Monday, January 16, 2017 Edition by Peoples Media Limited

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Monday, January 16, 2017/ Rabiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ul Thani 18, 1438 AH

The nation awaits rescue of the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls

1,000 bandits surrender in Zamfara

Chibok girls:

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Vol. 25 No. 015 N150

S/Kaduna: Abdulsalami, Sultan, Kukah, others meet on solution

page 5

1008 Days after

. . . putting the people first

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FG rejects #BBOG conditions to join search page 5

President Muhammadu Buhari signing Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD) Celebration Register flanked by the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Minister of Defence, Brig General Mansur Dan Ali, President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki and other Service Chiefs during the Wreath Laying ceremony of 2017 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the Arcade in Abuja. Photo: State House

50 coys bid for NNPC boat supply contract pAGE 6

Gambia: ECOWAS leaders give Jammeh 4-day ultimatum pAGE 5

Buhari, Osinbajo, Saraki, others honour fallen soldiers >> pg 3

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, january 16, 2017

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News

CONTENTS Chibok girls: FG rejects #BBOG conditions to join search News 2-10 Editorial 111 Op.Ed 13 Letters 14 Politics 15-18 Business

19-22

Stockwatch

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

By Ese Awhotu with agency report

pparently dissatisfied, the Federal Government has rejected the conditions given by the Bring Back Our Girls, #BBOG, group for joining a day search sorties for missing Chibok girls to Sambisa Forest. In a letter addressed to the convener of the group, Obiageli Ezekwesili, which was made available to the media on Sunday, the government said it was unable to postpone the trip as scheduled. The letter dated January 14 was signed by the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed. “Thank you for your letter, dated Jan. 13, which is in response to ours of Jan. 11, requesting that we change the date of the proposed guided tour of the North-East to accommodate a Pre-Tour Meeting between your organisation and some top officials of

Metro

Int’l 39 S/World

Digest 40 Sports 41 Columnist 48

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the missing Chibok girls. In the letter, the government asked the BBOG to nominate three of its members to join on the guided trip out of which two would join the sorties due to limited seats on the search plane. The government had stated that the trip would avail the BBOG the opportunity to witness and better understand the efforts being made to secure the freedom of the girls and other victims of Book Haram terrorists. The BBOG had in its reply to the invitation letter requested the government to meet certain conditions before the tour and also demanded for a change in the scheduled date. Specifically, the group requested a Pre-Tour Meeting with some officials of government and a retraction of some remarks allegedly made by the Chief of Army Staff, which it alleged are defamatory.

been invited for the trip, while some preparations had been made by the Nigerian military. It noted that the remarks purportedly made by the Chief of Army Staff and the request for a meeting with its certain top officials were irrelevant to its request for the BBOG to join in the search mission. The government stressed that it extended the invitation to the BBOG in recognition of the group’s commitment to the safe release of the Chibok girls in captivity and interest in the welfare of those who had been released. “We hope that the BBOG will drop its conditions and join the trip which shows the commitment of the Federal Government to securing freedom for the Chibok girls and its transparency in handling the issues of the girls. The government had in a letter of January 11, invited members of BBOG to a short trip in a military operational flight into Sambisa forest in search of

S/Kaduna: Abdulsalam, Sultan, Kukah, others meet on solution From Mohammad Kaduna

Ibrahim,

F Police arrest 40 suspected cultists in Benue Pg 7

the Federal Government. “We have also noted the conditions you gave for embarking on the trip which include the said PreTour Meeting and the retraction of some remarks allegedly made by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. – Gen. Tukur Buratai, which the #BBOG finds to be slanderous. “We regret, however, to inform you that we are unable to postpone the trip as scheduled.” The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the government insisted the team would proceed on the trip on Monday as scheduled because of the narrow window available to have a good weather on the day. It said that payment for the satellite downlink streaming of the mission had been made for the day and shifting the date will require another round of booking to secure such a slot. The government added that apart from the BBOG members, local and international journalists had

ormer Head of State, Gen. Abubakar Abdulsalam (Retd), Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah at the weekend stormed Kaduna to join forces with the government and other stakeholders to end killings in the southern part of the state. Cardinal John Onaiyekan, and members of the National Peace Committee were also part of the peace campaign visit. After a closed door meeting with Kaduna state Governor, Malam Nasir

El-Rufai, former Head of State,Gen. Abdulsalam told newsmen they were in the state due to the recent happenings in Southern Kaduna. He explained that within the week, they are going to meet with other stakeholders, religious leaders, the chiefs in the area and also visit the site where these problems are and discuss with the people. After which they will sit down and see what they think should be done. “Then we will come back to the governor and also if necessary to the federal government. “There is no religion on earth or anywhere that preaches violence. So this is why we are here today. We

think the visit is more of a solidarity with the people of Kaduna State. We are here to hear for ourselves what exactly is happening and what we can do with the hope that we can find a way forward based on the situation. “We are part of the delegation, I convened the peace committee and what we are doing now is trying to bring about peace. We did just hold the election we are looking at how we can achieve peace and stability. “I think what the people of Kaduna State, including the government should be doing now is to look into how we can achieve peace and development and I think that is the reason we have democracy,” he said

thank the governor and his team for receiving us. One of the points that the governor drew our attention to is the way people take law into their hands and they go scot free. And this impunity must be checked. These are some of the issues we discussed. “Everybody is aggrieved in one way or the other, so what we beg on people is to be patient, try as much as to forgive and to be each other’s keeper. We must live together, we must find solution to the problems to sit down and talk to ourselves because there is no problem that cannot be solved when you are talking to each other” he said. On his part, Bishop Kukah said:”i

Gambia: ECOWAS leaders give 4-day ultimatum to Jammeh

Francois Hollande and more than 30 African leaders, while Mr. Jammeh was absent. “The choice of Gambian voters in favour of Adama Barrow must be respected,” Mr. Hollande said. Mr. Barrow arrived in Bamako with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, who had met both him and Mr. Jammeh in the Gambian capital Banjul on Friday. A statement from Mr. Barrow’s office said Mr. Jammeh’s meeting with Mr. Buhari and other mediators from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was

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“unproductive”. Mr. Barrow’s spokesman, Halifa Sallah, said ECOWAS would nevertheless continue its mediation efforts. Gambia has been in a political deadlock since Mr. Barrow, a real estate mogul who was little known before he announced his candidacy, defeated Mr. Jammeh in the election. Leaders meeting at a FrancoAfrican summit in the Malian capital Bamako on Saturday set January 19 as deadline to solve the Gambian political crisis, Radio France Internationale quoted Togolese

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

President Faure Gnassingbe as saying. January 19 is the date when president-elect Adama Barrow has vowed to take power, despite outgoing President Yahya Jammeh not accepting his defeat in the December 1 election. Mr. Barrow attended the summit bringing together French President Francois Hollande and more than 30 African leaders, while Mr. Jammeh was absent. “The choice of Gambian voters in favour of Adama Barrow must be respected,” Mr. Hollande said.

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, january 16, 2017

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News

Ag News Editor, Ese Awhotu

Borno bans sale of charcoal, firewood on streets

he Borno State Government said on Sunday that it had banned the sale of charcoal and firewood on major streets in the metropolis to prevent pollution in the city. Kakashehu Lawan, the Commissioner for Justice, disclosed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria in Maiduguri. Mr. Lawan said that sellers of

the commodities were expected to relocate to a new market on Damboa Road designated for the sale of charcoal and firewood. “Sales of charcoal and firewood along major streets is hereby banned. “All those engaged in the business should relocate to the Charcoal and Firewood market along Damboa Road in Maiduguri,” he said.

Federal Medical Centre confirms suspected case of Lassa fever

iyan Joshua-Ndom, the Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, Nasarawa State, has confirmed that a patient at the centre was suffering from a disease suspected to be Lassa fever. Mr. Joshua-Ndom told the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday that the centre had reported the matter to the Ministry of Health as well as the Centre for Diseases Control, Abuja. “It is true that a suspected case of Lassa fever had been discovered at the centre with a male patient being its victim.

“But, I want to use this medium to appeal to patients and members of the public to remain calm as necessary steps had been taken to avert the spread of the virus. “The patient with the suspected case of Lassa fever had been separated from other patients and we are on top of the situation to curtail the spread of the disease,” he said The medical director reaffirmed the commitment of the centre to continue with projects that had direct bearing on the lives of doctors, other staff and Nigerians at large.(NAN)

Mr. Lawan gave a two-week notice to all sellers to either relocate to the market or face prosecution. He said that the operation of charcoal and firewood sellers on major streets had constituted environmental hazard in the state. “Government action is based on the fact that the sales of these items on our streets has become

a source of pollution as well as health hazard to the public,” Lawan said. He said that government had also concluded plans to demolish all illegal structures and shanties in markets across the state. “All illegal markets are hereby banned and owners are advised to relocate to recognised markets like Bolori, Abbaganaram, Gamboru among others.

“They have two weeks within which to relocate as such structures will be demolished in the next two weeks,” Mr. Lawan said. He explained that government action was based on the fact that those places were being used as hideouts for criminals. “Such places not only deface the environment but often serve as hideouts or spots for suicide bombers, criminals or criminal activities,” Mr. Lawan said. (NAN)

Northern senators urged to support proposed Abuja flights diversion to Kaduna From Mohammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

International Airport to Kaduna State in the interest of Northern region and the country.

sighting insecurity as reason for their opposition. An elder in Zaria, Shehu Abdullahi Harande Kakaki orthern Senators who is also a Vice Chairman have been called It will be recalled that of Elders Committee in upon to support and back the Federal some Senators from other Kwalbai ward B described government and ministry parts of the country actually the Senate position against of Aviation proposed plan rejected the idea to divert the proposed plan as unfair. According to him, Kaduna to divert flights from Abuja flights to Kaduna airport is safe as he commended the Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika and Director General Aviation Mukhtar Shuaibu Usman for their open stand to ensure that Kaduna airport is uplifted to International standard to enable the flights diversion a success. “ Those kicking against the flights diversion to our state are doing it for their own interest and not in the interest of the country. Kaduna is a big city with history and I see no reason why some people would be against its development. This project will definitely contribute to the economy of the state and some people are Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje Receiving Parade by the Men of the Nigerian Army, during the Wreath Laying not happy about it.

Ceremony Nigerian Legion at Malam Kato Square, in Kano yesterday.

Universities’ non-academic unions to begin 5-day warning strike

on-academic unions in the Nigerian universities say they will on Monday embark on a five-day warning strike over the inability of the Federal Government to implement the 2009 Agreements with the unions. The unions are the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), NonAcademic Staff Union (NASU) and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT). The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the unions in a statement stated that the warning strike became necessary in order for government to fully implement the 2009 FGN/Non-Teaching Staff Unions Agreements it freely

entered into with the unions. JAC said that a letter of the warning strike signed by Samson Ugwoke, SSANU President, Sani Suleiman, President of NAAT and Chris Ani, NASU President had been send to the Minister of Education. JAC said the letter was also copied to the Minister Labour and Employment, Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission and President of Nigeria Labour Congress. The statement quoted the committee as saying that “the University system is challenged by poor governance and administrative lapses which needs to be addressed holistically. “Poor funding of our

universities, shortfall in payment of staff salaries, increasing corruption in the university system should be addressed.’’ It also listed as among the problems that required attention of the government was inadequate physical infrastructure and abandoned projects which they said had reduced the capacity and output of its members. Other areas were lack of adequate teaching and learning facilities which had reduced the productivity of members and the non-payment of Earned Allowances being product of the 2009 Agreement, among others. Meantime, JAC has petitioned President Muhammadu Buhari over what it described as the

“continued industrial unrest at Federal University of Technology, FUTA, Akure: the need for decisive government action concerning the university’s Vice Chancellor.” In a letter to President Buhari, JAC said that arising from issues of serious disagreement between labour unions in the institution and the Vice Chancellor, Adebiyi Gregory Daramola, there had been continuous industrial unrest. “It is noteworthy that the university has been experiencing serious industrial disharmony since Oct. 6, 2016 as a result of workers demand for the removal of the VC on grounds of alleged corruption and

maladministration. “Sir, it is on record that the Vice Chancellor has a case to answer at the EFCC. He is however yet to be arraigned. Indeed, the allegation of corruption against the VC is substantial. “It is the candid opinion of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) unions of NAAT, NASU and SSANU that a government which is bent on fighting corruption in all ramifications should not turn a blind eye under these circumstances. “So, it will be in the interest of justice and industrial harmony that the VC be prosecuted by the relevant government agencies so that normalcy can be restored in the university,’’ it said. (NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, january 9, 2017

News

Buhari, Osinbajo, Saraki, others honour Nigeria’s fallen soldiers

resident Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Sunday in Abuja led government officials and service chiefs to lay wreaths in honour of Nigerian soldiers who died in active service. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that apart from the wreaths laying ceremony, the President used the opportunity to make video conference calls to Nigerian troops in the battle fields in Sambisa Forest, Yola in Adamawa and to those serving in UN Peace Mission in Liberia. The President, who first spoke to the Nigerian troops fighting the Boko Haram insurgents in Sambisa Forest in Borno, saluted their courage and urged them to continue to maintain discipline and efficiency they were known for. He said “your success was received spontaneously by all Nigerians. I congratulate you and I thank you very much for the honour you have done to the country and to us, well done. I wish your families are all well and are getting in touch with you. “Please maintain the standard of discipline and efficiency. Thank you very much indeed.’’ Also addressing members of the Nigerian battalion serving with the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Liberia, President Buhari, who congratulated the soldiers, wished them a successful mission abroad. The President, who commended members of the armed forces serving with the UN across the world, said the Federal Government was monitoring their performance. He prayed for their successful operations while in Liberia, and also wished them safe journey back to Nigeria in 2018. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Nigerian troops in Liberia will be the last batch of UN Peacekeeping Mission in that country as UN peace mission in Liberia would end in 2018. President Buhari also spoke via the video conference gadgets with the Commander of the Air Force Base in Yola, Charles Owoh, who is also the Air Commander, Operation, Lafiya Dole. The president lauded the performance of the Air Force in the ongoing fight against insurgency in the North East. He said: “I get regular briefing from your Chief of Air Staff. Your performance speaks for itself and you have raised the morale of your colleagues in the military, especially the army. “With your hi-tech performance and platforms, we have been able to restore the sanity and the territorial integrity of Nigeria. “I am very pleased with the initiative that you have taken in maintenance of equipment. It is very

President Mohammadu Buhari

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo

Senate President Bukola Saraki

encouraging and a boost to our morale here. I congratulate you and please pass my message to your families that we are very cautious of their patience and anxiety whenever you are in the field. Thank you very much indeed. Other dignitaries who performed the wreaths laying ceremony at the event include Senate President Bukola Saraki, Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara, acting Chief Judge of the Federation and Justice Walter Samuel Onoghen. Others are the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, service chiefs, Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Mikah Gaya, members of the diplomatic corps and other prominent citizens. Special prayers were also offered in honour of the fallen heroes. At the 2017 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration held at the Remembrance Arcade at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos restated the state government’s commitment to the welfare of members of the Nigerian Legion. Already, he said, N5 million had been provided by the administration to support the families of the fallen heroes and the Nigerian Legion. The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is an annual event held every January 15 in honour of fallen heroes who lost their lives during the Nigerian civil war and the first and second world wars. The 9 Brigrade commander, Sani Mohammed, while speaking with journalists, said the remembrance day was in remembrance of the fallen heroes — soldiers who lost their lives in serving the nation particularly in war time. Also speaking, the State Commandant of the Nigerian Legion, Samuel Akande, expressed satisfaction

over the success of the remembrance day, adding that the governor had always contributed to the development of the legion. “Nigerian Legion is using this opportunity to thank Governor. Ambode for all the provisions and care for the legion. “He gave us N5 million and also promised two vehicles one of which has been provided,” he said. Mr. Akande prayed to God to continue to protect the soldiers still in the war front and in service, hoping that peace, stability and economic prosperity would be restored to the country. The highlight of the celebration was the laying of wreaths by Mr. Ambode, officers and others in honour of the fallen heroes. As usual, the occasion also witnessed gun salutes and release of pigeons and balloons to signify peace and freedom while prayers were also offered for the families of the fallen heroes, the Nigerian Armed Forces, Service Commanders and the country. Present at the occasion were top military brass, the State Police Commissioner, Fatai Owoseni, Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, among others. In Cross River State, retired soldiers appealed to the Federal Government to harmonise their pensions with salaries of serving army personnel. Timothy Ushie, the Chairman of Nigerian Legion in Cross River, made the appeal on Sunday during the 2017 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Calabar. Mr. Ushie, a retired colonel, who also appealed for timely payment of the ex-soldiers’ pensions, said that harmonising the pension with salaries of serving officers would address some grievances of the retired soldiers. According to him, the Military Pension Board saddled with the

responsibility of paying pensions of retired personnel has so far been transparent. He added that “today, pensions are being paid promptly even though we still have some delays sometimes; but the system has been fair. “I must commend the Board for doing a good job. But, we are appealing to the Federal Government to harmonise our pension with salaries of serving officers.” Bulama Biu, the Commander of 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Calabar, said the day was significant because it was to remember fallen heroes who fought and died to sustain the unity of Nigeria. Mr. Biu said that the Armed Forces would continue to work in harmony with other security agencies with a view to maintaining the nation’s peace and unity. A retired army corporal, Thomas Okon, told the News Agency of Nigeria that the payment of pension to retired soldiers had improved from what it used to be. He said “as a retired Nigerian soldier who fought in the civil war, my pension of N28,000 is not big; but I thank God that even with the delay, the money still comes. “I am appealing to government to look into our plight and review our pension upwards because we fought for the unity of this country.” Another retired soldier, Paul Abang, appealed to the Federal Government to place premium on the welfare of ex-soldiers, saying some of them depended solely on it for their feeding and other uses. Highlights of the event were the release of pigeons by the state`s deputy governor, Ivara Esu, the 21 gun salute and the laying of wreath by service chiefs and other dignitaries in the state.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, january 16, 2017

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News

Chibok girls: FG rejects #BBOG conditions to join search By Ese Awhotu with agency report

conditions you gave for embarking on the trip which include the said Pre-Tour Meeting and the retraction of some remarks allegedly made by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. – Gen. Tukur Buratai, which the #BBOG finds to be slanderous. “We regret, however, to inform you that we are unable to postpone the trip as scheduled.” The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the government insisted the team would proceed on the trip on Monday as scheduled because of the narrow window available to have a good weather on the day. It said that payment for the satellite downlink streaming of the mission had been made for the day and shifting the date will require another round of booking to secure such a slot. The government added that apart from the BBOG members, local and international journalists had been invited for the trip, while some preparations had been

made by the Nigerian military. It noted that the remarks purportedly made by the Chief of Army Staff and the request for a meeting with its certain top officials were irrelevant to its request for the BBOG to join in the search mission. The government stressed that it extended the invitation to the BBOG in recognition of the group’s commitment to the safe release of the Chibok girls in captivity and interest in the welfare of those who had been released. “We hope that the BBOG will drop its conditions and join the trip which shows the commitment of the Federal Government to securing freedom for the Chibok girls and its transparency in handling the issues of the girls. The government had in a letter of January 11, invited members of BBOG to a short trip in a military operational flight into Sambisa forest in search of the missing Chibok girls.

In the letter, the government asked the BBOG to nominate three of its members to join on the guided trip out of which two would join the sorties due to limited seats on the search plane. The government had stated that the trip would avail the BBOG the opportunity to witness and better understand the efforts being made to secure the freedom of the girls and other victims of Book Haram terrorists. The BBOG had in its reply to the invitation letter requested the government to meet certain conditions before the tour and also demanded for a change in the scheduled date. Specifically, the group requested a Pre-Tour Meeting with some officials of government and a retraction of some remarks allegedly made by the Chief of Army Staff, which it alleged are defamatory.

President Muhammadu Buhari performs the Wreath Laying ceremony of 2017 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the Arcade in Abuja. Photo: State House

S/Kaduna: Abdulsalam, Sultan, Kukah, others meet on solution From Mohammad Kaduna

Ibrahim,

Head of State,Gen. Abdulsalam told newsmen they were in the state due to the recent happenings in Southern Kaduna. He explained that within the week, they are going to meet with other stakeholders, religious leaders, the chiefs in the area and also visit the site where these problems are and discuss with the people. After which they will sit down and see what they think should be done. “Then we will come back to the governor and also if necessary to the federal government. “There is no religion on earth or anywhere that preaches violence. So this is why we are here today. We thank the governor and his team for

receiving us. One of the points that the governor drew our attention to is the way people take law into their hands and they go scot free. And this impunity must be checked. These are some of the issues we discussed. “Everybody is aggrieved in one way or the other, so what we beg on people is to be patient, try as much as to forgive and to be each other’s keeper. We must live together, we must find solution to the problems to sit down and talk to ourselves because there is no problem that cannot be solved when you are talking to each other” he said. On his part, Bishop Kukah said:”i think the visit is more of

a solidarity with the people of Kaduna State. We are here to hear for ourselves what exactly is happening and what we can do with the hope that we can find a way forward based on the situation. “We are part of the delegation, I convened the peace committee and what we are doing now is trying to bring about peace. We did just hold the election we are looking at how we can achieve peace and stability. “I think what the people of Kaduna State, including the government should be doing now is to look into how we can achieve peace and development and I think that is the reason we have democracy,” he said

Gambia: ECOWAS leaders give 4-day ultimatum to Jammeh

eaders meeting at a FrancoAfrican summit in the Malian capital Bamako on Saturday set January 19 as deadline to solve the Gambian political crisis, Radio France Internationale quoted Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe as saying. January 19 is the date when president-elect Adama Barrow has vowed to take power, despite outgoing President Yahya Jammeh not accepting his defeat in the December 1 election. Mr. Barrow attended the summit bringing together French President Francois Hollande and more than 30 African leaders, while Mr. Jammeh was absent. “The choice of Gambian voters in favour of Adama Barrow must be respected,” Mr. Hollande said. Mr. Barrow arrived in Bamako with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, who had met both him and Mr. Jammeh in the Gambian capital Banjul on Friday. A statement from Mr. Barrow’s office said Mr. Jammeh’s meeting with Mr. Buhari and other mediators from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was “unproductive”. Mr. Barrow’s spokesman, Halifa Sallah, said ECOWAS would nevertheless continue its mediation efforts. Gambia has been in a political deadlock since Mr. Barrow, a real estate mogul who was little known before he announced his candidacy, defeated Mr. Jammeh in the election. Leaders meeting at a FrancoAfrican summit in the Malian capital Bamako on Saturday set January 19 as deadline to solve the Gambian political crisis, Radio France Internationale quoted Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe as saying. January 19 is the date when president-elect Adama Barrow has vowed to take power, despite outgoing President Yahya Jammeh not accepting his defeat in the December 1 election. Mr. Barrow attended the summit bringing together French President Francois Hollande and more than 30 African leaders, while Mr. Jammeh was absent. “The choice of Gambian voters in favour of Adama Barrow must be respected,” Mr. Hollande said. Mr. Barrow arrived in Bamako with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, who had met both him and Mr. Jammeh in the Gambian capital Banjul on Friday. A statement from Mr. Barrow’s office said Mr. Jammeh’s meeting with Mr. Buhari and other mediators from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was “unproductive”. Mr. Barrow’s spokesman, Halifa Sallah, said ECOWAS would nevertheless continue its mediation efforts

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, january 16, 2017

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News

50 companies bid for NNPC’s boat supply contract

he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, on Sunday in Abuja said 50 companies had submitted bids for the supply of sea worthy tug boats on charter basis. NNPC, in a statement by its Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Ndu Ughamadu, said the boats would be for the maritime operational requirements of the NNPC in Lagos, Warri and Port Harcourt. According to the spokesman, the public opening of the bids

at the NNPC headquarters had in attendance representatives of the bidding companies and officials of the Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP. Other agencies of government represented were the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR; Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI; Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB; and some members of the civil society as observers. He said that successful

companies would be engaged on a two year term contract in the first instance with an option of renewal for a further one year. Mr. Ughamadu said winners are expected to provide services which include: aiding the berth and un-berth of all ships operating at the NNPC jetties. They are to also provide logistics support for safe shipto-ship operations which covers movement of fenders, horses, documents, rigging and unrigging of fenders among other services.

The statement quoted NNPC’s Group General Manager, Supply Chain Management, Shehu Liman, as saying at the bidding ceremony that NNPC management was determined to instil and sustain “the values of transparency, accountability and integrity in the procurement process.” Mr. Liman said that the bidding process provided a level playing space for all stakeholders, adding that the entire exercise was in conformity with existing

Buhari felicitates with Akande at 78 By Lawrence Olaoye

resident Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated an elder statesman and founding Interim Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Abdukareem Adebisi Bamidele Akande, as he turns 78 years today. According to a statement made

available to newsmen by his Special Adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, the President joined all members of the APC, friends and immediate family of the eminent leader in celebrating the former Governor of Osun State, 1999-2003, who had meritoriously served as Deputy Governor of Oyo State, 1979-1983.

As one of the pillars of the opposition party that successfully ensured a round victory and smooth transition to unseat an incumbent president in 2015, the President believes Chief Akande’s wisdom, sacrifices, patriotism and commitment to the unity and development of Nigeria will always be remembered by

posterity. Buhari affirmed that Akande’s present role in the APC as a strong, visionary leader, a reconciling voice, strategist and stabilizer has paid up substantially in the enormous challenge of healing the ruling party, and the country. The President extolled the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Abike Dabiri –Erewa (left) with Chairman Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) , Itse Sagay during a joint press conference between the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption and Office of SSA to the President on asset recovery and asset return, on Friday in Abuja. Photo: Mamud Isa

Plateau owes retired workers N12bn gratuity – NLC

he Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Plateau chapter, Jibrin Banchir, on Sunday said Plateau Government owed N12 billion as retired workers’ gratuities. Mr. Banchir told journalists in Jos that the amount covered 15 years of arrears. He, however, commended Governor Simon Lalong for clearing the backlog of workers’ salaries. The labour leader appealed to the governor to also pay gratuities of retirees, who had served the state since their youthful days. “We recently met with the governor and we told him that Plateau Government is owing over N12 billion gratuity for a period of

15 years. “We, therefore, appealed to the state government to explore all possible ways to pay it. “We are monitoring the Paris Club refund, this is the first tranche, the second, third and fourth tranche will come. “The Federal Government clearly said that 50 per cent of the Paris Club refund must be used in servicing workers benefits; salaries, pensions and gratuities. “We are done with the payment of salaries and pensions, and if we get another tranche, we should use it to pay the gratuities,” Mr. Banchir said. On leave and transport grants owed workers before consolidation in 2013, the labour leader said that

the union was negotiating with the state government through the office of Head of Service. He expressed optimism that the negotiating team would address the issue for the benefits of workers. The chairman said that although workers and pensioners were still awaiting payment of other entitlements, they are happy salaries and pension arrears have been paid. “If we look back at the turbulent times we have had, we have no reason not to appreciate the government. “It is the first time, in more than 15 years, that we have receive December salary in December and we must commend the governor

for that,’’ he said. He recalled that government workers were owed seven month salaries arrears; local government owed three months; state pensioners, nine months and local government pensioners, seven months. He also appreciated the governor for promoting workers for the first time in nine years. According to him, some workers even got double promotions because of the governor’s gesture. “On behalf of the Plateau workers, we appreciate the governor in a very special way and we will reciprocate by putting in our very best in discharging our duties,” he said.(NAN)

Federal Government legislation on procurement. He said that the process was also based on NNPC’s standing regulations on procurement to ensure transparency and fairness. He said services to be rendered by successful companies would include stand-by and positioning of vessels at the Single Point Moring (SPM) buoy among other marine services.(NAN)

passionate and relentless efforts of the statesman in ensuring the entrenchment democracy in Nigeria, and the sustenance of the rule of law. He prayed that the almighty God will grant Chief Akande longer life, more strength and wisdom to continue serving the country he loves, and humanity.

Unpaid salaries: Monarch begs Abaji chair to take action By Usman Shuaibu

he Village Head of Gawu Community in Abaji Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Alhaji Musa Ibrahim, has appealed to the chairman of the Area Council, Hon. Abdulrahman Ajiya, to as a matter of urgency to pay the salaries of the traditional rulers which was not given to them for past three months now in the area. The Village Head also called on the chairman to provide basic necessities of life such as electricity as well as potable drinking water in the community. Ibrahim, who made the appeal in an interview with peoples Daily on Saturday in the community, further pleaded with the chairman to provide drugs for the community’s clinic in the interest of the residents. He said that his leadership would continue to support the administration of Abaji Area Council for the overall development of the area council, while charging the council’s chairman to focus on the rural development. Ibrahim who is the chairman of the village heads in Gawu community, however, urged some of the traditional rulers whose salaries were not paid to them to be patient with the government of Abaji Area Council.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, january 16, 2017

News Hunters, vigilante kill 7 Boko Haram terrorists in Madagali From Dankano,Yola.

PAGE 7

Police arrest 40 suspected cultists in Benue From Uche Makurdi

Nnorom,

ot more than 40 persons were at the weekend arrested by the Benue State Police for cult related acts. The State Command Public Relations’ Officer ASP Moses Yamu who disclosed this to Peoples Daily in a telephone conversation, said one person was killed in Katungu area of North Bank in Makurdi, Benue State capital city.

But residents of the area said more than 5 persons were murdered in three days. One of them who pleaded anonymity told our correspondent on phone that the cultists were terrorizing the area with impunity. “We could hardly sleep; even at broad day you will hear gun shots as they murder their victims in a gruesome manner and dump in gutter or by the roadside. We live in fear of our lives”, he lamented. Similarly, it has been

observed that there is high rate of house burglary, handset theft. Another resident told our reporter that robbers broke into her neighbor’s house and took away valuables including electronics and undisclosed amount of cash. Our correspondent also, fell victim as some hoodlums attacked and snatched his IPAD at gun point on Thursday January 12, 2017 as he was returning home from work “I had some problems with

my IPAD and went to check it. I was told that the battery is dead and need to be replaced. On my way back, some young men on okada accosted me and took away my IPAD”, he narrated bitterly. While admitting that there has been incidence of house burglary, Yamu said police has intensified effort to rid the State of crime just as he urged residents to always give information to the police because they cannot be everywhere at the same time.

Umar

arely 24 hours after triple suicide bombers attack killed eleven and injured sixteen people in Madagali town, another deadly attack by the Boko Haram elements has been repelled by local vigilante fighters killing seven of the terrorists. The incidence occurred in Sabongari village in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa state. Reports from the area revealed that on Saturday early morning some Boko Haram terrorists tried to forcefully gain access to Sabongari village probably in search of food stuff from villagers but were blocked by the standby local vigilante fighters manning their village. A member of vigilante, Mallam Abdu Mai who spoke to the media in a mobile phone interview said the assailants who thronged the village in large numbers met resistance from a group of hunters and vigilantes who forced them to flee after heavy exchange of fire. He said seven of the attackers died in the encounter while à machine gun was seized from them due to the gallery posture of the local security outfits on the operation that lasted for hours. Confirming the incident Council Chairman of Madagali, Hon.Yusuf Muhammad said the report available to him has shown that, a member of Boko Haram was killed by soldiers. When contacted, Army Public Relations Officer,APRO of the 28 Task force Batallion Mubi ,Major Badare Akintoye, said no official report to that regard was made to him but promised to get back to our correspondent in Yola when he get the necessary details. Madagali area which is situated around Sambisa Forest has suffered series of attack since its liberation from Boko Haram in 2015.

L-R: Minister of State for Education, Prof. Anthony GozieAnwukah, UNICEF Country Representative, Mr. Mohammed Malik Fall, Minister of Education, Malam AdamuAdamu and Permanent Secretary, Dr. Jamila Shua’ara, during a courtesy visit of the UNICEF Rep to the Minister in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

1000 more bandits surrender in Zamfara From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

o fewer than 1000 more armed bandits have repented and surrendered for legitimate living in Bukkuyum local government council of Zamfara state following incessant checks by the Police on peace negotiations earlier agreed upon between the state government and members of the dangerous groups. The development was made known by the Emir of Bukkuyum, Alhaji Muhammad Usman while receiving the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Shaba Alkali who paid a familiarization visit to his palace. He informed that, the emirate had witnessed massive repentance by the members of the dangerous group recently.

The emir, who once happened to be abducted by the dangerous group, said his emirate in conjunction with the Police had initiated a Peace Facilitating Group [PFG] headed by some peace-loving Fulani individuals that embarked into talks with the armed bandits across deep forests, the efforts which eventually yielded repentance en masse. Earlier, the Emir of Anka and the state Chairman of Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Attahiru Muhammad Ahmad, who also received the Commissioner of Police, has commended the Inspector General of Police for posting Mr. Shaba Alkali as Police Chief in the state, adding that, “We only watched Mr. Shaba on screens as he actively smoked out criminals in other states like Delta, Lagos and Taraba”. Alhaji Attahiru called on the

commissioner to as a matter of consolidating peace restoration moves in the emirate, to reinforce the manpower of the Police as their number on the ground could not reach up to 60 facing one of the dangerous local governments in the state, adding that, the emirate was appreciated on the directive the commissioner gave to men and officers of his command that, all should off fans and air conditions to move to the forests in a fight against armed banditry. “The rights of Police which include welfare and fighting equipment should be regarded, there is high need for training and retraining of both men and officers of the Police for them to meet all modern formidable security challenges as criminals are now improving their nasty plans”, emir pleaded.

In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Shaba Alkali, the ongoing visit to the 17 palaces of the emirs across the state, was to familiarize and strengthen the cordial relationship between the state Police Command and the cooperating traditional rulers against re-occurrence of the just combated armed banditry in the state. Mr. Shaba Alkali called on traditional rulers to enlighten their subjects on the importance of communicating out to Police or any other sister security agency on any questionable movement or strange-looking activities either by members of the affected communities or new faces on unusual visits for prompt action by the Police in collaboration with other security agencies.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, january 16, 2017

PAGE 8

News

FG seeks private/public partnership to revamp health sector By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

he Federal Government has expressed commitment to partner with the private sector in order to revamp the health sector. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, expressed the government’s commitment in Abuja during engagements with key stakeholders in the private sector to explore the possibility of supporting the government in its quest to provide quality healthcare to Nigerians

across the country and particularly in the North East. He said public/private sector collaboration is the way to go in addressing the myriads of challenges faced by the health sector in the country. “Already, 60% of health care needs are met by the private sector, which show that they are serious in addressing these challenges. We must encourage their involvement in the health care value system”. The vice president however said, “We cannot pay for health

care from public resource alone. We need to device means of sustaining the insurance scheme”. Speaking earlier, Minister of State for Health, Osagie Ehanire, was worried that despite unprecedented and considerable progress made in the last decade, Nigeria’s Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) and nutrition indices are still poor, and both economic and geographical disparities persist. “Notably, under nutrition

continue to hamper the attainment of national development goals with 37% of children under 5 stunted. Far too many newborns, children, adolescents and women still die from preventable conditions annually, especially among poor and vulnerable communities. “The lifetime risk of maternal death from pregnancy -related causes is 1 in 29 and only about 39% of our women receive skilled attendance during childbirth”. He said the activities of the Boko Haram in the northeast had

Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal giving free mosquito treated net to one of the beneficiaries during a medical outreach organised as part of activities marking the 2017 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Sokoto.

Nigerian leaders urged to emulate late Tafawa Balewa’s good virtues From Ahmed Bauchi

Kaigama

eaders have been urged to emulate good virtues of late first Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa humility, honesty ,simplicity and other good attributes that makes a good leader The ex Minister of Special Duties during Obasanjo Regime Alhaji Mohammed Bello Kirfi made the call at a special prayer held yesterday for the late Prime

Minister at his residence. The Wazirin Bauchi, Alhaji Bello Kirfi said that the late Prime Minister was humility and honesty personified, respect; simplicity accommodating was the watchword for the late Prime Minister. According to him, Tafawa Balewa lived a life that should be copied by leaders in order to discharge their responsibilities for the benefit of their people. He lamented that most of the leaders who succeeded the first

generation of Nigeria’s leadership have neglected the philosophy of servant leadership epitomised by the likes of Balewa, Sir Ahmadu Bello Sardauna Sokoto and others. Also speaking, the eldest son of the late Prime Minister, Alhaji Baba Abubakar Tafawa Balewa said that their father has taught them about what life entails. He said that they learnt a lot from their late father that his death affected the family as he died when they were young and

In his remark the chairman of the organizers of the prayers Save Bauchi Forum, Alhaji Zaradeen Babantanko has call on government at all levels to adequately take care of the family left behind by the prime Minister to have sense of belonging. He said the Sir Abubakar Tafawa. Balewa lived a noble live that all sundry need to emulate, he bring the country together, give moral and righteous lessons to all.

been devastating with regards to RMNCAH results. “This underscores why addressing the urgent RMNCAH and nutrition needs of affected populations is a key priority of the present administration. This sector is urgently in need of responsive, cost-efficient service delivery approaches to restore the provision of basic health services to affected populations, while longer term efforts focus on rebuilding health systems and restoring normal community life”.

Al-Makura employs wife of late NSCDC official By Umar Muhammad Puma

overnor Umaru Tanko Al-iMakura of Nasarawa state has offered automatic employment to Mrs Victoria Otene, wife of a civil defence officer Otene Ogbagu attached to Government House Lafia who died after a protracted illness. A statement signed by Ahmed Tukur, Special Assistant on media and publicity said Al-makura, made the offer when he paid a condolence visit to the family compound of the late officer in Bukan Sidi area of Lafia, the state capital Al-makura said that the employment is to assist Mrs Otene in the up keep of her five children and other needs of the entire family. He said that late Ogbagu was an intelligent officer who served his country diligently with commitment and dedication. He said that the death of late Ogbagu has really touched him and his administration especially at a time when his services is seriously needed. He explained that the deceased was among the best officer who has shown professionalism and commitment in the discharge of his duty. He prayed to God to comfort the family and urged them not to lost hope as God in his infinite mercy will give them solace and ensure their upkeep.

Federal Medical Centre Yola extends lifeline to rural areas From Umar Dankano,Yola.

s part of its corporate social responsibility, the Federal Medical Center Yola ,FMC has embarked on medical outreach to rural communities being faced with dysfunctional health care facilities and transportation constraints of conveying their patients to hospitals in Adamawa state. The development was made public when management staff of FMC Yola led by its Chief Medical

Director Prof. Muhammad Auwal Abubakar visited Jada General Hospital, in Jada Local Government Area in the state on Friday for a facility tour. Professor Abubakar told the gathering that, the initiative was designed to carter for people of the state situated at the southern zone having fulfilled the collaborative requirements needed saying that, the people of northern zone are enjoying theirs in Madagali council which is being served by University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital .

He explained that his centre will be in a collaboration with state Government through Ministry of Health to ensure efficient and professional handling of these medical outreach centres for the benefit of humanity. He also announced to the people at the occasion that the FMC Yola is in the process of upgrading to a teaching hospital status noting that an assurance of having more qualified personnel to the centre which be extended to the medical outreach centres across the state.

Delivering his welcome address, Executive Chairman of Jada local government council Hon. Idris Salihu (Ubandoman Koma) expressed delight on the development, noting that the question of dysfunctional healthcare delivery would be a forgotten issue in Jada. Hon. Salihu assured maximum cooperation of his council and people for the success of such commendable initiative. While conducting the guests round the hospital, Dr. Tijjani Ali Mindaka the PMO Jada General

Hospital who was the only medical doctor manning the hospital disclosed that the hospital has 20 nurses and only one nurse covers night shift to manage the entire patients in the hospital. However, in his remarks District head of Jada Alh. Umaru Ardo the Mukaddas Ganye representing HRH the Gangwari Ganye acknowledged that it was yet another milestone in the history of Jada now that patients would need not travel elsewhere to have their ailments whether minor or major treated.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, january 16, 2017

Page 9

News

Managing Editor, Metro Desk, Mrs Nkechi Okoronkwo (R) presenting a gift on behalf of NAN Staff to the Outgoing Editor-in-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Lawal Ado during a Send-off Party for Mr Lawal Ado at NAN Headquarters in Abuja. Photo: NAN

Retired soldiers suspend rally over pension review policy From Mohammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

oalition of Legion of ExServicemen who are pensioners have announced suspension of the proposed rally slated for 14 and 15 January 2017 to draw the attention of the Federal Government to review pension policy. This was contained in a

statement signed by Spokesperson for the group, Comrade Abiodun Durowaiy-Herbert and made available to media in Kaduna at the weekend. According to him, the decision for the suspension came after wide consultations and security considerations. They said government is yet to conduct pension review which was due in 2015 and as a result, their

members are worse hit due to high cost of things in today’s Nigeria. The group explained that after a wide consultation with the leadership of the coalition group and having thoroughly reviewed the security situations and the effects on our members who would participate in the peaceful rally. “We hereby suspend our planned rally which was earlier slated to take place on the 14th

and 15th of January, 2017. This is to allow for further dialogue with relevant government bodies. We therefore wish to thank all our members for their patience and understanding”, it added. It would be recalled that on the 30th of December, 2016, the coalition group has addressed a press conference of plans to come out on a peaceful rally on the 14th and 15th of January, 2017, to

demand from government some pressing issues to be addressed.

Nigerian nation. The statement said that “In our collective and individual resolves to keep Nigeria’s unity, irrespective of sectional, religious, cultural leanings, we have to take bold steps to tackle the great challenges of insecurity and distrust to commensurate the sacrifices made by our armed security personnel.” He also urged all Nigerians and governments at all levels as well as traditional, religious and opinion leaders to think “Nigeria’s unity first” guard their utterances and formulate a common ground of maintaining peace by putting to an end armed conflicts, kidnappings and armed banditry. General Babangida, wishes all Nigerians a Happy and prosperous New year 2017 and prayed for continued peace, unity and brotherhood amongst Nigerians. 2017 Remembrance Day comes

at a time that our armed forces, military men and women are gaining more ground in the fight against insurgency and conflicts ridden areas of Nigeria. In the spirit of this celebration, Former Vice President and chieftain of All Progressives Congress, Atiku Abubakar commended the remarkable, incredible, unflagging and patriotic sacrifices of our military personnel in the line of duty and in the defence of the country. The former Vice President made the statement shortly after his arrival from an overseas trip at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Sunday, 15 January 2017. A statement released by his media office to mark this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day, quotes the former Vice President as observing that since the end of the civil war in 1970, members of our armed forces have not faced greater

challenges than today in the face of counterterrorism war against the Boko Haram insurgents. Atiku Abubakar says apart from sapping energy and resources, counterterrorism is one of the most stressful security duties, adding that the performance of our military personnel under these gruelling hallenges “is admirable and praiseworthy.” According to Atiku Abubakar, laying down one’s life for the sake of others is the highest sacrifices, explaining these officers and men are driven by sheer patriotism and love of fellow citizens. He notes that any group of people who can overcome fear for the call of duty and love of one’s country deserve the greatest honour, respect and rewards from their societies. The Turakin Adamawa also states that he was impressed beyond words by the recent military

successes against the Boko Haram insurgents, including the successful assault on the notorious terrorists den, the Sambisa Forest, which he says has sent a clear message that criminals, cannot defeat law and order permanently. He pays special tributes to the officers and men who lost their lives in the line of duty or battle field, and calls on the authorities to take adequate care of the families of fallen heroes. The former Vice President also says he is looking forward to the day members of our military personnel would join the list of military inventors and designers such as Mikhail Kalashnikov of Russia, the designer of the famous AK-47 assault rifles. He says that the Defence Industries Corporation Kaduna should one day showcase the inventiveness, and technical acumen of our military.

Their demands are; restoration of the 20.37% deduction from the pension review of 2015, payment of 33% arrears, pension review which is due since 2015 to be based on 53.37%, veterans’ affairs department to be managed by vets and consideration of civil war vets to be placed on pension payroll.

…As IBB, Atiku, others call for unity on armed forces remembrance day

From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna and Umar Muhammad Puma

he former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has felicitated with the Nigerian armed forces on the celebration of the armed forces remembrance day. General Babangida, called for the unity of the country despite present challenges that can be overcome. This is just as Atiku extolled the supreme sacrifices of Nigerian military Babangida said, “As we celebrate, the Armed forces remembrance day, to take a stock of our unique and sacrifices by our men and women of the armed forces especially the fallen heroes that paid a supreme sacrifices of maintaining peace not only in our country but beyond the shores of Nigeria. Lets us commend the recent effort of our gallant military for breaking the nerve centre of Boko Haram terrorists”. Babangida in his statement issued yesterday in Minna said, recent events across the country of general insecurity and economic sabotage are a source of concern to every well meaning Nigerian. He Said, it is paramount for all political leaders, elder statesmen, traditional rulers and the general society to galvanize the ruptured

NBA extols virtues of late Niger Gov, Kure

From Minna.

Yakubu

Mustapha,

igeria Bar Association, NBA, has enjoined current leaders in the country to emulate the good virtues of late Governor Abdulkadir Abdullahi kure by touching the lives of ordinary Nigerians positively. The Niger State Chairman of

NBA, Barrister Mohammed Kudu Ndayeko gave the charge while speaking to journalists after the association paid a condolence visit to late Kure’s family in Minna. Ndayeko who described late governor as a Nationalist, Statesman and humble that have touched the lives of many Nigerians positively hence a national lost and accorded him an unprecedented burial

ceremony. He further noted that the late former governor was an epitom of humility that must be emulated just as one’s closeness to God is determined after the death of an individual, therefore presented letter of condolence to the deceased wife Senator Zaynab Kure. “I have not seen anybody talking negative about him devoid of

religious differences, see the kind of people that came to give him farewell, we thank God for his live” he stated. He added that the present administration in Niger State has a lot to learn from the late governor following his appreciation even after his demise by touching the lives of the people positively therefore, prayed the Creator to grant him peace in Aljanan firdaus.

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, january 16, 2017

News

FG assures civil servants of improved resources management

From Ahmed Idris Birnin Kebbi

he Federal Government has assured civil servants of its commitment to addressing ineffective leadership and poor management of resources in the civil service. Speaking to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi shortly after the opening ceremony of a retreat on top management of the staff of

the federal and state civil servant on productivity, the Permanent Secretary Special Duties in the office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr Amina Shamaki, expressed confidence that at the end of the retreat the participants would acquire knowledge of good leadership skills “The presidency is aware that ineffective leaders impact negatively on the performance of

staff in ministries and parastatals; hence the need to upgrade and update you with the needed knowledge on how to be effective in your service,” she said. “We want the participants to utilize the knowledge they will acquire for the betterment of Nigerians. “ We want them to have good understanding of using available resources ,and operation efficiently and effectively, as

well as provision of high quality service,” the secretary said. Speaking earlier, the Kebbi Governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu,who was represented by the state Secretary to the Government, Alhaji Babale Yauri, assured that his administration would continue to uphold the fundamentals of productivity through training and retraining of its workforce.

Force Public Relation Nigeria Police Mr Don Awunah (middle) being decorated with the new rank promoted as Commissioner of police by Inspector General of Police Idris Ibrahim (L) assisted by the Deputy Inspector General of Police Finance and administration Mr Shuaib Gambo on Friday in Abuja. Photo: Mamud Isa

Masari wants Nigerian authors to establish book devt. fund From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

overnor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State has advised the Katsina State Chapter of Association of Nigerian Authors, ANA to establish a book development fund that would assist young writers to grow. Masari, who gave the advised while receiving members of ANA Katsina State chapter on a courtesy call at the General Muhammadu Buhari government house Katsina, said up-coming writers have more to benefit from the fund. He said “if you allow government to set up a book development agency, it will not augur well for writers. If there is change of government and the new government may politicize the operations of the agency that may end up not benefitting the writers”. The governor urged the Katsina state chapter of the association to organise an appeal fund where funds would be generated for the operations of the development funds, adding that government would support them to achieve the initiative.

Expert advises FG to diversify economy From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

he Federal Government of Nigeria has been advised to diversify the economy of the country and not only rely on oil as the major sources of income. An agricultural expert, Matthew Olubola James gave the advice while speaking to the media in Kaduna yesterday. Mr. James said agriculture has become the backbone of developing country, and it provides food for human consumption directly and indirectly. Therefore the

sector must be reinvigorated to ensure that Nigeria is not left out of the benefits accrued from the sector. Olubola who is the Chief Executive Officer, NATUREMETHOD Company Nigeria Limited that specializes in the production of organic fertilizer said for his fifteen years stay in China and Thailand he has come to the conclusion that chemical fertilizer produces low yield compared to organic fertilizer. He advised farmers in the country to shift base to organic fertilizers to

increase their yields. According to him, some of the modern organic fertilizers are manufactured with pesticides. So when you apply the fertilizer on the farmland, at the same time you’re also applying pesticides on the farm. He said the fertilizers produced by his company are listed among top ten best in Thailand, because the growth and the yield is stable. “The use of Transform fertilizer leads to an increased efficiency of the elements, reduce the toxicity of soil.

“Fertilizer based on Nano technology have the potential to surpass conventional fertilizer, innovation in transform fertilizer requires a multidisciplinary approach. “Transform fertilizer has the potential to increase the efficiency of nutrient uptake. Engineered Nano particles are useful for mitigating the chronic problem of moisture retention in acid soils and enhancing crop production by increasing the availability of nutrients,” he said.

Union commends NUPENG, PENGASSAN for calling off strike From Femi Oyelola’Kaduna

he Geneva based IndustriALL Global Union has hailed the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Nigeria National Petroleum Co-operation (NNPC), for calling off the 3- day warning strike in the interest of the masses who will be at the receiving end. The Vice President of the Union, Comrade Issa Aremu stated this in a press statement made available to the media in kaduna yesterday. Comrade Issa Aremu who said the

IndustriALL Global Union with over 50 million members worldwide called on International oil companies to ensure decent work by obeying Nigerian labour laws. Aremu insisted those increasing summary factories’ closures and arbitrary termination of the work force in the petroleum sector and any other sectors of the economy amount to gross violation of Nigerian labour laws which have provisions for dispute resolutions including redundancies and closures. He added that the burden of economic recession cannot be put on the shoulders of the working people while corporate managers carried on with business as usual

to maximize profits Comrade Aremu hailed the prompt intervention of the Honourable minister of labour Dr. Chris Ngige and urged the public to prevail on Shylock employers to respect workers’ rights if they must enjoy uninterrupted service and products supply. “We often call on the trade unions to call off strikes, while the public hardly appreciate the fact that it is the working people in the oil sector under the most precarious conditions that have been making products available” he said. The IndustriALL Global Union Vice President therefore urged all stake holders to take the advantage of the period of strike suspension to address the outstanding

unresolved labour issues in dispute so as to avert total work stoppage in the sector. “ Some of the outstanding labour issues as articulated by NUPENG and PENGASSAN include non-divestment by the multinationals especially in OML 53 and 55 operated by Chevron and now OML 30, agreement on Job security and “non-payment of terminal benefits to 48 contract staff and 250 contract staff terminated in Lagos and Port Harcourt by the Nigeria Agip Oil Company, NAOC as well as the refusal of Exxon Mobil Producing to reinstate over 200 NUPENG members sacked through its directives to its labour contractors despite ultimatum jointly issued by NUPENGASSAN.

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, january 16, 2017

loss of document

This is to inform the General public of the loss of the Original copy of Offer Letter for Right of Occupancy dated 15/02/2010, in respect of Plot No. 1216, Cadastral Zone Mabushi Abuja, with file No AD 60503, belonging to GRACE FOLASHADE BENT ‘F’ of I Vaal Street Maitama Abuja. This incident happened while she was relocating to another apartment. All efforts made to recover the said missing document proved abortive. If found please return to the nearest police station. Authority concerned should please take note.

This is to inform the general public of the Loss of original underlisted documents: (1) Shop documents located at shop C044, Garki Modern Market, Garki II, Abuja. (2) Shop Sale Agreement, belonging to AKINTUNDE SHERIFF ADENIRAN. All effort made to trace the missing documents prove abortive. If found please report to the nearest police station. General public take note.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF THE ORIGINAL C OF O NO 9401 IN RESPECT THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT KETERENGWARI, MINA NIGER STATE ,BEARING THE NAME PETER MAJOR OKOROAFOR, SOLD FOR MR EBERE OJIMADU NWEZE. ALL EFFORTS MADE TO TRACE THE SAID DOCUMENT PROVED ABORTIVE .IF FOUND PLEASE RETURN TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION OR BARR BOB JAMES.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF NASARAWA STATE OF NIGERIA IN THE MATTERS OF: The Deceased Persons WHEREAS THE persons whose names are set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the dates and at the stated places. AND WHEREAS the persons whose names and addresses claim relationship(s) to the deceased are set out in the second column hereunder have applied for letters of Administration (Without Will) of the personal properties of the deceased: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that letters of Administration (Without Will) will be granted to such person(s) unless NOTICE TO PROHIBIT THE grant(s) thereof is/ are filed in the Probate Registry High Court of Justice, Nasarawa State of Nigeria, Lafia within TWENTY ONE DAYS (21) from the date of the publication of this legal Notice.

SCHEDULE S/N

Deceased

Applicant

Kuzhe Joel late of Akwanga Died on the 25th day of July, 2016, at Alushi, Akwanga.

Gordon Kpukai Kuzhe of Jos the lawful Son of the said Deceased.

Ajegena Dogara late of Sabon Gari Died on the 26th day of April, 2015, at Sabon Gari

Solomon Dogara Ajegena of Sabon Gari, the lawful Son of the said Deceased.

Galadima Na’allah late of Nasarawa Died on the 25th day of December, 2013, at Lafia

Bashir Galadima of Nasarawa the lawful Son of the said Deceased.

Ibrahim Marcus late of Akwanga Died on the 16th day of October, 2015 at Doma

Ibrahim Phinehas Marcus of Akwanga the lawful Son of the said Deceased.

Justina Kuzhe late of Irrua Died on the 24th day of May, 2011 at Alushi Akwanga.

Gordon Kpukai Kuzhe of Jos the lawful Nephew of the said Deceased.

13NA/70/7572 PTE ABubakar Safiyanu Eladoga late of Lafia Died on the 12th day of August, 2015 at Lafia

ILiya Abubakar Y.E of Lafia the lawful Brother of the said Deceased.

Simon Tsaku late of Nasarawa Eggon Died on the 1st day of December, 2016 at Lafia

Namo Tsaku, of Nassarawa Eggon the lawful Son of the said Deceased.

Chukwu Richard late of Shabu Died on the 15th day of June, 2016 at Lafia

Chukwu Amaka of Shabu the lawful Daughter of the said Deceased.

Ahmed O. Zubairu late of Keffi Died on the 30th day of August, 2016 at Keffi.

Hamisu Osayi of Keffi the lawful Brother of the said Deceased.

Musa Kuje late of Angwan Rijiya Died on the 27th day of May, 2015 at Akwanga

Kara Musa of Akwanga the lawful Son of the said Deceased.

Adamu Abdullahi late of Keffi Died on the 18th day of September, 2016 at Keffi.

Hadiza Abdullahi of Kaduna Dari the Lawful Daughter of the said Deceased.

Umaru Shuaibu late of Tunga Died on the 23rd day of November, 2016 at Lafia

Abubakar I. Galadima of Lafia the lawful Son of the said Deceased.

Anzaku T. Veronica late of Akwanga Died on the 20th day of June, 2015 at Akwanga.

PU Anzaku of Akwanga the lawful Widower of the said Deceased.

Uchenna Okafor late of Lafia Died on the 25th day of November, 2016 at Lafia.

Chukwuma Vincent Okafor of Lafia the lawful Brother of the said Deceased.

Angulu Idi Doma late of Doma Died on the 27th day of July, 2016 at Doma

Usman Rabiu Idris & Usman Abdullahi Idris Both of Doma the lawful Sons of the said Deceased.

Sam Manasseh late of Ihuman Died on the 15th day of May, 2014 at Kanje.

Samuel Thomas of Lafia the lawful Son of the said Deceased.

Aliyu Shehu Ramatu late of Lafia Died on the 4th day of October, 2016 at Jos.

Mohammed Adamu of Angwan Tiv Lafia the lawful Son of the said Deceased.

Williams D. Kura late of Kutape Died on the 7th day of December, 2014 at Kagarko

Kura D. Julius of Kagarko Kuku the lawful Son of the said Deceased.

Danjuma I. Tukura late of Angwan Nungu. Lafia Died on the 2nd day of April, 2016 at Lafia

Daniel Danjuma of Angwan Nungu the lawful Son of the said Deceased.

Sabo Ibrahim late of Akwanga Died on the 1st day of December, 2015 at Lafia.

Maryam Ibrahim Lafia the lawful Daughter idow of the said Deceased.

Dajuma John of Sanga Died on the 10th day of November, 2016 at Akwanga.

Samson Danjuma of Sanga the lawful Son of the said Deceased.

Anuma Tony Chukwuma late of Mararaba Died on the 14th day of August, 2016 at Gwagwalada

Hope Anuma of Mararaba the lawful Widow of the said Deceased.

Musa Salamatu late of Doma Died on the 4th day of January, 2016 at Doma.

Aisha Musa of Doma the lawful Daughter of the said Deceased.

Mohammed Umar Ahmed late of Doma Died on the 5th day of September, 2016 at Lafia

Maryma Mohammed & Fatima Mohammed all of Doma the lawful Widows of the said Deceased.

Habila Aroma late of Alushi Died on the 2nd day of December, 2015 at Lafia.

Simon Habila of Alushi Wachukwu the lawful Son of the said Deceased.

Borniface Solomon late of Keffi Died on the 2nd day of October, 2016 at Keffi.

Joshua Boniface Igba of Nasarawa the lawful Brother of the said Deceased.

Dinwur Pondul late of Akwanga Died on the 31th day of July, 2016 at Emuoha

Selchang Dinwur of Akwanga the lawful Brother of the said Deceased.

Usman A. Ahmadu late of Lafia Died on the 29th day of September, 2015 at Lafia

Ibrahim Musa of Shinge the lawful Son of the said Deceased.

Saidu Suleiman late of Kireyi Died on the 17th day of June, 2015 at Akwanga.

Tigah Musa Salihu of Lafia the lawful Brother of the said Deceased.

Yohanna Shammah Manga late of Nyanya Gwandara Died on the 19th day of January, 2016 at Wamba.

Talatu manga Jerry of Wamba the lawful Sister of the said Deceased.

Musa Sule late of Agyaragu Died on the 12th day of February, 2016 at Agyaragu.

Ahmad Suleiman of Agyaragu the lawful Son of the said Deceased.

Martha Byanyiko late of New Karu Died on the 22nd day of September, 2016 at Jos.

Alex Byanyiko Abesadu of New Karu the lawful Son of the said Deceased.

Audu Paul Adigidzi late of Nassarawa Eggon Died on the 22nd day of October, 2016 at Keffi

Adigidzi Audu Okpokayiga of Nassarawa Eggon the lawful Son of the said Deceased.

Akuba Thomas late of Lafia Died on the 18th day of August, 2016 at Lafia

Samuel Douglas Akuba of Lafia the lawful Brother of the said Deceased.

Ismail Shuaibu late of Obi Died on the 23rd day of July, 2016 at Keana

Sabinatu Shuaibu of Obi the lawful Mother of the said Deceased.

Hassan Abubakar late of Kadarko Died on the 23rd day of September, 2016 at Kadarko

Ibrahim Abubakar Alese of Kadarko the lawful Son of the said Deceased.

Lily Hannais Jessu late of Masaka Died on the 12th day of September, 2016 at Keffi

Lily Nehemiah Jessu of Masaka the lawful Son of the said Deceased.

Hassan Abe Haruna late of Obi Died on the 2nd day of February, 2016 at Obi.

Habu Ogaji and Nasiru Hassan Abe of Lafia the lawful Uncle/Son of the said Deceased.

Rev. John Ishaka Duniya late of Lafia Died on the 13th day of November, 2016 at Lafia

Martha Ishaku of Azuba Bashayi the lawful Widow of the said Deceased.

Halilu Tanimu late of Nassarawa Eggon Died on the 28th day of August, 2013 at Jos

Tanimu Danladi of Nassarawa Eggon the lawful Brother of the said Deceased.

Aliyu Malik Galadima late of Keana Died on the 15th day of November, 2002 at Adabu

Ahmed Usman Aliyu of Keana the lawful Brother of the said Deceased.

Doka Yaro late of Keffi Died on the 10th day of September , 2015 at Akwanga

Francis Yaro of Keffi the lawful Son of the said Deceased.

Adoche Mathias Adeyi late of Toto Died on the 15th day of August, 2016 at Benue

Adeyi Oloche of Benue State the lawful Son of the said Deceased.

Sumi Sule late of Lafia Died on the 4th day of April , 2016 at Lafia

Muhammadu Suleiman of Lafia the lawful Son of the said Deceased.

Amos Awayi Eggah late of Lafia Died on the 12th day of December, 2016 at Lafia

Amos Ovye Eggah of Agyaragu the lawful Brother of the said Deceased.

Regina Maga Zuguba late of Old Karshi Died on the 18th day of August, 2016 at Akwanga

James John Abua of Old Karshi the lawful Widower of the said Deceased.

Waziri Agi Dominic late of Tatara Died on the 2nd day of August, 2016 at Tatara

Waziri Peterside of Keffi the lawful Brother of the said Deceased.

Luka Solomon late of Bukan Sidi Lafia Died on the 7th day of January, 2014 at Lafia

Justina Luka of Bukan Sidi Lafia the lawful Sister of the said Deceased.

Habiba Umar Bala late of Nasarawa Died on the 13th day of February, 2013 at Nasarawa

Muhammed Yagoub of Nasarawa the lawful Son of the said Deceased.

Sani Janet late of Lafia Died on the 12th day of August, 2016 at Akwanga

Lucas Sani Umar David of Andaha/Akwanga the lawful Brother of the said Deceased.

Azamu Ede Abdullahi late of Udege-Mbeke Died on the 5th day of September, 2016 at MararabaUdege

Abdullahi Azamu Jibrilu of Udege-Mbeke the lawful Son of the said Deceased.

Vershima Zachariah Yachiga late of Giza Died on the 15th day of November, 2016 at Giza

Hannah Yachiga of Giza the lawful Widow of the said Deceased.

Anzaku Abduljabar late of Agyaragu Tofa Died on the 28th day of December , 2016 at Lafia

Ahamadu Abduljabar of Agyaragu Tofa the lawful Son of the said Deceased.

Madaki Ado late of Ombi I, Lafia Died on the 30th day of December, 2012 at Nassarawa Eggon

Mohammed Ado of Ombi I, Lafia the lawful Son of the said Deceased.

Marley Akpavan Joseph late of Keffi Died on the 7th day of October, 2016 at Keffi

Solomon Malle of Tudun Gwandara the lawful Brother of the said Deceased.

Signed (Sunday B. Bawa Esq) PROBATE REGISTRAR NASARAWA STATE OF NIGERIA, LAFIA

PAGE 12

Opinion

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, january 16, 2017

Abdulaziz Yari, NGF chairman’s boost on the economy By Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo

n the United States of America, the year 2016 shook Americans to new realities of how racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia and job-losses are redefining contemporary politics. These factors led to the defeat of dye-in-the-wool politicians like Hillary Rodham Clinton of the Democratic Party by an outsider, Donald Trump, in the race to the White House. While one cannot argue that the same problems had afflicted Nigeria in equal measure, last year, the country had experienced one of its worst economic meltdowns, called a “recession.” Those who did not feel the bite of the recession simply did not live in Nigeria last year. Tales of hardship among ordinary Nigerians were everywhere. And they were very palpable. The value of the Naira against the USD hit 500. This took the prices of all consumables through the roof. Once local and cheap staples became gold. Families, even the influential ones rationed their meals. Peasants resorted to ‘mercy-stealing’ while the once generous types sealed their pockets. The two major holders of Nigeria’s regular livelihoods, farmers and herdsmen, grabbed each other’s jugular and this was even before the Agriculture ministry declared the possibility of a draught. Farmers had become desperate and herdsmen had become wild. Among the nation’s elites, things were far from rosy. The economy which was battered by factors from within and without further took the gradually recovering good name of the nation back to damnation, sometimes unjustly and uncharacteristically unfair, on many issues.

Nigeria, on the brink, looked more divided in 2016 because politicians were playing to the gallery and championing interests other than that of the nation. Some even perfected the art of playing with fire, oblivious to the dangers they pose in the long run and for a multicultural, multi-lingual contraption like ours. To boot, politicians were always in the news, hawking hate and prejudices from both sides of the divide. It required a phenomenal sense of responsibility to waddle out of the nonsense. Simple solutions to the nation’s economic woes had become few and far between. Fortunately it all coincided with the tenure of the young Governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar as the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. And it was an emergency. Knowing that time was not on his side, Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar hit the ground running. One of the first things the NGF Chairman did was to work for synergy among the governors who form the integral pillar of the country’s political pyramid. As his cardinal covenant with the forum, Yari moved to reintegrate all the members from the opposition who hitherto felt like fish out of water. Unity achieved, he then set out to find softlanding for states, using his well-watered closeness with President Muhammadu Buhari. Always even-handed, Yari ensured a level playing field as all committee work, visitations and assignments of the forum were shared equally among members without prejudice to political party inclination. Indeed, this turned out to be a good way to kill a hydra-headed serpent.

Many observers of the NGF had argued that even if this was the only thing that Yari achieved in his chairmanship of the nation’s 36 governors, he would be recorded favourably for having succeeded in reuniting them. But that is not all. Under Governor Yari’s leadership of the NGF Nigeria was declared polio-free by the WHO and struck off the list of atrisk countries for the epidemic. Thanks to the NGF Chairman, more hands have been added to embellish the status of the NGF as a policy hub and a clearing house for governors with regards to their engagement with development partners, locally and internationally. Governor Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar has also worked acidulously to endear the NGF to the presidency especially to President Muhammadu Buhari himself who has always viewed politicians like a bunch with whom he would dine only with a long spoon. Today, PMB would hardly take any decisions in his government without seeking the opinion of governors. The Director General of the NGF Mr. Asishana Okauru who has served at least three of the Chairmen of the NGF and known first hand their different strengths and weaknesses had once remarked that what he sees and perhaps even likes about ‘Governor Yari is that he has an insatiable drive for results and he never tires until what he sets to do, is done.’ This may however sound like an understatement when viewed from the praxis of what Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar has done in 2016, to help reflate the economy and drive it out of the woods. If today most Nigerians who were already becoming disillusioned with the efforts of government are smiling to the

banks because in Plateau state, all arrears of salaries of civil servants are being paid and the pensions of retirees are also being settled and in Ogun state about N2.5bn has been set aside for the same exercise and in Jigawa N1.9bn is earmarked for workers 2017 palaver to mention but a few, the credit rests squarely on the shoulders of the Chairman of the NGF Dr. Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar whose tireless sagacity was deployed tactically to pump money into the economy. Besides it was Governor Yari who successfully secured the nod of President Muhammadu Buhari to gratuitously accent to the demand for the refund of the Paris and London Clubs loans deductions, since the commencement of democracy in the country in 1999, which many states received in December. As a reward for this remarkable achievement, at a meeting of the NGF on December 16th where the Chairman Governor Abdulaziz Yari Abubakkar confirmed that the money was ready to be disbursed to the states’ accounts, the governor of Ekiti state, Ayo Fayose had led other governors to hail their chairman saying ‘you can remain Chairman for life’ amidst resounding applause by more than 29 governors who were in attendance at the International Conference Centre, Abuja. And for all Nigerians whose hopes have been rekindled or whose backlog of emoluments have been settled or who are hopeful of settlement or who have finally stabilized their lives after a long period of economic uncertainty, there is only one man to greet. He is Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar, the governor of Zamfara State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. Happy New Year, Your Excellency.

Abdulaziz Yari, NGF chairman’s boost on the economy By Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo

in 2016 because politicians were playing to the gallery and championing interests other than that of the nation. Some even perfected the art of playing with fire, oblivious to the dangers they pose in the long run and for a multi-cultural, multi-lingual contraption like ours. To boot, politicians were always in the news, hawking hate and prejudices from both sides of the divide. It required a phenomenal sense of responsibility to waddle out of the nonsense. Simple solutions to the nation’s economic woes had become few and far between. Fortunately it all coincided with the tenure of the young Governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar as the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. And it was an emergency. Knowing that time was not on his side, Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar hit the ground running. One of the first things the NGF Chairman did was to work for synergy among the governors who form the integral pillar of the country’s political pyramid. As his cardinal covenant with the forum, Yari moved to reintegrate all the members from the opposition who hitherto felt like fish out of water. Unity achieved, he then set out to find soft-landing for states, using his well-watered closeness with President Muhammadu Buhari. Always even-handed, Yari ensured a level playing field as all committee work, visitations and assignments of the forum were shared equally among members without prejudice to political party inclination. Indeed, this turned out to be a good way to kill a hydra-headed serpent. Many observers of the NGF had argued that even if this was the only thing that

Yari achieved in his chairmanship of the nation’s 36 governors, he would be recorded favourably for having succeeded in reuniting them. But that is not all. Under Governor Yari’s leadership of the NGF Nigeria was declared polio-free by the WHO and struck off the list of at-risk countries for the epidemic. Thanks to the NGF Chairman, more hands have been added to embellish the status of the NGF as a policy hub and a clearing house for governors with regards to their engagement with development partners, locally and internationally. Governor Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar has also worked acidulously to endear the NGF to the presidency especially to President Muhammadu Buhari himself who has always viewed politicians like a bunch with whom he would dine only with a long spoon. Today, PMB would hardly take any decisions in his government without seeking the opinion of governors. The Director General of the NGF Mr. Asishana Okauru who has served at least three of the Chairmen of the NGF and known first hand their different strengths and weaknesses had once remarked that what he sees and perhaps even likes about ‘Governor Yari is that he has an insatiable drive for results and he never tires until what he sets to do, is done.’ This may however sound like an understatement when viewed from the praxis of what Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar has done in 2016, to help reflate the economy and drive it out of the woods. If today most Nigerians who were already becoming disillusioned with the efforts of government are smiling to the banks because in Plateau state, all arrears of salaries of civil servants are being paid and the pensions of

retirees are also being settled and in Ogun state about N2.5bn has been set aside for the same exercise and in Jigawa N1.9bn is earmarked for workers 2017 palaver to mention but a few, the credit rests squarely on the shoulders of the Chairman of the NGF Dr. Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar whose tireless sagacity was deployed tactically to pump money into the economy. Besides it was Governor Yari who successfully secured the nod of President Muhammadu Buhari to gratuitously accent to the demand for the refund of the Paris and London Clubs loans deductions, since the commencement of democracy in the country in 1999, which many states received in December. As a reward for this remarkable achievement, at a meeting of the NGF on December 16th where the Chairman Governor Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar confirmed that the money was ready to be disbursed to the states’ accounts, the governor of Ekiti state, Ayo Fayose had led other governors to hail their chairman saying ‘you can remain Chairman for life’ amidst resounding applause by more than 29 governors who were in attendance at the International Conference Centre, Abuja. And for all Nigerians whose hopes have been rekindled or whose backlog of emoluments have been settled or who are hopeful of settlement or who have finally stabilized their lives after a long period of economic uncertainty, there is only one man to greet. He is Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar, the governor of Zamfara State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. Happy New Year, Your Excellency. Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo is a Public Affairs Analyst.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, january 16, 2017

PAGE 13

Comment

Of Nigerian Army and campaign for democracy By Israel Abiodun

gain, as it is customary with Nigerians, some online media platforms were recently awash with the disgusting news that Nigerian Army’s special yuletide security vigilance in the Southeast region, code named Operation Python Dance (OPD) has sniffed life out of over 2000 Igbo youths in just one month of its operation. The press statement purportedly issued in Onitsha, Anambra state, January 4, 2017, credited to Campaign For Democracy’s (CD) national publicity secretary, Dede Uzor claimed the massacre of over 2, 000 Igbo youths by Nigerian soldiers. Never has a serious news item been as vague as the statement said to have been issued by the CD. The media platforms globally accord news items of tragic nature or mass deaths prominence, by furnishing readers with convincing details of the publicized tragedies. But CD’s claims or the online media reportage of the purported deaths of thousands of Igbos was barren of any clue as to how it happened and what caused it. It has once been expressed publicly that the multiplicity of online media platforms in Nigeria would soon become a problem in information dissemination. And the hour is just in the backyard. The news item which negatively projected Nigerian soldiers as murderers and human rights abusers of Nigerians they stake their lives to protect is extremely malicious and slanderous. It failed every test of authenticity or factuality, yet, the online media platforms found it potent enough to make the list of the news pages on their websites. What a shameful raping of the nobility of journalism? The media blight of the Nigerian Army is spurred by nothing else rather than the desire of some crooks in the Southeast to farther the interests of secessionists groups like IPOB and MASSOB, armed robbers and kidnappers whose planned criminal activities during the Yuletide

period were truncated by the troops Training Exercise code named Exercise Python Dance. It is well known fact that these groups have over the time constitute a nuisance to law abiding Nigerians in the region. It is indisputable that while these groups camouflage under the banner of self-determination, their members also commit heinous crimes against their own people. And no part of Nigeria suffers heightened insecurity at festive periods like Easter, Christmas or New Year festivities as the Southeast has proven over the years. Travellers have recounted gory tales of encounters with robbers, kidnappers, abductees and arsonists in the past. No responsible government would allow it fester. And acting in consonance with his oath of office, President Muhammedu Buhari (PMB) approved the deployment of troops to the Southeast region to enable inhabitants and travellers traversing the region to have a blissful yuletide season. And through the wisdom of Nigeria’s security czar, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai, the Nigerian Army launched a month of field training exercises in the region tagged “Operation Python Dance.” Those opposed to the military operation in the area more were “bedroom” human rights organisations and the outlawed secessionist groups, who sensed a deprivation of their dubious activities at the prime time of yuletide. So, they kicked and protested, with the feeling that falsely labelling Nigerian soldiers as murderous would attract the attention of the international community. Issuing a statement without any factual or pretended semblance of truth defeats the essence of the formation of the CD, which was driven by the desire of Nigerians to pursue the cause of entrenching democratic values in Nigeria. Therefore, apart from loudly, but fruitlessly opposing the operation of OPD in the Southeast, the criminal elements opted for the media as last weapon of vengeance against the Nigerian Army

for frustrating their dubious intentions in the festive seasons. But citizens enjoyed respite from insecurity offered by the soldiers. But these dubious and devilish elements can only deceive themselves, as Nigerians are too wise to fall for their cheap tricks. General Buratai is a hundred times wiser than their crooked senses. By code naming the exercise as “Operation Python Dance” alone heralds the peaceful and noble intentions of the Army in the region. For those who do not know, Late Professor Chinua Achebe, a south-easterner, world acclaimed literalist and pen artiste of uncommon talents intimated the world about the snake called python and it significance in Igbo mythology. It is simply an animal of peace, which co-habitates with human beings even in living rooms. And no one dares to attack or kill it, much as humanity has inherent phobia for snakes. So, Buratai’s choice of the word python for the operation is carefully thought-out and a reflection of the essence of Igbo culture. Soldiers under this banner could not have in any rage or under any influence mass- murder 2,000 Igbo youths as claimed by Dede Uzor, who probably used the platform of CD to promote the dubious intents of some elements in his region. That is what happens in a country where dignity is thrown into the high sea as food for sharks and ordinarily, men who should proudly defend their self-worth in words and actions tend to misuse it. It was therefore not unusual that the criminal gangs sponsored vile propaganda against the Nigerian Army. They vainly claimed OPD was targeted at secessionists groups. When it failed to appeal to even their kith and kin in the Southeast, who enjoyed a blissful festive period, this season, free from all manner of molestations because of the presence of soldiers, they shamefully decided to disingenuously label the Nigerian Army as murderous. But Operation Python Dance, which has been withdrawn from the Southeast having completed

Nigeria’s persistent crisis of leadership By Mohammed Dahiru Aminu

lassical Greek philosopher, Plato, in his famous Republic, noted that the heaviest penalty for declining to rule is to be ruled by someone inferior to you. It doesn’t matter if one is charmed by philosophy or not, but, in today’s Nigeria, Plato’s statement does not only inscribe the basis for Nigeria’s character defect, it equally awakens the subject of inept leadership that has served as a classic peculiarity of our country. Starting from 1999, when Nigeria transitioned to democratic rule, the most troubling start for the country at that period seemed to be that the bunch of politicians that launched the democratic system—or the republic—as a representative form of government, were, to put it sympathetically, inept. It won’t be too tasking to reckon that at the time, most people that signed up to politics and contested elections were hardly tied up to an auspicious career. In the Nigerian clime, such a people of discouraging future—career wise—are most ably eligible to contest political offices. Nigeria’s 1999 transition to democratic rule was, therefore, a perfect point—in the history of the country—in which the crooked amongst us had the ideal opportunity to take control of power, which they did relentlessly. It was regrettable that at the time, credible Nigerians with integrity and honour couldn’t have considered venturing forth into partisan politics, perhaps for the time-honoured presumption—that not only is partisan politics most suitable for people of discouraging future; without active careers to build—that

politics itself is a dirty game. Out of their own volition—and at the peril of our country’s future—credible Nigerians with unmatched track records in the public and private sectors of the economy; who had their careers on the upswing, couldn’t think through abandoning their otherwise assuring professions only to take the deep plunge into the murky waters of politics that carried with itself the overt currents of uncertainty. Although Nigeria was successful in leaping out of successive military dictatorships, it unfortunately leapfrogged into a democracy guided by the mostly incompetent ones found from within us; an oubliette democracy, if one may call it that. But, regrettably, like Plato has told us, in the end, everything boils down to politics, whether or not we like it. Decisions taken by politicians today have a way of influencing and shaping all aspects of our individual and collective lives. From education, arts, literature, agriculture, economics, labour, and manufacturing, and to all other sectors of the society, the influence of decisions taken by politicians can never be played down. Thus, the disregard and neglect for partisan politics by more competent people in the country—as opposed to the crooked— must be the single most elemental factor that is responsible for the sundry issues Nigeria is battling with today. In a country of more than a hundred and fifty million people—that lays claim to professionals and experts in almost all facets of any and every preoccupation—it is quite biting and most strange that the political showground of Nigeria’s democracy has been subjugated—in the majority—by the mostly

ineffectual elements of society. There is an insistent need to overturn this trend by encouraging and reassuring the fine, adept people amongst us to answer a calling in partisan politics by joining the socio-political system at all levels—local and central. It is high time we saw participation in partisan politics from an untainted, unsoiled perspective. We must collectively raise the spirits of our people so they could get a handle on the fact that partaking in partisan politics is not dirty, all together. No one should be made to feel that to sign up to and engage in partisan politics is akin to risking one’s sanity. Rather, it should be seen as an avenue for enervating one’s rationality; the ability to go in there, takeover the polity from the hands of the mostly crooked, and to unfetter the sufferings of our people from a life of captivity, oppression, and suppression. The civil society groups have a duty to encourage young Nigerians possessing the passion and the instinctive intuition of managing people and resources to join politics, en bloc. For quite a while, Nigeria has been losing the dexterity of the sharpwitted amongst us. Our people, out of disappointments, have either left the country for the far-off; never committed to returning home until the days of innocence are recouped once again, or have chosen to live a somewhat quiet life in the academia and other sectors of our society. Nigerians with exceptional skills and capacity to spearhead the affairs of the country must be ready to contest elections at all levels of government, from the peripheral to the central.

its assignment, is not peculiar to the region. The Deputy Director of Army Public Relations at the 82 Division, Col. Sagir Musa, in a statement in Awka described the tensions and unfounded fears occasioned by the presence of soldiers under OPD as extremely misplaced. Musa explained its mission thus; “It is designed to, where necessary, dovetail into real time activities such as anti- kidnap drills, patrols, raids, cordon and search, checkpoints, road blocks and show of force. This is with the aim of checkmating anticipated rising wave of crimes usually prevalent during the yuletide.” Nigerians have seen Nigerian Army conduct the Operation Shirin Harbi for insurgency, cattle rustling and other sundry crimes in the Northeast region; there was Exercise Harbin Kunama in the Northwest region also for banditry, insurgency and cattle rustling, among other menaces and soldiers also engaged in Exercise Crocodile Smile in the Niger Delta region targeted at the rampant incidences of illegal oil bunkering, oil theft, sea piracy and other peculiar crimes. Yet, in these other regions the military conducted its field training exercises before the one in the Southeast, they were not maligned with incidents of mass murders or is the CD saying, it lost its sight and voice at the commission of such crimes in other sections of the country? The artificial fuss created by pro-Biafran elements would not deter the determination of PMB and the Nigerian Army under Buratai from securing the lives of law-abiding Nigerians in any part of the country. Late Odumegwu Ojukwu had nobler aims for a Biafran state, but he failed to succeed. So, the present crops of crooks masking as Biafran agitators would never be allowed to destabilize Nigeria and blackmailing government to high heavens would not change this disposition. But Campaign for democracy should be mindful of itself, before greedy, power-drunk and dubious elements in the Southeast rubbishes its years of hard-earned reputation and good image. Abiodun, PhD, wrote in from University of Ibadan, Oyo State. No momentous improvement is certain for Nigeria until we all are ready to succumb to a logical, hard-nosed decision, to reverse the institutional challenges that confront us daily, which obviously are all attributable to a miscarried, mercilessly corrupt leadership. Not only must we contest for political offices to change the course of action in governance, we should rally round and abet candidates for political office who have got a history that is free of venality and corruption. More importantly, incentives and perks that have become the enticing inspiration for aspiring to win and occupy political offices must be grossly reduced so as to make such offices not as much attractive to perverts. Doing this will ensure that the best natured amongst us present themselves for political offices more willingly than the dishonest. Electioneering processes should also be conducted in a more maven manner in which potential candidates for political offices are called to debate and deliberate on national issues and concerns, and how to set about tackling societal problems. The society should also enact and uphold stringent laws of inflexible penances that would effectively deal with persons caught within the webs of graft as a way of demonstrating deterrence to would-be duplicitous offences often committed in public service. All these and more can be achieved, just so we could reverse the awful trend we are faced with; the heaviest penalty—to quote Plato—that we all have unduly been punished with, for not daring to participate in partisan politics, and for declining to rule. Mohammed Dahiru Aminu, wrote from England, and he can be reached at mohd.aminu@gmail.com

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, january 16, 2017

PAGE 14

News

Why Adamawa internal revenue board chair, Tuta was sacked From Umar Dankano,Yola.

equel to the earlier request of the Adamawa state House of Assembly.the Governor Muhammadu Umaru Jibrilla led administration has finally relieved Mr. Ahmad Idris Tuta, of his position as the Executive Chairman Board of Internal Revenue in the state.

FTAN urges NTDC on stakeholders’ enlightenment

Recall that the sacked chairman had last year challenged the legislature of not paying their taxes as required by the laws in the state when he was making clarification on the finances of Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, at the Assembly’s floor. This development was said to have not gone down well with the lawmakers which resulted to a passage of a resolution demanding for his removal by the governor but was not fruitful

until now. Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Comrade Ahmad Sajoh made the announcement in Yola weekend after a special state Executive Council meeting stressing that the decision was as a result of adoption of the white paper report recommended by a committee on repositioning the board for fruitful reason in generating revenue to the state. Sajoh, said that other measures to be taken included the review of the state revenue

laws for it to be in line with current realities. He said the meeting also finalized everything about the 2017 budget expected to be presented on Monday before the state Assembly by the Governor. Also speaking, the state Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Mr Silas Sanga who is the chairman of the Committee on Revenue said that the council has also mandated the committee look into other state revenue

generating outfits and make recommendation for their repositioning. Also the Commissioner of Solid Minerals, Mrs Victoria Sashi, said the meeting also concluded and signed agreement for Guyuk Cement Factory with Smart Group of companies Sashi assured the people of the state that all things being equal many unemployed youths will be engage the moment the factory resume operations in the near future.

By Abba-Eku Onyeka

resident, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Chief Tomi Akingbogun has urged Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC)’s management to enlighten policy makers on the importance of favourable policies for Nigerian tourism industry. The president also urged the Federal Government to spend money toward the development of the industry, which if done, according to him would go a long way in economic development in Nigeria. This was contained in a release from press unit of NTDC signed by Adamma Afanga, made out of recent courtesy call on Acting Director General (Ag DG) of the Corporation, Mrs Mariel Rae-Omoh by FTAN delegates led by its president. Assuring the headship of the Corporation of his Association’s support toward moving the industry to the expected level, Chief Akingbogun informed that his Association has not only sent letter to the Honorable Minister of Information, Alh. Lai Mohammed toward giving the Corporation its deserves development, but also discussed with him on the need to develop the industry through Public Private Partnership (PPP), even as he informed that they asked for PPP concession on three tourism projects in Abuja. The areas, according to him were: development of Abuja Children Park and Zoo; Asokoro Wild Life Park and Zoological Gardens; and Jabi Lake Water Recreation Activities. The president therefore said that the involvement of private sector in the industry would go a long way toward its development, just as he informed that many private tourism organisations had indicated interest toward giving the industry its deserved development. Informing that the Association is the voice of all private tourism practitioners in Nigeria, Akingbogun suggested for the inclusion of at least two members of the Association as NTDC board members.

Katsina state Deputy Governor who is also commissioner of agriculture Katsina state Mannir Yakubu inspecting 2016/2017 dry season farming at Kandarawa makera irrigation scheme in Dutsinma LGA katsina state photo government house Katsina state

UBEC, SUBEBs partner to end out of school children

he Management of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and Chairmen of FCT and State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) have resolved to restrategize and adopt innovative mechanisms for addressing the out-of-school challenge in the basic education sub-sector. This was the focus of the 17th Quarterly Meeting of UBEC Management with Executive Chairmen of FCT and State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) which held from last week at Yankari Game Reserve,Bauchi State with the theme ‘Mop-up ofOut-of-School Children in Nigeria: The roles and responsibilities of UBEC and SUBEBs’. Arising from growing concerns about the increasing global attention on the out-of-school phenomenon in the country, the three-day meeting was convened to appraise current trends and fashion out indigenous

mechanisms for increasing access and ensuring quality of UBE delivery as key to addressing this challenge. Declaring the meeting open, His Excellency, Acting Governor of Bauchi State, who also doubles as the Deputy Governor and Commissioner for Education, Engr. Nuhu Gidado, fniobreiterated the State Government’s commitment to the development of education in the State. He highlighted some of the efforts in this regard to include, capacity building for teachers, provision of instructional materials and renovation of infrastructural facilities in the State.The Acting Governor lauded UBEC’s efforts and commitment to addressing issues relating to out-of-school children and also expressed optimism that the resolutions that would be taken at the meeting will go a long way in repositioning basic education in Nigeria for the overall benefit of the Nigerian child. The Minister of Education

who was represented at the event by the Hon. Minister of State for Education, Prof. Anthony G. Anwukah, remarked that the theme of the meetingwas apt having sufficiently aligned with the 1stPillar of the Federal Ministry of Education’s Strategic Plan 2016 – 2019 which is to address the outof-school phenomenon in Nigeria. On his part, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, noted that the last Quarterly Meeting held in Jos in October 2016 afforded basic education managers the opportunity to underscore the importance of strategic planning and its crucial role in enhancing effective delivery of basic education. He indicated that arising from that meeting the management of UBEC and SUBEBs all over the country have committed themselves to developing Medium Term Basic Education Sector Plans before the end of the first quarter of 2017. Importantly, the UBEC Chief Executive used the occasion of the

17th Quarterly to emphasize the need for concerted action towards addressing issues connected with Girl-Child and Boy-Child education as well as strategies for attracting and enhancing Madrasa Education in Nigeria as a means of curbing the out-ofschool menace. The communiqué issued at the end of the meeting among other things observed that the large number of out-of-school children in Nigeria was a negative element in the nation’s quest to realize the objectives of the UBE programme. Accordingly, the communiqué recommended that education stakeholders at all levels should prioritize interventions that are geared towards attracting and retaining school aged children in basic education programme. The chief executives of NTI and NMEC, other high profile federal and state government functionaries and education service providers also participated in the three-day meeting.

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, january 16, 2017

Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara Laying a Wreath at the 2017 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Abuja. Photo: Mamud Isa

Make use of PDP’s fight and defect to APC now – Senator Marafa advices Ekweremadu

member of the Senate Unity Forum, a group within the All Progressives Congress senators in the red chamber, Senator Kabir Marafa, has affirmed that the only condition that would keep Ike Ekweremadu as the Deputy Senate President was for him to defect to the ruling party. He cited the section of the Nigerian constitution, which states that once there is a division (in a political party), members are free to decamp. “He has the golden opportunity: Senator Ahmed Makarfi and Senator Ali Modu

Sheriff have successfully to our delight, caused a division in the PDP. We are always praying that their power tussle will continue. While I pray for Makarfi to have the upper hand, I am also praying for Sheriff to have the power and ability to sustain the fight, so that we (APC) will be taking the senators one by one.” Speaking to journalists, Marafa enjoined the Deputy Senate President to save his seat and kindly pitch his tent with the ruling APC. He said, “I am using this opportunity to tell him to please join the APC now. It is when he

says he is not joining (the party) that you can come back to say Ike has refused to join the APC, what are you going to do? I am using this medium now to call on Ike to join APC. ‘The Constitution says once there is a division (in a political party), senators can defect. Let all well-meaning APC members and even people who are sympathetic to the APC, let Ike (Ekweremadu) — instead of moving against his seat, which I don’t want to do because he was my leader in the 6th and 7th Assembly and now in the 8th Assembly — use this golden opportunity to defect to

the APC and the party will become one in the Senate. “Then, I can tell you that the Senate will be stable and there won’t be any friction. The little (issue) we can then have may be due to human nature. You never can say that you will gather people and they will not disagree. “I am telling you that he has the opportunity now. Let him just defect. The beauty of any political party is the people. If you can join us, join us. We want more people. Instead of moving against his seat, let him join us.”

APC Group rejects Igbekele Daudu as Ondo State’s ambassadorial nominee

he nomination of Mr Igbekele Daudu as noncareer ambassador from Ondo State has been rejected by a group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. NIGERIAN BULLETIN reports that the group, Movement Against Imposition (MAI) alleged that Igbekele Daudu worked for the Alliance for Democracy in the last governorship election. The Coordinator of the group in the State, Austin Pelemo, while addressing a press briefing in Akure, the state capital said President Muhammadu Buhari, party leader, Bola Tinubu and other leaders of the party must intervene in the issue. Pelemo said: “A man that is known across the state to be a member of Alliance for Democracy can never be allowed to take a position that is meant for members of the APC. It is an act that must be resisted by all members of the APC in the state. “A name came up as an ambassadorial designate from Ondo state, Jacobs Daudu. We later got to know that he is the same Igbekele Daudu, as we speak, Mr. Igbekele Daudu is not a member of the APC in the state,” Pelemo said. A leader of the group, Saka Yusuf Ogunleye alleged that Igbekele was involved in anti– party activities during the last governorship election in the state.

…No, remain in PDP, don’t come and pollute our party – Enugu APC tells Ekweremadu

s controversies continue to rage over pressures on the Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Enugu State chapter has urged him to remain in his party. The Enugu APC said Ekweremadu should stay put in the PDP and if possible “clear the mess he contributed in no small measure in infesting the party with.” “We wish to make it very clear that Ekweremadu is an unwanted guest in Enugu State APC. Let him stay and salvage the inferno festering in the PDP. We don’t want one party state. Most importantly we don’t want him to infest and transfer confusion into APC, his trademark in the PDP from the time of Governor Chimaroke Nnamani in 1999 till date. Spokesperson of APC in Enugu

State, Mrs. Kate Offor stated the position of the party in an interview with journalists on Sunday, according to DAILY POST. Offor was reacting to a statement credited to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that Ekweremadu would not defect to APC. In one of the sittings of the Senate last week, an APC Senator from Zamfara State, Kabiru Marafa had called on Ekweremadu to defect from PDP to APC, relying on Section 68 (g) of the Constitution, if he wants to retain his seat as Deputy Senate President. Marafa’s call came on the heels of the removal of Senator Ali Ndume as Senate Leader and his replacement with Senator Ahmed Lawan. Both Ndume and Lawan belong to APC. Earlier, spokesman of PDP, Dayo Adeyeye, described the call

by Marafa as unconstitutional and undemocratic. He added that the section of the constitution-68 (g)which the Zamfara Senator quoted to back his advice was untrue. Reacting, Offor made it clear that Enugu APC did not want Ekweremadu in its fold. “Whatever is the position of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we want him to remain in PDP.” “The truth is that Ekweremadu contributed in no small measure to the mess PDP found itself today, via unbridled impunity and unconscionable anti-internal democracy antics. We are witnesses of how his Machiavellian tactics eclipsed democratic aspirations and infringed on the growth of democracy in Nigeria. “For instance, as former chief of staff and later Secretary to State Government, he cannot exonerate

himself from the lapses of that government, which brought it to disrepute. “Indeed Ekweremadu set the high jump, Enugu State Governor, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Gburugburu) is facing in court today, all in a bid to feather his own political nest during the 2015 primary elections. He did same to ex-governor, Sullivan Chime, who spent four years in court. “When APC eventually took over power from PDP in the 2015 general elections, Ekweremadu showed his selfish fangs by polluting the victory of the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki. “Whereas other PDP Senators supported Saraki without drawing blood, his vaunting ambition of retaining the position of Deputy Senate President, made him to poison the chalice.

“The Senate is yet recover from the confusion caused by Ekweremadu, even as we speak. He has used every opportunity to pretend to be a democrat and denigrate President Muhammadu Buhari, a president who has started to revamp dilapidated South East roads which Ekweremadu and his largest party in Africa abandoned. We say capital no!” Offor said. Offor noted that Enugu APC had enjoyed relative peace and that they would not want anybody to import confusion from PDP into APC, stressing “let him stay with his baggage.” “In sum, we want to state categorically that we do not want Ekweremadu in our party. He will pollute APC. He should remain in PDP and salvage the confusion which he conspired to engender”, she said.

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Politics

APC berates Wike, PDP over war against security agencies By Paschal Njoku, Abuja

ivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday stated that despite its determined efforts and resolve not to align with Governor Nyesom Wike and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in their war against Nigerian security agencies, “the governor and his party [PDP] appear very determined to drag the All Progressives Congress [APC] into the fray of what seems to be a war they cannot win.” The APC was reacting to a statement signed by Jerry Needam on behalf of the PDP State Chairman, Felix Obuah,

accusing the Nigeria Police of becoming the security arm of APC. A press release issued yesterday by Chris Finebone, Rivers State Publicity Secretary of APC, described the statement of Obuah as “A joke taken too far by every decent standard in politics”. APC recalled that in the same press statement, PDP accused the Nigeria Police of arresting 21 Ad-hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission, who took part in the recent legislative re-run election in the State. However, APC has declared that while not attempting “to speak for the Nigeria Police…

we wish to state that the PDP is simply crying wolf; and this is typical of them and, therefore, not surprising to many.” “We do not see why the PDP should be too worried that Ad-hoc staff of INEC or indeed anybody is invited by the Nigeria Police to assist it on any issue. How that becomes a source of worry for the PDP is baffling to us. Could it be a confirmation of our long-held suspicion that PDP smuggled their members into the INEC Ad-hoc staff list in order to do their bidding? Or could the investigation of the ad-hoc staff possibly led to the unraveling of possible extent and dimensions of compromise of INEC officials by

Gov. Nyesom Wike and the PDP, hence the apprehension and false alarm?” APC queried. The APC said it was convinced that “the camp of the PDP is presently thrown into confusion because the invited Ad-hoc INEC staff are likely to confess and name those who compromised them over the December 10 rerun election, and that is the reason behind the panic mode Rivers PDP and Gov. Wike have suddenly found themselves in.” The party, therefore, reminded Governor Wike and the PDP that “clear conscience fears no accusation because the truth will ultimately prevail.” APC posited that the

purported arrest and transfer of 21 Ad-hoc INEC staff to Abuja by the Police, “even if true, should not elicit the sort of animated frenzy that has become evident of the governor and PDP in Rivers State.” “Or could it be that INEC and their staff in Rivers State have become the election administrative arm of Rivers PDP? We ask that we may know,” the APC stated. “We call on the Nigeria Police and other security agencies not to be fazed by Gov. Wike’s antics and empty threats; for, those are his stock-in-trade without which he may never function true to type.”

Sack Lawal, Magu now – New militant group gives Buhari ultimatum

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger state, laying wreath, during the Nigerian Armed forces remembrance day celebration, yetseday at the cenotaph, minna., Photo: Niger Govt House

APC, Kogi stakeholders lament Buhari’s delay over ministerial slot

he vacant ministerial slot of Kogi State is beginning to pitch stakeholders in the State against President Muhammadu Buhari. Groups and individuals are lamenting that one year after the death of James Ocholi, then minister of state for labour and employment, Buhari has refused to name a replacement. Ocholi died in a ghastly motor accident along the Kaduna-Abuja road on March 6, 2016. Speaking on the issue, executive director of the Centre for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution, Idris Miliki, said Buhari had violated the constitution he swore to uphold. “As a civil society person and somebody from Kogi, I am disappointed. The constitution states clearly that there shall be a minister from each state of the federation, who shall be an indigene of such state,” he told Daily Trust. “If the law states that ‘there shall be’, it means it is compulsory. What does it take the President to appoint a minister from Kogi State? “The number one effect is that when it comes to voting, Kogi has no vote in the Federal Executive Council. There are some elements of democracy at that level. If there are debates and divisions,

they would vote on a particular issue. In that case, the state will have no vote. “Secondly, the office Ocholi occupied is vacant and has no impact whatsoever on the people. If there is a minister, he would have to appoint some aides and would equally visit his people to know their problems, with a view to making case for them. “When Ocholi was alive, he used to tour all the places in the state to meet traditional rulers to know the problems in their domains in order to render assistance to them. All these are lacking today since there is no one there for the people. “The state is completely lagging behind; we have no votes, we have no opinion, we have no suggestions and we have no benefits. Even in preparing the national budget for 2017, Kogi State had no input. In his reaction, secretary of the APC in the state, Tom Adejoh, said the party was equally worried that a replacement for late Ocholi had not been appointed. “Frankly speaking, we are not happy about the whole situation. Kogi State surprised the nation in the last presidential election. The margin of votes the APC got in the state was unimaginable.

“The people of Kogi are expecting the dividends of what they have done for the president. We are mindful of the fact that the president has enormous tasks, but for us to have lost a minister for close to a year without any replacement is worrisome. We didn’t even expect that it would take up to three months to get a replacement. “Although we are hearing that the president is about to make an appointment, but how soon will that be? We expect the president to feel the pulse and pains of the people after the demise of the former minister. He should take a look at the situation of the state to make sure the pains and agony of the people are lessened,” Adejoh pleaded. President of Ujache Igala Association, a pressure group, Goodman Akwu, said the situation showed that President Buhari was insensitive to the plight of the people. “I wonder why a whole state of about 8 million people can be excluded from their country. It is undemocratic, unacceptable and unbelievable that the man we gave so much has decided to use hot water to wash our face. “We voted overwhelmingly for the president. Over 70 per cent of voters in the state voted for him and guarded their

votes. The change eventually took place and the man is now shortchanging us,” he lamented. Meanwhile, the Igala in Kogi East senatorial district, want the president to appoint a replacement from the area, which the late Ocholi hailed from In an open letter to President Buhari, signed by its legal adviser, Bameyi Audu, the group explained that its position was in reaction to “widely circulated” positions of other ethnic groups, who have continued to clamour for the ministerial nominee to come from their zones. “From the records available, the Kogi West senatorial district is presently occupying two federal permanent secretary positions, while the central is enjoying an ambassadorial position. “It is on the basis of the above that we are urging Mr. President to consider the plight of the good people of Kogi East who have no representative at the federal level. “We want to use this medium to call on desperate politicians in Abuja and Lagos to steer clear of this issue of ministerial nominee, for equity, fairness and justice. We are in support of Mr. President’s fight against corruption and the fight must be sustained.”

new militant group, the Niger Delta Warriors, has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to sack Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal and also remove the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu. NDW warned that if the duo remained in office after 14 days, youths in the Niger Delta would embark on mass protests in major cities nationwide. According to DAILY POST, a statement on Saturday by its spokesperson, General Hart Bradford, stated that NDW gave the ultimatum after a careful study of the ongoing war against corruption. Bradford said, “We are giving the President 14 days ultimatum to sack the SGF and the EFCC chairman, otherwise we shall have no option than to carry out mass protest in Abuja and other cities across the country until the SGF and EFCC chairman leave office.” Bradford also warned the FG to stop denigrating the family of former President Goodluck Jonathan, noting that the probe of Mrs. Jonathan was political. He advised government not to be selective in the ongoing fight against corruption, adding that several corrupt personalities were in the President’s cabinet. Bradford also called for the reinstatement of the sacked six policemen, who were aides to Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State. “We are in support of the President’s anti-corruption campaign; but the campaign should be carried out without sentiment or witch-hunt against a particular set of people or party,” he added.

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, january 16, 2017

Politics

Rivers: 13 former commissioners planning massive defection to PDP, Party Chieftain reveals

PDP chieftain, Theophilus Ben Tamuno, leader of Wakrike Development Projects, revealed that more members of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State may be planning to defect to the Peoples Democratic Party. He said that those planning to dump APC for PDP include thirteen former commissioners who served under the past administration.

This came in the wake of last week defection of a former Chairman of Ahoada East Local Government council, High Chief Cassidy Ikegbidi, from APC to PDP. Tamuno, who cited information from the state leadership of PDP, also claimed that seventeen former local government council chairmen who served in the immediate past APC administration headed by Rotimi Amaechi

also planned to join PDP. The Wakirike leader said the line-up of prospective defectors to PDP also included seven prominent politicians who served as board members; two of whom were chairmen, as well as a former opposition party chairman in Rivers state. “You will soon see what I am telling you. Mass defection will begin to take place because the APC in Rivers state is disorganized.

“I have it on good authority that all those who joined the former Governor Amaechi to APC will come back to PDP. “They thought when Governor Wike gains power he will embezzle funds but now that they have seen what the man has been able to achieve with little revenue, they now understand that he means well to this state. “They will all come back, I can assure you”, he said.

Rivers State Gov, Nyesom Wike releases the pigeons, during the 2017 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day Celebration, yesterday in Port Harcourt, Photo: NAN

I would have performed better LG elections: Gombe APC chieftain than Buhari, says former KOWA pledges support for aspirants presidential candidate, Sonaiya From David Hassan, Gombe credible election adding

former presidential candidate on the platform of KOWA in the 2015 presidential election, Remi Sonaiya has stated that she would have performed better if given the opportunity to lead the nation. Sonaiya came 12th during the election after poling 13,076 votes. Speaking with Premium Times, the outspoken woman said she was ever ready to lead Nigeria anytime she was called upon. On how she felt contesting the presidential stool, she recalls with pride, “I am very happy I participated. I had no illusions going in. I knew it would take time to bring about a shift in the political culture of money and violence which had been so entrenched in our system. I was glad that I had votes in every single state in the country. I believe the

chauvinists too would come round when they realize we need a change.” Asked if she would have done anything better than the current government led by President Muhammadu Buhari, Sonaiya said, “Of course, I would have done better by God’s help. For example, I would have consulted widely in selecting members of my cabinet, so that we would get the best people to manage our affairs in different sectors. Party considerations would not have been primary; the interest of the country would have been. “I would have gotten the cabinet in place before my inauguration, so that we would really hit the ground running. It’s strange to nominate people for ministerial positions and not have them assessed by the Senate on their competence in specific areas.”

u b e r n a t o r i a l candidate for All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015 in Gombe State, Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya, has pledged support to contribute immensely to ensure victory of the aspirants vying for the seat of Gombe local government chairmanship and counselor in February LG elections. He made this known at the weekend in Gombe shortly after Abdulkadir Bello was declared winner at the just concluded primaries to contest for the seat of Gombe local government chairman under the platform of APC in the forth coming elections. He appealed to Gombe State Independent Electoral Commission (GOSIEC) to do everything possible to conduct a free, fair and

that APC has fully prepared for the elections. According to him, APC is a party to beat in the forth coming Local government election in February, promising that the party would not only win but will sweep all the 11 local government areas ranging from counselor to chairmanship. He said everything has to be done fast, to discourage rigging during election, urging the security agencies to be more proactive in protecting lives and property of citizens. He advised the electorates to be law abiding and not take law into their hands, as APC is known as peace loving party. The chieftain called on them to come out enmass and vote candidate of their choice during the elections.

Amina Zakari heads Electoral Operations as INEC constitutes committees

he Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, says it has reconstituted its Standing Committees and defined States of supervision for National Commissioners of the commission. A bulletin issued in Abuja, said the committees include: Appointments, Promotions and Disciplinary Committee to be headed by Alhaji Baba Arfo (North-East), Survey and Technical Equipment Acquisition Committee, chaired by Mohammed Haruna (NorthCentral). The Electoral Operations and Logistics Committee has Mrs Amina Zakari as Chairman; Board of Electoral Institute has Prof. Okechukwu Ibeanu as Chairman. Prof. Anthonia OkoosiSimbine (North Central) will head the Election Observation and Party Monitoring Committee, Dr Adekunle Ogunmola (SouthWest), Outreach and Partnerships Committee and Mr Abubakar Nahuche (North-West), Works and Transport Committee. Legal Services, Clearance and Complaints Committee has Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu (SouthSouth) as Chairman, Air ViceMarshal (retd) Ahmed Mu’azu (North-East), Tenders Board (TB) and Mr Adedeji Soyebi (SouthWest), Information and Voter Education Committee. Others are Planning, Monitoring and Strategy Committee to be headed by Prof. Okechukwu Ibeanu (SouthEast) and Health and Welfare Committee, with Dr. Muhammed Lecky (South-South) as Chairman. The bulletin also stated that INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, would chair three committees – Finance and General Purpose Committee, Information Technology and Voter Registry Committee and Security Committee. On the states of supervision for National Commissioners, the commission disclosed that Prof. Anthonia Okoosi-Simbine would oversee Kaduna, Niger, Plateau and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) while Alhaji Baba Arfo would supervise Yobe, Gombe and Bauchi. “Amina Zakari is supervisor for Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi; Mr Adedeji Soyebi will supervise Ekiti and Osun while Dr Muhammed Lecky will be in charge of Cross River, Akwa-Ibom and Delta. “Mr Abubakar Nahuche will supervise Katsina, Jigawa and Kano; Mohammed Haruna for Kwara, Kogi and Nasarawa while AVM Ahmed Mu’azu supervises Adamawa, Taraba and Borno.’’ It added that Prof. Okechukwu Ibeanu would surpervise Imo, Abia and Ebonyi; Dr Adekunle Ogunmola, Lagos, Ogun and Ondo and Mrs May AgbamucheMbu, Edo, Rivers and Bayelsa. The bulletin did not name a supervisor for Benue, Enugu and Anambra.

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, january 16, 2017

PUBLIC NOTICE

PILLARS &VISIONS FOUNDATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED BODY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) FOR REGISTERATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1 OF 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ADEPOJU OLUWABUNMI RACHAEL 2. ABAYOMI OLUSEGUN SAMUEL 3. ADEPOJU OLUKEMI OPEYEMI 4. ADEPOJU AYODEJI OLUWAFEMI AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO TRAIN THE JOBLESS ON A NEW SCHEME AND EMPOWER THEM. 2. TO HELP PEOPLE ACHIEVE THEIR LIFE TIME GOALS THROUGH AWARENESS TRAINING AND OTHERS. 3. TO ELIMINATE SOCIAL VICES THROUGH REHABILITATION. 4. EDUCATING PEOPLE ON SOCIAL AND BETTER LIFE. 5. HELPING THE VICTIM OF WARS AND OTHER SOCIAL VICES TO HEAL AND BE REINTEGRATED BACK TO THE SOCIETY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Mansur Isah Foundation

Employment Generation Through Agriculture Initiative

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: (1) Mansur Isah (2) Suwaiba Mansur (2) Faiza Idris Suleiman (4) Anas Isah. Aim: To help and assist the less privilege in the society.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: (1) Alh. Aminu Muhammad Goronyo (president) (2) Alh. Yusuf Garba (3) Alh. Shuaib Lawal Gambo (4) Dr. Usman Bugaje (5) Abdullahi Aminu (secretary) (6) Sani Abdul (auditor) (7) Ridwanu Aminu Goronyo. Aims: Create awareness on impact of Agriculture in the economy, empower the teeming youth s on Agricultural opportunities.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTERATION SHOULD BE FOWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THE ABOVE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

SIGNED: Secretary.

Mrs Alice

WAMANYI

PAtience

I, formerly known as Alice Oyilonye Obute, now wish to be known and addressed Mrs Alice Oyilonye Etuka, all former documents remain valid. All authorities concerned and the General public please take note.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS Obida Ayuba. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS Wamanyi Ayuba. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES Concerned and the general public should please take note.

I formerly known as PATIENCE AYUBA now wish to be address as PATIENCE LUKA ABASHI all former documents remain valid, All the Authority Concerned and the general public should please take note.

MRS. LIATU

Gloria

PAUL

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS MRS. ANTHONIA LUCA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS. LIATU ISHAYA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. THE NIGERIA POLICE AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS GLORIA NENGI CHIKE-AMADI. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS GLORIA NENGI JAJAODIETE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I formerly known as SEAMAN PAUL now wish to be address as PAUL TAYE OLUYORIall former documents remain valid, All the Authority Concerned and the general public

SAMAILA

ISHMAEL

SANI

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS ismaila lawan NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS samaila lawan. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. FCMB AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I formerly known as ISMAILA ISHAYA now wish to be address as ISHMAEL ISHAYA. all former documents remain valid, All the Authority Concerned and the general public should please take note.

I formerly known as SANI ADAMU now wish to be address as SANI ADAMU UMAR. all former documents remain valid, All the Authority Concerned and the general public should please take note.

daniel

ALIYU

USMAN

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS Elizabeath daniel NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS daniel nasat ngol. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. FCMB AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I Formely Know As ALIYU YUSUF now wish to be called and known as YUSUF BIN ALIYU. All former documents remain valid. G.T.BANK,FIRST BANK,and the General Public Take Note.

I formerly known as USMAN MUHAMMAD now wish to be address as USMAN MUSA MUHAMMAD. all former documents remain valid, All the Authority Concerned and the general public should please take note.

should please take note.

AMINA I formerly known as AMINA ZANNA YARIMA now wish to be address as AMINA MUSTAPHA. all former documents remain valid, All the Authority Concerned and the general public should please take note.

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, january 16, 2017

Kaduna Electric loses N40m to vandals, calls for Vigilance

By Etuka Sunday

aduna Electric has lost over N40 million in the past three months to vandals who have been vandalizing its power equipment. The company has therefore appealed to security agencies and the general public in Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states to be more vigilant and report any suspicious activity around power

supply infrastructures to curb menace of vandalism. The Head, Corporate Communications of Kaduna Electric, Abdulazeez Abdullahi made the call in Kaduna while drawing the attention to the unfortunate resurgence of vandalism of power supply facilities in the Company’s franchise area. He disclosed that in the last one month, the Company has

lost transformers and armored cables worth millions of Naira to the nefarious activities of these vandals. He urged security agencies and vigilante groups to apprehend anybody caught within the vicinity of, or moving transformers, armored cable etc, especially in the night, as most often these crimes are perpetrated at absurd hours. According to him, the Company is highly disturbed

by the increase in the incidents of vandalism of valuable power supply asset in Kaduna and Zaria where transformers and armored cables were stolen by vandals lately. “This unfortunate development is causing serious set-back to the Company’s efforts at providing steady and qualitative power supply to our teaming customers,’’ he contended. Abdullahi further appealed to the general public to team up

with the Company to bring an end to vandalism of power supply infrastructure. “We are appealing to all our customers, the law enforcement agencies and indeed, the general public, as stakeholders, to be on high alert and report any suspicious activity, movement or removal of any power supply equipment for prompt actions’’ he added.

Equity Market soars by 0.28% From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, Dr Okechukwu Enelemah(right) Executive Officer, Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council,Oliver Everett;and President,Ship Owners Association of Nigeria(SOAN),Mr. Greg Ogbeifun,during a meeting with Members of Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council in Abuja at the weekend . Photo: Mahmud Isa

Dangote Truck Assembly Plant in Lagos, to provide 3,000 Jobs By Etuka Sunday

etermined to tap into the opportunity provided by the scarcity of forex in the country to create jobs, foremost entrepreneur, Aliko Dangote has embarked on the establishment of multi-million dollar vehicle assembly plant project in Lagos Specifically, the plant will be churning out heavy duty trucks on which his conglomerate, the Dangote Group spends huge amount on its importation to distribute it’s products both locally and cross African countries. Dangote is partnering a leading Chinese Company, National Heavy Duty Truck Group Company Limited, SINOTRUCK to produce several thousand of trucks used mainly for haulage business from its newly promoted assembly plant at Ikeja, Lagos. The decision to go into the truck assembly plant project was informed by the need to conserve forex in view of the current economic recession that is facing the country. The deal which worth $100 million which is expected to have an assembly plant that will produce 10,000 trucks per year was signed in May 2014 in China, making it the eighth of Shandong, China (SINOTRUK), to be built abroad. According to the deal agreement, the plant is 60% owned by Dangote Group, trading under Dangote Industries Limited, leaving SINOTRUK with the remaining 40% equity stake. Consequently, Dangote Agro Sacks Limited, which occupied the

Oba-Akran Ogba premises of the former Nigerian Textile Mills, until recently, has been relocated closer to the group’s major operational hubs, particularly the cement plants in Obajana, Kogi State and Ibeshe, Ogun State. The assembly plant is expected to generate employment for an estimated 3,000 workers, when fully operational. Nigeria remains one of the most important markets for SINOTRUK, with Dangote Group operates the largest truck fleet in Africa with over 10, 000 trucks using them for the distribution of its products, like cement, sugar, flour and pasta, among others, even in its plants across the continent. Chief Corporate Communication Officer of Dangote Group, Mr. Anthony Chiejina confirmed the project has taken off and that when fully operational, the nation would be spared the nation of huge amount of forex spent in the importation of the heavy duty vehicles. According to him, there will be room for the expansion of the project in years to come as it meets the national truck demand, it would explore exportation to neighbouring countries to generate foreign exchange for the nation. Chiejina said the Group President, Aliko Dangote has always believed that the current economic challenges when approached positively will make Nigeria stronger at the end of the day, pointing out that “Alhaji Aliko still be lives that Nigeria is one of the best places in the world to do business.” The automobile assembly plant

is also coming ahead of another landmark project, a $17 billion, 650,000 barrels per day capacity Dangote Refinery, petrochemical and fertilizer plants located in Lagos expected, to begin operations in the next two years and creating over 300,000 direct and indirect jobs by first quarter of 2019, which would require a lot of long trucks for product distribution. It would be recalled that in preparation of completion of the refinery project, some 100 trainee engineers have been sent on training abroad to handle sensitive aspects of the multi-billion Dollar investment in petroleum products and petrochemical plant. In 2014, according to reports, Dangote Group imported 12,000 trucks from China. That year alone, and despite shrinking domestic and overseas demand, Sinotruk still secured orders for 176,000 vehicles, up by 9.94% from the previous year. Of this, SINOTRUCK sold 34,000 abroad, contributing to almost 20% of its total sales volume and making it the largest exporter of heavy trucks in China for 10 consecutive years. According to China Daily, a leading Tabloid in China, SINATRUCK revenue from overseas sales amounted to 9 billion yuan ($1.45 billion), accounting for about 13% of the total. SINOTRUCK realized it had to become global more than ten years ago when few China made heavy trucks were being exported. Other 30 of its 96 export markets are in Africa, where about 15,000 vehicles are sold every year.

riven by activities in financial services industry, transaction on the floor of the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE) last week ended on a bullish note as the twin market indicators gained appreciation. Specifically, the NSE All-Share Index appreciated by 0.28% to close at 26,325.93 from 26,251.39 basis points it opened with while the Market Capitalization of listed equities as well decreased by 0.28% to close at N9.058 trillion from 9.032 trillion recorded the previous week. Meanwhile, a total turnover of 1.117 billion shares worth N9.041 billion in 16,482 deals were traded by investors in contrast to a total of 4.319 billion shares valued at N7.376 billion that exchanged hands in 9,330 deals the previous week. The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 903.696 million share valued at N3.336 billion traded in 9,240 deals; thus contributing 80.88% and 36.90% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. The Conglomerates Industry followed with 67.147 million shares worth N109.014 million in 609 deals. The third place was occupied by Consumer Goods Industry with a turnover of 59.710 million shares worth N4.002 billion in 2,686 deals. Review of activity in the market showed that Trading in the Top Three Equities namely – Fidelity Bank Plc, Omoluabi Savings and Loans Plc and Diamond Bank Plc (measured by volume) accounted for 299.270 million shares worth N277.933 million in 1,029 deals, contributing 26.79% and 3.07% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. Similarly, all other Indices finished higher during the week with the exception of the NSEMain Board, NSE Insurance, NSE Consumer Goods, NSE Oil/Gas and NSE Lotus II indices that depreciated by 0.39%, 0.34%, 1.82%, 3.15% and 1.87% respectively. The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All Share Index ASI gained 74.54 basis point to 26325.93 from 26251.39 points. NSE Premium index added 22.72 basis point to 1664.18, NSE ASeM index grew by 33.20 to 1,202.97, NSE Banking

Index went up by 8.82 to 278.83 points, NSE industrial goods index increased by 1.01 to 1,544.20 and NSE Pension index surged by 8.87 basis point to 816.98 points. Thirty-one (31) equities appreciated in price during the week, higher than eighteen (18) equities of the previous week. Thirty-four (34) equities depreciated in price, higher than thirty-one (31) equities of the previous week, while one hundred and ten (110) equities remained unchanged lower than on hundred and twenty-six (126) equities recorded in the preceding week. Diamond Bank Plc led gainers table growing by 23.33 per cent or N0.21 kobo to close at N1.11 kobo, the Okomu Oil Company followed with a gain of 10.21 per cent or N4.10 kobo to close at N44.27 kobo while Sterling Bank appreciated by 10.0 per cnt or N0.07 kobo to close at N0.77 kobo. Other companies appreciated in price were Continental Reinsurance Plc 10 per cent, United Capital Plc 9.60 per cent, May & Baker Nigeria Plc 8.51 per cent, Fidelity Bank Plc 8.43 per cent, FCMB Group 7.69 per cent, United Bank for Africa 6.62 per cent and Access Bank of Nigeria Plc. On the other hand, Cutix Plc recorded the highest loss for the week, declining by 17.99 per cent or N0.34 kobo to close at N1.55 kobo, 7UP Bottling Company Plc trailed with a loss of 13.64 per cent or N17.60 kobo to close at N111.40 kobo, while Caverton Offshore Support GRP Plc fell by 12.79 per cent or N0.11 kobo to close at N0.75 kobo. Other firms that recorded price depreciation were Fidson Health Care Plc 12.78 per centn Nascon Allied Industries Plc 11.18 per cent, N.E.M insurance Company (Nigeria) Plc 10.53 per cent, UAC Property Development Co. Plc 9.67 per cent, Guinness Nigeria Plc 8.73 per cent and Forte Oil Plc 8.17 per cent. Also traded during the week were a total of 2,443 units of Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) valued at N730,619.05 executed in 23 deals, compared with a total of 55 units valued at N505.65 transacted last week in 11 deals. A total of 5,200 units of Federal Government Bonds valued at N5.004 million were traded this week in 5 deals, compared with a total of 5,100 units valued at N5.120 million transacted last week in 2 deals.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, january 16, 2017

Page 20

Business NSE assures economic rebound this year Stories from Onyeakusi, Lagos

Ngozi

igeria stock Exchange (NSE) has assured that with a modest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast of 0.6 per cent Nigerian economy is expected to recover from its recession this 2017. The Chief Executive Officer, NSE Oscar Onyema who made

the forecast at NSE 2016 Market Recap and Outlook for 2017 disclosed that this recovery would be hinged on articulation of desired goals; lower rates of disruptions to oil infrastructure as a result of the resolution of the Niger Delta conflict; crude oil prices remaining above the Federal Government’s benchmark of $42.5 per barrel; and positive impact of the war

against corruption manifested in the improvement in the ease of doing business in the country. Notwithstanding the forgoing, Onyema said, the Nigerian capital market would have to do a better job at promoting its unique value proposition to both global and domestic investors. Monetary policy, according to him, will continue to play a vital role in determining activity

in the market, adding, “With forecasts for inflation expected to moderate due to the base effect, we believe that all things being equal, monetary authorities will have more flexibility with respect to interest rates and the foreign exchange regime.” He said good coordination between the fiscal and monetary authorities should result in the resolution of the current

structural deficiencies and drive economic growth. Onyema further assured that the market would be listing more firms this year, noting that MedView Airline Limited would come on board by January 30, while Jaiz Bank Plc would follow suit before the end of the first quarter.

Six Winners emerged in Fidelity Bank Promo ... get N9m

L-R : Divisional Head SMEs Bank of Industry (BOI ), Abdulganiyu Mohammed, Vice President Yobe State Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture, Ado Adamu, Acting Managing Director BOI, Waheed Olagunju, President. Yobe State Chamber of Commerce , Abubakar Jinjiri and BOI’s Regional Manager North Central, Jack King during a meeting on the Industrialization Agenda of Yobe State Government in Abuja at the weekend.. Photo: Mamud Isa

Oil prices will be much more volatile in 2017-IEA

lobal oil prices will witness “much more volatility” in 2017 even though markets may rebalance in the first half of the year if output cuts pledged by producers are implemented, the head of the International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Sunday. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) agreed on Nov. 30 to cut output by 1.2 million bpd to 32.5 million bpd for the first six months of 2017, in addition to 558,000 bpd of cuts agreed by independent producers such as Russia, Oman and Mexico. “I would expect that we will see a rebalancing of the markets within the first half of this year,”

said Fatih Birol, executive director of IEA, the Paris-based global energy watchdog. “But what I want to say (is) that we are entering a period of much more volatility in the market ... the name of the game is volatility,” he told Reuters Television in Abu Dhabi. Prices fell on Friday and ended the week 3 percent lower on lingering doubts over the extent of OPEC cuts, with sentiment worsened by concerns over the economic health of the world’s second-largest oil consumer, China, after it reported the steepest falls in overall exports since 2009. Birol said although the OPEC agreement could signal higher oil

prices, it would also encourage more production from the United States and elsewhere. Higher prices could also weaken global demand for oil, he added. “I expect the U.S. shale oil will go back to increasing production this year,” Birol said. He added that a recent trend of declining Chinese oil production due to low prices could be reversed if the market strengthened. Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration showed crude production rose notably last week, particularly in 48 southern states. Overall production was 8.95 million barrels per day (bpd) last week, the most since April of last year.

EIA/S OPEC and the independent producers are cutting supplies to remove a global glut and prop up prices, which at around $56 a barrel are half their level of mid-2014, hurting the revenue of exporting nations. Birol said his main concern now was lack of investment in new oil supplies after low prices over the past two years forced the shutdown of many projects across the world. “This year, if there are no major investments coming we may well see in a few years from now significant supply-demand gap with serious implications on the market.” (Reuters)

Facebook Germany says it will start tackling fake news in weeks

acebook said on Sunday it would update its social media platforms in Germany within weeks to reduce the dissemination of fake news. “Last month we announced measures to tackle the challenge of fake news on Facebook,” the U.S. technology company’s German-language newsroom said. “We will put these updates in place in Germany in the coming

weeks.” German Justice Minister Heiko Mass has repeatedly called on Facebook to respect laws against defamation in Germany that are stricter than those in the United States. Other government officials have expressed concern that fake news and “hate speech” on the internet could influence a parliamentary election in September in which chancellor

Angela Merkel will seek a fourth term in office. The Facebook note said the company would make it easier to report items suspected to be fake news and work with external factchecking organizations. One of those, German-based Correctiv, has signed the U.S. Poynter International FactChecking Code of Principles, it said. Facebook would require others it enlisted to do the same.

Warning signs would be attached to reports identified as noncredible, and the reasons for the decision given. Facebook would also make it impossible for spammers to forge the websites of reputable news agencies, it said. Germany has seen an increase in online hate speech following an influx of more than a million migrants. (Reuters)

ix Fidelity Bank customers yesterday emerged winners in Fidelity ‘Get Alert in Million’ promo, winning a total of N9 million in the fourth draw of the ongoing promo. A customer, Ifeanyi Victor won the star prize of N3 million, Frank Chukwudi Sebastine in Port Harcourt equally won N2 million while four customers, Baba Ali Yusuf, a customer of the bank’s Maiduguri branch, Samuel Benjamin Idoroh in Abuja, Bolanle Gbadebo of Ado-Ekiti Attah and Maria Edugwu, in Lagos won N1 million respectively. Speaking at the draw held at the bank’s head office in Lagos, its Executive Director of Shared Services, Fidelity Bank, Mrs. Chijioke Ugochukwu, said the initiative was to improve the financial well-being of customers of the bank. At the draw today, we would be giving out N9 million to six customers. In addition to this, there would be 12 consolation prices of refrigerators and generators, all to be won. It is noteworthy that at the end of this draw, we would have given out a total of N41 million in cash and 48 consolation prices. However, much more importantly, we still have N64 million on the table, waiting for both account holders and prospective customers to win.” Prior to yesterday’s draw, the bank executive director said three draws had been conducted since the promo started four months ago and so far, 55 winners had emerged, while a total of N32 million had been won and duly distributed to all the winners. “We want to make sure that more people who have interest in this promo are able to participate and get the benefit fully. To demonstrate our commitment to reward our customers, we have started rewarding customers in the second week of the year, with the fourth monthly draw. December last year was a month of bumber alerts in Fidelity Bank and in Nigeria as customers that emerged winners were rewarded,” Ugochukwu said.

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, january 16, 2017

Alleged brutality: Counsel’s absence stalls hearing

Stories by Onyekwere

Stanley

he case of alleged grievous bodily harm between an Abuja based lawyer, Barr. Omattah Emmanuel and his exlover, one Miss Elsie Imaikop was adjourned to February 14th, 2017, following the absence of the counsel to the defendant. When the case was called for hearing, the defence counsel, Barr. Andrew Apeh was said to have travelled to Edo state for hearing on an election petition case in the

Insecurity: Traditional ruler calls for establishment of police post in Huni village By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

traditional ruler, Agape of Gwargwada in Kuje area council,Alh. Hussani Agabi Mam has called on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration to establish a police outpost in Huni village to address security challenges in the area. The Agape, who stated this recently while speaking with our reporter, said the people are in dire need of security. “Huni is central and accessible easily to other villages. Being the centre, it will be easy for security operatives there to move to other villages in case of any emergency”. He recalled that late last year, it took a Join Task Force (JTF) to dismantle a group of kidnappers who kidnapped 10 people from the community. “If not for this operation I don’t know what would have happened to the victims. We appreciate the FCT minister for achieving that feat but we are still calling on him again to help address the issue by establishing a police out post. “The road from Huni and the surrounding villages are not motorable. Of the roads are constructed, it will enable the security agencies to move with ease to quell any occurrence. “One other thing that will be of great assistance to the is mobile network to enable the residents of those communities call security agencies whenever there is an emergency”.

state. While adjourning the case to February 14th, 2017, the Chief Magistrate, Muhammed Marafa, decried the insistent absence of the defend counsel from the court. He said the action is stalling the process, and therefore warned that failure of the counsel to represent his client on the adjourned date would be interpreted as lack of representation for the accused. Omattah was arraigned before the Kubwa Area Court in a case file CR/601/2016 on eight count

charges ranging from; threat to life, inflicting grievous bodily harm, criminal trespassing, criminal assault, intimidation, defamation of character, among other charges. The plaintiff, Imaikop, is seeking justice for the permanent deformity inflicted on her by the former lover, Emmanuel Omattah. Imaikop’s right index finger was bitten off by her ex-lover of four years, after dumping her for a Deputy Superintendent of Police, Justina Enefu. Imaikop was said to have

been in a relationship with the suspect, Emmanuel Omattah for four years, before his planned wedding to DSP Enefu on May 7th, 2016. The victim was attacked in her residence at the Federal Housing, Kubwa, on the 6th of May 2016. The suspect allegedly armed himself with cutlass and metal rod with which he assaulted his former lover and also bite off part of her index finger. The case was reported at the Kubwa Police Station and the suspect charged to court, from where he was remanded at the

Suleja prison till 17th May, 2016 and later released on bail. The complainant, who now suffers permanent disability and loss of her properties to the suspect, is seeking justice in the case and intervention from relevant bodies, including the Nigerian Bar Association, Police Service Commission, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, National Human Rights Commission, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, FIDA, and other well-meaning organisations. END

FCTA mulls hiring contractor to take over construction works on Karshi/Apo road

he Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has hinted that the Administration may be forced to hire new contractor to take over construction works on the Karshi/Ara/Apo alternative route linking the Abuja city centre to the northern axis of the country. Recall that the construction of Karshi-Apo road aimed at decongesting the ever busy NyanyaMararaba axis of the Abuja-Keffi Expressway was awarded to the embattled Kakatar Construction and Engineering Limited. Also, it was gathered that the construction firm is equally handling other two critical projects for the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA). These projects are: provision of engineering infrastructure to Maitama district, provision of engineering infrastructure to Kyami district. However, the Minister who expressed sadness that work on that road has remained uncompleted against all expectations, said the Administration is trying to see how it could salvage the challenges being faced by the current contractor; warning, however, that it might be forced to look for alternatives, should these challenges persist. Bello spoke while receiving the Managing Director/CEO of Army Post-Service Housing Development Limited, Brig. Gen. Mahe Bashir, who paid him a visit with his team in Abuja. “With respect to Karshi/Ara/Apo road, quite frankly, I had thought that by now, we would have completed that road. But unfortunately, the contractor handling the project has been faced with a number of challenges, which we are trying to overcome to salvage that project.

“What will happen is that if we are not able to sort out the issues of the contractor, we may have to look at some other alternatives of making sure the road is completed. But you can be rest assured that that road is a priority for this Administration. We will try as much as possible to see that it is really completed as quickly as possible,” the Minister stressed. Acknowledging the intervention being done by the Army in area of providing housing facilities for its officers and men, Bello said these interventions have brought a lot of benefits to both retired and serving members of the Army, as well as other civilians. He assured that the FCT Administration would continue to provide all the needed support so that the Armed Forces can continue to develop, strengthen and deliver on its various mandates. “Definitely, whatever support we can give you in the form of land in the FCT to continue your projects, we will do,” the Minister stressed. The Minister however called on the Army Post-Service Housing Development Limited and indeed all other mass housing developers to ensure that all the housing schemes they are embarking upon adhere strictly to all the housing regulations in the FCT to make the process of individual title documentation and certification a lot easier. He added that it was important also to ensure that all the estates are built based on approved plans from the relevant authorities and departments of the FCTA, because it had instances of organizations that go into projects without seeking the necessary approvals, which invariably tends to distort planning and development in the city.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, january 16, 2017

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world news Nigeria/China relations and the end

international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

of Taiwan’s pretence in Africa analysis By Charles Onunaiju

hinese foreign minister Mr. Wang Yi’s visit to Nigeria in conclusion of his highly successful five – nation’s African tour, reaffirmed the core principles of Nigeria – China bilateral relations. In a joint communiqué signed by the visiting Chinese foreign minister, Mr. Wang Yi and his Nigerian counterpart, Mr. Geoffrey Onyema, they both vowed a commitment that the two countries would strengthen “the longstanding friendship and co-operation between them to the benefit of their peoples”, and further reaffirmed “their respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”. In giving practical substance to this affirmation, the Nigeria government explicitly states that she recognizes that there is only one China in the world, and that the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory”. The Nigerian government further reiterate not to have any official relations or engage in any official contacts with Taiwan”, and vowed to “support all efforts made by the Chinese government to realize national reunification”. The government of the People’s Republic of China expressed her appreciation to the position of the Nigeria for her definitive stand reaffirming her “one China” policy. In taking practical measure to reaffirm his commitment to the “One China policy, the Nigeria government issued an unequivocal directive to the Taiwan trade office in Abuja, Nigeria’s political capital to relocate its office to its largest commercial city, Lagos. The Taiwan trade office has been established in Nigeria, following a memorandum of understanding with the Nigeria’s ministry of commerce in 1990, in such a way and manner that any branch of Nigeria’s government could sign MOU with a foreign enterprise or a provincial or regional government of a sovereign State to which she has normal diplomatic relation. Having taking advantage of its trade office in Abuja to conduct activities that is inconsistent with its status, the Nigeria government in reaffirming the core principles of its one China policy, which recognizes that Taiwan is inalienable part of China’s territory, took the step of directing the Taiwan trade office to relocate to Nigeria’s foremost

Chinese foreign minister, Mr WngYi Nigeria Foreign Minister. Mr. geoffrey onyeama speedy resolution in the interest of followed the trend of history, reunited commercial city, so as to protect the integrity of her principle of one China all Chinese people across the straits. with their homeland on the terms of In other words, what African is saying territorial integrity and sovereignty of policy. The Taiwan trade office has with a clear and loud voice is that the One China with an extensive privilege undoubtedly abused its privilege of Taiwan authorities should end all its of considerable autonomy to manage been in the Nigeria’s political capital by pretences to Statehood and the puny their local affairs. Taiwan cannot clandestinely engaging in political and diplomacy it engages, to further such remain forever as an outpost of hostile diplomatic activities, which explicitly futile exercise and engage with its anti-Chinese forces both local and calls to question the integrity of legitimate government in Beijing foreign and expect Africa, with own Nigeria core principles of “One China” to discuss and agree on the degree territorial fault lines, engendered policy, which is the bed rock of Nigeria of its provincial autonomy within by colonial domination to play to its – China bilateral relation. The Taiwan the sovereign State of the People’s dangerous script of separatism and splittism. Trade representative has just in the Republic of China. Both Hong Kong and Macau, The successful visit of foreign recent past caused his photograph to be placed in strategic corners of which were run previously by foreign minister, Wang Yi to Africa would open the Nigeria’s capital city, with hold powers for several years and fed new vistas of opportunities for Africa inscription of the “ambassador” of on anti-China propaganda, have and China to extend the frontiers Taiwan to Nigeria. This is extremely provocative and wantonly undermines Nigeria core foreign policy principle of mutual reciprocity to mutual respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity to all nations with which she has a subsisting bilateral co-operation and Taiwan, which is in alienable part of China is not sovereign State which Nigeria has any diplomatic relation. As far as Nigeria and other fifty one countries in Africa are concerned, the issue between the Chinese mainland and its Island of Taiwan is the internal and domestic affairs of the People’s Republic of China, for which Africa can only wish for a

“

Let us hope then that Islam as a religion - and with its overwhelming peaceful majority - will not be made the scapegoat for more belligerence and false targeting as the alt-rightist camps on both sides of the Atlantic, and in Putin’s Russia are trying to do.

of their cooperation relations. And Africa does not need to be pressured, as is been insinuated by the renegade Taiwan authorities. Nigeria – China relations in particular and China – Africa co-operation in general has come of age and considerably matured enough for each side to appreciate the core interest of each other and respect the sensibilities in each other core concerns. Neither Africa nor China needs to exert pressure on each other to appreciate and respect each other core national sensibilities. As a founding member of the United Nations, the People’s Republic of China preferred to stay out of the foremost international organization; it has help to found than to have two Chinas sit at the United Nations until 1971 when Taiwan, calling itself then, the Republic of China with spurious claim of been the sole representative of the Chinese people was kicked out of the world body. Foreign minister Wang Yi’s visit to Africa is in line with the evolving Beijing diplomatic tradition to take Africa as the starting point of its global diplomatic work at the beginning of every year and it is a privilege Africa considerably cherishes by also reaffirming its core principles of One China policy in the relations and cooperation with China. If then, a country like Nigeria choose to clear the dusts and cobwebs in the diplomatic veranda of its strategic relations with China by urging the Taiwan trade office in Nigeria to shape up to its status as a trade office and end any untoward behavior that is inconsistent with its status, then it should be seen for what it really is, a routine house cleaning not meant to draw any diplomatic bad blood because it is not. Beyond the symbolic reaffirmation of the core principle of bilateral co-operation between Nigeria and China, foreign minister Wang Yi’s visit had other crucial issues on its agenda. The ten- point cooperation plans enunciated by president Xi Jinping at the second summit of the Forum on China – Africa co-operation (FOCAC) in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2015, with the cash backing of 60 billion U.S. dollars and the assessment of its implementation was top on the agenda. The face of Nigeria and Africa’s infrastructure is gleaning with heavy projects because of that commitments and building on the progress so far achieved is the important challenge of China – African’s diplomacy, and not about Taiwan which is an internal affair of the People’s Republic of China. Mr.Onunaiju is a journalist and director, Center for China Studies, Utako, Abuja.

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News From Africa Mugabe’s wife denies seizing properties over diamond ring spat

imbabwe’s first lady Grace Mugabe has denied seizing three properties from a Lebanese businessman who she claims duped her in a messy $1.35 million diamond ring deal. President Robert Mugabe’s wife was taken to court by Zimbabwe-based Jamal Ahmed who says she allegedly seized three of his properties late last year, demanding he pay back the money for a ring she later decided she did not want. In court papers seen by AFP on Wednesday, Grace Mugabe stated that Ahmed’s properties were being guarded by police officers who were investigating him for alleged crimes. “I therefore deny forcibly taking over the said properties,” she stated. “The police are not my agents. They are state officers who enforce the law and investigate unbecoming behaviour. This is why they are protecting these properties.” Grace Mugabe said she bought the ring from family business proceeds and that it was a gift from her husband for their 20th wedding anniversary on August 20 last year. Ahmed alleged that Grace Mugabe, who is known for her love of jewellery and extravagant shopping trips abroad, placed an order for the ring in April 2016 through his wife who lives in Dubai. Grace Mugabe says she was sent pictures of several stones to make a choice but never had the ring delivered. “I smelt a rat,” she said, according to court papers. The first lady “then refused to take delivery of the diamond and instead demanded a full refund.” Ahmed said he had offered to repay the money in instalments, just to avoid trouble, but

Sudanese president leaves hospital after heart procedure

udanese President Omar Al Bashir left hospital after undergoing a cardiac catheterization on Wednesday evening, state news agency SUNA said on Thursday. “The Presidency confirmed that (Al Bashir) ... has undergone an exploratory cardiac catheterization at Royal Care hospital yesterday and the results were very reassuring,” a presidency official told the news agency, adding that the president left the hospital immediately after the procedure Reuters

Grace Mugabe. Image by: REUTERS/Philimon Bulawayo in court papers Grace disputed his claim that he had so far paid back $150,000 (143,000 euros). She said he has paid $120,000. Ahmed who is not currently in Zimbabwe, claims to have received threats from officials from Zimbabwe’s spy agency -- the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) as well from Grace and her son Russell Goreraza from her first marriage. She has denied the allegation. This is not the first time Grace Mugabe has

been involved in controversy. In 2011 she was caught in a spat over a $1-million truck deal with South African businessman Ping Sung Hsieh. Grace, 51, married Mugabe in 1996. She now heads the ruling ZANU-PF party women’s wing. She has said that she has the right to rule the country like any other Zimbabwean and is now seen to be among those angling to replace her husband. Reuters

Sudanese President Omar Hassan

Descendants of slaves on a voodoo pilgrimage in Benin

very January, thousands of voodoo worshippers joined by crowds of tourists and descendants of slaves trudge down the long sand track leading to the beach at Ouidah in Benin. The cars, motorbikes and women in wrap skirts with tribal scars on their cheeks head to the Gate of No Return monument overlooking the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean beach. allowfullscreen Erected in 1992 in memory of those packed on ships bound for the New World, it is a living reminder that the small Beninese coastal town of Ouidah once was the muster point for the black slave trade on the southern coast of West Africa. Over the centuries, five million, possibly 10 million slaves took this route. No-one knows the exact numbers. Though Ouidah is not the source of voodoo -- which originated in the old kingdom of Dahomey, modern-day Togo and Benin -- it was from here that the cult of the invisible and of natural spirits was exported to Louisiana, Brazil and Haiti. After the fall of the communist regime in Benin, President Nicephore Soglo launched the first voodoo festival in 1993, making Ouidah voodoo’s most famous place of pilgrimage for its 50 million followers worldwide. “Ouidah is a duty of memory,” said voodoo priest Erol Josue, who heads the national ethnology bureau in Haiti and who travelled to Benin with seven others to “make peace with the past”. “It’s important to return to the ancestral land to accept oneself as a Caribbean,” he

added, his eyes thick with khol cosmetics and a heavy ring from Mali’s Dogon tribe on his finger. “To understand the behaviour of the Haitian people, you have to go back to the source.” Josue breaks off to film a video on his smartphone as a man climbs a bamboo pole nearly 15 metres (50 feet) high with his bare hands. The crowd goes wild. Nearby, a group of men daubed with soil from head to toe dance in a trance to the rhythm of the djembe hand drum and make offerings to talismans. “Voodoo is a way of life,” said Gizirbtah, a young black American who changes her name whenever she travels to the home of her ancestors. Gizirbtah, who works for a US airline, has been travelling across West Africa for two months with a dozen or so voodoo devotees from as far away as London and Chicago. “Every day I do ablutions, purifications, prayers. But in the US voodoo is frowned upon, people don’t understand,” she said. She turned to voodoo six years ago when she began what she said was an “internal quest”. “All my life, the story of my ancestors has echoed inside me,” she said. Strictly speaking, voodoo is not a cult of ancestors. It is “the palpable representation of what we cannot see”, said Vincent Harisdo, a choreographer of French, Beninese and Togolese heritage who is working on a dance project on voodoo. “Every human has his inner ‘fa’ (a

Over the centuries, five million, possibly 10 million slaves took this route. No-one knows the exact numbers. Photo by: PigMine 5 via YouTube voodoo divinity), his other self. And we are all looking for our other self. Call that voodoo here or psychology in Europe,” he added. Gail Hardison, a 57-year-old American, chose science over spirituality to get to know her origins. Several years ago she had a DNA test that revealed her ancestors came from northern Cameroon. This year she has brought her ancestral quest to Benin. “I’m not a follower but I respect voodoo as a religion. Voodoo isn’t about dolls with pins in it,” she said.

The dancing and the tourists gives a folklore feel to the festival, a weeklong event marked by the beach procession on January 10 every year. But despite the crowds, the noise and the scorching sun, Hardison said she feels a “spiritual sadness” in Ouidah. Looking at the Gate of No Return, where hundreds of visitors are crowded together trying to find some shade, she says: “I wish it could have been different for all the people who passed through here.” “I feel them with me.” AFP

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, january 16, 2017

Asia&Middle-east Saudi Arabia’s Top Religious Body Denounces Cinemas, Concerts

audi Arabia’s clerics offer legitimacy and public support to a king who styles himself the guardian of Islam’s holiest sites. Saudi Arabia Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrives at the Hangzhou International Expo Center to attend the G20 summit in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China, Sunday, Sept. 4, 2016. Rolex dela Pena, Pool Photo via AP Obama’s legacy In treacherous Mideast, Obama ultimately did what was best for U.S. As war rages in Yemen, Oman caught in the middle between Iran and Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia’s top religious authority has called cinemas and singing concerts harmful and corrupting, in a move that could complicate government efforts to introduce cultural reforms to the conservative kingdom. The comments by Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al al-Sheikh, published on his website, said cinemas and round-the-clock entertainment could open the door to “atheistic or rotten” foreign films and encourage the mixing of the sexes. Cinemas and public concerts are already banned in the conservative Islamic kingdom. But the government promised a shake-up of the cultural scene with a set of “Vision 2030” reforms announced by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz last year. The head of the government’s General Authority for Entertainment, Amr al-Madani, stirred debate last week when he raised the possibility of opening cinemas and staging concerts this year. The Saudi Gazette quoted Madani as saying Saudi singer Mohammed Abdo would perform in the Red Sea port city of Jeddah very soon. Up to now, singers have been limited to performing for private gatherings. “I hope those in charge of the Entertainment Authority are guided to turn it from bad to good

Saudi Arabia Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrives at the Hangzhou International Expo Center to attend the G20 summit in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China, Sunday, Sept. 4, 2016. Rolex dela Pena, Pool Photo via AP and not to open doors to evil,” Al al-Sheikh said on his weekly television program, according to a transcript of his comments on his website. “Motion pictures may broadcast shameless, immoral, atheistic or rotten films,” Al al-Sheikh said. “The Mufti...also stressed that there is nothing good in song parties, for entertainment day and night and opening of movie houses at all times is an invitation to mixing of sexes,” he added.

Ex-Al Qaeda group pledges to help SA journalist captured in Syria

Shiraaz Mohamed has been taken hostage. Image by: SUPPLIED

former Al Qaeda affiliate group in Syria has pledged to help find the South African photojournalist captured in the war-torn country last week. Shiraaz Mohamed was documenting the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Syria when‚ while on his way to the Turkish border on Tuesday‚ he was taken hostage. He was taken because of an apparent “misunderstanding”. He was working with Gift of the Givers‚ which runs two hospitals. Gift of the Givers founder Imtiaz Sooliman said in a statement on Sunday that one of the doctors in Darkoush‚ Ahmad Ghandour‚ was “summoned” to the investigation department of An Nusra‚ now named Fath Al Sham‚ a former Al Qaeda affiliate to answer questions about Mohamed. “He met two armed men in military uniform‚ their faces veiled‚ then was taken blindfolded to some area. He had to wait in isolation for one hour and was then questioned. They wanted

to know what ‘misunderstanding’ was being referred to by those who captured Shiraaz. They wanted to know if Shiraaz had some disagreement with Ahmad. Ahmad replied that‚ on the contrary‚ Shiraaz was invited to have meals and sleep at Ahmad’s home and that Ahmad had taken Shiraaz to some of the areas to take his pictures‚“ said Sooliman. Ghandour told them that Mohamed was there to document the plight of the Syrian people and garner international support. “The An Nusra people said they have an interest in the case and will assist in the search for Shiraaz‚“ said Sooliman. Ghandour was then taken back to a relative’s home. Meanwhile‚ the people of Darkoush have come out and shown their support for Mohamed. The medical staff at the Gift of the Givers hospital did the same‚ holding placards in support of him. TMG Digital/Sunday Times

The “Vision 2030” initiative is meant to jumpstart the private sector, provide jobs for a growing population and open up Saudis’ cloistered lifestyles. The plan’s said it considers culture and entertainment “indispensable to our quality of life”. In remarks carried by Foreign Affairs magazine last week, Prince Mohammed said he believed only a small percentage of clerics were too dogmatic to be reasoned with while

more than half could be persuaded through engagement and dialogue to support the plan. In a country that adheres to an austere brand of Wahhabi Sunni Islam, where gender segregation is mandatory and concerts and cinemas are banned, the plan’s seemingly anodyne goals to empower women, promote sports and invest in entertainment are controversial. Reuters

France warns of ‘serious consequences’ if US embassy moves to Jerusalem

peaking as 70 countries gather for Mideast peace talks in Paris on Sunday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault warned of “extremely serious consequences” if the US moves its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem as planned. Ayrault told French media that he believed US President-elect Donald Trump would find it “impossible” to fulfill his campaign pledge to relocate the embassy. “When you are president of the United States, you cannot take such a stubborn and such a unilateral view on this issue. You have to try to create the conditions for peace,” Ayrault said. Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas warned Saturday that peace efforts could be dealt a mortal blow if Trump moves the embassy. Doing so would reverse decades of US policy, which has maintained that the final status of Jerusalem – whose eastern and largely Arab side has been occupied by Israel since 1967 – should be determined in peace negotiations with the Palestinians. Three US senators introduced a bill earlier this month aimed at moving the US embassy from Tel Aviv. The bill includes a provision calling for consular funding to be suspended until a US embassy is established in the holy city. FRANCE 24’s Irris Makler reports from Jerusalem Key players absent The Paris peace conference is taking place without the participation of officials from Israel, the Palestinians or the incoming US government. And while it may seem like a long shot to try to restart beleaguered Middle East peace talks without any of the key players, organisers say that moving forward sends a message. They

want both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President-elect Trump to see that most of the world wants a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. According to a draft statement obtained by The Associated Press on Friday, the conference will urge Israel and the Palestinians “to officially restate their commitment to the two-state solution”. It also will affirm that the international community “will not recognise” changes to Israel’s pre-1967 lines without an agreement by both sides. President-elect Trump, thank you for your warm friendship and your clear-cut support for Israel! ðŸ‡®ðŸ‡±ðŸ‡ºðŸ‡¸@IvankaTrump @ DonaldJTrumpJr https://t.co/lURPimG0wS — Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) December 28, 2016 The Palestinians have welcomed the French initiative and Abbas was initially expected to attend, although his visit to Paris has been postponed. But Netanyahu says the conference is “rigged” against Israel and declined an invitation to a special meeting afterward. Israeli and Palestinian leaders haven’t negotiated even indirectly since a previous US peace effort collapsed in 2014. Palestinian attacks on civilians and incitement to violence have heightened tensions, as has expanded Israeli settlement-building. Israel has settled some 600,000 of its citizens in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, which is claimed by the Palestinians for a future independent state. Israel captured both areas in the 1967 Mideast war. Netanyahu has ruled out a return to Israel’s 1967 borders, and many members of his coalition oppose Palestinian independence. (FRANCE 24 with AFP and AP)

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, january 16, 2017

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Education Kaduna State University gets new Vice Chancellor

overnor Nasir ElRufai of Kaduna State has approved the appointment of Muhammad Tanko as new Vice Chancellor of the Kaduna State University, KASU. Information on the approval is in a statement by Samuel Aruwan, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity on Sunday in Kaduna. Mr. Aruwan stated that the approval followed recommendations by the Governing Council of the university. He noted that the professor was former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of KASU and holds a PhD in Accounting and Finance. The new vice chancellor has teaching experience at undergraduate and graduate levels, with significant quality supervision and valuable inter-disciplinary collaboration, the special assistant added. He stated that Mr. Tanko also had strong track record of research as evidenced by the quality of his papers in peer-reviewed journals. “Aside from his core area of Finance, Audit and Taxation, he had researched on the deployment of tools to enhance education by distance learning. A foundation staff of KASU, Mr. Tanko demonstrated academic leadership and provided community service. Born in Kawo, Kaduna North Local Government Area in 1969, Mr. Tanko served as Head of Department, Dean of the School of Management Science and Deputy Vice Chancellor. The new vice chancellor obtained his first degree from Bayero University, Kano, where he graduated with a B.Sc. Accounting (2.1) in 1991, then earned an M.Sc. in Accounting and Finance in 1997, an MBA in 2000 and a PhD in Accounting and Finance in 2005 from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. He joined the services of KASU in 2005 and rose from Head of Department to Dean before he was appointed as Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Board of Internal Revenue in 2012. (NAN)

UniAbuja VC advises fresh students against social vices By Usman Shuaibu

he Vice –Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Michael Adikwu, has advised the undergraduates of the University against social vices such as cultism, examination malpractices, truancy as well as extremist in the institution. Adikwu who gave the advice on Saturday at the 2016/ 2017 matriculation ceremony of the university, further charged the fresh

students to always obey the laid down rules and regulation guarding the institution. He said; “ it is worthy of note that you are also bound by the code of conduct of the university as much as that of the larger society, therefore anyone that steps out of the line will only have himself or herself to blame”. He urged the matriculating students to devote their time in pursuing the education vigorously

in the institution, saying that the university is a place for serious educational pursuit as well as highest moral standards. He assured the students that the management of the university would remain committed to arrest some major obstacles facing the institution within the shortest period of time. His words: “The doors of the university Administration will continue to remain open to you for any genuine complaints or

grievances, whether on welfare or academic matters. Let me state here that, lecturers and other staff are your guardians in your quest to attain high academic standards and imbibe equally good moral values”. While commenting on unemployment facing the country, the Vice-chancellor charged the undergraduates of the university to be creative in their fields of study so that when leaving the university they would be self-reliance in the society.

L-R: Acting Governor of Bauchi State, Engr. Nuhu Gidado, before receiving Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) souvenirs from the Minister of State for Education, Prof Anthony Anwukah and UBEC Executive Secretary, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, during the Minister’s and UBEC Management working visit to Bauchi state for the commission’s 17th quarterly meeting and inspection of Basic Education Projects in the State

Nigeria needs more private universities – NUC

he Executive Secretary of the National University Commission, NUC, Abubakar Rasheed, has said that the number of universities in Nigeria was too small given its population. He charged individuals and organisations to invest in education by establishing private universities. Delivering the convocation lecture of the Fountain University, Osogbo, Mr. Rasheed explained that Nigeria has just over a hundred universities for a population of over 180 million people. During the convocation, a total of 198 graduands got first degrees while honourary degrees were conferred on two eminent Nigerians, Sakariyau Babalola and Yusuf Ali. Mr. Babalola who is the Deputy President-General of Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, was conferred

with Doctor of Science while Mr. Ali who is the Pro Chancellor of Osun State University was conferred with Doctor of Letters for their respective contributions to educational development in the country. In his lecture, the NUC Executive Secretary insisted that Nigeria needs more universities if it would be able to compete favourably with other countries across the globe. He said the number of universities in the country currently cannot meet the demand for university education by the citizenry. He said the future of higher education in the country lies with how the private universities are managed, saying that the private universities should be able to fill the gap created by insufficient universities. He disclosed that the NUC would soon convoke a summit for private universities in the country

to review their activities, fine-tune their operations and assist them to be able to attain their goals. He said NUC was trying to be flexible with the private universities so as to enable them survive and sustain their operation. He said this became necessary considering the challenges facing the private universities in the country. He expressed worry that no private university is able to fill its quota in admission as most of them could only fill 40 per cent of their quotas. “There is need to ask questions about why the private universities are unable to fill their quotas despite that there is admission demand. This is a very serious issue and NUC and JAMB are worried about this.” “Therefore, we shall convoke a summit for private universities early this year to consider how best the private universities could operate and function maximally to

be able to help the country”. In his address, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the university, AbdulLateef Usman said the students completed their studies, satisfied all requirements for the awards in various disciplines and are found worthy in learning and character. The VC reiterated the commitment of Fountain University to academic excellence and assured that the university would not relent in pursuing core objectives in the area of quality lectures, tutorials, conduct of practical sessions and research as well as entrepreneurial studies. Dignitaries at the occasion include Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola; the Executive Secretary of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, Isaq Oloyede; the Timi of Ede, Munirudeen Adesola; and the Chief Imam of Osogbo, Musa Animasaun among others.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, january 16, 2017, 2016

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Interview

Bida Rice Mill is yielding result - Niger Comm.

he Niger State Commissioner for Information, Tourism and Culture, Mr. Jonathan Tsado Vasta was recently one year in office and in this interview, he spoke on various issues concerning programs and activities of the state government, Yakubu Mustapha Bina brings Excerpts:

Recently the Governor commissioned a rice mill in Bida, what do you intend to achieve? The Government of His Excellency Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has put in place mechanism to attract investors to the state through the Agro comparative advantage of the state, and he commissioned a multi-million dollar Integrated Rice Processing and Milling Complex constructed by Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in Bida. The Rice Mill is an investment that leveraged on the government set programme and objective to boost Agro investment in the state based on the Rice Value chain initiative. We have always said that with the kind of government encouragement that we are giving the state. It has the potentials of feeding the nation and export rice as well. The Rice Mill commissioned by the Governor in Bida will leverage on the massive rice cultivation going on in that parts of the state, as you know Baddeggi is famous for rice production hence the National Cereal Research Institute NCRI is located there, in summation the investment showed that our effort is paying off. What specific effort is the state making in boosting Agriculture in the state? Our responsibility is to provide the necessary and requisite input for our

Jonathan Tsado Vatsa subsistence and large scale farmers as well as expose them to credit facilities, which is what government is doing. You were at the budget presentation where the Governor stated that in 2016 fiscal year alone, N2 billion credit facilities were advanced to corporative societies and groups through the a CBN programme. We buy fertilizers and other input and most importantly, avail the farmers with the desired extension services and open up rural feeder roads. The roads in Niger state

especially the Federal roads are in Deplorable condition, what is the government doing about this? Let me make one thing clear, the roads have been like that before the APC government came. Notwithstanding, we are here to make change which is why the people have a renewed hope that we will make a difference. The difference we are making, as you know is that this government has over 56 projects going on among these projects are

roads opening up major cities and linking cities. Recall that because of the deplorable state of the federal roads, the government did a light rehabilitation of Minna-Suleja road to the tune of about N500 million, but because the other federal road along Mokwa-Bokani road is bad, heavy duty vehicles diverted their way to the area and spoilt it again. The same way the government also did an intervening rehabilitation of Tegina-Kalgara – Birni Gwari road, it will interest you to know that government through

another agency in a comprehensive arrangement will rehabilitate MinnaBida road. The good news however is that even the federal government is gradually coming to our help, the contractor handling Minna-Suleja has been asked to go back to site and the Mokwa Bokani-Tegina road project has been awarded. Will you get a refund on these federal roads you are expending money on? Even if we are going to get a refund it cannot be immediate, but you know is a technical issue that should not be dwell into without the necessary technical knowhow. The experts in Technical and Financial evaluation will have to look into it. The State mediums which are directly under your ministry have been underperforming, what efforts are you making to revamp them? It is an open fact that the present government accords priority attention to the media houses. The government in line with the digitization deadline awarded contract for the total overhaul of the AM Radio station that has been down for over 16 years. The FM station and the state Television, the test transmission of the digitized state television is currently on. We intend to see how we can focus on the state Newsline Newspapers in 2017 fiscal year. Who says we cannot attempt to go daily, we have the capacity and the needed manpower to go daily.

We are working harmoniously with FRSC - FCT DRTS Boss

he current Acting Director of Directorate of Road Transport Services (DRTS) Mr Wadata Bodinga in this interview with our reporter, Abbanobi-Eku Onyeka, among others bares his mind on how the paramilitary organisation has been collaborating with all the stakeholders in the road transport sector to ensure safety of the roads in FCT. Excerpts.

What exactly are Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) doing in FCT? If you go round the city, you will see that everywhere, our men are there to check the vehicles, particularly on the issue of beating of traffic light which is a great concern to us in the FCT. Also, the use of unpainted taxis and vehicles that are not road worthy. These three issues are key to the messages that we brought from the automotive council which are already part of our policies in the FCT especially for us at the Directorate of Road Transport Services (DRTS) in particular. We want to make sure that they are enforced for people to be safe when they are moving from point A to B. There is this fear that your men are not friendly with the men of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). How will both of you jointly work to ensure safety on our roads? I think it is just people’s impression. I can tell you that if that impression has been existing in the past, with the present administration, it is no more there. The FRSC which is headed by Boboye Oyeyemi who is also a grassroot personnel that started the job from probably the root commander to the peak is committed to ensuring that we work harmoniously. He is equally not brought from outside the system but from the system. We put heads together to make sure that what we are trying to do is

more of complementary instead of trying to do the kind of duplication that other people are talking about. All of us know clearly the functions of one another. He knows the duties of the FRSC and he appreciates the duties of the VIO. I equally know and appreciate the duties of the FRSC. I paid a courtesy call to him and I think that marked the beginning of this robust relationship that we see now. I can tell you that the relationship between us is very cordial. There are areas which of course, we may have some issues. Which issues do you have? Particularly in the area of driver’s license and probably number plates. Who should really be in charge of these? Everyone is in charge. Why I say everyone is in charge is because it is a tripartite arrangement. But everybody has his specific role. For example, the issue of approving the driver’s license; there is no ambiguity about it. The revenue and approval that come in from it is suppose to be done by the state and FCT. The FRSC come in to design and produce these driver’s license, but it is only after the state or the FCT has approved this license. For example now, I can neither approve Nasarawa state license, as close as they are to us nor neither can I approve Kaduna or Niger no matter how

close Suleja is to FCT. It means the various road traffic officers across the states are very key and germane to the issue of driver’s license because they approve it first. Without the approval, the printing and production cannot take place. The total money is supposed to be state money, but the FRSC is taking the cost of production of that license. But it is entirely state revenue. There is no ambiguity about it. There is no friction. All of us are clear about it. Have these issues been exhaustively settled? Yes, clearly settled. Can you react to the allegation that your officers and men use their position to extort the public, even in this office? We are interested in hearing from the general public in this regard. That is why I am always interested in going to the radio and television stations and programmes. I always say, the issue of extortion and taking bribe and money is not something that can be condoned particularly at the DRTS, especially. When you are caught doing this, definitely, you are on your way out. That is automatic. But we can do that only when people avail us with the information. I call all these allegations, because nobody has come out to say Mr A collected this from him. What we want is for people to come out with information.

Mr. Wadata A. D. Bodinga

PEOPLES DAILY

Sports

monday, january 16, 2017, 2016

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FC Ifeanyi Ubah abandons Kano Pillars match in Kano

C Ifeanyi Ubah has suspended its Team Manager, Mr. Jonathan Igwe for four matches for the role he played in the abandonment of the NPFL curtain raiser between Kano Pillars and FC Ifeanyi Ubah at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano yesterday. In a press release made available on the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website and signed by the Chairman of FC, Ifeanyi Ubah, Mr. Chukwuma Ubah, the club condemned in plain terms the conduct of its team manager while apologising to the President of the NFF, Mr. Amaju Pinnick, the Chairman of the LMC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, the Governor of Kano State, H.E. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, other relevant stakeholders, fans and football lovers for its role in the disappointing start of the NPFL while promising to uphold the statutes and tenets of the beautiful game. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our attention has been drawn to the sad events that led to the abandonment of the opening game of the 2016/2017 NPFL season between Kano Pillars and FC Ifeanyi Ubah on the 14th of January, 2017 at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano. After extensive investigations into the occurrences that culminated in the disappointing start of the Nigeria Professional Football League, the Management of FC Ifeanyi Ubah has arrived at the following findings: The Team Manager, Mr. Jonathan Igwe in a rather autocratic and unprofessional manner took laws into his hands by dishing out orders to the team without due recourse to the statutes and ethics of the game. His actions were borne out of an uncontrollable emotion owing to his perceived antagonistic behaviour of the centre referee who he claimed allowed a goal that was flagged offside by the linesman to stand against us and disallowing a legitimate goal scored by FC Ifeanyi Ubah via a direct free kick deep into stoppage time of the first half. That he is deeply remorseful for his actions and the role he played in the eventual abandonment of the match between Kano Pillars and our darling club, FC Ifeanyi Ubah at the Sani Abacha Stadium which also resulted in him being given a red card by the centre referee. In view of the aforementioned, the club has reached the following decisions: That the Team Manager Mr.

Players in action Jonathan Igwe is suspended for four (4) football matches with immediate effect and will forfeit one (1) month salary/allowances for his unprofessionalism and role in the eventual abandonment of the match The Team Manager is not to be seen in the venue of any FC Ifeanyi Ubah match during the period of his suspension. The Team Manager is mandated to issue a letter of apology and promise of good conduct to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the organisers of the NPFL, the League Management Company (LMC) within 72 hours. That the Team Manager is

also to issue a written unreserved apology letter to the club and its teeming fans. The Management of FC Ifeanyi Ubah hereby tenders an unreserved apology to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the League Management Company (LMC) for the outcome of the match between Kano Pillars and FC Ifeanyi Ubah which was supposed to be a befitting curtain raiser for the 2016/2017 NPFL season. Our most sincere and heartfelt apology goes out to the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Pinnick and the Chairman of the League Management Company,

Mallam Shehu Dikko who has done so much in promoting the NPFL while raising the standards of the league and football in Nigeria. We also wish to apologise to all important dignitaries, especially the Governor of Kano State, H.E. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the Management of Kano Pillars, the good people of Kano State, Chairmen of various State FAs, sponsors of the NPFL and members of the press who were present to witness the match. Finally, may we use this medium to apologise to our teeming fans and football lovers all over Nigeria and around the world for

the disappointing display that has brought the name of the beautiful game to disrepute. This is highly regrettable and we wish to state categorically that we would do everything within our powers to make sure that such occurrence does not repeat itself. The club condemns explicitly the unprofessional conduct of Mr. Jonathan Igwe and believe that the sanctions imposed on the Team Manager will serve as a severe deterrent to the entire management and playing staff of the club. FC Ifeanyi Ubah vows to uphold the statutes and tenets of the beautiful game we love so much.

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Mahrez scores twice as Algeria levels Zimbabwe

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, january 16, 2017, 2016

Sport Idumobu lifts idumuje inter-village football competition trophy

Amoo relishes win against Lobi

Osakhare Erese

dumobu United of Idumuobu Quarters emerged champions in last year’s (2016) Idumuje Unor Inter-Vilalge Football Competition after a highly entertaining final match against Atuma Lions of Atuma Quarters. They beat Atuma Lions by a lone goal. It was a wellexecuted free kick taken by Chiedu Peter Okeleke, one of the revelations of the tournament. The tournament, which kicked off on December 22, was finally decided over the weekend. With the official opening ceremonies fully observed and the Obi of the Idumuje Unior, His Royal Highness, Obi Charles Anyasi III, taking the opening kick to declare the tournament open, Idumobu United took on Imeogbe United in the opening match. In the highly pulsating encounter, Idumobu beat Imeogbe United by two un-replied goals, with Chuks Chima running the show in the midfield with his mesmerizing sublime ball skills. The second match was between Atuma Lions and Ogbeakwu Stars by two goals to nil. The starts of the evening were ChidubeOgwa and Tonna Moemeke, both of Atuma Lions. Both of them remained a pain in the neck for Ogeakwu defenders as they struggled to contain their attacking prowess. In the third match of the tournament, Okwunye Royal Tigers lost by two goals to Idumobu Stars. Incidentally, the Tigers’ claws were not sharp enough. They lost the match, thus putting pressure on them to win their next match, failure of which will knock them out of the tournament. Atuma Lions took on Imeogbe United in the next match. The Lions recorded their second victory of the tournament, thus qualifying for the semi-finals. Imeogbe, on their part, had to wait for the result of the match between Ogbeakwu Stars and Okwunye Royal Tigers to know their fate.

Shooting Stars

hooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) head coach, Fatai Amoo has said he is quite pleased with his side performance against Lobi Stars. The Oluyole Warriors benched the Pride of Benue 2-0 in yesterday’s Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) matchday 1 clash at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Adamasimgba, Ibadan. Afolabi Waheed’s brilliant goal in the 22nd minute and substitute, Sunday Faleye’s 66th goal proved adequate to hand the Ibadan landlords the whole three points at stake in the hard fought clash.

Amoo said his youngsters acquitted themselves handsomely but insisted it is not yet celebration time. “The players gave their very best in the encounter against a difficult side, Lobi Stars winning with two unreplied goals. “However, we cannot say we have arrived or go on wide celebration but I know we will continue to get better as the season progresses. “Lobi Stars are experienced and matured side equally gave good account of themselves, too in the encounter. “I think my players took a good advantage

Mahrez scores twice as Algeria level Zimbabwe

iyad Mahrez scored twice but Algeria had to settle for a 2-2 draw with rank outsiders Zimbabwe as their Africa Cup of Nations campaign got off to a slow start in Franceville yesterday. Newly-crowned African player of the year Mahrez gave Algeria an early lead in the Group B match but Kudakwashe Mahachi quickly equalised and a penalty before the halfhour mark scored by Nyasha Mushekwi had the Warriors in front. In an action-filled encounter Zimbabwe whose build-up to the finals was overshadowed by a row over bonuses were just eight minutes away from claiming a famous victory before Mahrez struck again to secure a share of the spoils.

Riyad Mahrez

of the early chance to score the match opener then got the icing on the cake if not the match would have been difficult for them to finish on high. “We are happy starting our campaign brilliantly we will take it further in subsequent matches,” said the former Sunshine Stars coach to supersport.com. Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) will be the guests of Sunshine Stars in mid-week matchday 2 clash at the Akure Township Stadium

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, january 16, 2017

Page 29

Sport

Zlatan recues Pogba as Manchester United draws Liverpool M

anchester United’s ninematch winning run may have come to an end against Liverpool yesterday but good teams generally find ways to get a result even when all seems lost as Zlatan Ibrahimovic found a saviour just when it appeared that hash tag-hero Paul Pogba was destined to make all the headlines. The 1-1 draw at Old Trafford featured the best and the worst of United. Before half-time they were largely lifeless, one-dimensional and panicky. There was almost no involvement for Ibrahimovic thanks to the misfiring production line behind him, with Pogba chief among those having an off day. Pogba tilted the match in Liverpool’s favour midway through the first half after losing the flight of a right-wing corner, turning his back and eventually throwing his arm up in the path of the ball. There was absolutely no question about Michael Oliver’s decision to point to the spot and James Milner buried the penalty beyond David de Gea.

Zlatan a dab hand again

Akwa United registers 36 players for new football season

Wikki star Ibrahim Alhassan ‘Muazam’ (left) has joined Akwa United

kwa United have registered 36 players including two U18 players for the 2016/17 NPFL season. Twenty of the players were retained from last season’s squad, while 16 new players have been signed from different clubs within and outside the country. Club chairman Paul Bassey expressed optimism that the caliber of players in the team is capable of winning the league. “We did not just signed players but we went for those that are good enough, and don’t forget that we retained a greater percentage of the players from the squad of last season,” Bassey said. “So, we have a solid team in place and again what we have done was to inject quality players in the departments we know we needed to strengthen. We are very happy with the players we have, the team is better than what we had last season and I believe that with this team we can win the league.” Assessing his squad, Coach Abdul Maikaba said he is confident that the team has depth and quality players who are capable of challenging for honours in the new season. “I am satisfied with the quality of players we have in the team. Our preseason programme was wonderful and they are very focused, dedicated and determined to give their best in the new season,” explained Maikaba.

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, january 9, 2017

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE PURPLE MISSION FOUNDATION

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR CHANGE OF IT TRUSTEES UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT OF 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. AUGUSTA NKIRUKA NWOKAFOR- CHAIRPERSON. 2. HENRETTA ISIEMEME EBOFUALE-SECRATARY. 3. FEMI ADEKOYA. 4. TOKUNBOR BABOR EGEREGOR. 5. STELLA NNODI. 6. AISHA TUKUR. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO EMPOWER AND ENHANCE PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTENANCE FOR WOMEN. 2. TO CATER FOR THE INTEREST AND WELL BEING OF MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS CHANGES SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : BARR CHINWE CHIWETE.

PUBLIC NOTICE

OLUWOLE BAMIDELE BANJO FOUNDATION

This is to inform the general public that the above named association has applied for the registration With corporate affairs commission “part c” of the companies and allied matters Act,1990 TRUSTEES ARE: 1.MR.OLUWOLE BAMIDELE BANJO (CHAIRMAN) 2.MRS.ADEPEROSOYE OPEYEMI BANJO 3.MR OMOTAYO BANJO 4.MRS. OLUBUNMI OLUFEMI FAJUYIGBE (GENERAL SECRETARY) 5.MR.JOSPEH OPESANMI ONABANJO 6.MRS.ADETUTU ANIMASHAUN 7.OTUNBA ADEBAYO SAKIRUDEEN OGUNBANJO AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO PROMOTE AND PROVIDE RESOURCES FOR THE BENEFIT HUMANITARIAN WORKS. 2.TO PROMOTE AND SUPPORT POVERTY ALLEVIATION PARTUCLARLY FOR WIDOWS. 3.TO PROMOTE EDUCATION AND SCHOLARSHIP,ASSISTING BRIILLIANT AND INDIGENT STUDENTS. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission,Tigris crescent off A guiyi Ironsi street,maitama Abuja. Signed : NEST ATTORNEYS MAZI OJUKWU OKECHUKWU

GOD’S WAY ASSEMBLY THE BLESSED CHURCH THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. JEREMIAH EDENI 2. TAIYE ELEBIYO EDENI THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. Reaching out the less privilege. 2. Teaching Ministry cooperate developmental training/ strategic outreach. ANY OBJECTIVE TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION NO 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198 MAITAMA DISTRICT ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : Barrister Ejimofor Uchenna Legal Practitioner 08039247923

PUBLIC NOTICE

Network for humanitarian response and sustainable development

PUBLIC NOTICE

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT AND SENSITISATION FORUM

NEW CREATION CITY OUTREACH INTERNATIONAL

THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Adebowale O Adeniyi (Chairman) 2.Ese H. Emore (Secretary) 3.Comfort O. Sobodu. THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. Advocate for effective coordination of humanitarian response in line with sustainable development goals. 2.Advocate for effective policies and programmes towards achieving humanitarian component of the SDGs. 3. Provide a platform to engage stakeholders on issues relating to humanitarian performance management in different phases of emergency. ANY OBJECTIVE TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION NO 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198 MAITAMA DISTRICT ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

GOMBE UNITED WOMEN AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MOHAMMED HABIBA 2. HABU MARY BAMBUR ILIYA 3. MOHAMMED YAKUBU IBN 4. AIRUDIA MAMMAN 5. AKAWU JOSHUA KALVINSIN

- CHAIRMAN - SECRETARY

THE TRUSTEES ARE. (1) PASTOR Aaron Donatus Chinedu.. President (2) Nwaeme Oluoma Peace -Secretary (3) Emeka Samuel Okoye.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.To address the problem of constrain marriage and marriage breakage in our society. 2.To enhance the human rights especially that of women. 3.To help the less privileged children by educating and empowering them. ANY OBJECTIVE TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION NO 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198 MAITAMA DISTRICT ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY

SIGNED : PRESIDENT

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BEST ORIENTED LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT FOR IMPACT NIGERIA INITIATIVE

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mr. Ayanwale Abiodun Akinwumi (Chairman) 2. Rev. Ugwu Festus Uzodinma 3. Mr. Olajide Olugbenga 4. Mr. Ayanwale Oluwafemi John (Secretary) Aims. To address the problems of Youths affected with the issues of society.

SIGNED: Secretary.

OCHIPATTY CARE FOUNDATION

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED foundation HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Ochigbo Ene Patience Priscilla 2. Ochigbo Henry 3. Ochigbo Joseph Aims & Objectives: 1.To help the less privileged which includes the orphans, widows and the disabled in our society. 2. To counsel and train less privileged women, youths and children in the rural and urban areas on skills acquisition and entrepreneurial training. 3. To provide support and access to preventive and curative health services to children who otherwise do not have access. ANY OBJECTION TO THE ABOVE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: secretary.

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. 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, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

Aim & Objective: 1. To give women education to reduce malnutrition in lactating mothers and children.

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT OF 1990.

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE PURPLE MISSION FOUNDATION THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED 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. AUGUSTA NKIRUKA NWOKAFOR- CHAIRPERSON. 2. HENRETTA ISIEMEME EBOFUALE-SECRATARY. 3. FEMI ADEKOYA. 4. TOKUNBOR BABOR EGEREGOR. 5. STELLA NNODI. 6. AISHA TUKUR. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO EMPOWER AND ENHANCE PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTENANCE FOR WOMEN. 2. TO CATER FOR THE INTEREST AND WELL BEING OF MEMBERS. 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 : BARR CHINWE CHIWETE.

PUBLIC NOTICE

AKWAEZE YOUTHS ASSOCIATION

LAWYERS INITIATIVE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS ADVANCEMENT IN NIGERIA

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. HON. ADOLPHUS CHIBUEZE EZEORA 2. MR LIVINUS IFEANYI OBIASOGU 3. MR IFEANYI LINUS NNOLI 4. MR CHUKWUNWIKE SAMUEL OJIAKOR 5. COMRADE HARDY O. JIMBES

PRESIDENT. SECRETARY.

Aims & Objectives: 1. To cater for the welfare of members.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: TO ADVANCE CIVIL RIGHTS, JUSTICE AND PROBITY IN NIGERIA.

SIGNED: Barr Ethelbert Nnoaham.

SIGNED: EDWARD EJEMBI OMAGA, ESQ. 0803372I582

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, january 9, 2017

Some Interesting Facts 1. Right-handed people live, on average, nine years longer than left-handed people do. This is largely due to the fact that a majority of the machines and tools we use on a daily basis are designed for those who are right handed, making them somewhat dangerous for lefties to use and resulting in thousands of accidents and deaths each year. 2. Your ears secrete more earwax when you are afraid than when you aren’t. 3. Koalas and primates are the only animals with unique fingerprints.

Leisure

4. Humans are the only animals to produce emotional tears. 5. The human heart creates enough pressure to squirt blood 30 feet in the air. 6. It is impossible to lick your elbow (busted) 7. A crocodile can’t stick it’s tongue out. 8. A shrimp’s heart is in it’s head. 9. People say “Bless you” when you sneeze because when you sneeze,your heart stops for a mili-second. 10. In a study of 200,000 ostriches over a period of 80 years, no one reported a single case where an ostrich buried its head in the sand. 11.It is physically impossible for pigs to look up into the sky. 12. A pregnant goldfish is called a twit. (busted?) 13. More than 50% of the people in the world have never made or received a telephone call. • Rats and horses can’t vomit.

Say what?

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Just a nice picture

Source Dailymail.com

www.peoplesdailyng.com

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monday, january 16, 2017

QUOTABLE QUOTE

“Senator Ahmed Makarfi and Senator Ali Modu Sheriff have successfully, to our delight, caused a division in the PDP. We are always praying that their power tussle will continue. While I pray for Makarfi to have the upper hand, I am also praying for Sheriff to have the power and ability to sustain the fight, so that we (APC) will be taking their senators one by one.” -Senator Kabir Marafa

SPORTS As Hajj Operation Goes Digital latest

Lookman scores as Everton demolishs City 4-0

Lookman

verton produced a brilliant performance to stun Manchester City and deliver a serious blow to Pep Guardiola’s Premier League title hopes. The Toffees willingly soaked up 71% of City possession but restricted Guardiola’s side to few chances and scored with four of just six attempts at goal. Romelu Lukaku coolly sidefooted in a Kevin Mirallas cut-back and the Belgium internationals combined again after the break, Mirallas drilling Lukaku’s throughball across the keeper. Tom Davies sent Goodison Park into raptures on just his second league start by dinking a third over Claudio Bravo and £11m debutant Ademola Lookman fired between the legs of the keeper in injury time. Goals from the two teenagers left Everton boss Ronald Koeman visibly elated, while Guardiola cut a frustrated figure, remonstrating with the fourth official late on in what is his heaviest ever league defeat as a manager.

Suarez gets brace as Barca beats Las Palmas 5-0

uis Suarez scored twice as FC Barcelona cut Real Madrid’s La Liga lead to two points by thrashing Las Palmas. Suarez turned in an Andre Gomes cut-back for the only goal of the first half, but hosts Barca then scored three quick goals after the break. Lionel Messi tapped in and Suarez then steered a lovely shot into the corner, before Arda Turan made it 4-0. The striker timed his run into the middle perfectly, anticipating that goalkeeper Javi Varas might spill a driven Rafinha cross.

Advert: business: news: lagos:

he revolution brought about by information communication technology has reached the inner room of hajj operation. The religious tourism industry in which hajj belongs can only be enhanced by the integration of technology into service models; this would also improve the services offered to pilgrims. ICT’s impact on hajj cannot be underestimated as it offers new tools and facilitates new distribution channels towards effective hajj services delivery. Hajj agents and Hajj missions now focused on information c o m m u n i c a t i o n technology, expecting direct and task-specific benefits from its use to complete the Hajj requirements and procedures for pilgrims. The introduction of E-track platform by Saudi Hajj Ministry platform has simplified online hajj management. According to Saudi Ministry of Hajj, the E-tracking project is an “electronic system that seeks to achieve a great turnabout in the procedures of the arrival and departure of pilgrims and to follow up the services provided to them during their stay in the Kingdom. This is achieved by linking the Hajj visa of every pilgrim to a package of services consisting of specific elements, such as housing, transportation, and food service, which should be clearly stated and announced via this electronic system, so that the pilgrim can identify these elements in advance before his/her arrival at the Kingdom. In addition, the monitorial authorities will be able to follow up how the services registered in the system match the services that are actually provided.” Currently, the top ten countries with highest numbers of pilgrims are

0806 564 8620 0704 385 9705 0814 292 9046 08074420617

Monday Column Ibrahim Muhammed National Coordinator, Independent Hajj Reporters 08037024356 as follows: Indonesia 168, 000, Pakistan 143, 368, India 136, 020, Bangladesh 101, 758, Nigeria 76, 000, Egypt 63, 000, Iran 61, 000, Turkey 60, 000, Algeria 40, 000 and Morocco with 32, 300 pilgrims. Nigeria occupy the fifth position with 76, 000 pilgrims. Interestingly, other countries within this group have since migrated to e-services; while Nigeria the fifth highest numbers of pilgrims is still struggling to cope. If we are to justify our position above, NAHCON must fast track its process of migrating to e-services to manage its huge numbers of pilgrims through information communication technology oriented services. For example, the proposed unified online pilgrims’ registration portal, electronic wristband, Pilgrims medical biometric database, command and control unit, and the integrated online visa request process. Its proposed partnership with Pakistan hajj authority is a good idea – owing to their record achievements in online hajj management system.

“

The unified online pilgrim’s registration portal will address discrepancies arising from the current mode of registration where each states charges different rates for pilgrims registration form. Remember that India has just launched online pilgrims’ registration portal for all India pilgrims. It will create a click away Nigeria database. The electronic wrist bands have SOS, tracking and a wrist watch facilities in it. It is a desirable device for pilgrims. However, there are peculiar challenges that may hamper the smooth implementation of the above listed e-hajj advancements. About 75% of Nigerian pilgrims came from rural areas. The low literacy level of those 75% and even their understanding of what electronic services is all about may define the success or otherwise. For example, a rural based farmer who wants to access e-track, online registrations or utilize electronic enlightments materials will have to seek the help of those who are computer literate. Because

the applications will provide information and facilitate e-payments for the pilgrimage, which gives a digital push to the Haj application process for the first time. Applying for Haj, enquiry and information, news and updates and e-payment are the main features of the applications”

studies reveal that, in order to create better e-services, they need to be delivered in a multi-lingual, multi platform user-friendly. Therefore, to ensure that pilgrims’ diverse needs are met, e-hajj systems must be developed and modified based on Nigerian peculiar needs. Recently, Hajj committee of India launched an online registration platform and developed mobile handset applications towards streamlining services for its pilgrims. According to India Minister of State for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi “the applications will provide information and facilitate e-payments for the pilgrimage, which gives a digital push to the Haj application process for the first time. Applying for Haj, enquiry and information, news and updates and e-payment are the main features of the applications” Therefore, to ensure that the pilgrims’ diverse needs are met, Nahcon needs to collaborate with State Muslims Pilgrims Boards and agencies to create a multi- task platform that will incorporate the states pilgrims’ boards’ activities. Nigeria as the fifth countries with largest numbers of pilgrims cannot affords to be left behinds in e-hajj services.

DAN GAYE

50 companies bid for NNPC boat supply contract – News

I am sure it’s very lucrative.

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