Friday, December 16, 2016 Edition

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Friday, December 16, 2016/ Rabi’u Awwal 16, 1438 AH

976 Days after The nation awaits rescue of the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls

. . . putting the people first

2017 budget, N/East, N/Delta rehabilitation to gulp N110bn

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Vol. 24 No. 95 N150

FG to Nigerians: Don’t blame us for your suffering page 5

Magu can’t head EFCC, Senate tells Buhari pAGE 16

page 5

Cites security reasons

President Muhammadu Buhari with Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, Minister of Defence Monsur Dan Ali, Chief of Naval Staff Rear Admiral Ibot-Ete Ibas and Minister of Transport Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi as he attends Programme of the Unveiling of Nigerian Naval Ships- NNS Unity and NNS Karaduwa at the Naval Dockyard Victoria Island in Lagos.

IDPs contract scam: Senate tenders documentary evidence against SGF, Babachir pAGE 3

Reps query BPE, ADC over sale of transmission company pAGE 3

Court jails banker over N8bn CBN currency scam >> pg 3

pAGE 4

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, DECEMber 16, 2016

PAGE 2

News CONTENTS News 2-10 Editorial 111 Op.Ed 13 Letters 14 Politics 15-18 Business

Environment Minister, Amina Mohammed emerges UN Dep. Secretary-General

I

ncoming UN SecretaryGeneral António Guterres on Thursday announced Amina Mohammed as his Deputy Secretary-General.

Mr. Guterres made the announcement through the spokesman of the SecretaryGeneral, Stephane Dujarric.

Ms. Mohammed, Nigeria’s

current Minister of Environment, was former UN Under-SecretaryGeneral to outgoing UN SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon on the 2030 Agenda for Development.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the secretarygeneral-designate also announced the appointment of two other women into top UN positions.

NAN reports that Mr. Guterres had hinted on Monday after he took the oath of office that gender parity would be top on his agenda as the UN scribe.

The UN chief, who succeeds outgoing secretary-general Ban, will assume office on January 1, 2017, for the next five years.

19-22

Stockwatch

23

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

No going back on terror, corruption war -Buhari Pgae 3

Metro

31

Int’l 39 S/World

39

Digest 40 Sports 41 Columnist 48

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Phones for News: 08142929046 08024432099

• L-R: Chief of Army Staff Lt General Tukur Buratai, decorating the Acting Director of Army Public Relations Sani Kukasheka Usman with his new rank of Brigadier General and his wife Hajiya Hadiza SK Usman, at the ceremony in Abuja.

Buratai, Alhassan, others to receive special awards

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

T

he Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt General T.Y. Buratai alongside other prominent Nigerians have been nominated as recipients of the North-East Star Magazine Person of the year 2016 award.

Other eminent Nigerians to receive the North-East Star Magazine award on December 17, 2016 at a ceremony in Maiduguri, the capital of Bornu State, include Senator Aisha Jummai Alhassan, as Best Politician of the Year; Biyasna Hauwa Esthon, as Entrepreneur of the Year; Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim; and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Engr. David Lawan Babachir.

The Editor-in-Chief and Publisher, Northeast Star Magazine, Dr. Abubakar M. Sani who disclosed this in a statement yesterday, said that Buratai was finally nominated, following a highly competitive process, adding, “It will be important to mention that out of the six persons nominated for this prestigious award, the COAS was the only individual that was able to meet all the requirements: His ability to crush Boko Haram terrorists group and bring peace to the region; his incorruptibility and fiscal discipline; his fairness and above all, the ability to remain apolitical and keep to global best practices are some of the reasons why he was selected.

“The first Nobel Laureate of Afrca will grace the award ceremony as guest speaker, while retired General Theophilus Y. Danjuma will be Special Guest of Honour. The Bornu State Governor, Kashim Shettima is expected to serve as Chief Host, while Prof. K.A Dikwa will be the chairman.”

Mega party: PDP will not change its name — Gana

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he Ahmed Makarfi-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not change its registered name for a mega party, former minister, Jerry Gana, has said.

Mr. Gana, who chairs the PDP Strategic Review and Inter-party Affairs Committee, made statement on Thursday in Abuja in an interview with journalists during a meeting of the committee.

Asked for his comment on the recommendations of the committee on the issue of mega party, Mr. Gana said the party’s relationship with other political parties would be based on principle and cleared guidelines.

He said: “on the progress of the al-

liance, I will not like to give details of what is being recommended, but the PDP is desirous of attracting all lovers of democracy across the country as we move forward.

“There are details I cannot divulge at the moment because the committee’s recommendations will be passed on to the party leadership. It will not be wise to disclose the details before we submit the report.

“On the issue of mega party, we are not yet aware of PDP involvement, but all we can say is that the party wants to relate with lovers of democracy in all the parties.

“We have a syndicate committee working on this chaired by former Dep-

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

uty Senate President, Ibrahim Mantu.

“They are to give us the guidelines for any re-alignment plan and the number of parties that are willing to join us.

“Our engagement will be based on principle and cleared guidelines.

“PDP is the only party that can be found in every ward, it is the only party that has not changed its name, and we are not going to change the name of our party.’’

Mr. Gana said the committee, which was broken into 11 syndicates, would come up with recommendations that would help to re-position and strengthen the party.

He called on lovers of democracy in the country to rise up against what he

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

described as “degeneration of democratic and electoral process gained during PDP administration”.

“Democracy in Nigeria is under threat and we must rise and defend democracy, because that is the best form of government for humanity now.

“This is not the age for military rule or autocracy.

“In democracy, there must be freedom of voters to choose freely, peacefully, in a free and fair election that is credible,’’ he said.

He said the PDP condemned in strong terms the current degeneration of electoral process with violence being brought into political arena as witnessed in Rivers.

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

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, DECEMber 16, 2016

PAGE 3

News

Ag News Editor, Ese Awhotu

Court jails banker over N8bn CBN currency scam

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ustice Emmanuel Ayo Nathaniel of the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Wednesday, convicted and sentenced

Tope Akintade, a former staff of Ecobank, Ibadan branch, to two and half years imprisonment on each of the three counts of stealing and

conspiracy pressed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Mr. Akintade was convicted for his

complicity in the infamous N8 billion CBN currency mutilation scam.

The convict is also to forfeit a Shopping Plaza and another property

• L-R: Minister of state, Ministry of Petroleum Resource, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe kachikwu; Managing Director, Oando PLC, Mr. Wale Tinubu and Group Managing Director, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), , Dr. Maikanti Baru, during NNPC Joint Venture (JV) Cash Call Exit Agreement Signing with Oil Companies in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

located in Ibadan, allegedly acquired with proceeds of crime.

One of the counts that sent Mr. Akintade to prison reads: “That you, Tope Akintade between 2010 and May 2011 in Ibadan within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspire with Kolawole Babalola, Olaniran Muniru Adeola, Toogun Kayode Phillips and John Paul to convert the sum of N490,000,000.00 million (Four Hundred and Ninety Million Naira) only which sum was illegally derived from Central Bank of Nigeria, to wit: by inducing the central Bank of Nigeria to deliver the said sum to EcoBank Plc as against the actual sum of N79,789,900.00million (Seventy Nine Million, Seven Hundred and Eighty Nine Thousand, Nine Hundred Naira) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 17 (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2004 and punishable under Section 14 (1) (a) of the same Act.” In the course of prosecution, one of the defendants, Ademola Oni, a former staff of Wema Bank opted for plea bargain and was consequently sentenced to 12 years by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

Premium Times reports that the trial of other defendants in the matter continues February 13, 2017.

Help solve Nigeria’s problems, Gov. Ishaku charges NYSC members

By Albert Akota

A

s the economic situation in the country bites harder, Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku of Taraba State says government is looking up to NYSC members to bring their ingenuity to bear in solving the myriads of problems that have bedeviled the nation in recent times.

Gov. Ishaku who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Anthony Jallason during the closing ceremony of the BATCH ‘B’ orientation course in Jalingo on Wednesday noted that the task of national development is tortuous, hectic but fulfilling one.

“Therefore, at this point in our national history, our nation is looking up you to bring to bear your ingenuity in the solution of numerous problems that have bedeviled us as a people. As part of a highly skilled and exposed group of our population, our people expect more from you in the task of Nation Building and Development,’’ he said The State governor who during the camping directed that the orientation camp be connected to the National grid said that Nigeria is at the crossroads as the economic situation bites harder and government resources are also growing leaner. ‘’It is therefore incumbent upon you, as the most vibrant and educated Nigerian Youths, to display the greatest level of patriotism to the good people of Taraba state.

”I have been reliably informed of your patriotism, discipline, commitment and sense of duty within the period of this programme. I urge you to continue in the same stead as you move into the nooks and crannies of Taraba state for your primary assignment.

Gov. Ishaku noted that their compatriots and predecessors left giant footprints in the sands of

this state in education, medicine, agriculture, engineering even as he challenged the NYSC Corps members surpass their achievements and write your names in gold. ‘’On our part as a government, we will continue to do our best to support and encourage you in your endeavors within the limits of available resources.

Speaking earlier, the State

coordinator of NYSC, Mr. Emmanuel Attah thanked the governor daughter who lives in United States of America for directing the building of eight executive toilets in the orientation camp as part of her contribution towards easing the challenges in the camp.

While urging the corps members on the need to understand and respect the socio-cultural lifestyles of

the people, warned on the dangers of making unauthorized journeys. ‘’Ensure that you seek permission and get authorization from the appropriate authority before embarking on any journey. We do not want to lose you through any senseless and unnecessary journey.

Anyone who breaks this rule will be sanctioned accordingly.

Sign post advertising: DOAS hands off payment collection

By Paul Efiong

T

he Department of Outdoor Advertising and Signage, DOAS no longer collects any payment in respect of sign post advertising.

The collection of sign post advertising payment now rest squarely with the Abuja Municipal Area Council.

The general public has consequently been warned that, “Any signpost advertiser, practitioner group or individual within Abuja Municipal Area Council who pays his/her signpost advertising fees, levies etc, to any other organisation, group or individual other than

AMAC recognized agent does so at their risk and to their detriment as AMAC shall not be liable to any such illegal payment.”

This was contained in a warning notice made available to the Peoples Daily yesterday.

AMAC said that, “ It is illegal for any advertiser, group or individual to erect, construct, enlarge or modify a signpost advert structure or signage without FIRST being registered with AMAC. “Owners and operators of existing structures SHALL complete and submit such prescribed application form to AMAC through its agent and apply for the relevant permit in line with the regulatory laws.”

The Council warned stakeholders and members of the public to comply with these guidelines as any group or individual caught violating these rules and regulations shall face the full wrath of the law.

It said that law enforcement agents have been put on alert to arrest and prosecute any defaulter or miscreant who sabotages the Area Council’s efforts aimed at sanitizing the municipality.

It also said that the Abuja Municipal Area Council is statutorily responsible for the collection of rates on signpost (first party) a core function of local governments in Nigeria as stated in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

AMAC said the guidelines include; “Every Signpost structure owned by corporate entity must be registered with AMAC designated agent by its owner. Such owner shall provide his/her registration number and reference code with an application for a permit. No structure shall be erected without its registration code being dully sealed or mounted on it.

“All signpost (firstparty) advertisements within Abuja Municipal Area Council are to pay the fees, levies to YEBANNIE FAIR RISE NIGERIA LIMITED with effect from 1st October, 2016 and not DOAS (Department of Outdoor Advertisement and signage).”

Army decorates spokesman, Usman as Brigadier-General

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he spokesman of the Nigeria Army, Sani Usman, has, been decorated with his new rank of Brigadier-General.

Mr. Usman was decorated by the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai.

Mr. Usman was among the officers promoted last week by the Army.

The Chief of Army Staff, Mr. Buratai, said 227 senior officers had been promoted to their next ranks.

Of the number, 21 were promoted

from the rank of Brigadier General to Major General; while 93 of them were elevated from the rank of Colonel to Brigadier General.

PAGE 4

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, DECEMber 16, 2016

News

Reps query BPE, ADC over sale of transmission company

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T

he House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee Investigation the sale of Power Assets has queried the Bureau of Public Enterprises BPE and Abuja Distribution Company over the sale of Transmission Company of Nigeria TCN among other power assets.

Chairman of the committee, Rep Ahmed Idris (APC Plateau), requested from the DirectorGeneral of the BPE and Abuja Disco documents on the value of the assets of the TCN and other power stations sold by the agency.

Rep Idris told the DG’s

representative Mr Amechi Aloke a Deputy Director in the agency that the memorandum it submitted showed that the TCN assets were undervalued prior to its sale.

The lawmakers also queried why a foreign owned company Manitoba Hydro-Electric International Co Ltd was awarded the management contract of TCN against its Nigerian subsidiary Manitoba Hydro-Electric Nigeria Ltd. However the BPE said that there was a public advertisement that called for expression of interest before the prequalification of the company as the preferred bidder.

He told the Committee that Manitoba International Company Ltd of Canada became their preferred bidder after the pre- qualification and bidding of four companies that was done transparently.

The government agency also hinted that the whole essence of the bidding process was to get the lowest bidding contractor with the requisite expertise to take over and manage the power station .

The Chairman and other Committee members expressed dissatisfaction with the documents submitted to it by the agencies invited had requested for the letter of no objection from the

other companies that participated in the bidding of the TCN power assets before the sale.

The Committee Chairman who quoted section 87 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria said that the House has powers to cause investigation into any matter, person or authority in which the National Assembly has powers to make laws for the purposes of good gorvanance of the federation or any part thereof.

He added that House resolution on the ongoing investigation into the sale of power assets by the BPE was to represent the interest of the over 170 million Nigerian citizens.

Governor of Nasarawa state, Umaru Tanko Almakura, presenting the 2017 Budget before the Members of Nasarawa state House Assembly, yesterday in Lafia.

FG launches own information portal, APP

By Umar Muhammad Puma

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he Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, on Thursday in Abuja formally launched the Federal Government of Nigeria Information APP (FGN IAPP), saying the Federal Government will not allow the media space to be dominated by those who are daily working to discredit it (the government) and obfuscate its achievements.

“We realized early on that in order to get undiluted and factual information directly to the people, we will have to do things differently. This is because those who are opposed to this Administration’s Change Agenda, including the corrupt elements in our society who have chosen to fight the government with their illgotten wealth, have taken it upon themselves to distort our messages and obfuscate our activities to give the impression that the government is not doing anything.

He said in addition to using the conventional and the Social Media, the government has introduced the Town Hall Meeting that has so far been held in Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, Enugu, Uyo and Abuja and provided a platform for Cabinet Ministers to interact directly with a cross section of Nigerians in a noholds-barred session.

“Honourable Ministers, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, we must not allow those the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti referred to as ‘’Opposite People’’ to stifle the progress that this Administration has made. We must not leave the public space for naysayers,’’ Alhaji Mohammed said.

He said contrary to its portrayal in certain circles, the Federal Government is making sure and steady progress.

He said the Information APP will bring about a paradigm shift in the way the government communicates with the citizens by ensuring that authentic and

real-time information is delivered directly to them, irrespective of their location.

“Our latest effort in the quest to provide authentic and timely information to Nigerians is the App we are launching today.

“Irrespective of where you are in the world, from today all you need to do is to download the FGN IAPP, and you will have access to factual and real time information on the activities of the Federal Government of Nigeria,’’ Alhaji Mohammed said.

He listed the value-added services contained in the App as including the Tender Journal that is published twice a month to announce available government contracts, the ‘’BE INSPIRED’’ Section which makes it possible for any Nigerian, irrespective of his status, age or academic background, to meet top political, business, religious and other leaders and the access to genuine government job vacancies The Minister said the App

also has a Feedback Section that allows anyone so interested to make his or her feelings known about any government policy or programmes.

He enjoined Nigerians both at home and abroad to take advantage of the App and be better informed about the happenings in the government instead of being fed with falsehood and misinformation.

He said the Federal Government will never succumb to the antics of Internet trolls, hack writers and pseudo analysts/ experts who work daily to fool unsuspecting Nigerians.

The APP Developer, Mr. Olawale Wale-Falope, said the APP is a one-stop shop where Nigerians can get authentic information on all the three arms of government in real-time.

He said there is too much falsehood about Nigeria and that it’s time for the country to speak out so that the world does not judge it based on a one-sided story.

We’ve received N10.5bn Paris Club refund, says Plateau govt

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he Plateau House of Assembly, PLHA, on Wednesday confirmed that the state government had received more than N10.5 billion as part payment of excess deduction the Federal Government made from the state’s account from the Paris Club refund.

Its Standing Committee on Finance stated this in its reports at its plenary when clarifying the status of money collected by the state.

The House had on December 8 mandated the committee to investigate and report back on how much the state received from the Paris Club as payment from over deduction.

NAN also reports that rumours making the rounds in some social and print media which alleged that the state had received N75billion from the Paris Club necessitated the directive to the committee by the House.

Presenting the report, the chairman of the committee, Amos Kumtul, said the state received N10.497 billion and not N75 billion as being purported.

“From our investigations, we realised that the state received exactly the sum of N10.497 billion and not N75 billion as reported by some print and social media.

“This is a part payment of the over-deduction from the state and the local government joint accounts since 1999.

“The money will be shared between state and local governments, with state taking 60 per cent while local governments will take 40 per cent,” he said.

Mr. Kumtul also explained that 50 per cent of the money would go into payment of outstanding salaries, gratuities and pensions.

The remaining 50 per cent would be channel into other government’s spending, he said.

After the presentation, the Speaker of the Assembly, Peter Azi, appealed to the residents and journalists in the state to always confirm their information with the relevant government agencies before making such public.

(NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, DECEMber 16, 2016

PAGE 5

News Magu can’t head EFCC, senate tells Buhari *Cites security reasons

By Christiana Ekpa

S

enate yesterday rejected the nomination of the Acting Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu as Senate leader Ali Ndume and Senetor Dino Melayr exchange words over the matter Our correspondent report that, Magu rejection may have followed D S S damning allegation against him, warning the senate against his confirmation.

The Senate Spokesman, Aliyu Abdullahai Sabi who briefed news men after a closed door meeting for two hours, said the Senate rejected the nomination of Magu based on Security report before it.

“The Senate of the Federal

Republic of Nigeria wishes to inform the general public that based on security reports available to the Senate, the Senate cannot proceed and confirm the nomination of Ibrahim Magu Mustapha as the Executive Chairman of EFCC” “Accordingly, the Senate hereby rejects the said nomination and has returned the said nomination to Mr President for further action” “There’s no confusion here, we have said it’s based on security reports. Please, all of us public officers go for security screening” “Everybody was, we are all screened based on security reports. We cannot proceed and confirm and we are rejecting it and returning it back to Mr President

for further actions, that’s just the statement. It’s as simple as that.

That’s exactly what the Senate has said and I don’t have any other explanation more than this” Ndume, and Melaye came close to exchanging punches, This followed an argument between Ndume and Melaye over the confirmation of the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu.

While Ndume is in support of the confirmation of Magu, Melaye is vehemently opposing it.

The senators had their altercation in the office of the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, but it spilled over to the entrance of the Senate chamber.

Ndume and Magu are both from Borno State.

Magu, who had arrived at the National Assembly, and stayed in the office of the Senior Special Assistant on National Assembly Matters (Senate) Senator Etta Ennang and letter taken to the senate Chamber.

It is on record that Senate on December 8th postponed scheduled screening and confirmation of Magu to December 14 Which it said, the hearing confirmation was stopped due to demand by many Senators who were not around but wanted be part of the screening excercise.

The Deputy Leader of the Senate, Bala Ibn’Nal’Allah who addressed news men, said the Acting Chairman of EFCC

confirmation hearing was postponed due to request from some Senators.

Na’Allah said,”Let me correct it. In fact it was listed and removed. The senate is normally guided by the time frame of the work.

“We agreed that today will be the confirmation hearing of the EFCC Acting Chairman Ibrahim Magu but yesterday we received a lot of calls from senators who are away and who believed that they want to participate and that it is unfair for us to fix today when we know they are not around. When we look at the demands and number we felt it would be wrong for us to proceed disregarding those calls. Then we said let us put it against Tuesday” he said

L-R: Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum(NGF)/ Zamfara State Governor, Alhaji Abdul’aziz Yari, Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari and Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; during the NGF Meeting on Wednesday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

FG to Nigerians: Don’t blame us for your suffering

By Lawrence Olaoye The Federal Government has absolved itself from the ongoing economic recession heralding mass suffering in the land.

Briefing State House Correspondents after the monthly National Economic Council (NEC) meeting chaired by the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, yesterday, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, while responding to a question bordering on widespread sufferings in the land, said the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration was actually on a rescue mission.

According to him, the government has resolved to develop an economic recovery and growth plan aimed at revamping the battered economic situation.

Udoma said “We did not and are not responsible for the current economic situation we find ourselves. We are actually a rescue team; a team working on rescuing Nigeria from the position we find ourselves in.

“Under President Muhammadu Buhari, we are determined to take Nigeria out of the

situation. The situation started long before we came.

“As you know, oil price started falling from 2014 when it was about $110 and by January this year, it was below $30. Unfortunately, they did not save.

None of us here now were there but we are not going to spend our time looking backwards. We are determined to change things in this country; we are determined to take Nigeria from a consuming nation to a producing nation. That is why we are developing the economy recovery and growth plan and that is our focus. We are committed to success.”

Corroborating the minister, Kaduna state governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufa’i, who was also part of the team mandated to brief the press’s after the NEC meeting, said “When people say that this administration has impoverished them, they are not being charitable because I have said we inherited a governmental structure that was based on the assumption that price of oil will remain $100 per barrel.

“By the time we took over, prices reduced to as low as $26 per barrel. 80% of

government revenue depends on the price of oil and the quantity of oil sold.

“You must expect a cut in your consumption if the price collapses. If in your own household, your salary is slashed by 80%, what will you do?

“This is what Nigeria is going through.

Our revenues have collapsed by about 40% to 60% if you compare it to say 2014.

“This collapse happened because there is a reduction in price of oil. Secondly, we were producing over two million barrels of oil per day but because of the situation in the Niger Delta, we are now producing about 1.1million barrels per day.

“It is therefore inevitable that there will be cut and pain. But to say that it is government that is doing it without referring to the cause is not fair.

“When I left government as minister in 2007, we left $40bn in reserves and $27bn in the Excess Crude Account, that was what we handed over to Yar’Adua.

Coming back as the governor of Kaduna State, the people that came after us have blown the money. They blew all we left behind, blew what they earned and

borrowed, leaving President Buhari and his team to clear the mess. Nobody is even talking about that.”

The Kaduna state governor also hinted that the Nigeria Governors’ Forum has resolved to wade into the Niger Delta crisis in order to stabilize the volume of crude production in the country.

He said “Governors also raised concerns on the Niger Delta situation. You know we budgeted that we will be producing 2.2million barrels of oil per day. At a point, oil production collapsed to one million barrels per day.

“This has significantly affected the nation’s revenue and the largest hit were the Niger Delta states that get the bulk of their revenue from the nation because the less they produced, the less they have.

The Vice-President told us that the Federal Government is willing and will work with the Nigeria Governors Forum to ensure that the problem is solved. The governors have essentially opened another platform of committee of governors to wade into this matter and use the knowledge of local intelligence to help.”

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, DECEMber 16, 2016

PAGE 6

News

FG to spend N213bn on rail modernisation

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he Federal Government has earmarked N213 billion to fast-track the modernisation of the country’s rail system in the 2017 fiscal year.

President Muhammadu Buhari made this known while presenting 2017 budget estimates before the joint session of the National Assembly.

He said the amount would represent the counterpart funding for the Lagos-Kano, CalabarLagos, Ajaokuta-Itakpe- Warri railway, and Kaduna-Abuja

railway projects.

“Efforts to fast-track the modernization of our railway system will receive further boost through the allocation of N213.14 billion as counterpart funding for the Lagos-Kano, Calabar-Lagos, Ajaokuta-Itakpe-Warri railway, and Kaduna-Abuja railway projects.“As I mentioned earlier, in 2016, we invested a lot of time ensuring the paper work is done properly while negotiating the best deal for Nigeria.

“I must admit this took longer

than expected, but I am optimistic that these projects will commence in 2017 for all to see.”

The President further disclosed that N50 billoin had been set aside as Federal Government’s contribution for the expansion of existing, as well as the development of new, Export Processing and Special Economic Zones.

He said: “These will be developed in partnership with the private sector as we continue our efforts to promote and protect

Nigerian businesses.

“Furthermore, as the benefits of agriculture and mining are starting to become visible, I have instructed that the Export Expansion Grant be revived in the form of tax credits to companies.”

According to him, this will further enhance the development of some agriculture and mining sector thereby bringing in more investments and creating more jobs, saying that N20 billion has been voted for the revival of this programme.

The President stated that N15 billion had been provided for the recapitalization of the Bank of Industry and the Bank of Agriculture to address the difficulties being faced by small and medium scale businesses in accessing longer term and more affordable credit.

He said, in addition, the Development Bank of Nigeria would soon start operations with 1.3 billion dollars focused exclusively on small and mediumsized enterprises.(NAN)

Salary: Kwara govt releases N892m to state tertiary institutions L-R: Chairman, Chillas Portakabin, Mr. Kefas Ropsnik, Chairman of APC in Plateau, Mr. Letep Dabang; Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau; and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. John Dafan, during the inauguration of Chillas Porakabin, yesterday in Jos. Photo: NAN

By Ese Awhotu

T

he Nigerian Association of Agric Products Dealers has called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on food security in the country.

The Secretary General of the association, Honourable, Chikezie Kingsley who made the call while speaking with newsmen in Abuja said such a measure would arrest the smuggling of food products across the border.

According to him, the measure should be multi-sectoral involving all stakeholders ranging from transporters to haulage operators,

Food security: Declare state of emergency, agric dealers tell FG farmers, security agencies and parastatals in the ministry of interior.

He stressed that export of agricultural products in the country should follow the right channel so that government would benefit from the proceeds of agricultural activities.

He recalled that the clergyman, Reverend Father Mbaka had told the Federal government that

mortuaries in the country were full because Nigerians were dying of hunger and as such stressed the need to check smuggling of food out of the country.

Chikezie observed that the price of foodstuff was high in the country because of the overemphasis being placed on the dollar. He said prices of foodstuff were escalating because a change in the value of the dollar has an effect on prices of

commodities in the country.

Towards enhancing food production in the country he said there is the need for government to reduce interest rates to the barest minimum. Chikezie while commending government for setting up grains silos as a measure of subsidizing agriculture observed that such efforts were being sabotaged by corrupt government officials

Okorocha expresses worry over the outburst against Biafra From Gambo Ahmed, Lafia

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overnor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has expressed worry over the outburst against Biafra when there are similar agitation groups in other parts of the country.

Rochas, made assertion at the emir’s palace in Lafia when he paid a condolences visit to the Emir of Lafia Alh. Agwai ll who lost his wife recently.

Responding to questions filed by journalists, he said that Biafra

is not the only agitating groups in Nigeria at the moment but wondered why Biafra issue is been handled differently.

According to him, “Biafra is an agitating group just like you have the Ogbesu, Afeniferi, the Niger delta, the Arewa and others in the country. I don’t know why the Biafra is taken a different dimension when it not different from the one in other regions.”

“We need to appeal to them just as we are doing to others. We are appealing to them that Nigeria

will be better again and that they should exercise patience”.

He further explained that the Igbo are more Nigerian who believe in the unity of this country than any tribe because there is no community where you will not find them contributing both to the economy and politics.

The APC Governors Forum chairman also hinted that governors are expected to use the Paris Club remittance recently paid to states to settle all areas of workers as directed by President

Buhari.

Rochas, however, said the governors have the leeway to spend the money on other projects other than workers welfare.

The Imo state governor while consoling the emir urged the royal father and the entire family to take the demise of the death of the wife as an act of God and prayed God to grant the diseased an eternal rest.

The emir thanked the governor for the gesture and prayed for safe journey for all his entourage.

K

wara State Governor,, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed has approved the release of N892, 482, 648.38 to the stateowned tertiary institutions to clear the backlog of salary arrears owed their staff.

This follows the release of N1billion by the state government to the sixteen local government councils in the state to augment their allocation for the payment of November 2016 salaries and pensions.

The State Commissioner for Finance,, Alhaji Demola Banu, who disclosed this in a statement in Ilorin on Wednesday, noted that the approved fund is part of the N5billion received by the state government from the Federal Government as its share of the London and Paris Club loan refunds.

Banu added that the funds will be disbursed to the institutions in monthly installments, stressing that the money is in addition to the current monthly subvention received by the colleges.

The beneficiary institutions include the Kwara State Colleges of Education in Oro, Ilorin and Lafiagi; College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies (CAILS), Ilorin and the Kwara State School of Nursing, Oke-Ode. Banu expressed optimism that with the release of the funds, the affected institutions will be able to clear all the backlog of arrears owed their workers, adding that the colleges will also be able to ensure regular payment of their current salaries.

The Finance Commissioner stated that the State government is working hard with the management of the colleges to find a lasting solution to the salary crisis affecting the schools, while also stressing that the government is committed to ensuring that the salary crisis at the local government level is resolved soon.

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, DECEMber 16, 2016

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L-R: President, Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, Sheriff Balogun, Son of Governor of Kaduna State, Master Mustapha El-Rufai, U.S Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Stuart Syminigton and Gov, Nasir ElRufai of Kaduna State, during the visit of US Ambassador to the Government House, yesterday in Kaduna.

From Yakubu Minna.

Mustapha,

N

o fewer than four (4) persons were killed as cattle rustlers invaded Gbaka village in the Shiroro local government area of Niger state, making the fourth time in a month.

It was reliably gathered that 700 cows and unspecified number of goats and sheep were rustled by the invaders.

It was gathered that some of the injured were said to be having gunshot wounds while others had deep cuts a result of machete attack.

Consequently, scores of rustlers arrived the village at about 6pm and started shooting sporadically to scare away the villagers.

Again, cattle rustlers kill 4 in Niger According to a source closed to the villagers, “It was in this process that four of our people were killed and others injured and we are still searching for some of our people that ran Into the bush”.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer DSP Bala Elkana confirmed the story but said “ we have not received report of any death”.

Elkana also said that no arrest had been made but added that

“ we are after these people, the special anti rustling squad has been mobilized to the area”.

In the last three weeks, about 12 people have been killed by suspected cattle rustlers in the local government area alone while over 1300 cattle were rustled in the process.

The police have been able to arrest four suspects in connection with the previous incidents and recovered 400 cattle.

Bothered by the escalating cases of cattle rustling in the state the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris also deployed surveillance helicopter to the state.

The State Police Command moved the command headquarters to the troubled zone with 300 armed policemen and this paid off with the arrest of 12 suspects and a number of cows.

Man bags 14 years, N2m fine for raping 8-year-old girl

A

Federal High Court in Kano, Tuesday sentenced a 46 years old paedophile, Salisu Abdullahi, to 14 years in prison for raping an eight-yearold girl.

The convict, who appeared before the court on allegation of unlawfully having sexual intercourse with the minor (name withheld), was also ordered to pay a fine of N2million.

The court presided over by Justice J. Omotosho said it was convinced beyond reasonable doubt that Mr. Abdullahi carried out the act and therefore convicted him.

The National Agency for the Prohibition in Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, had arraigned the convict on a one count charge of illicit sex with a minor.

The agency said Mr. Abdullahi’s action contravened the provision of section 16 of NAPTIP Enforcement and Administration Act. The counsel to the convict, Jamilu Ahmed, however appealed to the court to temper justice with mercy, saying he was married with children and has an aged mother, all of whom depend on him.

He further pleaded that Mr. Abdullahi was remorseful and was “a first time offender who had been in custody for close to one year”.

According to Premium Times, delivering his judgment, Mr. Omotosho sentenced the convict to 14 years imprisonment and also ordered him to pay a fine of N2 million.

Forceful eviction by police: Tenants seek El Rufai’s intervention From Femi Oyelola, kaduna

T

he families of the tenants OF former Hawad International School premises located at No. 1 Gwari Avenue, Barnawa G.R.A, Kaduna has called on kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El Rufai to intervene and save them from the injustice been melted on them by one Amina Aminu who claimed to be heir of the late owner of the property late Margaret Hawah Michael.

The spokesperson of the tenants, Mr. Reuben Shaibu made the plea while speaking to the media in kaduna yesterday.

According to Mr. Reuben Shaibu, in what seems like a Hollywood movies, men of the

Kaduna State Police Command stormed the premises and forcefully evicted the tenants and threw their properties on the street.

He added that the policemen who arrived at the premises, asked every tenant to move out of their rooms, because they have an order from the Rent Tribunal to evict them immediately.

He added that all the plea by the families of the nine tenants including their children and their wives fell on deaf ears.

“We have never been served with any notice to appear before any court and we have been paying our rent to the law firm; of J.B Daudu & Co. because of a letter dated 9th October, 2014 titled ‘NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF

THE FIRM OF J.B DAUDU & CO. AS THE SOLICITORS OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT NO. 1 GWARI AVENUE, BARNAWA KADUNA which stated: “you are hereby informed that henceforth all rents and incidental transactions shall be handled by the firm of J.B Daudu & Co. consequently, you are therefore required to come to our office within 7 days of this letter on you (either personally or by pasting) to show with proof, payment of rent and evidence of the term/ tenure of your tenancy.

“The above statement was supported by a letter dated 19 th July, 2016 by legal representative of Margaret Hawah Michael family, Mr. Paul Micheal which also confirmed that the estate of

Late Margaret Hawah Michael located at No. 1 Gwari Avenue, Barnawa G.R.A, Kaduna is a family property and we have handed it over to our lawyer J.B Daudu.

“Some of us have paid up to 2017 rents to the said solicitor of the property. “We were surprised when one Amina came and declared herself as the heir of the property and is the same Amina that came with policemen to throw our properties on the street. “ The firm of J.B Dauda claimed not to be aware of any litigation and promised to come to our rescue. But before then we are calling on the state governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the commissioner of police and the

Attorney General of Kaduna State to intervene to see that justice is done and we are save from this intimidation, because more than twenty five of children are currently sleeping on the street under the harsh weather as a result of the Amina and her collaborator; the policemen”, he said.

The said heir, Amina Aminu said she will use all her connection to ensure that the evicted tenants remains on the street or move away from her mother’s property.

However, a source close to the firm of J.B Dauda & Co said all steps are being taken to salvage the situation but before then all the tenants will have to be on the street as their premises is under lock.

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Niger spends Former president’s daughter ‘shot dead’ by husband N3bn on schools rehabilitation

V

From Yakubu Minna.

Mustapha,

T

he Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has been commended over the rehabilitation of nine (9) secondary schools at the sum of about N3 billion in the three senatorial zones of the state.

The encomium is coming on the heels of the ongoing ‘Whole School Rehabilitation Project’ and some upgrading been carried out by various contractors in the three science schools, girls colleges, secondary and commercial schools.

Some of the principals, PTA officials, teachers, students and traditional rulers who spoke with our reporter during his visit to the benefiting schools unanimously expressed satisfaction and happiness over the projects which they described as the “first of its kind in the history of the Niger state to witness a total rehabilitation of a school”.

According to the state Commissioner of Education, Hajiya Fatima Madugu listed the benefitting schools undergoing total rehabilitation to include; Government Girls Secondary School Bida, Idris Legbo Science College Kutigi, Government Day Secondary School Baro from Zone A. While Maryam Babangida Girls Science College Minna, Government Science College Izom, in Zone B Meanwhile in Zone C we have Government Girls College Kontagora, Government Secondary School Rijau, Government Girls College Tegina, and Mu’azu Ibrahim Commercial Secondary School Kontagora that will cost about N3 billion.

The school principals appreciated the state government gesture and for selecting their schools, shared almost same challenges of lack of teachers in the core subjects like English language, biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics and Religious studies for moral upbringing of children.

The Principal of Kutigi Science College, Mallam Saba Katu Mohammed and his counterpart Mallam Bala Shaba Muhammad of Science College Izom in a separate interview decried lack of adequate water supply, electricity in their schools and access roads to staff quarters and hostels.

They disclosed that the schools has been in the mercy of the Parent Teachers Association PTA for years hence these has brought relief from the burden described the projects as ‘unbelievable’ but

alentina Guebuza, the daughter of the former Mozambican president Armando Guebuza has reportedly been shot dead by her husband, Zófimo Muiuane.

According to the Diario de Noticias newspaper, her husband, Zofino Muiuane has been arrested by police.

The shooting is said to have taken place on Wednesday.

Ms Guebuza, who was 36, is said to have been shot several times and died of her wounds on the way to hospital.

Mr Muiuane was arrested in one of Maputo’s city squares, the newspaper said.

Ms Guebuza was listed as

the seventh most powerful young woman in Africa by Forbes magazine in 2013 and held a strong of positions in telecommunications companies and family businesses, Sapo24 reported.

Mr Muiuane is a businessman who once worked with British American Tobacco.

The couple married in 2014

at a ceremony with 1,700 guests including South Africa leader Jacob Zuma, the King of Swaziland Mswati III and Isabel dos Santos, the daughter of the Angolan president.

They had a daughter last year.

Armando Guebuza stepped down as president in 2014 after serving two terms.

Inauguration of “Change Begin with Me Campaign” by the Nasarawa Police Command, yesterday in Lafia Market. Photo: NAN

Akwa Ibom begins probe into collapsed church building

T

he Akwa Ibom Government has inaugurated a Commission of Inquiry into the collapsed church building that killed scores of worshippers in Uyo on Saturday.

Governor Udom Emmanuel said at the inauguration in Uyo on Thursday that the panel would be referred to as Commission of Inquiry (Collapsed Church Building) 2016.

Emmanuel explained that his power to constitute the commission was derived from Section 2 of the Commission of Inquiry Law, Cap. 33 of Akwa Ibom State 2000.

He added that the commission would be cited

as the Commission of Inquiry (Collapsed Church Building) Instrument, 2016 that had come into effect from Dec.14.

He named retired Justice Umoekeyo Essang as Chairman of the eight member panel while the Secretary is Mrs Emem Daniel of the state’s Ministry of Justice.

The governor also announced that the commission shall commence sitting on December 16 and the chairman plus four other members shall constitute a quorum during sitting.

Emmanuel said the commission would submit its report in three weeks from the date of its first sitting or within such extended period as may be

allowed after written approval.

He said the commission had the right to regulate its own procedure and that no procedure shall exclude the chairman of the panel from voting on any issue.

He said, “The commission shall with all convenient speed inquire into the circumstances that led to the collapse of the Reigners Bible Church Building in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.”

The six terms of reference include investigating the immediate and remote causes of the collapse of the building and examine the roles played by persons and institutions in the disaster.

The commission is expected under its terms of reference to

identify any person, institution or authorities responsible either remotely or immediately for the collapse of the church building.

It is also expected to indict persons, organisations or groups found culpable and recommend appropriate sanctions to government.

The governor further directed the commission to recommend measures that should be taken by individuals and institutions to guard against future occurrences.

Governor Emmanuel was in attendance when the church collapsed but he escaped unhurt while three commissioners and his Chief Press Secretary sustained injuries.

Report within the ambit of the law, UNICEF charges journalists From Bauchi

T

Ahmed

Kaigama,

he Chief United Nations Children (UNICEF) Nigeria, Bauchi Field Office, Dr Abdulai Kaikai has charged journalists to report within the frame of law and culture of the society.

KaiKai gave the charged at a one day media training on Ethical Reporting of Children’s Issues for Journalists drawn from Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Taraba, Adamawa and Plateau States

held at Destination Hotel Bauchi Yesterday.

“Make case for children but should be done within the frame of law and culture, I mean within the cultural right and law of the nation’s, as journalists you should also observed taking in to consideration the good things” He said According to him, “ your responsibilities as journalists is to interact and propagates how to improve the lives of the children’s and what government is doing for its citizens.”

Dr Kaikai stressed that UNICEF is in Nigeria only to support the government plan to achieved by putting in expertise, funds and share advice for proper implementation of policies for the benefits of citizens of the nation’s.

“We are much concerned with the health care, schooling of children’s and also make sure partners’ interventions are well utilized” he said In his presentation, the Communication Specialist UNICEF Nigeria Bauchi Field Office, Mr Samuel Kalu called on

journalists to follow the ethics of writing or reporting, as well as abide by guidelines.

“Journalists and media professionals have the duty to maintain highest ethical and professional guidelines” he said Kalu noted that children have absolute right to privacy, except being those explicitly set out.

The communication officer charged journalists to avoid the use of stereotype and sensational presentation to promote journalistic material involving children.

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, DECember 16, 2016

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Clergyman urges America president-elect, Trump to disband secret societies

By Usman Shuaibu

A

Senior Pastor in charge of Christ the King Chapel Church in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rev. (Dr) Simon Peter Igbadi, has called on the American President-elect, Donald Trumph to deem it necessary to disband all sorts of secret societies in America whenever he takes over the administration of the country in January, 2017.

Igabadi who made the call during the church service on Sunday in Gwagwalada Abuja, noted that America had taken the part of evil societies and destruction for so long now, saying that Donald Trumph is God-sent president to deliver Americans from evils.

He said: “God specifically warned CIA and FBI to be careful and said my hand is upon Donald Trumph. I have sent him to take over America so that through him I will clean America, I will use him says the lord in many areas particularly against immoralities and secret societies”.

According to Igbadi, my hand is upon Donald Trumph says the lord and I want America to be careful with him. If America should exist after 10 years from now all those behind evil societies should be disbanded now.

The clergyman, however, said that in Jeremiah chapter 45-51, particularly 51, there were prophecies against Egypt, Philistines, Moab, Ammon, Damascus and Babylon and that God planned the doom for Babylon, while charging the American preachers to read the prophecies with understanding and to take the part that pleases God.

Recession: Buhari charges military on mobilization of resources, pledges support

By Lawrence Olaoye

President Muhammadu Buhari has challenged the military to exhibit ingenuity in complementing the government’s efforts by looking inwards to construct and improvise some vital operational tools for its operation.

This is just as the President pledged continuous support of the Federal Government to equip the armed force.

According to a statement made available to newsmen yesterday by his Special adviser on media and publicity Buhari gave the charged while speaking at the commissioning ceremony of three Naval ships, Nigerian Navy Ship UNITY, Nigerian Navy Ship KARADUWA and the Nigerian Navy Tugboat

COMMANDER EDWIN UGWU in Lagos.

The President commended the Nigerian Navy for building two out of the three ships that were commissioned.

The Nigerian Navy Ship UNITY was built in China, while the KARADUWA as well as the Nigerian Navy Tugboat COMMANDER EDWIN UGWU were constructed in Nigeria.

He said: “ It is most fulfilling to note that our own engineers at the Nigerian Navy Dockyard, Lagos and the Naval Shipyard, Port Harcourt are wholly responsible for the building of the Seaward Defence Boat, Nigerian Navy Ship KARADUWA and the Tugboat COMMANDER EDWIN UGWU, respectively.

“It is also worth noting that NNS UNITY, which is Nigeria’s newest warship, is the second of such acquisitions from the Peoples’ Republic of China.”

According to him, the Nigerian Navy had shown great foresight in nurturing the vision for the NNS Unity and her sister ships, noting that it was comforting that efforts were not confined to using foreign sources alone, but in mobilising local complements.

“The Federal Government expects no less from you as looking inwards is the way to go amidst a uniquely challenging mix of recession and rising acute security concerns, “ he added.

Buhari urged more probity and re-dedication to patriotism by the Nigerian Navy.

“The prevailing situation is not new given the intimate connections between economic prosperity and security. For a littoral state with huge dependence on her offshore resources, maritime security is vital to the nation’s well-being.

“Today you are afforded increased defence capacity. This empowerment also enhances your role as instruments of diplomacy and leadership in the region and credible standing on the global stage,” he said.

He commended the Navy’s impressive strides in the area of continued fight against maritime security threats like piracy, oil theft, illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism and support for the fight against terrorism in the

Minister of Justice/Attorney General of the Federation, Alhaji Abubakar Malami (2nd left), Ag. Director General of NAFDAC, Mrs. Yetunde Oni (2nd right), Director Port Inspection NAFDAC, Pharmacist Maureen Ebigbeyi (right) and Director Special duties of NAFDAC, Mr. Abubakar Jimoh during a courtesy visit to the Minister, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Insurgency: Stakeholders want vigilante recognised as FG security agency

By Umar Muhammad Puma

S

takeholders involved in the security sector of the country have called for the recognition of Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) as a security arm of Federal Government.

The stakeholders made the submission at a public hearing on a bill for an Act to Establish the Vigilante Group of Nigeria to Provide Community Policing, Maintain Law and Order and Community Service for Nigerians and for Related Matters, organized by the House of Representatives committee on Police affairs.

Urging the House apply its legislative powers to recognize the vigilante body, with high presence at the grassroots, to complement the efforts of exist-

ing security bodies.

Adding that the tasks of securing lives and property were not to be left in the hands of existing security agencies alone, as their personnel are mostly found in barracks and checkpoints and their number grossly inadequate to match the security needs of the country.

Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai said the creation of the vigilante body through a legislative framework would go a long way to reducing incidents of crimes in all parts of the country.

Represented by Col. S. Nicodemus, Nigerian Army Headquarters, Buratai, however said for its personnel to be adequately equipped for community policing, they would require nec-

essary trainings in view of the dynamics associated with the fight against insecurity in the country.

On his part, Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu said his endorsement of the bill aimed at legitimizing the activities of vigilante in Nigeria, was based on the doggedness the initiators and personnel have shown in protecting lives and property.

Represented by Acting Commandant General of the Corps, Obiekwe Austine, Muhammadu urged the lawmakers to take a critical look at the provisions of the bill to see that VGN functions override ethnic, cultural and tribal considerations.

He promised to forward written memoranda on the position of the Corps to the committee.

National Commandant, War Against Indiscipline (WAI), Mohammed Mustapha noted that members of VGN are in every community in Nigeria, discharging voluntary services, and appealed to lawmakers to approve the creation of the vigilante group.

Chairman of the House committee, Rep Haliru Dauda Jika (APC Bauchi), hailed the sponsor of the bill, Abbas Tajudeen, PDP, Kaduna as well as the hierarchy of the group that has assembled about 30,000 members of VGN to complement the efforts of security agencies.

He called on stakeholders, who have not made submissions

to the bill to do so, to enable the committee articulate more views on the issue.

Commander General of VGN, Usman Muhammad Jahun, who led thousands of the group’s personnel to the hearing appealed for quick passage of the bill to bring VGN under the direct control and supervision of the federal government.

He assured that when given legislative backing, the group established in 1999 as grassroots security-based outfit, would be more disposed to safeguarding lives and property.

Over 5000 members of the group thronged the National Assembly complex from all states of the federation, where VGN has commands, in solidarity of the bill.

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PEOPLES DAILY, friday, DECember 16, 2016

News

Niger Delta Amnesty, N/East programmes to gulp N110bn-FG

T

he Federal Government has budgeted N110 billion for the smooth implementation of its Presidential Amnesty Programme in the Niger Delta and the rehabilitation of the North East region devastated by the activities of the Boko Haram insurgency.

President Muhammadu Buhari announced this in the 2017 budget estimates at the National Assembly, Abuja.

He said that the allocation for the Presidential Amnesty Programme had been increased to N65 billion in the 2017 budget while N45 billion had been set aside for the rehabilitation of the North East region.

According to him, the amount earmarked for the North East would complement the funds domiciled at the Presidential Committee on the North East Initiative as well as commitments received from the multinational donors.

“Provision has also been made in these estimates for activities

that will foster a safe and conducive atmosphere for the pursuit of economic and social activities.

“In this regard, the allocation for the Presidential Amnesty Programme has been increased to N65 billion in the 2017 Budget.

“Furthermore, N45 billion in funding has been provisioned for the rehabilitation of the North East to complement the funds domiciled at the Presidential Committee on the North East Initiative as well as commitments received from the multinational donors.”

On agriculture, the president revealed that agriculture remained at the heart of his administration’s efforts to diversify the economy, saying that the allocation to the sector in 2017 was historically high at N92 billion.

He said the amount would complement the existing efforts by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to boost agricultural productivity in the country.

President Buhari said the

CBN would achieve the goal through increased intervention funding at single digit interest rate under the Anchor Borrowers Programme, commercial agricultural credit scheme and The Nigeria Incentive-Based RiskSharing System for Agricultural Lending.

The administration’s agricultural policy will focus on the integrated development of the agricultural sector by facilitating access to inputs, improving market access, providing equipment and storage as well as supporting the development of commodity exchanges.

“Government realises that achieving its goals with regard to job creation, also requires improving the skills of our labour force, especially young people.

“We have accordingly made provision, including working with the private sector and state governments, to establish and operate model technical and vocational education institutes.

“We propose, with regard

to healthcare, to expand coverage through support to primary healthcare centres and expanding the National Health Insurance Scheme.”

The president also announced the 2017 Budget estimates retained the allocation of N500 billion to the Special Intervention programme.

The programme consists of the Home-grown School Feeding Programme, Government Economic Empowerment programme and N-Power Job Creation Programme.

He said the programme would provide loans for traders and artisans, Conditional Cash Transfers to the poorest families and the new Family Homes Fund (social housing scheme).

“The N-Power Programme has recently taken off with the employment of 200,000 graduates across the country, while the School Feeding Programme has commenced in a few states, where the verification of caterers has been completed.

Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai with newly promoted Army officers, at the Army Headquarters, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: NAN

Benue suspends commissioner, sole administrator over alleged murder From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

T

he Benue State Executive Council has suspended the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Mr Sekav Dzua Iyortyom, for three months, following murder charges preferred against him.

The state Information

and Orientation Commissioner, Chief Odeh Ageh announced the suspension during a press briefing yesterday after council meeting at the Benue Peoples House in Makurdi.

The meeting which was chaired by Governor Samuel Ortom, also suspended the Sole Administrator of Buruku local government

area, Mr David Yiman, on the same charges.

He said the decision of the council would be communicated to the State House of Assembly which will also be requested to approve an acting Sole Administrator for Buruku local government area.

The Commissioner stated that the council took the decision in line with

the policy of the Ortom administration to comply with the rule of law and due process, adding that if at the end of three months, the matter was resolved or not, council would review its decision.

According to Chief Ageh, the decision was also taken in consonance with the precedence set in the removal or suspension

of indicted executive council members and top government officials in compliance with the core values of the administration which include justice, fairness, and integrity.

The Commissioner said council also approved award of contracts for the construction of four major roads in the state at the total cost of N21. 5 billion.

“As we pursue economic recovery, we must remain mindful of issues of sustainable and inclusive growth and development.”

He said that the significant vote for the Federal Ministry of Water Resources in the 2017 budget reflected the importance attached to integrated water resource management.

Gov. Al-Makura presents 67.13bn 2017 appropriation bill From Gambo Ahmed, Lafia

G

overnor Umaru Tanko AlMakura of Nasarawa state yesterday presented 67.13 billion naira 2017 appropriation bill to the state assembly for consideration and called on the members to act on it for the betterment of the citizens.

Presenting the appropriation bill proposal before the members at the assembly chambers, the governor tagged the budget as ‘The Budget of Reformation,” aimed at eliminating poverty as well as improve the socialeconomy lives of the people in the state.

Given the breakdown of the 2017 budget of reformation, he, however, affirmed that the Capital expenditure would gulp N30.8 billion while recurrent N37.1billion, stressing that education gulped N11.88 billion, ministry of works got N11.19 billion, health N7.27 billion, agric and water resources got N3.4 billion and planning, finance N7.8 billion. Others were general administration N3.5billion, information N640 million, pension N3.05 billion and civil service matters N579 million.

Responding, the Speaker Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Mr. Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi applauded the governor for the judicious use of the 2016 budget through opening up rulers roads, improve education, health sector, market and sports, urging the governor to apply the same philosophy in the 2017 budget so as to enhance the delivery standard of the people in the state.

He further assured the governor of the legislator’s readiness to give express passage of the 2017 appropriation bill into law.

Peace Corps urges Buhari to assent to bill From Yakubu Minna.

T

Mustapha,

he Assistant National Commandant of the Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN) in charge of legal services, Barrister Buhari Yerima has appealed to President Mohammedu Buhari

not to hesitate to assent to the bill giving legal backing to the Peace Corps of Nigeria.

He said this while addressing a press conference in Minna yesterday, the Assistant National Commandant explained that signing the bill into law would provide jobs for the youths

most of whom were presently unemployed after graduation from schools in the general interest of youths across the nation.

Barrister Yerima explained that the assent of the Peace Corps bill would enable the federal government to adequately fund

the organization which now solely depends on voluntary donations, sale of application forms and training fees.

He said that the Peace Corps have successfully developed and empowered over 138,000 youths across the country.

Also speaking the chairman

of the Niger state chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Comrade Muregi appealed to President Buhari not to hesitate in signing the Peace Corps bill adding that it was very strategic to the development of the youths nationwide.

Page 11

PEOPLES DAILY, frisday, november 25, 2016

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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.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: . Pastor Olamide Oluwasolabomi Shotonada 2. Mrs Adunola Modupe Macaulay 3. Mr. Ayika Andy Adeife AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. Raising Men 2. Restoring Men 3. Giving men as light to the ends of the earth.

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: Secretary

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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.

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.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Adekemi, Ajike Amowoyagi, Chairlady.

2. Sunday Amowoyagi.secretary 3. DOKUN Adekale.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: . Benneth Sunday 2. Linus Nnkemjinaka Onyenagubor 3. Onyinyechi joyce Iherue

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To empower the less privilege in the society

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To assist the less privilege.

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.

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.

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.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. UWAILAH DEBBIE IBIE-IDUSUYI - CHAIRMAN 2. AIFUWA EFOSA IGBINOBA 3. NKEM TINA EGBO-IDUSUYI - SECRETARY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To promote eradication or poverty and provide welfare materials for the less privileged. 2. To promote education of young persons and provide support services to individuals for academic purposes. 3. To organize empowerment programs and projects for the benefit of young persons geared towards personal development and skill acquisition 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. Jacob Blessing. 08073777229

SIGNED: Secretary

SIGNED: Secretary

PAGE 12

Opinion

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, December 16, 2016

Nuclear power: Nigeria’s long term energy solution?

By Yusuf O. Ali

T

he declaration of the Presidential Task Force on Power that Nigeria’s peak electricity demand is THREE times higher than her peak supply means there is at least an 8GW deficit at peak times. In layman’s terms, that is 8 BILLION (8,000,000,000) Watts. You do not need to be an electrical engineer to know that is a lot of shortfall!!! However, what is perhaps most worrying is that many experts say the demand estimates are desperately conservative.

And so the inquest begins with the simple question, “why the huge shortfall?” The simple answer is that Nigeria does not have anything near the required generating capacity. Alright then, so what have the various governments been doing as the demand-supply gap has widened desperately over the last two decades?

For the sake of brevity, the simple answer is Not enough!!!

Historically, various governments have, at different times, focussed on various generation technologies.

Given Nigeria’s abundant supply of natural gas, there has been a substantial push towards natural gas generation plants principally through the 5GW capacity National Integrated Power Project launched in 2005. Some efforts have also been made to further increase generation capacity from hydropower plants, primarily via the 3GW Mambilla hydropower project. Equally, efforts have been put towards encouraging power generation through coal. All these prompt the rather interesting question, “Where has the Nuclear Power (the elephant in the room) been?”

Although Nigeria’s first nuclear plants are expected to come online in 2025, the answer is Nuclear Power has been and is planned to remain firmly in the shadows.

4GW of Nuclear Power by 2030 is an incredibly minute commitment, considering that Nigeria’s demand then would range between 120GW and 250GW i.e. Nuclear Power will account for between 1.6% to 3% of the total mix.

In Nuclear Power, we are talking about a technology that, despite its limited use (only 31 countries have Nuclear Power projects), generates more than 11% of the world’s total electricity. Not only is this is a highly proven and safe technology, it is also a low-carbon one. This latter point is especially significant considering the CO2 emissions reductions needed to mitigate global warming.

As my PhD supervisor often reminds me “Rule #1 in life: Money Rules!!!” It is therefore no surprise that Money is one of the two most prevalent considerations in the design of any power system. Contrary to what many opponents of Nuclear Power claim, it is actually very economically competitive. These opponents virtually only focus on the overnight/construction costs which are admittedly much higher than those of other technologies.

According to the US EIA, the lifetime levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) from nuclear plants is approximately N18000/MWh. The LCOE of coal, conventional CCGT (natural gas) and hydropower plants are approximately N17900, N12500 and N15900 per MWh respectively.

What these numbers do not reflect is the impact of Green House

Gases mainly CO2, which is the second prevalent consideration in power generation system planning.

Power generation has been identified as one of the primary avenues for achieving the CO2 reductions needed as part of the global climate change mitigation process. Hydropower and Nuclear Power are the only mainstream conventional technologies with negligible emissions. With the arrival of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) systems, it is also possible to operate coal and natural gas plants without the emission of carbon dioxide into the air. Unsurprisingly however, the incorporation of these devices affects the LOCE of these technologies. The LCOE of coal with CCS, CCGT with CCS are approximately N27700 and N17200 per MWh respectively.

Another wide misconception about Nuclear Power is safety.

Following the 2011 Fukushima incident, there have been uproars about how “unsafe” Nuclear Power is. It is rather fallacious to brand an industry that has operated over 550 power plants and had only two major incidents (Chernobyl 1986 and Fukushima 2011) unsafe. As at the end of 2012, all the power plants that have operated in the world had a cumulative operating experience of 15,080 years. Two major accidents in over 15,000 years of operation is definitely not a bad record to have.

Admittedly, the size of devastation from both incidents was huge but it is worth highlighting that in both incidents, the local operators made critical errors. An attempt to blame a technology for errors made by human operators who were not compliant with all the regulations would also be incorrect.

Next Generation Reactors like the AP1000 are designed to have radioactivity leakage probabilities (i.e. the probability that radioactive material will be released during an accident) of one in over 32 million reactor years!!!

If Nigeria is to maximise its resources and achieve its aim of being part of the largest 20 economies in the world, it will have to have its energy security guaranteed. With the country reportedly possessing abundant deposits of uranium, the case for making Nuclear Power a mainstay in the generation mix becomes more compelling. A country currently attempting to implement this nuclear-dependent mix as part of its efforts to guarantee energy security is South Korea.

South Korean policy makers realise that the country is not blessed with abundant natural resources but still needs to guarantee energy security by minimising its dependence on energy imports.

If costs, emissions and energy security – the key aspects of energy sustainability – are taken as the controlling yardsticks, it will appear at first sight that Natural Gas serves as a more than capable substitute to Nuclear Power. The comparison of these two alternatives will be incomplete however without the consideration of their relative Opportunity Costs.

Simply put, Opportunity Cost is “the loss of other alternatives when one alternative is chosen.” In the common market, natural gas has significantly market potential and lots more uses. From an economic viewpoint, the Natural gas reserves could be worth more if they are sold in the international market than if they are used for localised power generation. The inclusion

of opportunity cost as a controlling measure appears to swing the pendulum in the favour of Nuclear Power.

Even proponents of Nuclear Power like myself cannot be oblivious to some of the key issues that are against Nuclear Power.

No prize for guessing that one of the biggest challenges is money.

Despite the facts presented earlier, the problem is that Nuclear Power is a heavily front-loaded investment.

Unlike natural gas and coal plants, the lion’s share of the lifetime costs of nuclear plants is the construction/ overnight costs; the lifetime fuel, operational and maintenance costs are relatively negligible. This makes is a very risky investment because once you put your money in, there is no easy exist strategy, which makes it unattractive to investors. For a country like Nigeria, persuading investors to make the required capital outlay at this point will be even more arduous considering the infancy of the deregulated electricity market.

The other major obstacle facing the renaissance/advent of Nuclear Power is Nuclear Waste.

Unlike the early days of Nuclear Power when little attention was paid to the management of the resultant waste, governments are unwilling to approve further nuclear projects because of the lack of disposal facilities for the most dangerous radioactive wastes.

Getting the average man to believe the technologies that have been developed for radioactive waste disposal are fit for purpose and safe has been a herculean task and promises to be for a while longer.

Yusuf O. Ali is a Public Affairs Analyst.

Wanted: Legislation to prohibit radical, extremists religious scholars

By Israel Abiodun

A

fter the Supreme Court upheld the death sentence passed on Rev. Chukwuemeka Ezeugo (aka Rev King), the General Overseer of Christian Praying Assembly, the Ndigbo Cultural Society of Nigeria (NCSN) was quick to call on the Federal Government of Nigeria not to carry out the death sentence. NCSN leader, Chief Udo Udeogaranya defended this call with the logic that “This plea is premised on the ground that many Nigerians still hold Rev. Ezeugo as their spiritual leader even in various prisons”.

It doesn’t matter that Rev. Ezeugo on January 11, 2007 murdered one of his church members, Ann Uzoh when he doused her with petrol alongside five others and set them ablaze. What is important to those who want to see him escape the hangman’s noose is that he has a fanatical following that must not be allowed to die.

There is no ethnic undertone intended in using this example, it just happens to be the most recent case of pleading for people who had the benefit of thinking through their fanatical extremism before acting but still went ahead to take the law into their own hands anyways. People have pleaded for Boko Haram terrorists to be treated humanely, Ombatse cult members garnered some sympathy when they unleashed their murderous rage and even other groups that practically rose up against the state always

have some interest appealing on their behalf as if no laws have been broken or that their victims are of a lesser caste.

In the Cross River – Akwa Ibom axis, to our national shame, there are extreme preachers that claim to be pastors who regularly subject minors to traumatic abuses in the name of ridding them of witchcraft. In extreme cases these phonies have successfully incited parents to kill their own offsprings.

The foregoing is a prelude to the major trust of this write up. There is need to work on a legislation to prohibit the activities of radical and extremist religious leaders. Not quite unlike Rev King, leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) or Shiite Sect, Mr Ibrahim El-Zakzaky drove adherents of his sects to death when he facilitated the build up to a faceoff with the Nigerian Army.

The result was the incident in Zaria, Kaduna state in December 2015 when the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf was reportedly the target of an assassination bid and the resulting military operation led to regrettable loss of life and property.

El-Zakyzaky might not have physically doused his followers with petrol and strike the match like Reverend Kings but his teachings and indoctrination primed their psyche to be willing fodders for his canon. Save for the differences in inscriptions on flags and choice of uniforms, videos depicting drills by IMN members is highly reminiscent of Boko Haram propaganda clips as far as inferred belligerence goes. So how does a sect leader brainwash his

followers to that level of aggressiveness and not expect a catastrophic outcome in any resulting faceoff with the authorities in a secular state?

The legislation should also have provisions to keep the finances of preachers and organisation to which they are affiliated under watch. This is because some of these people preaching extremist views are merely puppets of greater interests that could sometimes be a rival nation or a country that has ulterior aims in Nigeria.

Apologists and beneficiaries of sectarian and religious extremism will be quick to point out that legislation to curb propagation or preaching of extreme views will stifle the freedom to worship, association, and expression. But these apologists must ask themselves if it was also right that the Shiites, Reverend King and others deprive fellow Nigerians of their right in the course of living their extreme views.

In Germany, the Holocaust Denial Legislation is in place because they have decided that the right to free-speech must be balanced against the right not to be subjected to racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism and a potential revival of Nazism. Austria, Hungary, and Romania have their own versions of the law.

In France, the French Council for the Muslim Religion (CFCM) has suggested that the country’s imams should be given a certificate - “like a driving licence” - that ensured they promoted a “tolerant and open Islam”. This of course tallies with what

Kaduna state governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai has in the works – only that the Kaduna State’s “A bill for a law to substitute the Kaduna State religious preaching law, 1984” will encompass all faiths. That the Council in France came up with this suggestion is a testimony to the dire need to be decisive in caging extremism and propagation of hate speech under the cover of religion.

This is why we must stand up to the time bomb called Shiite or IMN, those that kill children on the pretext of witchcraft or any other sect and faith that threaten the corporate future of Nigeria by seeking a law at the national level to ban the activities of questionable organisations.

Perchance, if we had such legislation in place, Reverend Ezeugo might not have had the followership that emboldened him to set a congregant ablaze and might just not be on the condemned list. But we still have that chance to set out a federal legislation to criminalise extremism now. We need to ensure that Mr El-Zakyzaky and IMN lose the capacity to continue using the pretext of preaching to incite hatred against the state of state officials.

For those who think this is an extreme suggestion for dealing with extremism they should ask themselves what role hate preaching extremists played in recruiting the army of murderers that became the killing machine called Boo Haram.

Abiodun is a security strategist based in Lagos.

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, December 16, 2016

PAGE 13

Comment

#PanamaPapers: Time to end illicit financial flows

By Thabo Mbeki

O

ver the past few days, there has been a furore in the global community regarding reports on “the Panama Papers”, an enormous leak of more than 11 million documents which are said to date back up to four decades and are allegedly connected to a Panama law firm. According to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), this firm has, in all that time and possibly longer, helped establish secret shell companies and offshore accounts for the rich and the powerful globally.

On an even graver note, data from these documents show that that the firm worked with more than 14,000 banks, law firms, company incorporators and other middlemen to set up companies, foundations and trusts for customers. In a time such as this when the issue of curbing Illicit Financial Flows, brought on by practices such as tax evasion and the use of Tax Havens, is one of Africa’s priorities, the release of these Panama Papers is most welcome.

The Panama Papers elaborately bring to light issues that the African Union (AU)/ United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) High Level Panel (HLP) on Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) from Africa vigorously underscored in the Findings in its Report released and endorsed by African Heads of State and Government in January 2015. Not least significant in these Findings were matters relating to

Tax Havens and/or Financial Secrecy Jurisdictions and the lack of transparency with regard to the Beneficial Ownership of firms. The information released in the Panama Papers thus far strongly confirm the Findings in the HLP Report. More so, they confirm the existence of a network of offshore accounts and complex investment vehicles that drive tax avoidance and evasion. Until now warnings against such vehicles have been taken lightly. The staggering amount of illicit practices and the large number of global actors exposed by the Panama Papers demonstrate that Governments of Africa and the rest of the world cannot avoid firm action against the Tax Havens/Financial Secrecy Jurisdictions.

The undeniable fact is that the Illicit Financial Flows which derive from tax evasion deserve our full attention both continentally and globally. As revealed within the Panama Papers, the fourth most used Tax Haven by this firm is an African country. Worse still, the reports show that this firm only knew the identities of the real owners of just 204 of 14,086 companies it had incorporated in this very country. Indeed, we must not rest under the illusion that the issue of Tax Havens does not directly affect Africa and the world at large.

Several countries in the world, including South Africa, Britain and France have vowed that any of their citizens mentioned in the Panama Papers will be investigated by the relevant agencies

to ensure they comply with the laws regarding tax evasion. It is a decent start to the efforts required. Now all countries within and outside Africa must follow suit and begin their own investigations. These investigations should not only be limited to the findings in the Panama Papers but should go further to uncover other possible destinations of the proceeds from tax evasion. The exposures contained in the Panama Papers is a massive blow to financial secrecy, which must be encouraged.

Specific efforts must continue to put political pressure on the countries that enable a high level of financial opacity or that have laws enabling banking secrecy and the registration of shell companies.

This is extremely important to all countries. Otherwise harmful tax practices and high levels of opacity in financial transactions as exposed by the Panama Papers will continue to be a scourge that we find ourselves discovering only when there are people bold enough to expose them.

As stressed in the AU/UNECA HLP Report on IFFs, the global community in all of its institutions, including parliaments must take all necessary steps to eliminate secrecy jurisdictions, introduce transparency in financial transfers and crack down on money laundering. Until all countries begin to work together to combat IFFs in all its forms, including by closing down Tax Havens and combating the lack of transparency of ownership

and control of companies that can hold assets and open bank accounts, there will always be a cavernous opportunity for the exploitation of tax laws at all levels and in all countries for negative purposes.

The Panama firm in question, which all would hope to see receive the deserved justice if found guilty, has responded to the exposures by stating that nothing in the documents released suggests that it has been involved in any illegal practice. Sadly, this may very well be the case legally given the current incomplete global architecture for tackling IFFs, which should include binding International Treaties.

We should not misconstrue the release of the Panama Papers as a time for celebration or an end in itself. To the contrary, it is rather a time for deep reflection and regret that we have allowed the practice to persist which is made possible among others by the existence of Tax Havens/Financial Secrecy Jurisdictions.

Now is the time for the global community to act in a firm and comprehensive manner to end the Illicit Financial Flows and close down the Tax Havens/Financial Secrecy Jurisdictions which serve as the domicile of these Illicit Financial Flows.

Thabo Mbeki, former South African President, is Chair of African Union (AU)/United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) High Level Panel (HLP) on Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs).

The rising challenges of IDPs in Borno

By Yusuf Mairiga Shekarau

N

igeria as a country has witnessed series of challenges which have in many respects affected its development. Some of these challenges are social, political, economic, religious, and sectarian violence, with the peak being a civil war that lasted over 30 months.

A lot of the challenges have weighed in greatly on the country’s economy, thereby imposing untold hardships on the citizenry.

One of the recent challenges of the country that attracted global attention is the Boko Haram insurgency which has rapidly increased the percentage of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) within the country and even beyond.

Reports indicate that the number of IDPs in the North-east region has increased to about 3.3 million, with 470,500 displaced in 2013 alone out of the sevenyear deadly Boko Haram insurgency. The intensity of deadly attacks on villages where destruction of properties, business and farmlands continue to force people to flee their homes to safer places in the north-eastern region has further raised the number of people who poured out to the IDP camps made available by emergency agencies and other humanitarian bodies.

This has placed Nigeria on the global map of countries with the highest number

of IDPs, coming third to Colombia and Syria. The dehumanising conditions of the IDPs in Nigeria, just as the cases in Syria and other war-torn countries, has been top on the agenda of various arms of the United Nations (UN), non-governmental organization, pressure groups and civil society organisations.

Most disturbing, however, is the nonchalant attitude of the local emergency relief agencies which have put the lives of the IDPs in very precarious situations, notwithstanding the kind of support being received from international donor agencies. Media reports have shown that paramount among the nagging problems at most of the IDPs camps especially in Borno state, are the degrading conditions under which the internally displaced persons are kept. For instance, the standard of our IDP camps is in no way comparable to the global standard of camps we see for even fleeing citizens of a deadly war like Syria’s.

It is sad that thousands of the IDPs defecate in open spaces because the toilet facilities provided at virtually all existing camps are too inconsequential to meet the needs of the IDPs. Besides, despite claims by the Federal and state government agencies such as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) in Borno

state, lack of adequate feeding, insecurity and other human needs such as blankets and potable water have continued to pose varying degrees of risks to the lives of persons who are unfortunately displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency.

Sometimes even the camps are ravaged by bomb blasts and other forms of attacks. The problems of the IDPs have also touched on the social perspectives as some of them especially women face sexual harassments and abuse within and outside the camps. When you visit some of the camps you hear a lot of pathetic stories about how these people are affected both socially and mentally. In fact, several media reports have highlighted how women are being abused sexually in the camps through rape, battery, harassment either by other men among them.

Members of the civilian JTF in charge of security at the camps, and sometimes even politicians who have buried their heart in the hole of wickedness are neck deep in these attricities.

Another disturbing scenario is the issue of begging on the streets and highways by some of the IDPs, especially those who have not been brought under the shelter provided by the government.

It’s no doubt pitiful to see a woman with up to six children walking under the scorching sun not knowing where she and her wards are heading to. Some of the

IDPs find themselves as only survivors in their families, whereas their homes and villages have been burnt down completely. As a result, these people, especially the women are also subjected to another form of humiliation when they submit themselves to some criminally-minded men for marriage just to escape the traumatic situations. These instances have since generated tension among some residents of towns in which the IDP camps are located.

Moreover, as they leave their villages and towns, children of the IDPs cannot access formal education. This, inevitably, will have long time effect on their education, with dire consequences not only for the North-east but also for Nigeria as a whole. Although some immense efforts have been made to put them up, considering the plights of the IDPs, governments at the federal and state levels, as well as other citizens need to show extra care to these displaced people by ensuring that they are adequately fed, enormously sheltered, and above all, their security is guaranteed. This is imperative if we truly aspire to build a better future for our country.

Yusuf Mairiga Shekarau is a 300 level student of Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri.

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, DEcember 16, 2016

PAGE 14

News

IDPs: Civil Society Coalition hails NEMA for improved performance

By Stanley Onyekwere

S

ome civil society organisations in Nigeria under the umbrella of Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Transparency and Good Governance (CCSGTGG) have commended the efforts of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for the improved performance

and quick intervention in times of emergency in the country.

The Coalition specially hailed the service delivery of NEMA under the hardworking DirectorGeneral, Alhaji Mohammed Sani Sidi for the noble roles the Agency has played in the circumstance of the Boko Haram terrorist activities of the North east, mostly in Borno state, where the teeming population

of the victims referred to as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are receiving due attention from Agency.

The group, which has about fifty civil society activist bodies from all over the country said that the great accomplishments which the Agency has recorded in recent times is testimonial of greater focus occasioned by the more enabling working

Delta govt cracks down on sale of secondary schools’ results From Osakhare Erse, Asaba

P

iqued by the litany of complaints and petitions from Parents/Guardians of Secondary Schools’ students across the State on the alleged sale of result and other sharp practices, the Delta State Government has taken steps to bring to book those behind the act.

While it revealed that four principals were recently arrested, six demoted and six others under group interrogation; the State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Barr.

Chiedu Ebie told our reporter that government steps in quick responses to the allegations, and petitions raised by the parents/ guardians have started paying-off, adding that the suspects (names withheld) arrested, would face the law while those being interrogated would be subjected to thorough investigations to ascertain their level of involvement.

Instructively, parents/guardians across the state have alleged extortion from their wards, especially not doing well students to pay N10, 800 each to collect good result and have petitioned the state governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa to as a matter of urgency took into it. Some of the parents/guardians who spoke to our reporter in Asaba, accused majority of the secondary schools’ principals of the illicit activities, starting that the alleged extortion act had over times dealt painful blows on them.

One of the parents, Mrs. Esther

Illoba who spoke in tears to our reporter said: “My son came home demanding for N10, 000 to give to the principal in one of the schools (name withheld) for his result, and I asked the principal, he gave inexplicable reasons”.

Investigations revealed that principals of notable secondary schools within Asaba and its environs, allegedly issue results to not doing well students for N10, 000 each to enable them change their schools for others.

But this act, one of the principals

who did not want his name in the print, dispelled as untrue, insisting that the allegations were figments of the parents/guardians’ imagination.

Further investigation revealed that one of the schools, (name withheld) is situated along Nnebisi road before Inter-bau where the principal (name withheld) is allegedly said to be extorting money from unsuspecting students for unofficial school activities including payment of N2, 000 for each student on frivolities.

environment provided by the present regime.

According to the National Secretary of CCSGTGG, Zeb Obioma Ijewa, in a press release made available to the media, “Nigerians might not have known the extent to which the meddlesome politics of the last regime had affected important decisions an d implementation policies and directions of the

Agency at that time; for which reason, it was erroneously assumed that NEMA was “a mere lame duck” intervention agency.

It therefore called on the Federal government to accord NEMA more support and necessary assistance to be able to do more as the population of the IDPs continue to soar and their plight continue to worsen .

Kaduna seeks US support to develop economy From Mohammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

G

overnor Nasir ElRufai of Kaduna state has sought for the support of the United States in developing education, health and agricultural sectors in the state.

The state government also

Residents of Karimo, Kuchingoro and Kayashe of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), during their protest over lack of power supply Hospital , and Bad Roads, at the entrance of National Assembly, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

called on foreign investors to create job for the youths in the state.

Governor El’rufai made the plea while receiving American Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Stuart Symington, Embassy officials and leadership of the NigerianAmerican Chambers of Commerce in his office.

The governor lamented that the state is battling with rural banditry and kidnapping caused by lack of education, lack of opportunities, while Northern Nigeria suffers poor human indicators due to poor infrastructures across the region.

“We are battling with kidnapping, rural banditry and all kinds of criminalities due to lack of education, lack of opportunities for our teeming youths.

“Kaduna state has a population of nearly 10 million people 89% of which are youth, what we need is to create jobs for them.

“We cannot create jobs without investment which is why we commended the NigerianAmerican Chambers of Commerce, the most active chambers in the state.

“We are conscious of the burden laid on us by circumstances but we are working hard to make the state greater with your support.”

kaduna sensitizes women World Bank to assist Nigeria on child spacing commercialise farming From Mohammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

K

aduna state government has expressed satisfaction over the progress being recorded in child spacing across the state as it planned to test run a new injection in four local government areas of the state.

According to the state government, the programme is a pilot project which if successful will be expanded to other local government areas of the state.

The State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Manya Dogo stated this at a one day training workshop organized by Planned Parenthood Federation of

Nigeria in collaboration with Kaduna state Ministry of Health.

The programme was sponsored by the United Nations Population Fund With a view to train health workers on how to administer newly introduced family planning injection called Sayana Press.

Dr Paul Dogo attributed the success of the child spacing to the support and contribution of of all stakeholders such as traditional and religious leaders for creating awareness to parents to understand the importance of child spacing for the health benefits of mother and child.

He added that child spacing reduced maternal and child mortality to about four percent.

From Mohammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

C

ommercial Agriculture Development Project (CADP) Team Leader (FADAMA), Dr. Adetunji Adeleke Oredipe has said that the World Bank was ready to assist Nigerian farmers to key into commercial agriculture.

He said the pilot scheme of the CADP project assisted by World Bank will take place in Kano, Kaduna, Lagos, Enugu and Cross River states.

He explained that the project started eight years

ago with a150 million dollars fund, and has within the period recorded several successes which can be seen mostly in value chain.

Dr Adetunji made this known during the 13th (4th RCADP) Implementation Support Mission, held in Kaduna.

“We have been able to empower several farmers, who now sell their products abroad. We also now have many packaged products in super markets. We are very much ready to assist Kaduna state commercial farmers

based on productivity and delivery,” he added.

Also speaking, CADP National Project Coordinator, Dr. Salisu Garba said that the project has impacted tremendously on farmers, making a lot of them move from being subsistence to commercial farmers.

He explained that they introduced Youth and Women Empowerment Programme (WYEP) in which according to the report presented, received a total of 6,881 applications out of which 3,521 qualified for interviews.

PAGE 15

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, DECember 16, 2016

Rivers re-run: Wike wanted to remain Governor at all cost, says Okorocha ..As leaked phone audio reveals Wike threatening INEC officials

By Ali Alkali

I

mo State Governor and Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC Governors Forum, Rochas Okorocha, has stated that Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State was desperate for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to win the just concluded re-run elections in Rivers because he (Wike) wants to remain Governor.

Speaking on the just concluded governorship elections which went in favour of the APC, Okorocha maintained that it is a testimony that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government was doing well, considering that that it is not an easy thing to defeat an incumbent governor in an election, because he would do all he could to remain

in power.

Speaking with newsmen yesterday, Okorocha stated that his Rivers counterpart did all he could to secure his office by making sure that the PDP won majority of the senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly seats in the state.

“If the governor did not do that to make sure he has majority of state and National Assembly members, he would have gone,” the Progressives Governors Forum chair stated.

He went on to assert that the APC would take over the governorship in Anambra State in 2017, adding that “Anambra State needs APC governor to succeed.”

In another recent development, a telephone

conversation allegedly made between the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike and some officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has been leaked.

The audio, which was obtained and put online by SaharaReporters, apparently revealed Wike trying to rig the recently concluded legislative rereun election in the state.

Wike is heard threatening to collect his money back from an INEC official, who was backing out of the plan and even vowed to kill him.

An INEC official confirmed that most of the electoral officers, who were part of the Rivers rerun, were drafted from Plateau and Oyo States.

Senate welcomes three new Rivers Senators, adjourns plenary to Jan. 10

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi and Christiana Ekpa

T

he Senate President, Bukola Saraki, yesterday swore in the three newly elected senators

from Rivers State, including Magnus Abe (APC, Rivers South East), Gorge Sekibo (PDP, Rivers East) and Osinachukwu Ideozu (PDP, Rivers West).

They were elected after a fiercely

Our achievements in 3 months surpassed one and half years - Saraki

By Christiana Ekpa

T

he Senate President, Bukola Saraki, yesterday disclosed that what the Senate has achieved in 3 months surpassed what it has done in a year and half, concurrence with the House of Representatives He said, the Senate, between September 9 and now, has passed 18 bills; while 64 bills passed second reading - adding that it only passed 14 bills in may 2015 to September.

Saraki, who disclosed this while giving his end of the year closing remarks, also informed that the upper legislative chamber passed 11 economic bills at this shortest period of time.

“More importantly, just for this period between September, 2016, when we came in to this session, and now, we have passed about 64 bills for second reading. Also between September 9 and now we have passed 18 bills. To give you an idea the entire May 2015 to September, 2016 we only passed 14 bills” “In one and half years what we did in this three months surpassed what we have done in a year and half and concurrence with the House of Representatives we did about 34.

“This is truly very commendable and it won’t have been done without the support of everybody.

I hope that after the break, that we truly all deserve we would come back to address the issue of budget and see how we can fast track and do it at the earliest possible time” “The leadership supporting me

plus all our colleagues. I was just looking at the statistics of what we have being able to achieve from the time we came back and we are discussing the economic recession but we did go ahead to agree to address some of our 11 economic bills at this shortest period of time and all these bills have gone second reading and they have gone for public hearing and they are all about to be laid in the short period of time” “I want to thank all committee members too in the oversight in all the things you have all raised to help us improving governance in this great country. As I said earlier, most importantly I commend your courage, I commend what you have been able to stand for and I know how difficult it is in this circumstances to do that and I am truly proud to be part if this Senate”

contested national and state legislative assembly election rerun, which took place in Rivers state last Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Senate has adjourned plenary session to January next year to enable the lawmakers embark on Christmas break, which come into effect Sunday next two weeks.

Before the adjournment, the Senate President had said the senate Committee on Legislative Compliance will be inaugurated.

In his few commendation remarks before finally adjourning the Senate, Saraki had said “ Looking at the statistics of what we have been able to achieve since we returned, we

have passed eighteen Bills for Third Reading.

“What we have done in three months cannot be compared to what we have done in the last one year.

Finally, I congratulate the three new Senators, we’re happy that it is our Motion that made this election possible.”

L-R: National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun welcoming the former Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr. Imma Niboro to the National Secretariat of the APC, yesterday in Abuja.

Wike’s leaked audio comments confirmed our fears - APC

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T

he leaked audio recording revealing the Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike admitting to bribing some electoral officials and threatening to kill them if his instructions were not followed, has confirmed the fears raised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the heat up to the recently conducted December 10, 2016 legislative re-run elections in the State.

A statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said “going by the revelations from

the leaked audio recordings, it is obvious that Governor Wike may have engaged in unwholesome conducts that might have compromised the integrity of the electoral process and undermined his office as the Chief Security Officer of a state. The only logical conclusion from this, therefore, is that the electoral victories of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may have been achieved through underhand dealings and intimidation of officials.”

Recall that on December 6, 2016, the APC alerted security agencies on reports of a massive arms build-up and other sinister

plots that Wike and the PDP planned to execute on the day of the legislative rerun elections in Rivers State.

“Nigerians have watched with grave concern how the process of the just concluded legislative rerun election has led to the death of ordinary citizens in the state including security officers. The statement that Governor Wike appeared to have made on record has now pointed directly at where responsibility should be placed for the violence that attended the election.

“It is also evident that the allegations by the Rivers State

government and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of an assassination threat on Wike, and the allegation by Wike that APC governors funded violence in the state during the election, might have been deliberately contrived to cover-up the role that the Governor had played in the violence that attended the election.

“APC condemns any form of violence, as it relates to elections or any other matter. In this instance, we urge security agencies to do the needful and ensure that sponsors and perpetrators of violence, no matter how highly placed, are brought to justice.”

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, DECEmber 16, 2016

Politics

IDPs Contract Scam: Senate tenders documentary evidence against SGF, Babachir

T

he Senate on Thursday insisted that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF was fraudulent, noting that his reaction to Senate’s resolution on pages of newspapers amounts to gross incompetence of the office he occupies.

Raising a point of order on the floor of the Senate, Senator Dino Melaye explained that the SGF’s response to Wednesday’s resolution of the Senate was uncalled for.

Dino in his submission tendered certified true copies of Rholavision Engineering Limited, which the SGF, Mr. Babachir Lawal was its director.

He explained that SGF was deceiving Nigerians by saying he resigned in 2015.

“Mr. President, Distinguished Colleagues, every lie has an expiring date.

Mr. Babachir Lawal told lies that he resigned as a director of his company in 2015, but here with me are certified copies of documents showing his resignation in 2016 after he had paid himself,” Malaye submitted. ” Remember also that the outgoing SGF has used gutter language on the Senate and has called us unprintable names

in the interview he granted yesterday,” he added.

Senator Chukwuka Utazi in his contribution urged the Senate to take action immediately in getting the SGF out of government, stressing

that he lacks the competence to handle his office.

Responding, Senate President Bukola Saraki while condemning SGF’s utterances, called for completion of the report for onward transmission

to the President.

“What the SGF said about the Senate is rubbish. We will not take it. I urge the committee to conclude its report which will be sent to the President,” he maintained.

R-L: Speaker, House o Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Deputy Speaker, Hon. Suleiman Lasu and Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture, Hon. Mohammed Tahir Monguno, after the plenary at the National Assembly, recently in Abuja.

Corrupt politicians fighting Govt with ill-gotten wealth – Lai Mohammed

T

he Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, says corrupt elements opposed to the change agenda are making government activities obscure to give the wrong impression that they are not working.

The minister stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the launch of the Federal Government of Nigeria Information App (FGN IAPP) that is designed to provide real time information from the government to Nigerians – home and abroad.

The minister said that the corrupt elements, in particular, had chosen to fight the government with their ill-gotten wealth, by “distorting our messages and obfuscating our activities.”

Mohammed noted that government had done a lot to better the lot of Nigerians and they would not allow the opposition to stifle the progress made by leaving the public space to the “naysayers’” He said, “A government that has achieved the unprecedented feat of creating 200,000 jobs in one fell swoop cannot be said to have done nothing.

“A government that has liberated every inch of our occupied territory from Boko Haram and sent the terrorists fleeing should not be portrayed as not doing anything.

“A government that is surely and steadily making our country self-sufficient in staples such as rice and embarking on a massive infrastructural renewal cannot be

said to be doing nothing.

“A government that is boldly tackling an economic recession that was foisted on it by years of profligacy, lack of savings and a sudden crash on oil prices deserves accolades, not vilification.”

The minister said FGN IAPP will help to keep Nigerians and nonNigerians better informed of the activities of the Federal Government as well as getting the necessary feedback.

He said, “Irrespective of where you are in the world, from today all you needed to do is to download the FGN IAPP, and you will have access to factual and real time information on the activities of the Federal Government of Nigeria.”

The minister said other valueadded services of the FGN IAPP included access to the Tender Journal published twice a month to announce available government jobs.

He said that the innovation would enable more people, irrespective of their locations, to bid for government jobs.

Mohammed said the “Be Inspired’’ section of the App will make it possible for any Nigerian, irrespective of status, to meet top political, business, religious and other leaders.

The minister said the App also provides a Feedback Section that allows anyone so interested to make his or her feelings known about any government policy or programmes.

Delta: Okowa inaugurates Assembly Service Commission ..Mourns late lawmaker, Omawumi Udoh

From Osakhare Asaba

D

Erese,

elta State Governor, Senator, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has identified indiscipline as one of the greatest challenges facing Nigeria as a country.

Making the lamentation yesterday in Asaba during the swearing-in ceremony of members of the Delta State House of Assembly Service Commission, which has

Mrs. Josephine Kachikwu as Chairman, the governor emphasized that once discipline is entrenched in public offices, some of the challenges of the country would become a thing of the past.

According to him, “one of the greatest problems we have, as a nation, is the issue of discipline. Discipline is central to sound administrative processes; some persons do not take their responsibilities

seriously, and it is the duty of the political office holders to ensure that people are disciplined and do their job with all due diligence.”

“Everybody in public office should demonstrate a high sense of probity, accountability, selflessness and transparent patriotism,” he stated.

The governor who commended the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress

(TUC) for their cooperation and support, despite the recession affecting the country, called on “all workers’ unions in the state to always follow due process in expressing their grievances; the current industrial harmony in the state should be strengthened at all times.”

“I wish to request all civil servants, indeed, all public officers in the state, to always demonstrate commitment, loyalty, integrity, and support

in the discharge of their responsibilities because. It is in this way, we can leave a legacy of selfless service on the sands of time,” Governor Okowa said, reiterating, “my administration is committed to delivering quality service to the people; and in doing so, we are committed to the entrenchment of a culture of selfless and total service, including building a regime of transparency and accountability in all spheres.”

Senate seeks power to remove non-performing ministers

N

igeria’s Senate is considering a Bill which will allow them sack non-performing Ministers in the country.

The Bill, which is sponsored by Senator Solomon Olamilekan, seeks to remove any Minister that is performing poorly in the President’s cabinet.

DAILY POST reports that, the Bill is entitled: “An Act to Amend The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 To Provide For The Consent Of the Senate/ State House of Assembly For the Removal Of A Minister Of the Government of the Federation/ Commissioner Of the Government Of A State.”

If passed into law, section 4 of the constitution will read: “Any person appointed to the office of Minister of the Government of the Federation may be removed from such office (by) the President for inability to discharge the functions of the office in question (whether arising from infirmity of mind or body) or for misconduct or for contravention of any Act of the Federation: Provided that the Senate concurs with such removal by a unanimous vote.”

Olamilekan is also sponsoring a bill, which will stop public office holders from owning foreign bank accounts. The constitution prohibits public officers from owning a foreign bank account.

This bill is titled “An Act to Alter The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 To Permit Public Officers to Maintain or Operate a Bank Account In Any Country Outside Nigeria; And For Related Matters.”

Olamilekan said: “This bill seeks to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, in order to delete the provision in the Code of Conduct for public officers which forbids them from operating a bank account in a bank outside Nigeria.

“This is owing to the fact that the prohibition does no accord with the current realities where the world has become a global village, where illicit funds could easily be tracked.”

PAGE 17

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, DECEmber 16, 2016

Politics

PDP crisis: I’m ready for renegotiation - Sheriff tells Makarfi faction

By Ali Alkali

T

he factional Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Sen. Ali Modu-Sheriff, has declared his readiness to return to negotiating table with Sen. Ahmed Makarfi-led faction.

He, however, stressed that the Makarfifaction must be willing to make peace for that to happen. Sheriff stated this when he received some members of the PDP Federal Capital Territory, who paid him solidarity visit in Abuja.

Sheriff said that he had on several occasions tried to resolve the party crisis with the

Makarfi faction by suggesting that both the Caretaker Committee and his National Working Committee be dissolved, to give way for a new independent leadership.

He said, “I have made several peace moves, but the caretaker committee has refused to agree. We have therefore resigned our fate to the decision of their Lordships of the Court of Appeal and Supreme Courts. However, we are ready to return to the negotiation table today, if Sen. Makarfi sees reason to do so.”

Sheriff said that he was committed to returning the party to the grassroots in spite several blackmail he had been receiving,

reiterating that “Our task is to return the party to the grassroots. To this end, we shall continue to review all the states chapters that are affected before the Convention. We are discussing with key stakeholders willing to return to the party; and we are making steady progress.”

Sheriff added that if the talks among the stakeholders would yield positive result, the party would hold its national convention in the first quarter of 2017 to elect new leaders.

He said, “Hopefully, we shall conduct a free and fair convention in the first quarter of 2017.

“In the cause of the last six months, we have worked assiduously to reposition our great party,

the PDP, through harnessing of the enormous potential of the party at the grassroots.”

On Rivers re-run legislative elections, Sheriff said he was waiting for the report of the delegation he sent to the state before he could take any position on the election.

He said, “I have set up an 11-man Committee, which I sponsored to Rivers to observe the election and report back to me. The committee is yet to give me its report.

“I will make public my position as soon as I receive the detailed report on the election, because it is better for me to speak based on fact.”

Bayelsa: Dickson appoints five new commissioners

T

he Bayelsa State Governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson, yesterday expanded his cabinet by swearing in five new commissioners, and charging them to align themselves with the ideals and vision of the restoration agenda, towards delivering quality services to the people.

The commissioners are, Prof. Ebitimitula Etebu for the Ministry of Health, Mr. Austin Dressman is in charge of the Ministry of Ijaw National Affairs and Culture, Mrs. Ebiere Ajuwa Musa was assigned the portfolio of Ministry of Tourism Development, Mrs. Martha Jenakumo mans the Ministry of Women Affairs, while Mr. Tamunobere Oguoh heads the Special Duties,

West Senatorial district.

While swearing them in at the new Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Yenagoa, the Governor called on the appointees to exhibit a high sense of dedication and loyalty in the discharge of their duties.

He described the Commissioner for Health as thoroughbred medical personnel, who is a onetime Chief Medical Director at Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, adding that his antecedents were exemplary and urged him to streamline all the massive investments made in the sector.

Dickson disclosed that the state has put in place world class health facilities, including the

diagnostic centre equipped with a forensic unit and by next year, the government will construct and equip health centres in each of the 105 wards to take healthcare delivery closer to the rural dwellers.

His words: “We want to have the best facilities in all spheres. Very soon, we are going to be number one in agriculture, sports, education and now we want to be number one in medical tourism, with the facilities that we are going to put in place, we will have a situation where no Bayelsan will need to travel out to receive healthcare.

“Not only that; we want all Nigerians and

people from other places to come to Bayelsa for healthcare services. Your duty will be to harmonize all of these. We have the forensic unit at the Diagnostic centre which is 90 per cent set.

“Knowing you as a thorough-bred professional, you have been brought into government at this time to put your seal of professional to all these initiatives and you have on ground, a team of competent medical personnel ready to work with you. I have no doubt that the team working under your leadership, our vision of making Bayelsa number one in the area of tourism and healthcare delivery will be achieved.”

Rivers rerun: Police, not me snatched electoral materials – Lawmaker-elect

T

L-R: Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Alleged Non Transparent and Fraudulent Sales of Power Assets by Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Ahmed Idris, member of the committee, Hon. Muhammadu Adamu and Hon. Solomon Bulus Maren, during an investigative public hearing, at the National Assembly, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Delta Assembly seeks MDAs’ input into budget implementation From Asaba

T

Osakhare

Erese,

he Delta State House of Assembly has identified the failure of budget implementation to be nonproductivity of some ministries, and stressed the need for all government agencies to ensure maximum input towards government activities.

The House Committee on Special Duties, chaired

by Hon. Kennedy Daubry,

who spoke alongside other members, including Hon. Emeka Elekeokwuri and Peter Onwusanya while giving ear to the budget defense of the Bureau for Special Duties, said performance should not be rated on paper and documents, but should be made evident in terms of projects for the public to see.

Daubry, however, assured ministries of the House’s unequivocal support and synergy towards achieving their democratic approach. In his

defense, the Commissioner, Bureau for Special Duties, Hon. Chika Ossai, decried the failure of the 2016 approved budget due to the paucity of funds, hence he added making the 2017 proposed budget a turnover of all projects bench marked for 2016.

Ossai while speaking on the 2017 proposed budget, which earmarks 200 million for the purchase of fire-fighting trucks to curb fire outbreaks in the state, revealed that the initial allocation for 400 pilgrims

had been cut to 100 due to the paucity of funds.

He said, “No project in the 2016 budget was executed by the bureau due to lack of funds. We are returning every earmarked project in the 2016, budget to 2017 with the hope of getting them executed as oil prices go up.

We will also visit the fire-fighting efforts of the government by providing more trucks as the old ones are already dilapidated,” he said.

he lawmaker-elect representing Akuku-Toru/Asari-Toru Federal Constituency, Boma Goodhead has denied the allegations by the police that he has link with one Dike Deinpiribo, Owunari Warmate and three others, who were paraded for allegedly hijacking electoral materials during the December 10 Rivers legislative rerun election.

The suspects were yesterday paraded in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital by the State’s Commissioner of Police.

Reacting, Goodhead described the claim as an underhand tactics and an afterthought by the police to justify their hijack of the collation of election results in his federal constituency and Abonema to favour the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate.

DAILY POST reports that Goodhead, speaking through his lawyer, Tubotamuno Dick, said, “Our attention has been drawn to a media publication where the Nigeria Police Force PRO paraded one Dike Deinpiribo, Owunari Warmate and 2 (three) others at Abuja purporting that they were found with two AK 47 rifles which were allegedly given to them by the Member-Elect for Akuku-Toru/Asari-Toru Federal Constituency, Hon. Boma Goodhead to rig elections in Abonema, Ikwerre, Emohua, Port-Harcourt and other parts of Rivers State.

“We hereby reject the claim of the Nigeria Police in its entirety as it is both an underhand tactics and an afterthought of CSP Akin Fakoredeled Rivers State Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) to justify their colossal failure to hijack the collation of Election Result for the Akuku Toru/ Asari Toru Federal Constituency on Sunday, 11th of December 2016 in Abonnema to favour the APC candidates.

PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, DECEmber 2, 2016

Stock Watch: Thursday, December 1, 2016 Company

7UP

Previous Closing Price

185.06

184.5

Opening Price

184.5

High

Low

184.5

Close

184.5

Change

Trades Volume Value

-0.56 25

233,796

Company

Previous Closing Price

Opening Price

High

Low

Close

Change

Trades Volume Value

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

ABBEYBDS 1.25 - - - 1.25 0 - -

MBENEFIT 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

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

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

ACADEMY 0.59 - - - 0.59 0 - ACCESS

4.46

4.46

4.64

4.46

4.5

0.04 321

28,060,764

126,589,999.78

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

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

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

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

AFRPAINTS 2.59 - - - 2.59 0 - -

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

AGLEVENT 1.02 0.97 -

-

1.02

8 48,971 46,330.44

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

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

126,800 124,264.00

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

822.99 822.99 822.99 822.99 8.99 73

115,282 94,401,035.72

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

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

NNFM 8.99 - - - 8.99 0 - -

AUSTINLAZ 2.09 - - - 2.09 0 - -

NPFMCRFBK

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

0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 0

6

174,000 170,510.00

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

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

PREMBREW 2.95 - - - 2.95 0 - -

CAPOIL 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

PREMPAINTS 10.93 - - - 10.93 0 - -

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

-

8.73

7 51,560 458,087.60

CHAMPION 4.17 4.17 -

-

4.17

11 146,282 587,170.36

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

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

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

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

CONOIL 27.41 26.04 -

ROADS 6.6 - - - 6.6 0 - -

-

27.41

8

13,350 330,799.00

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

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

SCOA 4.16 - - - 4.16 0 - -

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

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

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

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

MBENEFIT 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

DANGSUGAR

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

DEAPCAP 0.58 - - - 0.58 0 - -

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

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

JOSBREW 1.51 - - - 1.51 0 - -

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

JULI 1.75 - - - 1.75 0 - -

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

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

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

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

NCR 11.02 - - - 11.02 0 - -

LEARNAFRCA

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

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

-

2.62

8 37,850 99,859.50

Top Gainers Company

Previous Closing Price

Opening Price

High

NEIMETH 1.03 0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 -0.05 6

126,800 124,264.00

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

822.99 822.99 822.99 822.99 8.99 73

115,282 94,401,035.72

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

Top Losers Low

Close

Change

Trades Volume Value

Company

Previous Closing Price

Opening Price

High

Low

Close

Change

Trades Volume Value

ALUMACO 7.75 - - - 7.75 1 200 1,474.00

MULTITREX 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

FORTISMFB 5.42 - - - 5.42 0 - -

NNFM 8.99 - - - 8.99 0 - -

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

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

INFINITY 1.42 - - - 1.42 0 - -

UTC 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

OMOSAVBNK 0.92 - - - 0.92 0 - -

UNIONDICON 11.84 - - - 11.84 0 - -

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

MANDRID 5.35 - - - 5.35 0 - -

ASOSAVINGS 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

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

ABBEYBDS 1.25 - - - 1.25 0 - -

JULI 1.75 - - - 1.75 0 - -

Page 19

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, november 25, 2016

Kano signs $1.8bn light rail contract with Chinese firm Council disburses From Edwin Olofun, Kano

T

he Kano State Government has signed contracts valued at $1.8 billion with China Railway Construction Group C18 for the construction of light rail line in the state.

Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje signed the contract at a brief ceremony on Wednesday in Kano.

Mr. Ganduje said the first phase of the construction was billed to take two years, while the second phase of the four-line rail

was expected to take another two years.

He added that the project would improve the transport system within the state, as well as drive economic activities in the state.

The governor explained that “the project is part of grand design to upgrade Kano to the status of a truly great city, as it will significantly ease movement of goods and services.

“Upon completion, the light rail is expected to cover Janguza-Bata, JoganaBata, Dawanau-Bata and Kwanar DawakiBata routes in Kano city.”

He added that a Chinese Bank would provide 85 per cent of the total sum, while the Kano State Government would pay the remaining 15 per cent.

He said that the first phase of the project from Dawanau to Bata would cost 555 million Dollars.

The Chairman of the company, Ben Shinxo, assured the state government of the company’s readiness to complete the projects in two years as this would benefit the public.

N13m to automobile coys

By Stanley Onyekwere

T

he National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has disbursed over thirteen billion naira to thirty three (33) local automobile companies under its Automotive Development Fund, as part of strategies to further enhance the growth of the nation’s automotive industry.

The Director General of NADDC, Alhaji Aminu Jalal made this known at the closing ceremony of three weeks training workshop on Auto Mechatronics Skills for Modern Motor Vehicle Maintenance in Abuja.

Jalal said the fund was disbursed to the local automobile companies through the Bank of Industry, BOI, adding that the three weeks training was also part of NADDC measures in developing the country auto sector.

The Director General stated the training had enhanced the capacity of participants in modern vehicle repairs in line with international best practices.

He further explained that NADDC was working towards establishing Industrial Parks in Lagos, Kaduna and Anambra States where vehicle parts and accessories would be produced towards boosting the sector.

In a message, the National President of National Association of Automobile Technicians, Comrade Ogba Alexander commended NADDC for the training and called for more programmes that would enhance the growth of the sector.

Some of the beneficiaries of the training Friday Nweke and Olochukwu Orokie said the three weeks programme had enhanced their capacity

Recession: Marketing coy offers way out for Nigerians

By Ochiaka Ugwu

L-R: Justice Ibrahim Muhammad of Supreme Court; Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen; and Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), Mrs Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, at a Sensitization Workshop on the Pension Reform Act 2014 for Honourable Justices and Judges, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: NAN

Sokoto test runs N3.8bn independent power project S

By Ese Awhotu

okoto State Government has successfully conducted a test run of its N3.8 billion Independent Power Project (IPP), whose contract was awarded in November, 2008.

The project, the first of its kind in the Northern part of the country, has an installed capacity of a minimum of 30 megawatts and a maximum of 38 megawatts.

The Chief Operating Officer of the contracting firm, Vulcan Elvaton Ltd, Mr Franklin Ngbor, told newsmen during the test run that the turbine of the project had already tested three times.

He said: “What remains now is the synchronisation of the plant with the fuel tank and the main evacuation line, down to the transmission line.

“The plant when fully completed, finally

fired and integrated into the national grid, can work for five consecutive years nonstop.

“It is only after it works for five years that it can be shut down for routine maintenance.”

The Director-General of the project, Mr Umar Bande stated that, the plant has a multiple type turbine that can use diesel, gas or LPFO. According to Umar, the plant was now being test run on diesel, saying “it consumes 33,000 litres per day.”

The DG plans are afoot to sign a fuel supply security agreement with the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) or other major oil firms.

This, he noted, was to make the fuel supply cheaper, more sustainable and ensuring maximum operations of the plant.

The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Bashir Garba, said so far, nine stages, out of 11, required for a successful test run,

have been carried out without hitches.

He said an agreement will soon be signed between the state government and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), on the evacuation of the power to the national grid.

Garba explained that the project was necessitated by the epileptic power supply to the state from the national grid.

The SSG added: “The state will be enjoying nearly 24-hour power supply when the plant becomes fully operational.

“This is a project that is worth celebrating as power supply in Nigeria will be bolstered with the injection of 38 megawatts to the national grid.

“This will also eventually boost the socioeconomic landscape in the state, curb poverty, restiveness and unemployment, among other myriad of direct and indirect benefits.

H

appy World Meal Gate (HWMG) a unique Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) company has devised means to help Nigerians out of recession.

This is done to continuously put food on their tables, reduce feeding expenses and increase personal savings/disposable income to enable them meets their obligations.

Speaking to newsmen yesterday in Abuja, the Coordinator of Company, Mr. Sulaiman Lento recently revealed their plans to the public at a seminar held at Chisco Park Hotel Abuja.

He said, “HWMG is a network that provides ways of ending poverty, hunger and malnutrition.

The company has a unique compensation plan aimed at ending worries and anxiety over daily sustenance. Nigerians also can also benefit from payment both in food items and cash and enjoy the added advantage of high quality food items inline with national health food standard”.

Continuing, Lento noted that the company offers a plan B, of a residual stream of income to insure a future income and increase the individuals’ ability to earn. This plan is imperative as some high salary earners like bankers have lost their jobs in recent times as such as such there is the need for a steady stream of income.

Since government cannot take care of everything there is the need for the private sector to support government in the area of job creation to addressing the high rate of unemployment in the country. HWMG creates the opportunity for a retirement plan that would secure future income even when sleeping. The company also provides a plan for an all-expenses paid pilgrimage to Israel and the Holy sites in style and comfort with a $5,000 (N100, 000) travel allowance.

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, november 25, 2016

Page 20

Business Oil prices rise further to $53 after OPEC agrees output cut O il prices have risen further following Wednesday’s agreement by the Opec group of oil producing nations to cut output.

The price of Brent crude rose 2.4% to $53.08 a barrel, after soaring 8.8% on Wednesday.

The deal, Opec’s first output cut for eight years, is designed to reverse a slump in global oil prices and will see the group reduce production by 1.2 million barrels a day from January.

But analysts have raised doubts about its chances of succeeding.

“Compliance is key and it’s worth noting that Opec members don’t have the best record on that front,” said Neil Wilson of ETX Capital.

The price of US crude has also risen, trading 1.1% higher at $49.99 a barrel after jumping 9% on Wednesday.

“Opec has delivered an agreement,” said Jason Gammel of US investment bank Jefferies. “For the time being, oil prices have received a huge support.”

The output cut follows several years of depressed oil prices due to a supply glut on the market, which has seen prices more than halve since 2014.

The agreement rests heavily on Saudi Arabia - the world’s biggest oil producer which has agreed to slash about 4.5% of its output, or 500,000 barrels per day.

But non-Opec countries are also party to the deal and will be expected to reduce production by a further 600,000 barrels a day.

So far Russia has pledged to cut 300,000 barrels from its output of more than 10 million barrels a day, but it is unclear who else will also scale back.

Despite the rises, analysts noted that prices had only returned to levels seen in September and October - when plans for a

cut were first announced - and raised doubts about the deal.

“Scepticism remains on individual countries’ follow-through, which is keeping prices below year-to-date highs (of $53.73 per barrel in October) for now,” Morgan Stanley analysts said.

Mr Wilson said oil-producing countries that were not party to the deal, such as the US, were likely to increase production as prices rose, offsetting efforts to curb oversupply.

“Russia says it will cut 300,000 barrels per day... but we don’t know where the other 300,000 barrels a day from other non-Opec members is going to come from,” he added.

“Opec has suggested the deal is contingent on getting this cut... we don’t yet know if [the deal] could unravel if this doesn’t happen.”

Opec said it would hold talks with nonOpec producers on 9 December, and hold another meeting in May 2017 to monitor the deal’s progress.(Source: BBC)

NCC to assist Borno in ICT dev’t From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

T

L-R: Site Coordinator, Brains and Hammers Real Estate, Tasiu Mohammed; Minister of Power, works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola; and Executive Director, Technical Operations, Brains and Hammers Limited, Madhur Tripathi, during inspection of On-going Project at Brains and Hammers Real Estate in Abuja

he Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC) has indicated its readiness to contribute in rebuilding education in Borno State through contributions on Information Communication Technology, (ICT) The commitment followed special request

by Governor Kashim Shettima when he paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Dambatta.

Governor Shettima said he was aware that as part of its corporate social responsibility, the NCC undertakes interventions on the areas of ICT particularly in tertiary and basic schools with a view to encouraging access to information for research, technology based teaching and other forms of teaching and learning that require the ICT. Responding, Prof. Danbatta said the NCC will pay special attention to Borno State with the hope of meeting part of Governor Shettima’s expectations.

He said Borno deserves the support of all Nigerians given the challenges it has faced.

The NCC boss also said his management will examine the request of Governor Shettima and come up with far reaching interventions to support the State Government in its effort to place Borno on the part of recovery and sustainable development.

2017 budget: Yobe to spend N69.4bn From Uche Uche, Damaturu.

Y

obe State governor, Alh. (Dr.) Ibrahim Gaidam has presented the state’s 2017 Fiscal Appropriation Bill tagged Budget of Consolidation and Self Reliance for consideration and approval before the State House of Assembly.

The budget presented at the Assembly’s Chamber in Damaturu the state capital, shows there is a decrease in the 2017 budget over the 2016 budget considering the fact that while the sum of N88.9 billion was earmarked in 2016, the government has budgeted to spend the sum of N69.39 billion Naira showing a decrease of N19.54

or approximately 22%, less than that of last year.

Speaking on the floor of the State House of Assembly, the governor pointed out that out of the total budget, the sum of N27.41 billion or 39.5%would be used to finance the capital expenditure while the sum of N41.98 or 60.5 billion would be devoted to recurrent expenditure.

The revenue to fund the budget would come, as the governor stated, from sources such as statutory allocation estimated at the sum N35.35 billion, value added tax N7.44 billion, excess crude oil expected at the sum of N2.48 billion, among other sources.

While reviewing the 2016 budget, the governor stated that out of the N88.93 billion estimated for the year, the total revenue actually received from all the sources covering the period of January to 30th November, 2016 was N49.87 billion which is about N56.1% of what was targeted for the year 2016.

He said that in the implementation of the budget, the government would involve every patriotic citizen of Yobe state and development partners and indeed, all other stakeholders to make meaningful contributions towards realization of the set developmental objectives, adding that the government would put emphasis on

the observation of due process, probity, accountability and transparency which are the hallmarks of good governance.

Of important note, which shows the harmony and good working relationship between the state executive and the legislature, the budget, at the request of the Speaker of the House, honourable Adamu Dala Dogo, scaled its first reading at the floor of the House.

The Speaker equally assured the governor of the House readiness and determination to ensure quick passage of the appropriation bill in time, without padding, to allow for the execution of intended programmes.

Page 21

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, DECEmber 16, 2016

Multi-billion Naira Railway bridge opened to motorists in Kubwa Stories by Stanley Onyekwere

T

he Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has completed and opened the multibillion-naira Kubwa Road Railway overhead bridge linking Murtala Muhammed Expressway in Kubwa to the motoring public there and environs.

Recall that the FCT Minister, Muhammad Musa Bello had pledged last month that his Administration is embarking on massive completion of some critical roads within the Federal Capital City with specific promise to complete the

10-Lanes Kubwa road and Airport Road by December 2016 and first quarter of 2017 respectively.

It was gathered that the completion of the bridge has already brought succour to road users plying the axis, as motorists have started using the road since last Saturday.

According to the FCT Director of Engineering Services Department,Engineer Adamu Alfa Abu the Kubwa road was completed and opened to the public in fulfillment of the promise made by the FCT Minister, which has gone a long way in knocking off traffic

congestion.

The Director revealed that the FCT Administration has discharged all its obligations by making all outstanding payments to the contractors for the executed and certified work done which has enabled the contractor to return to site and complete the job.

According to him, minor works like the installation of streetlights on the bridges as well as the provision of access road to the Red Bricks Estate due to the elevation of the bridges would soon be completed.

As expected, some of the drivers and motorists commended the FCT

Administration for keeping to its promise of completing the overhead bridges and bringing succor to the motorists as the knotty traffic logjam often experienced on that axis of the road has since disappeared.

They observed that the travel time has not only reduced but fuel being wasted in traffic bottlenecks has also reduced thereby increasing their profit.

Meanwhile, some road users trading in the area lamented that the freed traffic has taken away their businesses and therefore called on the government to do something because they also suffering now as nobody stops to buy their wares again.

Pupils of Foothold Academy in joyous mood, during their x-mass party celebration at the school premises at Kubwa, yesterday in Abuja.

Bello promises unemployment reduction in 2017

T

he Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has assured residents of the territory that his administration is working assiduously to reduce the rate of unemployment through skill acquisition programmes of the Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA).

Also, the Enterprise Agency has revealed that budgetary provisions have been made for the training and empowerment of over 2000 unemployed residents of the territory in 2017.

Bello gave the assurance last week during the graduation ceremony of 200 FCT indigenes and residents in entrepreneurship, skills acquisitions and development programme in Abuja.

The Minister stressed that FCT Administration will provide greater activities of AEA with a view to empowering the poor in the territory.

Represented at the occasion by the Director of Operation, Planning and Strategy in the office of the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Sunday Atang, the Minister noted that it

has become imperative to create a territory with zero unemployment aimed at eliminating the menace of street begging.

While calling on the youth and women to tap into the entrepreneurial skills of AEA, Bello called on the beneficiaries to take the acquired skills to a higher level.

Earlier in his remarks, the Managing Director of AEA, Malam Arabi Muhammad said the training programme which started two week ago was being organized to train and empower the

participants in various skills and vocations with a view to ensuring that they become gainfully employed and economically selfreliant.

He said that the skill acquisition areas are grouped into four categories namely; household items, body essentials, confectionery and clothing.

According to him, the household items category include paint making, car wash lotion, odour diffuser, while body essentials categories include adult and baby shea butter,

methylated and pepper minted shea butter and bar soap with difference fragrances like tumeric, watermelon, cucumber, papaya among others.

The confectionery category comprises of ice cream, cake, cookies, yogurt, juice, smoothies and assorted drinks. Others include homemade bread, pastries, meat pie, samosa, spring roll, and sauce.

Also, the clothing and textile group has Ankara, necklace, bangles, shoe and bag, tie and dye and Aso-oke recycling.

world news

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, DECEmber 16, 2016

Page 22

international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

Assad Hails ‘Liberation’ of Aleppo S

analysis

yrian President Bashar al-Assad on Thursday said that history would be made with what he referred to as the “liberation of Aleppo.”

“What is happening today is the writing of a history written by every Syrian citizen. The writing did not start today. It started six years ago when the crisis and war started against Syria,” Assad said in a video posted to his official Twitter account.

Assad likened his government’s recapture of Aleppo to other historical events, including the birth of Jesus Christ and the fall of the Soviet Union, and said history would be permanently altered.

“History is not the same before and after ... I think after liberating Aleppo we will say that not only the Syrian situation, but also the regional and international situation, is different,” he said.

Assad’s comments came after ambulances and green government buses began evacuating wounded and other civilians from the last rebel-held areas of Aleppo on Thursday as part of a new cease-fire expected to last three days . Evacuation attempts had been halted a day earlier due to heavy fighting.

Staff of the Syrian Red Crescent pulls a stretcher with a wounded person during an evacuation operation of rebel fighters and their families from rebelheld neighbourhoods in the embattled city of Aleppo on Dec. 15, 2016.

The long line of buses and ambulances headed out of besieged eastern Aleppo and into governmentheld territory before eventually making it to another rebel-held part of the province.

The International Committee of the Red Cross and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent Society said the first evacuees reached the safe zone Thursday afternoon.

“Red Crescent vehicles carrying the wounded have arrived, and the wounded will be transferred to... nearby hospitals for treatment,” said Ahmad al-Dbis, who leads the doctors and other volunteers involved in the evacuation.

According to the World Health Organization, 21 buses and 19 ambulances were involved in the evacuation.

“We saw women and small children on the buses and some men. They were not full. Everything went very smoothly.

It was very calm,” Elizabeth Hoff, the WHO representative in Syria, told the Reuters news agency.

A child reacts from inside a bus evacuating people from a rebel-held sector of eastern Aleppo, Syria Dec. 15, 2016.

U.N. humanitarian envoy Jan Egeland told reporters he hoped to see the start of a “last and successful attempt” at evacuations from eastern

A young boy waves the Syrian flag as residents in a government-held area of Aleppo gather in the street during an evacuation operation of rebel fighters and their families from rebel-held neighborhoods in Syria’s northern embattled city on Dec. 15, 2016.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Aleppo, which opposition fighters Secretary-General Ban ki-Moon urged clashes on every front line,” both in the 15-member countries to “do all we rebel-held and government-controlled Carter at a news conference Thursday seized in 2012. parts of the city. Casualties were chided the Russians for failing to fulfill He said the operation included can to stop the carnage.” their stated goal for entering Syria, U.N. Human Rights Commissioner reported on both sides. medical evacuations of wounded and which was to help in the political How the new deal came about sick people, other vulnerable civilians, Zeid Ra’ad al Hussein said the Members of the Nureddin al-Zinki transition, and said “a political path” and the rebel fighters. Most of them resumption of fighting early Wednesday were bound for Idlib, while others may was appalling, and that “the resumption rebel group told the French news is the only solution that will end the of extremely heavy bombardment by agency the new cease-fire deal was violence in Aleppo. opt to go to Turkey.

“The Russians came in – I’ll remind More violence was reported early the Syrian government forces and their reached through negotiations between Thursday, with activists and local allies on an area packed with civilians... the Russian military and the Turkish you – to Syria saying that they were there to promote precisely that political Red Crescent Society. medical officials saying pro-government most likely constitutes war crimes.”

Other reports said Iran, another transition. And they haven’t done that.

A wounded Syrian, who forces fired on an ambulance that tried to leave rebel-held territory, wounding was evacuated from rebel-held major supporter of the Assad regime, And they also said they were coming in neighborhoods in the embattled city held up the new cease-fire agreement to fight ISIL (Islamic State) and they at least three people.

A wounded boy sits inside an of Aleppo, is carried upon his arrival until it had assurances that evacuations haven’t done that either,” Carter said.

Russia blamed the rebels ambulance as Syrian rebels and their in the opposition-controlled Khan al- from Aleppo would be carried out families gather at the rebel-held al- Aassal region, west of the city, on Dec. simultaneously with the rescue of for breaking the cease-fire early wounded people in two Shi’ite villages Wednesday, allegedly by attacking Amiriyah neighborhood as they wait 15, 2016.

Syrian government positions. Turkish Zeid demanded that the Syrian under siege by rebel forces. to be evacuated to the governmentAbdul Salaam Abdul Razak, a President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said controlled area of Ramoussa on the government provide medical aid to southern outskirts of the city on Dec. Aleppo residents wounded during military spokesman for the Nureddin it was Syrian government forces who the bombardment, as required by al-Zinki group, said evacuations from began the attack.

15, 2016.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei The final departure of rebels international law, and said, “The way the villages in Idlib province were from Aleppo would mark a major this deal was dangled in front of this confirmed late Wednesday, assuring Lavrov told U.S. Secretary of State John victory for Syrian President Bashar al- battered and beleaguered population the exodus from eastern Aleppo could Kerry by phone Wednesday afternoon that the Syrian government was willing Assad. His forces have been pressing a -- causing them to hope they might begin at dawn Thursday.

An official of another rebel group, to provide a safe exit for civilians and Russia-backed military campaign that indeed live to see another day -- and accelerated in recent weeks as they then snatched away just half a day later Jabha Shamiya, told Reuters about rebel fighters, but the rebels refused to 1,000 wounded people were expected adhere to the cease-fire, according to captured more and more territory from is also outrageously cruel.”

The Syrian Observatory for Human to leave Aleppo first, and that the entire a statement from the Russian Foreign the opposition.

Years of fighting and a government Rights, a Britain-based group that evacuation could be completed within Ministry.

Russian soldiers gather in the siege have left much of the city in rubble collects reports about the prolonged three days. government held side of the embattled Trading blame and drawn alarm from the international civil war, said there were “very intense city of Aleppo before the start on an community and aid groups worried evacuation operation of rebel fighters about the thousands of people in need and their families from rebel-held areas of food and medical attention. on Dec. 15, 2016.

Specter of ‘war crimes’ Russian and U.S. diplomats have France called for another emergency been gathered in Geneva for several session of the U.N. Security Council days, discussing a long-term peace deal Thursday to discuss the situation in for Aleppo, but by Thursday morning Aleppo. those conversations had broken down, The purpose of the meeting, according to Russian Deputy Foreign according to a letter sent from France Minister Sergei Ryabkov. to the security council president, is to “They have been suspended,” address “the imperative need to ensure Ryabkov reportedly told Russian state full, immediate, safe and unimpeded news agency TASS. humanitarian access and guarantee The discussions between the two the evacuation of all civilians in proper countries’ diplomats had been ongoing conditions.” since Sunday.

The U.N. body held an emergency Source: BBC meeting earlier this week in which

“

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry by phone Wednesday afternoon that the Syrian government was willing to provide a safe exit for civilians and rebel fighters

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, DECEmber 16, 2016

Page 23

News From Africa Cameroon Deploys More Troops to Protect Wildlife

Egypt: Traces of Explosives Found on Victims of Paris Flight

C

ameroon is deploying more troops to protect the Lobeke National Park on its border with the Central African Republic (CAR) after a deadly attack earlier this month by armed poachers.

The attackers fled back across the border into the CAR leaving behind carcasses of protected animals and tusks from at least 20 elephants.

Forest ranger ForguiKabsia said armed poachers opened fire on him and other rangers as they patrolled the Lobeke National Park in southeastern Cameroon.

He said the park is being invaded by armed men from the neighboring CAR. According to him, the men were killing all animals they found and harvesting ivory from elephants.

Kabsia said many were wounded during the ambush while one ranger was killed on the spot and a second person ranger died at the hospital. He regrets his group of 25 included an escort of only three soldiers.

Officials say all the poachers were able to flee over the Sanaga River that separates Cameroon from the CAR but that they left evidence of their crimes.

Officials recovered the carcasses of freshly killed elephants and other protected wildlife, as well as ivory from at least 20 elephants.

Nicolas Tamafo, the highest ranking Cameroon wildlife official in Cameroon’s Boumba and Ngoko Division, where the park is located, said they solicited more help from the military.

He said they have now signed an agreement with the Ministry of Defense to deploy troops to protect the park. He added that the military will also train forest rangers to fight back when the invaders come, though there are no plans to arm the forest rangers.

Officials identified the poachers as “rebels” from the CAR but could not give further details on which group they belong to.

The CAR has not had a military since the 2013 Seleka coup, and Cameroon has struggled to respond to the cross-border poaching threat.

The Lobeke National Park is part of a larger protected area in the Congo River Basin that includes the theDzangaSangha special reserve in the CAR and the Nouabale-Ndoki National Park in Congo-Brazzaville.

It is home to herds of forest elephants and lowland gorillas that conservationists warn may be wiped out if the current wave of poaching persists.

Gambian PresidentElect Says Jammeh Should Accept Defeat

T EgyptAir Airbus A320 takes off

T

races of explosives were found on some of the victims of the EgyptAir crash in May, Egypt’s Civil Aviation Ministry said.

According to a ministry statement Thursday, state prosecutors are expected to take over the investigation into the crash of EgyptAir Flight 804 that killed all 66 people on board.

Egyptian law requires that a case be handed to state prosecutors “if it becomes clear to the investigative committee that there is criminal suspicion behind the accident,” the ministry said.

No cause of the crash, including

terrorism, has yet been ruled out and no group has claimed to have attacked the plane.

Flight 804 plunged into the Mediterranean Sea on a flight from Paris to Cairo. Discovery of the plane’s wreckage and its cockpit voice recorder on the sea floor has raised hope that an explanation for the doomed jet’s mysterious disappearance will be determined.

In June, a research vessel with deep-water search capabilities spotted “several main locations” of wreckage and photographed the discoveries,

officials said.

The M.V. John Lethridge, a Britishbuilt vessel capable of searching waters up to 6,000 meters deep, had investigators aboard who were mapping the wreckage sites.

The EgyptAir crash happened seven months after a Russian airliner went down in the Sinai Peninsula, killing all 226 people on board.

A local affiliate of the extremist Islamic State group claimed responsibility for that attack, and said it had shot down the Russian plane with an explosive device placed on board.

2 Blasts Hit Mogadishu; 6 Soldiers Killed

A Somalia soldier stands guard near the destroyed restaurant in Mogadishu, Somalia, Dec. 15, 2016.

A

blast believed to be caused an improvised explosive device tore through a Somali Army checkpoint and nearby displaced persons camp Thursday, killing six government soldiers, according to officials.

Abdifitah Omar Halane, Benadir regional administrative spokesman, told VOA that the blast occurred at Excontrol Afgoye, the entry checkpoint to the southwestern part of Mogadishu.

Halane said at least 13 other people were injured in the blast, most of them

women and children.

In a separate incident, a suspected al-Shabab suicide bomber detonated an explosive-laden car near a Mogadishu restaurant, killing himself and wounding seven others, including one journalist.

Halane said the attacker blew himself up at a checkpoint near the Village restaurant, a popular Western-style eatery frequented by local journalists, government officials, and visitors from the diaspora.

The restaurant has been targeted

in several previous attacks which killed journalists and government staff.

The car explosion followed a highspeed chase between police and the suspected suicide attacker, according to Halane.

“Police ordered the driver to stop the car, but the attacker detonated the car after it overturned,” he said.

A VOA reporter in Mogadishu says the bomber was trying to ram his car into another vehicle carrying a senior police commander.

he winner of Gambia’s presidential election says efforts by incumbent YahyaJammeh to toss out the results are illegal.

Adama Barrow told VOA’s French-to-Africa service that Jammeh, who has ruled Gambia for 22 years, does not have the authority to cancel the election.

“He does not have those powers and whatever he is doing is illegal and let him accept defeat,” Barrow said in the interview Wednesday. “He called me to say that we have the best election in the world and he should stick to that.”

Barrow said he met with West African leaders who also met with Jammeh on Tuesday and told them, “I am the presidentelect and YahyaJammeh is the outgoing president. He accepted defeat, congratulated me, and turned around and said he has annulled the election.”

On Tuesday, the security forces took over the offices of Gambia’s electoral commission, the same day members of the ruling party asked the country’s Supreme Court to void the election results.

Barrow told VOA that the head of the Gambian Armed Forces called and congratulated him after the election, but still lacks government protection.

“I am still concerned about my security,” he said. “I am using my local security, the security I was using during the campaign.”

Barrow, running as the main opposition candidate, defeated Jammeh in the December 1 election by a margin of 45 to 36 percent, according to the electoral commission.

In a Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016 file photo, Gambia’s president YahyaJammeh shows his inked finger before voting in Banjul, Gambia.

Afterward, state media broadcast a phone call in which President Jammeh congratulated Barrow for his “clear victory,” praised the election as “transparent” and said, “Allah is telling me my time is up.”

A week later, Jammeh rejected the results and said he wants to see a new election.

Jammeh, 51, has ruled the tiny West African nation since taking power in a 1994 military coup. He won four subsequent elections that critics said were neither free nor fair, and once said he could rule Gambia for “a billion years.”

Page 24

Fake news: Facebook rolls out new tools to tackle false stories

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acebook has announced new features to help combat fabricated news stories on the world’s largest social network.

New reporting features are being rolled out, along with other changes designed to combat the spread of misinformation.

Facebook was widely criticised last month after some users complained that fake news had influenced the US presidential election.

The new features include the ability to flag fake stories, as well as possible future changes to Facebook’s algorithm.

“We believe in giving people a voice and that we cannot become arbiters of truth ourselves, so we’re approaching this problem carefully,” the company said in its announcement.

The social network has added a new option titled “it’s a fake news story” to its reporting feature, which is currently used for spam or other “annoying” content.

It is also introducing a label for “disputed” stories, which it says it will refer to third-party fact-checking organisations.

There are currently 43 signatories, including news organisations in several different countries. Poynter, which operates the scheme, said it was “rethinking” the application process in light of Facebook’s decision.

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, DECEmber 2, 2016

Asia&Middle-east Ah, the Weekend: Tapestry From Hitler’s Alpine Taiwan Workers to Retreat Returning to Germany Get 2 Days Off a

G

rowing up, Cathy Hinz and her five siblings would run up and down the stairs at their Minneapolis home, one hand on the banister, the other skimming a memento hanging on the wall that their father had brought back after fighting in World War II: a 16th century tapestry that once graced Adolf Hitler’s retreat perched high in the Bavarian Alps.

On Friday, that tapestry, purchased for Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest the year before the war began from a Munich art gallery owned by a Jewish family, will be formally returned in a ceremony in Germany. It will eventually be displayed at the Bavarian National Museum in Munich.

“The tapestry has been on a journey, and now it’s going home,” Hinz said.

The tapestry’s trip back to Germany began when Hinz gave it to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. Enough was known about its past that Gordon “Nick” Mueller, president and CEO of the museum, and Robert Edsel, a board member and founder of the Dallasbased Monuments Men Foundation for the Preservation of Art, knew it needed to be returned to its rightful owner.

Hinz’s father, U.S. Army Lt. Col.

Week

T

Frederic de Laurens, a former top manager at French national archives, points to the name Adolf Hitler on a ledger listing Goering’s looted art, Sept. 30, 2015 outside Paris, France Paul Danahy, often told the story of taking the tapestry after being struck by the historical significance of the moment after his 101st Airborne Division made it to the Eagle’s Nest above Berchtesgaden and began interrogating German officers. Danahy, who served in the war as an intelligence officer, died in 1986 at the age of 71, and the tapestry eventually landed on the wall of Hinz’s dining room.

Se e ing c are f u l l y p re s e rve d tapestries on a trip to Italy in 2000 gave Hinz pause about continuing to keep the 7-foot-by-7-foot tapestry

depicting a courtly hunting scene. She knew it was time to let go of it, she just wasn’t sure how.

Edsel said the key was determining whether the September 1938 sale of the tapestry would have been considered forced. His foundation endeavors not only to honor but also continue the work of the Monuments Men, a group of art experts from more than a dozen countries who worked with Allied forces to protect cultural treasures during the war, and afterward to return works stolen by the Nazis.

Obama Administration Files Trade Challenge Against China

Israeli settlers braced for eviction from Amona outpost

T

he Jewish settlers of the illegal Amona outpost in the occupied West Bank have rejected a proposal to leave voluntarily, defying a court order and raising fears of violence.

A High Court ordered the Amona outpost to be evacuated

by December 25 since it was found to have been built on private Palestinian land in a case that has taken on international importance.

Dozens of Israeli youths streamed into the hilltop outpost of about 40 families in windy and bitterly cold weather in the middle of the night on Thursday, as they feared the army would move in imminently to clear them out.

Many of them, alerted to the decision on social media, crowded into a small synagogue and dozed in sleeping bags on the floor, while others stayed in their cars or simply walked the streets.

After sunrise, some of the youths, wearing knitted Jewish skullcaps with sidelocks dangling, spread nails on roads along with stones and wooden poles.

A corn farmer, on top of his combine, is silhouetted against the setting sun while harvesting corn in Pleasant Plains, Illinois, Sept. 27, 2014.

A

mid new tensions with China, the Obama administration on Thursday launched its 15th challenge against Beijing at the Word Trade Organization, escalating a long-simmering debate over practices that U.S. officials say limit American farmers’ ability to export rice, wheat and corn to the Asian powerhouse.

The administration says it is trying to hold China to its commitment to allow set quantities of grain and corn to enter the country subject to a lower tariff rate. China agreed to the terms when it joined the WTO, the administration said in a statement announcing new the complaint.

Exporters at times voice concerns that countries make it difficult to gain entry at the lower tariff rates. U.S. trade officials describe China’s system as “not transparent, predictable or fair.”

The complaint comes at a

sensitive time in U.S.-China relations.

President-elect Donald Trump, a critic of China’s trade practices, angered Chinese leaders when he spoke by phone to Taiwan’s president and later suggested he may reconsider U.S. policy maintaining only unofficial relations with the island, which broke from China in 1949. Beijing has warned that changes to the so-called “One China” policy will threaten stability in the region and damage relations with Washington.

The Obama administration also has expressed frustration with China’s trade practices, though largely through the WTO. The new challenge was the second in recent months. In September, the U.S. alleged excessive Chinese government subsidies for rice, wheat and corn were driving up production from local producers and making it harder for American farmers to export the same crops to

China.

United States Trade Representative Michael Froman said China’s policies “limit opportunities for U.S. farmers to export competitively priced, highquality grains to customers in China.”

“The United States will aggressively pursue this challenge on behalf of American rice, wheat, and corn farmers,” he said.

A Chinese embassy representative in Washington did not immediately respond to an email inquiry seeking comment.

Lawmakers from both political parties applauded the effort in a news release issued by the U.S. Trade Representative’s office. “We have been sounding the alarm, and I am pleased to see USTR taking action to hold China accountable,” said Rep. Mike Conaway, the Texas Republican who chairs the House Agriculture Committee.

aiwanese people enjoy their weekend, Nov. 20, 2016, at the Sun Yatsen Memorial Hall in Taipei, Taiwan. Taiwan will soon start mandating two-day weekends for its workforce. The changed labor standards reflect desires for better work-life balance in this affluent, industrialized island.

Since Taiwan industrialized in the 1960s, its workers have strived to do whatever their employers asked, including putting in free overtime, out of fear of being replaced.

“We wanted to contribute to our company, and in return, we want the company to respond in positive ways to our contributions,” said Chou HsunRong, 43, a worker at a bonding material factory in suburban Taipei, Taiwan’s capital, who says he has long sacrificed personal time for the sake of his job.

Many workers in Taiwan, a manufacturing powerhouse and democratically ruled island off the coast of China, would like a better work-life balance to match their society’s growing affluence.

Work-life balance After 15 years of long work days, factory worker Chou is hoping to spend more time with his two small children.

“When we work overtime, it’s true that we are sacrificing our family time, or that we even neglect the fact that we feel unwell,” said Chou, adding that he and his colleagues worry about chronic illness from overwork.

“So I wish working hours were shorter.”

The progress toward shorter working hours comes at a time when, unlike in many Western countries, workers in Taiwan have been gaining leverage, with the unemployment rate at less than 4 percent and the ratio of job openings to job seekers at 1.72 times, according to the Labor Ministry.

On December 6, lawmakers approved changes for the Labor Standards Act requiring companies to limit work to 40 hours a week and give full-time workers at least two of every seven days off. Hourly overtime pay will ratchet higher as extra hours accrue.

“To go from 48-hour weeks to this new labor law indicates that the voices of workers have been heard,” said Huang Chientai, secretary of the Taipei City Confederation of Trade Unions.

President Tsai Ing-wen promised to push for two-day weekends while campaigning for office. She has pledged to sign the bill before the year’s end.

Employers resist The changes to Taiwan’s onerous labor regimen come despite resistance from employers used to demanding their staff work long and odd hours to meet customers’ fast shifting demands.

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, DECEMber 16, 2016

PAGE 25

Digest

The secret to a long life? JOGGING: Expert reveals the six simple tips to get you started

By James Thie

T

he sight of the determined, lycraclad jogger has become a familiar feature of urban parks around the world.

Jogging – defined as ‘the activity of running at a steady, gentle pace’ – was made popular by running pioneer Arthur Lydiard, who realised that this was a better way to train for competition than sprinting to exhaustion.

The activity gained a huge following in the 1980s, and has recently experienced something of a resurgence.

There are clear health benefits to this relatively cheap and accessible activity.

The Copenhagen City Heart study – which collected data between 1976 and 2003 – revealed that regular jogging increases the life expectancy of men by 6.2 years, and women by 5.6 years.

Peter Schnohr, chief cardiologist of the study, found that jogging: So, how much jogging do you have to do to gain this bounty of benefits?

The Copenhagen City Heart study itself recommends between 60 and 150 minutes per week, in total.

The National Health Service (NHS) likewise suggests that 19- to 64-yearolds should be doing 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week – where aerobic exercise is a workout which you can maintain for relatively long periods, without too much impact on your breathing rate.

These benefits are maximised by jogging for more than 20 minutes, at least three to five times per week.

But, based on my own experience as a competitive runner and coach, there are a few other tricks you can use to get the most out of your regular jog.

Improve Your Technique Everybody runs differently, so your technique is going to be unique. Even so, there are a few key pointers that may help.

The UK Athletics resource UCoach recommends running tall, with high hips, and placing each foot directly beneath your centre of mass keeping your arm action relaxed and efficient, with rhythmical stride.

Within the first ten weeks, new joggers should expect to see their movement become more efficient, and their running gait improve.

Wear The Right Shoes Going to a specialist running store is very useful – they should be able to give you feedback and advice on your current running shoes, your technique and what extra support you require.

This can make a big difference when it comes to preventing injuries; something all runners are trying to

achieve.

Keep in mind, however, that the most expensive shoes might not be the best – in fact, it’s probably more important to make sure they are comfortable.

Set Goals Setting goals is proven to give you the motivation you need to get started, and to continue training.

These may include personal goals to get fit and lose weight, or you may aim to complete an event like a 5km, 10km or half or full marathon.

Remember, any goal is a great tool – but you may simply enjoy jogging – that’s fine, too.

Mix It Up Mixing up your jogging routes and venues is key to beating off potential boredom.

So, make sure not all your jogs are over the same distance and on the same loop.

You can’t beat a new trail for a longer jog, just make sure you know where you are going – or you may be running for longer than you anticipated.

Become A Social Jogger Jogging with others is a great way to be social and also go longer and further.

The rise of the Parkrun is a global phenomenon that gets many thousands of people each week running, jogging and walking over a 5km distance.

There are many Parkruns spread all over the UK. It is free to enter, and they happen every Saturday morning at 9am in many urban parks.

This is jogging for the new age.

There are numerous smartphone apps and trackers that will monitor and motivate you.

They will measure your routes, give you split times and show your progression.

You can do virtual jogs with your friends, have mini competitions and even have real-time online coaching support from trained professionals.

There are even apps that will create a music playlist with beats to match your steps per minute.

Research tells us that synchronised music increases exercise output, and helps to reduce the perceived effort of jogging.

Jogging is an accessible urban sport – it’s also smart, sociable and healthy.

It isn’t a surprise that jogging has made a comeback.

So, put on your trainers, grab your smartphone, go for a jog and live longer.

DailyMail on Facebook

Running tall with high hips can help you to keep a rhythmical stride

•

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, DECEMber 16, 2016

Page 26

Feature Fidel Castro’s African legacy:

Friendship and freedom Ana Naomi

F

idel Castro was the enduring face and voice of a Cuban internationalism forged at the height of the Cold War and still widely misunderstood by the global North.

In 1969, during a meeting with the Chilean foreign minister Gabriel Valdes, Henry Kissinger - who would later become the US secretary of state - declared: “Nothing important can come from the South. History has never been produced in the South. The axis of history starts in Moscow, goes to Bonn, crosses over to Washington, and then goes to Tokyo. What happens in the South is of no importance.”

This so-called South - the global South had already proved Kissinger wrong, though he was not astute enough to recognise it. As well as the emergence of the Non-Aligned Movement (of newly independent nations) at the Bandung Conference some 14 years earlier, postrevolution Cuba had been busy forging deep ties with countries that shared both its mistrust of US foreign policy and desire for true independence.

Fidel Castro in context n the years that followed, Havana would provide not just symbolic but also military and economic support to peoples all over Asia, Africa and Latin America. This struggle for selfdetermination, which spread across the globe throughout the 20th century, is perhaps one of the most enduring legacies of Fidel Castro’s Cuba. Nowhere has it had as deep an impact as in Africa, where Cuba helped consolidate the rule of socialist independent movements in several nations, and to bring about the end of apartheid in South Africa.

Cuba’s influence on the global South began, symbolically, with the Cuban revolution itself, in 1959. “The Cuban revolution provided a sort of language for which places like Guinea-Bissau could dream of their future as independent countries,” says Antonio Tomas, a biographer of African anti-colonial leader Amilcar Cabral.

It was an event which resonated with nations still fighting or only recently liberated from colonial occupations.

“I was a young student when I heard about it, and about Fidel, for the first time,” says Adriano Pereira dos Santos Junior, who was part of the liberation struggle in Angola, won by the socialist MPLA. “The Cuban revolution and the defeat of Baptista was hugely influential for us in Angola.”

I

State of turmoil he following year, with Cuba already under sanctions from the US, Fidel Castro travelled to New York to address the United Nations, and found that he would be confined to Manhattan island by security measures.

After a spat with a hotel that demanded a $20,000 deposit from the Cubans, Castro and his delegation left and moved to the black-owned Hotel Theresa, in Harlem, where they were welcomed by el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz, Malcolm X. Rosemari Mealy, an academic, writer and Black Panther Party member, who has written about the encounter, recalls: “Activists, journalists and regular Harlemites ... recalled witnessing thousands of pro-Cuba demonstrators in the streets in front of the hotel.”

At the time, as Mealy points out, “all across the United States, including Harlem, blacks and other people of colour were waging relentless struggles against racism and police violence, the fight for decent housing, jobs and the end to segregation of public schools and transportation”.

Castro’s decision to stay in Harlem, to meet so publicly with Malcolm X and, subsequently,

T

to receive a host of foreign leaders who were at odds with American foreign policy - including Nikita Khrushchev, Gamal Abdel Nasser, and Jawaharlal Nehru - antagonised the US administration but also served as a powerful example of how Cuba was positioning itself in relation to the rest of the world.

Memories of a young Cuban revolutionary ut the rest of the world was in a state of turmoil. The 1960 independence of the Republic of Congo was followed in January 1961 by the assassination of its new president, Patrice Lumumba, in which both the US and the United Nations played a role.

Then, just months later, in Cuba, the CIA orchestrated the invasion of the Bay of Pigs in an attempt to unseat Castro. It was not hard, at the time, for Cuba to convince the global South of the facts of American imperialism.

With the controversial, US-imposed sanctions as his calling card, Castro declared solidarity between Cuba and other oppressed, colonised, and newly independent nations.

According to Raquel Ribeiro, who writes about the relationship between Cuba and Angola, “there was a wide and significant network of influence in the so-called Third World, which stemmed clearly from the Tricontinental conference in Havana in 1966 as a movement of the ‘global South’, an alternative to imperial, neocolonial forms of domination”.

In its attempt to galvanise this movement, the Cuban government went beyond rhetoric and began to provide tangible support to those it counted among its allies. It was in this spirit that, in 1963, Cuba sent a delegation of 56 Cuban doctors to Algeria. Algeria was still recovering from a long war of liberation from France, and post-independence “white flight” had left the country desperately lacking in medical professionals.

This small, but symbolic, envoy from Havana was the beginning of a decades-long programme of Cuban “medical internationalism” which would leave a lasting legacy across Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, in particular. “The symbolic aspect was really the generosity,” says Tomas. “And I think this is the narrative Fidel wanted to write. The history of the little island doing great things in Africa, far greater than the resources they had and so on .... This internationalism was unprecedented.”

But from its inception, medical internationalism was not only part of a humanitarian campaign (which also provided teachers, engineers and technicians); it was also fundamental to the military interventions that Cuba was launching abroad, particularly in Africa, where ongoing independence struggles were fast becoming a live battleground for the Cold War.

B

Arms and weapons to Africa rom 1963, Cuba began to provide arms and weapons training to allied movements in Algeria, Yemen, and to Amilcar Cabral’s PAIGC movement for the liberation of Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau, then still Portuguese colonies.

But the support wasn’t only practical. Rooted in a language of brotherhood and shared history, it was also emotional. “In a spirit of friendship,” declared Amilcar Cabral, “... the bonds of history, blood and culture unite our peoples with the Cuban people.”

Although outflanked by the Soviet Union in terms of the military and financial aid it provided, Cuba’s internationalist support continued to be of importance to the emerging political leaders of the global South (including Ghana’s Kwame Nkrumah; Egypt’s Gamal Abdel Nasser; Burkina

F

Nelson Mandela and Fidel Castro embrace during Castro’s visit to Johannesburg, South Africa [Jose Goitia/AP]

“

Cuba’s decades-long involvement in Africa has left a disputed and complicated legacy; alongside the victory over apartheid sits their alleged involvement in the May 27 massacre in Angola; and the bloodshed from the 1977 Ethiopia-Somalia war, to mention just two examples.

Faso’s Thomas Sankara; Mozambique’s Eduardo Mondlane; and Angola’s Agostinho Neto - not all of whom were then in power).

While these leaders were courted by Raul and Fidel Castro, it was Che Guevara who provided the idealism and passion for the armed struggle on the ground. Che intended to put the guerilla warfare theories he had developed - based on his own experiences in Cuba - into practice.

In 1965, he embedded himself with 100 AfroCuban soldiers in the Republic of Congo, to train guerilla fighters in support of the Marxist Simba movement.

The vivid life of Fidel Castro he mission was disastrous; his men were soon outnumbered by apartheid South Africanand CIA-backed mercenaries, and he retreated, having learned a painful lesson about wading into unfamiliar conflicts. While subsequently hiding in Dar es Salaam, he offered his services to FRELIMO (the National Front for the Liberation of Mozambique), but was turned down. Not all African liberation movements wanted - or needed - help.

After Che’s death in 1966, Cuban internationalism became more pragmatic. But over the following decade, the struggles for independence mutated into a series of bitter internal conflicts, heavily fuelled by foreign interests and Cold War politics.

At the request of the MPLA (the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola), Castro sent tens of thousands of Cubans to Angola under “Operation Carlotta” between 1975 and 1991, many of whom would die fighting against rival, US-backed and South-African apartheid forces. The Cuban forces’ victory at the battle of Cuito Cuanavale in 1988 was a watershed moment in southern African history, heralding independence for Zimbabwe and Namibia -

T

and the beginning of the end of South African apartheid. It was also the moment for Cuba to begin withdrawing militarily from Angola although the civil war there would not end for another decade.

Cuba’s decades-long involvement in Africa has left a disputed and complicated legacy; alongside the victory over apartheid sits their alleged involvement in the May 27 massacre in Angola; and the bloodshed from the 1977 Ethiopia-Somalia war, to mention just two examples.

The movements whose leadership Castro supported have not always fulfilled the hopes of the people they rule over, and some have morphed from socialism into something quite unrecognisable. But as Nelson Mandela - a lifelong friend of Castro - also remarked: “Cubans came to our region as doctors, teachers, soldiers, agricultural experts, but never as colonisers ...

What other country has such a history of selfless behaviour as Cuba has shown for the people of Africa?”

Even today, thousands of Cuban doctors are working all over Africa and beyond - providing vital medical services including most recently during the Ebola crisis; supporting infrastructure, education and culture. “Internationalism is ingrained in Cuban society and it’s a fundamental part of Cuban identity,” says Ribeiro. “It will continue to live on, beyond Fidel.”

Ana Naomi de Sousa is a filmmaker and journalist. She is the director of: Hacking Madrid; The Architecture of Violence; Guerrilla Architect; and Angola Birth of a Movement.

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera’s editorial policies.

Source: Al Jazeera News

PEOPLES DAILY

Sports

friday, DECEMber 16, 2016

Page

27

sports@peoplesdailyng.com, SMS- 08142929046

NFF lauds Presidency over Falcons rescue

Super Falcons

T

he Nigeria Football Federation has expressed heartfelt appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) for directing that players and officials of African champions, Super Falcons be paid within days, following the team’s protest at the Three Arms Zone on Wednesday.

“We are grateful to the Presidency for the prompt action, and we believe this will put the minds of the players at rest. It has been a very difficult time for the NFF; no official of the Federation was happy that the players and officials could not be paid their entitlements immediately after the tournament.

“It is not as if the Federation did not plan to pay the players and officials their entitlements. The NFF expected some money from a number of sources but this did not work out. They are champions and deserve to be treated as such; there are no doubts about that,” Ademola Olajire, NFF’s Director of Media and Communications,

said yesterday.

Olajire also stated that there was no time the NFF directed that the players should be ejected from their Agura Hotel, and decried claims that no official went to see the players at the hotel.

“The NFF is at the receiving end of all these, but at the end of the day, fair is fair.

Before they left for Cameroon, the country’s Vice President went to meet with them at a training session.

Also, despite the difficulties, the Federation was able to make the sum of $5,000 available to the Team Administrator for logistics. The NFF President personally visited the team and prayed with them.

“Before the team played South Africa in the semi finals, the NFF reached out to some sources and raised money to pay each player the sum of N500,000.

The NFF President was on the tarmac of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos to receive the team and celebrated with them on arrival, impressed it on NFF partner Emzor

to host the ladies to lunch and the company gave the team the sum of N1.6million.

“On arrival in Abuja, the team was received by the NFF General Secretary, Head of Protocol, Head of Women’s Football and the CEO of Jedo (a private organization), Dr. Aliyu Oroje Wammako.

The NFF impressed it on the management of Agura Hotel to ensure the comfort of the players and officials while the Federation went about trying to raise money to pay their entitlements.”

The NFF spokesman explained that apart from the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Barr. Solomon Dalung who personally visited the team at their hotel, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi was at the hotel on two occasions and the Head of Women’s Football, Miss Ruth David has been at the hotel on regular basis.

“After his visit, the Honourable Minister directed that the NFF should look for money to give to the players to take them home.

The players appealed that the amount

of N50,000 proposed by the Federation should be doubled, and the NFF squeezed out N100,000 to each player and official.

Surprisingly, the players said they would no longer leave the hotel even after that payment.

“While the monies paid to the team so far may not amount to much, these are challenging times and we expect the players to understand with the Federation. They did not, but we thank God all these issues are almost behind us.

“This unfortunate situation calls for calm and patience on the part of all. The NFF cannot praise the Presidency enough.

The players cannot say that nobody came to see them in the hotel, or that the Federation ordered that they be ejected; that is not correct.

We passionately appeal to the players not to allow themselves to be used by some persons against the Federation and the Federal Government, as such persons do not mean well for them and their career.

>>Pg 28

Siasia laments joblessness due Reps condemn FG’s neglect on Super Falcons to 2017 AFCON qualification >>Pg 28

PAGE 28

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, DECEMber 16, 2016

Sport

Reps condemns FG’s neglect on Super Falcons

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T

he House of Representatives has condemned the non payment of the allowances of the Super Falcons and officials who participated at the recent Africa Women’s Cup of Nations Championship hosted by Cameroon.

To this end, the House urged the Nigeria Football Federation to pay their backlog of unpaid allowances without further delay.

The resolution of the House was sequel to a motion sponsored by Rep Ayo Omidiran who noted that despite urging by the NFF and officials of the Sport ministry, the players have refused to vacate their hotel rooms until all their due entitlements are paid.

She said the refusal of the team to hearken to the pleas of the football officials must have been informed by the past actions, inactions and failures and inability of NFF and Sports ministry to keep to

their promises and assurances in similar situations in the past.

“They are only asking for their money be paid.

In the past they were paid in Dollars but now it is in Naira yet they are not worried but still they are been owned”, the lawmaker said.

Lawmakers in their contributions expressed bitterness over government neglect of the Super Falcons.

According to Deputy Minority Leader, Chukwuka Onyema, “Cameroon who were runner up of the championship honoured their players well talk more of Nigeria that won it. It is shameful.

“This neglect like many others has led talented Nigerians to represent other countries”, he added.

To this end, the House adopted the motion and mandated its Committee on Sport to ensure implementation and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

A standing ovation was thereafter observed

Falcons

by the House for the superlative performance of the team at the recently concluded Africa Women’s Cup of Nations.

Recalled that the 8th time African

champions protested to the National Assembly on 14th December few days after their returned due to federal government neglect to their demand.

Gwagwalada Council kicks-off 17thedition of chairman’s cup

By Usman Shuaibu

T

he administration of Gwagwalada Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the leadership of the Honourable Adamu Mustapha Danze, has kicked-

off the 17th edition of chairman’s cup in the area.

In an interview at the occasion, the sports officer of the Area Council, Coach Nuhu B. Pada, described the sporting competition as good one as the competitors were ready for the game.

He commended the administration of the Area Council for providing the necessary support to engage the youths in sporting activities in the area.

He said that he would continue to partner with the administration of the council to move the sporting activities

among the youths to higher heights.

Pada, however, advised the participating team to always obey the laid down rules and regulations guiding the sports. Meanwhile, about forty six team(s) are competing for the trophy.

Siasia laments joblessness due to 2017 AFCON qualification

C

oach Samson Siasia has lamented that he currently unemployed after he failed in a rescue mission to qualify Nigeria to next year’s AFCON. Siasia was appointed in caretaker capacity to lead the Super Eagles in crucial AFCON qualifiers against Egypt in March after Sunday Oliseh had quit the previous month.

Egypt forced a 1-1 draw in Kaduna before they won 1-0 in Alexandria to go on to qualify for the 2017 AFCON in Gabon.

“I do not have job now because I did not qualify Nigeria to the AFCON,”

Siasia

NFF holds annual general assembly

By Albert Akota

T

he 2016 annual general assembly of Nigeria Football Federation will hold in Lagos this weekend.

NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, stated that the event that will take place at Best Western Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos will have in attendance Chairmen and Secretaries of the Football Associations of the 36 States and the FCT, Chairmen and Secretaries of the various Leagues, Chairmen and

Secretaries of the Referees Association, Coaches Association and Players Union, Members of the NFF Executive Committee, NFF Management and a number of stakeholders.

The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode will be chief host, with the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Barr.

Solomon Dalung as special guest.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Obinna Joseph Ogba; his counterpart in the House of Representatives,

Hon. Goni Lawan and; the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mr. Chinyeaka Ohaa are among guests for the day.

The Congress will, among other items on the agenda, receive reports from each of the various geo-political zones on their activities in the past one year; receive the consolidated and revised balance sheet and profit-and-loss statement of the Federation and consider for approval the Federation’s 2017 budget proposal.

Dr. Mohammed Sanusi

regretted Siasia.

“It has shown that anytime I have taken a point midway, I do not do well.

“When I have started a job, I have always finished well.”

Siasia was linked with a lucrative offer in Qatar after he led Nigeria to third place at the Rio Olympics in Brazil.

However, nothing has since been heard about that deal. His contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as Olympic coach ended after the summer games in Rio. He has previously handled the Nigeria U20s, the Flying Eagles.

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, DECEMber 16, 2016

Strange

World

Page 29

Doctors shocked after removing this from a teenage girl’s stomach

A

teenage girl has undergone life-saving surgery to remove a cyst from her ovary - which weighed as much as a five-year-old. Khalida Akhter,

18, suffered from chronic stomach pain before the emergency procedure to remove the 21kg growth.Doctors initially believed she was suffering a gastric problem but had to act as the pain intensified over a six-month period. As the pain grew so did the size of her stomach, which left her looking pregnant as well as keeping her bed bound.

The student was forced to drop out of school due to the pain and swelling.

As Khalida, from Kashmir, India, became more secluded, rumours of her health began to circulate around her small village as locals began to believe she was pregnant or cursed.

Fearing the worst, Khalida’s parents travelled with their daughter to the nearest hospital in the area and begged medical staff to help them.

On her arrival at the hospital,

doctors were shocked to see the size of her stomach and rushed the student to the theatre for an emergency operation. The doctors discovered a cyst which grew to be 21kg in weight and may have done more damage to her health had she not undergone emergency surgery.

Ovarian cysts are common and for the most part quite harmless.

The cysts consist of fluid and usually grow to be just a few centimetres in size until they pop on their own.

The team at Mirza Mohd Afzal Beigh Memorial Hospital were amazed that Khalida had coped with the cyst for so long, and believe it is the largest one ever removed from a patient. onlinenigeria.com

PAGE 30

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, DECEMber 16, 2016

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

current initiative for peace & conflict resolution advocacy

Holy child girl secondary school alumni association, ifuho

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTERATION UNDER THE PART C OF THE COMPANY’S AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

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.omoregbe aifuwa richard 2.aghahowa felix 3.darosha alfred kissinger

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Emem nse-abasi thompson 2. Ikemesit oscar atakpa 3. Itoro idongesit ekpo 4. Mfon gerald umoh 5. Caroline modupe ojesanmi

- chairman - secretary

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.To promote peace and conflict resolution 2.To provide pro bono legal services to the indigent 3.To promote, support and or propose bills on good governance to the state house of assembly and national assembly ANY OBJECTION TO THIS regisraTION 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. john ola olorunsaiye 08038019823

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. To provide a forum for member of the alumnite interact and sustain a sense of belonging through mutually beneficial contact.

ANY OBJECTIVE TO THIS 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

PUBLIC NOTICE

Environmental Centre for oil spills & gas flaring. RC/CAC/IT/NO. 57289

MUSTAPHA GARBA MUNI SUPPORT FOUNDATION

THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR LOSS OF CERTIFIED TRUE COPY (CTC) UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES REMAIN THE SAME. THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME. the original certificate is missing and all efforts to find it proved abortive.

ANY OBJECTIVE TO THIS APPLICATION 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

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.MUSTAPHA GARBA MUNI - CHAIRMAN 2.HAUWA ABDULLAHI ABBA - SECRETARY 3.SULEIMAN UMAR ALKALI - MEMBER 4.MOHAMMED DAHIRU GARBA - MEMBER 5.YAKUBU BALA - MEMBER 6.ABDULMALIK BELLO - MEMBER 7.BELLO MOHAMMAD TUKUR - MEMBER 8.ALIYU BAKARI - MEMBER 9.SANI GODA - MEMBER 10.ABDULRAHAMAN ABUBAKAR ISA - MEMBER THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.TO SUPPORT AND EMPOWER THE LESS PRIVILEGED PEOPLE IN THE SOCIETY. 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

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WEST AFRICAN CENTER FOR INNOVATION AND DEVELOPMENT

SHEKINAH ROCK FOUNDATION

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G42 Liberation Forum

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)HON.BARR CHUKWUEMEKA NWAJIUBA (2)OGUBUIKE COMRADE CHINEDU (3)HON.STANLEY IFEANYI OBI (4)MR AMUCHE BRIAN OKORO (5)BARR.CHIEDOZIE OKORONGWU (6)BARR.GREG IHEJIRIKA (7)HON.GOZIE NWACHUKWU (8) PRINCE PASTOR BERTHRAM CHIDIEBERE EKE(JP) (9). PRINCE MIKE OFARLA. THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.TO PROTECT THE INTEREST OF MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTIVE TO THIS 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

True Yoke-Fellow Global Mission 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. Pastor Oluseyi Malomo 2. Pastor (Mrs) Obiageli Malomo 3. Mrs Funmi Akintan 4. Mr Victor Idowu THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To cater for the less privileged.

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

STREAM OF LIFE GLOBAL IMPACT NETWORK

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

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.PHARM TOLULOPE OLUGBADEBO AJAYI 2.MRS ADEFUNKE TAIYE AJAYI 3.DR ADEGBOLA OLUKOLADE AJAYI

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.OLORUNTOBA ADEDEJI PETER 2.BELLO DANIEL AJAYI 3.ABATAN OLUWASEGUN OMOTUNDE

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.FOR INNOVATION IN DEVELOPMENT IN WEST AFRICA. 2.FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN WEST AFRICA.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.TO PROVIDE FREE MEDICARE TO INDIGENT’S PERSONS. 2.TO PROVIDE DIFFERENT PLATFORMS WHERE PEOPLE CAN BE EMPOWERED TO LEARN LIFE SKILLS.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.TO UNVEIL THE ETERNAL FACE OF THE GOD HEAD THROUGH REVELATORY MESSAGE OF HIS MERCY. 2.TO BRING MEN TO GOD AND BRING GOD TO MEN UNTIL THE IMMORAL ALONE IS SEEN.

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.

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 : BARR. TOPE AYUBA -BULUS 08035158192

SIGNED : BARR. MATHEW ABEBE 08025619615

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

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.ASANI YUSUF OLADIMEJI 2.ADEBAYO OPEYEMI OLUWAFUNMILAYO 3.OLAGBENRO MICHAEL ADEOLA

ODINMA NDIGBO N’LE WORLDWIDE ASSOCIATION

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.BARR. IKENNA MORGAN ENEKWEIZU -NATIONAL PRESIDENT 2.DR. NDUBUISI EKE 3.MR. WALTER OKWUDIRI NWODO THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.TO GUIDE AND PROTECT THE LEGITIMATE INTEREST,WISHES MAND ASPIRATIONS OF NDIGBO BOTH IN NIGERIA AND IN DIASPORA WITH RESPECT TO INTELLECTUAL, ECONOMIC, SOCIAL, RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES. 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 : BARR. OBINNA NNA MBUKO 08032716076

YOUTH PATHFINDER INITIATIVE

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.HRD ALHAJI DR. ABUBAKAR SHEHU ABUBAKAR lii 2.SADIQ UMAR ABDULLAHI (ESQ) 3.ZAINAB GAMAWA (ESQ) 4.AZODOH UZOMA (ESQ) 5.MR. KIZITO AKPA 6.DR. AUSTIN MBAMA 7.FARIDA SADA (ESQ) 8.BARRISTER NANA MAHUTA THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.TO SUPPORT THE EDUCATION AND ENLIGHTENMENT OF YOUTHS THROUGH POSITIVE RE-ORIENTATION AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT. 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

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 : BARR. TOPE AYUBA-BULUS 08035158192

PUBLIC NOTICE

PAGE 31

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, DECEMber 16, 2016

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOT BY BREAD ALONE MINISTRY.

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.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. VICTORIA WOBO NYECHE _ PRESIDENT/ CHAIRMAN 2.JOY OROMA NYECHE 3.JUSTICE UCHE EBBIS _ SECRETARY. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST TO ALL NATION. 2. TO PUBLISH AND DISTRIBUTE CHRISTIAN LITERATURE AND MATERIALS 3. TO PARTNER WITH OTHER CHRISTIAN ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS IN NIGERIA AND OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD 4. TO ACHIEVE THE OBJECTS OF THE MINISTRY. 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: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

JESUS GLORY WORLD OUTREACH MINISTRIES. CAC/IT/NO 15446.

UBHIMHIYE

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS UBHIBHIYE INNOCENT. BUT NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS UBHIMHIYE ISAIAH INNOCENT. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

This is to inform the general public of the loss of Right of Occupancy, Letter in respect of plot No. 1055G, Cadastral Zone AO3, Garki II, Abuja, with Rof. O No. 006103 with new plot No. 1570 and bearing, Sen. Aliyu Maisango Abubakar III got missing. All effort made to trace this said document, prove abortive, if found, please report to the nearest police station. General public take note.

STEPHEN I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS STEPHEN EMMANUEL DOGARA. BUT NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS STEPHEN EMMANUEL. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS SHOULD REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE. Sylvia I, formerly known as Sylvia Chigozie Mgbemena now wish to be known and addressed as Sylvia Chigozie Chukwu Paschal. All former documents remain valid.

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

Musa

The general public is hereby notified that the above named, has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Change Of Trustees, appointment of new Chairman and secretary and Amendment of Constitution. under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor (Mrs) Grace Sammoses Eneche- Re-appointed (Chairman).

2. Daniella Sharon Ekoja- Appointed (Secretary).

3. Bishop John Richard- Appointed.

4. Apostle Gideon Agene- Appointed.

5. Elder Abu Lawani- Appointed.

6. Mrs Amaka Omenyi- Appointed.

7. Mr Ijachi Friday- Appointed.

8. Rev Sam Moses- Removed.

9. Mrs Cecilia Bakare- Removed.

10. Apostle Obed Aigba- Removed.

Aims and objectives remain the same.

Any objection to this notice must reach the RegistrarGeneral of Corporate Affairs Commission plot 420 Tigris crescent off aguiyi ironsi street Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

I, formerly known as Musa Abubakar Saidu now wish to be known and addressed as Musa Abubakar. All former documents remain valid. All authorities concerned, WAEC And the general Public should please take Note.

Signed. Secretary.

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

Cross River Sand Gravel Miners And Tippers Operators Association The general public is hereby notified that the above named, has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Change Of Trustees, appointment of new Chairman and secretary and Amendment of Constitution. under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Augustine Ejikpese.

2. Christopher Zachariah.

3. Ekpenyong Okon Bassey - Chairman.

4. Etaba Etaba Sunday - Secretary.

5. Ofu Okim Nsor.

Aims and objectives: 1. To enhance the welfare of members. 2. To promote the unity of the members Any objection to this notice must reach the RegistrarGeneral of Corporate Affairs Commission plot 420 Tigris crescent off aguiyi ironsi street Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed. Secretary.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Trustworthy Progressive Friends Club The general public is hereby notified that the above named, has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Change Of Trustees, appointment of new Chairman and secretary and Amendment of Constitution. under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Benjamin Amamchukwu Alagbu - Chairman.

2. Thankgod Onyedikachukwu Udeh - Vice Chairman.

3. Obinna Peter Eriobu - Secretary.

4. Echezona Nwozor - Fin Secretary Aims and objectives: To cater for the welfare of members Any objection to this notice must reach the RegistrarGeneral of Corporate Affairs Commission plot 420 Tigris crescent off aguiyi ironsi street Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed. Secretary.

Musa Shehu I, formerly known as Mohammed Abdullahi now wish to be known and addressed as Musa Shehu. All former documents remain valid. All authorities concerned and the general Public should please take Note.

MOHAMMED

FATIMA I, formerly known as FATIMA BASHIR now wish to be known and addressed as FATIMA BASHIR KIKELOMO. All former documents remain valid.

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

Mohammed I, formerly known as Muhammad Musah Muhammad now wish to be known and addressed as Mohammed Musa Mohammed. All former documents remain valid.

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

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

HADIZA I ,FORMERLY KNOWN AS HADIZA BAPPA LAWAL. BUT NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS HADIZA BAPPA TORO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS SHOULD REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE. SAMUEL

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS SAMUEL GREAT STEPHEN NOW WISH TO BE CALLED AS SAMUEL BWALA STEPHEN. all formal document remain valid AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC should please TAKE NOTE

PUBLIC NOTICE

Seat Of Mercy Evangelical Ministry International 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.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Evangelist Samuel Pukat.

2. Princess Bumi Pukat.

3. Winner Samuel Pukat.

4. Femi Higo Oisaga.

5. David K. Pukat.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: Benneth N. Eke Esq. 08037322105.

PUBLIC NOTICE

NEIGHBORHOOD EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION KANO

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.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Hamza S. Sharada chairman.

2. Abdulshakur A. Nuhu.

3. Bashir I. Sharifai.

4. Usman Ma'aji S/Yaki.

5. Garba Babanladi B/Madaki.

6. Ibrahim I. Usman.

7. Hafsa A. Ilu. 8. Wada Ilu - Secretary.

9. Kawu Muhammad AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To promote and advocate educational support in all levels of education 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: Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE

Confidence Aged Care Home 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.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Rachael Sani John - Chairman.

2. John Ngbede Gabriel - Secretary.

3. Emmanuel John.

4. Adakayi John Asimi AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To care for the elderly in our society. 2. To cater for the welfare 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: Secretary

Mrs Tosin

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS Miss Tosin Funlola Abatan NOW WISH TO BE CALLED AS Mrs Tosin Funlola Shitta. all formal document remain valid AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC should please TAKE NOTE

www.peoplesdailyng.com

. . . putting the people first

friday, DECEMber 16, 2016

QUOTABLE QUOTE

These dear daughters of ours have seen the worst that the world has to offer. It is now time for them to experience the best that the world can do for them.

- Buhari on the 21 released Chibok girls

SPORTS It takes one man to change a country latest

FG may not pay Falcons as Promised - Dalung

D

espite assurances of a two-day window given by the Chief of Staff to President Buhari, Malam Abba Kyari for the resolution of the grievances of Nigeria’s Super Falcons players following Wednesday’s protest to the State House in Abuja.

Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung has refused to corroborate or directly confirm the Monies will indeed be paid.

Dalung says the federal government is working assiduously to help the NFF raise intervention funds, to offset the debt owed the players but disagrees that a specific time period can be put on the payment , contrary to what the Chief of Staff vowed.

Madrid beats Club America to reach Fifa Club World Cup final

R

eal Madrid extended their unbeaten run to 36 games by beating Club America 2-0 to reach the Fifa Club World Cup final against Kashima Antlers on Sunday.

The European champions put out a strong side including Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.

They took the lead against the Mexican side just before half-time when Karim Benzema latched on to a Toni Kroos pass and sent in a shot from 12 yards.

Ronaldo scored in added time to secure Real’s victory.

Advert: business: news: lagos:

from lootocracy to democracy

N

obody would argue that Fidel Castro changed Cuba. Whether it was for better or worse than he met it depends on your economic and political persuasions. No matter what, Fidel Castrol made a pivotal impact since his influence is felt throughout the world. Africans have their share of remarkable leaders: from Kwame Nkrumah, Patrice Lumumba, Albert Luthuli to Idi Amin and Abacha. They and many others influenced and shaped their countries in different ways.

So one writing that went viral claimed that ten Buhari could not change Nigeria. We all seized upon it to make our points whether to give up on Nigeria or keep on trying until we die. Some of his frustrations were shared by most of us, whatever position we took. Nigeria is a mess that has not risen up to its potential or expectation as a regional power.

So much was expected in the sixties after Independence. Some even claimed if it was Nkrumah that headed Nigeria, Eh! The point of one man that wrote the piece was that as a qualified Engineer, he had to beg and bribe his way at every level to get a contract with every Sule, Nnamdi and Tunde that never went to school or had the foggiest idea of the work to be accomplished in the contract.

Before he could get paid, he had to bribe at every level again. It is the normal way of life in Nigeria and would ever remain the same, even in the face of ten Buhari as the head of that blessed Country.

Some of us wondered if he was around during the first coming of Buhari/Idiagbon or the short life of Abacha in power. Of course he was, that was military, unsustainable in democracy. Well, no one believed OBJ could retire all the military politicians, “marginalized” the old Northern power brokers with the concentration of all Armed Forces chiefs in the North-Central, establish ICPC and EFCC, bring Igbo into prominent posts since the war and would still serve two terms.

Oh please, Obasanjo used ICPC and EFCC to hunt his enemies and Ribadu used EFCC to hunt only some of Obasanjo’s friends. The points the guy made about Nigeria still stand because after all these, Nigeria has degenerated into abysmal failure where most of its leaders have either been indicted or convicted for one crime or another but are still seating pretty, holding on

0806 564 8620 0704 385 9705 0814 292 9046 08074420617

friDAY Column BY Farouk Martins Aresa to their posts in the face of one Buhari. So what could ten Buhari do?

When Nzeogwu struck in Nigeria, these are the same people that claimed he was too brutal and some of his colleagues betrayed his cause anyway. But when Jerry Rawlings struck in Ghana the same people justified his action.

Only that we could not see how such low-level officers would succeed in Nigeria. While most Nigerians agree that we need a leader with iron fist to succeed, probably with some military experience, Nigerians abuse the benefit of doubts in democracy!

However, we do not have democracy in Nigeria. Those in favor of the writing that went viral would agree that what we have in Nigeria is lootocracy! We spent so much energy and time indulging in self-deception as if we are practicing democracy. The only time looters cry in support of democracy is when they are caught red handed with tons of foreign cashistics in their sewer, farm, house helps’ account, foreign banks and places only crooks would think of.

Who is fooling whom? Let a hungry man steal food from the market and watch angry people transfer the punishment they should have administered to their politicians, bankers and now judges of due process; to poor people. There are no souls left to fight against jungle justice to the poor men and women that needed actual due process and rule of law in a democracy.

The problem with the guy that decided to check out of the country because he had lost all hope that

“

ten Buhari could fix the problem in Nigeria is that, he condemned system that he exploited so much, he made enough to take off to establish in Australia. He never disclosed how much he made from the rotten system to anticipate that he would live a better life in a new country. His false hope is that with his money he would be well received. He is not going there to toil afresh.

Let us remind him that Umaru Dikko and Akinloye had more money than him but could not wait to come back home. Actually, Richard Akinjide had very viable law practice in London but could not live as comfortably anywhere else. There are many more that made either clean money or gained from the corruption in Nigeria only to take off, hoping never to return home. When they miss African hospitalities, accolades of praise singers, friends and family shower on them, nko?

There is a difference between the desperadoes that could not survive or get one or two meals a day crossing the deserts and those that benefited from corruption in the system. Even many of those perished in the sea before they get to their dream paradise. Yes, there is nothing good to say about a country that feeds its talents to the seas and deserts like feeding their infants to the lions. But those that get trained on life scholarships and exploit the system must think twice.

Someone that benefits from the corrupt system like the guy that wrote about ten Buhari, can’t survive abroad. The life they dream of and think they are going to live may be too expensive

There is a difference between the desperadoes that could not survive or get one or two meals a day crossing the deserts and those that benefited from corruption in the system. Even many of those perished in the sea before they get to their dream paradise

to maintain unless they can come back home to milk our corrupt system some more, the only way they know how. If you cannot change yourself in a country, you cannot change any country.

Africans coming abroad in their adult life have never struggled like those that came as youths to work and pay to go to school, on minimum wage forcing them to cut coat according to their size and suffer insults and discrimination even when they are at the height of their careers. Most may have avoided ghetto where many minorities live, endure sounds of gunshots in their sleep or wake up to one more dead body in the neighborhood daily. Think before you check out O! The salvation of Africans and black people wherever they are in this world will not be achieved until Africans achieve it at home for which everyone can point to and be proud of. We can export as much American dollars and British pounds, we neither print nor mint, as we want. We will be seen and will remain the descendants of underachievers everywhere we go forever.

The amount of talents in every field Africans possess and waste outside will be used to develop other countries.

Individual rewards in return will be minimal compared to what we could gain if achieved, built on and sustained

by African youths. Election of Donald Trump is not an accident, not based on policy or vote. They want to protect their country from outsiders. If we messed up ours so much, which country is going to let us in; so that we can mess up their countries too?

Aresa can be reached through faroukomartins@aim.com

DAN GAYE

Kano prosecutes II women for drug abuse – News

What a man can do...

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