food sufficient.

In his remarks, the Kwara State Governor, Governor Ahmed disclosed that his government had identified Rice, Soya, Cassava and Maize for special attention and expressed readiness to partner with the Federal Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Development to The Governor said his administration demand-driven agricultural scheme had enabled farmers to take advantage in agricultural value chains.

African Magazine nominates late Sardauna as the man of the century From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

T

he African Magazine yesterday announced a posthumous award of the man of the century to the late premier of the northern region, Sir Ahmadu Bello.

The magazine announced this in a press statement made available to the media in kaduna yesterday.

According to the Editor in Chief of the Magazine, Abdulkarim Abubakar Sadiq, the award also known as African Major Man of the year and initiated in year 2000 is to promote the probity of leadership as displayed by the late Sarduna.

“After due consultation with eminent statesmen and top associates of late Sir Ahmadu Bello, including Justice. Mamman Nasir and Alkali yusuf Maitama Sule.The Magazine also take into continence of the achievements of late Sir Ahmadu Bello without any sign of contradiction we will say the late. Sarduna. put the north on a sound footing and most of his projects are still visible in the country”, he explained.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

Page 4 Report

Solving the housing problem in Kaduna From: Femi Oyelola and Ibrahim Mohammed kaduna

T

he dream of making affordable housing to the people of kaduna state by the federal government yesterday received a boost as the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo performed the traditional ground breaking ceremony of 2000 housing units and Galaxy Mall and Galleria in Kaduna.

Professor Osinbajo said the projects are in line with the All Progressive Congress and the Change ideology.

The Vice-president President described the State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai as a true reflection of the change mantra who is committed to delivering on campaign promises of affecting positively the citizens of the state and indeed making Kaduna State great again.

Osinbanjo added that, those that cannot positively impact on the lives of ten common men has no business in government, because they are there for the interest of the people.

“I am so proud of Mal. Nasir El-Rufai because he represents change and I am sure under his leadership, Kaduna State will be great again, he is a man of his words.”

Addressing the enthusiastic Kaduna citizens who gathered at the venue of the ceremony, he expressed confidence that Nigeria can be great if we stop corruption in the system.

He reiterated the commitment of the present administration under President Muhammadu Buhari to fight corruption to its roots and ensure that all looted funds are returned and perpetrator persecuted accordingly.

“The government is serious about ending corruption, and Nigeria can be great if we stop corruption, the government will stop at nothing to ensure that stolen monies are returned and looters brought to book.

“The country has the resources for all to live reasonably a decent life and we owe our country with the opportunity to do well, the whole country is waiting for the promised change and by the grace of God we will deliver” he stated.

In his address, Governor El-Rufai said the Galaxy Mall and Galleria project is intended to improve the shopping experience for Kaduna residents, expand the options for quality recreation and create jobs during its construction as well as in the shops and eateries that will occupy the premises. “Shoprite and Silverbird are proposed to be the anchor tenants of the property”, he added.

He further stated that the mall will raise the game in retail, provide cinemas for our people and promote linkages with farmers and supplies. That is the manner in which the malls that retail giants occupy tend to become centres of much tangible and intangible economic activity. In addition, the amusement park which stands on this ground will be redeveloped and modernized.

The 2000 affordable housing units is expected to be completed in 12 months while the Galaxy Mall and Galleria is to be completed in 18 months precisely by June, 2017.

“The shopping mall project is a PublicPrivate Partnership between the Kaduna State Government and the UAC Property Development Company (UPDC). One of the first corporate to demonstrate confidence in our government was UPDC. “The company’s senior management visited us within two weeks of our being sworn-in last year, and such was the serious intent they demonstrated that we were able to agree an outline for the project, and identify potential sites for the mall.

Houses in Kaduna “The result of this collaboration is the N5 billion projects being initiated today with a completion framework of 18 months.

The equity of the Kaduna State Government in the project is the land on which the mall is sited.

“We have long declared Kaduna State open for business. Our government is playing its role as facilitator, creating the pull to attract investors. We are identifying opportunities for the private sector to invest and create jobs for our people.

“Several of these projects have left the expression of interest stage. Preferred and reserve bidders have been selected for our hospitality project that seeks to build two five-star hotels in Kaduna. We have invited bids to build trailer parks and enterprise zones in three locations across the state.

Eighty-one companies responded to our call for interest in building new markets and neighborhood centres.

“When we announced that we considered private investment crucial to raising productivity in our farms and

“

stemming post-harvest losses, we found that investors responded to our invitation for private grain silos in three locations.

“Out of the 18 companies that indicated interest in building a rail-based mass transit system in Kaduna, we have approved 12 to submit preliminary designs, business plans and evidence of financial capability.

These companies include the French giant Alstom, the German company Gauff and several top players from the UK, China and Canada.

“We are currently legislating a new tax code that codifies, consolidates and lists all taxes and levies payable in Kaduna State in one document and law. When the law is passed in a few weeks, an investor can operate in the certainty that there will be no unpleasant surprises when it comes to taxes in Kaduna State. In addition, the investor will deal with only one agency for the payment of all taxes and levies collectible in Kaduna State.

“Our 2016 Budget devotes most resources to social expenditure and

On their part, the Managing Director of the UACN Property Development Company (UPDC) Hakeem. Ogunniran expressed joy with the government of Kaduna State partnering with them to unlock value in the parcel of land and create an invaluable and enduring asset for the benefit of the people of the state.

infrastructure. We are engaged in the massive rehabilitation of our public schools, including the provision of water and furniture. Our school feeding programme will commence when primary schools reopen next week. We will be feeding 1.8 million primary school pupils every school day, from Monday, 17 January 2016.

“In December 2015, our State Executive Council gave approval for GE to modernize and equip 255 primary health centres, one in every ward, and 23 comprehensive health centres, one in each local government, to aid safe deliveries and reduce infant and maternal mortality.

“By pegging our budget in a 60:40 ratio in favour of capital expenditure, we have made clear our determination to invest in our people, and to provide the infrastructure to support business and create jobs. That is our course, and we thank you for supporting us to travel it with unwavering purpose.”

On their part, the Managing Director of the UACN Property Development Company (UPDC) Hakeem. Ogunniran expressed joy with the government of Kaduna State partnering with them to unlock value in the parcel of land and create an invaluable and enduring asset for the benefit of the people of the state.

“With a gross lettable space of 10,000 square metres, Galaxy Mall, when completed will accommodate a main anchor tenant, a sub anchor tenant, a food court, 37 line shops and a contemporary amusement arena. The design of the mall is very flexible, and scaled to create additional shopping space in the future.”

He also disclosed that apart from the obvious tax benefits, the project has the potential to generate about 2000 direct and indirect jobs in the state, “we are indeed very confident that the project will reshape and transform the socio-economic landscape of this community in particular and the city in general.”

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

News

PAGE 5

NASS management diverted N7bn severance package-Ex-legislative aides allege

By Ali Abare Abubakar

L

egislative aides that served during the Seventh Assembly have protested over alleged diversion of their severance package amounting to over N7 bn by the management of the National Assembly.

The aggrieved former legislative aides, operating under the aegis of the National Assembly Legislative Aides Forum (NALAF), yesterday stormed the national assembly complex to seek explanation from the management but were left

unattended to.

Leader of the group, Mr. Afor Godwin, who spoke to journalists, while demanding for the immediate payment of their entitlement, decried the seeming insincerity on the part of officials to address their issue. Expressing their dismay over the nonchalant attitude of the National Assembly management on the matter of their severance package, outstanding arrears and DTA, Godwin lamented that members of the association were left to suffer untold hardship as many were unable to attend to the

basic necessities of life.

He disclosed that it became necessary for the group to embark on a protest following earlier confirmation that their payment was captured in the supplementary budget recently passed by the National Assembly.

“We’re her just to find out about few things regarding our severance package, arrears and DTAs. We’re told reliably around November last year that our payment will appear in the supplementary budget. The supplementary budget was passed and till now we didn’t hear about it

again” Godwin explained.

Godwin who claimed he worked under the office of former Senate President, David Mark, maintained that all categories of legislative aides that served during the seventh assembly have not been paid any of their entitlement.

He alleged however that there were perceived selective treatment as former lawmakers who served as legislative aides were said to have received their full entitlements, leaving the less privileged formers aides to suffer untold hardships.

The protesters were said to have

traveled from across the country, with some coming all the way from Adamawa, Kebbi and Benue states.

Attempt by our reporter to get the views of the National Assembly management however failed as effort to speak with the Director Finance and Administration failed, with officials saying he was not on seat as at the moment of the visit.

Recall that recently, the National assembly passed the N465bn supplementary budget, with N10bn earmarked for the settlement of entitlements for serving and former legislative aides.

House must remain united to succeed, says Rep Gbillah

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T

he entire membership of the House of Representatives, irrespective of party, sectional or religious affiliation must unite and support the Speaker, Hon. Yakubu Dogara and the entire House leadership in order for it to succeed in the actualization of its laudable Legislative Agenda as well as other matters within its legislative ambit and powers.

The Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Upstream, Hon. Mark Gbillah, made this clarion call during the 48th birthday anniversary of Hon. Yakubu Dogara, who, Gbillah severally described as “a sincere, committed and competent leader that has the National Assembly and the nation at heart and has no inclination to antagonize or witch-hunt any perceived political opponent but fervently believes in running an inclusive, tolerant and pan-Nigerian administrative style.

Hon. Gbillah further revealed that his committee was already putting modalities in place aimed at tackling the numerous challenges afflicting the petroleum upstream sector and that very soon the impact of its strategies and modus operandi would soon be felt by the general public, as well as operators and stakeholders alike.

R-L: Chief of Army Staff, Lt.General Yusuf Tukur Buratai, presenting souvenir to Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, during the governor’s meeting with the Chief of Army Staff, yesterday in Abuja

Buhari endorses Ortom’s amnesty program

By Lawrence Olaoye

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari has endorsed the amnesty programme initiated by Benue state governor, Samuel Ortom, to get illegally armed youths in the state to surrender their weapons.

The governor announced Buhari’s endorsement of the program while briefing journalist

at the Villa after meeting with the president on security matters in his state yesterday.

Ortom said the president was impressed with the success of the amnesty programme which started last year, and gave him the nod to continue with it as part of efforts to keep the state and the nation safer.

The governor said that Benue state government would in turn support efforts of the

federal government on the war against corruption because the optimum use of the country’s vast resources at a time of dwindling oil revenues was seriously hampered by corruption. Responding to insinuations that he diverted the state bail-out funds leaving the state civil servants withouts salaries, Ortom said such allegation was borne out of ignorance, and that the State Commissioner of Finance

had appropriately explained the true situation to the State House of Assembly.

Commenting on the impending judgment on the validity of his candidature by his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by the Supreme Court on Friday, the Benue governor said he was not in any way apprehensive.

He expressed strong conviction that he would get justice.

Lassa fever outbreak: 41 Nigerians killed in 10 states – Minister

T

he federal government says Lassa fever has claimed 41 lives from 93 reported cases in 10 states of the country.

The federal government on Friday put the death toll at 40 out of 86 reported cases of Lassa fever outbreak in same 10 states.

The number of the suspected cases also rose from 86 last week to 93.

The Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, confirmed this in Abuja on Tuesday at a joint ministerial news conference on the update of the outbreak of the disease.

However, Mr. Adewole said there were no new confirmed cases

or deaths in the last 48 hours.

He did not disclose the states from where another life was lost.

“In the last 48 hours, the government raised a four-man expert committee, chaired by Professor Michael Asuzu, to visit Kano, Niger and Bauchi, the three most endemic states.

“The committee will embark on a fact finding mission, assess the current situation, document response experiences, identify gaps and proffer recommendations on how to prevent future occurrences,” Mr. Adewole, a professor, said.

The minister assured the public the task of the committee was not

to apportion blame but rather to document lessons learnt for better planning of an affective responsive.

According to Mr. Adewole, part of the long term response is to establish an inter-ministerial committee to deliver a final blow on Lassa fever and other related diseases.

The committee comprises the ministers of Education, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Environment, Information and Culture as well as Health.

Mr. Adewole advised communities to improve on their hygiene, including food hygiene and food protection practices.

He also urged the public to avoid contact with rodents as well as food contaminated with rat’s secretions and excretions.

“Avoid drying food in the open and along roadsides. It is also important to cover all foods to prevent rodent contamination,” he said.

The minister said affected states had been advised to intensify awareness creation on the signs and symptoms of the disease.

According to him, the affected states are Bauchi, Nasarawa, Niger, Taraba, Kano, Rivers, Edo, Plateau, Gombe and Oyo. “The public is hereby assured

that government and other stakeholders are working tirelessly to address the outbreak and bring it to timely end,” said the minister.

He said the ministry had ordered for the immediate release of adequate quantities of “ribavirin”, the specific antiviral drug for Lassa fever, to the affected states for prompt treatment of cases.

Mr. Adewole said Nigeria had the capability to diagnose Lassa fever, adding that “all the cases reported so far were confirmed by our laboratories”.

The first case of the current outbreak was reported from Bauchi in November 2015(NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

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Kwara workers may not get salaries until AprilCommissioner From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

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L-R: Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Solomon Arase, and Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Logistics and Supply, Mr. Mamman Ibrahim Tsafe, during a visit by the minister of information to the IGP, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Senate summons health minister over spread of Lassa fever

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

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he Senate yesterday passed a resolution inviting the Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, to appear before its committee on health to brief it on the continued spread of Lassa Fever across the country.

This resolution was arrived at following a motion sponsored by the members of the Senate Committee on Health, led by its Chairman, Senator Gbenga Tejuosho (Ogun Central), in which he intimated the Senate of the ravaging impact of Lassa fever in the country.

Speaking on the motion, the Senate President, Abubakar Bukola

Saraki, commended the sponsors of motion on the Lassa Fever Outbreak in Nigeria, urging the committee on health to effectively carry out their oversight functions on the relevant health agencies to stem the spread of the disease.

Saraki stated that it was pertinent for the Federal Ministry of Health to come up with a sustainable strategy to curb the ongoing outbreak as well as work to ensure that such outbreaks of preventable diseases do not occur again down the line.

The Senate President tasked the Senate Committee on Health to follow up on the contents of the Senate Resolution by doing their due diligence on their oversight

functions with the Federal Ministry of Health, and the Federal Minister of Health.

He further stated that the relevant agencies of the Federal Government should intensify the general awareness of the Lassa Fever disease, as well as deploy health workers to areas affected by the disease so as to make available adequate health care.

“The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) should coordinate all responses to ensure compliance, Every Nigerian should also continue our collective social health education, and communication activities to prevent the disease from spreading further”, he said.

Also speaking, Aliyu Sabi Abdulahi, decried the ad hoc treatment of the health issues in the country, adding that there is no sustainability in the efforts to maintain cleanliness and prevent outbreak of dangerous diseases.

The Senate also moved to observe a one minute silence for the Nigerians killed since the Lassa Fever Outbreak began, and condoled with the families of all those that had lost relatives to the disease.

Other sponsors of the Senate resolution included Senators Matthew Urhogide, T.A. Orji, Jonah Jang, Suleiman Nazif, and Senator Andy Uba.

Minister to police: Help protect vulnerable places from terror attacks

By Umar Muhammad Puma

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he Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has appealed to the police to provide more security for vulnerable places across the country in order to prevent attacks on such places by Boko Haram insurgents.

The minister made the appeal when he paid a courtesy visit to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, in his office in Abuja on Tuesday. ‘’As we have told Nigerians on many occasions, our military has decimated Boko Haram and uprooted them from the territories they once controlled. What the terrorists are now engaged in are attacks on soft targets, by which I mean highly-vulnerable places like markets, motor parks, as well as worship and entertainment centres, etc. ‘’Herein lies the important task of the police, the body statutorily given the role of maintaining law and

order. The police, leveraging its large network, its investigative capacity and the fact that its personnel reside largely among the people, are now required to step in to protect these vulnerable places. This they can do by working with transport workers, market women, local government councils and police public community relations councils, faith-based organizations, community development councils and other necessary stakeholders,’’ he said.

Alhaji Mohammed specifically urged the police to provide 24-hour, cost-free protection for the premises of broadcasting establishments. ‘’May I also use the opportunity of this visit to formally convey to the Inspector-General the message from the Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria (BON), when I met with their members last week in Abuja. They asked me to implore the InspectorGeneral to provide 24-hour police protection, at no extra cost, for the premises of their organizations. I am

hereby presenting and endorsing their demand,’’ he said The Minister hinged his endorsement of the request by the BON members on the fact that they have agreed to partner with the Federal Government in its National Security Awareness Campaign, an inter-agency campaign being spearheaded by the Ministry of Information and Culture.

He said their collaboration with the Federal Government in this important campaign could ‘’make them more vulnerable to possible attacks and aggravate the already tough conditions under which they operate’’.

In his response, the InspectorGeneral said the visit was an opportunity for the police to draw from the vast and fertile experience of the Minister within the national space to enrich policing in Nigeria.

“In this regard, it is particularly appreciated that the Hon. Minister could deploy the broad network of

his ministry to support the leadership of the Nigeria Police in advancing the concept of police-community partnership and to aid in enlightening the general public down to the grass roots on their civic responsibilities in relation to national security and crime prevention,” he said.

Mr. Arase disclosed that with the support of President Buhari, the police leadership had commenced projects aimed at enhancing the technical intelligence capacity of the Force, with a view to strengthening their operational competence and managing highly-organized crimes, including terrorism and other crimes of national security.

He pledged to partner with Federal Ministry of Information and Culture in the public sensitization against terrorism, and said the police high command would fashion out the modality for the immediate deployment of policemen to provide adequate security for media houses across the country.

he Kwara State Commissioner for Finance,Eng. Demola Banu has disclosed that the State Government may not be able to pay workers salaries until end of quarter of 2016 while the state IGR are expected to reach N700 million.

The Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Demola Banu who stated this while addressing members of Nigeria Union Teachers(NUT) and ALGON at a meeting on Tuesday said the monthly federal allocation of the state dropped from N3.4billion to N1.4 billion stressing that they cannot meet up their monthly commitment of N2.4 billion.

Banu disclosed that monthly salary of teachers cost State Government N1.2billion while Pensioners monthly stipend cost government N339,733,835.

He said the challenges the state government is facing was due to fall in federal allocation stressing that if the expected IGR of N700 million was realised with the workers support, the state government would be able to pay all unpaid salaries by end of the quarter of this year.

But while speaking on behalf of the NUT,Comrade Olateju Abdulkareem Babatunde suggested that to resolve the lingering industrial crisis with workers ,Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and all political office holders salaries must be seized and be use to pay Civil Servants salaries.

Babatunde also said that security vote of Governor Ahmed must be translated to pay Civil servant salaries stressing that hungry citizens are risk to the security of the state.

The NUT Comrade who said teachers would not resume until their three months salaries were paid insisted that there should be no verification exercise of teachers in the state without full payment of salaries.

He added that all salaries and arrears of House of Assemble members must be stop and translated to the payment of civil servant in the state.

Babatunde reminded the Government representatives at the meeting that when there was problem of unpaid salaries with Local governments during late Dr Olusola Saraki era, the political icon invited Union Leaders to a meeting on Sunday and they were paid on Monday without further delay.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

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NIS arrests two suspected traffickers with 29 victims in C/River

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he Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Cross River Command, said on Tuesday in Calabar that two suspected human traffickers with 29 victims were arrested on Jan.10.

Mrs Funke Adeuyi, State Comptroller of NIS who addressed newsmen, said that the suspects were apprehended by men of the NIS on border patrol at Itigidi in Abi Local Government Area. ``On Jan. 10, the immigration border patrol officers at Itigidi intercepted two buses carrying 29 youths which we found out to be victims of human trafficking. ``On first line interrogation, we discover that a lot of them were going to an unknown destination. ``We have profiled them, and we have cause to suspect that they were about to be trafficked to an unknown destination. ``The better information on where they intend to traffic them to would be better unraveled when we hand them over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons (NAPTIP),’’ she said.

Adeuyi said the two suspects had some money with them during the arrest, while some of the victims had cell phones with them. ``The victims told us during our first line investigation that they were being taken to a place where they would work and get some money. ``We reliably gathered from some of the victims that their parents were aware that the suspected traffickers were taking them away to do menial jobs that would earn them money. ``We would hand them over to NAPTIP for further investigation on the matter’’ she said.

She advised parents to be careful in giving out their children or wards to people whom they do not know much about.

Receiving the victims and suspected traffickers, Mr Victor Odudukudu, an official from NAPTIP, assured that the agency would continue with the investigation. ``We are going to interview the victims and interrogate the suspects. ``We are also going to trace their family members and find out if they actually gave out their children to the suspects,’’ he said.

One of the suspects, Dennis Agbor, said that he was taking the victims to Akure, Ondo State to work in his restaurant.

Agbor said he took the victims from Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River. ``When I was about going back to my base in Akure, these people met me and appealed that I take them along with me and engage them in menial jobs. ``I agreed to their appeal and promised that I will be paying those that will work in my restaurant some token while I will engage others elsewhere. ``I am not taking them for anything bad; I was only trying to help them earn a living and I even know some of their parents,’’ he added. (NAN)

L-R: Director of Finance, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Alhaji Idris Saidu, Executive Secretary of TETFund, Professor Suleiman Bogoro, Director, Executive Secretary Office, Malam Aliyu Na’iya, Director, Monitoring and Evaluation, Architect Matthew Abu, and Director, Academics Staff Training and Development, Mr. Jacob Alada, during an interactive meeting with Senate on the allegedly missing N200billion TETFund money, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Police, vigilante kill armed robber, recover ammunition in Bauchi From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

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olice in collaboration with vigilante group patrol have killed 1 armed robbery suspect along Burnuku road in Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The Police Public Relation Officer of the state Command, DSP Haruna Mohammed who disclosed this to newsmen in Bauchi yesterday said the suspected armed robbers were ambushed by the police when they blocked road in Gamawa area.

According to him, it happened on the 10/1/2016 at about 09:35hrs, following intelligence report, Police patrol team attached to Gamawa division in collaboration with a vigilante group had an encounter with a gang of Six suspected Armed robbers who blocked the road at Burnuku via Jadori in Gamawa LGA of Bauchi State.

“On sighting the Police patrol team, suspects opened fire which triggered a fierce gun battle. As a result, one of the suspect who was later identified as Musa Adamu

male and 48 years of tsamiya ward of Kano State was injured and later confirmed dead in the hospital while five others escaped into the bush.

He said the corpse of the suspect has deposited at the mortuary for Autopsy Exhibits recovered from the suspects include, 1AK 47 rifle, 18rounds of ammunition, 4 AK 47 rifle Magazines, 4 Cartridges.

In a related development, DSP Haruna Mohammed said Police detectives attached to Ganjuwa Division recovered some exhibits

in the bush which includes 1AK 49 rifle without beech number, 2magazines of AK 47 rifles, 66 live ammunition of 7.62 mm, 1 Pump Action, 1 fabricated Pistol, 2 Dane guns and 6 Cartridges.

He said investigation is in progress and efforts are being intensified to apprehend fleeing suspects.

Mohammed urged members of the pubic to always assist the Police with useful information that could lead to the arrest of fleeing suspects as well as enable the command provide security in the state.

Lagos rice dealer docked for N17.2m fraud

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33-year-old rice dealer, Mohammed Wasiu, who allegedly defrauded his business associates of N17.2 million, was on Tuesday docked at an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

Wasiu, who resides at IyanaIpaja area of Lagos, is standing trial on a two-count charge bordering on fraud and issuance of a dud cheque.

According to the Prosecutor, ASP Charles Odii, the accused committed the offences on Dec. 31, 2014 at Iddo, Lagos.

Odii said the accused allegedly lured a Lagos-based company --Viscious Global Investment Ltd -- to supply 2,400 bags of rice valued at N17.2 million to him with a promise to remit the proceeds to the company. ``The accused sold the rice and

refused to fulfill the terms of the agreement by paying the proceeds into the company’s account. ``The accused issued a UBA cheque for N4.5 million sometime in 2015 to the company, but it was dishonoured on presentation due to insufficient funds.’’

The offences contravened Sections 312 (1), (b) and 319 (b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused pleaded not guilty.

Ruling on the bail application of the accused, the Magistrate, Miss A. O. Awogboro, granted him bail in the sum of N2 million with two sureties in like sum.

She said one of the sureties must be a blood relation of the accused as part of the bail condition.

The case was adjourned till Feb. 29 for mention. (NAN)

NDLEA advocates law prohibiting brewing of `goskolo’

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he National Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA), Plateau Command, has urged the Plateau Government to enact a law that would prohibit the production of a local brew, popularly called `goskolo.’

Dr Ngozi Madubuike, the NDLEA State Commander, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Jos that the consumption of the local brew was destructive.

Madubuike lamented the devastating effect the local brew had on the health and wellbeing of the youths, noting that most of them committed nefarious acts under the influence of the brew.

The commander added that most of the youths had health challenges such as liver cirrhosis or cancer of the liver because of the acidic nature of the local brew.

“A state law should be made to curb the consumption of this local brew called Goskolo because

of its negative potencies to the wellbeing of the individual and the society at large.

“There should be a state law to ban the production; once this is in place NDLEA would have the legal backing to ensure that there is strict compliance and that defaulters are brought to book,” she said.

The commander called on the government to first of all sensitise the people on the ills of consuming the local brew.

She also urged government to provide an alternative source of income for those involved in the production of the local brew.

“NDLEA has conducted various town hall meetings sensitising the people on the ills of producing and consuming goskolo.

“It is necessary that the state government conducts town hall meetings too, to enlighten the people on the devastating effect of the drink,” she said. (NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

TSA: Zamfara freezes over 1,000 accounts

From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

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he Zamfara state government has directed all its Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to with immediate effect commence the use of only one single account titled ‘expenditure account’ to be regulated by the Central Bank of

Nigeria (CBN), this follows the discovery of over 1000 accounts in the state.

In a press conference by the State Commissioner of Information, Alhaji Umar Jibo Bukkuyum, the directive for the commencement of a single account was given by the state governor during last week’s council meeting, henceforth, all financial transactions should be

channeled through the newly introduced expenditure account.

Jibo further informed that, the state governor has already constituted a committee to be chaired by himself while the State Secretary to the Government (SSG) was appointed as Secretary and would serve to ensure the success of the use of the TSA in the state, adding that, all the managers of commercial

banks operating in the state were served with enquiring letters to freeze all accounts operated by the state government.

“All commercial banks managers in the state were asked to close all accounts bearing the name of Zamfara state government, and that, they should transfer whatever contained therein to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)”, Umar

Edo NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel gets new exco

Niger police clamp down on criminals, recovers 62 cattle, arrests From Yakubu Minna

From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

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Mustapha,

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he Niger state police command has said that the Anti Robbery Squad deployed to the state has started yielding result as many notorious armed robbers, cattle rustlers and kidnappers are now in police net.

The Command Police Public Relations Officer PPRO, ASP Bala Elkana while briefing journalists in his office yesterday in Minna, said that within two weeks of it presence had recorded dramatic achievement in the state.

Elkana intimated that the Anti-kidnapping squad has arrested notorious armed bandits and and recovered two AK 49 riffles with 134 live ammunition from Adamu Bello and Manu Ciroma both of masalacin Zaki forest in Mashegu local government of Niger State.

He further disclosed that the command Special Ant-Robbery Team raided Kateregi forest in Katcha local government arrested one suspected notorious armed robber, Adamu Abubakar and recovered a fabricated SMG riffle with 21 rounds of ammunition while Amadu Mohammed of Ngongo in Kano state was arrested with a pistol now in police net as the cases were under investigation to be charged to court soon.

ASP Elkana added that the Anti-kidnapping Team has also arrested two notorious kidnappers terrorizing Edati communities arrested one Idris Isah and Mohammed Sani recovered N294, 000, 00 ransom collected from them and the victim was rescue unhurt.

Consequently, another Abubakar Sani, Mohammad Saidu Suleiman and Usman Wakili were arrested in Sabon Gada via Kateregi recovered 62 cattle stolen from neighbouring Kebbi state.

Jibo informed.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner attributed the new development to the issue pertaining delay for the presentation of the 2016 budget, assuring that, as soon as the state government and the CBN reach conclusion on how best the TSA could operated, then the matters surrounding budget presentation would be attended to.

L-R: Minister of State for Health, Dr. Ossagie Ehinare, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, and Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, during a joint press conference on Lassa fever, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Kwara FRSC arrest 3, 747 traffic violators From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

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he Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Kwara command has disclosed it recorded ten accidents during the Christmas celebration and New Year and arrested 3,747 motorists over various traffic offences during the festival.

The Kwara sector Commander of the Commission, Mr Sunday

Maku disclosed this during an interview with the Journalists in llorin on Tuesday said the Motorists majority of whom were Commercial Vehicle Operators committed 3, 903 offences during the period.

Maku said the motorists who were arrested in various parts of the state committed offences ranging from refusal to use seat belts, overloading, and dangerous

overtaking among others.

The sector Commander said 299 of the offenders were charged to Court, 267 were convicted while the remaining were discharged.

The sector Commander said 10 accidents were recorded during the period at various parts of the state which claimed seven lives.

He said there was free flow of traffic in several parts of the state due to lingering fuel scarcity.

Rice production: Association compiles list of members for bank loan

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s part of effort to boost rice production in Niger, the Agricultural Graduates Association of Nigeria (AGAN) on Tuesday said it had started collecting names of its members interested in collecting bank loans for rice production. ``We have started collecting list of members who have access to at least one hectare of land,’’ Alhaji Hussaini Iliyasu, the Chairman of the association in the state, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bida.

Iliyasu said the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had agreed to guarantee a N1.8 billion loan from commercial banks for the farmers under the Federal Government Rice Support Programme. ``We are currently working

with some commercial banks towards accessing the loan for our activities. We have reached 80 per cent success with the banks. ``The loan will be used to finance `rice value chain investment project’ for the association’s 5,000 members to produce more than 50,000 tonnes of rice. ``We will also engage 100 private extension workers, generate 20,000 direct jobs as well as encourage interest among other stakeholders in the rice value chain,’’ he said.

Iliyasu said the programme would be managed by farmers’ cooperatives in eight rice producing local government areas in the state.

Iliyasu lamented that rice

farmers in the state were selling the produce at a low price compared to the investment made. ``We now sell 100kg bag at N4, 500 and sometimes lower, depending on the variety. We get customers coming from across the country,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Maji Alhassan of the National Cereal Research Institute, Badeggi, has called for farmer education to boost production of the commodity. ``Farmers will improve with better production knowledge, resources and ready market.

He said most of the local government areas in the state produced rice in commercial quantity. (NAN)

embers of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo state Council, have elected new executives for a period of years.

Mr. Simon Ebegbulem of Vanguard Newspapers emerged Chairman in the election which was presided over by the state chairman of the union, Comrade Roland Osakwe and Secretary, Comrade Alemma Ozioruva.

Ebegbulem who polled 21 votes, to defeat Mr. Gabriel Ordia (Galaxy Television) who secured nine votes, while Mr. Patrick Ochoga of Leadership Newspaper was elected as Secretary haven secured 17 votes to defeat Mr. Osagie Otabor of The Nation Newspapers who scored 13 votes.

Mr. Cajetan Mmuta, New Telegraph Newspaper and Mrs Nefisatu Yakubu, News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) were returned as Vice chairman and Treasurer respectively, alongside Mr. Jonathan Idiaghe of Safety and Security who was also returned unopposed as the Auditor of the Chapel.

The position of the Finacial Secretary which was contested by two Candidates, Mr. Idris Momoh (BusinessDay and Ehis Igbaugba, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), was declared inconclusive by the electoral committee.

The Chairman, of chapel Simon Ebegbulem had in a brief remark, gave an insight about the financial status of Chapel under his leadership, with a charge for members and listed the newly acquired secretariat for the Correspondents’ chapel Secretariat and other incentives his administration attracted to enhance member’s welfare in the past three years.

Similarly, the Chairman of NUJ, Comrade Osakwe reminded members of the Chapel that the victory is an indication of the acceptability of the winners by colleagues and appeal to all to work together in advancing the noble profession.

Osakue also affirmed the decision of the committee to slate a re-run for the position of Finalcial Secretary, following 15 votes’ appeals secured by the two Contestants.

Which would be communicated to members of the Chapel?

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

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Medical association, media foundation train journalists on zoonosis reporting in Kaduna From Mohammad Ibrahim

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he Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) yesterday said it is collaborating with Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) to train Nigerian journalists on reporting Zoonosis in Kaduna State.

The group said Zoonosis is a diseases transmitted from animals to humans.

According to them, this has become necessary looking at the threat posed by diseases such as Ebola, Rabies and Lassa fever, among others in the country.

Late last year, Kaduna state had recorded outbreak of Rabies, and last week, Nigerian health authorities have reported outbreak of Lassa fever in 8 states - where more than 35 deaths have been recorded - this represents 46% of the Case Fatality Rate (CFR).

AMDF Programme Officer, Sekyen Dadik made this known, when she led a team of her colleagues on advocacy visit to the leadership of Nigerian Union of Journalists, Kaduna State Council.

She said the Foundation was set up basically to help in developing capacity of media practitioners across Africa, through trainings and fellowships.

“We are basically out to ensure we help in media development. We had several media training for journalists in Kaduna State. We have equally trained 9 journalists from different media stations on reporting human right abuses.

“We have also in collaboration with NUJ FRCN Kaduna Chapter, trained 16 of their reporters. We also trained 25 journalists on reporting Hemophilia. Therefore, we intend to train 25 journalists on Zoonosis in collaboration with the State Council of NVMA,” she said.

“We are also looking at the posibility of introducing an Exchange Programme for journalists locally as a way of exposing journalists to happenings in order media stations outside their own stations. Our aim is to reach out to African countries with such a programme, but for now we are starting locally,” she explained.

The Programme officer said the Foundation will provide venue and resource persons for the training.

Dadik also enjoined journalists to imbibe the culture of investigative reporting and data journalism, which seeks to bring to light the beauty of every story.

In his remarks, Kaduna NUJ Chairman, Garba Muhammad said capacity training of journalists is top of his administration’s priority.

“We are facing challenges of Lassa fever in parts of this country.

So it will be good for journalists to understand it, so that they will be able to enlighten the public.”, he said.

L-R; Programme Officer, African Media Development Foundation (AMDF) Mrs. Sekyen Dadik, and Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kaduna state chapter, Malam Garba Muhammed, during a visit by the AMDF management to the NUJ chairman, yesterday in Kaduna.

Photo: Bashir Bello

Anyaeji resumes as NSE president, charge engineers on infrastructure dev’t

By Mashe Gwamna

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n the traditional smooth succession practice of ascending the Presidency of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, (NSE), Engr.

Otis Oliver Anyaeji took over the mantle of leadership from immediate past president, Engr.

Isaac Olorunfemi, stepping into office on January 1, 2016, as the 30thPresident of the NSE. Engr. Anyaeji who served as Deputy President for the past two years between 2014 and 2015, is expected to lead the Society as President and Chairman of Council

for the tenured period of 2016 and 2017.

A statement signed by Head, Media and Publications, NSE Headquarters, Abdulkadir Aliyu said at the maiden meeting with stakeholders of NSE, Engr. Anyaeji who has resumed full responsibilities in his capacity as the NSE President, expounded his vision for the Society for the period of his presidency.

Citing the dire economic situation and dismal infrastructure stock status of the country, he declared that it was time for Engineers to “take full control of the engineering activities in all sectors of the Nigerian economy”,

in order to make resonating impact in the collective quest of bringing the country back on the track of progress and prosperity.

Engr. Anyaeji who personally vowed to pursue that undertaking with fervor is a trained Mechanical Engineer whose vast practice experience cuts across all the spectra of engineering. Since 1976, he has had working stints at the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN) Limited, Nigerian Airports Authority (NPA), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), amongst others. He is presently the

Chairman of O. T. Otis Engineering Limited, a consulting engineering firm which was founded in 1987 and has consulted on virtually all basic industrial sectors. Engr. Otis Anyaeji is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Fellow of the Academy of Engineering and a Member of the Association of Consulting Engineers of Nigeria (ACEN).

The official Investiture of Engr.

Anyaeji as the 30th President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) will hold on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at the Africa Hall of the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

AIG says police winning war against cultism

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r Bala Hassan, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 2 Police Command, Lagos, says the police are winning the war against cultism.

Hassan, who made the assertion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos, noted that cultism in Lagos and Ogun were of different dimensions.

The AIG said that cultism in Lagos was everywhere in the metropolis, including secondary schools and houses, while that of Ogun was in institutions of higher learning. ``We have noticed cultists around Ebute-Meta, Mushin and some parts of Lagos, but the Police Commissioner, Mr Fatai Owoseni, is doing so much about it. ``The fact that he made success in tackling robbery makes me believe

he will ensure that cultism is brought to the barest minimum in the state,’’ he said.

Hassan said that he was glad that in Ogun about six days ago, 22 cultists laid down their arms and told the state government that they did not want to get involved in cultism again.

He noted that they surrendered their guns which were collected and the governor, Mr Ibikunle Amosun, granted them amnesty.

The AIG also said the Ogun police commissioner had arrested a large number of cultists before the Christmas and that recently, about 16 were arrested. ``He has been arresting them day in day out and charging them to court and maybe, it was the heat that was too much for them that made them to denounce cultism. ``And perhaps, the good will of Ogun Sate Government that if you

do not want to practice cultism again, you can surrender your arms and you will be pardoned. ``That’s why they came out to return their guns and embrace peace. ``These are some of the things that we are doing to ensure that things work for the better though the cultists are not in places where we can easily catch them. ``But definitely, we will get them because the development in Ogun is heart warming. Since the rate of robbery has reduced, definitely cultism will also reduce,’’ he told NAN. ``We are still waiting for some information and also some communities have been writing to us that there are cultists in their areas. ``Some local chiefs around Ojo and Ajao wrote to me thanking me about what we did to some bad boys disturbing them in their areas. ``So, any time you write to us,

even if you do not put your name, that there are some bad boys in a particular house we will send our taskforce there. ``We will inform the Deputy Commissioner Operations and the Commissioner to ensure they go after them and arrest them; that is the only way we can help ourselves.’’

Hassan said that the police had carried out a number of raids before Christmas and that contributed to the relative calmness in Ogun and Lagos states. ``Recently, we arrested about 20 to 30 of them, screened and arraigned them, so, we are disturbing them and by that raiding they cannot sit to meet for cultism activities. ``And also, they cannot plan to rob and because of the raiding, most of them have scattered and we will continue to disturb them, forcing some of them to move to neighbouring states. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

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Corruption: Man treks from Nigeria to Europe, USA

From David Hassan, Gombe

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middle age man Abubakar Umar alias Oduduwale has said all is set for him to trek from Nigeria to United kingdom and United States of America.

Speaking at the world Press conference in Gombe yesterday, Abubakar told Journalists that his aim to trek from Nigeria to Europe was to preach peace among public.

He said his focus is to ensure that the fight against

corruption and insurgency which President Mohammadu Buhari has embarked upon in order to eliminate corrupt tendency in the country should be a thing of the past.

According to him, youths has engaged themselves in sort of drug activities which he noted that there is need for them to say No to drug trafficking and forged ahead.

He also appealed to federal government to do as much as they can to ensure that youths are

employed to enable them be self reliant in the society.

While commenting government initiative, Abubakar said he will start trekking from Yola through Bauchi to Kano in order to see the Emir of Kano Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and congratulated him for his track record while he was the CBN governor before he proceeds to Abuja to see President Mohammadu Buhari.

Abubakar who came from

Ganye local government area of Adamawa state emphasized that after meeting President Buhari he would trek to Lagos through Ghana, Togo and board a plane to United kingdom and United states of America to meet with president Obama and Prime minister David Cameron.

He assured the public that he would do everything possible to ensure that he fight corruption, insurgency drug trafficking among youths.

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Dr Lawal Habiba, Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, and President, Nigeria Academy of Engineering (NAE), Professor Raifu Salawu, during a visit of NAE’s delegation to the minister, yesterday in Abuja.

I

18 different countries, we are glad to confirm that the Global PR Summit is finally coming to Africa, from 1819 February in Accra. The Global PR Trends Summit Accra is all about building a creative community that will provide PR professionals with support, value and opportunity to make things happen. Our African colleagues will have the unique opportunity to spend two days surrounded by some of the most stimulating and forward-thinking people in the world -- the instant cure to a creative burnout”, Kosta Petrov,

P World’s CEO and organizer of the Global PR Summit Accra said in a statement.

The two day international gathering kicks off with a presentation by Elaine Sam from IPR Ghana on the current trends and challenges in the West African PR industry. The Global PR Trends Summit Accra also includes presentations on social media and PR by Lego, Cisco, P&G and SAP, nation branding by Visit Britain, as well as presentations on CSR by Citi and Boehringer Ingelheim and

reputation management by Colleen Harris, Former Press Secretary to Princes Charles William and Harry.

With annual shows in 18 different countries and over 6,000 PR professionals in attendance, the Global PR Trends Summit is considered to be one of the world’s fastest growing PR events. The event is organized by P World in Exclusive Partnership with Brand Communications and IPR Ghana, PRCAN from Nigeria and PRAU from Uganda as the event’s supporters.

Lafia: Municipal education sec. urges parents to enroll children in schools From Gambo Ahmed, Lafia

A

s schools in Nasarawa State resumes academic activities for the year 2016. The Lafia Municipal Education Secretary, Comrade Mohammed Haleru Arabo has called on parents to send their wards to school as according to him, schools recorded low attendance on official resumption date.

L

assa fever in Nasarawa State has claimed one life while four suspected new cases have been recorded.

The Chief Medical Director of Dalhatu Specialist Hospital, Lafia, Dr. Ahmed Yakubu Ashuku who made the revelation to newsmen in his office yesterday in Lafia, said that one out of the initial two patients on admission died at the hospital, while the other patient was responding to treatment.

Dr. Ahmed, said that four suspected new cases were brought to the hospital, three were tested negative while one case was indeterminate.

The medical boss also affirmed that all the cases were recorded in the southern part of the state.

He also added that doctors at the hospital are committed in treating the patients on admission at the hospital, just as he commended the state government for making drugs drugs available for treatment.

The Chief Medical Doctor further disclosed that a committee has been constituted by the state government to sensitze members of the public on how to prevent contracting with the disease.

S

Global PR trends summit holds in Accra, Ghana nternational public relations experts from Lego, SAP, P&G, Citi and Boehringer Ingelheim are scheduled to present at the Global PR Trends Summit Accra, Africa’s leading PR event, taking place from 18-19 February at the Movenpick Hotel in Accra.

PRNigeria, the Nigeria’s leading private news distribution portal, is the media partner to the global event in West Africa.

“After the phenomenal success in

From Gambo Ahmed, Lafia

Residents decry state of Port Harcourt zoo

Photo: NAN

By Ese Awhotu

Lassa fever kills one, 4 new cases detected in Nasarawa

Comrade Arabo stated this yesterday in a chat with newsmen in Lafia the state capital while reacting to the attitude of parents who failed to comply with the official resumption date of public schools in the state.

According to him, “It has been a tradition by parents in the state as soon as schools resumes parents allow their children to stay for one week before resuming. This is

uncalled for” He continued “With this development the Education Authority has constituted a committee to sensitise parents on this irregular act with the aim of putting a stop to it.

Education is the only legacy one can leave for his off-spring(s).

Comrade Rabo also cautioned teachers in the council to live up to expectation by impacting quality

education to pupils; adding that the state government has done it best in the sphere of salary payment to teachers as well as called on them to complement same.

The education secretary added that the authority is on its feet inspecting public schools within the council in order to ascertain the level of compliance in terms of pupils attendance and teachers respectively .

ome residents of Port Harcourt, Rivers, have described the state of the Port Harcourt zoo as ``worrisome and below tourism standard’’.

Residents of Port Harcourt made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday on the state of the zoo.

They said that the state government had long abandoned the zoo making it less attractive to tourists thereby losing revenue.

Mrs Wokaego Olulu, a petty trader operating around the zoo said the visit of tourists to the zoo had reduced drastically in the past two years.

She attributed the low activities at the zoo to lack of animals which was the centre of attraction to the zoo. ``Even my business has suffered due to the fact that people don’t visit the zoo as they did in the past, I just pray something is done quickly,’’ she said.

Mr Jared Orji, a banker said that abandoning the zoo and making it unattractive to tourists had affected the internally generated revenue of the state.

He said that zoos were recreation points which should be taken seriously by governments and private organisations. ``Apart from being tourist sites, zoos are used to secure different species of animals with a view to stopping them from being extinct.

Another resident, Mr Imo Reuben, a civil servant urged the government to inject funds into the zoo and upgrade it to a world standard. (NAN)

Page 11

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

EDITORIAL

What noise about suspects relocation This confirmation also rubbishes the accusation that President Buhari, a northerner, wanted to destabilise other parts of the country so far unaffected physically by the insecurity in the north-east. In fact, the man in power in 2012 when the decision to relocate some 47 Boko Haram to Ekwulobia prison was Goodluck Jonathan, a southerner. Why the decision was not implemented immediately but left till after the March 28 2015, a good

“

T

here emerged late July news reports that the Nigerian Prisons Service had moved 47 Boko Haram suspects from the north-east epicenter of the sect’s insurgency to a prison at Ekwulobia in Aguata local government area of Anambra. The reports which have not been confirmed nor denied by federal prison authorities have stirred the hornet’s nest in the affected states. There have been accusations, followed by street protests, that the government of President Muhammadu Buhari was attempting to ‘export’ the insurgency to the southeast. Then without trying to find out the truth from the relevant quarters, governors of states in the zone met and hurriedly issued a statement condemning the “provocation” from the central government.

We regret this unfortunate hostility to a well intentioned action of the federal govnerment. The aim is to make it difficult for Boko Haram fighters to free their incarcerated colleagues by taking them to detention facilities far away from the theatre of fighting.

That said, the reaction to the movement of the Boko Haram detainees is flawed in several respects. One, it is not true that the decision was taken without consultation with the government of Anambra state. The truth, according to governor Willie Obiano, is that the decision was taken far back in 2012 to move some Boko Haram suspects from prisons in the northern part of the country to Ekwulobia prison in Anambra and Kuje in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

One, it is not true that the decision was taken without consultation with the government of Anambra state. The truth, according to governor Willie Obiano, is that the decision was taken far back in 2012 to move some Boko Haram suspects from prisons in the northern part of the country to Ekwulobia prison in Anambra and Kuje in the FCT, Abuja. three years, is a question only the man who took the decision should answer. If his intention was to lay a trap for his opponent in that election should he win, Jonathan would have confirmed the fears in the north that his government stoked the fire of the insurgency in order to disenfranchise a section of the North.

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”

Another point critics of the relocation of detainees missed was that Nigeria is still one country. For that reason the federal prison authorities (NPS) are empowered to detain suspects anywhere they consider safer until when their cases come up for hearing.

There are precedents. Late Gani Fawehinmi, in the course of his brushes against military dictatorship in the country in the early 90s, was moved from his base in Lagos to Kaduna. Late MKO Abiola, the man who supposedly won the 1993 presidential election which the military government of Ibrahim Babangida inexplicably annulled, was taken away by Gen. Sani Abacha from Lagos and brought to Kuje maximum prison where he died in 1998.

Furthermore, it is high time some people realised Boko Haram is not North’s headache alone. In their insatiable drive for blood, Boko Haram fighters do not distinguish between northern and southern lives or property.

Anyone they see as standing in their way, Muslim or Christian, northerner, must be killed. It was such misreading of the insurgency, many northerners and outsiders had suspected, was responsible for former President Jonathan’s initial lack of commitment to the counter-insurgency campaign.

We must come together and fight this menace, otherwise we all risk being consumed by it.

However, the critics do have a point in the argument that quick trial of suspects is the way out of the rising number of Boko Haram suspects in our prisons.

We must reform our justice system to ensure cases are quickly and fairly disposed of.

OUR PEOPLE

OUR VISION

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

Editor, Daily

Chief Operating Officer Ali M. Ali

Acting Editor, Weekend Lawal Sabo Ibrahim

Manager, administration Hassan Hammanyaji

Acting Deputy Manager, Production Aminu Jibril Mohammed Acting Head, Lagos Bureau Ayodele Samuel

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

PAGE 12

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

Opinion

Office of the NSA and the pathology of predatory corruption

By Jibrin Ibrahim

I

have written previously about my shock at the way in which $2.1 billion meant for arms procurement was used as a slush fund to pump billions of Naira to Peoples’ Democratic Party operatives. It was important that the Buhari Administration exposes this irresponsible misuse of public resources and, above all, prosecutes them and sends the perpetrators to jail. My belief is that people who are guilty of such acts should not only be tried for corruption but also for crimes against humanity given the way in which their acts of commission and omission led to the empowerment of the Boko Haram insurgency and to the death of tens of thousands of Nigerians.

Last Friday, the office of the National Security Adviser published a public notice inviting 241 companies and organisations that have received contracts and payments from the agency during the tenure of Col. Sambo Dasuki, to report for interrogation. The companies are to appear between January 12 and 26 with their certificates of incorporation, particulars of directors, tax clearance certificates for their companies and directors from 2011 till date, letters of award of contracts, evidence of payments so far/outstanding balance, certified bank statements, and other documents considered

relevant to the contracts. I fully support the said investigation. It is important, however, that the Office of the NSA does not give the impression that all organisations that have had a relationship with the Office are involved with corruption. The public notice had concluded on the note that the organisations should note that: “Your prompt appearance before the committee would be wise to avoid any embarrassment.”

I have no intention of preempting the investigations but I have looked at the list and it appears to me that some of the invited organisations would have no fear because their engagement with the Office of the NSA appears to be legitimate and public. One example is the Murtala Mohammed Foundation, a highly respected NGO whose work I have followed for the past few years. In the aftermath of the January 2012 bombing in Kano, the Foundation set up a pilot trauma and counselling service centre with its own resources. The centre provided psychological support to all victims of trauma; it was the only service providing counselling for people who had been traumatised by the insurgency, and my impression is that they have been doing great work that calls for appreciation.

It was only in 2014 that the Office of the NSA started providing support to expand their work in cooperation with the Nigerian Association of Psychologists

and the United Kingdom Royal College of Psychiatrists. To this day, the centre remains the first and I believe the only full fledged free trauma and counselling centre in the country providing for people struggling with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The second example is the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation. I am not sure why they were called but I attended the premiere of a very important film they produced with support from the Office of the NSA on the environment and conflict generation in Nigeria. The film drew attention to the ways in which climate change and environmental degradation in different zones of the country have produced stress, crisis and deprivations that are leading to different types of violent crisis and the film openly acknowledged the Office of the NSA as its sponsor. My final example is the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development which received funding from the Office of the NSA to support a Committee of Elders to intervene in conflict prevention engagement to ensure violent conflicts are prevented before, during and after the 2015 elections. These organisations received relatively small amounts from the Office of the NSA; they used the money to do good work and we should not use the same brush to taint all of them. Clearly some of the organisations on the list have had

perfectly legitimate contractual relations with the Office of the NSA and the impression should not be created that they are all crooks who participated in the mega looting that was organised from the same office.

There is a second group of people who have acknowledged receiving money from the Office of the NSA for “political” work.

The Nigerian Guild of Editors and the Nigerian Union of Journalists and many other media organs have received such monies for their political work and it is interesting that they received much larger amounts than those doing useful technical work.

Alhaji Tanko Yakasai for example has argued that the money he received was to go round the North and tell important people and traditional rulers to keep the peace. A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae, has confessed to receiving 100 million Naira from PDP Board of Trustees member, Chief Tony Anenih and disbursing the money through the structures of his Social Democratic Party (SDP). Why should an opposition party like the SDP, totally absent from the political terrain, be given and accept such a huge amount of money from the Office of the National Security Adviser?

Subsequently, we lived through his abduction saga and the incendiary statements Chief Falae was making about a particular ethnic group, clearly trying his best to

promote mischief and unrest in the country. For the Office of the National Security Adviser to provide vast resources to mischief makers clearly working hard to divide the country and actively promote sectarian conflict is the unkindest cut that could be made against Nigeria.

It is impossible to understand the motivation that led the Office of the National Security Adviser to take $2.1 billion for arms procurement, refuse to buy the arms and basically share out most of the money to political mischief-makers working to divide and break the country. The Office has direct responsibility for the 20,000 people killed by the Boko Haram insurgency and the 2.2 million internally displaced persons living in misery and deprivation as well as the 175,000 Nigerians who have fled to Niger, Chad and Cameroons to seek refuge. These are war crimes and crimes against humanity. This type of predatory corruption sets out to promote a pathology aimed at destroying Nigeria and those responsible should be tried not just for their crimes of corruption but also for their war crimes, crimes against humanity and their dastardly intention of seeking to destroy Nigeria.

Since the First Republic when the first mass defection occurred, politicians have been known to ditch their parties so long as their interest is no longer served.

With the recent defections that have hit the PDP, it appears our politicians have still not learnt the democratic principles of party allegiance as it obtains in advanced democracies. I have often wondered at the rate our politicians switch party allegiance without giving a thought to democratic values that demand loyalty to party ideology.

How can the country build the values inherent in a democracy when politicians switch political parties at the drop of a hat and when it suits their personal and group agenda?

At the inception of this democracy, the PDP was the strongest of the three dominant parties. It was the party to beat.

Politicians would give anything to be card-carrying members of a party that termed itself the largest party in Africa. The party even boasted it would rule for 60 years. That gave credence to its formidability.

The party was so dominant that it had a national spread that was unmatched by other political parties which only had a regional spread. For those seeking political office, to be given the flag of the PDP meant automatic ticket to the positions they aspired to. At the time, many had thought the dominance of the party might turn the country into a one-party state. But even at that, parties like the All Nigeria Peoples Party, the All

Progressive Grand Alliance and the Action Congress of Nigeria held influence at the state level with considerable number of seats in the National Assembly.

But with the successful merger of the major opposition parties leading to the 2015 elections, the APC and the PDP emerged as the two dominant parties. The dominance of the two parties meant that the country became effectively a two-party state.

With the 2015 elections fiercely contested by the two parties, one had thought the contest would evolve the much needed democratic culture needed to develop a healthy inter-party competition as we have seen in advanced democracies such as the United States of America where the Democratic Party and the Republican Party have a long history of producing political leaders that have made the country a bastion of democracy.

One had also thought that our politicians would realise the importance of growing a sustainable party culture. But soon after the elections, the PDP began to crumble with massive defections of its members. With the continued defections, our democracy is being put at risk.

The defections are worrisome and portray Nigerian politicians as selfish, myopic and visionless.

At the rate the party is being hollowed out by mass defections, it is doubtful if the PDP could remain as a formidable party in the next election cycle in 2019. If that should happen, it would be a shame for a party that had been in power for the entire period of

Nigeria’s democracy.

In spite of the shortcomings of the PDP, one would have thought that a party that had been in power for that long would have become an institution.

But the party has failed to institutionalise. For most of the 16 years in power, the party was built around individuals who were more powerful than it. For these influential party members, the party was only a tool to achieve their political ambitions.

At the state level, the governors, for example, controlled all the levers of power. It is thus not surprising that the party began to crumble as soon as the powerful individuals left the party. Another impediment that may hamper the PDP resurgence is the corruption scandal rocking the party. It may make efforts at reform difficult. In politics, perception is everything. But it behoves on the defecting party members to build the party.

Unless the PDP reforms itself or another party emerges before 2019 to challenge the APC, Nigerians may be confronted with the possibility of going into the elections with a weak opposition. This may be good news to the ruling APC but in the long run, it does not bode well for our democracy. The defections are instructive and show that politicians are selfish and will jump ship when they consider their interest threatened. In Anambra State, Mrs. Uche Ekwunife who had had her election nullified weeks ago has defected to the APC. Ditto for Chief Jim Nwobodo, Alao

Akala, Rasheed Ladoja. The list is endless.

Sadly, some politicians who are facing corruption charges in court are now defecting to the APC. Some of them can also not imagine a situation where they would be in political oblivion for the next four years. There is also a sense in which one sees these defections as a way of seeking protection.

This argument feeds into the widespread belief that defecting to the ruling party protects a politician from prosecution if they have been indicted of corruption. The argument to support this is that there are many politicians in the APC today who have been indicted of corruption but are walking free. Unless the APC debunks the claim and wipes its fold clean, the revelation does the party no good.

Accepting allegedly corrupt politicians who defect to swell its ranks also puts a question mark on the party’s change mantra.

As the country continues to evolve a democratic culture, our politicians must observe democratic norms of building strong political parties as a bulwark against arbitrariness and bad governance.

For our democracy to strive, we need an enduring and strong opposition party that is not built around individuals to provide the needed checks to the party in power. I believe there must also be sanctions for politicians who engage in defections as they have become an embarrassment to our polity.

A season of defections

By Bayo Olupohunda

T

he Nigerian political landscape is being swept by a tsunami of defections.

Politicians are changing party allegiance at a dizzying rate. At the rate politicians defect from one party to another, it won’t be long before Nigeria is turned into a one-party state. Since the ruling All Progressives Congress defeated the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2015 presidential election, a gale of defections is fast turning a once formidable party, or so we thought, into an endangered species.

Having been at the commanding heights of federal power since the return to democracy, there was no doubt that the defeat in the last elections threw the PDP into disarray of which it has yet to recover. Since its loss of power, its members have been quitting the party in droves. But the root of the PDP’s woes dates back to pre-2015 elections. It all started with the registration of the APC at a time the PDP was embroiled in a debilitating internal crisis.

Some key members of the party had defected to the newly formed the APC. Long before the return of democracy, Nigerian politicians had been known to hold no scruples when it came to dumping a political party to which they had once sworn allegiance. Indeed, for our politicians, the saying that in politics there are no permanent friends or enemies, but permanent interest is a truism.

Jibrin Ibrahim is a Fellow of the Centre for Democracy and Development and Chair of the Editorial Board of Premium Times.

Bayo Olupohunda is a Public Affairs Analyst.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

PAGE 13

Comment

Evaluating APC Kaduna imbroglio

By Auwal Ibrahim

I

happened to be a stooge supporter of the current governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, I was one of those who canvassed for him to win the election from the early stage. Despite the fact that we barely know each other, I still believe that Mairusau as he was popularly called is the messiah the people of Kaduna state are yearning for.

However, recent happening, particularly within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in the state has cast doubt in the minds of most of us who felt that the governor has arrogated to himself powers beyond what is obtainable in advance democracies of the world.

Many political observers who have followed the trends in Kaduna and are familiar with the recent developments, especially the botched suspension of Senator Shehu Sani, representing Kaduna central Senatorial district, would agree with me that the governor has erred, particularly with the way and manner the entire process was carried out.

As a governor of the state,

he automatically become the leader of party, who is expected to absolved and tolerate any form of opposition or criticism of his administration, be it from within or outside the party, especially when those criticism are constructive.

For those who know Senator Shehu Sani, and his antecedents, as a renown Human Right activist and also the President of the Civil Right Congress of Nigeria and leading figure in the struggle for democracy would understand that the vocal Senator will always speak his mind in respective who is involved, especially on an antipeople policies.

His growing popularity, couple with his vocal nature, has brought uneasy calm in the Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) which led to his concerted suspension by the Tudun Wada ward chapter of the party, without due consideration of the consequences of their action.

In a letter to the senator dated December 27, the party said the suspension is for a period of 11 months, and that he was also banned from engaging in party activities in Kaduna State during the period of suspension.

The party listed Mr. Sani’s offences to include, uttering statements that allegedly “violate the rules of engagement of the party, factionalizing the party, and engaging in antiparty activities by criticizing the policies of Governor Nasir ElRufai.”

What most people didn’t know was that the so called ward executives who were coerced to doing botched job were alleged to have been giving the whopping sum of 500,000 Naira at Murtala square, by fraudulently forging the signatures of the authentic executives and announced the suspension of the Senator.

Following these development, a chieftain of the party, Alhaji Abbas Ani, wrote a latter to the leadership of the party in Abuja alleging that the signatures in the letter, suspending Senator Shehu Sani, from the party was forged.

The legality of the suspension was also challenged by some leaders of the party in the state who in a statement, faulted the decision of the state executives, saying due process were not followed, among those who feel aggrieved by the decision of the state executive are Dr. Hakeem Baba - Ahmed, Ambassador Sule

Baba, Mataimaki John Miyashi among others.

The elders also condemned the process that led to the suspension and urged the warring factions to follow due process and lay down procedures as enshrine in the party’s constitution for the interest of the state and Nigerian at large.

Following this development, the Tudun Wada ward executives of the APC raised an alarm, saying they do not take part in the said meeting, therefore distanced themselves from suspension, saying none of the ward executive appended his signature or is even aware of the suspension (until it was made public).

Adding its voice on the matter, North-West zone of the party, described the suspension of the senator Sani, by the Kaduna State chapter of the party as illegal.

The Chairman of the party in the zone, Inuwa Abdulkadir, who was mandated by the national leadership of the party to reconcile and resolve the internal crisis rocking Kaduna APC, said as far as the national secretariat of the APC is concerned; Mr. Sani remained a bonafide member of the party.

The party leader also warned

aggrieved party members to desist from media campaign against one another.

The action of the ward executives has proven beyond reasonable doubt they are ignorant of the party’s constitution and they are acting on a script of the state executive of the party and Governor Nasir El Rufai.

If Senator Sani is guilty of these assertions made against him by the party, are there no ways to resolve this. As the governor of the state there are issues that are of top priority to the people of Kaduna state than picking a fight with someone who is only expressing his views.

I think Senator Sani has a right to his opinion as this is a democratic era where constructive criticisms would help Governor make the life of the people of the state enjoy the dividends of democracy in the state.

The ugly Scenario ongoing is only worsening the Governor’s image and the treatment being meted out to Mr. Sani is not the best way to handle political matters.

Auwal Ibrahim wrote in from Tudun Wada, Kaduna.

When Okuta people stood still for Melaye

By Prince Idris Afegbua

D

istinguish Senator Daniel Dino Melaye, (APC Kogi West) was on Saturday, January 9, 2016 turbaned Jarma of Okuta Kingdom by His Royal Highness, Alhaji Idris Serio Abubakar III. Senator Melaye, an apostle of good governance and transparency in government businesses was accorded his rightful place of honour by the Okuta Kingdom traditional council of Kwara State as Jarma. This honour was due to his consistent stance on the part of justice. The day will go down memory lane as a day of cultural marriage between the people of Okuta and Kogi State. The senator has been on the front burners of defending democracy and accountability in Nigeria.

In his share characteristic of appreciation and honesty, he thanked the Okuta traditional council and the people of the community for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to always be available to contribute his quota to the development of the area. He called on the people to support the senate under their illustrious son, Senator Bukola

Saraki, the senate president and anti-corruption drive of the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration for Nigeria to be a better place for all Nigerians and generation yet unborn.

Dignitaries that were in Okuta to honour the Senator were Senator Eta Enang, Special Assistant to the president on National Assembly (Senate) that represented President Muhammadu Buhari as well as Senator Rafiu representing Kwara South. Senators Abiodum Olujimi (Ondo) and Abubakar Kyari (Borno) represented the National Assembly. Kogi delegation was led by former Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Clarence Obafemi. Others are Pastor Femi Obalemo, Comrade Olu Majek and a host of others.

Senator Dino, an astute politician of a global repute first represented Kabba/Bunu/ Ijumu Federal Constituency of Kogi State in the House of Representatives in 2007 where he served as chairman House Committee on Information on National Orientation.

He was also member House Committee on Publicity Ethics and Privileges, Federal Capital

Territory (FCT).

The senator’s target as house member was to see that 100 motions and 20 bills are sponsored by him on the floor of the house in four years, while his legislative interest was appropriation, gas and oil, customs, communication and works. He was honoured with the honour of African Parliamentarian of the year 2009 in the United States of America.

Senator Daniel Dino Melaye, a graduate of the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna State of Nigeria, holds a BA in geography.

He was born to the family of Elder Jonah and Comfort Melaye of Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu in Kogi West Senatorial District.

He began his educational quest in Ijeoma Memorial School, Kano before going to Abdulazeez Attah Memorial School, Okene, graduating in 1986 before obtaining Bachelor of Arts in geography in 1999.

He sponsored the controversial motion to curb public and political office holders from seeking medical attention abroad, as well as the motion compelling the

Federal Ministry of Agriculture to disburse N200bn loan. On resuming at the 8th senate as senator, he was made chairman of Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Media & Publicity.

The senator has many constituency projects to his credit. For instance he carried out complete renovation on Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS) Gbede, Baptist School Iya Gbede and scores of boreholes in the area.

Senator Melaye is holder of many traditional titles. For instance, he holds the title of Otumba of Bunu Kingdom, Aragundad of Ogaji Amuro, Olugbeye of Gbede Gberuro of Ogidi, Ariyajope of Ekinrin of Adde, Asiwaju of Oke-Osin, Olugbeye of Ayetoro Gbede, Oluamosin of Okaro Gbede, Alutunshe of Oke-Ibunkun and Balogunwe of Obajana. By his coronation as Jarma of Okunta, Senator Melaye has become a citizen of Okunta of ancient Borgu Empire. It would be that in a congratulatory letter to the senator recently when he celebrated his birthday, the Kogi State governor-elect, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello signed

by Petra Akinti Onyegbule,

said, “Today, I join thousands of Kogi people to salute our hero of democracy and good governance, Sen. Dino Melaye on the auspicious occasion of his birthday. Melaye has been on the front burners of defending democracy and accountability in our polity”.

“As we look forward to building Kogi State from January 27, our government shall be banking on your democratic sagacity in restoring the confidence of the Kogi people in their own government”, he further stated.

The governor-elect enjoined Kogi youths to emulate the dynamic commitments of Senator Melaye to the unity and development of Nigeria and the growth of democracy, urging the people to support the Senator to consolidate on the impressive representation he is providing for the Kogi West people in the Senate.” It is a moral burden upon today’s people for relief of tomorrow, as so now we shall start reaping in no distant future.

Prince Idris Afegbua writes from Abuja.

PAGE 14

News

2016 budget: Education, health take lion share in Bauchi From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

E

ducation and health sectors took the lion share of 35 percent of the 2016 of the Bauchi state government budget.

The Permanent Secretary of the State Planning Commission, Mohammed Aminu Ibrahim while briefing newsmen on the budget breakdown yesterday in Bauchi, said out of the N135b budget proposal for 2016 fiscal year presented to State House of Assembly by Governor Mohammed Abubakar, education sector gulp 20 percent which amount to N26.7b and health sector received 15 percent which N19.7b.

According to him, construction and agriculture received 11and 7 percent which amount to N14.4b and 9.5b respectively.

He sated further that the sum of N7.3b and N3.4b were allocated to Water supply and rural development which is 5.4 and 2.5percent.

He gave the breakdown of the budget based on sectors as N5.7 b for Administrative sector, economic sector, N30.4b, Law and Justice Sector, N1.9b and Regional sector, N3.3b.

He said “Education being the bedrock of any development, priority has been accorded to this sector on provision of qualitative education. Projects and programs expected to bring about the attainment of qualitative education include purchase of furniture and fittings, supply of instructional materials, library books and equipments to the existing schools, construction of more public schools as well as rehabilitation of existing ones” Mohammed said the government also made provision for local and foreign scholarships for youth as well as training and retraining of teachers and recruitment of additional teachers.

According to him, “allocations made to the health sector will help improve and strengthen functional health services through purchase of health and medical equipments, constructions/provisions of hospital centers/Health in all senatorial districts, provision of infrastructures and purchase of drugs, medical equipment for hospitals as well as make service delivery effective.

The Permanent Secretary expressed the commitment of the present administration to improve all sectors of the economy with specific reference to Health, Education, Water supply, Transport, Agriculture, Human capital development and infrastructures.

He noted that the intervention of the state government on all these sectors will improve social development indicators of the state which according to him are necessary and sufficient conditions for sustainable growth and development.

“In the area of security, government will ensure that lives and properties of the states citizens will be protected, despite of all security challenges facing the the North East sub-region,” he said.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

Gombe records zero percent Lassa fever prevalence From David Hassan, Gombe

T

he Chief Medical Director at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, Dr. Abubakar Sa’id, has announced that the state has been cleared of any case of Lassa fever.

Dr. Sa’id made the

announcement when the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Folorunsho Adewole undertook an inspection of the facilities at the hospital in Gombe.

The Chief Medical Director said although a few cases of Lassa fever referred from Taraba and Bauchi state had been managed successfully,

Gombe state had no cases of Lassa fever.

“I am happy to announce that the suspected case we are currently managing has been found to be negative for Lassa, Dengue and Yellow Fever Viruses, Dr. Sa’id said.

Dr. Sa’id however, said the Federal Teaching Hospital,

Gombe lacked proper Isolation Ward to improve safety for staff and other patients.

The Minister of Health, Prof. Adewole said that despite record of no known confirmed cases of Lassa fever in the country in over two days, but that the public should be alert to such cases.

Light rail bridge being constructed across the Lagoon at Eko-Apongbon Bridge axis, yesterday in Lagos.

Photo: NAN

Bird Flu: Jigawa govt takes measures to prevent outbreak

D

r Abdullahi Haruna, Director of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Jigawa, said the state government was taking all necessary measures to prevent outbreak of Bird Flu in the state.

Haruna, a Veterinary doctor, said this while speaking with newsmen in Dutse on Tuesday.

He said that the surveillance and monitoring team along with doctors in the local government areas of the state would educate the people on how to identify a case of bird flu. ``We have taken all measures

to make sure that bird flu doesn’t come into Jigawa. We have offices, including desk officers specifically to take charge of that. ``We also have vehicles to go round the state in case of an outbreak of any nature,’’ Haruna said.

He said whenever there was any report of outbreak; the veterinary units would investigate and send samples of the infected birds to the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVR), Vom. The director said that when they received positive result from

the NVR, the affected farm would automatically be suspended from further operation.

According to him, the affected farm will also be depopulated to prevent further spread of the disease.

Haruna further said that if the disease happened to be different from bird flu, then the birds would be put on drugs.

He, therefore, urged poultry farmers in the state to take proactive measures to prevent the outbreak of the disease.

Haruna also advised farmers and other members of the public

to report any case of strange disease in their farms and in their birds to the nearest veterinary facility. ``If anyone notices any strange disease among his birds, or notices the death of five to 10 birds at a go, such cases should immediately be reported to any of our clinics in seven centres,’’ he said.

According to him, the ministry has veterinary clinics in Birniwa, Jahun, Hadejia, Birnin Kudu, Gumel, Kazaure and Ringim local government areas of the state.

(NAN)

scheme is a flagship programme of the Federal Government through which registered farmers have access to farm inputs like seeds, agro chemicals and fertiliser at subsidised rate via e-wallet.

The scheme is being expanded to include insurance, loans, and extension services; the programme is targeted at small holder farmers with the aim of increasing food production by 20 million tonnes.

Fara explained that the association is a brain child of the Federal Government, engaged to supply quality farm inputs to farmers under the scheme.

He said the association successfully delivered on their

mandate in the 2012/2013 farming season.

The chairman said members are yet to be paid for supply made in 2014/2015, following a change in government. ``We are being owed about N73 billion by the state and Federal Governments for over 20 months and we have decided not to participate in GES until we are paid. ``Some of our members, who are major players, have passed on without collecting their money and some are with high blood pressure.

“In fact, a member of ours now lives inside the church. ``Others have relocated from their places of residence because

the people they are owing money would not let them be and some have had their cars sold or seized. ``We have written letters to the President, the Minister of Agriculture, the Permanent Secretary, the National Assembly; committees on Agriculture of both chambers, and they promised that we will get paid latest first week of January. ``But up till now, there is no sign that this promise will be kept, `` he said.

The chairman said if the government wants to improve agriculture, produce food and save foreign exchange, it should pay serious attention to the farmers` complaint. (NAN)

N73bn debt: Agro dealers threaten to boycott GES

A

gro Dealers Association of Nigeria has threatened that its members will boycott the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme unless the government pays N73 billion debt owed its members.

The Chairman of the association, Mr Kabir Fara, dropped this hint in Abuja on Tuesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Fara expressed regrets that the debt had lasted for about 20 months.

He said the association would stage a protest in Abuja to draw Nigerians` attention to the plight of members.

NAN reports that the GES

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

PAGE 15

Benue Assembly takes step to address lingering fuel scarcity From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

B

enue House of Assembly yesterday summoned the Comptroller, Department of Petroleum Resources DPR, Makurdi Zonal office, Mr. Benjamin Yakubu to appear before it today.

Speaker of the House, Mr. Terkimbir Ikyange who gave the summon while ruling on a motion of urgent public importance raised by the member representing Vandeikya Tiev Constituency, Mr. Dominic Ucha also, directed the state government to disband the Archbishop Yimam Orkwar led task force on Petroleum Monitoring and Sale.

The lawmakers regretted the apparent redundancy of the DPR and the task force and urged the state government to constitute a more vibrant taskforce within 72 hours so as to curtail the lingering fuel scarcity in the state.

While moving the motion, Mr. Ucha had lamented that since the pronouncement by the Federal Government that major and independent marketers to sell Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at N86.00, the commodity became very scarce in Benue.

Mr. Ucha further stated that this ugly scenario had called for serious concern from Benue people and it had to be checked to alleviate the sufferings experienced by Benue people, stressing that most of the filling stations were closed down not because they had no fuel but just to create artificial scarcity in order to inflict hardship on Benue people and maximise undue profit.

In a related development, the Benue House of Assembly has urged the state Ministry of Health to enlighten the populace on measures that could enable them prevent the outbreak of Lassa fever in the state.

This was sequel to a motion of urgent public importance moved by the House Committee Chairman on Health, Dr Adoga Onah, representing PDP-Oju I Onah stated that a good number of states in the North such as Gombe, Taraba, Bauchi, Nasarawa among others were affected by the dreaded disease.

He stated that since the disease had affected some of the neighboring states to Benue, there was possibility of the disease spreading to the state if not properly handled.

L-R: Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Hon. Leo Ogor, members of the House of Representatives, Hon. Jerry Alagbaso, Hon. Lovette Idisi, and Hon. Ayodele Oladimeji, during a press conference by the PDP Caucus in House of Representatives on the detention of PDP spokesperson, Mr. Olisa Metuh by EFCC, yesterday at the National Assembly, in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Anambra Senatorial rerun: Oyegun, shuns Ekwenife at APC secretariat

By Umar Muhammad Puma

N

ational Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Oyegun yesterday shunned the newly defected Senator Uche Ekwunife, when she visited the party national secretariat in Abuja.

Ekwenife who formally announced her defection to APC at the weekend from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made a surprise appearance at the

national secretariat of the APC at about 1 pm in a black Mercedes, with registration number BWR 180 RP and was seen moving from one office to the other without any of the party officials attending to her.

Sources at the party secretariat told newsmen that the national chairman of the APC was not billed to see the former senator.

One of the sources said that the former senator was at the party secretariat to lobby the party

leaders for her to secure Anambra senatorial ticket without going through the primary.

When newsmen approached the stranded defector to clarify some issues regarding her defection, she simply looked the other way and said she was not in the mood to talk.

Ekwunife at the weekend revealed that she joined the APC because the PDP was no longer interested in winning the Anambra Central senatorial election which is

expected to hold in March.

She said part of her reason was to ensure that her people are well and equitably represented and have a voice in the national government.

Reacting to the development, Minister for Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, had however said that the former PDP senator will not be given an automatic ticket to contest for the Anambra Central Senatorial election in March, 2016.

Dasukigate: PDP Reps give EFCC 48 hours to release Metuh

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus in the House of Representatives yesterday gave 48 hours ultimatum to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release its spokesperson, Olisah Metuh.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, leader of the group, Rep. Leo Ogor (PDP, Delta), accused the anti graft agency of being biased and preferential in its treatment saying that it cannot be “different strokes for different folks.”

Ogor who is the House Minority Leader, explained that the laws of the land stipulated an individual can be held for a period of time and if not charged should be free to go. Noting that their grudge is that he has been

held for about 10 days and not been charged to any competent court of jurisdiction.

According to him, if Metuh is found guilty in a court of law he should be made to face the consequences of his actions adding that the EFCC cannot be the persecutor and the judge.

“We want to lay emphasis on due process, we are not in support of corrupt attitude or actions, I will lay emphasis on due process and the rule of law and the issue here again is the arrest, the voice of the PDP who is Chief Olisa Metuh.

“As a House we condemn it totally and we insist that within the next 48 hours, Olisah Metuh should be given administrative bail or be taken before a competent court of jurisdiction where he can be tried and

if pronounced guilty be made to face the consequence.

“The action of the EFCC as it stands today negates the principle of the laws that run the commission, it offends the fundamental rights of Olisa Metuh, it is more like pronouncing him guilty before he is put forward for trial.

“On this same issue that borders on the transfer of funds, who was also arrested on the same subject matter, Isa Jafaru was detained by the EFCC and in less than 8 hours was given administrative bail after the chairman of the EFCC visited Aso Rock.

“We are not saying that somebody is guilty but it is not in our position, and I repeat not in the position of any other person by a competent jurisdiction to pronounce anybody

guilty.

“EFCC lacks the power to say refund money, it is the courts, if he was asked to use those money for specific assignment, if he has said he has used the money and it is not there, it is now for him to defend his action in a competent court of law, “he said.

The Minority House Leader further said that as House, they will look into the said $2.1bn because the legislature never approved such sum of money adding that if need be they will approach the international community to seek redress.

“We are not saying that somebody is guilty but it is not in our position, and I repeat not in the position of any other person but only by a competent court of jurisdiction to pronounce anybody guilty, “he added.

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

Politics

Force PDP looters to return funds – Jalo tells Buhari From Ado Abubakar Musa, Jos

T

he Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the People Democratic Party (PDP), Barrister Abdullahi Jalo has told President Muhammadu Buhari to force all the PDP members who had benefited from the $2.1b arms deal to return the money.

Jalo who was reacting on the arms deal scandal on the Hausa Service of the BBC monitored in Jos said that all the money collected from Dasuki arms deal

by PDP members were illegal and therefore he didn’t take money that was illegal, adding that that was why he was not part of the scandal.

According to Jalo, even though the scandal affected most PDP members that would not affect the PDP as a party because the alleged looters did not collect the money in the name of the party but in the name of their personal companies, adding that as a stakeholder in the party he was not given a penny out

the money collected by some chieftains of the party.

He said, “I call on President Muhammadu Buhari to force them return the money collected from the arms deal. Nobody told me when the money was collected because they know that I don’t

take illegal money.

“Although most of them are PDP members but that would not affect the party in anywhere.

The PDP is the mother while those who have benefited from the scandal are her children,” he added.

He further said that whoever found guilty in arms scam should be punished appropriately, noting that if Jonathan had won the 2015 presidential election, the alleged PDP members would have succeeded without further investigation.

While blaming some of the accused party members for having direct hands in the arms scandal and exonerating PDP as a party, he however explained that legal money often came directly from the National Chairman not like it was shared to some people.

LG polls: Niger Electoral commission abandons Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara (2nd left), Leader of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila (2nd right), and Chief Whip, Hon. Ado Doguwa (right), during the resumption of the House of Representatives from the Christmas and New Year card readers holiday, yesterday at the National Assembly, in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa for manual accreditation Dasukigate: PDP never told Jonathan to speak out – Secondus From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

T

he Niger State Independent Electoral Commission, NSIEC, had planned to abandon the use of the card reader machines for the accreditation of voters in the Saturday 16th local government elections.

A reliable source close to the commission told our reporter that the commission was considering the use of the manual accreditation of voters in the polls.

It was learnt yesterday that the commission had not been able to access the card reader machines from the Independent Electoral Commission in the state which has necessitated the search for an alternative means of accrediting voters during the election.

It was reliably gathered that the commission claimed not to have money to bring the card readers to the state and some of the machines cannot be tempered with now as they were awaiting tribunal verifications at the headquarters of the commission in Abuja a source told our reporter.

By Ahmed Abubakar

T

he Acting National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus has debunked media reports that the party has asked former President Goodluck Jonathan to speak-up on the Arms deal saga presently being investigated by the Economics and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Secondus who stated this yesterday said that at no time did the National Working Committee (NWC) and the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party called on former President Goodluck Jonathan to speak out on the arms deal scandal.

Secondus, who made this remark while fielding questions from newsmen yesterday at the meeting of the committee for the review of PDP constitution in Abuja dispelled media reports credited to the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Abdullahi Jalo where he called on the former President to break his silence on the Dasukigate.

Secondus said that Jalo merely

expressed his personal views and not that of the party. “Maybe he was expressing his own views. There was no time we discussed such issue at the National Working Committee (NWC) or at the National Executive Committee (NEC), so Jalo must be expressing his personal views.”

The PDP acting chairman dispelled claims that the Dasukigate has cast negative image on the party stating that members of other parties were involved in the scam.

“Do you know what has happened to the other parties?

There was one Jaafar Isa. Is he not a member of APC? Has he also cast bad image on the APC? We were also told that cars and monies were delivered to highly placed persons on the other side.”

While urging the EFCC Chairman to release the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, Secondus reiterated that the PDP is not against the fight against corruption but stated that it should be holistic and follow the due process of law.

“We are saying that the rule of law must be applied to all and sundry. If there is any member

from APC, if there is any member from PDP, the rule of law should apply and we are asking Magu, the EFCC chairman to urgently release our national publicity secretary because it is a bail able offence and it is an allegation.

“Unless and until the court of law makes pronouncements, if that is not done, I believe that the chairman of EFCC cannot constitute himself into an investigative body and at the same time a court of law to pass judgement on individuals.

“So he should know the limit of his powers as provided for by the constitution. It is the court of law that will rule and pass judgement and of course nobody will disobey the judgement of the court. As long as Magu is not the court of law, he should not pass judgement.”

On violence that characterised recent elections in the country especially that of Kogi and Bayelsa, Secondus urged the federal government to do a post-mortem of the elections stating that the country is degenerating to a situation the country is incapable of organising elections.

He decried the spate of inconclusive elections in both states

wondering why elections in the two states were conducted twice which he noted was not so in the past.

Secondus stated that a situation where security agencies participate in elections makes the exercise void, lamenting that those security agencies were under specific instruction to harass, intimidate and arrest members of the opposition. “If this continues in our country, it would not portend any progress at all”, he said.

“It is important that government must review before any election if not, we are sliding into anarchy and confusion and crisis. A lot of crisis, we don’t need this crisis.

We have insurgency in the North East, we don’t this crisis in the South or elsewhere, unless there is a deliberate policy by APC to divide the country, people are not happy”, he said.

“Election is election people should freely exercise their right without security agencies participating. In fact I was told yesterday that a group of armed soldiers invaded Ogoniland to arrest party opponents because of election. If this continue it will not be good for our country”.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

Group hails APC alleged planned cancellation of AMAC primaries

By Ochiaka Ugwu

A

political pressure group and an appendage of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Emma Ezeazu Mandate Unity Group has commended the alleged move by the National leadership of the ruling party to cancel the just concluded APC Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Chairmanship primary.

The group in a press statement released in Abuja and signed by its Chairman, Asuzu Echezona said that feelers from a caucus meeting of the party show that the party has decided to cancel the December 16, 2015 Local Government chairmanship primary and order a fresh primary.

They stated that the cancelled primary was adjudged by party stakeholders, independent observers and the media as highly unfair, unjust and inconclusive.

While maintaining that even the purported conduct of the primaries itself was fraught with large scale irregularities ranging from flawed accreditation process, abuse of the ballot process, intimidation of delegates and failure by the returning officer to announce any of the contestant as the winner of the primary, they held that in the countdown to the re-scheduled primaries, they urge the party leadership to provide a level playing ground for all contestants by ensuring the inclusion of all previously excluded aspirants, proper accreditation of genuine delegates, transparent voting process, and results declaration.

According to the statement, “With the latest intervention by the party’s national leadership in the crisis bedevilling APC AMAC, there is an upswing in the mood of party members.

The expectation is that the successful conduct of a free, fair and credible party primaries would not only lead to the emergence of a popular APC candidate but would also re-assure party members in the FCT that the APC is demonstrably committed to its founding ideals of justice, peace and unity”.

Reacting to the statement, the Director General of Hon. A. A. Candido Campaign Organisation, Yakubu Francis dismissed the allegation as a wishful thinking.

PAGE 17

Politics

Be patient with Buhari, APC chieftain, Mumuni begs Nigerians

By Ochiaka Ugwu

F

ormer governorship candidate of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in Lagos State, Ambassador Nurain Mumuni, has urged Nigerians to be patient with President Muhammadu Buhari in his drive to return the country back to the path of sanity, especially as it concerns his efforts to wipe out corruption.

Speaking during an interview with newsmen, Mumuni, described Buhari as a passionate and caring leader with best intentions for the masses.

His words, ‘’Nigerians should be patient and not be in a hurry. Buhari means well for the country. He is a selfless leader who cares more about the well being of the masses.

At 73, there is nothing he has not seen in life. He’s working to enthrone sustainable democracy and vibrant economy that could stand the test of time in Nigeria.

All we need to do is to support, encourage and pray for him.’’

Mumuni said ‘’Virtually all Nigerians are conscious of the fact that the rot inherited by Buhari administration from the immediate past government, especially as it revolves around corruption which was perpetrated with impunity by the

PDP-led government will take a great deal of efforts to be cleared.

In the last six years, our system had been so bastardised and it will take some time for Buhari to fix things.’’ Mumuni noted.

According to Mumuni, “We can discern clearly that Buhari

is trying to make things work.

His clarity of purpose is as unmistakable as his sincerity.

Nigerians should try to be patient with him. We all have a critical role in the ongoing nation building process, so we should all remain focused.’’

The APC chieftain however urged Nigerians to see Buhari’s emergence as divine intervention

by God. ‘’Buhari’s emergence as President of Nigeria was God’s solution to the multi-faceted problems confronting the country.’’

Ambassador Nurain Mumuni

Saraki meets Buhari, declines comment on missing budget

By Lawrence Olaoye

S

enate President, Bukola Saraki yesterday met with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Villa shortly after news broke out that the 2016 appropriation bill he submitted to the National Assembly for consideration was missing.

Although details of the meeting were not made available to newsmen, there were indications that the issue of the purported missing budget was discussed in

the short meeting.

There were reports that the Senate Leader, Mohammed Ali Ndume, stunned his colleagues during an executive session yesterday when he told them that deliberations on the 2016 estimates could not proceed because both the soft and hard copies of the documents had been stolen.

This issue of missing budget is coming ahead of earlier speculations that the President had ordered the withdrawal of the appropriation bill he earlier

submitted to the National Assembly for corrections.

It was rumoured that Buhari ordered the withdrawal based on barrage of criticisms which trailed some provisions and sub-heads contained in the draft document considered objectionable by some members of the public.

Pressed for comments on the development after meeting with the President, Saraki merely exclaimed “ahahahah” and hurried into his car.

When contacted on real situation of things at the Presidency,

Buhari’s Senior Special Assistant on media and publicity, Shehu Garba said “Nobody except the President can withdraw the budget.

“As far as we know, he hasn’t done that.

The copies in their hundreds have been delivered to both chambers of the National Assembly.

By tradition, once the budget is submitted, it ceases to be our property.

Enquiries as to where it is should be directed to the appropriate quarters.”

PDP laments dissemination of false reports on Metuh

By Ahmed Abubakar

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised publications in some media against the person of party’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Special Assistant to the NPS, Richard Ihediwa that its office has noted the desperations to use a section of the media to spur public sentiments against the PDP spokesman, who has been in the EFCC custody since last Tuesday.

He stated that, “Chief Metuh believes that the continued false reports in the media, the latest being the publication claiming that he told investigators that he would “rather

starve than refund any money”, is part of the blackmail and scheme to pitch him against the public”.

He noted that, “The grand design to sway the public and derail the course of proper investigation started with misleading and malicious reports that Chief Metuh made away with N1.4 billion arms deal cash and had been receiving a monthly N4 million stipend from the Office of the National Security Adviser. When this deliberate falsehood could not be sustained, it was adjusted to him receiving N400 million from ONSA”.

“This office wishes to state categorically that Chief Metuh has fully cooperated with investigators within his constitutionally guaranteed rights. In exercise of his rights, he has since given his

statement to the EFCC wherein he submitted that he received the sum of N400 million from the former President for an assignment, which he executed to the satisfaction of the former President.

He stated further that, “in further exercise of his rights, Chief Metuh has also indicated his readiness to make public the nature of this assignment, but only in an open court in line with the laws of the land, and where his statement would not be distorted by anybody”.

“Chief Metuh therefore believes that his continued incarceration and failure to charge him to court are deliberately intended to prevent him from telling his own story in the open court for all Nigerians to know”.

“We wish to state that contrary

to the impression that the issue of N400 million was a product of investigation, it was actually a product of Chief Metuh’s voluntary statement”.

He stated that, “Chief Metuh had since informed that sometime in December 2015, the ONSA published an invitation to companies they believed executed contracts for it for a chat”.

“Upon ONSA invitation via a text message, Chief Metuh, regardless of the fact that he did not execute any contract for the Office, appeared before the ONSA panel, wherein he presented his company’s statement of account showing that the sum of N400 million paid on the instruction of the ex-President for an assignment was traceable to the ONSA account”.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

PAGE 18

Politics

Lasun decries poor perception of legislative arm

L-R; President Muhammadu Buhari, National Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Deputy National Chairman (North), Mr. Lawal Shuaibu, Deputy National Chairman (south), Chief Olusegun Oni, and National Secretary, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, during the APC, National Working Committee interactive meeting with President Buhari, on Monday night at the State House, in Abuja.

By Umar Muhammad Puma

P

Photo: Joe Oroye

Gov Badaru debunks alleged use of N400m for PDP decampees From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Dutse

G

overnor Muhammad Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa state has dismissed an allegation by the state PDP Chairman, Alhaji Salisu Mamuda, published in one of the national dailies that over 400 million naira from the government coffers were used for the invitation of APC governors, Speaker House of representatives, Senators and ministers to attend the defection ceremony of 350,000 PDP members to APC in the state.

A statement made available to Peoples Daily by the Special

Adviser to the governor on media affairs, Malam Bello Muhammad Zaki, said that the cost of hosting the entire decamping ceremony was virtually the responsibility of the All Progressives Congress (APC) being major beneficiary as political party not the state government as alleged.

It further disputed that, “This is a false and baseless allegation existing only in the fertile imagination of persons so disturbed by defeat and erosion of membership base”, stressing that the public funds, were in whatever reason related to the baseless claim, not suffered as they were

only meant for the development of the state.

Meanwhile, following further allegations by the opposition PDP on the postponement of local government council’s elections in the state, the statement has similarly distanced the state governor from engaging in any action capable of manipulating the activities of the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) as it was constituted by law to operate independently.

“I also wish to draw the attention of the PDP that, Jigawa State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) is an

independent body set under the law to run its affairs accordingly, therefore free to do so without the interference of the state government; thus, the present administration under Governor Badaru does not tamper with its activities, or the activities of any other similar organisations in the state”, Zaki stated.

He suggested that if any decision taken by the SIEC in the state in relation to the regulation of local government council’s elections goes contrary to the wish of any political party in contest, the affected party should sue the commission.

GEJ should explain his role in arms deal saga – Jalo

By Ahmed Abubakar

T

he former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has been charged to explain his role in the $2.1billion arms deal that is currently being investigated by the Economics and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), The former president was also asked to come out clean on whether he actually directed for the disbursement of the funds meant for arms purchase to fight the insurgents to individuals’ personal accounts.

Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Abdullahi Jalo who addressed the press at the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday said the former President Jonathan is still alive and should clear the air instead of allowing the issue to be tried in public courts.

Jalo said the public should be guided on the prevailing issue that the PDP shouldn’t be held responsible if certain Individuals within the PDP have had accesses to public funds through their various private companies.

According to him the arms fund was an appropriation of the National Assembly to which the former President and Former National Security Adviser, Dasuki Sambo were aware of and if they are found guilty should readily face the consequence of their actions in the courts.

Jalo who maintained that it is wrong for any party member to usurp the arms money inspire that the party had earlier raised enough money for campaigns at the dinner held at the banquet Hall of the villa where supporters of the party made various donations.

He maintained that that fund was different from the arms fund

and those who collected the Arms fund do so at their own risks and should be treated as individuals rather than rubbing it off on the party.

He said any member of the party who wishes to go and bail any officer of the party would be doing so one’s own individual capacity not as a representative of the party even as he demanded those who collected money to prove that the money was spent on the party.

In his words: “Darkness has now come to light, that some people have collected money, not just PDP we are talking of all those that have collected money from an act of the National assembly and taken under the guise of campaigning for Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

“Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is alive, has he ever directed that money for arms should be disbursed for his campaign.

“No one is a fool, it is known

to us that money meant for campaigns were given to chairmen of various political parties.

“Billions were collected at the Banquet hall at the dinner with the money meant for the campaign.

The theme of that dinner was to raise money for that purpose, Dangote donated, Otedola donated.

“Olisa Metuh had a company, Dextra Investment Limited, what does that have to do with PDP”, he insists.

“Let us put the records straight, let any of them make their claims of spending the money on PDP. “Diversion of funds on the Act of the National Assembly is a criminal offence.

“PDP has no business with individuals who used their personal companies to get these monies. They should explain themselves and if they spent the money on PDP, they should prove it”, Jalo demanded.

roblems facing parliamentarians across the globe came to the front burner yesterday at the 23rd Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth, as they urged that they should find a means of resolving those problems.

Some of the speakers that delivered papers at the on-going Conference holding in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia including the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sulaimon Lasun Yussuff expressed concern over the poor perception of the legislative institution by citizens.

Speaking at a workshop to analyze papers presented by various speakers on the challenges facing the independence of speakers, the Deputy Speaker who led the Nigerian Delegation to Malaysia said that it is rather unfortunate that citizens see legislators as parasites who contribute nothing to governance.

Lasun lamented that all over the world people see legislators as parasites that are just collecting money without doing anything.

“When you say that you are a Legislator or you are representing and have oversight functions to perform, the public still don’t believe in those functions, they see legislators as parasites that have no function to perform.

We are bedeviled by such perception, but as long as we try hard to change this perception, it could only be done by the functions we carried out”.

The Deputy Speaker however, threw the question to his colleagues to proffer solution to the issue of public perception of the legislative functions and for the public to realise that without the legislative arm, there cannot be a democracy.

Others raised the issues facing the independence of speakers and the need for the administrative and financial independence of the legislature.

They argued that a speaker cannot be independent if the institution he leads cannot freely decide on its spending and day to day running. “We are reminded at this point of the old adage, “he who pays the piper calls the tune”.

The executive still dominates the legislative process and purposefully deprives the parliament of muchneeded resources to fulfill its constitutional role”.

The speakers’ conviction at the conference is that continued interference by the government in the financial administration of parliament only helps to perpetuate executive dominance and seriously undermine the independence of the institution and its leadership.

Page 19

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

Banks to set up solid minerals desks - Fayemi

T

he Minister for Solid Minerals Development, Mr Kayode Fayemi, has said that many Nigerian banks will set up solid minerals desks before the end of this year.

Fayemi announced this while receiving the President, Prof. Gbenga Okunlola of the

Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said the proposed desks would assist the sector as investors would have access to funds and professional counseling.

The Minister said the banks’

Chief Executives had assured to collaborate with the ministry to set up solid minerals desks.

He urged the NMGS leadership to avail the sector with experts to move it forward, strengthening and capacity building.

“It is no longer business as

usual. We will implement the Nigerian Mining and Minerals Act (2007) to the letter,” he said.

Earlier, Prof Okunlola pledged that the NMGS would support the two ministers to realise President Muhammadu Buhari’s plan to diversify the economy and create jobs

through solid minerals.

According to him, the society is convinced that the ministers will bring the desired turn around to the sector based on their wealth of experience.

The society commended the ministers for the plan to set up such desks. (NAN)

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Inspiration FM, Lagos, Charles Supo-Orija, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc., Nnamdi Okonkwo, Founder, LEAP Africa, Ndidi Nwuneli, and Divisional Head, Managed SMEs, Fidelity Bank Plc., Ken Opara, during the Fidelity SME Forum, yesterday in Lagos.

SEC earmarks N5bn as Investors Protection Fund

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria has set aside N5 billion in the National Investors Protection Fund (NIPF) to compensate investors for pecuniary losses arising from the insolvency, bankruptcy or negligence of non-broker/ dealer capital market operators.

The Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mounir Gwarzo, who stated this at a Capital Market Committee (CMC) press briefing held in Lagos, explained that the fund is a temporary measure to cushion the effect of losses market operators encounter in the market.

With the NIPF’s establishment, Gwarzo noted that Nigeria has joined an elite group of countries with similar kind of investor compensation scheme.

“This is a very historic day for the Nigerian capital market and indeed the entire economy because with the NIPF’s establishment, Nigeria joins an elite group of a handful of countries with this kind of investor compensation scheme.

“While dozens of jurisdictions have functional investor protection funds run mainly by Exchanges and their dealing members, Nigeria is now among only a few countries to have a National Investor Protection Fund, to compensate investors for pecuniary losses arising from the insolvency, bankruptcy or negligence of non-broker/ dealer capital market operators.”

He noted that since the 2008 financial crisis in which the Nigerian stock market lost about 70 per cent of its value, investor confidence was eroded, while the apathy still

impacts the state of the market.

This, coupled with the prevailing macroeconomic environment, he said, has been a major impediment to market recovery. “ The SEC which has a dual mandate of regulating and developing the capital market has put in place several reform measures to restore investor confidence and attract investors back to the market. “ Today we are here to commemorate the culmination of one of those initiatives.” He added.

He pointed out that the 10year Nigerian capital market Master Plan, which has become SEC’s guiding document, considers the investor protection fund as a critical ingredient for restoring and sustaining investor confidence, adding that this has necessitated the urgent establishment of the fund.

Gwarzo noted that, the NIPF and other capital market initiatives have received priority attention since the new Management at SEC assumed duty.

“The SEC has played its part and will continue to take its investor protection mandates with all seriousness. We have provided the take-off grant for the initial operation of this Fund. “ Going forward however, the entire capital market community should come together to discuss details of how we can all contribute to continued funding for this critical market vehicle.”

He said the Commission would ensure that the fund is used to compensating investors in accordance with the gules guiding its operation.

Gwarzo added that the Verification Committee will quickly commence its assignment

by scrutinizing the already processed compensation claims so that hopefully we may soon begin to see beneficiaries from the Fund emerge.

On the refusal to list by telcos, Gwarzo advocated that now is the time to ensure that telcos are listed.

He said that 90 percent of quoted companies in the country adhere strictly to corporate governance ethics in running their companies.

His words: “There is no quoted company in the country that evade tax because of strict adherence to corporate governance.

Government should insist that these companies are listed and those not listed should be made to face said me consequences in form of sanctions. “ I know if government does this, these companies will be forced to list on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange”.

Page 20

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

Aviation

Lagos Commissioner laud Medview’s Jeddah flight operations

A

s Nigeria airline, Medview Airline successfully launched its Jeddah flight operations, Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. AbdulHakeem Abdullateef said that the days when Nigerians will spend over 10 hours going through other countries and sometimes be delayed for days to make it to Saudi Arabia is now a thing of the past.

The elated commissioner said that the flight is bringing back those year of yore when the country’s national carrier used to ply that route.

He said, “For long Nigerians

have suffered the stress of going through some other countries and then being frustrated by the fact that they are foreigners in those countries. Many of them would keep transit of 10 hours, 13 hours just to get to Saudi Arabia but this (Medview operation) has replaced the frustration and now Nigerians would begin to benefit from what they used to benefit during the era of Nigerian Airways.”

“There are many Nigerians who just want to go and observe Friday, Saturday at Haram, you can go on a day like this (Thursday), observe it tomorrow and come back on Sunday

because they have an early morning flight by 4: 00 am in Saudi Arabia which is 2:00 a.m in Nigeria, which means by 8, you are in Lagos and by extending it, Lagos through Kano to Saudi Arabia, it is a comprehensive package and it would save us.”

“Nigeria is a big country. There was a time I went through one of the airlines and because of the fact that we missed our flight which was a cause of that Airline, we were delayed for 13 hours and all that would be a thing of the past.

He also called for the reestablishment of a national carrier stating that the benefits far

outweigh the detriments especially the fact that it would help launder the country’s image above.

“I would ask Nigerians to understand that our economy is one economy that would grow by the day, with the way Mr. President is fighting corruption, we believe that the aviation sector would also be touched and that our safety measure because safety first in all that we are doing, some of the other countries have national carrier, they should work towards the return of our national carrier because it sells us abroad and it tells much about our image.”

Aero-Flight

Katsina Airport sets to add considerable value to revenue pool, FAAN MD

W

ith the airport nearing complete turnaround, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Engr Saleh Dunoma has explained that the Katsina Airport terminal, which would be commissioned soon by the federal government will be another major source of revenue to the the agency.

Speaking while on an inspection tour of facilities at the terminal, he noted that the authority is presently putting finishing touches toward the final takeover of the new terminal.

Mr. Dunoma highlighted the strategic importance and relevance of the airport as an alternate airport to key airports in the northern part of the nation, adding that the terminal would add substantial value to the revenue generation drive of the organisation through annual hajj operations.

He also stated that FAAN would continue to prioritise safety and security in line with international best practices.

Aero at the brink of collapse, union alleges, urges AMCON to scrutinise mgt

Stories Lagos

A

from

Suleiman

Idris,

ll appears not to be well with Nigeria foremost airline, Aero Contractors as the airline staff have sent a distress signal to the management of the Assess Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) to urgently rescue the airline from what they described as manipulation of the company’s records by a powerful cabal.

Staff of the airline had in recent time cry out over the dwindling fortune of the airline that has bring it to the point of bankruptcy.

In an eight paged document addressed to the Managing Director of AMCON, General Secretary of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Olayinka Abioye and his Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) counterpart , Rotimi Kehinde on behalf of the staff implored AMCON to investigate its present representative alongside the board members of Aero.

The document alleged numerous fraudulent practices and embezzlement orchestrated by the management of Aero, the

Board of Aero and AMCON and representative and call for a forensic Audit to be carried out with the intervention of ICPC or the EFCC to look into how tax payers’ money invested in Aero has been embezzled by a few individuals.

The unions said that AMCON took over the loans of Aero from Eco bank at an undisclosed discounted rate, and made a decision to invest in Aero to turn the fortunes of the airline around, according to them, unfortunately there were a lot of middle men who just wanted to use Aero as a front to siphon tax payers money from AMCON. The union alleged,” These people who were majorly AMCON senior management staff seconded to the board of Aero with Aero management devised various ways of siphoning money from AMCON in the name of Aero. Those management staff in Aero who did not cooperate with their plan were either sacked or advised to resign. Some of the ways they orchestrated to siphon tax payers monies out of AMCON in the name aero are listed below.”

“N266M (Two Hundred and Sixty Two Million Naira) was paid in the name Austen Peters

& Co and the monies transferred to one Alpine Gates Company for alleged Negotiated settlements fee to AMCON as consultancy fee.

On further investigation it was discovered that this money were just being siphoned from aero in the name of consultancy fees and passed back to a beneficiaries in AMCON.” “$250.000 (Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars) was paid twice in favour of Bayo – Negotiation &Finalization of restructuring with AMCON and was also reflected on our invoices as general vendor for consultancy fees. These monies were taken away by AMCON staff even while the company was undergoing serious cash crunch.”

“AMCON claims to have reinvested almost ten billion Naira in Aero since taking it over sometime in 2011 but this monies have always found their way back to the pockets of private individuals who go abroad to negotiate aircraft lease without any technical experience and even most times over bloated lease rates which being a burden on the company.”

“Over a million dollars was paid to Wall & Ace as legal fees to advice management on industrial dispute which should ordinarily

have been settled by it human resource department. Most of these monies were paid in dollars as against the CBN act that prohibits indigenous transactions to be paid in dollars.”

“Recently 9 million dollars was transferred to a company, Embraer for the purchase of aircraft, only for the staff to be told after a few months that the deal has been called off by AMCON and the monies trapped with Embraer. We have no idea how such money could just be lost and yet all still count as Aero indebtedness to AMCON.” “A lot of proxy companies were open to serve the sole purpose of milking the company dry. One of such firms is Skybourne Logistic created to take over all the employees of aero and manage them at a cost of extra 25%, but these was resisted by the unions which lead to the dismissal off all staff and closing down of the company in march 2013. But the senate and industrial court upturned the decision.”

“Skybourne Logistics was also collecting N980 (Nine Hundred and Eighty Naira) per boarding pass which should ordinarily cost less than N25 (Twenty Five Naira) a piece, this amounts to over 60 Million Naira monthly

until the unions fought for the deal to be cancelled and it was reduced to N250 and after much pressure finally to N130 which it is today.

“Another Proxy contract was Greater Washington Logistics which was collecting 70 percent of our total cargo and ancillary revenue from excess and giving us 30 percent but after the unions exposed and fought for it to be reviewed, it was reversed we keep 70 percent while they keep 30 percent.” “There is also a case where the Cross River State Government paid Four Million dollars to Aero in 2013 to service their Dash-8-200 which they purchased from the Rivers State Government to operate into Obudu Cattle Ranch. This money was shared between Aero management and AMCON representatives in Aero Board.

Currently Aero is undertaking the repairs with money made from scheduled services, while those who shared this money walk free.”

The Unions hence said there was an urgent need for a proper management team of technocrats and upright characters to take over the management of the company and look into all the injustices in the system.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

Page 21

Pension/Insurance

FG set to review insurance laws

Stories from Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

T

he Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun yesterday, assured Federal Government plans to review the

Insurance Consolidated Bill to ensure efficiency and growth of the industry in the country.

According to a statement yesterday in Abuja by the Director of Press, Ministry of Finance, Mr Marshal Gundu, the move aimed

to make the Bill conform to the ideals of contemporary insurance practice.

She said that the review would form the basis of a new draft bill, which would be sent to the National Assembly for consideration.

She said a committee had been constituted to carry out the review and make its findings known in three months.

According to the minister, the Terms of Reference of the committee include a critical review

of the draft Insurance Consolidated Bill to make it a framework or principle-based legislation.

She said that the review also aimed to align the insurance sector with the powers of other financial regulators in the country.

L-R: Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, receiving a document from National President, National Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Mr. Essien Ezekiel, during the visit of NASSI’s delegation to the minister, on Monday in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

Anchor set to increase Expert lists insurance policyholders to five million penetration impediment

I

n a renewed effort aimed at improving its bottom line as well as enhancing insurance perpetration, Anchor Insurance Plc has disclosed plans to increased its registered policyholders to five million.

The Managing Director of the company Mayowa Adeduro who made the disclosure in Lagos during the company’s New Year/ get together stated that if a single telecom company could boost of over 100 million Nigerians as subscribers, an insurance company could also have five million as policyholders.

Adeduro assured that aside from oil and gas business which has never been favorably for local underwriters, Anchor would in 2016 focus on growing its customer base through the use of IT and innovation to attract the youth into the business.

“If just a single telecommunication company has over hundred million Nigerians in their platform why can’t any insurance company be proud of having five million Nigeria as registered policy holders.

“This is the vision we have in Anchor insurance away from oil and gas business.

Yes we are still in the business of oil and

gas no doubt but a situation where you do a business and 70 per cent of that business goes to foreign reinsurance is no business.

We are thinking of a business you will do in Nigeria and retain in Nigeria and contribute to our bottom line”, he said.

He noted that the use of agents in its retail business has been of immense support adding it accounted for about 23 per cent its gross premium income in 2015.

“Retail business is a big area of growth in Nigeria, because the insurance industry is sure of the population, without which the industry cannot really reach the people at the grassroot” Retail business if taken serious by insurance industry, should be able to create jobs for Nigerians by empowering the youths through product innovations. These products will help to alleviate the suffering of the people at the grassroot thereby creating jobs for unemployed Nigerians He opined that the agents were able to sustain confidence in the company as result of lot term relationship and partnership which the firm have over time build which made them see the company as theirs .

Adeduro assured that the company has agency network of over 300 spread across the country.

T

he Group Managing Director Royal Exchange Plc, Chike Mokwunye has identified poor disposable income and poor image due to lack of trust/perception about insurance by the general public as factors responsible for low insurance penetration in Nigeria Others, he said include lack of awareness, competition through pricing/ mispricing of risk, lack of reserves/ resources required for research and development of new products/channels, concentration on the elite class, corporate-clientele and public sector, lack of product/channel development aimed towards the bottom of the pyramid among others.

According to him, in Nigeria, households, businesses especially the small and medium scale enterprises and the informal sector demonstrated low level of financial literacy.

Noting that they often lack sufficient awareness of the risks to which they are exposed, the ability to correctly assess these risks and the knowledge of insurance products that are designed to mitigate the insurable risks.

He noted that the National Insurance

Commission NAICOM in its effort aimed at increasing insurance penetration came up with the Market Development and Restructuring Initiative (MDRI) in 2009.

This initiative according to him, focused on enforcement of compulsory insurance products, sanitization and modernization of the Insurance agency system, eradication of fake insurance institutions and Introduction of riskbased supervision.

He stated that the implementation of the MDRI, NAICOM envisaged that insurance penetration would rise to 4% by 2012 and premium would rise from N161 billion in 2008 to N1 trillion in 2012.

Mukwunye who observed that insurance growth and penetration could not rely exclusively on market mechanism and the private sector called on Governments participation into the business through provision of appropriate institutional framework would help to correct market imperfections, endanger emergence of a competitive private insurance market which will in turn improve insurance penetration in the country .

Page 22

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

Business

Niger DPR warns petroleum marketers on compliance

From Yakubu Mustapha,Minna

I

n compliance with the federal government directive the Niger State Controller of Department of Petroleum Resources DPR, Engineer Abdullahi Isah Jankara has insisted that Petroleum Marketers in the state to abide by the regulated price or face the consequences.

Jankara made this known yesterday in Minna while speaking with our reporter, insisted that he would consistently ensure surveillance in the entire state so as to enforce the regulated price and returned stability in Niger state.

He warned that those stations hoarding the commodity and abandoned their stations were eventually doing so to there own

detriment as there products would be given out free of charge to the public.

“Ours is to find out those stations hoarding fuel or not selling at government approved price, we ask you to sale at official price or the law will take it course”.

Jankara reassured that the regulated price must be maintained or nothing less adding

that any petrol station especially independent marketers selling above N86.50 will find themselves to blame while NNPC stations are to sell at N86 as directed by the federal government.

He intimated that the DPR in the state has has all the human and logistics as well as the security it required to carry out its mandatory obligations in the state just as he reiterated that it

will never be business as usual in the state, a situation whereby marketers does what and how they wanted was over, he warned.

He applauded those stations who had earlier obeyed the government directive while urging those who were still doing otherwise to desist from such act of illegality because when they are caught they wouldn’t find it easy as the law will surely take it course.

L-R: Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Udoma Udoma, Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewale, and Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, during the inauguration of National Research And Innovation Council, recently at the State House, in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Ekiti govt begins disbursement of N500m SMES loan

E

kiti State Government will on Wednesday, begin the disbursement of N500 million Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) loan to 4,564 beneficiaries.

The N500 million is the first tranche of the N2 billion the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) earmarked for the support of small and medium scale enterprises in the state.

The 4,564 beneficiaries will get minimum of N50,000 and maximum of N1 million.

The State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, disclosed this in Ado-Ekiti while meeting with the management of Community and Micro-Finance Banks in the State. The banks are to serve as the medium of disbursing the loans to beneficiaries.

In a statement in Ado-Ekiti by the governor’s Chief Press

Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, the governor will also meet beneficiaries of the loan at the Governor’s Office later in the week.

Governor Fayose said the loans would not be allowed to go down the drain like previous experiences, adding that the state government stood as surety for the beneficiaries.

“I am happy to let the good people of Ekiti know that the first tranche of N500 million has been given to the state from the N2 billion we are expecting to help SMES grow in our state. The release of the remaining sum is predicated on how well this first payment is utilised.

“On the part of the state government, we will ensure that beneficiaries utilise the loan judiciously. This is not going to be seen as a largesse from

the government or the so-called national cake.

Beneficiaries will be adequately monitored, as the state government is the one that guaranteed the loan.

“On the part of the disbursing banks, that is Community and Micro-Finance Banks, we are giving them adequate warning that anyone that fails to live up to expectations will be punished.

There is no room for any shady deal. We want a judicious use of the funds for the economic growth of our dear state,” he said.

The State Commissioner for Finance, Chief Toyin Ojo, said a monitoring and recovery team had been set up and that every effort would be made so that beneficiaries would not default.

Speaking on behalf of the management of community and micro-finance banks in the state, the Managing Director.

Terminal operators seek review of import policy

B

onded terminal operators on Tuesday in Lagos lamented low activities at the nation’s ports and called for a review of import restriction policy affecting some items not produced locally.

The operators said in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the situation had aggravated ``dearth of business at the bonded terminals.’’

A Manager in Aulic Bonded Terminal in Lagos, Mr Emeka Onwumere, told NAN that the ban imposed on some imported items had rendered importers and freight forwarders idle. ``How can anybody expect the bonded terminals to flourish

when a lot of items have been listed as contraband. ``When many goods are imported, containers stocked-piled at the ports can be transferred to bonded terminals,’’ Onwumere said.

According to him, some of the restricted items still find their ways through the land borders into Nigerian markets with a lot of revenue accruing to the neighbouring countries.

The Terminal Manager, Sapid Bonded Terminal, Mr Steve Solomon, said, ``Even when it is obvious that the ports are congested, operators still find it difficult to release containers to bonded terminals.

(NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

PAGE 23

Stock Watch: Tuesday, January 12, 2016 Company

7UP

Previous Closing Price

185.06

184.5

Opening Price

184.5

High

Low

184.5

Close

184.5

Change

Trades

-0.56 25

Volume

Value

Company

Previous Closing Price

Opening Price

High

Low

Close

Change

Trades

Volume

Value

233,796

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

ABBEYBDS 1.25 - - - 1.25 0 - -

MBENEFIT 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

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

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

ACADEMY 0.59 - - - 0.59 0 - ACCESS

4.46

4.46

4.64

4.46

4.5

0.04 321

28,060,764

126,589,999.78

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

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

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

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

AFRPAINTS 2.59 - - - 2.59 0 - -

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

AGLEVENT 1.02 0.97 -

-

1.02

8 48,971 46,330.44

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

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

126,800 124,264.00

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

822.99 822.99 822.99 822.99 8.99 73

115,282 94,401,035.72

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

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

NNFM 8.99 - - - 8.99 0 - -

AUSTINLAZ 2.09 - - - 2.09 0 - -

NPFMCRFBK

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

0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 0

6

174,000 170,510.00

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

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

PREMBREW 2.95 - - - 2.95 0 - -

CAPOIL 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

PREMPAINTS 10.93 - - - 10.93 0 - -

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

-

8.73

7 51,560 458,087.60

CHAMPION 4.17 4.17 -

-

4.17

11 146,282 587,170.36

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

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

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

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

CONOIL 27.41 26.04 -

ROADS 6.6 - - - 6.6 0 - -

-

27.41

8

13,350 330,799.00

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

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

SCOA 4.16 - - - 4.16 0 - -

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

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

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

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

MBENEFIT 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

DANGSUGAR

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

DEAPCAP 0.58 - - - 0.58 0 - -

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

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

JOSBREW 1.51 - - - 1.51 0 - -

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

JULI 1.75 - - - 1.75 0 - -

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

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

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

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

NCR 11.02 - - - 11.02 0 - -

LEARNAFRCA

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

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

-

2.62

8 37,850 99,859.50

Top Gainers Company

Previous Closing Price

Opening Price

High

NEIMETH 1.03 0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 -0.05 6

126,800 124,264.00

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

822.99 822.99 822.99 822.99 8.99 73

115,282 94,401,035.72

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

Top Losers Low

Close

Change

Trades

Volume

Value

Company

Previous Closing Price

Opening Price

High

Low

Close

Change

Trades

Volume

Value

ALUMACO 7.75 - - - 7.75 1 200 1,474.00

MULTITREX 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

FORTISMFB 5.42 - - - 5.42 0 - -

NNFM 8.99 - - - 8.99 0 - -

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

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

INFINITY 1.42 - - - 1.42 0 - -

UTC 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

OMOSAVBNK 0.92 - - - 0.92 0 - -

UNIONDICON 11.84 - - - 11.84 0 - -

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

MANDRID 5.35 - - - 5.35 0 - -

ASOSAVINGS 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

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

ABBEYBDS 1.25 - - - 1.25 0 - -

JULI 1.75 - - - 1.75 0 - -

PAGE 25

Peoples Daily, Thursday, January 14, 2016

PAGE 24

Special Report

South Sudan’s men of dishonour B

oth government and rebel troops have been accused of atrocities in 21 months of war, but in the past few months the accounts from those who escaped the violence are horrifying.

They tell of women and girls being raped or abducted, families being burned alive in their homes - and at least one case of a child being hanged from a tree.

The abandoned farms and fields, the torched huts, and the complete lack of cattle in Leer, Unity State, are evidence of what appears to have been a scorched earth policy of destruction.

Leer is the hometown of rebel leader Reik Machar and was a stronghold for the military forces that backed him when the army split.

Now it is virtually empty, as tens of thousands of people have scattered into the marshes of the Nile flood plains and into an overcrowded United Nations camp.

The destruction is evident from the air - access on the ground for journalists has been limited.

The story of what happened has to be pieced together from the accounts of those

The rules of war were broken long ago in South Sudan, but the recent spate of violence against civilians has introduced a new level of barbarity. forced from their homes, and it is testimony to a terrifying campaign of violence.

“They spared no-one, neither a child, an old man nor an old woman,” Nyakuoth Manyal told me as she sat under a small, home-made shelter of wooden sticks and tarpaulin.

“They killed everyone.

There was no-one left in the village,” she said, as some of the children she had brought to the UN camp in Bentiu lay next to her listening.

They had spent weeks living under a tree, but a shortage of food forced them to walk for days to the UN camp they had heard about.

“They took away the cattle, and girls over 15 to make their wives. It was some Dinka and

some Nuer who did it.”

These are the two biggest ethnic groups in South Sudan, represented by the political foes who sparked this civil war: President Salva Kiir who is Dinka, and former vicepresident turned rebel leader Riek Machar who is Nuer.

In December 2013, violent clashes in the capital Juba soon spread across the country, sparking division in the army largely along ethnic lines, with the majority of rebel forces being Nuer.

The government says it was an attempted coup, the rebels say it was a politically motivated attack on a rival political group.

There’s no independent clarification of what sparked the fighting, but there’s no

There is no dominant culture in South Sudan - the Dinka and the Nuer are the largest of more than 60 ethnic groups, each with its own language and traditional beliefs, alongside Christianity and Islam

Nyal, in Unity State, is one of the last remaining areas held by rebel forces

doubt millions have been displaced and millions more are suffering sickness and hunger.

An ineffective ceasefire and an internationally brokered peace agreement flawed by reservations and objections is doing little to resolve the crisis.

The evidence from Unity State suggests society is unravelling and with it the chances of peace and stability returning any time soon to the world’s youngest country.

Nyaguar Nhial said she and her family fled the fighting into the marshes, spending their days up to their necks in water

with the children floating on reed mats.

“Still the soldiers would be firing into the water,” she said, describing how they would wait until after dark before going venturing out onto high ground to sleep and then slipping back into the water before first light.

They spent two months living like this before hunger took its toll and they came to the camp for help.

“On the first day the soldiers arrived in the village they shot at everyone, sparing nobody,” said another woman, breast-feeding next to her, and who did not want to give

her name.

“They didn’t even spare the girls - raping them, forcefully, so there was nothing they could do.”

They said some of the attackers were wearing military uniforms, others not, and repeated the claim this was not just Dinka killing Nuer, but this was becoming an intra-ethnic conflict of Nuer killing Nuer.

Ethnic violence is rarely clear-cut, and the Bul-Nuer clan, and their armed youth militia, have been blamed for joining government troops on an offensive into the rebel stronghold in Unity State.

People in inaccessible areas have to rely on food drops to survive

Tens of thousands are marooned in the marshes, where they have fled to escape the fighting

South Sudan has cattlerustling culture and their reward appears to have

been the cattle, now absent from Leer, but present in large numbers in Bul-Nuer

“

territory.

While violence is not unusual, well-defined lines

Ethnic violence is rarely clear-cut, and the Bul-Nuer clan, and their armed youth militia, have been blamed for joining government troops on an offensive into the rebel stronghold in Unity State.

South Sudan has cattle-rustling culture and their reward appears to have been the cattle, now absent from Leer, but present in large numbers in Bul-Nuer territory.

While violence is not unusual, well-defined lines have now been well and truly crossed, and traditionally safe places for women and children to shelter have been obliterated by the war.

The WFP says there is a serious risk of famine in South Sudan if humanitarian access is not improved

have now been well and truly crossed, and traditionally safe places for women and children to shelter have been obliterated by the war.

“Their coping mechanisms have not helped them this time around,” said David Littlejohn-Carillo, who leads the International Committee of the Red Cross mission in Unity State.

“It’s a deadly overlap: continued fighting fuelled by local rivalry, a political split on the national level with a large amount of weapons and ammunition, and the weather factor.”

There is usually a lull in fighting during the rainy season where differences are settled, but there has been less rain this year which is bad for both crops and peace-making.

Clans that were once allies are now turning on each other, as accountability appears to count for little - and levels of society from politician to pastoralist are disintegrating.

Every recent arrival at the Bentiu UN camp has a terrible story to tell - that is why they have come.

That is also why the camp has tripled in size in a few months and is now dangerously overcrowded with an epidemic of malaria and children dying of malnutrition.

A South Sudanese woman

working for Unicef, the United Nations children’s fund, who didn’t want to be named, has been collecting testimony from some of those arriving at the camp.

What she found echoes the events described in reports by the UN, Human Rights Watch, and a leaked Africa Union report into atrocities.

“There were many children killed. They witnessed many women killed and they saw with their own eyes, in the areas where they lived, many girls and women raped, and some abducted - they took them with the cattle,” she said.

“According to the testimony of one family they saw four children killed - three shot by guns and one not killed in a normal way, but hanged until the child died.”

The presidential spokesman for South Sudan, Ateny Wek Ateny, denied government troops had carried out atrocities but said an investigation was going on.

“We will not leave any stone unturned and we will bring those people to the books,” he said, if there is evidence atrocities were carried out.

“It is atrocities committed

by South Sudanese against South Sudanese, so they are in the jurisdiction of our laws.”

Source: BBC

Page 26

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

Property Akwa Ibom to take over street lighting from contractors, says commissioner

T

he state government may take over the powering of street light contracts hitherto handled by contractors says commissioner for works in Akwa Ibom, Mr. Ephraim Inyang.

Inyang said this would be done to ensure that Uyo, the state capital as well as other major towns across the state are properly lighted up at night for security reasons.

Inyang, who spoke in Uyo while reviewing the activities of the Ministry, said the step would be taken unless the contractors replace all ageing generators they are using.

Explaining why most of the streets in the capital city are in darkness, Inyang said: “What we saw when we came on board was a situation where generators were used. These generators were owned by contractors and they were not willing to maintain them.

“So, you see a situation where we supply diesel to the generators by 6pm and they are supposed to be on till 6am. But, after these generators, which are not in very good condition, have worked for three to four hours, they trip off; the entire area goes into darkness. And for that reason, I have refused to approve payment to them since I came on board, which is one of the things they use against some of us because I am insisting that you give me value.”

The commissioner said he will not continue to approve payments for something that has not been done to give the state value for her resources. He insisted that the era of ‘running government because it is government’ has gone adding that government should be run as an entity where all operators have a responsibility to give account.

He said if the lighting position in the state must be changed, then government must take responsibility of those generators or the contractors replaced them.

On why the state has not switched-over to using solar system which is cheaper to maintain, he said the state is already working on that. He noted that though solar system is more economical at the maintenance level, it is more expensive at installation.

“At the installation, solar is more expensive. At the maintenance point, it is cheap. So, you need a whole lot of capital to install solar but after installing it, you do not have an issue,” he said.

He explained that there will be financial crisis if the government wants to replace all the street lights on all the old roads in Uyo with solar lighting system at one fell swoop.

Source :Nigeriarealestate

Coalition hails Kumo for laudable achievement C

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

oalition of NonG o v e r n m e n t a l Organisations for Change has hailed the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Gimba Yau Kumo, for his laudable achievement which has taking the bank to greater height.

In a communiqué by its

President, Wole Badmus, said Kumo deserved accolades for revamping housing financing.

“The FMBN revamped corporate governance and risk management structure in line with international best practices; improved housing delivery through Ministerial Pilot Housing Scheme in conjunction with the parent Federal Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development

using the public-private partnership model and improved lending for estate development and mortgage financing for affordable home ownership in the country”.

The communiqué further added that “The products portfolio of the apex mortgage bank was also boosted to include services to the non-salaried/informal sector which accounts for about 85 per cent of the working population.

The builders’ bank also under his stewardship focuses on cooperative societies and trade unions. The bank’s latest products include the Nigeria Diaspora Mortgage Scheme that provides opportu nities f or Nigerians abroad to acquire houses in the country.”

The coalition comprises of students, artisans, traders and the civil society. He said

Property of the Week

Make building material and soil testing compulsory

E

nforcement of compulsory materials testing is necessary to stop the incidence of building collapse in the country, the Managing Consultant, Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory (LSMTL), Abel Famakin, has said.

Speaking at the Eighth Anniversary of LSMTL in Lagos, Famakin said making materials testing mandatory for new buildings as well as soil test, would reduce incidences of collapse buildings in the state.

He said since the inception of the Agency, no incident of building collapse has been recorded from

any of the certified buildings and materials tested by the Agency, pointing out that non-compliance to building standards and negligence by contractors have been responsible for perennial building collapse in the state.

Famakin said although the agency is not empowered to sanction building defaulters, it, in collaboration with the State Safety Commission and Lagos State Building Control Agency, have over the years, sensitised the public on the importance of materials testing and issued sanctions where necessary.

He appealed to contractors, site

engineers and the public to collect their materials test results to make strategic decisions between the actual result and the expected standard.

“The laboratory is presently experiencing a backlog of uncollected results which signals that such clients did not pay attention, nor appreciate the importance of quality control and assurance. To this end, we have taken a step further to ease the whole process of result collection by offering the option of result report delivery to clients free,” he said.

He praised the visionary

leadership of the former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the then Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, now Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola; the then Accountant-General in the state, now Lagos Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode and the then Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, now Commissioner in the Ministry, Ganiyu Johnson, among others, for conceiving the idea of establishing the agency eight years ago.

Source: Nigeriarealestate

Page 27

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

Property

UNIBEN tasks contractors on speedy completion of projects From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

T

he Management of University of Benin has tasked contractors handling projects across its campuses to stick with the terms of the agreements they entered with the insititution, stating that time was of the essence.

Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Faraday Orumwense who gave the charge during an inspection tour to some ongoing building projects at Ugbowo campus of the institution, said completion of the projects was “top on his priority list”.

Public Relations officer of the University, Mr. Michael Osasuyi, in a statement, conveyed Prof.

Orumwense’s desire to “make the university rank among the world best Universities”, if the right investment on education that encourages “globalcompetiveness” is sustained.

A cross session of Principal Officers, Deans and Directors also accompanied the Vice-Chancellor on the visit to the newly constructed undergraduate and post graduate hostels, lecture halls at the Faculty and school of Medicine as well as the Faculty of agriculture where the VC implored the contractor in charge of the furniture to brace-up and supply the furniture work, were among the places visited by the school’s Management team.

A good property in Nigeria

Invest more money into housing sector- Experts tell FG H ousing sector has witnessed several abandoned or uncompleted projects, job losses and huge debts owed contractors for projects already completed, built environment in recent years, experts have called on the Federal Government to pump enough money into the fledging sector in view of its multiplier effect on other sectors.

The experts who spoke to Newsmen posited that the housing sector which is generally regarded as the barometer for measuring the health of any economy should be given priority attention by the Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government.

The Secretary, Marketing & Corporate Affairs, Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors,NIQS, Mr. Olujide Oke said expectations are high that the sector will come out of the woods.

“The budget has been read but we are yet to get the breakdown to enable us know how sectoral activities will be. But we are positive and optimistic because of the improvement in capital expenditure and the fact that we have a tested and trusted man in the person of Mr. Babatunde Fashola as the Minister in charge of Power, Works and Housing. We are still watching as events unfold but we are optimistic and hopeful,” Mr.

Oke said.

Asked to set an agenda for the government, Mr Oke advised the government to inject sufficient funds into the housing sector.

The NIQS Marketing & Corporate Affairs Secretary who observed that many projects in the country have either being abandoned or are at a standstill, called on the government to reawaken and bring such projects back to life. He also advised the government to pay contractors the outstanding debts owed them to enable them return to the abandoned construction sites.

“The housing sector is the first sector to reflect the health of any economy. If the government pumps money into it, other sectors will benefit: artisans, contractors, consultants, construction materials producers and suppliers – the benefits will cut across all sectors of the economy. The trickledown effect will be massive,” he said.

Mr Oke charged the government to do all within its power to ensure that power supply becomes stable.

“If power becomes stable, many of the industries which are pulling out of the country will return while those planning to exit will remain.

Small scale industries will thrive and artisans will have power to remain in business,” he said.

He lauded current efforts by the Federal Government to boost activities in the housing sector.

“It will be a massive boost to the economy if the government pumps in enough money into the sector.

The housing sector has been comatose as it were; our roads are in very bad states. If enough money is injected into the construction industry, the government will be in a position to fix the LagosIbadan express way, the Benin -Ore Road and other very bad roads in the South-eastern part of the country,” the NIQS image maker said, adding that the government should also tackle corruption in the construction industry with all its might.

Immediate past chairman of the Lagos State branch of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, NIESV, Pastor Stephen Jagun who also spoke to newsmen, called on the Federal Government to come up with a clear-cut financial policy to enable local and foreign investors know where to put their money.

Jagun noted that since the present administration came to power, we have not had a clear-cut financial policy and this is hurting the economy. According to him, the financial policy somersault is impacting negatively on the economy as many investors are scared of investing in the country’s real estate sector.

Jagun who noted that expectations that infrastructure

and housing would be given a major boost going by the pedigree of Fashola who oversees the Power, Works and Housing Ministry, enjoined such optimists to soft pedal. He anchored his subdued optimism on the fact that Fashola is not 100 percent in charge as was the scenario when he was the Governor of Lagos State. “Now, he will take directives from the President and would also require the cooperation of other ministries and agencies, When he was performing in Lagos State, he was calling the shots 100 percent unlike now,” Jagun posited.

The current chairman of NIESV, Lagos branch, Mr. Samuel Ukpong in his own reaction, enjoined the Federal Government to shift its attention away from oil and focus on other sources of internally generated revenue, IGR. He stated that real estate assets can be be a veritable source of revenue and advised the government to explore this. He called on the government to put measures in place to reduce substantially the current housing deficit put at a staggering 17 million units.

Apart from calling on the government to use relevant professionals in the execution of its projects, Ukpong advised both the Federal and state governments to appoint a Valuer-General especially now that the government is implementing the Public Sector

Accounting Standards.

Also speaking to newsmen on his expectations in the New Year, the President of the Building Collapse Prevention Guild, BCPG, Mr Kunle Awobodu called on the government to pay contractors who are owed huge debts for projects already completed.

Noting that many of them have retrenched or at the verge of downsizing their workforce, Awobodu maintained that the government cannot embark upon massive construction projects without the support of construction companies.

He prayed that the dwindling fortunes of the Naira against major currencies would be halted while the government looks for other sources of beefing up the country’s revenue base.

Awobodu, a former chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Building, NIOB, called on the government to register all developers engaged in housing construction. He also made a case for quality control of houses being built in the country. “The fact that we are in dire need of housing does not mean that we should build shoddy or substandard houses.

Professionals should be engaged to play necessary roles in the built environment sector,” he said.

Source: Housing news

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

Motoring

Page 28

BMW X5 xDrive certainly holds its own

B

MW has decided to embrace the plug. The new 2016 X5 xDrive40e enters the fledgling segment of plugin hybrid luxury crossover SUVs, and like other X5 models, it looks to be a contender. Combining a turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack, the xDrive40e provides a maximum of 308 horsepower along with 14 miles of electric-only range. That’s not a lot of miles, but it’s enough for running local errands, and therein lies this BMW’s true appeal. It gives you the same general versatility as a regular X5, plus emissions-free operation around town.

Another strength of the xDrive40e is its standard all-wheel-drive system, which works even in full EV mode. And although the complex hybrid hardware makes this model substantially heavier than other X5s, it can still get out of its own way, accelerating to 60 mph almost as quickly as a regular X5 xDrive35i. In terms of fuel economy, however, the xDrive40e isn’t as stellar as its green credentials might suggest, topping out at 25 mpg highway in normal gas-powered operation. Of course, the more you stay in EV mode, the less gas you’re going to use, but the point is that if you drive the xDrive40e for longer distances, it’s not going to blow you away with its fuel efficiency.

With that in mind, we suggest considering the rest of the X5 lineup, too, including the xDrive35d, a dieselpowered variant that returns about 30 mpg on the highway and costs less up front. If your heart’s set on a plugin hybrid, the only real alternative for now is Porsche’s more expensive but also better-performing Cayenne S e-Hybrid. If you can do without the fullelectric functionality, there are some conventional hybrid luxury crossovers to think about, such as the Lexus RX 450h and the smaller Audi Q5 Hybrid. But within the specialized world of plug-in hybrids, at least, the 2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e certainly holds its own.

A midsize five-seat crossover SUV, the 2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e comes in a single, all-wheel-drive trim level. (The conventionally powered X5 lineup and the highperformance X5 M are reviewed separately.)

Standard equipment on the plugin hybrid X5 includes a rear air

suspension, adjustable suspension dampers, 19-inch wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, LED foglights, power-folding, auto-dimming heated mirrors, automatic wipers, a panoramic sunroof, a power liftgate, roof rails, front and rear parking sensors, remote keyless entry, keyless ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable steering wheel, hybrid-

s p e c i f i c instrumentation, “SensaTec” premium vinyl upholstery, heated 10-way power front seats (with four-way power lumbar) and driver memory settings.

Electronics features include BMW Assist, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a 10.2-inch central display screen, the iDrive infotainment system with additional hybrid-specific iDrive menu items, a navigation system, voice controls and a nine-speaker sound system with a CD player, a USB port, an auxiliary audio input and HD radio.

Many option packages are available to help drivers customize their X5

plug-in hybrids. Three equipment “lines” — Luxury, xLine and M Sport — provide different wheel designs, color schemes and trim and upholstery selections. The M Sport line also includes sport front seats and shift paddles for the transmission.

The Premium package adds keyless

entry a n d ignition, four-zone automatic climate control, satellite radio and leather upholstery, while the Luxury Seating package gets you ventilated front seats. The Cold Weather package includes a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats and retractable headlight washers.

The Driver Assistance package features a rearview camera and a head-up display. The Driver Assistance Plus package adds adaptive cruise control with full stop-and-go capability, a surroundview camera and a long list of driver safety aids highlighted in the Safety section of this review. The Lighting package bundles upgraded adaptive full LED headlights and automatic high beams.

Stand-alone options for the 2016 BMW X5 include some of the above packaged items plus a self-parking system, power-closing doors, multicontour front seats, upgraded leather upholstery and interior trim, smartphone-app integration and rear window manual sunshades.

You can also order a Harman Kardon audio system or a deluxe Bang & Olufsen surround-sound system, a rear-seat entertainment system and a night-vision camera

system with pedestrian detection.

The BMW X5 xDrive40e plug-in hybrid starts with BMW’s familiar turbocharged, 2.0-liter fourcylinder gasoline engine and pairs it with a specialized eight-speed automatic transmission (with an electric motor built in) and a battery pack housed under the cargo floor. Total system power is 308 hp and 332 pound-feet of torque. BMW claims the xDrive40e will hit 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, or about a half-second behind the regular X5 xDrive35i.

Top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph: 75 mph in all-electric mode.

A special eDrive button determines the X5 xDrive40e’s powertrain functionality. The “Max” setting locks the xDrive40e into all-electric mode until the battery is depleted, whereas the default “Auto” mode lets the gas engine and electric drive systems work in tandem. In Auto, the big hybrid typically runs in allelectric mode until about 45 mph (or the driver mashes the accelerator for rapid acceleration), at which point the gas engine comes to life. There’s also a “Save Battery” setting that conserves the battery’s energy for later “Max” use, preventing it from being depleted in the meantime.

The X5 xDrive40e has an EPA efficiency rating of 56 MPGe in combined driving. Once the gasoline engine kicks in, however, fuel economy is 24 mpg combined (23 city/25 highway). The X5 40e’s all-electric driving range is EPA-rated at 14 miles. The 3.6kW onboard charger should refill the battery from a 240-volt, Level 2 charging station in just under three hours. A factory-supplied 120volt charging cord for occasional or emergency use plugs into any standard wall socket but will take about seven hours to replenish a depleted battery pack.

Source: Edmunds.com

Page 29

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

Arts & Culture

Nero’s golden palace, Siena’s crumbling walls win much-needed restoration cash

FROM THE LIVE STAGE with Patrick-Jude Oteh 0803 700 0496, 0805 953 5215 (SMS only)

Using the environment to sustain the arts

T Part of the Domus Aurea (House of Gold) complex is seen in Rome. Reuters/Stefano Rellandini

E

mperor Nero’s golden palace, the walls of medieval Siena and the foundations of Venice will all receive sorely needed restoration funds after Italy approved a plan to spend 300 million euros ($325 million) to protect its cultural heritage.

Caring for thousands of years’ worth of art and architecture is a perennial problem in Italy, and many sites have been left in a fragile state by public spending cuts and

mismanagement.

The walls protecting Siena are among the monuments set to be restored, at a cost of 2.2 million euros over the next three years, the culture ministry said.

The investment plan was unveiled shortly after Prime Minister Matteo Renzi’s government passed a 2016 budget which increases spending on culture, including a handout to 18 year-olds to spend on activities like cinema trips.

Under the plan, 13 million

euros will go toward restoring the golden palace Emperor Nero had built in Rome as a monument to himself but which the later emperor Trajan buried.

More than 6 million euros will go to various projects aimed at helping to prop up the northern canal city of Venice.

Cultural sites will also be kitted out with security alarms and video surveillance, the ministry said, adding that this spending would come to 50 million euros.

By Ori Lewis

between the main protagonists, observing the conflict from afar.

“The two heroes spend a winter overseas and manage to get to know each other in great detail, something that could not happen on the disputed land,” Rabinyan told Israel Radio. “Perhaps their ability to surmount the obstacles of the Middle East conflict is what threatens the Education Ministry.”

A wave of violence in the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem approaching its fourth month has created a volatile atmosphere among Israelis and Palestinians. Israel’s Arab minority has largely stayed on the sidelines of the conflict.

But the violence has in some cases kept Israel’s Jewish majority and the Arab minority, which makes up some 20 percent of the country’s 8.4 million population, apart.

Jewish-Arab intermarriage and intimate relations between Israeli Jews and Palestinians are quite rare. The Jewish and Arab education systems are also largely

separate with specific curricula catering to each sector.

The ministry’s directorgeneral, Michal Cohen, said Education Minister Naftali Bennett, leader of the far-right Jewish Home party, had not been involved in the decision, although he did outline the department’s general policy.

She said other literary works

by Israeli authors that dealt with relationships between Jews and Arabs were included on the curriculum. Fenig added that “with the passage of time and perspective, perhaps in the future (Rabinyan’s book) could be included”.

Oriana Inbar, a Hebrew literature teacher at a Tel Aviv high school, said the book’s exclusion was “a disgrace” and added that she would encourage her pupils to read it.

“I hope the public outcry will prompt the education ministry to change its mind, I will tell my pupils about it and I am certain that they will run to buy the book,” she told Israel Radio.

Israel bars novel about Jewish-Arab love affair from school curriculum

I

srael’s Education Ministry has ruled against the inclusion of a novel about a romance between an Israeli woman and a Palestinian man in the Hebrew high school curriculum because it feared it could raise tensions among pupils, an official said on Thursday.

Israeli media said some teachers requested Dorit Rabinyan’s novel, “Borderlife”, be included in the high school curriculum but a ministry official said a committee rejected the book, as it could push up already high Jewish-Arab tension.

“The book could incite hatred and cause emotional storms (in the classroom),” Dalia Fenig, who headed the ministry committee that decides which literary works are on the curriculum, told Israel’s Army Radio.

Rabinyan said her awardwinning book, whose love story plot line takes place in New York, had tried to highlight the similarities and differences

he environment is critical to the arts. By the environment I do not mean the green revolution or green theories about warming and all its attendant debate. I mean the physical locale of where we live. The geographical location of our existence. If the country is peaceful then the arts are bound to prosper but if the country is volatile and drifting from one crisis to the other, this will reflect in the arts.

An environmental analysis is critical to the survival of the arts in any given community. Can you imagine going to attend a theatre performance at 7pm in Maiduguri?. It will be foolhardy within a dangerous situation to call for a performance during the normal theatre hours of 7pm – 10pm because we will end up being both the actors and the audience. It will not be wise to invite a touring company to visit us and share their talents and style with our own audiences and fellow artistes. It is either they will not come or we will hold the performance in the early evening. This is not good as it will simply remove from the ambience of the performance as well as its dynamics.

Take the economic aspects of our environment – the arts have never been known to thrive in an environment where there is material poverty. In an environment where people struggle month to month for the bare basics of a daily existence watching a performance or going to the theatre will be the least of his/her worries because the list of basics is extremely long and this is perfectly legitimate. You cannot ask someone struggling to pay the children’s school fees or rent to come the theatre. We are not yet in that comfort zone where people save and save because they want to watch a particular artiste perform or because they want to go and listen to classical music! Have the loud speakers stopped blaring free music on the streets?

Take the issue of the lingering cases of kidnapping which is tied to security. I will not go to the theatre if I know that I stand the risk of being kidnapped before, during or after the performance or that I might not get home after the performance because there is a high likelihood that I would be attacked by armed robbers on my way back home. A friend shared a story recently with me – they wanted to go and watch a music performance on Victoria Island from Ikeja. They were advised not to go but if they must they should look for a hotel to sleep after the performance. If the cost of the ticket was N2,000, add the new bill from the hotel – it has simply been raised to N12,000. They ended up not going.

Ultimately the society is the loser. We forget or we have not been able to make the connection that a play that trills has the power to bring the community closer together. The arts can be a place where families come to spend time together, where friends can meet to reconnect giving people the opportunity to rejuvenate and relax amidst the challenges we face daily. Through the arts, we value our diversity as a nation, we help to unite our communities be it neighbourhood or village and at the end we all create shared experiences which in turn can inspire excellence which also tells us who we are as a society.

Above all this, the arts allow us to endure and triumph in difficult times – our lives and the arts are inseparable.

The above is our message to our new government. They must explore the use of the arts to rejuvenate the society and our lives. They must stop the daily and unending stories of why the national arts theatre should be sold or given out in a concessional arrangement. Make it functional and make a destination that people will be proud to go. The usefulness of the arts must be explored to make us more responsive to change. We do not know who will likely end up as our new Minister of Tourism and Culture. It should not be jamboree as usual and going to visit countries that contribute nothing to our well being. This is not to say that cultural diplomacy should be done away with but it must be backed by a solid plan that will project us a people with a vibrant environment, resilient and a people with a purpose. The arts must be utilized to explain ourselves to each other. So much damage has been done to our collective psyche. We must use the power of the soft diplomacy that the arts provide to re-evaluate ourselves to each other.

The arts should not be business as usual.

The arts in a nation and for a particular people has more focus and more purpose. We must seek these out and use them. It is not late. It is the beginning of a new era and we must use the arts to explore our wonderful mission.

Page 30

Arts & Culture

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

FEATURE

Zomba Prison Project & the Grammys

POEM OF THE WEEK

For Mxolesi Nyezwa

By Abigail George

Professor Jerry Gana

CD Sleeve: Zomba Prison Project

By Wesley Macheso

A

Malawian Band, The Zomba Prison Project, has been honoured with a Grammy nomination. This news has sent waves of excitement among Malawians and other Africans who have heard about this “achievement”. The belief is that for once, Malawi, a country that lags behind in almost all aspects of life, has achieved something. Bearing in mind that a Grammy is a trademark for an award given annually for an achievement in the recorded music industry, Malawians and Africans in general ought to be proud.

But listening to the music

by The Zomba Prison Project, one wonders what it is that is so special about it to deserve a Grammy nomination. The songs I came across on U-tube by this band were plain, ordinary, if not below average standard. What stood out in those videos were the images of suffering portrayed in the prison conditions that were being highlighted there. The videos showed destitute souls living below what the West calls acceptable standards.

The other thing that stands out in these songs is the message itself. The title of the album itself, “I have no Everything Here” speaks volumes about the messenger and the

message. These are songs of sorrow and desperation.

When one listens to this music and watches the videos on U-tube, what comes to mind are the many bands and the beautiful music that Malawi has produced before. One thinks of the likes of Kalimba, Makasu, Lucky Stars, Saleta Phiri, Alan Namoko, and other great acoustic musicians too numerous to mention whose music has rocked Malawi and its neighbouring countries in the past. Weren’t these artists more deserving of the Grammy than our rookies who have been put in the spotlight for their arguably average music?

As soon as you realise that the Grammy nominations are selected through Western eyes, everything begins to fall into place. As Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe argues in an essay titled “An Image of Africa”, there is a tendency in the West to present Africa as a place of atrocity and destitution deserving white sympathy.

He was making this argument in his analysis of Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness – deciphering the image of Africa we come across in that work.

When you understand the image of Africa that prevails in Western eyes, you will understand that the Grammy nomination may just be one of the ways that the West employs to advertise “poverty porn” in Africa – to present Africa as

a place of suffering seeking white saviours. The musicians they nominate for the Grammys in the West are oftentimes achievers and heroes. In a crooked vein they look at our music and our art in general and choose to nominate an average prison band – victims and sufferers. That is the image of Africa that they want to send out to the rest of the world – that’s the image that suits their imagination.

This will not be the first time the West will be using music to look down upon Africa.

As James Schneider writing in NewAfrican observes, this tendency started some thirty years ago with the Band Aid, a fundraising effort in which dozens of Western musicians came together to sing the charity single “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” to raise money for the Ethiopian famine. And recently Band Aid 30 was amalgamated to fundraise for efforts against Ebola in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea.

Schneider argues that “those involved in these songs may as well have had good intentions, but the whole initiative presented an offensive image of Africa and Africans. It denied African agency by suggesting that what the continent needed was for the West to save it”.

And Pan-Africanists have concluded that the songs and the narratives they peddled were just symptoms of what

another Nigerian writer Teju Cole termed “The White Saviour Industrial Complex”.

This White Saviour Industrial Complex describes the power relations that privileged outsiders and their African agents want to enforce on the continent. The phrase points to the nexus of power lurking behind supposed “Western dogooding”.

So in our excitement with the “recognition” that Africa has received with the Grammy nomination for The Zomba Prison Project, we must bear in mind the nature of the “good intentions” that the West have for Africa and Africans. These are the people who came to steal from us and enslave us and are now coming in behind masks of goodwill to expose the poverty they created and that they are perpetuating. When they will be clapping hands for this band, they will be clapping to sympathy. The best of them will be moved to do something for us. But do we need their sympathy? For Africa to be truly free from Western bondage, Africans must strive to know and understand the philosophy behind Western thinking. As Bob Marley would say, we must first of all “emancipate ourselves from mental slavery”.

Source: Africanwriter. com

This hypomanic Feeling that I have is of starvation.

I cannot explain it.

Like going crazy For the cutest boy In your favourite class.

Wondering how He would look like in jeans.

Hell I did not care.

That year my face was frozen For eternity in photographs.

I was there to learn. To be educated.

Not to go fishing for Jesus mind you.

Or make a channel for His peace.

Or be a sunbeam. Amen.

Gethsemane was just a garden to me. Amen.

So what if a whale swallowed Jonah? Amen He had a lot of time to think, meditate, pray. Amen.

Or having a fainting spell in assembly. Amen.

I liked Easter. Didn’t mind eating Fish for five days in a row.

Amen.

In the aftermath of adolescence I thought There would be plenty of time for love.

But it never came for me.

I complete tasks in high school In a Hitchcock induced frenzy.

Then I remember all of those girls’ faces.

I thought to myself that all of them were Probably going straight to Dante’s hell.

After their proposals and white weddings.

Given time, I knew they would lose their looks.

They would turn into their mothers, and aunts.

My only friend could just watch.

A mute standing on the sidelines.

I spoke proper.

I have had successive Great Depressions.

I found Rilke, Hemingway.

Paris. A Moveable Feast.

Dear I put the roast in the oven.

Watch it while I go inward.

Nausea. While my fingers melt Across the wilted pages of these books.

There is no more asylum to be found In the country, that is Mr Muirhead.

There is only measures Of devastation. Only rain.

Only the mysterious nature In never becoming a bride.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

PAGE 31

Engine oil retailers waiting for patronage in Apo village, Abuja.

FCTA to resuscitate G-7 security summit with neighbours

By Stanley Onyekwere

T

he Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has disclosed plans to resuscitate the G-7 Security Summit with its neighbours, in order to tackle trans-border crimes.

The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello dropped this hint in Abuja, while receiving

the Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello that paid him a visit.

The Minister reiterated that such collaboration would go a long way in reducing criminal activities and boost economic development among all the contiguous states of Niger, Kogi, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Benue and Plateau.

According to him, “we have

to stress the need to re-activate the G-7 Security Summit to address our common challenges such as security, sanitation as well as our environment”.

Malam Bello emphasized that sanitation remains a major priority of his Administration; stressing that cleanliness is next to Godliness.

While noting that the FCT and Niger State have so many

things in common, the Minister used the occasion to commend the Governor for the good work he has been doing in his state.

Speaking earlier, the Niger State Governor, promised to collaborate with the FCT Administration in terms of security and managing heaps of refuse around Madalla area.

The Governor remarked that the traffic situation around

Madalla market is also an area of grave concern and should be jointly managed, because it poses security threat to both FCT and Niger State communities in that border area.

He however appealed to the FCT Administration to set up a Committee to address the common challenges identified in the process.

Kwali community decries dearth of potable water

By Usman Shuaibu

T

he indigenes of old Chikuku community in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have decried the lingering lack of potable water, facing the people in the area.

They complained that since they settled in the community for so many years ago, they have been battling with the problem of water in the area.

Our correspondent who visited the Community observed that most of the house wives were going about, in endless search for potable water even in the rainy seasons.

The Etsu (Chief) of the community, Chief Haruna Magba, who spoke to Peoples Daily, expressed dismay that during the dry season, the residents share the river water with the animals in the

area.

He said the present administration of the Council under the leadership of Ibrahim Daniel, had done nothing to provide the people with the scarce commodity (water).

He however explained that the former Chairman of the Council, Joseph Kwali Shazin, during his administration, had provided a borehole as well provided an overhead tank, but both facilities were not functioning again.

He accused the present leadership of the Council of failing to repair the borehole, constructed by his predecessor.

The monarch therefore, pleaded with the chairman to deem it necessary to build many boreholes in the community, in order to alleviate the sufferings of the people.

Similarly, a resident, Haruna

Jonathan, said that the people of the area were neglected in terms of provision of social amenities by the current government of Kwali area council.

He said despite the promise made by the council chairman to provide a transformer to boost electricity supply in the community, nothing had been done up till now.

He pointed out that the deplorable condition of the road, which links Lokoja-Gwagwalada Expressway has turned the village into a slum, especially in this period of the year.

Also, he appealed to the chairman to repair the road, to enable the farmers in the area transport their produce to urban markets for sell during the dry season.

He added, the primary healthcare centre which was built

by the former chairman of the Council, late Samuel Mari Gwamna was lacking drugs as well as enough health personnel, and called on the authorities of the council to do something about it.

“The health personnel of the healthcare Centre do not live with us in the community, so anything that happens to us in terms of sickness no medical personnel will attend to us at the night”, he said.

He called on the chairman to hurry up and complete the ongoing bridge construction in the community.

Jonathan, however, said that if the bridge was not completed early enough, the contractors handling the project would find it difficult to complete it during the heavy down pour.

He added that the people of the community would be happy with the

chairman if the bridge project was finished up on time, as according to him, this is the only ongoing project in the area.

Another resident, Mr. Moses Samuel, who spoke on behalf of the aggrieved youth in the area, opined that no meaningful project was carried out by the administration of the Council in the community.

Samuel appealed to the chairman to focus on the development of the community, so that the residents will enjoy the dividends of democracy.

Not left out, Mrs. Hajaratu Samuel and Mrs. Tawaliu Ishaya, begged the chairman to place emphasis on the provision of potable water, for the residents to ameliorate the hardships of the women in the village, of having to walk long distances in search for water.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

PAGE 32

Special Report

Lessons From China For Nigeria 2

China Bullet Trains

By Ali M Ali Continued from Monday

O

ne of the biggest marvels inBeijing, is China Railway Construction Group Co Ltd.It is a behemoth.It has several subsidiaries.One such is the `China Railway Construction Corporation Limited (CRCC).

When our delegation visited the headquarters, it was told that itwas incorporated in 2007 in order to float the assets of “China Railway Construction Corporation” .It

is now a mega size construction company. It is listed in Shanghai (SH 601186) and Hong Kong (HK, 1186) respectively with a registered capital totaled RMB 12.3 billion.

According to Wikipedia, CRCC is one of the world’s most powerful and largest integrated construction groups. It ranks 79th among the fortune Global 500 and 6th among China’s Top 500 Enterprises. It is the largest engineering contractor in China.Presently it is handling the revival of Nigeria’s comatose railways.It is the contractor handling the Kaduna Abuja Light rail. It is also handling the Lagos

metro line.This company built the fastest train in the world.

It covers an unbelievable 300 kilometers’ per hour. It built the Beijing –Shanghai super train high way covering 1,318 kilometers.

It connects two economic zones in China. It takes a mere five hours on the bullet train to travel between the two cities.Back home in Nigeria, the nearest equivalent is the distance between Lagos and Maiduguri;a distance of 1,532 kilimetres.it takes nearly 35 hours by bus.Presently the CRCC has upgraded the bullet train to travel at the incredible speed of 500

kilometers.It was the bullet train that took us to Henan Province in central China.

Henan After a week in Beijing, we headed to Zhengzhou, the capital city of Henan Province.It has a population of over 100 million people. It is a country of its own. Its capital city is as bustling as Beijing.

The High Speed Train covered the distance of 670 kilometers in just two and a half hours. Zhengzhou is also an industrial city. It has a lot of manufacturing firm. One such is the Yutong BusCompany. It produces all brands of buses.Nigeria is one

of the 120 countries Yutong buses are found.Others are the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,Ghana,and Cuba.

The company leads the pack of Bus manufacturers in volume sales. Last year 67,018 units.Also in Henan, manufacturing firms exists side by side with industrial farmers. Using improved seedling mechanized farming is all year round. Henan supplies substantial percentage of China’s food requirement and export. Like Beijing,it is illegal to ride gas powered motorcycles.Two short days later, we flew to Shanghai. concluded

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

PAGE 33

Metro

Bizman docked for alleged forgery

F

Women designing calabash, yesterday at Bwari, in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

or allegedly forging a letterheaded paper with the logo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a businessman, Yami Kuru, 59, was arraigned in a Senior Magistrate’ Court in Mararaba, near Abuja.

Kuru, who resides in No: 7, Johnson Street, Aso, Mararaba, is charged with forgery and cheating.

The prosecutor, PC Ibrahim Oloyede, told the court that Ms Grace David of Clown Grace School Mararaba, lodged a report against the accused at the `A’ Division Police Station, Mararaba on May 13.

Oloyede said that the accused introduced himself as a PDP coordinator for transformation and dishonestly collected N175, 000 from the complainant.

The prosecutor said that the offence was punishable under sections 321 and 364 of the Penal Code.

The offence is punishable with imprisonment for a term of 14 years or with fine.

The accused however pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Magistrate Jeremiah Danladi granted him bail for N200,000 with two sureties.

He ordered that the surety must be a civil servant not below GL 10 and must have traceable address within the court’s jurisdiction.

(NAN)

Foundation peddles clothes to cater for orphans, less privileged in Gwandara

By Stanley Onyekwere

T

he founder of God’s Love Tabitha Royal Foundation, a NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO), Evangelist Victoria Oloche, has revealed how she sources for fund, by trading in clothing and other home wares to cater for about over 60 orphans and other less privileged children in her custody.

According to the founder of the Home located beside Government Secondary School, Nyanya Gwandara, a suburb near

Abuja, it draws 70 per cent of its fund from proceeds from the trade.

She explained that she resorted to this (trading in clothing) as a veritable option, because the assistance coming from donors and other wellmeaning Nigerians was too meager to cater for the various needs of children in the Home.

“Primarily, I don’t fold my hands. I am into sales of home wares and clothing to generate revenue, and sometimes donors come in to support. That is how

we generate our revenue,” she said.

Asked if the home was satisfied with the financial assistance the NGO is getting, Evangelist Oloche answered in negation, blaming the lack of assistance to fake NGOs sprawling up everywhere.

She however, solicited for financial and material assistance from government at all levels and other well-meaning people in the society.

“We are not satisfied with the help we are getting, because we

have money in this country and we have people, who are willing or wishing to give out, but the truth is that there are fake NGOs going about which makes a lot of people to become very reluctant to help.

“Notwithstanding, the appeal we are making to them is that they should come and see what we are doing, and try and be part of it.

“We are not saying they should just donate money, but they should come and see the children and the projects going

on, and really know that we are investing their money into the lives of people, she stressed.”

Continuing, she adds: “If there is support from the state, local and federal government, it will go a long way in facilitating our work, because children are really suffering a lot due to insufficient fund.

“For instance, the help we get from outside amounts to only about 20 percent, while the bulk of the fund we use for managing the Home is a personal effort which is 70 percent.”

How housewife allegedly defrauded applicants using forged FCDA letters, by witness

A

prosecution witness has told a Chief Magistrates’ court, Karu, Abuja, of how one Roseline Ojo allegedly forged employment letters of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to defraud two job seekers of N300, 000.

Ojo, a housewife, was arraigned at the court presided over by Chief Magistrate Hadiza Shagari, by the police on February 13 on two counts of criminal conspiracy and forgery, which she

denied.

Led in evidence by the Prosecutor, Mr. Atteh Effiong, the witness, Insp. Hassandy Waziri, who was the Investigative Police Officer (IPO), identified the two victims as Peter Iduh and David Edache.

He said; “a case of criminal conspiracy and forgery was transferred from Garki Police Station to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for proper investigation.

“We were briefed that two job seekers, Iduh and Edache, were arrested with fake employment letters stating that they were administrative staff of FCDA. “Investigation into the matter revealed that the signed letters, which were issued on the FCDA letterhead, originated from the accused, and that she collected the sum of N150, 000 each from her victims.’’

According to him, further investigation reveals that the

accused conspired with her brother, who is now at large, to commit the crime.

A search was carried out on the accused person’s apartment where police investigators found nine other fake letters of employment.

“Among the fake letters of employment, was one bearing the accused person’s name and the sum of N300, 000 was also recovered from her,’’ Waziri further alleged.

The prosecutor then tendered a written statement allegedly made by the accused at the station, the fake letters and the N300,000 recovered from her as exhibits.

The exhibits were admitted by the court.

Counsel to the accused, Mrs. Ifeoma Chukwunyere, asked the court for a short adjournment to enable her to prepare herself for cross-examination of the IPO, which the court granted. (NAN)

Page 34

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

Money Sense

Energy-efficient home improvements that save A

s energy costs rise, you might be looking for ways to be more energyefficient without breaking the bank. Here are eight moneysmart moves to consider when making home renovations.

Anything “low flow In addition to saving water, low-flow fixtures will save you more than a dime or two.

Inexpensive and easily installed, low-flow fixtures can reduce your home water consumption by as much as 50 percent and can save you up to N22,475 per year. Low-flow showerheads cost about N3100.

A tank-less water heater Tank-less water heaters allow users to shave 20 percent off their water bill. In addition to lasting five to 10 years longer than tank heaters, tank-less heaters never run out of hot water.

Ceiling fans A ceiling fan will help keep your home at a comfortable temperature while reducing your energy bill by about N2, 325 per year, according to Energy Star. Ceiling fans are priced at about N7750

Compact fluorescent light bulbs Fluorescent bulbs last four to 10 times longer than regular light bulbs. While they are more expensive initially, you will save about N930 per year on energy bills.

Weather stripping You might be surprised to find how much money you could save by patching up that draft in your kitchen or bedroom.

In homes that haven’t been weather stripped, air leaks account for 30 to 40 percent of cooling loss. Weather stripping materials start for as little as N775.

Costs to cut in retirement: Eliminate these unnecessary expenses and live comfortably on a fixed income

I

f you don’t have a traditional pension or large nest egg, it’s likely that you will need to closely monitor your spending in retirement. “(Retirees) don’t just sit around eating bonbons and living off pension plans,” says Bart Astor, author of “AARP Roadmap for the Rest of Your Life: Smart Choices about Money, Health, Work, Lifestyle, and Pursuing Your Dreams.”

“At 50 or 60 years old, you still have to be thinking longterm. You will be without a major career for 30, 40 or even 50 years, which is probably longer than you actually worked before. Look at what you can afford to do, and balance it with what is important to you.”

One of the simplest things you can do to make sure you stay financially viable during retirement is pay attention to your spending. “It is important to understand exactly where your money is going and what you are getting for it,” says Keith Green, President of The American Retirement Initiative. “There are

a lot of ways to cut spending on things you just don’t need.”

Whether you are in the midst of retirement or you are just planning ahead, consider cutting back in the following areas to prevent unnecessary expenditures and financial worries down the road: Adjusting to lower income:As you move into retirement, you will likely have to adjust to living on a lower income. To avoid getting into trouble later, make sure you are only buying what you can afford. “It’s generally a mistake to carry a balance on a charge card,” Green says. “The overarching thought here is that during their retirement years, folks are more likely to be living on a fixed income, and that may affect the repayment process later on.”

Technology:Don’t sign up and pay for anything you aren’t going to use. “How many people watch 50 percent, or even 30 percent, of the things they pay for with cable?”

Green says. Paying for cable can become a major financial drain

over time. Consider slimming down on elaborate packages or turning to cheaper alternatives.

“Today, you can get the content from other outlets.

Additionally, be realistic about your needs and wants. If you need a cellphone just for making an occasional phone call, don’t purchase the latest smartphone with an unlimited data package.

“You don’t need to be paying for fancy phones with features or minutes you don’t use,” Green says.

Insurance:The older you get, the less important it becomes to focus your attention and money on life insurance plans.

“In the event of your death, (life insurance pays) your dependents or those closest to you,” Green says. “But when you are retired, typically the folks who were dependent on you before aren’t anymore. Also, theoretically, you’ve had time to build up other assets so the need isn’t there.”

That saidyou shouldn’t always cancel your life insurance policy because many of them have viable

cash return options, and could help a surviving spouse or have estate planning benefits.

Travel:Travel tends to increase during the early years of retirement and taper off later on, Heichel says. If you know you are going to travel more

during retirement, try to factor those costs into your retirement saving ahead of time. However, regardless of prior planning, keep costs low by adjusting your travel itinerary. Shop around for the cheapest airline seats and discounted hotel rooms.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

world news

Page 35

international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

Egypt’s hollow parliament analysis

By Abdullah Al-Arian

E

gypt has been without a parliament since 2012. As the drastically reconstituted legislative body convenes this week for the first time in nearly four years, the final step in the restoration of Egypt’s authoritarian system of government appears to be complete.

Ever since the July 2013 coup that brought to an abrupt halt the tenuous transition to democracy that followed a popular uprising to remove Hosni Mubarak from power, Egypt’s state institutions have been realigned under the authority of General Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. To be sure, the process has been fraught with external opposition and internal discord but, through it all, Sisi has managed to tighten his grip on power and consolidate his control over the country’s governing structures.

Sisi’s supposed “road map to democracy”, which concluded with the swearing in of the new parliament on Sunday, began with the quashing of all independent political opposition following the military’s takeover in 2013.

Egypt parliament convenes for first time under Sisi eginning with the Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt’s longstanding social movement that took the lead in the post-Mubarak transition by winning a series of elections and referendums, Sisi demonstrated that he did not intend to allow the continuation of the opening of the political field to outsiders and challengers.

B

Post-coup political transition he military arrested Mohamed Morsi, Egypt’s first freely elected president, banned his political party, and detained the Muslim Brotherhood’s leadership on charges ranging from treason to terrorism.

Security forces confronted Morsi’s supporters across Egypt, leading to incidents of large-scale state violence such as the massacre of hundreds of protesters at Raba’a Square in August 2013.

T

The many trials of Mohamed Morsi he judiciary did its part in the political realignment that followed by affirming the decision to ban the Muslim Brotherhood, seize its assets, and then sentencing hundreds of its members to death. While many of Egypt’s other opposition groups cheered on the coup and its aftermath, the counter-revolution soon turned on them as well.

While many of Egypt’s other opposition groups cheered on the coup and its aftermath, the counterrevolution soon turned on them as well.

Leaders of the so-called National Salvation Front which emerged in opposition to the Morsi government aimed for a stake in the post-coup political transition, but they were to be

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Ali Abdel Al is elected speaker of Egypt’s parliament [REUTERS] disappointed. Following a state media onslaught that questioned his loyalty to the coup, Mohamed ElBaradei was quickly isolated and retreated into another self-imposed exile.

Hamdeen Sabahi dutifully performed the role of opposition candidate in the 2014 presidential election, which Sisi won with 96 percent of the vote. Egypt’s liberal and leftist opposition parties were also marginalised, while revolutionary groups such as the April 6 Youth movement were subject to the coup regime’s new laws banning public protests.

In all, security forces have imprisoned more than 40,000 Egyptians in an unprecedented wave of repression roundly condemned by international human rights groups.

Having neutralised all independent opposition within Egypt, Sisi was free to reshape the country’s political landscape as he saw fit. But in the ensuing months he would discover that establishing a new authoritarian

regime on the ruins of Mubarak’s collapsed dictatorship would be no easy task.

Egypt’s next legislative body n the three-part transition to democracy, Sisi announced after the coup, the passage of a new constitution was to be followed by parliamentary and then presidential elections.

However, he soon reversed the order of the planned elections, securing his own position as president in May 2014 before turning to the question of Egypt’s next legislative body.

The elections were delayed several times before they were finally held last October. In the interim period, Sisi embodied both presidential as well as legislative powers, issuing no fewer than 300 laws affecting everything from civil rights and government subsidies to state projects and the makeup of the parliament itself.

Having realised that he could not count on the emergence of a new political party structure on the order of

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Among the legislative initiatives to be taken up by the new parliament are efforts to extend the presidential term from four to six years and a proposal to do away with the twoterm limit on the presidency

the National Democratic Party (NDP) through which Mubarak wielded power for years, Sisi instead opted for a drastically weakened body made up mostly of individual candidates.

Of the record 596 seats in the new parliament, only 120 - barely one-fifth - are apportioned to party lists, with the rest given to single candidates, 28 of whom are appointed directly by Sisi himself. The regime even altered the party list voting structure to a winner-takes-all system that favours establishment parties.

Egypt and Palestine in the age of Sisi he two-round parliamentary elections primarily featured candidates competing over who could more convincingly declare their undying loyalty to Sisi. Not surprisingly, voter turnout was reportedly the lowest of any election in Egypt’s recent history.

The resulting parliament consists mostly of former regime figures, Sisi allies, and business elites with strong economic ties to the regime. All 120 seats designated for party lists were won by the ad hoc pro-Sisi alliance called “For the Love of Egypt”. Some recent fissures within the ranks of Sisi’s supporters have revealed quite a bit about how political power operates in the new Egypt.

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Internal cohesion opular talk-show host and longtime Sisi supporter Tawfik Okasha received the highest number of votes but after he was sidelined in his effort to become speaker of the parliament, he claimed that the major decisions regarding the parliament were being

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shaped directly by Egypt’s General Intelligence Services (GIS). With its close ties to the president, the GIS has reportedly played the role of conduit with a parliament that lacks internal cohesion or a strong party presence.

Affirming these reports, Hazem Abdel Azeem, a one-time rising star under Sisi and a key member of his presidential campaign, published a first-hand account of his attendance of several meetings last year at GIS headquarters.

At these meetings, not only did intelligence officials indicate that they were handpicking the individual candidates for the upcoming elections, but they also claimed a target of 400 members of parliament - the twothirds super majority required to pass constitutional amendments.

Incidentally, in its very first vote of the new session, the parliament elected Ali Abdel Al speaker, with 401 members voting in favour of his candidacy.

Abdel Azeem condemned the close ties between the presidency and the new parliament as an unfair abuse of power that went beyond the standard vote rigging for which Egyptian elections had long been known. In fact, the emerging role of such state institutions in politics signals a dramatic shift away from the traditional place of parties such as the NDP as the base of political support for an authoritarian president.

Instead, Sisi has demonstrated his severe distrust of Egyptian politics with the aim of creating an alternative centre of power that he can more directly control away from public view.

Source: Al Jazeera

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

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News From Africa Ghana’s leader Mahama defends accepting Guantanamo detainees

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hana’s president has strongly defended the government’s decision to allow two Yemenis freed from Guantanamo Bay to live in the West African state.

Opposition and church groups had condemned the decision, saying the men were a security threat.

However, Mr Mahama said a Ghanaian was more likely to die in a road accident than at the hands of the Yemenis.

The men said they looked forward to living in Ghana, and had followed the national football team in prison.

Khalid al-Dhuby and Mahmoud Omar Bin Atef were held at the US prison in Cuba for more than a decade without being charged.

They are the first Guantanamo detainees that Ghana has accepted, at the request of the US. The jail was set up following the 11 September 2001 attacks in the US to detain what Washington called “enemy combatants”.

US President Barack Obama has said he wants to close the jail down before he leaves office in 2017.

Speaking at a press conference in the capital, Accra, Mr Mahama said that Guantanamo Bay was a

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The Guantanamo Bay facility is used to detain what the US government calls “enemy combatants”

“blot on the human rights record of the world”.

Ghana’s striker Asamoah Gyan (L) scores against the USA during extra time of their 2010 World Cup round of 16 football match at Royal Bafokeng stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa, on June 26, 2010Image

copyrightAFP “They [the men] just want to pick up the pieces of their lives and live normally. We don’t have anything to fear,” Mr Mahama said, adding that Mr al-Dhuby and Mr Atef were living in a security compound.

Earlier, the influential Ghana

Catholic Bishops Conference called the Yemenis “time bombs” who should be “sent back to wherever they came from”.

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) said that official US documents showed the men had “violent and dangerous profiles”.

Kenya’s Evangelical Alliance opposes registration plan

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enya’s evangelical churches have condemned government plans to make it tougher for religious bodies and clerics from all faiths to operate.

The move was aimed at stopping the growth of evangelical churches, said the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya.

But a leading Anglican cleric welcomed the proposals as an attempt to end the “commercialisation” of religion.

The proposals require all religious bodies to register, and for preachers to have police clearance.

All religious institutions would also be required to submit their statements of faith to a governmentbacked body for examination.

Christians form the majority in Kenya, while Muslims are the secondlargest group.

Their main body, the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims, was also opposed to the proposals, warning they could violate “freedom of worship and amount to a clampdown on religious institutions”, the privately owned The Standard newspaper reports.

The Catholic Church - the largest Christian denomination in Kenya, and to which President Uhuru Kenyatta belongs - has not yet commented on the proposals.

The BBC’s Muliro Telewa in the capital, Nairobi, says AttorneyGeneral Githu Muigai unveiled the proposals last week, and would hold public consultations before drafting legislation.

All preachers have to undergo theological training at a reputable seminary

Sian Blake death: Arthur SimpsonKent remanded in Ghana

Evangelical churches are increasing their numbers in Kenya and elsewhere in Africa

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption commission will have to certify that clergy are not corrupt and Foreign pastors will need a work permit, and a recommendation from their government Our correspondent says the proposals seem to target selfproclaimed Christian prophets and faith healers whose influence is growing, as well as Muslim preachers who promote extremism in a country where militant Islamist group alShabab is active.

The Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK) said it would launch a campaign to obtain three million signatures to block the government from enforcing the proposals.

“Registration of churches was stopped since 2014. We believe this is meant to stop evangelism and growth of the church since other societies are being registered freely,” said EAK chairman Bishop Mark Kariuki, the private Daily Nation newspaper reports.

He warned that the EAK would urge its followers not to vote for the government in elections next year if it implemented the proposals.

He said: “2017 is very close and we will not hesitate to use those [voter] cards.”

Kenyan Muslims perform Eid alFitr prayers at the Sir Ali Muslim Club in Nairobi, 24 October 2006Image copyrightAFP

However, Anglican Church of Kenya Bishop Beneah Salah said government intervention was needed because the church was not in a healthy state.

“Horrible things are happening in the church today. There is a lot of commercialisation of the gospel with this prosperity gospel,” he is quoted

by The Standard as saying.

“Perhaps God is using the state to punish the church as he did in the past, where he used kings or nations to discipline the church,” he added.

The head of the tiny Atheists in Kenya group, Harrison Mumia, said the government had a responsibility to protect desperate Kenyans from faith healers who took advantage of them.

he partner of former EastEnders actress Sian Blake has been remanded in custody in Ghana and told he will face an extradition hearing.

Arthur Simpson-Kent, 48, appeared at Kaneshie Magistrates’ Court in Accra.

He has been remanded for two weeks.

He left the UK on 19 December following the deaths of his former partner Ms Blake, 43, and their two young sons, Zachary, eight, and four yearold Amon.

The British government is yet to submit the request for his extradition.

EastEnders promotional shot of Sian Blake as Frankie Pierre The Met Police launched a murder investigation after Ms Blake, who was last seen in public on 13 December, was found buried in the garden of her family home in Erith, Kent, along with her two children on 5 January.

Mr Simpson-Kent was arrested on Saturday at a Ghanaian beach resort after locals who had seen his photo on social media tipped off police.

Zachary, eight, and four year old AmonImage copyrightBlake Family Two Met Police officers flew out to the African country and located Mr Simpson-Kent on Busua beach with help from local police and officers from Interpol.

Ms Blake, who had motor neurone disease, and her sons died from neck and head injuries, post-mortem tests found.

She played Frankie Pierre in 56 episodes of EastEnders between 1996 and 1997.

The Met has been criticised over delays in its investigation after it emerged officers spoke to Mr Simpson-Kent at the family home on 16 December.

Arthur Simpson-Kent, pictured here outside court in Accra on Tuesday, left the UK on 19 December

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

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Asia&Middleast

China charges human rights lawyers with ‘subversion’

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he Chinese authorities have arrested and charged at least seven human rights lawyers and associates with “subversion”, friends and family say.

The employees of Fengrui law firm in Beijing, including founder Zhou Shifeng, have been held in secret since last summer.

If put on trial they may face sentences of between 15 years and life in jail.

China has been conducting a widespread crackdown on activists, including scores of lawyers and their staff.

Mr Zhou came to prominence representing families caught up in China’s poison baby milk scandal in 2008. He was detained in July last year - a week later state media reported he had confessed to unspecified crimes.

His colleague, Liu Xiaoyuan, confirmed with the BBC that Mr Zhou, lawyer Wang Quanzhang and intern Li Shuyun had been formally arrested by police under suspicion of “state subversion”.

Four others, lawyers Xie Yanyi, Xie Yang and Sui Muqing, and legal assistant Zhao Wei, had been arrested and accused of “incitement to state subversion”, AFP news agency reported, citing their friends and relatives.

The BBC’s Jo Floto in Beijing says it now looks likely the group will face trial. If they do, conviction is all but guaranteed.

In this photo taken on January 5, 2016, Li Wenzu, the wife of detained Chinese human rights lawyer Wang Quanzhang, and her son Qiaoqiao pose for a photograph in Beijing.

J Wang Quanzhang’s wife Li Wenzu and their son Qiaoqiao have not seen him since July

Women are winning in Pakistan’s gaming industry Palestinian journalist ‘nearing death’ in Israeli jail

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Palestinian political prisoner has been taken to hospital and is in a critical condition as he continues to refuse food in protest at being imprisoned by Israel without charges, a Palestinian official has told Al Jazeera.

Muhammad al-Qeq, a 33-yearold journalist from the occupied West Bank village of Dura, launched his fast on November 24 in protest against his administrative detention, a practice in which Israel imprisons Palestinians on “secret evidence” and without trial or charges.

“He hasn’t eaten in 49 days and his health is very bad now,” Issa Qaraqe, head of the Palestinian Authority’s prisoner committee, told Al Jazeera, adding that Qeq had been transferred to Afula hospital in northern Israel.

“He has many serious health issues and we fear he is nearing death,” Qaraqe said, adding that the prisoner has lost 22kg.

“We are worried that Israeli prison authorities will force-feed him,” he said, referring to the Israeli government’s legalisation of July 2015 that allows the forcefeeding of prisoners who refuse to eat.

Explaining that Qeq temporarily slipped into a coma over the weekend, Qaraqe said that the Palestinian government was calling on international organisations and human rights groups to intervene on behalf of the prisoner and “help save his life”.

The Palestinian Centre for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA), a press rights group, called in a statement published earlier this week for Israel to release Qeq .

In addition to Qeq, at least two other Palestinian political prisoners are on hunger strike behind Israeli bars, Qaraqe said.

Companies in Pakistan’s gaming studios are making a point of promoting gender parity.

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SLAMABAD, Pakistan - Some studios in Pakistan’s nascent but growing gaming industry have led the way on gender diversity in a country where only about 13 percent of the non-agricultural workforce is female.

At We R Play Studios, the openplan office and “play room” are a direct cultural import from Silicon Valley. But the studio has by far out-ranked some more progressive countries on gender parity, with a 42 percent female workforce. Women

reportedly make up only 11 percent of video game designers and 3 percent of programmers in the US. Music plays overhead as staff work by walls plastered with posters of comic-book characters in this busy office in the capital Islamabad.

Studios such as this one led by entrepreneur Mohsin Afzal are producing games with global appeal that fuel Pakistan’s $2.8bn software industry. Afzal founded We R Play Studios in 2010 with his friend Waqar Azim after graduating with an MBA

from the University of California. The studio has since coded the global hit “Dream Chaser”, which was one of the top 10 free games in 11 countries in the Apple App Store.

Pakistan’s software export industry employs some 24,000 people, according to Pakistan government figures. A survey conducted in 2012 by Pakistan’s software industry trade body P@ SHA showed that only 14 percent of the country’s IT sector workforce was female.

Madaya Syria: ‘400 residents must leave’ for medical treatment

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ome 400 people in the besieged Syrian town of Madaya need to be urgently evacuated for medical treatment, says UN humanitarian chief Stephen O’Brien.

Mr O’Brien was speaking after the UN Security Council held an urgent meeting to discuss the crisis in the rebel-held town near Damascus.

Earlier, an aid convoy brought food to 40,000 town residents who have been under government siege for months.

The UN says it has received credible reports of people dying of

Airbnb lists homes in illegal Israeli settlements

starvation.

Monday’s aid delivery was the first allowed into Madaya since midOctober, when the UN’s World Food Programme took a month’s supply of food rations for 20,000 people.

Simultaneously, aid lorries entered two towns besieged by rebel forces in the northern province of Idlib under a deal between the warring parties.

The situation in Foah and Kefraya is also said to be dire, with an estimated 20,000 people trapped there since March.

Mr O’Brien said that a

humanitarian co-ordinator at the hospital in Madaya saw around 400 people who needed to be evacuated immediately.

Syrian children wait on the outskirts of after being evacuated from the town. Photo: 11 January 2016Image copyrightAFP “We must seek to do this and put the arrangements in place as soon as possible for medical treatment.

Or they are in grave peril of losing their lives and dying with either the causes being from malnutrition or for complications for other medical reasons,” Mr O’Brien said.

erusalem - Dozens of listings on the online accommodation service Airbnb show immaculate cottages, elaborate breakfasts and rolling hillside views “in Israel” - but what is not stated is that the properties are located in Jewish settlements and outposts on occupied Palestinian territory.

One shows a tidy, threebedroom rental home with an idyllic courtyard framed by a lush green grapevine, for the price of 800 shekels ($205) in Tekoa, a Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank.

The listing promises “three rooms, a balcony, a grape arbour, an orchard and a sitting area overlooking the spectacular Judea desert landscape. Well equipped, decorated, beautifully and tastefully furnished in authentic oriental style.”

The accommodation is listed as being located 15 minutes from Jerusalem, and “inspiring”.

This and similar listings for property rentals in settlements and outposts deemed illegal under international law have sparked condemnation from the Palestinian community.

“It’s not only controversial, it’s illegal and criminal,” Husam Zomlot, the ambassador-at-large for Palestine, told Al Jazeera.

“This website is promoting stolen property and land.”

Airbnb does not list any safety and security concerns in relation to the listings, despite a recent escalation in violence in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories.

“We follow laws and regulations on where we can do business and investigate concerns raised about specific listings,” company spokesman Peter Huntingford told Al Jazeera. He would not say whether the listings in question had been targeted for investigation.

When hosts list a property, they are required to accurately list the location, and can be investigated if they do not. Some of the listings in question state outright that the properties are in Israel as opposed to the occupied Palestinian territories.

Settlement expansion has long been viewed as a major roadblock to a viable Palestinian state, and under Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, settlement expansion has surged.

The Jewish settler population throughout the West Bank has grown by about 25 percent since 2009, to nearly 400,000 people, compared with the overall population growth rate of about 10 percent inside Israel during that time.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

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Europe &

US-led Turkey: ‘IS suicide bomber’ kills 10 coalition in Istanbul Sultanahmet district strike ‘destroys IS bank in Iraq’

Afghan Taliban frees Canadian man held since 2010

US-led coalition air strike has destroyed a bank used by the Islamic State group in the Iraqi city of Mosul.

A US official told the BBC two 900kg bombs had hit the building on Monday.

He estimated that millions of dollars earned by IS through oil sales, looting and extortion had been destroyed.

Video posted online by IS showed damage to a building. The coalition has increased strikes against facilities that fund IS activities including oil fields it controls.

The coalition has hit “one or two” buildings that store IS money in the past, the US official told the BBC, but Monday’s strike is likely to be the biggest to date.

CNN reported that the strike was carried out in a civilian area and that US commanders were prepared to consider up to 50 civilian casualties “due to the importance of the target”.

Strikes on Monday also destroyed two IS command and control nodes, a tactical vehicle and 20 IS fighting positions, the Combined Joint Task Force said.

IS generates around $80m a month, mainly from oil revenues, according to findings focusing on late 2015 from UK defence consultancy IHS.

Canadian man, held by the Taliban in Afghanistan since 2010, has been released, Canada’s government has announced.

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion said in a statement on Monday that Colin Rutherford was a tourist in Afghanistan when he was seized by the Taliban in November 2010.

The Taliban released a video of Rutherford in 2011 and accused the then 26-year-old of being a spy.

Rutherford insisted he was not a spy and had travelled to Afghanistan to study historical sites and shrines.

He said in the video that he is an auditor from Canada and came as a tourist.

Dion said Canada gave “its heartfelt thanks to the Government of Qatar for its assistance in this matter.”

“Canada is very pleased that efforts undertaken to secure the release of Colin Rutherford from captivity have been successful,” he said.

“We look forward to Mr. Rutherford being able to return to Canada and reunite with his family and loved ones.

“The Government of Canada will continue to provide Mr. Rutherford with consular assistance and will assist in facilitating his safe return home.”

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The Istanbul governor’s office says 10 people died in the blast

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suspected member of the Islamic State (IS) group has killed 10 people, at least nine of them German tourists, in a suicide bomb attack in the Turkish city of Istanbul, officials say.

They say the Syrian national carried out the attack in the Sultanahmet district, near the famous Blue Mosque.

Fifteen people were wounded, many of them also German.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey was the “top target for all terrorist groups in the region”.

His country, he added, was “fighting against all of them equally”.

Map of Sultanahmet area

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu telephoned German Chancellor Angela Merkel to offer his condolences, the Anadolu news agency quoted his office as saying.

Mr Davutoglu later said: “We have determined that the perpetrator of the attack is a foreigner who is a member of Daesh (IS).”

He vowed to find and punish those linked to the bomber and pledged to continue the fight against IS militants.

Turkey’s Deputy PM Numan Kurtulmus said earlier: “It has been identified that the suicide bomber is Syrian and his connections are being investigated.”

The suspect was said to have

been born in 1988 and was identified from body parts.

Mr Kurtulmus said the suspect was not on Turkey’s militant watch-list and was believed to have recently crossed into Turkey from Syria.

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Media captionPresident Recep Tayyip Erdogan: “We have to be united against the scourge of terrorism” Eyewitness Murat Manaz said: “It was a suicide bomb. I went there and saw it and came back to the hotel. There was chaos. Everybody was running somewhere.

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Canadian Colin British doctors go on strike over changes to contracts Zafrani, a junior doctor at the ens of thousands of junior Rutherford Stepping Hill Hospital in the northern doctors have gone on strike in city of Stockport, who said that the England over government plans freed from government was taking advantage to amend their contracts, the first of junior doctors because they were walkout of its kind in 40 years. locked in to training programmes that The move on Tuesday follows Taliban captivity months could last up to 10 years. of negotiations to avert

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Canadian captured by the Taliban in Afghanistan has been freed after more than five years in captivity.

Colin Rutherford was released on Monday, following efforts brokered by the Qatari government, Canadian Foreign Minister Stephane Dion said.

The Taliban announced the capture of Mr Rutherford in 2011, accusing him of being a spy. Mr Rutherford denied this, saying he was a tourist.

In a statement, the Taliban said he had been released on humanitarian grounds.

Mr Rutherford was freed on Monday morning in central Ghazni province, local police chief Aminullah Amarkhil said in quotes carried by AP. He was flown out in a helicopter from the remote district of Giro, the police chief added.

industrial action between the British Medical Association (BMA), which represents the doctors, and the Department of Health.

Jeremy Hunt, British secretary of state for health, says the proposed changes to the contracts of junior doctors are needed to help modernise the country’s National Health Service (NHS), but the BMA says the changes will penalise doctors who work unsociable hours and put further strain on resources.

In a statement published by the Department of Health on Tuesday, Hunt said a pay offer made to junior doctors was fair, and that he was “disappointed” the BMA proceeded with the walkout.

“We had made good progress in talks ... everything apart from weekend pay. We have now asked ACAS [the arbitration service] to reconvene talks in the hope the BMA

Doctors say the proposed changes to contracts will stretch a medical service already under strain [Andy Rain/EPA]

will return to sensible negotiations,” Hunt said.

The BMA said that it had been left with no option but to take industrial action despite “constructive” talks with the government.

“We have been clear throughout this process that we want to negotiate a contract that is safe and fair, and delivers for junior doctors, patients and the NHS as whole,” the chairman of the BMA junior doctors committee,

Johann Malawana, said in a statement.

The organisation said Tuesday’s action was the first of three planned at the moment, with further strikes scheduled for January 26 and February 10.

Junior doctors will continue to provide emergency care during Tuesday’s strike and the one scheduled for January 26, but will fully withdraw services during the February strike.

Al Jazeera spoke to Dr Lamia

What the proposed contract wants to do is stretch an already stretched service without injecting any further resources “As junior doctors we work hard, we work unsociable hours and we work weekends ... staying behind after work to make sure things are safe. The NHS runs on the goodwill of its staff,” Zafrani said.

“I’m an obstetrics and gynaecology speciality trainee, and babies aren’t born nine to five on a Monday to Friday, but what the proposed contract wants to do is stretch an already stretched service without injecting any further resources.

“Hunt wants a contract which would be unsafe for patients by removing safeguards which protect us from treating patients when we are overworked and without adequate rest. It would be detrimental to our training and unfair.”

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

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world

Woman with absurdly long toenails claws the ground to make a spine-chilling sound

By Jake Polden

• Gross clip has been viewed close to a million times since appearing online • Video shows disturbing close-up of woman’s feet with extremely long nails • Woman scratches her toenails along the ground to create a chilling sound

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hose of a sensitive disposition are advised to look away now - this footage is quite possibly the grossest thing you are likely to see all week.

A video of a woman stroking the floor with extremely long toenails has emerged online and has taken the internet by storm.

The clip, which was captured in an unknown location, has amassed just shy of a million views since appearing online two weeks ago.

And many viewers disturbed by the gross content have left a number of comments.

The 44-second-long video provides a close-up of the foot sporting the long nails and shows the woman scratching the ground with them to create a spine-chilling sound.

This continues for a total of 28 seconds - the woman runs her foot from left to right along the floor before tapping her nails against the hard surface.

Later in the video the extremely long toenails are captured from another angle as the woman once again taps the ground with them.

In clearer light this time, the nails are visible as being curved at the tips, which is undoubtedly a result of their staggering length.

Commenting on the video, one viewer wrote: ‘Omg that is disgusting, why would anyone want to have toenails like that?’

While another, who was equally disturbed, wrote: ‘I can’t watch this! Haha, way over due a pedicure.’

A third viewer joked: ‘Can’t believe they took a video of my toenails.’

Another angle shows that the nails are curved at the tips, which is no doubt a result of their staggering length

DailyMail on Facebook Distrubing: The 44-second-long video provides an extreme close-up of the foot sporting the long toenails

The lady scratches the floor with her toenails to make a chilling sound before tapping them off the hard surface

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

Page 40

Digest

The 8 biggest diet mistakes we all make

By Rob Hobson

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ome January, the number on the scales has crept up and most of us are looking to slim down.

According to nutritionist Rob Hobson, most of us are jeopardising our dieting efforts by making simple mistakes.

Some of us give up fat and/or carbs, but this means we often feel unsatisfied and overeat later, he says, writing for Healthista.

Or we eat bagfuls of nuts and seeds, when just a handful is recommended - causing our calorie count to soar.

Others if us set unrealistic goals instead of making small, achievable changes - meaning we quit within the week.

Below, Mr Hobson reveals the top eight mistakes we all make, and what to do instead...

1. Eating too many nuts and seeds Remember that most healthy, highly nutritious foods are high in calories so watch your portion sizes of foods such as nuts, seeds, oils, dried fruit and avocados.

The supermarkets are filled with ‘healthy’ snacks such as fruit and nut bars as well as ‘on-trend’ products such as fresh nut milks.

Although these foods offer a good source of nutrients, they also add calories and are of no additional benefit to you if you’re diet is already packed with other healthy nutritious foods.

Add your carbohydrates to dishes rather than treating them

as an accompaniment to help reduce your calorie intake.

Reducing your carbohydrate intake can help with weight loss but if cutting them out completely is not how you prefer to eat, as advocated by some diets, then try cutting down by adding a handful of cooked quinoa, brown rice, sweet potato, spelt or pulses to stir-fries, soups, salads and stews, serving as one-pot dishes.

3. Eating too many snacks Many dietary regimes advocate a number of meals and snacks throughout the day.

Snacking is great to avoid hunger pangs but if you’re not hungry then leave them out as it’s just another opportunity to overeat.

If you can, then try and opt for nutritious snacks over shopbought, low calorie items that often offer a short-lived satiety with little nutrition.

If you need to include snacks then keep something healthy to hand.

Healthy snack ideas include: • Boiled eggs • Dips with chopped veggies • Tomato, stock or misobased soups • Small handful of nuts, seeds or dried fruits • Low fat natural yoghurt topped with berries • Lean sliced poultry such as turkey • Canned tuna with a handful of pulses or salad

Always have a strategy if you are going to be eating away from home. Never turn up to a buffet hungry, count your cocktails sticks, and make socialising the focus of your event 4. Weighing yourself too much Weigh yourself weekly or set yourself a goal such as getting back into a favourite pair of jeans or dress.

Try not to get disheartened if it takes a little longer than you hoped and don’t beat yourself up over the odd relapse, just pick up where you left off the following day.

5. Avoiding fats Fat doesn’t necessarily make you fat and although higher in calories than protein or carbohydrates, eating too much of any food will promote weight gain.

Certain diets favour fats and proteins over carbohydrates that can be difficult for some people to control in their diet.

Choose small servings of healthy fats such as oily fish, nuts, seeds, avocados and oils such as extra virgin olive and coconut.

Watch portion sizes of foods such as nuts, seeds, oils, dried fruit and avocados as they are high calorie

6. Being unrealistic Some people prefer to embark on a diet that has a structure and rules to follow.

If this is your thing then pick one you can stick to and remember to think about how you’re going to keep the weight off once the diet ends.

There are lots of opinions about dieting such as low carbohydrate, low fat or simply reducing your portion sizes.

The bottom line is you need to reduce your overall calorie intake and partner this with an increase in activity.

The last thing you want is

to feel hungry so aim for 1200 – 1500 calories per day and set a realistic weight loss goal of 1-2 pounds per week.

If the gym isn’t for you, then even simple changes in your daily routine can help burn calories such as walking to work or using the stairs.

It can be tough losing weight, especially without a little support and encouragement.

Try getting friends or family members involved. You could also get work colleagues involved in a weight loss challenge or sign up for a charity sport event so you have something to aim for.

7. Relying on diet meals When dieting some people rely on calorie-controlled diet meals or ‘healthy products’.

But these can be a false friend - containing a lot of sugar and salt that leaves us hungry afterwards.

Try cooking from scratch, as this is the easiest way to control what goes into the food you eat.

You don’t need to be the best cook, keep it simple and try cooking a little extra for the following day to save time.

Dish ideas can include: • Grilled meat or fish (flavoured with spices or spice blends) with veggies and an optional serving of complex carbohydrate such as quinoa, brown rice or sweet potato.

• Combine a cook-insauce (check front-of-pack labels for healthy options) with a protein, veggies and optional serving of complex carbohydrate

such as quinoa, brown rice or sweet potato.

• Pre-packaged salad bag with a protein (poultry, prawns or canned tuna), additional veggies, healthy fats (nuts, seeds or avocado) and canned pulses.

• Stir-fried veggies with a protein (poultry, prawns or tofu) and handful of canned pulses or cooked complex carbohydrate such as quinoa, brown rice or buckwheat noodles.

8. Always have a strategy if you know you are not going to be eating at home Examples could be: • Never turn up hungry at a buffet event and eat something before you go out.

• Seek out raw foods such as crudités and dips (small serving).

• Make socialising the focus of your event, not the food.

• Limit your intake of foods from buffets to a few handfuls or count the cocktail sticks.

And don’t forget the booze. A glass of wine (175ml) contains 130 calories and a pint of beer adds 215 calories to your daily intake.

The reality is that most of us enjoy the odd drink so try and save for the weekend.

You can make your glass of wine last longer by adding soda water. Avoid binge drinking as it adds a huge amount of calories to your diet as well as encouraging you to eat unhealthy foods.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

PEOPLES DAILY

Sports

WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

Page

41

sports@peoplesdailyng.com, SMS- 08142929046

Kwara United appoint John Obuh as Technical Adviser >>Pg 42

Mikel Obi

NFF is illegal in contempt of court order, NANF tells minister

A

nother set of confusion is set to hit the troubled Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) with the threats coming from the National Association of Nigeria Football (NANF) which has demanded of Barrister Solomon Dalung, the Youth and Sports Minister, to implement the General Dominic Oneya report as a means of finally settling the undying crisis that has gripped Nigerian football over and again.

In a letter sent to the minister, Union said, “the structure that is running football today in Nigeria is completely defective.”

All the sports ministers that served under the immediate past government of the former President Goodluck Jonathan out of commission or omission did not address the necessary reforms that needed to be carried out, only one of the ministers Hon. Suleiman attempted to find a solution by setting a ministerial committee in 2011 headed by former Kano state military governor and former Nigeria Football Association chairman, General Dominic Oneya (Rtd.) The committee met its deadline and submitted its report in December 2011 but unfortunately Hon. Yusuf Suleiman resigned as minister of sports that same December 2011 to contest the Sokoto state gubernatorial elections.

The impunity that was the hall mark of the former president Goodluck Jonathan administration as represented in the ministers that took over sports left this serious issues unaddressed.

As we speak today football in Nigeria is sit-

ting on a keg of gunpowder and if ignited all the structures will come down like a pack of cards which is what the NANF will soon do out of patriotism.

The so-called peace in Nigeria football today is a grave yard peace so many relevant constituencies are shut out of main stream football.

The congress which used to be an assembly of 101 members was reduced to half the original number, the subsisting NFA Act is moribund.

The States Football Association Chairmen is just one constituency amongst the several constituencies that make up any country’s football general assembly.

The current NFF Statute was manipulated by the Sani Lulu board for the States Football Association chairmen to hijack the general assembly.

This situation has infused permanent instability into the system that is why even a performing administration as that of the current Amaju Pinnick leadership is under constant threat of impeachment even in its short life span.

The literal meaning of Football Association/Federation is an association of football clubs.

The primary responsibility of State football Association Chairman is to develop the game of football within their state or locality. No more.

That important role the Football Association chairmen should be playing in their various localities has been completely abandoned all they do now is to jostle for Board member-

ship at the Nigeria Football Federation.

The current NFF Statutes was deliberately skewed to give the state Football Association chairmen majority seat in the general assembly and shut out other relevant constituencies.

Until this anomaly is corrected as captured in the General Dominic Oneya report crises and the gale of impeachments will be a re-occuring decimal in Nigeria Football.

Whether President Muhammadu Buhari’s government (in sports) will continue with the recklessness of the previous administration in disobeying court judgments with impunity is left for you as our Honourable minister and as a minister in the temple of justice to decide.

There is no way we can move forward if we do not carry out the necessary reforms in Nigeria football.

In the light of the above we have attached necessary information for your attention.

Honourable minister sir, if action is not taken on this complaint over a reasonable period of time on or before the end of January 2016, we shall compel the Attorney General of the Federation with an order of mandamus to enforce the Justice Donatus Okorowo’s judgment and in addition if your office did not carry out the necessary reforms to cure the defects in the nation’s football structure the NANF shall set up parallel institutions in line with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Petitioners like Ambassador Chris Giwa are claiming a non existing mandate. There is really nothing to fight about; the Nigeria Football Federation is standing on nothing in the face of Justice Okorowo’s judgment.

Messi’s father lauds achievements >>Pg 43

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

Page 42

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSOCIATION OF PROMOTERS OF THE ARCHIVES OF IBADAN MEDICINE

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Professor A.B.O Olukajode Oyediran 2. Rt. Rev. Gideon I.O. Olajide 3. Professor Ojinade Odutola-Olurin 4. Professor Adesola Ogunniyi 5. Professor Olaitan Soyannwo 6. Professor Oluwabunmi Olapade-Olaopa AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To improve the quality of healthcare training and healthcare provision at colleges of medicine in Nigeria.

2. To encourage and support medical researchand training in colleges of medicine in Nigeria.

3. To co-ordinate the effects of specialists all over the world who are graduates of medical schools in Nigeria with a view to achieving the above stated objects.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMIMISSION AT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT ,OFF Aguiyi –IRONSI ST. PMB 198 MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. Signed: EZRA YAKUSAK, PHD (SOLICITOR)

PUBLIC NOTICE

ACEXCELL ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

UNITED TRUCK PARK OWNERS ASSOCIATION OF MAINLAND LAGOS STATE

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Anyiam Ogadinma Daniel 2. Aniagolu Tobias Tochukwu 3. Wayas Butrus

4. Olisa Damian Ogochukwu 5. Nnachi Ethelbert Ikechukwu

- Chairman - Vice Chairman - Secretary - Publicity Secretary - Financial Secretary

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To promote interpersonal relationship among members in order to foster the growth of the association.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMIMISSION AT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT ,OFF Aguiyi –IRONSI ST. PMB 198 MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. Signed: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

PUBLIC NOTICE

MOHERHOOD SUPPORT AND HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Ngozi Jonah - President/Founder 2. Innocent Omonlumen 3. Chief Austine Nnebe 4. Ngozi Dike-Ofoegbu - Secretary 5. Edina Jonah Okorie 6. Peace Chibuzor Juweh 7. Ogechi Jonah AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To create a responsive and responsible awareness on health and womanhood issues.

2. To initiate and support legislation that promotes gender base issues, healthcare research, laws and grant on healthand women related issues.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMIMISSION AT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT ,OFF Aguiyi –IRONSI ST. PMB 198 MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. Signed: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

GLOBAL WATCH AGAINST CORRUPTION AGRICULTURE AND HEALTH

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMIMISSION AT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT ,OFF Aguiyi –IRONSI ST. PMB 198 MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Hon. Ahmad Idris Wase 2. Alh. Sani Zangon Daura 3. Prof. Ango Abdullahi 4. Dr. Muhammad Alipate 5. Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmad 6. Jamil Mustapha Ango AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To award scholarship to desenig members of the community.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMIMISSION AT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT ,OFF Aguiyi –IRONSI ST. PMB 198 MAITAMA ,ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

Signed: SECRETARY

Signed: SECRETARY

The general public is hereby inform that the above named has applied to CAC for registration under the Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Alhaji Aliyu Muhammed Hadejia 2. Mal. Ibrahim Musa 3. Alhaji Umaru Muhammed 4. Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau 5. Mal. Abdullahi Yahaya Baba 6. Alhaji Umar Ahamed Sidi 7. Fatee Adamu 8. Dele Sobaloju 9. Engr. Saleh Yakub 10. Owen Chiedozie Agu AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To provide support for programs aimed at curbing corruption and improving governance in association with other NGO’s with similar objectives.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, CAC, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this Publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Chinwe Ejiofobiri 2. Elenwor Ihua 3. Gideon Etireri

- Chairman - Vice Chairman - Secretary

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To promote entrepreneurship development.

2. To be a platform for skills acquisition.

MEDICAL AND HEALTH WORKERS SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT WELLFARE ASSOCIATION, ABUJA

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Dr. Joy Ugwuegede - Chairman 2. Ms Meg Uka - Secretary 3. Dr. Vincent Ossai - Member 4. Dr. Jibrin Alhassan - Member 5. Mr. Ken Agbo - Member AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To promote the interest of its members.

2. To assist the less privileged people in Abuja.

3. To promote medical and health awareness among the general public.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMIMISSION AT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT ,OFF Aguiyi –IRONSI ST. PMB 198 MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. Signed: LAWRENCE ILOH ESQ 12, AGADEX STREET, WUSE II, ABUJA; 08063725518

PUBLIC NOTICE

NORTH EAST SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC RECONSTRUCTION INITIATIVE

The general public is hereby notified that the above-named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Yakubu Dogara - Chairman 2. Muhammed Danjuma Goje 3. Binta Masi Garba 4. Muhammed Hassan 5. Tahir Monguno 6. Rimande Shawulu Kwewum 7. Ladi Hamalai - Secretary AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To facilitate the establishment of a united front and a formidable voice for social and economic reconstruction of the North-East.

2. To enlighten its members on the need to uphold civic duties and respect the rights of the peoples of North-East.

Any objection to this application 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: SECRETARY

LOSS OF MISSING DOCUMENTS

UPPER ROOM FIRE REVIVAL MINISTRY

This is to inform the general public that original registeratin and documents of the following registered companies have been declared missing.

The general public is hereby notified that the abovenamed has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Joseph Sunday Chuwang 2. Mrs. Julie Kayode Falam - Secretary 3. Mrs. Aishatu Garam 4. Mrs. Salome Langs 5. Hon. Isa’ac Arin 6. Barr. Sani Paul Zaruma 7. Mrs. Rabi Gyang 8. Mrs. Godsave Dakahap 9. Mrs. Sophia Chioma Okwuasaba 10. Mrs. Victoria Michael Pam AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the gospel of Jeus Christ.

2. To lead people to salvation through soul wining.

Any objection to this application 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.

1. Sambil Kadama Nigeria Ltd. 2. Bestinal Global Ltd. 3. Toba Petroleum & Energy Services Nig. Ltd. 4. Simar Multilinks Ventures Ltd. If found, please return to: No. 27, 24 Crescent, 2nd Gwarinpa Estate, Abuja or call 09097070312.

Any transaction carried out with the above mentioned companies without due reference tot he above address will be tendered invalid and null and void.

Signed: BARR. ADEBANKE ADENGBA KING

PUBLIC NOTICE

INITIATIVE FOR PROMOTING STANDARD OF LIVING HABITS

The General public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for Registration under Part “C” of the Companies and allied Matters Act No. of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1 . Meboh Alexander Chukwuemeka - Chairman 2. Chieke Nnamdi - Member 3. Ikem Sandra Ubiageli - Secretary AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To encourage good standard of living habits.

2. To assist the less privilege in our society.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, CAC, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this Publication.

Signed: BARR. BASIL NWEKE

Signed: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

NIGHT OF PRAISE AND WONDERS MINISTRY

The General public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for Registration under Part “C” of the Companies and allied Matters Act No. of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Agbaje Olubori Olasupo - Chairman 2. Agbaje Amina Suzanah - Vice Chairman 3. Omiagbo Maria Cardillo - Secretary 4. Adeshola Sarah Toyin 5. Daramola Oyedele Temitope 6. Omiagbo Felicia Omozel 7. Lawal Abiodun AIMS AND OBJECTIVE 1. To lift up an alter of praise and worship to God. 2. To encourage believers of all denomications to worship God. 3. To promote Christian religious education.

4. To partner withorganisation with similar objectives.

5. To promote musical vocational training.

Any objection to the above registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent Off Aguiyi Street, Maitama P.M.B. 198 Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: ISHAYA K. DANFULANI ESQ

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

Page 43

biliyaminu I Formerly Known As, bilaminu armaya’u. Wish To Be Known As, biliyaminu armaya’u. All Former Document Remain Valid, General Public Should Take Note.

I Formerly Known As, CHINOMSO OZIOMA OTUKA. Wish To Be Known As, CHINOMSO OZIOMA OKANU. All Former Document Remain Valid, MEDICAL LABORATORY COUNCIL OF NIGERIA and the General Public Should Take Note.

hussaini I Formerly Known As, mustapha maryam olabisi. Wish To Be Known As, hussaini maryam. All Former Document Remain Valid, General Public Should Take Note.

I Formerly Known As, SEIYEFA BENEDICTA ANGALABIRI. Wish To Be Known As, SEIYEFA BENEDICTA EZEANI. All Former Document Remain Valid, SUPREME COURT, CLS, NBA and the General Public Should Take Note.

loss of document THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT the original CERTIFICATe of right of occupancy in respect of plot no 35 of about 1,000m2 at karu fha layout belonging to maria ibrahim sambo of no 10 hiltop road karu fha ii abuja. got missing.

ALL EFFORT MADE TO TRACE THE SAID DOCUMENT PROVED ABORTIVE. IF FOUND, CONTACT THE NEAREST POLICE STATION OR agis. tel: 08085058055

I, formerly Known as, MISS HUSSEIN SHAKIRAT OLAIDE now wish to be Known and Addresses as MRs LAWAL SHAKIRAT OLAIDE. All former documents remain valid, and the general public should please note.

MRs LAWAL

ESTHER I Formerly Known As, HAFSAT MUAAZU. Wish To Be Known As, ESTHER KUJE. All Former Document Remain Valid, General Public Should Take Note.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS kabiru abdullahi.

NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS kabiru aliyu. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN Valid. ALL OTHER AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

JAMILU

ADAMU

CHINOMSO

SEIYEFA

kabiru

akanya

I, formerly Known as, JAMILU HARUNA DAN DARE now wish to be Known and Addresses as JAMILU HARUNA. All former documents remain valid, and the general public should please note.

I Formerly Known As, RAKIYYA IBRAHIM ATEKPA. Wish To Be Known As, ADAMU YAKUBU RAKIYYA I. All Former Document Remain Valid, General Public Should Take Note.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS akanya banya syrenus. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS akanya banyabesokonyi syrenius. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN Valid.

ALL OTHER AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

GARBA

ABDULHAMID I Formerly Known As, ABDULHAMID ALI . Wish To Be Known As, ABDULHAMID RUFA’I. All Former Document Remain Valid, UBA and the General Public Should Take Note.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS ibrahim nababa. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS ibrahim ali musa. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN Valid. ALL OTHER AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

NURA

USMAN I Formerly Known As, ALHAJI AUDU USMAN LOKOJA. Wish To Be Known As, USMAN LOKOJA . All Former Document Remain Valid, First Bank and the General Public Should Take Note.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS HARUNA DONMINIC. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS NYAMKENG JOHN TERSEER. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN Valid. FIRST BANK AND SAFE TECH SEANITY CAMPANY, ALL OTHER AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

ALIYU

LAWAN I Formerly Known As, SULAIMAN BALA D. Wish To Be Known As, LAWAN SALLAH. All Former Document Remain Valid, UBA and the General Public Should Take Note.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS CHINWE NKEM. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS CHINWE BARABARA MOZIE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN Valid. ALL OTHER AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

ALIYU AHMAD

I, formerly Known as, MALAMI ABDULLAHI now wish to be Known and Addresses as ALIYU AHMAD All former documents remain valid, and the general public should please note.

Ume I, formerly known as Ume Peter Onu, now wish to be known and addressed as Ume Peter Ukoha. All Former Document Remain Valid, the General Public Should Take Note.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS Cyprian Akpere. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS Cyprian Ncha. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN Valid. ALL OTHER AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

FATIMA

RUTH

CHINEZIM

I, formerly Known as, GARBA SULEIMAN now wish to be Known and Addresses as GARBA SULEIMAN SARKIN BAKI. All former documents remain valid, and the general public should please note.

I, formerly Known as, HUSSAINI GARBA now wish to be Known and Addresses as NURA SULEIMAN All former documents remain valid, and the general public should please note.

I, formerly Known as, ALIYU DOBI KWAKKWOBA now wish to be Known and Addresses as ALIYU D. KAMBA. All former documents remain valid, and the general public should please note.

I, formerly Known as, FANTA USMAN HAMMAN now wish to be Known and Addresses as FATIMA USMAN. All former documents remain valid, and the general public should please note.

SULAIMAN I, formerly Known as, SULAIMAN NURUDEEN now wish to be Known and Addresses as SULAIMAN MUHAMMAD NURUDEEN All former documents remain valid, and Federal Medical Center B/k, Access Bank and the general public should please note.

OKONKWO

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS RUTH AJIDE AJANAKU. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS RUTH AJIDE ONEKPE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN Valid. ALL OTHER AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

OLAGPAYE

I formerly known and called IDOKO ABUBAKAR ANDREW henceforth wish to be known and called OLAGPAYE SUNDAY all former document remain validNIGERIA ARMY AND general public should please take note.

ABDULRAZAK

ibrahim

NYAMKENG

CHINWE

Cyprian

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS CHINEZIM EBELE MOKELU. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS CHINEZIM EBELE CHIKELU. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN Valid.

ALL OTHER AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

Joshua

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS Joshua tunbosun onifade.

NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS Joshua tunbosun oladokun. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN Valid. ALL OTHER AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

ABUBAKAR

I, formerly known as OKEMES UKAMAKA PRINCESS now wish to be known and addressed as OKONKWO OKEMES UKAMAKA PRINCESS. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I formerly known and called GODWIN OKEKE henceforth wish to be known and called ABDULRAZAK SHITTU all former document remain valid general public should please take note.

I formerly known and called ABUBAKAR IBRAHIM YARIMA henceforth wish to be known and called ABUBAKAR IBRAHIM all former document remain validDIAMOND BANK and general public should please take note.

ANTHONY

ATIGBO

KHADIJAT

I formerly known as AUGUSTINE ANTHONY now wish to be known and addressed as ANTHONY ANYUBAGA JOSEPH. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I formerly known and called ATIGBO OYINYECHI ELIZABETH henceforth wish to be known and called ATIGBO OYINYECHI SOFIA all former document remain valid and general public should please take note.

I formerly known and called SAIDU KHADIJAT ONOZARE henceforth wish to be known and called KHADIJAT ONOZARE ABDULKARIM all former document remain valid and general public should please take note.

PAGE 44

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

PUBLIC NOTICE

JESUS CHRIST WILL BELIEVING FIRE MINISTRY

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part ‘’C’’ Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Ohiomoren Esther Oduaki - Chairman 2. Pastor Ohiomoren Omotosho Imobighe - Secretary 3. Orekha Abigail Omuwa AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To preach the gospel of Jesus.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 565 Ndola Square, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

Signed BARR SOLOMON AKHIGBE 08037257296

PUBLIC NOTICE

N’ OWARINMA EDUCATION TRUST

The general public is hereby notified that the above named TRUST has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. ANTHONY UZUM 2. NDUKA IRABOR 3. HERBERT OJEH 4. DAN USIADE 5. GEOFFREY OHEN 6. SHEDRACK MONUE 7. ABEL ATALOR 8. N’ OWARINMA ASSOCIATION AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1 TO TAKE OVER N’ OWARINMA ACADEMY IN BOJI-BOJI OWA IN DELTA STATE 2. TO EMBARK ON DEVELOPING A PERMANENT SITE FOR N’ OWARINMA ACADEMY 3. TO DEVELOP A VOCATIONAL EDUCATION INSTITUTE. Any objection to this Registration 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: NWAOZUZU EUSTACE ESQ. 07033767125

PUBLIC NOTICE

KAURA MODERN MARKET TRADERS ASSOCIATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED FOR CHANGE OF TRUSTEES AND AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE: 1.PATRICK DADUABUCHI AKUDOLU - RETAINED 2.MR. PASCHAL NNAJI - RETAINED 3.MR. OBIORAH UDUDO - RETAINED 4.CHARLOTTE WAKE - RETAINED 5.BLESSING SAMUEL (MRS) - RETAINED 6.EXCEL UGO FABIAN - RETAINED THE NEW TRUSTEES ARE: 1.MR. MORICE IKEBU 2.MR FABIAN EMERONYE 3.MR. OSITA NWEKE THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE REMAIN THE SAME. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS CHANGES SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISION 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARR. UGWUOKE MARTINS 08039228273

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

MORIYIKE ABIKE ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION

Signed: OLUBOBOKUNOLA OMOJAYOGBE & CO 08165269880

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Princess Adeola Ilozobhie - Chairman 2. Miss Mayokun Talabi - Secretary 3. Miss Obehi Ifetayo Ilozobhie 4. Mr. Bode Adebiyi AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To alleviate poverty.

2. To empower women to cater for their well-being.

3. To empower people economically.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, CAC, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this Publication.

SAM MOMAH READ – TO –LEAD FOUNDATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.PASTOR ELIJAH BABALOLA - CHAIRMAN 2.PASTOR ALADE STEPHEN - VICE CHAIRMAN 3.PASTOR OJEWOLE SAMUEL - SECRETARY 4.REV AKINTOLA OLUWASEGUN - TREASURER 5.PASTOR DANJUMA EJEMBI - MEMBER 6.PASTOR OLUWAGBUYI MOSES - MEMBER 7.PASTOR TIMOTHY TORVENDA - MEMBER 8.PASTOR (MRS) ADEBAYO FUNMILAYO - MEMBER THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE OF ITS MEMBERS. 2.TO PROVIDE UNITY AMONGST ITS MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISION 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: JOSEPH ODUWA

SIGNED: AKOLADE JAMIU (ESQ) 08052508679 (SOLICITOR)

PUBLIC NOTICE

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORAY ART LAGOS INITIATIVE

Gamayyan mawakan hausa association

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1, UCHENNA JOEL CHIMA, (CHAIRPERSON) 2, NNAEMEKA ILECHUKWU 3, NGOZI DOZIE-OBELE 4, FEMI OSUNJAYE 5, NNEOMA STELLA UDEGBE

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Alh. Garba Mohammed noma 2. Maigari Mohammed khanna 3. Alh. Haruna aliyu ningi

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1.TO PROMOTE CONTEMPORAY ART.

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. to promote the interest of members.

2. To support the members and promote the hausa music.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISION 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISION 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

BIBLE FAITH TEACHING HELP CENTRE

SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CENTRE HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.AMU GABRIEL IDOGBO 2.REV. AMU PAUL 3.MRS. AMU VICTORIA THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO PROPAGATE THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. 2.TO PREACH THE WORDS OF GOD AS IN THE HOLY BIBLE. 3.TO EVANGELIZE AND WIN SOULS FOR GOD’S KINGDOM. 4.TO HELP THE POOR AND NEEDY IN THE SOCIETY. 5.TO CONDUCT DELIVERANCE, HEALING AND BREAKTHROUGH CRUSADES AND SEMINARS IN ORDER TO WIN SOULS FOR CHRIST.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

OLD FIELD MISSIONARIES AND EVANGELISTS ASSOCIATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR THE REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO 1 OF 1999 THE TRUSTEES ARE: NAMES POSITION OCCUPATION 1. ENGR SAMUEL MOMAH - CHAIRMAN BUSINESS 2. MRS. CHRISTY MOMAH - VICE CHAIRMAN BUSINESS 3. DR. EMEKA MOMAH SECRETARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL 4. DR NKEM MOMAH TRUSTEEMEDICAL PROFESSIONAL 5. DR. TOBE MOMAH TRUSTEE MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL 6. MISS ADA MOMAH TRUSTEE COMPUTER ANALYST 7. DR (MRS.) AMAKA MOMAH - HARUNASECRETARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. 1. TOHELP IMPROVE ON THE READING CULTURE OF NIGERIANS. 2. 2. TO HELP THE LESS PRIVILEDGED. 3. 3. TO SUPPORT WIDOWS AND ORPHANS. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA DISTRICT, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

MICHAEL AND FRANCISCA FOUNDATION

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.YOUTH EMPOWERMENT, TO ASSIST PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM STROKE, AND OTHER HEALTH ISSUES.

ABESAN ESTATE MUSLIM COMMUNITY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR CHANGE OF TRUSTEES TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE: 1.ALHAJI HAMSAT OGUNMOKUN - REMOVED 2.ALHAJI R. A. OKUNADE - REMOVED 3.ALHAJI L.G. ABASS - REMOVED 4.ALHAJI A.G.A AROMIRE - RETAINED 5.ALHAJA ABENI-IGINLA OLORIRE - REMOVED THE NEW TRUSTEES ARE: 1.ALHAJI AROMIRE ABDULGANIY AJIBADE 2.ALHAJI GIWA YEKINI ALABI 3.ALHAJI SUNMOLA IDOWU YEKINI 4.ALHAJI SHOBOLA ABDULATEEF 5.ALHAJI GIWA MUSA 6.IMAM EYINFUNJOWO MUFTAU ADE 7.ALHAJI SANUSI TAJUDEEN AREMU THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE REMAIN THE SAME. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS CHANGES SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISION 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: DR. BYRAEB T. H DINDI (LEGAL ADVISER)

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.MICHAEL ONYELUKACHUKWU UCHUNOR 2.DR (MRS) JIDE UCHE HILDA AZIMOH 3.FRANCISCA OBIAJULU UCHUNOR (MRS) 4.VICTOR OLISEMEKA NWANZE

PUBLIC NOTICE

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISION 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

MILK HEART CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ORGANIZATION HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Hon. Mrs. Chinelo Evelyn Ezeokafor - President 2. Mrs Felicia Ogbenyeanu Ezeanaka) - Secretary 3. Mr Omenukor Frank Obunike - Treasury.

4. Hon Mrs Ifeoma Blessing Egwudo 5. Mr Moses Azubogu 6. Legal Adviser Barr. Odilichukwu lfediba Aims and Objective: 1.To give psychological empowerment to the less privileged people in the society by rehabilitating the disabled ( physically) by equipping them with skills for self reliance and sustainance of their dignity as human beings.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISION 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. Signed: President

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

PUBLIC NOTICE

MUSLIM-CHRISTIAN ABRAHAM INITIATIVE FOR PEACE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.DR. HAROUN OGBONNIA AJAH 2.REV. ESBIUS CHINEME NKWAGU 3.IMAM ABDUR-RAHMAN ABDUL-KABIR 4.REV. UKOHA NGWOBIA UKOHA 5.DIP. JABIR AGHA AJAH 6.HON. IGWE KENNETH ONUOHA 7.BARR. AMINATU EKEMMA IBE 8.CHINYERE OFFIA NWAFOR THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.FOR PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE AMONG MUSLIMS AND CHRISTIANS. 2.TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE OF THE MEMBERS. 3.TO CARE FOR THE LESS PRIVILEGED AND DO OTHER HUMANITARIAN SERVICES. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISION 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED:BARR AMINA IBE ABUJA-08033137990

PUBLIC NOTICE

BETHEL SAVIOUR’S CHURCH FOR ALL NATION

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED BODY HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

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PUBLIC NOTICE

ORO YOUTH MANDATE, ORON

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.PASTOR JOSEPH EKONGENAM 2.DR. FADAMA NDEKEDEGHE 3.DR. MRS AKON EYAKENYI 4.PRINCESS FELICIA BASSEY 5.JACOB EFIONG ETIM THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO PROTECT AND PROMOTE THE IMAGE, INTEGRITY, INTEREST AND RECOGNITION OF ORON PEOPLE ACROSS NIGERIA AND IN DIASPORA. 2.TO REVIVE SECURE AND ADVANCE THE SURVIVAL OF ORON PEOPLE AS ONE OF THE ETHNIC LINGUISTIC NATIONALITIES IN NIGERIA FEDERATION. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISION 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

SHINNING STAR GOSPEL FAMILY CHURCH INTL

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GIRLS’ COLLEGE OWERRI ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION, ABUJA BRANCH

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.MRS SA’ADATU BELLO IBRAHIM - CHAIRMAN 2.MRS PERPETUA OHAMMA 3.MRS EDORO ETANG 4.MRS ADAEZE AKI 5.MRS ULOMA AJUGWO 6.MRS SOMACHI KACHIKWU - SECRETARY THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO PROMOTE THE GENERAL WELFARE OF MEMBERS AND TO PROMOTE THE WELFARE OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GIRLS’ COLLEGE OWERRI (THE COLLEGE).

2.TO SUPPORT THE SCHOOL’S MISSION AND VISION. 3.TO ENCOURAGE CONTINUOUS LINKS BETWEEN THE MEMBERS AND WITH THE COLLEGE, AND STRIVE TO PROVIDE MORAL, FINANCIAL AND SOCIAL SUPPORT TO MEMBERS AND THE COLLEGE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISION 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

INITIATIVE FOR THE PROMOTION OF AFRICAN MUSUEM OF ARTS & CULTURE

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To preach the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISION 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PRINCESS SOALA IGHODARO 2.DAVID OSEMWEGIE ONAIWU IGHODARO 3.ERHABOR IGHODARO 4.IZODUWA ENOCH EGIE-ONAIWU THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO PROVIDE A CRADLE FOR THE COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION OF ARTIFACTS AND PROMOTION OF INDIGENOUS CULTURAL VALUES AND NORMS. 2.TO PROMOTE TOURISM AND LITERATURE ON TOURISM POTENTIALS. 3.TO ENHANCE HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT AND YOUTH EMPOWERMENT. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISION 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.PROPHET JOHN OBENG AWUGYAN 2.ELDER PHILIP SWANZY 3.PASTOR MRS MARY ABOWONDA 4.PETER OBENG AWUGYAN

- -

CHAIRMAN SECRETARY

-

MEMBER

CHANGE OF NAMES WE FORMERLY KNOWN AS OGBODO FAMILY WE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS OKIBE FAMILY

1.MR JOSEPH CHUKWUKA OGBODO NOW OKIBE 2.MRS BEATRICE NWAKEGO OGBODO NOW OKIBE 3.MISS JANET OGUGUO OGBODO NOW OKIBE 4.PAUL EMEKA OGBODO NOW OKIBE 5.EVANG SAMUEL OKECHUKWU OGBODO NOW OKIBE 6.MRS EUCHARIA NWAKEGO OGBODO NOW OKIBE KUBWA DIOCESS ANGLICAN COMMUNION TAKE NOTE. 7. JAMES OKEKE OGBODO NOW OKIBE 8. ESTHER OGOMA OGBODO NOW OKIBE PRUDENTIAL GUARDS LTD TAKE NOTE. 9.JULIUS OGBODO 10.GEOFFREY OGBONNA 11.LOVETH OGBONNA ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN Valid.ALL OTHER AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

PUBLIC NOTICE

AT HIS FEET INTERCESSORY MINISTRY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.AKAN BASSEY 2.AFFIONG AKAN-BASSEY 3.ANGEL AKAN-BASSEY 4.FELIX IDAHOSA ABU 5.OBINNA JUSTICE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO BE AN INTERCESSORY FOR THE BODY OF CHRIST. 2.TO PREACH OUT TO THE LESS PRIVILEGE THROUGH PRAYER AND EVANGELISM. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISION 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARR. AYODEJI BAMIGBOLA

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.REV TRUST CHINEDU SAMUEL 2.PASTOR FAVOUR TRUST 3.DR ABIYE ANTHONY IBIENE 4.PROPHET JUST TRUST 5.SISTER UCHEOMA SOLOMON

PUBLIC NOTICE

GOD’S CHILDREN GREAT TALENT TRUST CAC/IT/ NO.74781

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR Appointment of New Trustee TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE: 1. SIJUADE OLUSOLA ILUYOMADE 2. OLUSOLA ADEJOKE DAVID-BORHA 3.OMOTAYO ABIMBOLA OZOMAH 4. REGINA ITAMAOMON JEMIDE THE NEW TRUSTEES: 1.PASTOR KOLA OYENEYIN THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAINS THE SAME. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS Appointment of New Trustee SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISION 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

DANGOTE FOUNDATION IT NO: 7830

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED FOR CHANGE OF TRUSTEES TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE REMOVED TRUSTEES ARE: 1.ALHAJI SANUSI DANTATA 2.ALHAJI BELLO DANGOTE 3.ALHAJI ABDUL DANGOTE 4.ALHAJI SALISU RINGIM 5.ALHAJI SALISU ZAWIYA 6.ALHAJI BALA MUDI 7.ALHAJI AMINUDEEN ABUBAKAR 8.MALLAM DALA 9.ALHAJI SAGIR MOHAMMED THR APPOINTED TRUSTEES ARE: 1.ALIKO DANGOTE - CHAIRMAN 2.SANI DANGOTE 3.HALIMA ALIKO DANGOTE 4.OLAKUNLE ALAKE 5.ABUBAKAR MAHMOUD 6.ANGELA ADEBAYO - SECRETARY 7.HAJARA ADEOLA 8.AIGBOJE AIG-IMOUKHUEDE 9.YVONNE IKE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAINS THE SAME. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS CHANGES SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRARGENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISION 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

JOSHUA OF NIGERIA AND GLOBAL PEACE INITIATIVE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.JOSHUA ONCHE 2.AYEM BENEDICT BEM 3.DANIEL MSUGH NGAGHEM 4.MICHAEL ORUBI THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To make Nigeria and the world better and peaceful to live in.

To promote love and cooperation among all the people of the world.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISION 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: Matthew O. Onoja, Esq. 08063580843

PUBLIC NOTICE

PRIKKLE EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.FASORANTI ISAAC DAMILOLA 2.OKECHUKWU EFFODUH THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO EMPOWER YOUTHS IN RURAL COMMUNITIES. 2.TO ASSIST AND SUPPORT YOUTHS TOWARDS TRANSLATING THEIR EDUCATION INTO SUSTAINABLE SOCIAL SOLUTIONS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISION 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: ADODEJI BAMIGBOLA

PAGE 46

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

COMRADE RICHARD TAMENBEE YINA CHARITY FOUNDATION

EXCEL FAMILY AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CENTER

This is to inform the general public that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ORTESE SIMON TYOULE (MR) - CHAIRMAN 2. BEETSEH SUSAN NGUNAN (MRS) 3. NYITSE HELEN NGUPER (MRS) 4. SENA AGBIDYE ABRAHAM (MR) 5. YINA SAMUEL TERZUNGWE (MR) 6. ALPHONSUS IHUMAN 7. INORI MARY AMARA ESQ - SECRETARY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE AND EDUCATION OF THE FOUR (4) CHILDREN OF LATE COMRADE RICHARD TAMENBEE YINA. THE NAMES OF THE CHILDREN ARE: A. MISS JENNIFER SEWUESE TAMENBEE YINA. B. MISS AGATHA SELUMUN TAMENBEE YINA. C. MR DANIEL AONDOFA TAMENBEE YINA. D. MASTER DAVID TERDOO TAMENBEE YINA. 2. TO IMMORTALISE THE NAME OF LATE SSANU CHAIRMAN, COMRADE RICHARD TAMENBEE YINA WHO DIED IN A CAR ACCIDENT WITH HIS WIFE BETWEEN THE 23RD AND 24TH JULY 2014 RESPECTIVELY. 3. TO DESIGN AND IMPLEMENT POLICE AND PROGRAMMES THAT WILL FACILITATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC WELLBEING OF THE FOUR CHILDREN OF COMRADE RICHARD TAMENBEE YINA. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight 28 days from the date of this publication.

This is to inform the general public that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ALIYU ONIMIS KABIRU 2. OLUGBENGA SAMUEL ABRAHAM 3. WAYO BENJAMIN 4. SAMSON ISHAYA IDI 5. GABRIEL OJO OGUNSESAN 6. EZEKIEL OSHAFUNMI 7. DAVID IDACHABA 8. OMONOJU FRANCIS OLAYINKA 9. DAVID MOTILEWA AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To build youths and families with focus on excellence in character and societal values.

2. Raising excellent people for kingdom and societal impact.

3. To derive towards the discovery and development of personal purpose and potential.

4. To teach and impact for spiritual growth and quality values.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

BESORAH GRACE ASSEMBLY

PUBLIC NOTICE

INITIATIVE FOR CORRUPT-FREE NIGERIA

This is to inform the general public that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

This is to inform the general public that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. REV. AMOS YAHI MAINA. 2. BISHOP MICHAEL AKPAMI. 3. MRS SARAH AMOS MAINA. 4. MR WILLIAM CHIWAR. 5. MRS HAUWA YAHI. 6. MSHELIA CHABIRI HARUNA. 7. MR YUSUF YAHI MAINA. 8. MR DAVID GARBA ANTUA. 9. PST JULOUS RAPHAEL. 10. JOSHUA UTELE

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. KENNEDY NWAGWU - CHAIRMAN 2. NDIDI MBAGWU - SECRETARY

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

POWER OF RESURRECTION CATHOLIC MINISTRY, ANAMBRA, NIG.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROMOTE THE CULTURE OF PROBITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT AND SOCIETY IN GENERAL 2. TO EXPOSE CASES OF CORRUPTION, EMBEZZLEMENT AND MISAPPROPRIATION OF GOVERNMENT REVENUE. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: ONAH CHIGOZIE SERGUIS, ESQ. GOZIE-BEST LAW CONSULTING PLOT 1226, MINISTER’S QUARTERS ANNEX, MABUSHI - ABUJA 08037400124

PUBLIC NOTICE

CLUB DE-ECOLE FRANCAIS MARCEL PAGNOL, ABUJA

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASH-SHIFA MEDICAL FOUNDATION This is to inform the general public that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1). ABUBAKAR MUHAMMAD 2). AMINU IMAM 3). DR. YUSUF TANKO SUNUNU 4). YUSUF ABUBAKAR SURU 5). RAKIYA MUHAMMAD 6). DR. AISHA NANA ADAMU 7). ABDULLAHI MAI GARI 8). BASHIR UMAR IKAH AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO SUPPORT THE GIRL-CHILD EDUCATION CAMPAIGN IN THE AREA OF MEDICAL PRACTICE THROUGH FINANCE AND GUIDANCE TO THE CHILDREN OF POOR AND LESS PRIVILEGE, WITH THE VIEW TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF AVAILABLE FEMALE MEDICAL PERSONNEL ESPECIALLY IN THE RURAL COMMUNITIES. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: AMINU IMAM

PUBLIC NOTICE

DINIDARI-EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION

This is to inform the general public that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. KATO BENEDICTA NDI - CHAIRMAN 2. CECILIA KATO - SECRETARY 3. EMEKA MBA AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO EMPOWER THE YOUTH WITH SKILL ACQUISITION PROGRAMMES THAT WILL ENABLE THE YOUTH TO BE SELF RELIANT. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE

ADORABLE FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL

This is to inform the general public that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

This is to inform the general public that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Rev. Fr. Egbuonu Stephenmary - Chairman 2. Mrs. Onwumelu Jacinta Obianuju - Secretary

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. DELATTRE LUC 2. CIARA ROCLE 3. IBHAHOH OSEHISE 4. EMUOBONUVIE OCHOJILA 5. CHINWE SANOMI AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROTECT THE INTEREST OF ITS MEMBERS.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Princess Ada Amam 2. Chief (Mrs) Zainab M. Marwa 3. Chief (Mrs) Nkechi Chukwueke Onyedim 4. HRH Igwe Sir Kris C. Onyekwuluje AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To empower the less privileged of all tongues and tribes.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight 28 days from the date of this publication.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMIMISSION AT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT ,OFF Aguiyi –IRONSI ST. PMB 198 MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: secretary

Signed: SECRETARY

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ unto repentence..

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: J. E Anaekwe & Co. 08055847466

PUBLIC NOTICE

GRAND ROYALSEED CHARITY FOUNDATION

PUBLIC NOTICE

TAWAKALITU NATIVE CLOTH WEAVERS ASO-OKE ASSOCIATION

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

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Olawepo Emmanual Olusegun 2. Olawepo Abigail Dupeola 3. Buoye David Olusegun

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. JIMOH AMBALI AJAPE 2. OBA TOYIN 3. LAWAL SAKA DADI 4. ISHOLA ELISHA OLADUNI 5. IBRAHIM FATAI AYINLA AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO FOSTER PEACE AND UNITY AMONG MEMBERS.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To assist the less privilege in the society.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMIMISSION AT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT ,OFF Aguiyi –IRONSI ST. PMB 198 MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. Signed: SECRETARY

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMIMISSION AT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT ,OFF Aguiyi –IRONSI ST. PMB 198 MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. Signed: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN & YOUTH CHARITY INITIATIVE KATSINA

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Shafa’atu Suleiman Yari 2. Fatima Bugaje 3. Murja Yahaya 4. Zuwaira Jibril B. 5. Hindatu Muhammad 6. Habiba Haruna Inkaka 7. Baraka Sani 8. Nuratu Yusuf 9, Nabila Iliyasu 10. Danjuma Tukur Bakin Kasuwa AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO ENLIGHTEN THE WOMEN AND YOUTH ON THE IMPORTANCE OF WHELFARE AS A BUSINESS SKILL ACQUISITINON. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMIMISSION AT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT ,OFF Aguiyi –IRONSI ST. PMB 198 MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. Signed: SECRETARY

PAGE 47

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, january 13, 2016

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE BRETHREN MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Dr Henry Akpojubaro Efegbere 2. Abatam Tim Efechukwude 3. Mrs Kate Ebruke Efegbere Aims and objectives are : 1. To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ of Nazareth internationally.

2. To Train and Counsel members on the benefits of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

3. To conduct prayers and deliverance. according to the pattern of Jesus Christ 4. To partner other ministries and firms with the aim of promoting the benefits of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISION 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE

Omambala Youth Health Awareness Foundation. Anam, Anambra

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.Okafor Felix Onyedika.

2. Ani obiora 3. Ekwenze Charles Nnamudi 4. Engr. Alexander Jideofor Anekwe 5. Okafor Ginika Felicia 6.Egwuonwu Godwin Chikodili.

Aims and Objectives: 1. To promote health awareness among youth.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISION 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: Secretary

PATIENCE

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS PATIENCE OSAGIEDE-OFEYI. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS PATIENCE OSAGIEDEYAGER. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN Valid.

ALL OTHER AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

PUBLIC NOTICE The general public is hereby informed of the loss of the incorporation certificate for SARAH’S PRAYING WOMEN MINISTRY belonging to PASTOR (MRS.) MARGARET OMOREGIE got missing. All efforts made to trace the document proved abortive.

If found, please return to the nearest police station. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, CAC, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28days of this Publication.

General public take note.

Signed: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

ORGANISATION FOR POSITIVE CHANGE IN EDUCATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MANAFA MATTHEW YAHDOZIE - PRESIDENT 2. IRUKA CYPRIAN - SECRETARY 3. ADUAKA CHARLES - TREASURER 4. NWABANNE AUGUSTINE ONYEYILICHUKWU - FINANCIAL SECRETARY 5. ORABUENYI IKECHUKWU 6. AGBATA DAVID CHIBU 7. CHINWUBA ANTHONY ANIEROBI 8. EBENEZER CHINEMELLU 9. OBANECHE MICHAEL MADUNEKKE AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO CREATE AWARENESS ON IMPORTANCE OF QUALITY EDUCATION. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISION 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

SULE LAMIDO FOUNDATION

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Alhaji Sule Lamido 2. Aminu Lamido 3. Nasiru Lamido AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To provide support to the less privileged in the Society.

2. To create platforms for free educational trainings in Jigawa State.

3. To provide necessary support for girl child education.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS registration SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMIMISSION AT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT ,OFF Aguiyi –IRONSI ST. PMB 198 MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. Signed: SECRETARY

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QUOTABLE QUOTE At his material time when human capital asset remains the most important means of generating economic froth and development, we cannot afford to allow our vibrant and future leaders to be an army of uneducated people and a liability to our societ

. . . putting the people first

WEDNEsday, january 13, 2016

SPORTS latest

CHAN will be very competitive – Oliseh believes

T

he Chief Coach of the Su p e r E agl e s S un d a y Oliseh has disclosed that it won’t be an easy ride for Nigeria as they seek to make history at the African Nations Championship in Rwanda with a Group C header against former champions Tunisia.

Nigeria first featured in the third edition of the biennial event in 2014 and ended the campaign in third place.

Coming off a 1-0 friendly defeat of Cote d’Ivoire on Monday, Oliseh has assured of his team’s readiness for the tournament as he played down the categorization of the CHAN team as a Team B. “We’ve had some knocks, but I think everybody is ready.

Already most of them train with the so-called A team, because as far as I’m concerned we don’t have A or B. it is still about the same thing just that these ones ply their trade back home,” Oliseh said.

However, Oliseh sees North African group opponents and 2011 winners Tunisia as a major threat due to the presence of first team players which he believes is going to be a tough match.

“Tunisia have won it because their league is a solid one, it’s no secret. They can afford to have even home-based players play in the first national team. We built our local league; it had a promising one in the season that just went by. It is going to be a very competitive tournament for Nigeria.”

The Super Eagles played three build up matches with two wins and a draw in their Pretoria camp to fine tune their preparation for the championship that begins this weekend in Kigali.

Sunday Oliseh

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—Kano State governor, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje

Where Desmond Tutu got it wrong

A

rchbishop Desmond Mpilo Tutu became an internally recognized activist in the 1980’s for his strong opposing views against the oppressive era of apartheid in South Africa. Born in Klerksdorp, Transvaal, South Africa, he was the first black Archbishop of Cape Town.

The 84 years old activist has stood against so many injustices, has helped raise awareness for HIV, AIDS campaign, tuberculosis, poverty, racism xenophobia and many more endemic health and social practices. He is indeed a globally recognized role model in the class of former South African President Nelson Mandela.

Against the backdrop of his lofty background therefore, it came to many of his admirers as rude shock when the highly respected Anglican Archbishop attended his daughter Mpho Tutu and Marceline van Furth Samesex Wedding in the Netherlands.

His presence at that wedding indeed endorsed gay orientation, which measurably smears his chains of achievements as an archbishop and activist. Some say he is within his rights to be at the wedding and at the same time endorse the ceremony, others like me totally condemn his implied endorsement.

While I feel laden with burden venting my spleen against his decision to attend the samesex wedding, it is necessary to confront wrong decisions no matter a person’s social, religious profile. No matter the quantum of advocacy for same-sex relationships, it is still frowned at by a good number of humanity who believe it’s largely against moral instructions of virtually every religious practice.

I may sound obnoxious, obsolete to persons inclined to same-sex relationships who think its an attribute of modernity, but regardless of their descent on this matter, it is instructive to harp against the dastardly persuasion which is now encouraging other sexual vices. It is even more sickening for Tutu to raise the stakes considering the strides he has been able to accomplish as a religious and as an opinion leader who advocates on human interest issues that transcends beyond Africa.

The presence of Archbishop

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Wednesday Column

By Israel A. Ebije

Desmond Tutu Tutu at that wedding may have helped in no small ways to either confirm the decision of some youths or to direct them towards taking same sex preference stance. It is therefore instructive to intimate that as a role model, he has taken a position, which indeed will go a long way in fashioning the outlook of so many people on their views towards a pattern of sexual persuasion with all attendant health, psychological and social issues.

I don’t want to be bugged down by Desmond Tutu decision to attend an un-Godly union, except to tacitly trace other sexual orientations to the new generation advocacy for homosexuality, pedophilia, incest, teenage sex and many more devious sexually based atrocities fast gaining platoons of advocates globally. Not so many are aware of pro - petitions on afore mention sexual rascality’s steaming towards being accepted by law, based on the successful turn of events for same-sex relationships and marriages.

An African-American mother, Mary Carter confessed she was in a relationship with her daughter Vertasha and stated that she knew they were in love when she was sixteen.

While she intimated that they had to wait until she was 18 years old before consummating the relationship. She said they have decided to take their relationship

to the public “to help others who might be in gay mother/daughter relationship feel confident and okay about coming out. We want the world to know we love each other as mother and daughter and romantically.”

In her insane claim towards legitimizing incest and probably promote subsequent siblings marriage, she admitted that though laws forbid incest mostly because of inbreeding and the birth defects that can often come as a consequence, maintained that incest within same-sex for women should be encouraged because “We’re women, so Vertasha and I obviously can’t make children,” she insists people like her are new minorities and just want acceptance adding that “they are not hurting anybody”.

While Mary Carter and her daughter Vertasha are working with others in similar relationship for recognition, a Bill that decriminalizes sex between consenting adolescents has been signed into law in South Africa.

Changes to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Bill were adopted by the country’s’ National Assembly, legalizing children between the ages of 12 and 15 consent to sexual acts with each other.

For pedophiles, rapists, in some countries it is increasingly becoming a norm that punishment for that category of sexual offence be dished with forceful marriage to victims. A 40-year-old restaurant manager Riduan Masmud, in Malaysia who allegedly had sex with a 12 year old girl filed a defense that he has married her. In other climes, the rapist will be forced to marry his victim as punishment.

Most times, victims of rape commit suicide when it becomes apparent they cannot wriggle themselves out from marrying their attacker.

There is no consensus among scientists about the exact reasons that an individual develops a heterosexual, bisexual, gay, or lesbian orientation, but many opine, a form of imbalance

may be responsible. Although much research has examined the possible genetic, hormonal, developmental, social, and cultural influences on sexual orientation, no findings have emerged that ‘permit scientists’ to conclude that sexual orientation is determined by any particular factor or factors.

It is however educative to intimate that in 1975, the American Psychological Association has called on psychologists to take the lead in removing the stigma of mental illness that has long been associated with lesbian, gay, and bisexual orientations.

The prejudice and discrimination that people who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual regularly experience have been shown to have negative psychological effects. One can therefore imagine the extent the looming sexual orientations are protected.

For Archbishop (emeritus) Desmond Tutu, it is indeed a clear NO on his decision to attend his daughters marriage. He has explicitly added a YES vote to same - sex orientation insanity fast taking over common sense of some deluded citizens of the world. Accepting gay marriage invariably sets the stage for other sexual orientations. As a mentor and a man who has stood for justice, supporting same-sex relationship is not the regular advocacy but utter display of decline of humanity to bestiality – where even the real bests do not copulate with same-sex.

Ebije can be reached via; ebijeo5@gmail.com, @ ebijeirael

DAN GAYE

FG unfolds 13 point power reform agenda –News

Haba, from transformation to agenda again!

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