Wednesday, February 18th, 2015 Edition

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Wednesday, February 18, 2015 Rabi Al-Thani 29, 1436 AH

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Interim national govt. dead on arrival – Mark >> page 16

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Why Buhari shelved Chibok visit - Campaign spokesman

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N150 Vol. 15 No. 59

Obasanjo an icon, our political father- Lamido

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5 explosions, gunfire hit APC rally in Rivers >> page 2

L-R: National Secretary, All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Mai Mala Buni, APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, APC Presidential Candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, and National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, during the party’s joint leadership meeting, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Tambuwal saves PDP S House leaders from removal

By Patrick Andrew peaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal yesterday scuttled attempt by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to change the leadership structure of the House of Representatives following the defection Contd on Page 2

310 Days after Suicide bombers kill 37 at Will the abducted Chibok military checkpoint in Biu schoolgirls ever be rescued?

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News CONTENTS News 2-11 Editorial 13 Op.Ed 14 Letters 15 Politics 16-18 Business Stockwatch

19-22 23

S/Report 24-25 Property 26

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

Tambuwal saves PDP House leaders from removal Contd from Page 1 of six more members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to other parties.

With the defection, PDP was further depleted in the House leaving the APC with an overwhelming numerical advantage of 181 as against the PDP’s 156 and other parties trailing with 23 members.

Abdulrahamn Kawu (APC, Kano) had soon after the Speaker announced the defection of the six members to APC, two to Labour Party, and one each to APGA and Accord Party, relied on order 6 rule 19 and 7 (27) respectively moved for the change of the Leader of the House since it was obvious that the APC with

the majority of members has overtaken the PDP. The plan was to unseat the present leader, Hon. Mulikat Adeola-Akande, who is of the PDP. Though the move received loud applause from members of the APC who seemed poised to effect the change, the Speaker quickly stepped in against the move by cautioning members to let the sleeping dog lie and avoid unnecessary heating up of the polity.

He reminded his colleagues that the matter of altering the leadership structure of the House was not a new issue and that it was already a subject matter before the court. Accordingly, he said members should steer clear of the matter as it could be sub-

judice to do so.

“As honourable members we should treadķ cautiously on the matter which is already before the court,” he said stressing that acting otherwise was bound to further engender tension in the polity especially considering that heat generated by the sudden shift in the date of the general elections was yet to simmer down.

The House, which went on recess on January 7 barely two days after it resumed from the yuletide break, came alive shortly before11 am when the Speaker led other leaders of the House to the Green Chambers amid cheers and patting on the back.

It took awhile for salutations and laughter to be brought

under control by the Speaker who thereafter announced that Honourables Chukwuemeka Ogbaru from Ebonyi state, and Peter Anyi had defected from the PDP to Labour Party (LB). He announced also that Robinson Uwa (PDP, Akwa Ibom) and Ibrahim Mohammed decamped to APC, Micah Akpan Umoh (PDP, AKwa Ibom) opted to pitch his tent with Accord Party.

These latest movements mean the numerical structure of the parties is now: APC 181, PDP 156, SDP 10, LB 5, APGA 4, PDM 2 and Accord Party 2. However, Peoples Daily was unable to confirm these figures from the Clerk of the House as his office said the figures based on latest defections were still being collated.

Boko Haram razes Borno emir’s palace, kills residents From Mustapha Isa, Borno

casualties is yet to be ascertained but witnesses have confirmed that the palace of the emir was razed on Sunday by the insurgents at night. They equally returned to burn more houses in the town on Monday morning.

The APC governorship candidate, Dakuku Peterside at the rally venue in Okirika, home to Nigeria’s First Lady, Patience Jonathan.

Shooters were unseen and no one could tell from which direction the gunfire was coming but it appeared to be from all around the venue of the APC rally.

The situation worsened as hoodlums were said to have taken over the town, even as people fled in different directions to safety.

According to documentaries nobody knows who detonated the bombs but it was very close to the football field where the rally took place. Many people sustained injuries while trying to escape to safety.

Two hours after the initial disruption, the organizers rallied party faithful and supporters back to the venue of the rally and the programme was kicked off again.

Just as the speakers mounted the platform to address the rally, sporadic gunshots rented the air and the party members again took to their heels.

The party’s gubernatorial candidate, Dakuku Peterside, was fielding questions from a Channels Television reporter

when the gunshots went off.

Both Mr. Peterside and the reporter took to their heels as armed mobile policemen fired back and tried to calm down frightened citizens.

The Channels reporter was said to have been starved and currently receiving treatment.

According to AFP, one police officer was killed and four others injured in the explosion, while a reporter covering the event was stabbed.

There are fears that Nigeria is becoming increasingly unstable ahead of its delayed general election, pushed back from 14 February to 28 March after the military requested more time to curb the insurgency in the northeast.

Arts 30

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Whose role is it to cater for IDPs? – Page 4

Jonathan nominates Obanikoro, Ikenya, Akwashiki, 5 others ministers

Motoring 28

Metro

32

Int’l 39 S/World

39

Digest 40 Sports 41 Columnist 48

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he palace of the Emir of Askira in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State on Tuesday came under the attack of the Boko Haram insurgents as they burned down the palace and killed several people.

Reports said the palace was attacked by the insurgents on Sunday night and the palace was razed by the terrorist sect.

Residents are said to be in agony as the insurgents have came back to Askira on Monday morning to continue their reign of terror as they burnt down other houses and killed scores of residents of the town.

However, the exact number of

By Ali Abare Abubakar & Ikechukwu Okaforadi

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resident Goodluck Jonathan has appointed seven new ministers into his cabinet, including the former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, among others.

The President in a letter to the Senate yesterday, which was read on the floor of the Senate by the Senate President, David Mark, is

requesting the Senate to confirm the nomination of the seven new nominees for fresh ministerial appointments.

The seven nominees are Senator Patricia Akwashiki from Nasarawa State, Professor Nicholas Akise Ada from Benue State, Col Augustine Ojwudiri Akobindu(rtd) from Abia state and Engineer Fidelis Nwankwo from Ebonyi State.

Others are Mrs Hauwa’u Lawan from Jigawa State, Mr

Kenneth Kobani from Rivers State and Senator Joel Danlami Ikenya from Taraba State.

Patricia Akwashiki is to replace former Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, Nicholas Ada to replace former Minister of State, Trade and Investment, Samuel Ortom, while Akonbundu, the nominee from Abia State is to replace former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Mr Emeka Wogu.

The Jigawa nominee, Hajia

Lawan will replace former Minister of Education, Professor Ruquayyat Ruffai, Kenneth Kobani will be replacing former Minister of State for Education, Nyson Wike while Senator Ikenya from Taraba State will be replacing former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Dahirus Ishaku.

The Senate according to its spokesperson, Eyinnaya Abaribe, will carry out the screening and confirmation of the nominees next week.

5 explosions, gunfire hit APC rally in Rivers

By Umar Muhammad Puma with agency report

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poradic gunshots and explosions in Okrika on Tuesday disrupted the All Progressives Congress, APC rally at the National Secondary School, in Rivers State.

Reports said before the rally was scuttled, about five explosions were heard just before the arrival of the APC governorship candidate, Dakuku Peterside at the rally venue in Okrika, home to Nigeria’s First Lady, Patience Jonathan.

Shooters were unseen and no one could tell from which direction the gunfire was coming

but it appeared to be from all around the venue of the APC rally.

The situation worsened as hoodlums were said to have taken over the town, even as people fled in different directions to safety.

According to reports, nobody knew who detonated the bombs but it was very close to the football field where the rally took place. Many people sustained injuries while trying to escape to safety.

Two hours after the initial disruption, the organizers rallied party faithful and supporters back to the venue of the rally and the programme was kicked

off again.

Just as the speakers mounted the platform to address the rally, sporadic gunshots rented the air and the party members again took to their heels.

The party’s gubernatorial candidate, Dakuku Peterside, was fielding questions from a Channels Television reporter when the gunshots went off.

Both Mr. Peterside and the reporter took to their heels as armed mobile policemen fired back and tried to calm down frightened citizens.

The Channels reporter was said to have been stabbed and currently receiving treatment.

According to AFP, one police

officer was killed and four others injured in the explosion, while a reporter covering the event was stabbed.

There are fears that Nigeria is becoming increasingly unstable ahead of its delayed general election, pushed back from 14 February to 28 March after the military requested more time to curb the insurgency in the north-east.

The Nigerian Human Rights Commission says at least 58 people have been killed in preelection violence.

However, an eye witness account said that security agents had taken control of the situation.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

News

Obasanjo an icon, our political father, says Lamido

By Lawrence Olaoye

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igawa state governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, yesterday described former President Olusegun Obasanjo as an icon and a political father to most office holders in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Lamido, while speaking with Villa Correspondents after a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday, admitted that Obasanjo’s political godsons, including the President Goodluck Jonathan, must have made some mistakes which angered the ex-

President for him to have resolved to dump the party.

While refusing to disclose the strategy to be adopted for reconciliation with the former President, Lamido exonerated Jonathan from the positions taken by the leadership of the party’s PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) that they would not miss him.

Commenting on the exit of the former President and the shredding of the PDP membership card on Monday, the Jigawa governor said “Baba is more than a party man.

He is an icon; a national symbol; a leader and an inventor; creator

of all the institutions. Today in Nigeria, from the presidency to the governors we are his own sons; we are all his creations. And so, when a father is angry with his own children, we will only say we are sorry to him. But then we cannot be renounced for whatever it is.

“If you do any political DNA of our blood, you will find his blood in us. No matter what we are, we may not be able to live up to his expectations. We might have made some mistakes, but abandoning us is not the solution because the country is first before anything else. So, he is our ‘baba’ even up to

the President. Baba is our baba no matter what. He is angry with us.

But then, what do we do? He gave us the life at a time when Nigerians were fighting us; he stood for us.

Since 2011, in 2007, he stood firm for us. He is our father. And so, if we make some mistakes, we are only human because we are heading human institutions. And I think by the time he reflects, how could he abandon his own children like that.

Wherever we are, we are right in his heart. He feels for us, he cares for us.”

Asked whether the leadership of the party would approach Obasanjo for reconciliation, Lamido said “When there is some kind of misunderstanding between a father and a child, you don’t go to NTA or any other media to say you are going to do this. I mean the bond between us is so strong. I know he is equally pained. I know what he is going through because he is our father. But I will not tell you the strategy because when he was producing us, you were not there; when he was making us, were you there?”

On claims by some PDP leaders

that they won’t miss him, he said “But then, the first child is the President, did he say so?”

But the PDP BoT Secretary, Senator Walid Jibrin, had on Monday called Obasanjo irresponsible for shredding his membership card publicly just as the body’s Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih maintained that the party leadership would not miss the exPresident.

Asked whether he was worried

by Obasanjo’s consistent criticisms of Jonathan’s administration, Lamido explained “What I am saying is that all of us are parents.

When we were born, they pampered us; gave us their love; gave us everything. By the time they get old, naturally, there is what they call role reversal. We became the parents and they became the children. So, what is wrong if our parents begin to manifest those signs of old age?”

On the chances of the PDP retaining power at the rescheduled March/April general elections, he said “I don’t doubt it because what is APC? An amalgamation of pain, anger and desperation. And this country is too big for them.”

Truck crushes 10 to death in Gombe From David Hassan, Gombe

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o fewer than ten people were reportedly killed yesterday in Gombe when a truck allegedly belonging to Dangote company clamped on innocent people while carrying out their normal business along byepass area in Gombe metropolis.

An eyewitness who spoke with our correspondent said that the incident happened at exactly 3:00 in the afternoon when a truck loaded with flour suspected to be Dangote company crush some residents when they were sitting close to military checkpoint.

He said the incident happened few meters away from Gombe

state House of Assembly, adding that the crash was due to brake failure which according to him, made the driver of the truck not to be able to control its movement that lead him ram into some vehicles before killing some people seated close to a military checkpoint in the area.

Speaking further, the source explained that many residents ran for safety when the incident occurred.

When our correspondent called the Commander Federal Road Safety Corps in Gombe, Mr. Ayobami Omiyale he declined comment saying that he could not identified the reporter on phone for him to attend to him.

Why Buhari shelved Chibok visit-Campaign spokesman

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T L-R: Ambassador Ibrahim Kazaure, and Jigawa state Governor Alhaji Sule Lamido arriving the State House during their visit to President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

he spokesman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential campaign council, Garba Shehu yesterday gave an insight into why the paty’s presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari Rtd did not visit Chibok during his campaign visit to Borno State.

He said that even though the APC candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, was initially scheduled to

visit Chibok town, he had to shelve it at the last minute because of the unprecedented crowd that opted to follow him Chibok.

Chibok is the Borno town where over 200 school girls were abducted

by Boko Haram terrorists in April 2014.

According to Shehu, “Buhari was scheduled to visit, but the enormity of the crowd (apart from the rally and a visit to the Shehu of Borno) made everything impossible. A date for Chibok is under consideration.”

Kano emir to residents: Obtain PVCs, vote candidates of your choice From Edwin Olofu, Kano

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mir of Kano , Alhaji Muhammadu Sunusi II has tasked the people of the state to massively use the postponement of election date to obtain their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) and

vote for their choice candidates in the forthcoming elections.

Sunusi said obtaining the PVC will enable them to vote candidates of their choice during the coming polls, stating that “ We are calling on parents to allow their wards who are eligible to vote to come

out enmasse and obtain their permanent voters card”.

The monarch who spoke to reporters in his palace on Tuesday revealed that the only weapon that the electorates have is to obtain the PVC that will enable them to discharge their civic responsibility.

“I am calling on the residents of Kano to come out enmasse and collect their PVCs so as to not to be disenfranchised.”

According to him, Kano residents should not try to miss this opportunity that the postponement has offered them, because Kano

being the most populated state in the country has over 5 million registered voters.

Sunusi also appealed to people to leave in peace so that at the end, the election will come and go peacefully, even as he prayed for the peaceful conduct of the 2015 polls.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

Page 4 Report

Whose role is it to cater for IDPs?

By Ochiaka Ugwu

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ith diminished state funding and a system that does not seem to be competent in tackling the problem of its people, the conditions of Internally Displaced Persons are worsening by the day. Their hellish experience is better imagined than told. The once happy people, owners of houses, opinion leaders, community leaders and bread winners are on the run in the own land of birth for no fault of theirs.

With their present situation, the IDPs risk losing their humanity and stature in the society, but it is not too late to stop the slide if only government and agencies saddled with the responsibilities of taking care of them will live up to it.

Although, the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Muhammad Sani-Sidi has put the number of displaced persons in the country at 981,416, but this was faulted by international groups, Internal Displaced Monitoring Centre (IDMC) and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC). These groups in their reports released currently put the number at 3.3 million saying that Nigeria has the highest number of IDPs in Africa.

The Director of IDMC, Alfred Zamudia said violence, abuses, and forced evictions all add to the conflict-mix in many of these situations, while in places such as Nigeria they see how challenging life becomes for those already displaced by conflict when they are struck down again by severe floods and storms.

According to the report, there are 3.3 million IDPs in Nigeria and 470,500 individuals were displaced in 2013 alone. On a global scale, Nigeria is only ranked behind Syria with 6.5 million IDPs and Colombia with 5.7 million IDPs. The report explains the unprecedented rise in IDPs in Nigeria last year by the increased number of Boko Haram attacks, heavy-handed counter insurgency operations, and ongoing intercommunal violence.

Sani, who lashed out on them said some groups were circulating false figures of the IDPs for their own selfish reasons.

The NEMA boss maintained that their less than one million figures were based on quantitative and qualitative data collected by agency in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration, IOM, the State Emergency Management Agencies, the Nigeria Red Cross Society and traditional rulers.

He said that out of the figure, 107,997 were living in IDPs established camps, while 804,732 live with the host communities and relations.

Reports have it that after Boko Haram insurgents were pushed out of major towns in the northeast following the declaration of a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states in May 2013, they focused their attacks with increased brutality on towns and villages close to Nigeria’s borders

Some relief materials donated to IDPs camp with Cameroon, Niger and Chad.

The increasing deadly attacks on border communities and the destruction of properties, businesses and farmlands forced many inhabitants to flee to nearby towns and villages as well as into neighbouring Cameroon and Niger.

Moreover, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has pointed out communal clashes as another factor contributing to the high number of displaced persons in Nigeria. Clashes between farmers and herdsmen over grazing lands in states such as Benue, Taraba, Zamfara and parts of Kaduna States have left more than 1,000 people dead since last December.

The violence has been almost on a daily basis in some places like Benue State and in a few other places, they have it almost on a weekly basis.

In April, NEMA set up 11 camps for over 100,000 people displaced in eight local governments in Benue State. Local authority revealed that more than 300 people in the last 20 months were killed in attacks on villages in Zamfara State.

Also, many of the victims of the 2012 flooding caused by heavy rainfall across Nigeria are yet to be provided permanent place of residence. The natural disaster in that year alone displaced over two million people.

The rising figure of IDPs shows that more Nigerians are being forced into displaced camps as more conflicts erupt in various parts of the country, with states in the north leading.

The fact remains that IDPs, are among the world’s most vulnerable people.

Unlike refugees, IDPs have not crossed an international border to find sanctuary but have remained

inside their home countries. Even if they have fled for similar reasons as refugees (armed conflict, generalized violence, human rights violations), IDPs legally remain under the protection of their own government – even though that government might be the cause of their flight as the case with Nigeria.

As citizens, they retain all of their rights and protection under both human rights and international humanitarian law.

Furthermore, thousands of people are scattered all around overcrowded camps and settlements in Abuja, Taraba, Bauchi, Jigawa, Benue and Anambra States. A large percentage of this group consists of women and children. They live in sub-human conditions and with relief materials in short supply. These people lack proper sanitation and are a perfect breeding ground for diseases such as cholera, colds and fevers. Such IDP’s are also prone to trauma and other psychological/mental health issues.

The truth of the matter is that there are people that have been “externally displaced”. Not only are people fleeing such terror plagued territories to other parts of Nigeria, there are reported cases of people fleeing to neighboring countries.

While individuals, groups and government agencies may be showing to do their best, more still needs to be done – especially by government. While IDP’s are forced to cope under severe condition, political office holders are still living like kings. The Senate shamelessly donated a paltry sum of N20 million towards the rehabilitation of IDP’s. This is from a National Assembly that appropriates an annual budget

NEMA DG, Alhaji Sani Sidi of about N150 billion even in the face of austerity measure. This is an Assembly that vehemently refused to reveal their take home packages given its outrageous nature. It is a course for worry that our leaders have turned their back to this segment of the society when they needed their help most. It is about time the take-home of our political office holders is reviewed to reflect our present austere status. Nigerians must begin to yell for such a review to the present level of our civil service. Our rulers cannot continue to complain about paucity of funds while dwell in luxury.

Feelers we are getting do not show that insurgency will abate anytime soon. Recent trends of Boko Haram adopting sever measures can be equated to more IDP’s. The welfare of IDP’s must receive as much attention as the war itself.

Let it be known that it is no fault of these IDP’s that they have been compelled to flee their places of residence and source of revenue.

It is no fault of the children that have abandoned their education.

It is no fault of IDP’s that they have become refugees in their own country. Adequate provision of food, water, shelter and clothing is important to their survival.

It is the prayer of every Nigerian that this Boko Haram war will end soon such that IDP’s will be able to go home. But before that, the federal government through its agencies like NEMA, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) and concerned state governments should step up effort towards making them comfortable pending when they will return to their original homes which many are optimistic will happen soon.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

PAGE 5

News

FG earmarks N4.5bn MSMEs funds for disables

By Lawrence Olaoye

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L-R: Minister of Steel Development, Architect Mohammed Sada, Minister of Special Duties, Alhaji Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, and Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, during Presidential Jobs Board meeting, yesterday at the State House, in Abuja.

Photo:JoeOroye

37 killed as suicide bombers detonate IEDs in Biu From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

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ragedy struck Yabarkumi village in Biu local government area of Borno state on Tuesday when two suicide bombers blew themselves off at a major military checkpoint, killing themselves and thirty seven others.

Chairman of the council, Yusuf Kadafur confirmed the incident in a phone interview with newsmen, saying 20 people were also wounded in the attack which happened in Biu local government at about 1.15pm.

Recall that just last week six people lost their lives in a similar attack at Biu major market. The victims included commuters, vigilantes and hawkers..

Musa Ameriwa who arrived the scene minutes later said the suicide bombers disguised as passengers in a tricycle, popularly known as Keke Napep.

“Part of the rule at the checkpoint is that once a vehicle or any mode of transport arrives, everybody, with the exception of the driver must alight and subject himself for routine check.

“When the tricycle arrived, the miscreants got down and were

moving towards the vigilantes when the first one detonated his explosion...minutes later, the other also detonated his own too, killing many people,” he said.

But another source said it was gunmen that rode in a utility vehicle and opened fire at the checkpoint.

“The soldiers at the checkpoint fired back but the attackers remained defiant, throwing bombs at the crowd,” Margwi Kwata, another witness said.

Meanwhile, suspected Boko Haram insurgents on Monday night invaded Askira town, also in Borno state, set houses

on fire and killed unspecified numbers of civilians. The palace of the monarch of the area was equally burnt by the rampaging insurgents.

Fleeing residents said the incident happened around 7 pm, when 20 gunmen arrived in the area and fired sporadic shots in the crowd, before setting the area on fire.

Sources said residents fled into the bush for safety, while others climbed on the hills. The casualty figures and level of damages caused by the attack could not be ascertained as at press time.

which informed the presidential initiative in the Northeast through the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA. The president, who was represented by Alhaji Mohammed Danjuma, made the declaration at the official distribution ceremony of relief materials to IDPs held at fufore local government area of Adamawa State yesterday expressing regret that Nigerians are refugees in their country,

which also informed the Federal Government making frantic efforts toward ensuring that the IDPs returned to their houses.

He pledged that the provision of relief will be a continuous exercise until normalcy is secured in all the trouble areas, adding that the materials should not be regarded as compensation for their losses but to cushion the effects of their hardship.

Over 8,500 bags of grains were distributed to IDPs ,who

are mostly from Madagali, Michika, Girei and Fufure local government areas of Adamawa, that records have shown that they have highest of IDPs in the state.

The Head of Service of the Fufure Local Government, Alhaji Gidado Galadima, who represented the chairman of the council, thanked the Federal Government for the initiative, adding that the relief materials would reach the target IDPs.

…As FG distributes relief materials to Adamawa IDPs From Umar Dankano, Yola

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resident Goodluck Jonathan has reiterated the commitment of his administration in tackling the insurgency challenge facing the country with a view to create a secured and safe environment for all Nigerians.

Jonathan said that his administration is concerned with the plights of the victims of Boko Haram insurgents

NTI, Kaduna College of Petroleum studies renew partnership

By Doyin Ojosipe

T

he National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) has said it will continue to collaborate and enter into new partnership with individuals and corporate organizations, it is also availing old partners the opportunity to strengthen their bond with it.

This was made known when the e acting General Manager of the college- Mrs. Olufunmilola O. Ale led other top managers of the

college to the NTI to rebrand the existing interaction with the two organizations and set new standards.

Recall that NTI partnership with College of Petroleum Studies Kaduna dates to about 16 years ago.

She said going through documents handed over to her by her predecessor in January 2015, she discovered that there exist a partnership with the two and having undergone a course in the institute, she was determine to

strengthen the accord between the two.

She informed the NTI management that according to contents of the agreement signed by both parties, she is rigorously pursuing the actualization of renovating the NTI international Conference Center, to bring the Center to the level they took over from the Institute.

Responding Director General and Chief Executive of the NTI-

Dr. Aminu Ladan Sharehu, OON thanked the team for the visit in general and the new GM for her seal at seeing that the two reputable organizations remain mutual partners.

The NTI DG said the issue of the debt owed NTI had lingered for long but he is glad that the new GM was able to take it upon her office to resolve and settle part of the outstanding bills owned the Institute.

he Federal Government has set aside the sum of N4.5 billion as Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) fund to be assessed by people living with disabilities in the country.

This is just as the government has perfected plans to create job centres, where those unemployed youths could source information on where and how their expertise would be needed, across the country.

Briefing newsmen after the meeting of the National Council on Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) chaired by the Vice President, Arc. Namadi Sambo, Trade and Investments minister, Olusegun Aganga, disclosed that 2 percent of the N220 billion MSMEs fund has been set aside for people living with disabilities.

He said “The Council also took into considerations that persons with disabilities were a critical factor in the scheme of things especially with regards to the MSME funds ‎and so 2 per cent of the funds, about N4.5 billion, has been set aside to be accessed by entrepreneurs with disabilities.

And what we have also agreed upon is to engage people with disabilities, beyond the charity model, to be able to engage their values and to see how they can also contribute to economic development in Nigeria.”

According to the minister, “access to collateral requirements, which was initially 75 per cent‎ which made it difficult for some commercial banks to be able to access, has been reduced to 50 per cent. All inclusive interest rate must not exceed nine per cent. That has always been the operative of the CBN and we have stuck to that. However, the CBN is disbursing to these banks and the Financial Institutions and others at 2 per cent from the original interest rate of 3 per cent.”

Women entrepreneurs, Aganga stressed, would be prioritized and micro finance institutions would disburse 70 percent of the funds while commercial banks with infrastructural capacities would distribute the remaining 30 percent to the beneficiaries.

To ensure that the loans get to the actual beneficiaries, the council had set up a committee, charged with the responsibility of monitoring the disbursement, with a mandate to brief the panel on monthly basis.

Aganga added that the Presidential Jobs Board, also chaired by the Vice President, has also approved the creation of job board across the country.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

PAGE 6

News

Jonathan, PDP’s donation of state grains to IDPs fraudulent – APC Campaign

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T

he All Progressives Congress Presidential Council (APCPCO) has raised alarm over the federal government use of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to donate branding grains with PDP logo and Jonathan campaign slogans.

The APCPCO which made this charge in a statement signed by the Director of Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, accused the federal Government of re-bagging all the grains at the nation’s strategic grain reserves, paid for with public resources

in PDP colours and Jonathan campaign slogans ahead of issuance to the public.

“When will this regime and its exponents stop deceiving Nigerians and betraying the people’s confidence hitherto reposed in them? Or how will they explain the rationale behind the collusion between the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to evacuate grains from the Strategic Grains Reserve and package them in GEJ and PDP sc rip ted b ra n d e d b a g s , f o r onward distribution to IDPs in Nigeria and her immediate

neighbours.

“It is in fact disgraceful and denigrating to our national image to hear that the Nigerian IDPs in Diffa village in Chad had turned down the political Greek gift of rice, maize and millets; instead they have asked the President to live up to his Commander in Chief status to reclaim their homeland and create a secure atmosphere for them to return home, to their familiar terrain where they can fend for themselves, rather than being reduced to the penury of forced refugees and beggars on dole-out in a foreign country,” Shehu said.

The APCPCO said that the

belated food gesture to IDPs is yet another fraudulent political gimmick and crass opportunism by an incumbent government that is deploying state apparatus for polls advantage, even at the expense of both the beneficiaries and the national treasury.

The statement called for the preservation of the integrity and sanctity of state institutions, because without these pillars, the superstructure of the state cannot be kept in place.

“These institutions predated the president and long after he is gone, these institutions must remain in the service of the people.”

Wife of the Anglican Archbishop of Kaduna Diocese, Mrs. Comfort IdowuFearon (right), speaking during her visit to the North- East women, who are victims of insurgency, at the Anglican Diocese Camp, yesterday in Kaduna.

Photo: NAN

FAAN debunks bomb rumour at Sokoto airport From Raji Bello,Sokoto

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he Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has said therewas no bomb scare at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, Sokoto, contrary to rumours making rounds in the state.

The Airport Manager, Alhaji Abubakar Lawal, made the clarification yesterday

following the discovery of a bag at the terminal building of the airport which created panic in the Sokoto metropolis, as people scampered away for safety.

His words: “It is just a mock exercise and we are doing this in good faith to test the preparedness of the airport security and security agencies in the state to respond to this in case it occurs.”

According to him, this was the first time the airport organised a security mock exercise and was glad the way and manner security agencies showed concern and support.

He said there was no need for the public to panic, as it was just an exercise to test the preparedness of the airport security, air force, bomb disposal unit and security agencies in case such thing

occur.

“I want to let the public know that this is just an empty can that we put inside a bag and kept it at the terminal building.

The state commissioner of police, Alhaji Salisu Abdullahi who arrived the scene suggested that the management could have briefed his person before carrying out the exercise, as to minimise false rumours and panic in the public.

Gov. Yero denies using hajj seats money for campaigns From Mohammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

G

overnor Muktar Ramalan Yero of Kaduna State has denied using funds generated from sales of Hajj seats for 2015 Hajj exercise to fund his re-election campaign scheduled for April 11 in the state.

It could be recalled that some individuals in the state went to Nagarta a private owned radio station in kaduna to accuse the governor of using the hajj seats fund for his campaign.

Governor Muktar Ramalan who denied the allegation said those making such comments were ignorant of Hajj operations.

He disclosed this when he received the 2014 Hajj report from the Amirul Committee led by the Amirul Hajj for 2014 hajj operation in the state, Alhaji Rabiu Bako.

“Those who accused us of using money from the sales of Hajj seats for 2015 Hajj operations do not know what Hajj exercise is about. It’s not possible to do that. Maybe such people are not even good Muslims.

“If you know what hajj is, you can’t accuse me of using hajj seats money for my campaign.

But we are not bothered because it means those accusing us are probably ignorant of Hajj exercise and they are people who want to mislead others,” he said.

The governor commended the board for early commencement of hajj operation for this year, saying that it will help the state and pilgrims board to prepare in good time.

The governor also confirmed the pilgrims board overseer as the board’s executive secretary as recommended by the Amirul Hajj team due to the success recorded in hajj operations in the state.

He further warned that the state will no longer make use of ineffective airlines operators to airlift its pilgrims for future operations.

Association of banana growers, marketers launched in Abuja

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T

he Nigeria Banana and Plantain Growers, Processors and Marketers a Association of Nigeria (NABPAN) has been launched in Abuja to promote the growing and marketing of

the product nationwide.

Public Relations Officer of the association, Comrade Borode Olatunbosun in a statement said a new era has opened for farmers who cultivate the crop as the seasons of waste was over.

He stated that the coming

together of the farmers and traders will ensure that issues affecting the cultivation and marketing of Banana and Plantain will receive adequate attention.

During the inaugural meeting held at the Conference Room of the Federal Ministry

of Industry, Trade and Investment Abuja, Chief Adjarho Oghenekaro from the SouthSouth was elected President, while Alhaji Musa Yusuf from the North West was elected his deputy.

Each of the six geopolitical zones produced a

Vice President while other posts were distributed on zonal basis.

The Federation of Agriculture Commodity Association of Nigeria (FACAN) was represented by Alhaji Akin Gbadamosi at the inaugural meeting.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

PAGE 7

News

NIS arrests 280 illegal aliens in Adamawa

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he Adamawa Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has arrested 280 illegal aliens in the state.

The Comptroller of the service in the state, Mr Ubi

Ikpi, told newsmen in Yola that the arrest was part of the command’s renewed efforts to rid the state of illegal aliens and enhance security.

“It is pertinent that we

rid Adamawa of miscreants because it is very possible they can compound the security situation in the country since they don’t have valid papers and identifiable places of abode,”

Ikpi said.

He said those arrested were from neighbouring African countries, adding that they would be documented and screened for subsequent

Comptroller of Adamawa Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Mr. Ubi Ikpi (left), displaying some National ID cards and voter’s cards retrieved from some of the illegal immigrants arrested in the state, yesterday in Yola.

Photo: NAN

Lagos businessman charged with N6m fraud

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3 5 - y e a r - o l d businessman, Karimu Olushola, who allegedly obtained stainless plates and iron worth N6 million under false pretences, was on Tuesday brought before a Yaba Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

The accused, who resides at No. 4, Alagbo St., OrileIganmu, Lagos, is facing a twocount charge of obtaining by false pretences and stealing.

The Prosecutor, Insp.

Peter Nwangwu, alleged that Olushola had, sometime in March 2014, fraudulently obtained some goods worth N6 million from one Raphael Olanrewaju at Ifesowapo Iron Market, Orile-Iganmu.

Nwangwu said that Olushola, who also sells

at the market, approached Olanrewaju, the complainant, that he was given a local purchasing order to supply the items to Coca-Cola. ``Months after the business transaction, the complainant asked for his money and Olushola told him CocaCola had yet to pay him,’’ the prosecutor said.

According to him, the offences contravene Sections 285 and 312 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Olushola, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Magistrate, Mrs A. Ipaye-Nwachukwu, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N100, 000 with one surety in like sum and adjourned the case till March 17 for trial. (NAN)

NSCDC arrests 29 in Jigawa for hawking petrol

T

he Jigawa Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Tuesday said it arrested 29 persons for allegedly hawking petrol on roadsides in the state.

Mr Muhammed Gidado, the state Commandant of the Corps, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse.

He said petrol hawking had been identified to be the cause of frequent fire outbreaks in parts of the state.

Gidado said that selling of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in open places in the state had been banned.

The measure, he said, was taken following public complaints that street hawking of fuel causes fire outbreaks.

Gidado, who noted that the act

also causes artificial scarcity of the product in the state, said: ``This measure is informed by the public outcry on the practice which often causes fire outbreak and artificial scarcity of fuel.’’

He said 25 persons suspected to have engaged in roadside hawking of petrol and five filling station managers were arrested by his men. ``The 29 suspects were nabbed at different locations in Dutse and its environs after three weeks warning against such practice. ``Hawking petrol in open places portends great danger to the physical and socio-economic well being of the general public,’’ Gidado said.

He added that more than 7,000 litres of fuel was seized during the raid. (NAN)

Court awards N25, 000 cost against Synagogue Church over delay in coroner suit

A

n Ikeja High Court has awarded a N25,000 cost against the Synagogue Church Of All Nations (SCOAN) and its founder, Prophet Temitope Joshua, for delaying further hearing of their suit against a Lagos state coroner.

Justice Lateefa Okunnu awarded the cost against the applicants on Tuesday for ``wasting the time of the court and tax payers’ money”.

The applicants had sued the coroner, Mr Oyetade Komolafe, and the Lagos State Government, over its ongoing inquest into the

collapse of SCOAN guest house.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 116 persons were killed after the six-storey building collapsed on Sept. 12, 2014.

In the suit filed by SCOAN and its founder by their counsel, Chief Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), they had asked for a judicial review of the proceedings before the coroner’s inquest which began on Oct. 13, 2014.

They had prayed the court to declare that the coroner had exceeded the jurisdiction of a coroner’s court by delving

into areas that were beyond its scope.

However, at the resumption of hearing on Tuesday, Fagbemi told the court that he had filed two fresh applications relating to the suit. ``We filed two processes yesterday. One is a motion and the other one is the applicants consolidated Reply on Points of Law,” he said. Responding, Counsel to the respondents, Mr Mr Karmardeen Bakare, said the processes were served on his team in court and he needed time to prepare his reply.

He, therefore, urged the court for an adjournment to enable him examine the applications.

Following the development, the judge said it was clear that the day’s proceedings could not go on as scheduled.Okunnu observed that the suit had been adjourned several times at the instance of the applicants.

She, therefore, awarded the N25,000 cost against them.

The court also ordered that they should file an affidavit of compliance before the next adjournment date of Feb. 20.

(NAN)

deportation.

He urged the general public to support and cooperate with the command by identifying and reporting illegal aliens and criminals to the appropriate authorities.

The comptroller commended the synergy among the various security agencies in the state and called for sustenance of the partnership.(NAN)

Gang of suspected cultists kill four in Ilorin From Olanrewaju Lawal,Ilorin

U

nknown gunmen suspected to be members of secret cult on Monday shot dead one bakery worker in Ilorin,the Kwara State capital which made the number of the victims to be four within two days.

The victims who worked with a bakery in Ansaraul area of Ilorin was allegedly trailed and killed by his assailants.

Eye witness account revealed that they saw the deceased at the bakery working this morning only for them to here about his death in the afternoon.

Another incident was also recorded around Alfa Yahayah area of Ilorin on Sunday night where another person was alleged machete to death.

Some residents who pleaded anonymity said the victims was shot three times without being hurt which annoyed his assailants and descended on him with machete cuts.

Similarly, suspected members of cult on Sunday night killed two people in Ilorin,the Kwara State capital.

One of the victims who was identified as Abu, was killed around Chupex Market Mini Mart area of Taiwo Road, Ilorin, the other victim was killed by the same cultists at Gambari area.

An eye witness who pleaded anonymity told journalists in Ilorin on Monday that the assailants numbering about five came on a motorbike at Abu’s residence about 8pm, shot sporadically into the air and later dragged Abu out and killed him with machete.

The source said that they ensured that the victim died before they fled on their motor Bike.

The same suspected cultists were said to have later killed another man Gambari area the same Sunday night.

The Police Public Relations Officer(PPRO), Kwara State Command, Mr. Okesanmi Ajayi confirmed the killings, adding that the command had commenced investigation in the killings.

PAGE 8

News From Yakubu Mustapha,Minna.

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iger state University of education awaits the final inspection and accreditation from the National University Commission (NUC), the Vice Chancellor, Professor Haruna Farouk has said.

He said that all that is needed for the smooth take off of the university have been put in place awaiting the final nod from NUC, According to the VC,no fewer than 180 lecturers made up of masters and PhD holders have been recruited already for the take off of the academic programme of the University, the first of it kind in the entire northern Nigeria. While speaking in Minna when he received on a courtesy call, some staff of the Physical and Health Education department of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, led by Professor Florence Adeyanju

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

Minna education varsity set for NUC accreditation, says VC noted that the NUC accreditation team is expected next month after which the University name will entire into the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) brochure for next academic session.

Professor Haruna explained that the take off of the University was made easy because of the existing structure and facilities at the state college of education which is been converted to the University of education. He pointed out that the establishment of the University will not in any way affect existing college of education, the two institutions according to him, will operate side by side.

He said the college of education,

before the establishment of the University had played host to ABU Zaria and Uthsman Danfodio University Sokoto satellite campuses, adding that out of the 23 programme being offered by the two Universities, 22 of them have been accredited.

The University has concluded arrangement to establish a partnership with the University of Education in Ghana and Malaysia University of education so as to enhance it ranking among top Universities of education in the world.

According to him, to ensure smooth take of the entire department, the University will take delivery of science and laboratory

equipment worth N200million before the arrival of the inspection team from the NUC in March.

In addition to this, Professor Haruna further disclosed that 1000 capacity e-examination centre for the University has been completed and fully equipped ready for commissioning.

He further said that the German government and the European Union have also offered to contribute €200,000 about N60million each for establishment of a world class wood work technology laboratory for the University. though the total cost of the wood work technology laboratory is put at €500,000(N165million), L-R: Mission Director, U.S. Agency for International Development, Mr. Michael Harvey, Director General, National Agency for Control of AIDS, Professor John Idoko, Supervising Minister of Health, Dr Khaliru Alhassan, and Executive Director, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Ado Muhammad, cutting the tape at the foundation laying of new medical warehouse, yesterday at Idu, in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) got a reprieve from the Court of Appeal which sat in Benin city, Edo State on 30th January 2015.

The Appelate Court dismissed an appeal filed by the former Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, Chief Callistus Nwawolo who challenged his conviction of 9 August 2007 at the High Court Of Justice Delta State Kwale for an act of corruption.

The former Chairman was sentenced last year by the court to a 3-year imprisonment term or payment of a fine of N300,000 for corrupt enrichment through a contract he awarded while in office.

ICPC had in 2004 arraigned the former Chairman before High Court Of Justice, Delta State in Kwale for acquiring interest in a contract awarded by his office during his tenure and in the process conferred corrupt advantage on one of his relations

Corruption: ICPC wins at Appeal Court who executed the contract, contrary to section 12 & 19 of the ICPC Act. Callistus, not satisfied with the judgment, which was considered as even mild, proceeded to file an appeal to challenge the Court’s decision.

However at the Court of Appeal

in a unanimous judgement read

by Justice Inn Salauwa on behalf of others, dismissed the appeal by the former Aniocha North Local Government Chairman, and contended that the prosecution had proved the allegation of corruption against him beyond reasonable doubt.

The Appeal Court also blamed the trial judge Justice G. B BrikiOkolosi for giving the Chairman an option of fine on the basis that Section 12 of the ICPC Act which he contravened, and upon which he was tried and convicted, did not allow the trial judge any discretion to impose a fine.

No directive to withdraw personnel from border posts- Sokoto Customs

From Raji Bello, Sokoto

T

he Nigeria Customs Service has debunked the reports that there was a verbal directive from the Federal Government to withdrawal its personnel from border posts in Sokoto, Kastina and Kebbi states for some undisclosed reasons.

This was contained in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Mr Wale Adeniyi, and made available to journalists in

Sokoto yesterday.

The statement maintained that there was no directive whatsoever, verbal or written to officers of Nigeria Customs Service posted to Kebbi/Sokoto and Kaduna/Katsina commands to withdraw from the borders. According to the statement: “The Nigeria Customs Service has not ordered the withdrawal of its personnel from the border stations in Sokoto and Kebbi states.

“In view of the security implication of this development and

its sensitivity, it becomes necessary for the Service to clarify the situation as follows: Adeniyi further stated that the Service is already in consultation with Nigeria Immigration Service and other sister government agencies on this issue,” it explained.

Meanwhile, during a visit to Illela town, one of the border posts on Tuesday, the officer in charge of the Customs office at the post, Mr Agbetuye Peter told newsmen that the border post is well manned.

the University will source for the remaining €100,000(N33million).

In the area of staff welfare, he disclosed that the state government has acquired 100 hectares of land for the construction of residential accommodation for the University staff on owner occupier through a public private partnership arrangement. Earlier, the leader of the team, Professor Florence Adeyanju after congratulating Professor Haruna for his appointment as the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the University, said they were in the University to seek for area of possible collaboration between the PHE department of ABU Zaria and the new University.

Niger exlegislators frown at irresponsibility among elder statesmen From Yakubu Mustapha,Minna.

T

he Forum of Former National Assembly Members, Niger State chapter has frowned at the level of irresponsibility among elites in the country, saying that they are expected to use their wisdom of experience towards growing Nigerian democratic experience.

Baba Shehu Agaie, former chief whip and House of Representative member representing Agaie, Lapai, Katcha federal constituency, made this known at a press briefing in Minna yesterday where he said elder statesmen should inspire peace as the next general election is drawing nearer.

While reacting to former president Olusegun Obasanjo who tore his party membership card on Monday, the spokesperson of the forum called on elders and leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressive Congress (APC) to avoid actions capable of undermining the peace of the country.

Shehu Agaie said the forum is worried over tension in the polity on account of activities of persons who are expected to be elder statesmen. He said the tension is already escalating adding that Nigeria is on the brinks of bloody revolt along ethnic and religious divides.

“Back in the first republic we did not expect the kind of politics played by today politicians. My major concern is the utterance of our elders. It is instructive to intimate our elders that we need peace, they must realize that Nigeria will still exist after the next general election.”

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

Page 9

News

Election violence: IGP orders recovery of arms from unauthorized agencies`

By Joy Baba Yesufu

T

he Inspector-General of Police, IGP Suleiman Abba has ordered Command Commissioners of Police to embark on intensive recovery of fire arms in the possession of unauthorized security outfits/

agencies, including some state owned security outfits across the country.

They are equally to ensure that suspects arrested in connection with it are given speedy prosecution at law courts.

A statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer,

Ag. CP Emmanuel Ojukwu said this directive is in view of reported cases of political violence emanating from illegal use of fire arms by these unlawful outfits.

The statement also said the IGP’s decision is aimed at keeping violence and other criminalities at bay, as 2015 general elections

draw nearer and to further ensure a safe ground is guaranteed for a peaceful poll.

According to the statement “the Nigeria Police Force is therefore using this medium to further advise the political stakeholders to play the game by the rules, as all measures

put in place to ensure a free, fair and credible election will be implemented to the letter.

“Members of the public are also enjoined to continue to collaborate with the Police to fish out criminal elements and report any suspicious movement in their areas”.

Group implores intervention of eminent leaders, civil society in polls From Ayodele Samuel,Lagos

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roject Nigeria Movement led by eminent Jurists and elder statesman, Prof Ben Nwabueze has tasked leaders of conscience in the country to immediately rise above the current political confusion in the country to intervene on the side of political restructuring of Nigeria The secretariat of the coalition of eminent national leaders and activists, in its state of the nation address on Monday in Lagos, said it did not come to them as a surprise that the country’s democracy is beginning to yield to desperate and panicky actions from the political class Speaking through its Head of Secretariat, Veteran Olawale Okunniyi, the movement averred that by the framework of the subsisting 1999 constitution coupled with its attendant amendments, it will be very difficult for any government in Nigeria, no matter how well intentioned, to meet the democratic expectations of the people; “Hence the economic failures of successive governments and the current do or die politics presently threatening the democratic survival of the country; as the current civil rule, from its outset in 1999, has been designed constitutionally to fail” PNM said Okunniyi, a front line delegate of the civil society movement to the 2014 National Confab, also lamented the inability of the political class to correct the inherent anomalies in the constitutional framework

of the current democracy which, according to the movement continues to sustain the self serving politics breeding electoral desperation in Nigeria “Nigeria is presently sitting on a keg of gun powder, and may have just postponed the doomsday by the recent 6 weeks extension of the forthcoming elections,. The truth is that the constitutional structure

of Nigeria is deeply self contradictory to democratic survival of Nigeria Nigeria’s governance and electoral structure is warped and lopsided. It has not been designed by the past military junta to sustain democracy but rather to compromise and blackmail civil rule for the self serving agenda of the ruling class” Okunniyi asserted

“The ruling class will have to take responsibility for the imminent collapse of democracy in the country; now that it seems almost likely that the prediction of the united states in 2005 about Nigeria’s disintegration in 2015 now seems most likely except the political class can unanimously lash on to the popular resolutions of the new draft constitution produced by

the 2014 national confab” Finally, Project Nigeria Movement also known as Nigeria Consensus Group said eminent leaders of the movement and prominent civil society activists will meet in the first week of March in Lagos to assess the state of Nigeria and take a firm decision on the way forward for the country ahead of the 2015 general elections

L-R: NEMA Assistant Director, Training and Team Leader, Mr. Musa Zakari, Deputy Adamawa state Governor, Alhaji Muhammad Tahir, Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Muhammadu Musdafa, and Minister of Youths, Mr. Boni Haruna, during a visit to brief the Lamido on assessment and resettlement of victims of insurgency, on Monday night in Yola.

Photo: NAN

NUJ polls: Nobody is disqualified in Niger, says Garba

From Yakubu Mustapha,Minna.

C

hairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Niger state Council Comrade Iliya Garba has re-assured members that no candidate vying for the State executive council position will be disqualified as speculated, adding that “I will not interfere in the process”.

Reacting to speculation that there are plans to disqualify some candidates, the Chairman said “I will not interfere in any way in the activities of the electoral committee”.

According to Garba “Believe me, I will not interfere in any way in the activities of the electoral committee. As far as we (Exco) are concerned, we will remain neutral throughout the period, nobody was disqualified.

“The report I am hearing from the national secretariat is that, they said they have not receive any report from the credentials committee. Because the committee is to liaise with the National secretariat to receive their report and then to actually agree. Even the State Council do have such yet. But I can assure you that it will not in any way

interfere in the process at all.

“I assure our members that everything is going on well. We will ensure credible, free and fair election is conducted so that by Thursday a new exco takes over from us”.

He however called on members to go about with their campaign in orderly manner, saying that seeking for votes should be based on issues and not on personal attacks.

“Members should remove every form of fear from their mind. The credentials committee has assured me that they will base their activity on the provisions of

the constitution. They have to rely solely on Article 6 that has to do with election and credibility of candidates and voters”, he added.

Commissioner of Information and Strategy Danladi Ndayebo in an audience with Journalists on Tuesday in Minna said “I am impressed by the composition of the electoral process, as it comprises of all the chapels in the Union.

“We need people and candidates who are enthusiastic and ready to deliver, I have no doubt that by Thursday the best candidates are going to win at the polls”, he hinted.

Speaking also on speculation of connivance to disqualify some candidates, the Chairman of the credentials committee of the state Council, Ahmed Onyir said “If anybody is qualified, he is qualified. It is as simple as that. We are not the ones to clear candidates, we screen and then we make recommendations to the national secretariat that clears candidates. We have not gotten the authentic list of cleared candidates.

“I am just quietly going about my job as the chairman and I am sure at the end of the day, the result will speak for itself”.

PAGE 10

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

News

Nurses solicit ABU support in healthcare delivery From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

T

he National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, health services unit Ahmadu Bello University Zaria branch, has solicited

support of the entire management of the University to enable the association improve its humanitarian services on health care delivery.

This was contained in a statement by the Chairman of the association, Comrade Yusuf

Danlami Haruna and made available to newsmen yesterday in Gusau, Zamfara state capital.

The newly elected executive members made the plea during solidarity visit to the office of Vice Chancellor of ABU. Professor Mustapha Abdullahi in Zaria.

University management and improve the existing cordial relationship between the association and ABU governing councils with a view to enable the association meet the lots of the entire people living within and outside the University campus.

A Nigerian Port Health officer screening people, yesterday at Illela border post, in Sokoto state.

Photo: NAN

Bauchi: NRC sensitizes people on train services From Ahmed Kaigama,Bauchi

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he Bauchi divisional headquarters of the Nigeria Railway Corporation,NRC, said it had embarked on massive awareness campaign to sensitive the people on the corporation’s train services.

The Bauchi division manager, Malam Ali Miko, told newsmen in Bauchi yesterday that the campaign became necessary to enlighten the public on the advantages of train transportation and other services available in the

system.

He commended President Goodluck Jonathan for revamping train transportation, which he said, had suffered neglect over the years.

“People need to be aware that train is back on the rail. They need to also know the range of services available and at what cost.

“As such we want to inform the public that Gombe–BauchiKafanchan-Kaduna intercity train services with air conditioned coaches’ commenced operation last week Tuesday.

“We have commenced the operation with four coaches, and four wagons that would convey passengers and freight from Gombe to Kaduna,” he said.

He said the train with both economy and first class sections were designed with air conditioners and television screen to ensure passengers’ comfort, particularly those travelling long distances.

He said that transport fee from Gombe to Bauchi in economy class was N450.00, while it will cost N700 in first class.

“It will also cost a passenger N1,050 and N1,650 from Bauchi to Kafanchan in economy class and first class respectively,” Miko said.

He also said that the railway communication system had been upgraded with modern telecommunication technology facilities for effective communication.

He called on the people to take advantage of the train transport services to travel cheap, safe and pay less for the movement of their goods.

Cattle merchant, others paraded for robbery in Lagos From Matthew Aramunde,Lagos

A

cattle merchant, Alhaji Nuru Mohammed was among six suspected armed robbers that were paraded by the Lagos State Police Command this morning before crime reporters at the Lagos State Police command in Ikeja.

Briefing pressmen earlier on in his office, Lagos State Police boss, Kayode Adertanti revealed that on the 17th of January 2015, a case of conspiracy and armed robbery was reported to him by a staff of Channels television.

He said on the spur of the information that a Honda CRV jeep 2013 model belonging to the

said staff of Channels television was robbed of her at gun point around Opic area along the Lagos Ibadan expressway Ogun State, he ordered an in depth investigation into the matter.

He revealed further that a massive manhunt was thereafter launched by the men of the State anit-robbery squad of Lagos State Police command, maintaining that their efforts soon paid off when two decoy of the squad led by the officer-in charge Abba Kyari arrested three of the robbery suspects around Ojodu and Ikorodu areas of Lagos State. He gave the names of those arrested as Manven Bali,Cheikube Emeka and Ejuike Chukwu Emeka

Aderanti said that upon investigation carried out, the men confessed to have robbed the said CRV that belongs to the Channels staff and another Honda Crosstour belonging to one Adeola Adediran and many other cars within Lagos and Ogun States. He however revealed that four of the stolen vehicles have been recovered from the suspects alongside two locally made double barrel guns and live cartridges The CP said that it was during investigation that the suspect gave away the receiver of the stolen vehicle whom they named as Alhaji Nura Mohammed who the Police claimed is a notorious receiver of stolen properties and

has been on the Police wanted list in the past five years.

Giving kudos to the ingenuity and uncanny brilliance of his men whom he said deployed advance technology and combined diligent investigation were able to arrest Alhaji Nuru who immediately went underground on hearing that his partners in crime has been arrested in Gwarzo the border town between Nigeria and Niger.

Nuru’s arrest he said however led to the arrest of three other armed robbers namely Jacob Ali , Richard Augustine and Titus Johana who claimed they are graduates of Federal University of Technology (FUT) Minna Niger State.

Danladi further applauded the effort of the ABU management under the administration of Professor Mustapha Abdullahi in boosting the well-being of members of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives Health Services unit.

He described the gesture as commendable, stressing further that, it will go a long way in enhancing the morale of the entire members of the association.

Responding, Vice Chancellor Ahmadu Bello University, Professor Mustapha Abdullahi congratulated the newly elected executive members of the association over their recent convention.

Professor Mustapha called on the leadership of the association to ensure the exercise of their primary responsibilities based on the codes and ethics of their professions and always remain courageous and dedicated in serving the humanity.

He pledged to give all the logistics support to the association to attain the desired goals.

Sokoto Police Command begins 24 hour patrol of schoolsSpokesman

T

he Sokoto State Police Command said it had commenced a 24-hour patrol of all schools across the state to protect lives and property.

The Spokesman of the command, Mr Al-Mustapha Sani, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) on Tuesday in Sokoto. ‘’ This is part of sustainable and proactive measures by the command to ensure that all schools across the state are more secure. ‘’It is also to provide a conducive environment for effective teaching and learning in the schools,’’ Sani said.

He said the command had recently organised a seminar for school principals, headmasters and proprietors of private schools on the need for them to be security-conscious.

He said the seminar was also to sensitise them on the need to complement the efforts of the security agencies on how to ensure the security of members of their schools’ communities. ‘’They can also go a step further by engaging the personnel of reputable private security guards in this direction,’’ the police spokesman said.

He urged managements of the schools to promptly report movement of any suspicious persons or groups in and out of their schools’ premises to the security agencies for immediate actionAssociation

Page 11

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

News NYSC dismisses possible extension of service year for elections

T

he National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on Monday said it had not extended the service year of outgoing corps members listed to participate in the rescheduled general elections.

The NYSC Director of Press, Mrs Bose Aderibigbe, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

She said that contrary to insinuations, the outgoing corps members would participate in the elections as ad hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Aderibigbe said their completion of the national service would not affect their participation in the elections, stressing that INEC had already trained them for the exercise.

She said the NYSC did not make provisions for their welfare beyond 12 months, stressing that keeping them till the election date in March would exceed its budget. ``They have finished as corps members; that is why we are passing them out. If they stay till March it means government will be paying their money. ``They are only entitled to 12 months pay from NYSC, so as soon as they pass out they get their certificates and they go. ``They may stay back and participate in the elections because they have been trained to do it not as corps members but as ad hoc staff of INEC,’’ she said.

Aderibigbe said that the welfare of the outgoing corps members, who have been scheduled to participate in the elections, would be taken care of by the electoral commission.

According to the director, INEC has promised to pay them their entitlements, including transport and feeding allowances.

She explained that INEC would pay them a percentage before the elections and the balance would be paid afterwards.

The director called on the affected persons not to entertain fear as their entitlements would be given to them at the appropriate time.

On the safety of corps members participating in the elections, Aderibigbe said the NYSC management had constituted a security committee to guarantee the safety and security of participating corps members.

According to her, the DirectorGeneral and other staff of NYSC have gone across the country to sensitise corps members participating in the elections.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 2014 Batch `A’ corps members will pass out on Feb. 19. (NAN)

First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan (left), at the scene of an accident which claimed the lives of Bayelsa state SSG’s wife and seven other prominent women on Port Harcourt-Bayelsa Road on Monday.

Photo: NAN

We are at a loss over the death of Professor Falaki- Family From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

F

amily of professor Ahmad Mustapha Falaki of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, who died in a foiled Boko Haram attack in Kibiya Local Government Saturday evening, said they cannot give detailed account of his mysterious death.

Our reporter who visited the deceased’s residence, located at Gadon Kaya area in Municipal Local Government, Kano State yesterday, observed that the bereaved family are in agony and in a state of confusion over circumstances surrounding the death of late Falaki.

It would be recalled that the police in Kibiya local government

divisional police headquarters repelled an attack carried out by suspected members of Boko Haram.

The spokesman of the command ASP Musa Magaji Majiya said “Our men successfully repelled them as they engaged them in gun fight and during the gun exchange our men killed one of the sect members and the rest ran away,” he said.

While commending the villagers for their bravery, Majia said the community killed one of the fleeing insurgents.

“The villagers killed one of the insurgents and arrested two who were running after suffering defeat from our men,” he said.

Speaking to our reporter the deceased’s elder brother, Alhaji Nasiru Falaki, said they cannot comprehend how the university don died in this manner, adding that the family members are awaiting the recovery of their brother, who was involved in the incident and sustained injuries to give proper account of the story. “ We are yet to comprehend the Professor’s death until our younger brother, Abbas, who was involved in the incident and sustained injuries is fully recovered to tell us what happened, because confronting him with the issue at this moment is like adding salt to injury.”

According to him, before his death the deceased called

and informed him about his encounter with some gunmen, suspected to be members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect on his way from Bauchi State to kano state alongside his driver, Mallam Lawal and brother, Abbas, in a village near Sumaila. Local Government, disclosing that the gunmen snatched his vehicle but did not harm any of them.

He added that, the situation forced them to trekked into a nearby village to board a commercial vehicle to Kano, adding that shortly after that conversation the family received a call that professor Falaki died and his driver and brother sustained various degree of injuries.

release by the former head of state on Tuesday, he said,” I have received with shock and disbelief news of the ghastly auto crash on Saturday at Ahoada axis of the East West road in Rivers State.”

According to reports, eleven women political activist died as result of the accident, nine out of them burnt to death.

The women comprised members of the Women for Change and Development Initiative and other female politicians from Bayelsa state.

IBB said,” On behalf of my family, I extend my message of condolence to the families of the bereaved and to the government and people of Bayelsa State over this tragic and irreparable loss.

I pray that the Almighty who gives and takes life will grant particularly the husbands and the children of the deceased the grace to bear this great loss.”

He said that the families must take consolation in the fact that they did not die in vain because they were in the service of womanhood, Nigeria and human progress.

Auto crash: IBB mourns 11 dead women political activists

By Doyin Ojosipe

F

ormer President Ibrahim Babangida has expressed shock and disbelief over the death of eleven women political activists who died in a ghastly motor accident on Saturday along the East West road in Rivers State.

According to a press

Kebbi: NGO to embark on assessment of mosquito net distribution From Ahmed Idris Birnin Kebbi

F

ollowing the recent distribution of mosquito net

by USAID across the state, the leadership of the Maternal Child Health Care Service (MCHCS) kebbi state branch has concluded an arrangement to embark on tour and assess the last distribution of the mosquito net to the pregnant women and children

across the 21 local government of the state.

In a letter signed by the vice chairman, Aliyu Jarjarm at the end of the meeting said that the assessment would ascertain the number of the net been distributed and the way forward in curtailing the danger of malaria in the state.

“You see our facility tour would help the state government most especially the Ministry of Health,

pregnant women and the children to know that if the distribution of the net was used judiciously” he added.

According to the statement the MCH-CS is an NGO that work on the maternal child health and to advocacy on the pregnant women and children from 1 to 5 years.

He explained that the house also proposed two facilities tour in each of the three senatorial zones

to cover the four emirate council in the state.

The area to be cover were Kebbi North include Kangiwa in Arewa local government, lolo in Bagudu local government, kebbi south wasagu in Danko/wasagu local government and Mahuta in Raha in shanga local government while Kebbi Center Birnin Yari in jaga local government Maiyama in Maiyama local government.

PAGE 12

Current Issues

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

Let’s face reality from political blame game

By Nuratu Abdur-Rashid Oyetunji

T

he debate over the postponement of the elections began after the response of National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki at a lecture in London’s Catham House on January 22, 2015. He is not known for any penchant for frivolity or undue partisanship in matters of national importance.

While buttressing challenges of insecurity, corruption, and preparation towards the forthcoming elections, he was quoted to have said that if in one year, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) can only distribute 30 million permanent voters’ cards, he does not see how the same body would distribute another 30million in 2 weeks.

In the heat of the brouhaha, there are obvious fact that the electoral body was not prepared for the elections. Finally it had to reschedule the general Elections originally fixed for February 14 and 28 to March 28 and April 11, 2015. The Chairman of the body Professor Attahiru Jega cited security concern for the postponement. Any number of reason could be given for postponement but none would ameliorate the disappointment of Nigerians.

This postponement has brought unnecessary criticisms from the international community who have ignored our peculiarities. For instance, the

National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki U.S Secretary of State John Kerry said he was deeply disappointed by the decision. Adding that “it was critical that the government do not use security concerns as a pretext for impeding the democratic process.” Similarly the British Foreign Secretary Phillip Hammond also echoed the sentiment when he said that “security situation should not be used as a reason to deny the Nigerian people from exercising their democratic right”.

Meanwhile the Citizen Initiative for Security Awareness (CISA) at a press conference organised by I-Nigeria Initiative in Abuja, expressed

its disappointment with the postponement of the election but insisted that the “six weeks is not six months”. The Co-ordinator of CISA, Chidi Omeje said despite the disappointment they believe without equivocation, that the intervention and position of the National security Adviser and the relevant security agencies on this issue was guided by altruism and the larger interest of the nation and not in any way for partisan consideration. He also went further to say that we Nigeria know where our shoe pinches us and so we should be wary of insincere advice by those who has predicted the

disintegration of the country.

I also share this sentiment in cautioning hostile foreign interferences in domestic affairs.

We are living witnesses to the nonchalant attitudes of the U.S government to the increasing security challenges the Boko Haram insurgency has imposed on Nigeria. Our foreign allies should provide more concrete support to Nigeria’s war against terrorism beyond the current non-committal posture and grandstanding on electoral processes.

While the western power are being critical of Nigeria, our neighbours too are not being fair to us going by the alleged remarks by Defence Minister of Niger who boosted that Nigerien soldiers are not cowards like Nigerian soldiers.

It was not surprising that Defence Spokesman Gen. Chris Olukolade has to angrily reply by saying that “It is sad that a few partisan elements join the poor country to insult our troops. We don’t cross our boundaries. It is unacceptable for any foreign government to say our soldiers ran. Some rushed to the press with the Nigerien gaffe hoping to embarrass our military or government. But nobody will disrespect my Mother! Poor Niger!

For those who believe that criticising their government or doing the bidding of foreigners, they may be advised to change their orientation. It is also necessary to draw their attention

to the advice of a prominent Sierra Leonean politician, Omar Bangora to Nigerians when she said religious and political leaders are trying to divide Nigerians between religious lines and we are helping them do that rather than standing up and say we are all Nigerians never mind our tribe, region or religion. She said the foreign powers pushing the government to take certain decisions would abandon us when we start killing each other and they would reject us from running to their countries. So we need to be careful.

She relieved the 11 years’ war in Sierra Leone, where she was also a victim saying that the sierra Leonean civil war was not even based on religious or tribal differences but the country was worst for it in over a decade.

She said “The worst conflicts are those based on tribal and religious differences. See Central Africa, Bosnia. My heart bleeds when I read what you guys are saying because I know what this will lead to. You will be the losers!”

This is not time for playing hide and seek. It is the period for actions, real actions against unnecessary excuses and blamegames by all sides. Nigerian must unite and be patriotic on national issues

a fair conduct of an election in the troubled North-East region requires extra-ordinary security measures. And this is exactly what the security chiefs had promised to provide, thus wrote INEC chief, Attahiru Jega urging a delay on the grounds that the military could not provide nationwide election security because all available resources were being deployed to the northeast to fight Boko Haram.

Despite sustained military offensives in flushing out of terrorists from their camps through combined efforts of Multinational Joint Task Force comprising Nigerian, Chadian, Cameroonian and Nigerien troops, the Boko Haram still carried out another attack in Gombe on Saturday February 14, 2015, the initial Election Day that was rescheduled. Certainly, if the election was held, the attack might have been more deadly and probably would have affected other communities and towns if it was not shifted.

Sentiment aside, the increasing security challenges require more cautions. The adjustment of the dates of the conduct of election is necessary to guarantee reasonable level of security as well as allow other voters who have not collected their permanent voter cards

do so before the re-scheduled dates for elections. However, the government should not use this as a pretext to manipulate the election process to give any undue advantage to some politicians to edge out others.

The consequences of such actions may severely threat political stability and oneness of our dear nation. This is the major fear of Nigerians.

There was Nigeria. There is Nigerian and there should be Nigeria after the elections.

Therefore political leaders in the ruling and the opposition parties must understand that their actions will go a long way towards sustenance of democracy in a united nation.

After the elections, winners and losers must emerge and our nationhood will continue. It is necessary to warn unpatriotic individuals and militants who are threatening to cause confusion and civil unrest during and after elections if their preferred candidates lose, such reckless and inciting statements should be avoided for national peace.

Sovereignty and togetherness of multi-ethnic Nigeria at this critical time requires all hands on deck for free, fair and transparent elections.

Yusuf An-Nuphawi Wuye District, Abuja

Nuratu Abdur-Rashid Oyetunji Finance Quarters wuye, Abuja nuratu_abdur@yahoo.com

Beyond doubts over elections

By Yusuf An-Nuphawi

M

ore questions continued to be raised than answers as Nigerians bemoan postponement of the general elections earlier schedule to hold this month. There are various conspiracy theories, insinuating that President Goodluck Jonathan, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Service Chiefs are hobnobbing for egocentric agenda over the elections. There are also claims that the elections may either be rigged or there could be imposition of an interim national government.

Those in the ruling party and the federal government have argued that rescheduling of the general elections was in the best interest of the nation and was never driven by any ulterior motives.

There could not have been a better avenue to clear the cloudy issues surrounding the postponement than a nationwide presidential media chat, hosted by the President himself which was broadcasted live. President Jonathan used the opportunity to assured of the citizens that a new democratically elected government will be sworn in on May 29 and he remained committed to the sanctity of the

INEC chairman, Attahiru Jega new election dates.

The president further reassured Nigerians through his Spokesman, Ruben Abati that he would continue to give the greatest possible support to INEC and other relevant federal agencies to ensure that the rescheduled elections are successfully conducted.

While we expressed our misgiving and doubting the ability of our military to make Boko Haram a thing of the past, the National Security Advisor (NSA) retired Colonel Sambo Dasuki assured the citizens that elections will not be postponed again as the military are expected to destroyed all camps of

terrorists within six weeks.

Notwithstanding that he was cynically criticized, Colonel Dasuki, during a speech in London on January 22 was the first official of the administration to canvass the postponement idea, he had based the call on shortfalls in the distribution of the permanent voter cards and other security implications.

Debunking allegation of attempt to impose an interim government in the country, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adokie said “the contraption called ‘Interim National Government’ is alien to Nigeria’s constitutional framework and the arrangement should not be promoted by well– meaning Nigerians under any guise or circumstance. Nigerians are therefore enjoined to continue to rely on the Constitution, which contains adequate provisions on how the democratic process can be activated to elect their leaders from time to time.”

Conscious minds were pre-informed before the official announcement of the postponement that in addition to difficulties in distributing voter identity cards by INEC, the rampaging activities of the Boko Haram insurgents had reached such an astronomical extent that

PAGE 13

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

EDITORIAL

Disorganised organised labour

T

Joseph Ajaero, assuming he he 11th National Delegates Ayuba. It was this realization wanted to vote for me.”

Conference of Nigeria that made the private sector on his own part, Labour Congress (NLC), unions to switch to plan B - which Ayuba, explained what happened this the umbrella body of organized was to disrupt the election. They way:“Basically, if somebody labour in this country, got off alleged that some delegates were thinks he will not make it, he to a flying start on Monday, given ballot booklets that had will destroy the process. If you February 9 in Abuja. It was to Ayuba listed three times and look at what transpired in the climax with the election of new more. Speaking with newsmen past two or three days preceding officers to replace the team that Thursday, Ajaero alleged the elections, you could see led by President Abdulwahab that delegates from the NUEE that these people were working Omar. But it was at that had informed him that some of towards disrupting the process. stage that the NLC showed Election was going smoothly, it was not organized after all grievances were addressed, all. Accreditation had been and suddenly from nowhere concluded and voting was well they disrupted the process, underway on Wednesday when It is true that under realising that they would not be supporters of a presidential Omar, the NLC had able to make it.” candidate lost their cool and What happened in the NLC family, tore up ballot papers early lost the vibrancy, last week, was a big shame. A Thursday morning, forcing the purposefulness, focus leading light in the struggle to cancellation of the process. enthrone democracy in this This was after delegates of 23of and pragmatism of the country in the late 1990s, the the 44 affiliated NLC unions Oshiomhole years. But NLC had a golden chance to had voted, Peoples Daily learnt. show the way again as the nation In the running for President what happened last prepares to vote on March 28 of the NLC initially were Joe week was the Congress’ and April 11, but it blew that Ajaero, General Secretary lowest point yet. opportunity by giving in to some of the National Union of renegade unions. It is true that Electricity Employees (NUEE); under Omar, the NLC had lost Igwe Achese, President of the the ballot booklets had Wabba’s the vibrancy, purposefulness, Nigeria Union of Petroleum name listed three times or more focus and pragmatism of the and Natural Gas Workers on them.

Oshiomhole years. But what (NUPENG); and Wabba “It meant that one person was voting happened last week was the Ayuba, Chairman of Medical three times; another person also Congress’ lowest point yet. and Health Workers Union of reported the same scenario not It will take a long while for the Nigeria (MHWUN). However, only for Ayuba Wabba alone, as Congress to climb out of that Achese withdrew from the race there were some for Isok and pit of shame. That long climbin the last minute and asked some for Peter Adeyemi. up should begin now, taking his delegates to vote for Ajaero “But in most cases, when you saw advantage of the window of instead. the booklets for Joseph Ajaero, opportunity the NLC has. A That strategy, ostensibly to wrest they did not have a serial number; new executive council is not control of the NLC from public some other booklets did not even due to be sworn in until March sector union, did not seem to be have Joseph Ajaero printed on 3, meaning the Congress has a working as even with Achese’s them, which meant the person clear two weeks or more to put support, Ajaero was not given that booklet will not vote its act together. We hope it will. making any headway against

“

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

PAGE 14

Opinion

The bumpy road to March 28

By Charles Onunaiju

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et no Nigerian, even the world, come under any illusion that the fear and paranoid that informed the hasty postponement of the earlier scheduled presidential poll for 14th February would substantially abate before the new date of March 28. The assurances from President Jonathan, his national security adviser SamboDasuki and the military hierarchy, notwithstanding, any let off, of the national pressure would embolden a fresh hurdle in the process leading to the polls dates. Let it be clearly understood that it is not so much the dates for the elections that matter, but keeping the process free from interference, intervention or even complete disruption. A key element in sustaining the sanctity of the electoral process which is even more important and sacrosanct than the hand over date of May 29th 2015 is the non-inference in the institutional integrity and the credibility of the election management body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

President Jonathan, in his recent media chat, flew a kite that, even though he has no intention to interfere in the institutional integrity of the INEC but can do so by the alleged inherent powers conferred on him. Swiftly, the civil society group told him that he has no such powers. The denial of any plan to foist interim national government by minister of justice, Mr. Adoke

Mohammed because it has no place in the constitution should not make any one go to sleep with two eye closed otherwise situation could be created in which the elastic ‘doctrine of necessity’ would give rise to anything other than a duly elected constitutional government. Eternal national vigilance and sustaining the momentum of current pressure with a clear and explicit message of dire consequences should any form of interference be applied in the process leading to the election on the 28th of March and 11th of April respectively is key to realizing the democratic promise of the two dates.

The six week interval between the original and the new dates for the election does not offer any scope for relaxation or to assume that official assurances to commitment to credible polls are enough.

However, the postponement of the election which was induced by the paranoid of the ruling party that it was headed to a huge defeat may even be self fulfilling. Early in January the government of the Sri Lankan strongman, former president Mahinda Rajapaska called a snap election two years ahead of schedule on the advice of his astrologer, who have predicted easy win. Mr. Rajapaska lost to a broad coalition of opposition parties in a well engaged electoral process, in which more than 80% of eligible Sri Lankan voters turned out. In the case of Sri Lanka, paranoid and isolated elite, fearful of the people but relying on soothsayers gambled and got the opposite of what they wanted. In our own case,

an even more paranoid, bankrupt and isolated regime in cohort with a military establishment bereft of the good will of its own ranks and file, mastermind the plot to re-schedule the polls, hoping to profit from its anticipated loss of momentum of the long energized and recharged broad-based opposition. As with its Sri Lankan counterpart, the ruling party may have widen the scope of the disaffected and consolidated the ranks to the angry ones, leading to a margin of victory for the opposition that would be wider than if the polls have held on its original date of February 14th .

While it is difficult to understand the real game plan of the authors of the polls shift, it would be suicidal to believe even for once the reason they adduced for the postponement.

The reason that no soldier would be available for election duty because they would all be engaged in a battle to liberate the North-East states is as ludicrous as it is no brainer. As the days roll by, more desperate actions by authors of polls shifted will be apparent. A man who is suppose to know and know quite a lot, former president General OlusegunObasanjo have resorted to any available forum to draw attention to the schemes of his party, the ruling PDP and their candidate, president Jonathan and their allied military chiefs to scupper the electoral process to achieve a pre mediated goal of either tenure elongation, interim national government or just anything, other than orderly transfer of power, should the opposition

win the election. Former president Obansajo is well grounded in the ruling party desperate shenanigans for his observations and views to be taken lightly.

In 2007, former president Obasanjo organized the most scandalous election in which the chief beneficiary, the late President Yar’adua considered it, a substantial poisoned chalice that he instituted an electoral reform panel to improve future processes. In 2011, former president Obansajo led the electoral charge that gave Mr. Goodluck Jonathan, his first ever electoral victory. Obasanjo current charges that the government he helped, bring to power are in dangerous and desperate maneuver to hang to power by all means should never be taken lightly. Instead Obasanjo explosive outrage at the deadly manipulation of his party and its government should alert and guide the nation to the critical brink to which 0ur collective destiny and the quest for peace and security is currently hovering. As a bull in the Chinese shop, the ruling party and its government would not mind if everything in the shop come crashing down but like the shop owner, Nigerians must with determination and single minded focus, guide the bull out of the shop.

Even if, in the next few weeks ahead, no incident happens to disrupt the process leading to the election, the Jonathan regime and its henchmen would take the disgraceful laurel of bringing the country ever closer to the brink of collapse and dissolution ever

since the civil war. And even at that, it would not be for the magnanimity of the regime henchmen or their change of heart that the country would survive its most trying moment but on account of the sprinted defence of our common weal by vigilant Nigerians.

While he was surprisingly loosing the election, he called two years before it was due, the former Sri Lankan president, Mr Rajapaska allegedly tapped the military hierarchy to interfere and reverse his political misfortune but the military top brass reportedly called bluff of him and supported the state civil authorities to complete the electoral process. In our tragic circumstance, it was the military hierarchy that brow –beat the electoral management body INEC to shift the polls, on the spurious and largely, unbelievable reasons that they would be busy with containing the insurgency in the north east.

The Sri Lankan army fought a more resilient and hardened Tamil tigers in Northern Sri Lankan far more than 25years, without ever using it as a pretext to undermine, interfere or scuttle the electoral process. The road or path leading the election on March 28th and April 11h is obviously bumpy and filled with booby traps.

The political booby traps and mines will not disappear on its own but in adequate and concerted balance of the popular power to cancel out and neutralize the desperate shenanigans of a conscienceless power.

Charles Onunaiju is a journalist based in Abuja.

Leadership lesson from Buhari

By C. Don Adinuba

S

tu de nts of manag ement and leadership across the world must be surprised at the criticism against the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate in the 2015 general election, Muhammadu Buhari, by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the leading opposition candidate shared leadership when he was Nigeria’s military head of state from 1983 to 1985 and chairman of the Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund (PTF) from 1994 to 1999.

Admittedly, Buhari’s deputy, Tunde Idiagbon, was in those days perceived to be so powerful that the military regime was known in the popular media as the BuhariIdiagbon regime. Almost all major government policies and decisions were announced by Idiagbon, who was the chief of staff at the supreme headquarters.

The world must be intrigued by the criticism against Buhari because contemporary leadership scholars, researchers and practitioners are agreed that the notion that leadership is about one man bestriding the stage like a colossus is old fashioned and discredited.

The notion is known as the messiah syndrome, according to Peter Guy Northouse, author of the famous book, Leadership: Theory and Practice. In place of the one-man hero idea of leadership which is

referred to as personality and trait leadership, scholars now canvass what is called distributed or shared leadership. It seeks to bring on board as many people as possible.

You can call it democracy in action.

This form of leadership is in line with the current thinking by development experts around the world that the best policies and practices which drive development are the inclusive ones. In 2012, Daron Acemoglu, a distinguished social science professor at MIT, and James Robinson, an eminent scholar at Harvard, published a book entitled Why Nations Fail which brilliantly demonstrates that nations and societies which include as many people as possible in their political and economic processes develop fast while those which exclude their people from deep involvement in their social and economic affairs lag behind. The authors go back in history to support their thesis with arresting examples drawn from polities in various regions of the world and blend them with contemporary examples . The buzz expression right now in the World Bank and development institutions throughout the world is inclusive growth and development.

I have in a recent essay shown that Buhari has a reputation of empowering subordinates, stating that this is a good leadership practice. I cited the instance of Tam David-West, his minister of petroleum resources, who has

on occasions stated that Buhari never for once interfered with his work by asking him to employ a particular individual or promote another or assign any a person to certain responsibilities or even to consider a firm for a contract award.

He trusted his ministers and other aides, and so gave them a free hand to discharge their responsibilities.

Interestingly researchers in management science, especially those involved in human resource development, now make a strong case for what is called employee empowerment. This is a concept which supports granting employees a free hand to do their work but also assigning higher responsibilities to them, which will see them develop and grow in their career paths.

Nigeria is essentially a traditional society, so a number of even professionals and intellectuals are still very conservative, if not out of touch with modern ideas and practice. This is why some of them are in this day and age still critical of Buhari’s shared leadership style, instead of praising it for being superior to some other leadership styles. These are elements still enamoured of the big man concept, the very leadership disease which has paralysed Africa for several decades. Rather than make our leaders feel that they are truly the servants of the people, these elements make them feel like lords and conquerors of their own people.

Hence, a state governor is not

referred to as just a governor but “His Excellency, the “Executive Governor”. The same goes for the local government chairmen who are widely known as “executive chairmen”! Thus, our practice of the presidential constitution, which ordinarily seeks to make top public officers effective leaders, has ended up in Nigeria creating strong men but no strong institutions. Our traditional culture, as though to exacerbate the situation, venerates strong men.

Still, the dangers of the strong man or messiah syndrome have not always been lost on our people.

Joe Garba, as Nigeria’s foreign minister and a member of the supreme military council in the 1970s, had cause to remind the citizens that leadership “is not a one-man show”. This was against the backdrop of growing criticism that the federal government had become less dynamic since the assassination of the head of state, Murtala Mohammed, on February 13 1976. Godwin AlabiIsama, the 2nd in command to Benjamin Adekunle, general officer commanding the dreaded 3rd Marine Commando Division of the Nigerian army during the civil war of 1967-70, in 2013 published The Tragedy of Victory, a rich account of his combat experience in which he highlights the risks associated with the personality leadership style. He writes: “The whole country was singing Adekunle’s praise,

as if there was no other officer n the military. ..The whole country was happy and even musicians sang his praise every day, and his name was on everybody’s lips, including schoolchildren. He was the hero of the Biafran war. None of us ever spoke with the press, and nobody had ever heard of any of us other than Adekunle. He had also made so many enemies among his other divisional commanders”. No psychologist would be surprised to learn that Adekunle would soon become narcissistic. He even plotted the gratuitous assassination of his two closest and most outstanding commanders, Alani Akinrinade and Alabi-Isama.

By seeking to paint him as an ineffective leader because he empowered competent subordinates and practised shared leadership as military head of state at a time distributed leadership had not become a popular concept, especially on a continent notorious for absolute dictatorship, the PDP and its operatives have unwittingly portrayed Buhari as a man ahead of his generation.

Students, researchers and authors will find Buhari a rewarding study in leadership even in a military regime. He does provide useful management and leadership lessons.

C. Don Adinuba, head of Discovery Public Affairs Consulting.

PAGE 15

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

Comment

Should we ignore 30 million undelivered voter cards?

By Garba Sani Soba

I

n the heat of popular sentiments, reason takes flight. Why should 30 million eligible voters be disenfranchised on account of INEC’s poor organization or inefficiency?

Why should 30 million eligible voters be left in the dark about the possibility of collecting their permanent voter cards? Why should eligible voters be punished on account of INEC’s sluggish response to critical national assignment? Is 30 million undelivered voter cards not an issue of public significance and concern? And finally, must election be held at all costs even if INEC fails to meet its obligations to deliver these cards?

My problem with Nigerians is that we are so averse to reason that we prefer to do stupid things than reflect rationally on important public policy issues. No right thinking person

should dismiss the dangers of denying 30 million eligible voters access to their cards. Why must INEC punish innocent eligible voters for their incompetence? This was not the first time INEC created such a huge mess.

This issue is not about PDP or APC; it is about a reality we cannot simply ignore. Why with less than two weeks to election, 30 million voters’ cards are not readily available?

When the National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki, raised alarm that going ahead with the February 14 election with 30 million eligible voters unsure about collecting their permanent voters’ cards is a bad omen for democracy, we descended on the man and called him names. In the cacophony of the angry voices that greeted Dasuki’s wellmeaning observations, few Nigerians bothered to ponder over the hidden implications of the sense he was

trying to make. Instead of thinking and reasoning over the substance of his observation, we were insulting the man and that he was doing so because he wants to retain his job. What kind of ridiculous logic is this?

While we were busy insulting the National Security Adviser, let us pause and ask: has INEC made these 30 million voters’ cards available to the eligible voters as yet? If it has not, why? Between the time Dasuki spoke and now, INEC should have debunked his fears by making these 30 million voters’ cards available.

Right now they are not available.

By what magic would INEC make these cards available with less than two weeks to election? If INEC cares so much about its reputation, let it produce these cards urgently.

Can INEC eat its cake and have it? It cannot oppose election postponement and at the sure time

fail to defend why 30 million eligible voters cannot collect their cards. The inability of 30 million voters to access their cards is no less significant than holding elections as scheduled. But holding elections as scheduled with 30 million voters disenfranchised is no less dangerous than election postponement.

Nigerians must learn to face the truth. We cannot achieve national debate over issues of public importance when sentiments are allowed to defeat reason. INEC has thrown us into a mess before, dragging the country into election for which it was not prepared, wasting 100 billion allocation made to it by the National Assembly. Disenfranchising 30 million eligible voters is indefensible under any circumstances.

Dasuki is not the issue. INEC is the issue. We should not allow INEC the opportunity to continue to churn

out excuses for its failures to deliver.

The electoral body had enough time and resources to conduct successful voter registration. And if it has failed to make 30 million PVCs available to eligible voters, our focus should not be on the National Security Adviser, but on INEC. Any attacks on Dasuki are diversionary; such attacks only provide INEC the needed excuses to divert the attention of Nigerians from its own failures. It is scandalous that 30 million PVCs are not as yet available to eligible voters. When INEC tells us it is ready, we should ask in return: ready for what? This scandal was not Dasuki’s creation; it was INEC’s. The debate must shift to Professor Jega instead of putting the saddle on the wrong horse.

Garba Sani Soba can reached via garbasanisoba2006@ gmail.com

Lamido: Last founding father standing

By Adamu Muhd Usman Leadership is not an occupation, leadership is not an art of fraud and proud, leadership is not yours or mine, leadership is an attribute of God, leadership is the will of God, leadership is the choice of God, and leadership is a trust. Leadership is a burden. So, am fulfilled, contented and very grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to serve the people of Jigawa diligently, honestly and heartedly – Sule Lamido

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any of the men who qualify to be called founding fathers of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party [PDP] have left the scene to newer entrants. Many of them are now deceased while most of the remaining ones have quietly moved to the sidelines. Jigawa State Governor Alhaji Sule Lamido is the lone Founding Father still astride the landscape and his four decades of experience in the rough and tumble

of Nigerian politics is being brought to bear in this election circle.

He is often in the news for a combination of reasons including his imposing physical presence, his simple style of doing things, his solid record of achievement especially since 2007 when he became the helmsman in Jigawa state and his fearless stance on all controversial national issues.

Lamido always speaks his mind, which in all cases, aligns with the interest of the common man. He is not stampeded by persons or sentiments.

He does not ebb and flow with the current as so many politicians do; rather he stands rooted to principle and to progressive politics and he brings rich personal experience to bear in all he does.

Lamido loves elections and where many other governors try to dodge local government elections by perpetuating caretaker councils in place, he organized regular local government election in Jigawa every two years according to the state’s Local

Government Law. Now that another general election circle is at hand, his sagacity is in full display. He has deployed his unmatched energy and political skills in campaigning for PDP candidates from the top to the bottom.

He organized an impressive statewide flag off of campaigns at which event all the candidates received their PDP flags. The campaign organization then dissolved into local governments, wards, and polling units. At every level key party stakeholders met and mapped out strategies on how to market the PDP’s candidate and how to deliver the area to the party.

In this election cycle, Jigawa PDP draws enormous strength from Lamido’s near-miraculous record of achievement in office since 2007. All its candidates are hoping to ride to power on the strength of this record and the popularity of the party’s state leader. There is so much to point at that campaigning in Jigawa State has been free of insults and abuses.

In every community and at every

level PDP candidates can point to the projects and policies that have uplifted the state and the community in terms of education, transportation, health, economy and infrastructure. This record of achievement is a political aspirant’s dream. In other countries it is called “coat tails;” a candidate clings to the coat tails of his popular party leader to ride to elected office.

The state-wide PDP campaign tour to the 27 local government areas that Governor SuleLamido led has been a model in peaceful and issue-based campaigning. No mudslinging; no foul language; no resort to intimidation and violence.

Why mudsling when you have an enviable record of achievement to showcase? No wonder that the PDP campaign train was welcomed to every part of the state by huge and enthusiastic crowds of supporters and well wishers. Huge crowds of people arrived at the rallies not only in cars, buses and trucks but many also came on motor cycles, bicycles, camels,

horses and on foot.

It was testimony to this proof of sagacity that President Goodluck Jonathan and his large presidential campaign entourage chose to spend the night in Dutse after a rally. It was the first and only time during this arduous campaign circle which takes the entourage to two states every day that the president spent a night anywhere outside Abuja. The president spent the night in Jigawa because he was impressed by its total transformation under the leadership of Sule Lamido. He decided to spend the night in Dutse in appreciation of the superior organization of the state’s party chapter. Finally, he decided to spend a night in Dutse in order to honour a man who is a repository of political tact and wisdom. In short, the president recognized that Sule Lamido as the last party Founding Father still standing.

Adamu is Special Adviser to Jigawa State governor on Media.

‘It’s crazy that Nigerians can’t fix Nigeria’ (I)

By Emmanuel Onwubiko

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he above caption was given to me by an Ethiopian Religious leader I ran into in Heathrow Airport in London the United Kingdom on Sunday February 8th 2015. Well before this man made this revealing and inspirational catchy phrase during our on- thespur of the moment conversation while waiting for a train to arrive and take me to somewhere in central London to catch my sleep in one of the economy hotels I booked online after a gruelling session of traveling from Abuja my beautiful nation’s capital of Nigeria something funny happened to me as I made to pass through the British Border Post at the prestigious Heathrow Airport [Terminal five] and these experiences will linger in my memories for years.

I do not intend to classify what happened to me as racial

profiling as most of the officers of the British border team that I saw were even darker in skin colour than my humble self whose chocolate and/or ebony black colour can be mistaken for a Black American.

Americans as you may have known are well respected in Britain. I was to be processed by this beautiful looking White British Immigration officer to enter the territory of the United Kingdom where I have chosen to spend few days holidaying after nearly two years of working relentlessly without break but this interview that ordinarily ought not to have lasted few minutes took approximately an hour as this lady who is not half my age kept unleashing one question to the other regarding why, what, when and where I planned to do in the United Kingdom and of all the questions one of them sounded to be so awkward and revealing. She saw my old ECOWAS passport and demanded

to know when I stopped working for ECOWAS but I repeatedly educated her that what she has before her very eyes is Economic Community of West African Countries regional passport and not staff identity card and its not relevant to these whole questions of why I am in the United Kingdom.

This British Immigration officer after about twenty five minutes of bombarding me with questions even asking why I haven’t travelled with my wife as if there is now a universal law that husbands must always travel with their wives, she then took out a small white sheet of paper with some printed inscriptions and signed out some few words and handed it over to me and never allowed me the comfort of even reading through what she gave me she matched me to a near by counter and detained me in the full glare of thousands of international travellers. Interestingly, she excused

herself with my passports and rushed to her other colleagues and gestured to me that she would be back in a jiffy. But who said she would? This lady kept me detained in this open detention facility within Heathrow Airport for nearly 45 minutes and sadly while I sat down other two groups of people who were clearly Nigerians were similarly walked into this open place and were also told to seat and await the decision.

As I glanced through that white paper served on me I could see lots of British Immigration laws cited showing that I am completely at the mercy of this young girl and that whatever she decides will be followed to the last instruction regarding whether I should be allowed entry into the United Kingdom or not. I wasn’t really worried if I would be allowed in because first of all it was my wife that practically encouraged me to fly to the United Kingdom to

take a deserved holiday after this long period of hard work including producing a book described in a critical The Guardian Book review page as ‘massive’. I wasn’t bothered if I would be asked to return with the next available flight since that would greatly conserve the scarce British Pounds sterling that have become like white falcons that can not be seen easily in Nigeria with the rapidly declining international asking price of crude oil which Nigeria depends entirely as the only major source of foreign revenue.

So I said to myself if this girl asked that I should be repatriated back to Nigeria at least what I have on me which I would have spent on hotels and other freebies in the UK can comfortable finish up my on-going building project in Owerrri, the Imo state capital.

Emmanuel Onwubiko heads the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

We will resist any further postponement - Buhari •••urges party leaders to remain focus, vigilant

By Umar Muhammad Puma

P L-R: Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu waziri Tambuwal, Deputy Speaker, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, and House Leader, Hon. Mulikat Akande Adeola, during the House resumption after the break, yesterday at the National Assembly, in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

77 percent voters have received PVCs – INEC

By Ali Abare Abubakar

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ontrary to speculations suggesting that the Independent National Electoral Commission has failed in the distribution of the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of

the March general election, the commission yesterday said that 75.88 per cent of the voters have received their PVCs. According to the commission, 52,233,396 of the 68,833,476 of the registered voters had already received their PVCs as of

yesterday.

The figure as released by the commission in Abuja yesterday, also showed that Zamafara State is leading other states with 97 per cent of the 1.495,717 registered voters armed with their PVC while Nasarawa State came

second where 96.29 per cent of the 1,242,667 voters had collected their PVCs as well.

Gombe State came third as 95.06 of the 1,120,023 voters had also received their PVCs, with Jigawa and Katsina coming third and fourth respectively.

Interim national govt, dead on arrival - Mark

By Ali Abare Abubakar and Ikechukwu Okaforadi

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he Senate has rejected the call by some politicians for an Interim National Government (ING), saying it is alien to the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.

The Senate President, David Mark stated this in a welcome address yesterday on resumption of plenary after the break for members of the national assembly to carry out campaigns ahead of the coming polls.

“Interim National Government is alien to the 1999 Constitution.

Those calling for ING are pushing for an exercise in futility”, Mark said.

Speaking further, he said “This Senate is committed to the provisions of our Constitution which we swore to protect and we will not do anything to sabotage the democratic process”.

On this note, he called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to continue to prepare to conduct free, fair, transparent and credible elections as rescheduled.

He emphasised that on the

•Summons Jega, as APC senators insist on May 29 29th of May, 2015, a democratic government elected through a free and transparent election would be sworn in for another term of four years.

While charging politicians to rise up to the occasion and reduce the tension in the country, he also urged them to refrain from acts or statements that will aggravate the already charged atmosphere in the country.

Meanwhile, the Senate has summoned the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, to appear before it today to explain the circumstances leading to the postponement of the 2015 general elections, which was earlier scheduled for February 14 and 28 for both national and state elections respectively.

In a resolution passed by the lawmakers on a motion raised by the Senate leader, Victor NdomaEgba, the upper chamber said the INEC boss would appear before it at plenary to answer questions on how prepared the commission is to

conduct the elections next month.

According to Ndoma-Egba, the senate would also be availed the opportunity to get a firsthand information on if the card readers being proposed by the commission, would work effectively in the elections.

Meanwhile, the Senate Minority leader, George Akume, while making his contributions, recalled that the INEC chairman had repeatedly insisted that the commission was prepared for the elections, until he was over ruled by the security chiefs.

On this note, Akume insisted that the service chiefs should rather be summoned to explain why they claimed that they would not be able to provide security in the north east for just one day that the elections would be held.

However, Mark rejected this suggestion, saying that the Senate would listen to Jega first before it can determine if there is need to invite the service chiefs as argued by Akume.

In a related development,

senators belonging to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have insisted that the May 29 handover date as provided in the constitution must remain sacrosanct.

Briefing journalists yesterday, the opposition lawmakers warned that any attempt to shift the handover date, or the rescheduled date for the election would create crisis in the country.

“Yesterday, the reason given was lack of adequate distribution of PVCs, later, it turned to inability to provide security cover and we wonder that the multi-national forces that has been assembled to fight Boko Haram is just 7000, including the Nigerian troop and we have a troop level of over 100,000 in this country.

“Why is it not possible to hold elections with adequate security cover for those who are supposed to do their jobs constitutionally?

We believe that there is serious manipulation and a deliberate attempt to undermine and to manipulate the democratic institutions and structures.

residential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari, has called on leaders of the party not relent in their work and keep their eyes on the ball despite the six-week postponement of the elections.

Buhari made the call while addressing party leaders and elders yesterday in Abuja saying, “the days and weeks ahead will be tough, our resolve will be tested and all kinds of evil tricks will be on display. But do not despair.

The goal is in sight. Change is coming. The people of Nigeria will prevail. God has destined Nigeria to be a great country.

We shall overcome and Change shall be achieved.”

He described as “worrisome”, the recent revelations by a serving officer Capt. Sagir Koli about how he was deployed, with other serving officers, some senior in rank, to work with key politicians of the PDP to rig the Ekiti elections.

“Up till now, there has been no official denial of this most unfortunate event. It makes me wonder, in the circumstances that led to shifting of the date of the general elections, whether the security services are even now being prepared to play similar roles in the March 28th and April 11thelections.”

General Buhari emphasised that Nigeria’s security services have serious constitutional responsibilities to the people of the nation, and so their importance to the wellbeing of the country cannot be under estimated.

“It is therefore imperative that their leaders must not drag these invaluable institutions into the realm of partisan politics,” he said.

On his part, National Chairman of the party, John Oyegun said the the aim of the interaction with the stakeholders of the party is to discuss the issues affecting the party and to consolidate on the success of the party.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

Niger APC demands release of members From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

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L-R: Sokoto state Governor, Alhaji Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Mr. Sam Nda Isaiah and Kano state Governor, Engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, during the APC joint leadership meeting, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Ekiti rigging video: APC wants Momoh probed, Minister, Police Affairs sacked

By Ali Abare Abubakar

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he All Progressives Congress (APC) has called for immediate and necessary disciplinary action against individuals the party said were involved in the alleged rigging of the June 21 Ekiti State governorship election as revealed through videos released recently by an online medium.

The party stated this in a communiqué signed by Alhaji Lai Mohammed, national publicity

secretary, issued yesterday at the end of its first joint leadership meeting that held at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua.

The APC demanded that the military authorities commence immediate investigation of the role Brigadier General Aliyu Momoh played in the Ekiti electoral fiasco as revealed by the videos released by the Sahara Reporters while also asking for the immediate sack of the Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Jelili Adesiyan.

The party equally called on

the Senate not to confirm the nomination of former minister of state for Defence Affairs, Senator Musliu Obanikoro whose name has just been sent for confirmation as minister, adding that Obanikoro should be barred from holding any public office.

Parts of the communiqué read: “That in line with the Court of Appeal decision of yesterday that upheld an earlier judgement of the Sokoto Federal High Court Judgement that ruled as illegal the participation of the military in

the electoral process, the military should be kept away from election duties henceforth.

“That the reschedule election dates of the 28th of March and 11th of April remain sacrosanct as the party will not tolerate any further shift.

“That the use of the card reader for the 28th of March and 11th of April is non-negotiable, as contrary to the misinformation being disseminated the use of card reader is not synonymous with electronic voting”.

Niger East by election: PDP appeals tribunal’s ruling From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

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he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Niger State has taken its appeal before the Court of Appeal expressing dismay over the decision of the National Assembly Election Tribunal in Minna which up turned the victory of Senator Shem Nuhu Zagbayi of PDP in favour of the APC flag bearer, Barrister David Umaru.

In a statement issued in Minna by the state party Secretary, Alhaji Aminu Yusif said that the party is seeking an order setting aside the findings of the election tribunal and all the relief granted to the “petitioners” in the judgement delivered by the tribunal chairman, Hon. Justice Ibrahim M. Bako on 30th January, 2015.

The statement also said the party is seeking an order that the first petitioner David Umaru did

not win the majority of lawful votes cast at that Niger East bye election held on 30th August 2014 which was concluded on 6th September, 2014 respectively.

Yusif in the statement noted that the petitioner, Barr. David Umaru of the All Progressives Congress has been dully served the appeal notice and the two respondents, Dr Nuhu Zagbayi as well the Independent Electoral Commission INEC were served

respectively.

He assured that every legal means will be followed to return the victory of the candidate and the party even as the party called on its supporters to be calm, tolerant and peaceful in their conducts.

The party thereby urged the public and citizens to ensure they get their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) to enable them vote at the forthcoming general elections.

iger State chapter of the All Progressives Congress is demanding for the immediate release of five of its members that were arrested by the police in Bida for volunteering a report to police on a vehicle suspected to be carrying ballot papers.

A J5 bus suspected to be carrying ballot papers which was later discovered to be empty Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) branded envelopes was intercepted by the police on Saturday in Kataregi village along Bida road.

The party chairman, Engineer Mohammed Jibril Imam made the demand yesterday while addressing journalists in Minna, saying those arrested only acted out of patriotism by reporting the suspected bus but only to be arrested for no offence committed.

According to him, if the police could release the driver and the bus after the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) confirmed that the load being conveyed by the bus belong to INEC, their members who got involved in the saga out of patriotism should also be released unconditionally.

The chairman said, “The questions that remain unanswered were, did INEC transport its materials in a private vehicle without even registration number? Did INEC transport its materials without a police escort?”

Meanwhile, the APC also condemned the manner in which the state deputy governor, Ahmed Musa Ibeto was thrown out from the state executive council meeting, calling on the governor to refrain from doing so otherwise the party would be compelled to seek redress.

The state police command PPRO, DSP Ibrahim Gambari when contacted said the six suspects arrested were nabbed by the police for attempting to take the law into the hands for threatening to set the bus ablaze.

He also dismissed the claim by the APC that the bus conveying the INEC envelops has no registration number, saying the bus registration number was Katsina AE 354 MLF.

Constitution amendment: State assemblies recommend 21-day polls runoff

By Umar Muhammad Puma

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ollowing the receipt of the outcome of the 1999 constitution from the state assemblies, the House of Representatives have passed into law the amended sections of the constitutions.

Deputy speaker Emeka Ihedioha, who is the constitution review committee chairman, said that out of the total 71 amendments in the 1999 Constitution effected

by the National Assembly, only 70 sections passed for the president’s assent, as the local government autonomy amendment was rejected by the state assemblies.

He explained that out of the 71 amendments carried out by the National Assembly, only amendment in Section Z of the constitution, which sought to confer autonomy in the ruling of local government authorities, failed to get the required 2/3 of the state assemblies.

“The House voted by 284 for, 48 against and 7 abstentions to amend Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution which states in part that the system of Local Government by democratically elected Local Government Councils is under the Constitution guaranteed.

“This is however observed more in breach as so many States at various times do not have democratically elected Local Government Councils.

To cure this, the House voted overwhelmingly to grant full

financial, administrative, executive and legislative autonomy to local government councils (LGCs),” he said.

The amendment to the section intended to have also provided that any local government that does not have democratically elected officials would be denied allocation from the federation account and other benefits from the state government.

But upon receipt of the outcome from the states, 2/3 majority required for the scaling through of

the amendment was not met, as the assemblies opposed the change and therefore stood rejected.

However, the amendment of Section 45 saw the introduction of section 45A and 45B which granted every citizen of Nigeria the right to free basic education.

There was also an amendment that stripped the executives from their immunity and was fully endorsed by 2/3 of both the national assembly as well as the state assemblies.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

One killed, vehicles damaged in Nasarawa PDP campaign fiasco From Gambo Ahmed, Lafia

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s the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign shifted its train to the southern senatorial district of Nasarawa, one person was feared killed while five others sustained various degrees of injuries after hoodlums suspected to be PDP loyalists attacked the convoy of the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Alhaji Yusuf Muhammad Agabi in Doma, headquarters of Doma local government.

The incident which occurred yesterday also had one of the vehicles in the convoy of the gubernatorial candidate burnt, even as Agabi, the party chairman and secretary escaped death by the whiskers.

It was also gathered that the PDP gubernatorial candidate’s Prado SUV windscreen was smashed with Agabi said to have been prevented from addressing his supporters at the rally.

Peoples Daily findings showed that the angry hoodlums who attacked the PDP gubernatorial candidate in Doma were said not to be happy with the party secretary, Mallam Adamu Oyanki, for allegedly romancing with the gubernatorial candidate, Agabi.

It was also learnt that Chief Yunana Iliya, chairman of the party, secretary Oyanki, including the gubernatorial candidate narrowly escaped death by the whiskers with the timely intervention of security agents who shot tear gas canisters intermittently in the air to disperse the mob.

Further investigations revealed that aggrieved

supporters of former governor of the state, Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma, were said to have prevented the state secretary of the PDP, who is an indigene of Doma from addressing the crowd present at the campaign rally that held at the playground of Islamiya Primary School.

An eye witness account disclosed that the fierce looking mob threw stones, sharp objects and sachet water at the party heavyweights on the podium.

It also gathered that the erring party members are also pointing accusing fingers on the PDP state executives for romancing with the gubernatorial candidate,Yusuf Muhammed Agabi a situation that lead to his emergence as the governorship candidate of the party.

Confirming the incident, the police image maker, ASP, Ismaila Numan said, “The incident occurred when some PDP supporters suspected to be

loyalists to the former governor and PDP gubernatorial candidate clashed during the campaign rally in Doma.”

ASP, Ismaila Numan said, one person was killed and five others in an attempt to escape from the venue, sustained various degree injuries as a result of an accident.

He however, said although it was a PDP affair, investigation had since commenced to ascertain the real cause of the incident.

L-R: Oyo state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Ambassador Rufus Akeju, INEC Administrative Secretary, Pastor Fakororede Aina, and Head of Department, Election and Party Monitoring, Mr. Bunmi Ariyo, during a stakeholder’s forum with representatives of political parties, on Monday in Ibadan.

Photo: NAN

Ndokwa group disowns APC guber running mate over breach of agreement From Osakhare Erese, Asaba

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he people of Enu Kingdom in Ndokwa West local government area of Delta State have disassociated themselves from the choice of one of their sons, Ogbuefi V.O.T Abanum as the governorship running mate to the APC in the state in the April election.

The position of the people was contained in a statement titled “Emu People / Political Elder and leaders rejects Deputy Governorship Slot” which was made available to our correspondent in Asaba.

The statement disclosed that the people of Emu were highly embarrassed and truly disturbed that after the collective decision of Anioma

people not to accept Deputy Governorship position in 2015 in deference to the campaign against Delta North offered the position to one of their sons in the person of Ogbuefi Abaum “Although , Ogbuefi Abanum is free to make his political decision, Emu people and in particular, the political leaders , elders women, and youth of Emu kingdom were neither

consulted nor in support of his present political voyage as we have all since resolved to join our kith and kins in Delta North and other well-meaning Deltans to give our maximum support to Senator (Dr.) Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa as governor and Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as president of the country in the forthcoming elections” the statement said.

Rescheduled polls: No fresh nomination of candidates, says INEC

By Ali Abare Abubakar with agency report

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he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday said it would not accept new nominations of candidates from any political parties in spite of rescheduling of the general elections.

Mr Kayode Idowu, Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

NAN recalls that the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) had on Sunday requested that INEC should accommodate its presidential candidate, Mrs Helen Godswill, on the basis of postponement of the elections.

The party had explained that nomination forms of its presidential candidate and National Assembly candidates were delayed following the party’s negotiation with INEC over party’s leadership crisis. dowu said that accommodating new candidates for the elections now was impossible, because the rescheduled timetable did not cover closed issues in the former timetable.

“If you look at the amended timetable, it does not go back to closed issues like nomination of candidates.

“The commission has equally printed ballot papers, so what happens to the ballot papers, should they be destroyed?

“The rescheduling was made under the provisions of the law that cater for emergencies,” he said.

Idowu also said that the commission had attained more than 73 per cent distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) nationwide. “`As at Feb. 13, we had about 73 per cent distribution which weighed beyond 50 million and it is still ongoing,” he said.

He added that the commission was consulting and working with security agencies through the InterAgency Consultative Committee on Election Security, to ensure that peaceful elections were conducted on rescheduled dates.

“The commission has been doing that and it will keep consulting with the security agencies,” he stated.

Nasarawa PDP dismisses allegation over misuse of N200m campaign funds

By Umar Muhammad Puma

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he Nasarawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed media reports that the campaign organization of the party has misappropriated N200 million campaign funds.

In a statement issued and signed by the Director General, PDP gubernatorial campaign organization, Senator Solomon

Ewuga, said such reports were the imagination of the reporter.

A newspaper had reported that the initial N200million out of the 1bn was pocketed by Damishi Luka Barau, the state deputy governor and the state PDP coordinator Presidential campaign organization.

Senator Ewuga, who said at no time, did the campaign organization received such amount from either the federal

government or party executive at the national level, lamenting that such allegations were out to tarnish the image of the party in the state and to seek for relevance by the authors.

While admonishing the men of the pen profession to always conduct thorough investigations before going to press, especially as the upcoming general elections election was fast approaching, Ewuga further urged them to be

mindful of disgruntled elements, who were hell bent in causing annihilation and disharmony in the party.

The statement added that what should be the upmost in the mind of right thinking persons in Nigeria was how to conduct successful elections but not any report that would instigate crisis and create disaffection in the polity.

According to him, “ the essence of this press statement is not

to join issue with anybody or a group of people but to clarify the falsehood allegations by a section of the media who are playing the scripts of PDP detractors about the unfounded N200 million”.

“We want to make it clear that we never collected such money from anybody but whoever has evidence to the contrary should come forward with it and make it known to the public or desist from such ungodly acts”.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

Zuma Energy power plant to generate 1,200mw, as NERC amends Licences

By Etuka Sunday

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uma Energy Nigeria Limited is to operate a combined 1,200 Megawatts (MW) power plant at Itobe, Kogi state, as the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) issued four on-grid licenses to the Company.

A statement by the Head, Public Affairs Department, NERC, Dr. Usman Abba Arabi said each unit of the power plant has the capacity to generate 300MW. This brings to two such licenses issued for coal power generation this year, the statement added.

It said, Zuma’s licence is an amendment to an earlier one issued in2011. The amendment is to enable it assign the licence to four different special purpose vehicles (SPVs) and ease of project finance.

NERC’s Chairman /Chief Executive, Dr Sam Amadi said that Zuma Energy was a major stakeholder and a pathfinder in coal-powered generation which is guiding Nigeria towards diversifying electricity generation.

“The beauty of Zuma licence is that it is guiding Nigeria towards diversifying power generation,” Amadi said.

In line with the Transitional Electricity Market stage recently declared by the Commission, Amadi urged Zuma Energy to work towards securing a power purchase agreement through the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading so that it could commence operations in not too distant time.

He advised the company to expedite actions on its construction work with the same vigour with which it pursue its licences and make electricity available to Nigerians through the power plants.

The four entities are Itobe 1,

300mw; Itobe 2, 300mw; Itobe 3, 300mw and Itobe 4, 300mw all are coal powered plants.

Managing Director, Zuma Energy Power Ltd., Dr. Innocent Ezuma in his response said that the amendment to an earlier licence which led to issuance of four different licences was for ease of implementation.

“With this subdivision, it means we can commence work on two plants simultaneously.”

Responding to questions from media men over environment issues, Ezuma assured that the company was adopting the

latest clean coal technology which has less smoke emission and has minimal impact on the environment.

Four Commissioners of NERC who were present at the award ceremony, Dr. Steven AndzengeLegal, Licensing and Enforcement; Engr. Mrs Mary AwolokunEngineering Standards and Safety; Dr. Abba Ibrahim- Government and Consumer Affairs; and Mr. Patrick Umeh- Finance and Management Services took turn to advise the company on the need to expedite action in realising the economic value of the licences.

L-R: Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefele, Executive Director, Persons with Disabilities, Mr. Adeboye Abioye, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Bank of Industry (BoI), Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa, and Director General Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Alhaji Bature Umar Masari, during the National Council on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, yesterday at the State House, in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Revenue fall: I will not sack workers- Gov Ahmed From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

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he Kwara State , Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed has assured the Civil Servants in the state that despite short fall from the Federal Allocation, his administration would not retrench its workers.

Governor Ahmed who stated this on yesterday while participating in the election debate organised by Joint Kwara

Labour Congress said, the ideal of sacking workers was ‘military ideal’.

Governor Ahmed observed that Nigeria could not afford to sack workers because of high rate of unemployment among the youths stressing, that an average one Civil Servant in the country is surrounded by ten dependants.

He explained that before the short fall in federal allocation, the state used to receive N3.2

billion,N3.1 billion and more staff were recruited stressing, that the allocation to the state now stood between N2.8billion,N2.1 billion which are almost gone for the payment of workers’ salaries.

The Governor said his administration now use the Internal Generated Revenue(IGR) to augment the state expenditure and assist local government Councils which are in deficit to settle its workers.

He said the state government had to loan local governments from it IGR before they could meet up with their monthly expenditure.

While speaking on shares bought by State Government for Civil Servants, Governor Ahmed assured Civil Servants in the state that they would get their Shares certificates individually in the next two months.

He explained that the affected

bank and the state government are working on the measure to unbundle the shares and distributes the certificates to each Civil Servant in the state.

Governor Ahmed added that his administration would continue to meet up with the basic needs of the electorates especially in the areas of health,girl child education, and social responsibilities if elected for second term as Governor of the state.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

Aviation Over 300 pilots are roaming the streets of Nigeria – AON Stories Suleiman Idris, Lagos

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he umbrella body of domestic airline operators in Nigeria has reiterated the call for the federal government to put enabling regulations in place that will help infuse over 300 pilots of Nigeria origin into the country’s aviation sector.

Chairman of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Captain Nogie Meggison told journalists in Lagos that an estimated 327 pilots are currently without jobs in the country.

He charge government as urgently set modalities in place to ensure a recent directive announced by the aviation minister, Osita Chidoka that a registered Nigerian pilot is found aboard all aircraft flying in Nigeria is realised.

“It is only logical and mutually benefitting and makes more sense

when any airline operating and taking off from the country creates avenues to create jobs for the people. It is not a novel idea that Nigeria is standing alone to say that any cockpit operator or anybody flying in Nigeria is expected to take Nigerians in the cockpit. This will create jobs and take people off the streets,” he added.

While stressing that many unemployed pilots will benefit from the directive of the Federal Government, Meggison said it is cheaper to get Nigerian pilots than it is to get their foreign counterparts.

He added: “Today, we have about 327 unemployed pilots who are registered and looking for jobs.

The minister made a statement; he said there are 90 airplanes and private jets operating in Nigeria with foreign registrations. There are two sets of crew per airplane so if you even take 90 alone and

two sets of crew per airplane, they cannot fly continuously.

“So, if you take two per airplane immediately, that is 180. If you take the helicopters people fly in the nation, there are maybe about 50 to 70 helicopters, times two, that is 140.

“You take the commercial airplanes where there are loads of white first officers that are loafing about here and it is cheaper to even get a Nigerian to do the job.

All we need is to put something in place.”

The chairman added that the regulation is also in place in other countries, including China, Brazil, Egypt and India. “If you can buy an airplane for $30 million, what does it take to train a Nigerian? It is not training per se, what you are doing is giving a Nigerian man that has a pilot licence a space to gain experience from your system,” he said.

Arik Airliner at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny International Airport, on Monday in Abidjan during their maiden flight.

Photo: NAN

Aero fetes customers on Business Class with exquisite meal

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eals on the one-hour average intercity flights across Nigeria are common these days, but domestic carrier Aero Contractors seems to have upped the ante with the offering on its Business Class service.

Passengers who have flown its Business Class lately are commenting in the subdued, demure excitement of that category of passengers about the meals as they explain that the offer are well made, beautifully packaged and interesting meals.

The meals include tortilla wraps, a popular alternative to sandwiches, quick, light and nutritious, the tortilla wraps are

surprisingly filling, of Mexican origin with a variant from Spain; tortillas have caught on with global cuisine as an example of good meals-on-the-go.

Apparently, wraps of various kinds are some of the new offerings on the in-flight menu of Aero Business. There were on offer Spicy Chicken wraps, Caesar Chicken Wraps as well as Chicken and Steak Wrap.

Then there were some sandwiches. These taste very succulent and rich, reminding one of gourmet variety sandwiches such as one finds in Marks & Spencer in the UK. A regular flyer, Denis Ayobo told Peoples Daily the Aero

economy meal packs actually have better and varied pastries.

“You can see many passengers taking their packs away to eat later! We also noticed that some of their competition’s meal packs have deteriorated to dry lowgrade crackers as if to say to the passenger, “we are just fulfilling all righteousness”.

Ayobo said what is interesting is how Aero has experimented. It tried in the immediate period of its crisis to sell meals on-board.

That did not fly with passengers particularly as there was no discernible improvement on the pre-sale offering to justify paying for inflight meals on the onehour flight.

Kano on Medview radar as airline boosts aircraft fleet

E

merging domestic giant, Medview airline has announced that the cities of Kano, Asaba and Uyo will soon be connected by the airline as parts of its expansion drive to fly into more destinations in Nigeria.

It said it has acquire a Boeing 737 aircraft bring to four aircraft in the company fold explaining that the new aircraft will be dedicated to the Lagos-Abuja-Yola route with another one expected by the end of March.

The airline Managing Director/CEO, Alhaji Muneer Bankole who spoke at the unveiling ceremony in Lagos said the airline is poised to up its departure time and services.

“We are committed to give our passengers quality service which is hinged on safety, on time departure, good inflight services and good customer care for which we are known”.

Apparently referring to the all Nigerian crew that flew in the aircraft, he said Medview airline is at the forefront of manpower development to check expatriates dominance of the industry, and its consequence of capital flight.

The airline has mapped out strategies to open up new domestic routes with Kano, Asaba and Uyo on the front burner.

The Dubai and Jeddah routes will be serviced by a B767 aircraft, which will soon be delivered.

Bi-Courtney ups passengers check in facilities, others

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wo months after the second terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA2) was voted as the best in Nigeria, the operators have offered to show other terminal operators how to fly high in the industry by sharing with them their expertise.

Speaking at a dinner to appreciate its customers and stakeholders in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operator of the terminal, Mr Christophe Penninck, said MMA2 would soon commission facilities that will enable self-check-in by passengers.

It said it is set to organise an event around the development to encourage other airports to install a similar system in their terminals.

Penninck also disclosed that MMA2, which is Nigeria’s first and only privately-run terminal, “is in the process of completing the implementation of the latest version of the Common User Passenger Processing System (CUPPS)”.

He said the IATA-compliant system, “makes it easier and more efficient to process passengers and increases the dwelling time in the terminal”.

The CEO disclosed that BASL has also installed new automated gates, which, when operational, will ensure that only passengers with valid boarding pass can enter the secure zones.

He affirmed that the company had made massive investment in the development of infrastructure in the terminal, including software and hardware upgrades of its passenger processing equipment and the installation of 14 additional check-in counters.

He noted that the company would always look for opportunities to invest in new equipment, adding: “As promised last year, we increased

the capacity of the check-in area. We installed a full Baggage Reconciliation System (BRS), which will soon go live together with the CUPPS and e-gates.

This will make it possible to finally stop using manual bingo sheet and avoid baggage fraud.

We installed two new escalators and a panoramic lift. We also replaced a lot of air conditioners throughout the terminal and hired a dedicated AC team to make sure the maintenance is constant.”

“We also ordered five additional elevators and an escalator, all of which have already been delivered. The installation is on-going and when this is completed, the car park will finally have two functioning lifts. We also plan to acquire two additional power generators.

“To bring the terminal up to par with international airport terminals, we embarked on an extensive training of our staff. All security personnel of Bi-Courtney have received twoweek ICAO-certified AVSEC training with the support of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

“The other support and commercial staff have also undergone IATA’s Airport Customer Service training. This was also one of the things we promised to do last year. The IATA training is important for us to understand the demands of the airlines and to be in sync with the industry we’re operating in.”

He listed the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak and the strike by Customs agents among the external factors that impacted on the company’s activities, one way or the other, in 2014. He, however, noted that the World Health Organisation (WHO) commended MMA2 for its cooperation in ensuring the thorough screening of passengers and visitors from the entrance to the terminal to the final exit during the EVD outbreak.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

Pension/Insurance

NAICOM vows to settle genuine claims Stories from Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

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he Nigerian Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has assured its resolve to ensure that genuine claims are settled promptly .

The Commission said it is working in collaboration with the Nigeria Insurers Association (NIA) through its ombudsman and the NAICOM customer

contact centre to ensure zero tolerance to lack of claims settlement in the insurance industry.

The Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Fola Daniel, while addressing journalists in Benin during the 7th edition of the annual seminar for insurance correspondents highlighted lack of trust as one of the major challenges facing the industry, which he said

emanated as a result of nonsettlement of genuine claims being perpetrated by bad insurance operators.

Daniel disclosed that all security personnel who died while prosecuting the war against Boko Haram have been paid their insurance compensation.

He said though with the rising casualty levels, the claims is drilling holes in insurance

companies’ finances but none of the valid claims will be denied.

“Insurance fund is not a compensation fund. It is not ad hoc arrangement, it is not a Father Christmas money to be shared when something happens, but insurance fund is an indemnity fund, and you can only be indemnified if prior to the event you have been insured and your premium paid,” he explained.

“Unfortunately we have lost

brothers and sisters to Boko Haram but for the military men, anyone of them that had an insurance policy will be compensated. We have lost members of the armed forces and policemen to the insurgency but all of them have been paid, you can quote me,” he assured.

“Insurance companies have paid though it is creating holes in their pockets because we have lost a lot of soldiers. The money paid as premium is very small in relation to their cover. But I assure you that as long as they are insured, the insurance companies are meeting their obligations,” Mr. Daniel said.

PTAD advocates transparency in pension administration

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Imo state Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha (3rd left front row), with members of state chapter of Poultry Farmers Association of Nigeria, during their visit to the governor, yesterday in Owerri.

Photo: NAN

Fashola succeeds Olowude as IGI MD/CEO

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he Board of Directors of Industrial and General Insurance Plc (IGI) has appointed Mr. Rotimi Fashola as the substantive Group Managing Director. He succeeds Mr. Remi Olowude, the company’s Executive Vice Chairman/Founder, who passed on last year.

Fashola’s appointment, which takes immediate effect, was part of the decisions taken at a meeting of the board held in Lagos on Wednesday, February 11, 2015. The board also named the erstwhile Executive Director, Special Risks, Mr. Sina Elusakin, Deputy Managing Director, while

Mrs. Foluso Gbadamosi was appointed Executive Director, Human Resource, Administration and Information Communication Technology.

The appointment was guided by proper corporate governance procedures and best practice, aimed at ensuring seamless business continuity, stability and growth in the interest of all stakeholders.

“With his over 20 years’ experience and a remarkable track record in the insurance and financial services industry, Fashola has earned a reputation as a truly accomplished and highly

respected professional.

The Board believes that he possesses the core values upon which IGI was founded and has the capacity to take the company to greater heights,” the statement added.

Prior to his new position, Fashola served as the Deputy Managing Director before he was later appointed acting managing director when the late Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer went on medical leave. He has pledged to uphold the lofty vision of the company and drive its growth and transformation strategies to ensure its continued

competitiveness in the industry.

A chartered insurer and a seasoned marketing expert, Fashola holds a Master of Business Administration in Marketing from Obafemi Awolowo University, IleIfe, Nigeria. Before joining IGI in 1993, he was the Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Assurance Company Limited. He is a Fellow of numerous institutions, including the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), Institute of Directors (IOD), Institute of Direct Marketing (IDM) and the West African Insurance Institute (WAII), The Gambia.

he PensionnTransitional Arrangement Directorate, PTAD has advocated continued transparency and stress-free pensioners’ data verification and pension administration.

Speaking through its DirectorGeneral, Mrs. Nellie Mayshak, the directorate said that it would continue to ensure easy pension verification and administration.

She said, “The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate was established in August 2013, as a result of irregularities uncovered in the pension board.

“Our main objective is to create transparency in improving pension reform and establish a verified database of pensioners.

We’re also here in Ilorin to ensure both the verification and payment process are smooth and effective.”

Mayshak further said that pensioners were now treated with dignity by the government even as she urged the government to sustain the current verification and pension payment system which he described as efficient and easy.

She said, “We are satisfied with the qualiy of service rendered to us now. They should continue like this.

“The current verification system the Federal Government introduced is one of the best I have ever seen. The government should not allow this scheme to fail.”

PTAD is charged with the responsibility of pension management. It is responsible for the pension administration of all federal parastatals and agencies.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

Business

Global oil price fall: Explorers need to rethink their capital expenditure on exploration activity in Africa

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il & gas explorers must rethink their capital expenditure on exploration activity across the African continent in the wake of the significant drop in the global oil price, according to an analysis on the oil & gas industry in Africa released by PwC today.

According to the PwC Africa Oil and Gas Advisory Leader, Chris Bredenhann, “Oil & gas explorers will be relooking at their budgets and deciding where to allocate their limited capital spend given the substantial decline in the oil price. Overall, low oil prices could have an impact on production undermining certain players in the market.”

The WTI price for crude oil recently plunged below US$49 per barrel, following wide-scale reports of oversupply in the US. Current reserves are reported in the press to be at their highest level in the past 80 years.

According to PwC’s ‘Fit for $50 oil in Africa’ analysis, Africa has seen substantial successes in the exploration for hydrocarbons over the last decade including the entry of new country players with East Africa, joining the ranks of their West African neighbours.

In 2013 alone, six of the top 10 global discoveries by size were made in Africa – including some of the largest discoveries in the last decade in East Africa. The key to surviving the ups and downs of the cyclical oil & gas market is to learn how to adapt quickly – be more agile! “ Oil & gas companies now need to plan for the upturn that is sure to follow to ensure that the potential boom does not go bust,” adds Bredenhann.

The drop in oil prices is expected to have a significant impact on Africa, which has been grappling with the effects of longterm poverty, food shortages, HIV/AIDS, and more recently the outbreak of the Ebola virus in West Africa.

The challenges facing oil & Gas companies in Africa continue to be diverse and numerous fuelled by regulatory uncertainty, fraud and corruption, poor infrastructure, and a lack of skilled resources, among others.

Furthermore, Africa has one of the highest average finding costs in the world at a massive $35.01 per barrel in 2009 surpassed only by the US offshore fields which came in at $41.51 per barrel, according to the US Energy Information Administration.

Africa also holds a number of technically challenging hydrocarbon prospects.

Examples include deepwater subsalt exploration activity in West Africa, waxy oil in Uganda as well as offshore exploration leases in South Africa.

Bredenhann says: “While oilfield service companies will venture to cut back on spending, they will also be under extreme pressure by the oil companies to

President Goodluck Jonathan (R) receiving The Forensic Audited Report of Finances in NNPC from the Country Senior Partner, Pricewaterhousecoopers (Pwc), Mr Uyi Akpata, recently In Abuja drop their prices.”

According to the analysis, the following oil & gas players in the market are expected to be most likely at risk from the drop in the oil price: frontier areas, host governments, major gas projects and oilfield service companies.

Frontier areas around the world are expected to suffer from delayed development in the nearterm. These include technically difficult projects that require more spend than conventional production such as deepwater, sub-salt, shale gas and enhanced oil recovery ventures.

Countries that may see frontier project delays include offshore South Africa, sub-salt

“

Congo and Angola, offshore Tanzania and shale gas in South Africa. Shale gas, in particular, could move forward if the gas price were not 100% fully-indexed to oil. . It should be noted that oil companies do not make their investment decisions based on short-term, cyclical price changes but rather on wider price trends given the long-term nature of these investments.

Major African gas projects are also expected to be under increased scrutiny, as oil-linked LNG prices have dropped significantly. “While we don’t envision that the major LNG projects in Mozambique and Tanzania will be cancelled

outright, costs are a major concern for investors,” Bredenhann says.

At this time, governments would do well to place regulatory, legislative and fiscal policies in order so that they are seen as attractive regimes when the price recovers.

Oilfield service companies will be hit hard globally, but Africa may be an especially vulnerable portion of their portfolios, states the analysis. Africa could pose further challenges due to difficult logistics and the lack of infrastructure. Overall exploration costs have already decreased significantly due to cost pressures, in particular seismic surveying and drilling. This is

. . . Oil & gas explorers will be relooking at their budgets and deciding where to allocate their limited capital spend given the substantial decline in the oil price. Overall, low oil prices could have an impact on production undermining certain players in the market

expected to lead to idle rigs as well as delayed and potentially cancelled projects.

However, not all is doom and gloom. There are still numerous opportunities to invest in the industry within Africa. The greatest opportunity seems to lie within onshore exploration.

There are still risks, but onshore exploration is also significantly cheaper. Tullow Oil has certainly taken note of this opportunity as it has announced that it plans to drill six basin openers in onshore Kenya during 2015.

Aside from exploration, some players are moving ahead with development programmes, even though they have no plans to expand with exploration drilling.

“We also see that there could be significant potential for firms that are strong in R & D,” adds Bredenhann.

Lastly, there is opportunity for new players with strong balance sheets to enter the African market, potentially at a low cost.

A number of issues must, therefore, be addressed. This can be done by starting with an organisational stress test including strategic, financial, operational and commercial elements. In situations of low commodity prices, many companies respond with kneejerk cost reduction programmes.

This could be more effective if they took the time to understand what specific costs are, how they compare to peers and what reductions are truly possible. Cost reduction programmes need to be targeted and realistic,” concludes Bredenhann. (PwC analysis)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

Stock Watch

Report as at Tuesday, February 17 2015

PAGE 23

Peoples Daily, Wednesday, February 18, 2015

PAGE 24

PAGE 25

Special Report

2015 elections and negative effects of hate speeches

By Evelyn Okakwu

A

ll over the world, election periods are charactarised with series of events that increase the tempo of the political environment.

More so, the situation is apparent in developing countries where electioneering events are accompanied with the presence of security operatives aimed at calming the atmosphere and preventing violence.

In Nigeria, the effects of political affairs have become more vivid in the Democratic dispensation than the previous years, when military dictatorship provoked unanimous clamour for the civilian government.

Also activities of politicians have only heightened the situation negatively; leaving the people more divided now than ever.

Yet still, the dangerous effect of negative comments, or the lack of its opposite by political leaders have become a great source of worry to Nigerians at home, and in the Diaspora.

In a recent discussion on the social media, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) expressed deep concerns over the increasing use of negatively inciting comments (Hate speech) by political party leaders, in the recent political scene Titled; “Hate Speech and the 2015 election”, the discussion on twitter was archived with the hashtag #NoHateSpeechNG and anchored by Tolu Ogunlesi, a multiple international award winning journalist and political commentator, while professor Chidi Odinkalu, the chairman of National Human Rights Commission was featured in it.

According to Odinkalu, on his Twitter handle @chairman NHRC, hate speech is defined as “including the ridicule and slander of persons, incitement to hate, contempt, threat of violence and discrimination against people because of their race, ethnicity, identity, belief, opinion”.

Odinkalu added that there are laws, especially the electoral

act, that define, prohibit and punish hate speech during election campaign periods in Nigeria. He also said Nigeria is bound by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which further prohibits hate speech.

Rightly noted; Odinkala further tweeted that; “#Hatespeech is even more serious in elections because of heightened public sensitivities: it precedes election violence #NoHateSpeechNg” That discussion on tweeter by Odinkala gave examples of hate speeches stating that; “The description of a political party as having “Janjaweed ideology” or name calling a party “PDpigs” or its members as “cockroaches”, publishing death insinuation adverts, are examples of criminal hate speech, adding that free expression, though a human right, doesn’t protect one from hate speech.

But has any politician or party loyalists been convicted of the crime of hate speech?

Odinkala answers: “Those responsible for election #hatespeech and violence in #Nigeria in the past have not been held to account.

President Goodluck Jonathan

Yet still, a publication on Vanguard newspapers On May 19 2012 reads: “What did the former military ruler and former Presidential Candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change, General Muhammadu Buhari mean by saying that, if the national elections in 2015 were not fairly conducted, “the dog and the baboon would all be soaked in blood”? “It seems to be an idiomatic phrase

portending evil, especially with the chilly connection of blood in its connotation.

Could it have meant that “blood would flow”?

Or that certain elements would be drenched in blood?

Who is the “monkey” and who is the “baboon”?

The publications further states that; “One believes that the broad interpretation would be that a rigged election,

which the nation has suffered before, would provoke a bit of mayhem if it was repeated in 2015”.

Although the report on BBC, which propelled that follow up, was said to have meant something else in Hausa language, which was the language used by the former military leader, and presidential aspirant of the opposition, the APC various

“

Representatives of political parties at stakeholders’ forum with INEC, on Monday in Ibadan, Oyo state. Photo: NAN We must change that #NoHateSpeechNg,” And if a time is to be slated for this much needed change, one would expect that such a time should be none other than now, when a messiah is highly

craved to lighten the weight of the burden caused by the negative political events, in recent times.

Yet how effective have these political leaders fared in the events preceding the 2015

INEC Chairman, Attahiru Jega

election?

Indeed, grievous remarks have been made by various political leaders, that any rational observer would predict danger for the masses when the elections are over. A

case in point is the comment of the River State governor, Rotimi Amaechi that the All Progressives Congress party, (The APC) will form a parallel government if the Feb. 14th and 28th elections are rigged.

General Muhammadu Buhari

Also the unanimously acclaimed ‘hateful’ advert on various platforms by Ayo Foyoshe of Ekiti state wishing death on the APC presidential candidate has not gone without its accompanied criticisms.

Odinkalu added that there are laws, especially the electoral act, that define, prohibit and punish hate speech during election campaign periods in Nigeria. He also said Nigeria is bound by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which further prohibits hate speech

Chairman of NHRC, Dr. Chidi Odinkalu

analysts have not stopped condemning it, and calling on these politicians to reflect more on the need for caution and always ‘look before they speak’.

Yet still, as a means of insisting the participation of the APC in the on-going presidential election debate, Director of Media and Publicity, PDP’s presidential campaign organization, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode stated regarding the APC that: “We know that they may have a few challenges with the English language; so, if they like they can even conduct the debate in vernacular: we would be prepared to pay for a translator or an interpreter just so that they could understand the proceedings”.

While Kayode may have been trying to compel the opposition to do what many have called a ‘part of the process,’ the use of language can

best be described as derogatory.

Scores of Twitter discussants on the topic called on the NHRC to enforce existing laws to serve as deterrent to politicians, clergy, public officials, and other offenders using the social and traditional news media to disseminate hate messages.

Various analysts and media contributors on tweeter also noted the role of the media in helping to curb hate speeches and its many effects. It is in the light of this that the current role played by some media organizations, (particularly popular television media houses in the country) in the name of political campaigns become worrisome.

Images of major aspirants likened to that of animals, in an effort to create a vivid picture of a proverb have been described by Nigerians as ‘one step too far’. If pictures and visuals aid speeches; this sort of visuals can only be regarded as aids to hateful comments, dished without the slightest thought of its effect on certain recipients.

Media organization, more than any other outfits must understand that they have a moral, legal and social responsibility to protect the lives of Nigerian, through their actions or inactions.

Also the act of repeating similar broadcasts from the two major political parties, one after the other; has been likened more to attempt to incite hatred, than that aimed at displaying an unnecessary fair publicity.

As indicated by the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III: “Christians and the Muslims are not at war, but the evil perpetrators are the ones waging war against the unity of Nigeria and Nigerians.”

Whether we admit it or not; facts have proven that these evil ones are the politicians among us, who have allowed selfishness to derail them every sense of social responsibility to the populace.

And if anyone has the responsibility of making these facts known to Nigeria, media organisations, including television media should be at the fore front of such campaign.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

Property

Staff housing delivery, end to retirees’ apathy- FRSC boss Stories by Evelyn Okakwu

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he Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Boboye Oyeyemi has stated that the delivery of houses for members of staff will end the many years

of apathy experienced by retiring staff.

A statement by the FRSC’s media relations officer, Imoh Etuk said the FRSC’s chief executive disclosed this while on joint inspection of the housing project with the Managing Director/Chief Executive of

the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Professor Al-Amin Mohammed at the FRSC housing estate located at Gonin-Gora in Kaduna state.

The statement added that the houses which will be delivered on the bases of one staff, one house policy was borne out of

the concern of his Management for staff who work hard, but regrettably retire without the prospect of owning a house, thereby making retirement a dreadful experience for them.

“We have discovered that over the years, lack of personal houses by staff has been a source

Corps Marshal/Chief Executive, Federal Road Safety Corps, Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi(left) and the Managing Director, Federal Housing Authority, Professor Mohammed Al-Amin during the Corps Marshal’s visit to the Authority’s Goningora Housing Estate, Kaduna.

FMBN to create 4 million mortgages in for years

T

he management of the Federal Mortgage bank of Nigeria (FMBN) says it plans to create four million mortgages within the next four years.

Addressing a team of journalists in Abuja, recently, the managing director of the FMBN Ya’u Kumo said the mortgages would be created, depending on the availability of funds, and the result of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with various unions in the country, namely the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), trade Union Congress, (TUC) and Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA).

“Within the next four years, depending on the availability

of funds, I hope to create based on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), trade Union Congress, (TUC) and Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association NECA memorandum of understanding with NLC, TUC and NECA, we should be able to do at least four million.”

Kumo who noted that the accessibility to houses is a great challenge to the average Nigerian worker said the problems emanate from the high cost of building materials.

“Housing delivery is one of the major issues we are trying to address, it has been an area that I have laid so much emphasis and concern because if you look at the earning of Nigerians particularly somebody who earns N18, 000.

That amount today is not up to 100 dollars going by current exchange rate. That person is not in a position to buy even a one bedroom apartment going by the present structure”.

He said the FMBN would partner with stake holders to turn the tide: “So what we are trying to do, is that we are working together with the ministry to see if we can have discount on some of the inputs that make up the house like discount on cement, discount on rods for construction and also hat we are trying to do on our own is to introduce new building methods that will now reduce the cost of houses”.

Kumo said a recent research which revealed a substantial effectiveness of Nigeria’s soil than

that in Thailand would form the bases for a business transaction that may boost affordable housing deleivery in the country. “We just came back from Thailand with officials of FCDA, Ministry of Lands, and Housing and Urban Development. After the Tsunami, they commissioned line seven universities to do research on affordable and sustainable housing. We have seen the development in that country. We took sand from Kuje here and they took it to three of the universities it was discovered that it is even 17 times better than their own sand”.

“So they are producing some blocks for us with less than 5 per cent cement content. So if we do that, that issue of affordability will be addressed.”

of apathy and apprehension for those going on retirement.

That was why one of the policy decisions that I took on my assumption of office, was the policy of “One Staff, One House.”

“The policy is envisaged to ensure that every staff owns a house in any part of the country where the Corps is building the houses. And to make that possible, we have worked out a liberal payment system that stretch over a long period of time, and in such a way that the payment would not stress the owners,” it added.

The statement therefore said oyeyemi appealed to the members of staff to take advantage of the opportunity provided by the policy to apply and get their own house. He however enjoined them to reciprocate the good gestures of the Corps by working hard for the success of the organisation which will celebrate its 27th anniversary this February.

It regarded the development as one of the best in the 27 year history of FRSC in Nigeria, adding that the project would not have been a success without the support of the FHA Also according to the statement, FHA’ managing director, described the scheme as a model for similar public service, schemes adding that such commitment was all that was needed to boost the Federal government’s transformation agenda.

It added that housing delivery was a necessary prerequisite for workers’ productivity stressing the project, if handled as planned would go a long way to boost the commitment of the corps members to work.

“I congratulate the Corps Marshal for showing this high level of interest in staff welfare as evidenced by the willingness of the Management to provide decent houses to the staff. “It is a commendable effort, and the FHA would join hands with the Corps to realise the dream of making the houses available to the staff”.

The statement further said the ‘One staff, one house project’ is targeted towards the 20,000 personnel of the Corps expected to own a house before retirement.

It added that in achieving this, conscious efforts have been made to bring relevant stakeholders together who are committed to the success of the project, adding that the houses are currently undergoing construction in several states and geo-political zones of the country.

It called on staff to indicate interest in the choice of the house irrespective of where they currently serve and acquire them through the mega Cooperative Society already put in place and operational.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

Property

Synagogue Building Collapse: Joshua bags N25,000 fines Stories by Evelyn Okakwu

P

rophet Temitope Joshua of the Synagogue Church of all Nations (SCN) was yesterday served with a N25, 000 fines for unduly delaying proceedings at a High Court sitting in Lagos state over a suit filed by the prophet against the Coroner making inquest into the collapse of his church last year The suit which was filed against coroner, Magistrate

O.A. Komolafe prayed the court to review the coroner’s inquest which Prophet Joshua alleged to have acted in ways that constituted a breach of his right to fair hearing.

According to our Lagos correspondent, counsel to Prophet Joshua Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), had argued that the coroner went ahead of its constitutional jurisdiction by bdemanding the actual presence of the SCN leader during inquest.

Fagbemi said the coroner was

bound by its legal responsibility to ascertain the cause of the victim’s death, but was should not extend its duty to factors leading to the collapse of the six-storey building where the incident occured Events leading to Tuesday’s fine against the prophet were propelled by a set of fresh applications filed in relation to the case according to Fagbemi.

“We filed two processes yesterday. One is a motion and the other one is the applicant’s

consolidated reply on points of law.”

Consequently, the Lagos state counsel, Mr. Karmardeen Bakare told the court that he had just received the content of the processes and would have to go through it before commencement of further proceedings.

The presiding judge, Justice Lateefa Okunnu, described the actions of Prophet Joshua and his counsel as: “Wasting the time of the court and tax

payers’ money.” She noted that fresh cases had further delayed the hearing and stated that the counsel to SCN and his client must comply with the verdict of fine, to the tune of N25, 000 before the next date of hearing which would be on the 20th of this month.

The coroner’s inquest, began hearing on October 13, to determine the cause of death for over 100 people at the SCN building, most of whom were South Africans

Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi

Minister of FCT Bala_Mohammed

Nyanya labour camp dwellers demand to remain in their homes

R

esidents of Nyanya labour camp have reiterated their call to the federal capital territories Administration to allow them remain in the neighborhood, after it is reconstructed.

The chairman of the Nyanya resident forum, Mr Ivongbe, who spoke to people’s daily correspondent in Abuja said although they were hopeful that with the recent trends, they were not certain whether government would comply with the plan to

let them have a choice in the matter.

He added that the actions of those contruction the road in that area, leaves them with much daubts about government’s commitments to their plight.

“They started this road, and it was moving on so well before the elction was poponed, few weeks ago. But shortly after the postponement, everything stopped, people have also been saying that in a few days, when the lections draw very close, they may come back to continue with

the work, so that people will vote them., but we don’t think they have our interest at heart”.

He said the area constructed did not exceed the area A, while they (the residents had hoped that the road would pass through area A to C of the Nyanya labour camp, and even beyond. Regarding the planed relocation, Patrick added that: “Some consultant firms came here and gave us questioners to fill so that they can determine how many of us want to be relocated and those that would

like the place reconstructed for us. The questioners were filled and my fellow members of this forum and I collected the forms which we returned to them for onward compilation. About 80 per cent said they would like the place reconstructed while 20 per cent may not mind relocating”.

‘But we have made it clear that we would not want to pay any amount as government had earlier suggested for those to be relocated to Gidan Daya”.

We are staying here in Nyanya, which is a popular and

already developed site. If they are taking us out of this place, it should be to a better place, if we have to be made to pay; and not to mare remote area with an additional price”, he noted.

“We discovered that what they wanted to offer to us as substitute for our houses in Nyanya is one bedroom each, and so we said no! that what we would not take it that they should m,ove us from a popular site, or area like Nyanya and take us to a more remote area and make us pay for certain amount as well

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

Acura ILX actually is pretty ominous

U

pon first hearing Acura officials refer to the 2016 ILX as “The Gateway,” we imagine something ominous, like hooking kids on smack or opening a portal to a demonic underworld. Recalling our first go-round with this slight sedan in our long-term fleet, however, either option seems too weighty. And sure enough, the nice (or is that nicest?) people

Motoring

PAGE 28

from Honda’s luxury b r a n d explain that this model is meant to be the Acura that sets up the young and aspirational as “customers for life.” Which actually is pretty ominous.

New Power Source Competing, as ever, in the class of $30,000-ish luxury cars that aren’t really luxury cars, the ILX remains essentially a fortified Honda Civic. Additional midproduct-cycle polish comes to its specifications mostly by discarding the old car’s 150-hp, 2.0-liter fourcylinder and five-speed automatic in favor of a direct-injected 2.4-liter four that makes 201 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. Honda’s novel torque-converter-equipped dual-clutch automatic transmission now swaps eight forward gears and drops cruising revs to a palatable level, a great improvement over the old car’s high-strung powertrain.

With this new combination, the same as used in some versions of the larger Acura TLX, we estimate that the 2016 ILX should hit 60 mph more than two seconds quicker than did last year’s 2.0-liter model.

The new gearbox is a sonnet to smoothness but an elegy to the enthusiast, as there is no longer a manual-transmission model in the ILX lineup. Also gone is the hybrid, which Acura canceled a year ago to neither much surprise nor notice.

For most buyers, the new powertrain is the equivalent of getting upgraded

to first class from that last middle seat on the plane, the one near the lavatory. But for those fewer than five percent of ILX buyers who opted for the old s i x -

s p e e d manual, which came lashed to a different, port-injected 2.4-liter four-cylinder, the performance differential will be insignificant. (The old engine made the same power but 10 fewer lb-ft of torque.) Lest those pilots remain content flying their old ILX models, Acura has made other mechanical upgrades.

New calibration to the electric assist makes the steering in the 2016 ILX a bit slower but weightier and more direct than before, which Acura says is helped in part by a beefier front subframe. The front suspension bushings are upgraded and the rear anti-roll bar increases by a millimeter in diameter to improve initial turn-in. The front brake rotors now measure 12.3 inches, up from 11.8 in the old 2.4-liter car, and the rears are bigger, as well. As would be expected from such changes, the improved brakes bite harder and the firmer pedal is easier to modulate than before.

Although the ILX now delivers more feedback and a more immediate response to the road, this also makes the conservative suspension tuning more apparent.

Curb weight is up by about 150 pounds and the balance of that mass shifts forward from 61 to 63 percent over the front drive wheels, which doesn’t help with understeer or the feeling that the rear of the car is merely being towed around.

When equipped with new 18-inch wheels, the back end is also prone to

impact harshness and subsequent excessive vertical motion.

The bigger wheels are part of the new “A-Spec” p a c k a g e , which

a l s o replaces the 17-inch Michelin Pilot HX MXM4 allseasons with 18-inch Continental ContiProContact all-seasons.

The $1990 package otherwise is cosmetic, bundling fog lights, sill

with AcuraWatch. While all ILX trims get new exterior styling cues, a bit nicer finishes inside, and most even adopt Acura’s double-touchscreen infotainment system, these revisions come across as less vital than those to the hardware.

The ILX is clearly improved over last year’s model, but Honda is still faced with the underlying problem that there’s not enough space between its mass-market products and those sold by its

extensions, and a spoiler along with suede-trimmed seats and sport pedals. A-spec can be added to either of the top two ILX trim levels, Premium ($30,820) or Tech Plus ($33,820). The latter brings with it navigation, a premium audio system, and

AcuraWatch, a suite of safety equipment including adaptive cruise control, front collision warning, and lanekeeping assistance. A base ILX starts at just $28,820, or $30,120

luxury marque. Or at least enough to overcome the Acura badge’s lack of snob appeal compared with its competition from Audi, Mercedes, and BMW, however unfair that may be. With the German luxury brands actively attacking the ILX’s pricing turf, standing out at the low end of the luxury spectrum is only getting more challenging.

Source: Caranddriver.com

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

Arts & Culture

Ai Weiwei sculptures set auction record

FROM THE LIVE STAGE with Patrick-Jude Oteh 0803 700 0496, 0805 953 5215 (SMS only)

I

Ai Weiwei’s sculptures are a reinterpretation of figures on an 18th Century water clock

A

set of 12 gold-plated animal head sculptures

by Chinese artist Ai Weiwei has sold for £2.8m ($4.3m) at auction.

Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads, which features 12 sculptures representing the Chinese zodiac, set a new auction record for the artist.

Ai has made a number of versions of the zodiac sculptures, but this was the first complete set to come to auction.

Ai’s previous auction record of $1.2m (£735,000) was set by Map of China last April.

The zodiac sculptures were inspired by a set of smaller sculptures that formed an 18th Century fountain clock at Emperor Yuanming Yuan’s Beijing imperial retreat.

The fountain clock was ransacked by French and British troops in 1860. Ai worked from the seven surviving originals and imagined the five others, using images found in tapestry and print.

“This set of 12 heads continues Ai Weiwei’s tradition of re-interpreting cultural objects whilst questioning perceptions of

authenticity and value,” auction house Phillips said in a press release.

The sculptures, which sold to one of three telephone bidders, were originally purchased from the Paul Kasmin Gallery in New York.

Several larger versions of the same sculptures have been cast in bronze and have been displayed in both New York’s Grand Army Plaza and Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire.

A solo exhibition of Ai Weiwei’s work will open at the Royal Academy of Arts in London in September.

Harper Lee’s second book sparks eager anticipation

By Patricia Reaney

S

urprise, eager anticipation and a tinge of skepticism surrounded the news that Pulitzer Prize-winning author Harper Lee would publish a second novel half a century after “To Kill a Mockingbird” became an American classic.

Until Tuesday when publisher Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins, announced it would publish “Go Set a Watchman,” on July 14, few knew the book existed and even its 88-year-old author had thought it had been lost.

Written in the 1950s before Lee penned her masterpiece, it only came to light after her lawyer discovered it in a safety deposit box with the original manuscript of “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

“How often does the publishing industry have the rare opportunity to publish a second work of an author whose promise was so great but who never completed a second project?” said Khalil Gibran Muhammad, director of the New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black

Culture.

“To Kill a Mockingbird,” a novel about racism and injustice in the American South, became an instant best-seller and has since sold an estimated 40 million copies worldwide. It was also made into an Oscar-winning film starring Gregory Peck as the lawyer Atticus Finch.

Although written first, “Go Set a Watchman,” features Finch 20 years later as his adult daughter Scout returns to visit him in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama.

Lee wrote “To Kill a Mockingbird” after her editor persuaded her to write a novel from the point of view of a young Scout.

News of the second book comes just months after the death of Lee’s sister Alice, a lawyer who represented her interests for decades. The timing has sparked questions about how much input Lee, who suffered a stroke in 2007 and has difficulty hearing and seeing, had in the decision to publish it.

“I have questions and concerns,

and I am not alone in those, about her condition, her health,” author Marja Mills said in an interview.

“She has said to people earlier that she wouldn’t go through all the publicity of publishing another book for all the money in the world.”

When Mills wrote “The Mockingbird Next Door,” a memoir about her friendship with the sisters, Lee’s lawyer issued a statement saying it was not sanctioned. But Mills said she has a letter from Alice Lee saying the statement was issued without her knowledge and both sisters supported the book.

Lee’s lawyer Tonya Carter, who negotiated the publishing deal, could not be reached for comment.

Wayne Flint, a historian in Alabama and a friend of Lee, said he had seen her recently and she was quite lucid but he knew nothing about the manuscript.

“I don’t think anyone would have done this without Nelle’s full knowledge and consent,” he told the website AL.com, referring to Lee as she is known to friends.

BODY PARTS

confess at the onset of this article that the above title does not belong to me. It belongs rather to Adinoyi Ojo Onukaba, one of the new generation playwrights post the Osofisan era. He has written a most beautiful piece of work with the above title. It is a story of desperation and it is also a story of exasperation.

Three cousins find themselves in Lagos in search of the Golden Fleece. It is the era when Lagos had that reputation of being the answer to all dreams. They have brought their dreams and aspirations to Lagos and being graduates, the dreams are legitimate. But they are confronted with an issue that none of them ever thought possible – unemployment.

They pound and roam the streets searching for the elusive jobs. Going back to the village will not be entertained. How do you go back to the village to explain that you failed in Lagos when other young people come back to ask for the hands of beautiful dames? Desperate situations require desperate solutions – they create jobs for themselves by selling their Body Parts. Kidneys are in hot demand alongside other vital organs. They sell the first organ belonging to one of them but in the euphoria of having so much cash at their disposal, they invest the money in a money doubling scheme that leads to them being duped. In desperation they now advertise themselves in front of a hospital trying to sell the remaining two kidneys. A buyer is soon got but the one whose kidney matches the sick patient balks because he believes that he is going to die. The deal is struck and an advance fee is paid and off to India they go.

The operation is successful and they return. He promptly sends for his mother. Her arrival triggers the revelation of a secret that is almost thirty years old. The play ends on a happy note but the desperation is what irks the very soul of man.

What kind of desperation will drive young men to sell and hawk off their vital organs? It is a desperation that being jobless can drive one into. In their words and thinking, it is better than armed robbery. One does not have access to statistics but is this really possible? That is what first came to my mind when I read the beautiful piece of writing. I then remember a visit to a blood bank a couple of years ago. In hospitals and around blood banks, there were a host of young men and women waiting to sell their blood to desperate relations seeking for blood for their loved ones in hospital wards and they did not lack patronage. In Body Parts, this is taken a notch higher.

Perhaps we may see this as just another fantasy in the versatile mind of a playwright but it is not as simple as that.

I believe that considering the desperation which we have seen in the times and the rate at which our people now chase this elusive money, this is actually possible. It is in my thinking also very realistic. When you are confronted with joblessness and all you hear are in the neighbourhood of rhetoric, what do you do to create a ‘job’ for yourself? And if you are from a tiny village where the very fact of setting feet in Lagos is a function of success, then you must succeed by all means. What do you do? If you do not have the guts to rob or the courage to steal or dupe people, what exactly do you do? It is a tough decision and it requires a lot of guts. Sometimes, this is the kind of desperation that our youths have been driven into.

BFN

The above acronym is certainly not mine. I travelled recently and anywhere I introduced myself as a Nigerian, I was greeted with ‘Oh, BFN’. It was in a neighbouring country. I was not sure what that meant. In the light of our recent travails, I had cause to discuss with my hosts. I was reliably informed that BFN stands for Big For Nothing! That is what we have been reduced to. A laughing stock amongst the comity of nations. BFN indeed...

One is hopeful that the postponed elections will hold as rescheduled. But again, these times also cause me to ask certain questions – If you had N 70m to donate to a worthy cause – would you give it to the theatre or would you give it for political campaigns?

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Arts & Culture

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

Feature Can the Literatures of Dystopia Convey Messages of Conscience?

T

By Alexander K. Opicho

he book is Meritropolis, written by Joel Ohman, targeting the teenage reading audience.

It was self-published in 2014 on CreateSpace. It has two hundred and twenty six pages. Its theme oscillates between utopia and cacotopia, in the style of Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hide

by Robert Louis Stevenson; hence it’s a genre of dystopian nature. It is recommended, however, with reservations.

Its major character, Charley, balks at the current system of doing things in his society ever since his brother with Down syndrome was taken away by the rulers. Like in the political theatrics of Idi Amin Dada, anyone with an intelligence score lower than 100 is removed by the prevailing powers that be in Meritropolis and then thrown outside the city walls. The misfortune is that no one survives outside the walls. The predatorial creatures in the likes of Mr. Hide or Homeric Cyclopes that have developed post inception of the elimination system are too powerful and ravenously hungry, like the Tigre on the boat in Yann Martel’s Life of Pi. Unfortunately the good intention of ensuring that the city’s population does not go hungry is to limit its size through justifiable depopulation; elimination of young people with below a 100 score on intelligence being the prominent one. With his vintage score of intelligence and vigor, Charley is confident that he can penetrate the government and avenge his brother’s brutal and merciless death. To his positive chagrin, Charley later on learns that he is not the only person harassed by the current political System in Meritropolis.

There are other subversive victims of cacotopian projections by the powers of the day, but they have their own varied agenda to counter the prevailing cacotopia.

Like Wole Soyinka’s A Shuttle in the Crypt, Meritropolis is a fairly typical dystopian novel.

It presents a desperate and frustrated human society willing to trade-off its soul to survive.

Feasibly, Government mandates euthanasia, forced abortion, antiterror laws, hate speech laws, executive endorsement of tyranny of numbers, media gagging laws and draconian penal systems only to keep its citizens in constant fear. To avoid retribution and nemesis like the ones meted to Alfred Nobel’s cats as narrated in his Novella, The Nemesis, most people take a utopian stretch to remain silent in the cacotopian face of injustice until dystopian Charley and his fellow subversives take matters into their own hands; A social move that only gets a very beautiful analogy in the recent case of demonstrating primary school girls that were clobbered, dog terrified and brutally teargassed by the policemen in Nairobi.

Like all other literatures of dystopia, this book has an admirable message of justice and freedom. But it is not devoid of structural weaknesses. The book lacks writing style, universality in outlook, and depth of creativity.

Incredibly, even for a fantasy, Ohman’s imaginary creatures seem absurd like the Succubus of Nadine Gordimer in The House Gun or like the Homunculus in Ben Okri’s The Famished Road.

Probably the Author Mr. Ohman was presenting himself the way Leo Tolstoy did in War and Peace

“

or Mikhail Sholokhov in his And Quiet Flows the Don. Charley’s knack and prowess for warring beautifully connotated the author’s spirit of fighting.

The argument is; absolute goodness in human life is impossible. Even Charley himself went on the warpath to freedom and justice in total indignation at the violence of Meritropolis by its rulers. He still uses the vices of anger, distaste of others and abuse of his physical strength to justify killing. He realized this on the last two pages of the story. He then

begins to question his methods.

Conclusively, the book implies that he may be capable of a change of heart but subject to further mental befogging given his high spirit for revenge. Anyway, the author’s philosophical motives are nicely achieved. Yes, literatures of dystopia can convey messages of moral conscience, even more than Kwame Nkrumah’s essays published under the title Consciencism.

Source: Africanwriter.com

Like all other literatures of dystopia, this book has an admirable message of justice and freedom. But it is not devoid of structural weaknesses. The book lacks writing style, universality in outlook, and depth of creativity.

POEM OF THE WEEK Naming a Child in Exile

By Kabu Okai-Davies Are there poets, writers and academics amongst us?

People who can craft a vision out of the Imagination of philosophers and visionary sorcerers To draft and later enshrine a parable for history to infer To protect our sacred dreams of our well-being within – rom the wrath of future and present despots Do we have the will to imagine a world beyond tribe?

That transcends the imprisonment of nationality, Into the area of a continental country – Do we have the wit to witness to ourselves the Inept undoing of potentates and war lords – Do we?

To live life without riddles is to live without history.

Parables are the preamble to the evidence of things Yet to come – A metaphor of the future And the things of beauty and affluence yet to be seen – So every experience is a clue to something beyond The realm of what is within our sphere of knowing. Are the civil wars the coups and dysfunctional governments – The mass famine and thirst – the diseases, epidemics, filth and hate Evidence of more things yet to come – Or are they visible signs of treasures wasted Opportunities missed, faith subverted, dreams deferred Resources ruined and wealth drained? I suppose…

I am making room in my imaginary country to elect A philosopher king, lover of books An entrepreneurial leader, creator of wealth A sorcerer of science, dispeller of superstition And an advocate of commerce, icon of free trade To set an example for Africa to see – Who has a very loud voice to speak? That it shall reverberate across the land, beyond the tribe of nations – Out of the slumber of time and the curse of self-hate A bell must ring to awake a continent in slumber From the psychic coma of history And to rally all the xiles to come back home To preach the prosperous gospel of enlightenment – Once in a life time when the secret of self knowledge Is made plain on the crowded streets of Africa Shedding light into the dark despotic haven of fear, To set shackled minds free, once and forever more.

QUOTE

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

We’ll change fortunes of Benue – PDP dep guber candidate Analysis

On problems that they observed confronting the people hat I really want to say is that I am not new to Benue politics. I have gone out like this since 1999 with different contestants. So, I should be able to assess the needs of the rural people. What they want and do not like. If you go to my place Agatu local government area, you cannot rule the issue of giving facelift to roads as well as provision of potable water. Most local government areas in the state face the same Problem. There is need to provide basic amenities for them. There are issues of health care delivery, provision of good educational standard for them. It is alarming that you still see people learning under mango trees and in thatched houses. This administration has done well in this regard. If you go round you will see new structures or old ones being renovated. We will consolidate on this. And in most of the border local government areas like Agatu, Gwer west, Guma Makurdi, down to Logo, Kwande and Ado, we will enhance security in these areas. Also, as you go round the state, you observe that many youths are unemployed. That is why one cardinal area we will pursue seriously and aggressively is agriculture.

There was something interesting I observed when I visited South Africa. The government as way of encouraging agriculture would acquire hectares of land and apportion to either graduates or young men, provide them with inputs if it is in the area of horticulture, give them tractors to cultivate the land and later go back and buy the produce. I believe we can also do this. Most states in South Africa derive their revenue from horticulture like mangoes and oranges. We undertook a study there and I think we can take a clue from them to ensure revenue generation as well as engage our youths. So, these are some of the things, we discovered in some of the local government areas and I believe if it is replicated in the state, she would be better for it especially now that the oil revenue is dwindling, we must look to other areas to generate revenue for the state. We will also, halt rural-urban drift by providing infrastructures in these places. All these would be done on a gradual process since the resources are not there, we must start from somewhere and by God’s grace, we will get there.

While lobbying for position of deputy governorship How do you lobby for deputy governorship position? You see, there is something I know, you do not lobby for position of deputy. It

W

Hon. John Ngbede is the deputy governor designate to Prince Terhemen Tarzoor. An astute politician having served as elected chairman of Agatu local government area, Special Adviser on Assembly Matters and Commissioner for water resources and then later Works and Transport before his emergence as the Peoples Democratic Party deputy governorship candidate. In this interview with newsmen in his residence recently, he maintained that the PDP team posses what it takes to change the fortunes of Benue State, amongst other issues. Our correspondent Uche Nnorom was also there. is either the principal would want you to deputize for him or elders of the area would nominate you as one fit for the job. As I talk to you, go round this state and ask if I had gone to anyone to lobby for the position. I never did. Each time young men came to me, they would want to persuade me to go and lobby for the position but I refused. They found me fit to be running mate to Tarzoor and nominated me. So, any one going about saying that I lobbied for it, I never did. I know that there is God’s hand in it and the present administration also played a role.

On the issue of nonpayment of salaries being used by the opposition against the ruling party during campaigns When people talk of salaries, they should know that Suswam is not the first governor to owe staff salaries in this state. Aper Aku, Akume did and Suswam came and cleared them. You can see the position of staff as at 2007, 2011and 2014 and you will see the changes that have occurred. Under Suswam salaries are usually paid as at when due except when the economy of the country started dwindling. The man who is going about campaigning that Suswam is not paying salaries, if he was given nomination under the PDP and people go about saying that he does not pay salaries, what would have been his response?

He knew that Suswam owes staff salaries and he struggled so hard to be made flag bearer of the party.

What was he supposed to tell the people then? He jumped gun, pushed some people out of there and now has the gut to tell people that we owe salary. He even owed one month staff salary before he left as a minister. So what was his reaction? What did he do? The

Hon. John Ngbede issue of salary is not restricted to Benue. How many states owe salaries apart from Lagos, River States and Kano because the huge revenue they generate. The revenue they generate is even more than the allocation that comes to Benue. So, these are they issues.

What make them feel that we cannot pay these salaries if elected into office? That issue does not arise. My background, I started as a local government worker and was also, a strong unionist in the state.

With that background I cannot look at my primary constituency suffering. Suswam is trying. I spoke with the accountant-general of the state and he told me that ministries and parastatals are paid up to December. Even the political class is been owed and we have to understand the situation, myself I was been owed I saw the situation

“

We undertook a study there and I think we can take a clue from them to ensure revenue generation as well as engage our youths. So, these are some of the things, we discovered in some of the local government areas and I believe if it is replicated in the state, she would be better for it especially now that the oil revenue is dwindling, we must look to other areas to generate revenue for the stat

and did not complain. This is not a problem that any one should hold it against him. It is a general problem in the country. Kogi State owes for eight months, same with Plateau. They are contesting and we are, it is when we get into office, that we would have the opportunity of paying. It is not as if the APC has the money to pay. I am happy that they are not saying that Suswam did not do rural roads. The money that comes is also used to service other areas and if Susam had not used it judiciously to construct roads, the same APC would have criticized him. So, in governance, you have to balance both ends by taking care of the rural people who are suffering and providing infrastructure.

Whatever happened he has promised to pay the backlog of arrears and if he cannot, we will continue from there.

On how to nip incessant Fulani/farmers crisis in the state First, we will look into the root of the crisis. We have to ask over again what the problem is. The problem is concentrated now in Agatu and Logo local government areas. These are the areas they are attacking now. The day we went to Agatu on campaigns, they even attempted attacking us. Their target is to take over the local government headquarters Obagaji. But all the same, when we come on board, we will enter into dialogue and see how we can end this problem once and for all.

I also want to appeal to the federal government, if there is a anything they can do to establish either a police or army barrack along the riverine areas to enhance the security of these areas, I think this problem would have been solved, because they come all the way from Nasarawa to cross over to this side. So, if there is heavy military presence along the river, it would reduce their influx into Agatu local government area.

On his relationship with his principal, Prince Terhemen Tarzoor Tarzoor can hold Benue very well. I saw the qualities in him when he was a speaker. When I was appointed a commissioner for the second time under this administration, I underwent screening at the House of assembly and he took special interest to screen me. When we saw after the screening, he told me that people thought I would manipulate the screening because he is my friend that is why he asked me such questions which bordered on the waterworks since it is located in Makurdi his local government area.

So, this is how we have maintained this relationship. We have been very good friends right from when he was a member of the state assembly. When he was speaker, I saw the leadership qualities in him. When he left as a speaker, you saw how the House has been.

So, you saw how he handled the House then as a young man. He has a lot of vision for the state and has promised to disappoint those who think he is too young to govern the state. Age should not be a barrier to governance. At 43 the man is qualified to be governor of the state. I am going to be 53.

So, nobody can say we are not fit to govern the state. I have been a local government chairman, Special Adviser, commissioner and member of federal board.

With these experiences, nobody can say I am not fit to deputize him. Leave this state in the hands of any businessman and you pay for it. Even our businesses in the state are finished. We will work together. I made a vow to respect him as a person as well as his views and we will continue to maintain our friendship not like the other people who were just brought together in a marriage of convenience. We have seen and heard how people slapped elders during meetings, we will not do that.

PAGE 32

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

Farmers beg FCTA, council chairmen for fertilizers Stories by Usman Shuaibu

S

ome farmers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have appealed to the FCT Administration as well as chairmen of the Territory’s six area councils, to ensure timely allocation of the fertilizers to them, for this year’s farming season.

A cross section of farmers, who spoke with Peoples Daily, expressed confidence that if the fertilizers were distributed to farmers on time, it would enable them to successfully carryout their farming activities.

They also urged the government to make use of

the traditional rulers for distribution of fertilizers to farmers in the FCT, in order to avoid the diversion of the essential commodities by some politicians.

A farmer in Gwagwalada, Mallam Idrisu Haruna, called on the relevant authorities to sell the fertilizers to farmers at the approved subsided rate, to enable them feel the impact of the government’s intervention in the sector.

Another farmer at Filindabo

community, in Abuja municipal Area Council (AMAC), Mr. Galadinma Pada, accused the government of always failing to provide the fertilizers for farmers on time at the start of every farming year.

He noted that last year, many farmers in the community did not have access to fertilizers, hence were unable to buy the commodities on time, to boost their yield.

The farmer however,

pleaded with the government through its relevant agencies to allocate fertilizers to farmers early enough this year, so as to increase their capacity to record bountiful harvest.

In the same vein, some farmers in communities in Kwali, Kuje and Bwari area councils, specifically appealed to relevant authorities to expedite action on availability of fertilizers for onward distribution to farmers for this year’s early farming season in the FCT.

Not left out, the Chief of Gofidna Community in AMAC, Mr. Ismaila Tukura, expressed his dismay over the failure of the government to allocate fertilizers to some farmers in the community last year, which had negatively affected them.

To reverse the trend, the monarch urged the government to make the fertilizer available early enough, to every farmer in the FCT, in order to improve their capacity.

Monarch charges colleagues to promote peaceful coexistence

I

n the wake of increasing security challenges, the Agora of Zuba, a third class chief, in Gwagwalada Area council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Alhaji Mohammed Bello Umaru, has called on the entire tribal chiefs in Zuba, to live in peace with their subjects, irrespective of their religious and political differences.

Also, the monarch stressed the need for royal fathers to always carry their subjects along for the overall development of their communities.

Umaru, who made the call while addressing the residents of Zuba, during the coronation ceremony of the new chief of Igala community in his palace, recently, promised that his leadership would continue to collaborate with other tribal chiefs for the sake of peace and harmony, in the area.

The monarch, therefore, advised the newly chief of Igala community to govern his people with the fear of God. Similarly, the vice-chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Hon. Saidu Abdullahi Zuba, called the entire traditional rulers in Gwagwalada and its environs to continue to support and cooperate with the administration of the area council anytime of the day.

A man tomato seller preparing for the day business, yesterday at Karu market, in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Village head tasks Jiba on provision of clinic in Gosa community

T

he Village head of Gosa I Community in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Micah Wakili, has urged the chairman of the Area Council, Hon Micah Yohanna Jiba to build a standard clinic in the area, so as to prevent the residents from travelling out to other places for medical attention.

Wakili, who made the call in

an interview with Peoples Daily yesterday in Gosa, also urged the chairman to provide potable drinking water for the people in the community.

Speaking through his spokesman, Mr. Wakili Istifanus, the village head further pleaded with the council chairman to rehabilitate the dilapidated road, linking the community with Lugbe-Airport express way, to ease the plights of the people plying the road.

Also, the community leader appealed to the chairman to build junior and senior secondary schools in the area, to enable their children (students) to complete their secondary education there.

Appealing to the chairman to elevate him to the status of a district head, Wakili stressed that it would enable him to earn more salaries and other benefits from the council; and by extension boost his capacity

to carter for his people.

He however, reassured that he would continue to co-operate and support the government of the Area Council for the overall development of the community and the council at large.

Furthermore, the village head advised the youth in the area to shun any act of violence in the community, while urging them to always engage themselves in meaningful economic activities.

PAGE 33

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

Photo Splash

A manicurist attending to his client, yesterday at Area 3, in Abuja.

Staffers of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board on duty, yesterday at Central Area, in Abuja.

A woman hawking clothes, yesterday, at Durumi, in Abuja.

A woman,, carrying load, yesterday at Central Area, in Abuja.

A young man taking ride in a truck, yesterday at Apo village, in Abuja.

Photos: Justin Imo-Owo

PAGE 34

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

Metro

Insecurity: Community appeals for police outpost in Passo

By Usman Shuaibu

I

n order to help tackle the problem of insecurity in Passo community in Gwagwalada area council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the people have stressed need for the chairman of the area council, Hon.

Abubakar Jibrin Giri, to as a matter of urgency provide a police outpost in the area.

Also, to prevent the people from travelling out to some neighbouring towns for medical treatment, Passo community begged the chairman to establish a health centre in the area.

According to the village Head, of Chief John Joshua, who made the appeal, on behalf of the people, the council should not ignore their call for amenities to improve living in the area.

The community leader, who spoke in an interview with Peoples

Daily, stressed the need for the residents to shun any act capable of heightening tension in the community.

Pleading with the council chairman to repair some dilapidated roads in the community, the village head equally called on him to establish a market in the area, so

as to boost the socioeconomic status of the community.

He further asked the leadership of the council to ensure the provision of enough waste collection point and waste receptacles for the people of the community to properly dispose waste they generate in the area.

Equally, he solicited for the assistance of the area council to map-out plots of land for the community, where the indigenous inhabitants would erect their l houses in the area.

Joshua, however, reiterated that his leadership would continue to be loyal to the constituted authority.

continued non mayoral status of the FCT as worrisome.

He emphasised that Abuja needed a leader in form of a mayor who could be the connecting nucleus between the indigenous people of the territory and governments at all levels, with regard to their cultural and traditional identities.

He stressed that conferring mayoral status on FCT would afford the territory the opportunity to articulate the basic needs of the

people whose voice could be fully heard and projected.

“My people in the Abuja South federal constituency saw this vacuum; and have urged me to go to the National Assembly with the view to addressing the issue.

“The time is very ripe to have a mayoral status comparable to what obtains in the United States of America (USA) and other parts of the world,” he explained.

He called on the entire people of the FCT to rally behind his push

for a mayoral seat for the territory, assuring that he would devote a substantial period of his mandate to fight for the realisation of this objective if he gets elected at the March 28 polls.

Lamenting that during his entire period as chairman of Gwagwalada area council, no representative gave thought to this vital aspiration of the people.

On the slight shift in the election time table originally scheduled for February 14, the House of Representatives, Dobi described the action as fair to all the parties

in contest for various positions.

He stressed that securing the nation is a first step towards a peaceful, credible and acceptable polls, while advising Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain as an unbiased umpire in the exercise.

He urged his followers to obtain the Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs), as it is the only way to ensure his victory at the elections.

Recall that the Original Inhabitants Development Association of Abuja (OIDA),

had recently tasked members of the House of Representatives and the Senator representing the FCT at the National Assembly to enact laws that will have direct bearing on the Abuja residents.

FCT ripe for Mayoral status, claims Dobi

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

A

buja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is ripe for a mayoral status, a twoterm former chairman of Gwagwalada area council in the Territory, Hon Zakari Angulu Dobi, has claimed.

Dobi, who is seeking to represent Abuja South federal constituency in the House of Representatives, under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) , described the

KWARA STATE UNIVERSITY, (KWASU)MALETE P.M.B 1530, ILORIN

OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR

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3.0. REQUIREMENTS AND ARRANGEMENT OF PRE-QUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS The required pre-qualifications documents should be arranged in the following orders: i.

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Evidence of Certificate/Exemption from PENCOM in compliance with Pension Reform Act 2004 vi.

Company’s Audited Account for the last three years vii.

3 year Tax Clearance Certificate viii.

Evidence of payment of Education Tax ix.

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Company’s Technical Qualifications and Experience of key staff xi.

Verifiable list of similar and other jobs successful executed stating: Client locations, Letters of Awards, Cost, Practical Completion Certificates and Photographs attached xii.

Equipment and Technology Capacity (where applicable) xiii.

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Contract Registration with KWASU in the appropriate category xv.

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Full details of Company Profile 4.0 SUBMISSION OF PRE-QUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS All Pre-Qualification Documents are to be packaged In Wax-Sealed envelopes marked “IMPLEMENTATION OF 2014 TETFUND SPECIAL HIGH IMPACT PHASE 5”and submitted To: The Registrar, Kwara State University, Malete not later than two weeks from the date of this advertisement.

5.0 PLEASE NOTE THAT i.

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This advertisement is not an Invitation to Tender. Full tendering information and instructions shall be sent only to the Companies that are found pre-qualified and screened. iii.

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AKWA IBOM STATE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AFAHA NSIT, AKWA IBOM STATE INVITATION FOR PRE-QUALIFICATION AND TENDER FOR 2013/2014 TETFUND LIBRARY INTERVENTION PROJECT

The College of Education wishes to bring to the notice of interested competent and reputable Companies that the institution would want to procure textbooks under the TETFUND 2013/2014Library Intervention Project as listed below: Lot 1: Procurement of Assorted Textbooks PRE-QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT • Certificate of Incorporation/Business Registration • Current Tax Clearance Certificate for the last three(3) years • Value Added Tax Registration Certificate • Verifiable Evidence of previous experience in area of interest • Company profile • Three years Audited Accounts/Evidence of Financial Capability • Evidence of Compliance with Pension Reform Act, 2014 • Evidence of Compliance with NSITF Reform act • Evidence of Compliance with statutory provision of section 8(1)-(3) of the Industrial Training Fund Amendment Act, 2011 SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTS: The application for Pre-Qualification must be submitted in a sealed envelope and boldly marked PREQUALIFICATIONDOCUMENTS FOR LOT NUMBER and should be addressed as follows: The Provost, AkwaIbom State College of Education, AfahaNsit, AkwaIbom State.

CLOSING DATE Eligible Contractors are expected to submit relevant documents within four(4) weeks from the date of this publication and the prequalification documentswill be publicly opened for processing at 12.00pm on 18TH March, 2015 at the Council Chambers of the College.Only qualified companies will be short listed and invited to Tender.

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Guard bags 8-months imprisonment for mischief

O

ne Mario Christopher, 34, is to spend eight months in prison, following his sentence by a Kado Grade 1 Area court, for theft and mischief.

Christopher, a security guard with Ulo Plaza, Wuse Zone 5, was got two months imprisonment on the first count charge, and six months on the second count charge, respectively.

However, the presiding judge, Malam Abubakar Sadiq, who sentenced Christopher, gave him an option to pay N150, 000 fine.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp. Simon Ibrahim had told the court that one Mr. Isreal Adeyemi of No 7 Agadez Crescent, Wuse‎ 11, Abuja, reported the matter at Utako Police Station.

Ibrahim said that on January 19, Christopher criminally went into the office of the chairman of the plaza and stole two laptops and was arrested by his colleagues on duty He said that one of the laptops, valued at 150, 000, was damaged during the incident.

According to him, the accused confessed to the crime during police investigation.

He said the offence contravened Sections 289 and 327 of the Penal Code. (NAN)

Page 35

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

International international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

ANALYSIS

G

reece must make up its mind whether it wants to extend the bailout programme, German finance minister Wolfgang Schaeuble has said.

“None of my colleagues so far understands what Greece wants... whether Greece itself knows is not clear either,” he added.

On Monday night, Greece rejected a plan to extend its €240bn (£178bn) bailout.

The Greek government called the proposal by the Eurogroup “absurd” and “unacceptable”.

But Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis declared he was ready to do “whatever it takes” to reach agreement over Greece’s bailout, despite the collapse of the talks.

And he said he was prepared to agree a deal under different conditions.

Arriving for talks with eurozone finance ministers on Tuesday, UK Chancellor George Osborne warned that failure to reach a deal on Greece’s bailout programme would have “very severe” consequences for economic stability across Europe.

The Greek stock exchange fell in early trading but recovered round as the day progressed. In early afternoon, the main Athens stock market was down 0.8%.

Stock exchanges across Europe all fell in morning trade before recovering.

US investment bank JP Morgan claimed over the weekend that €2bn worth of deposits was flowing out of Greek banks each week and estimated that if that were to remain the case, they would run out of cash to use as collateral against new loans within 14 weeks.

JP Morgan’s estimate is based on a calculation that a maximum of €108bn of deposits is left in Greek banks.

The most up-to-date figures from the Greek central bank show deposits dropped 2.4% month-on-month in December to €160.3bn from €164.3bn, marking the third monthly fall in a row.

Deadline Dutch Finance Minister Jeroen Dijsselbloem, who is also chairing the Eurogroup meetings of eurozone finance ministers, warned on Monday night there were just days left for talks.

Mr Dijsselbloem said it was now “up to Greece” to decide if it wanted more funding or not.

Ahead of Tuesday’s meeting, he said: “I hope they [Greece] will ask for an extension to the programme, and once they do that, we can allow flexibility, they can put in their political priorities.

“Of course, we will see whether their programme remains on track. But that is the way forward. It’s really up to the

Greece must make up its mind, says Schaeuble

The German finance minister insists that Greece needs to meet its pre-existing obligations

Greeks. We cannot make them or ask them. It really it really is up to them. We stand ready to work with them, also [over] the next couple of days.”

Greece’s current bailout expires on 28 February. Any new agreement would need to be approved by national governments, so time is running out to reach a compromise.

Without a deal, Greece is likely to run out of money.

Mr Varoufakis said on Tuesday that ministers would “continue to deliberate”, in order to enhance the chances of a deal.

He added he wanted to achieve “a very good outcome for the average European. Not for the average Greek, the average Dutch person or the average German”.

“We know in Europe how to deliberate in such a way as to create an honourable solution

out of an initial disagreement,” Mr Varoufakis said.

But he dismissed talk of “some flexibility” in the programme as “nebulous” and lacking in detail.

The apparent deadlock in Brussels is hardly surprising, because the two sides have very different goals.

The Greek government wants to scrap the current bailout deal, because of the very painful programme of spending cuts and other austerity measures that come with it. Instead, it wants a bridging loan to help it meet its short term needs, while a new deal is hammered out.

Having been elected on an antiausterity ticket, it can’t afford to back down, or it will be accused of betraying Greek voters.

But other members of the eurozone, and Germany in particular, have a very

“

different agenda. They want Greece to accept an extension to the current deal - with the rather uncertain promise of “flexibility” if it plays ball.

They don’t want to show any signs of weakness, because of the signal that could send to anti-austerity movements in countries such as Spain, Portugal or Cyprus.

It would also be politically toxic in Germany, where many voters dislike the idea that they are paying for Greece’s mistakes.

That doesn’t mean a compromise is impossible. It simply means any deal would have to be presented as both an end to the current austerity programme and a continuation of it. A political fudge, in other words - and Brussels has plenty of experience in putting those together. So a short-term

They don’t want to show any signs of weakness, because of the signal that could send to antiausterity movements in countries such as Spain, Portugal or Cyprus.

solution is possible, but far from certain. line Key dates for Greece - and the eurozone 28 February C u r r e n t programme of loans ends First quarter of 2015 Greece’s funding needs estimated at €4.3bn by end of March 19-20 March E U l e a d e r s ’ summit 20 July €3.5bn bonds held by the European Central Bank mature 20 August €3.2bn bonds held by the European Central Bank mature Greece has proposed a new bailout programme that involves a bridging loan to keep the country going for six months and help it repay €7bn (£5.2bn) of maturing bonds.

The second part of the plan would see the county’s debt refinanced. Part of this might be through “GDP bonds” - bonds carrying an interest rate linked to economic growth.

Greece also wants to see a reduction in the primary surplus target - the surplus the government must generate (excluding interest payments on debt) - from 3% to 1.49% of GDP. In Greece last week, two opinion polls indicated that 79% of Greeks supported the government’s policies, and 74% believed its negotiating strategy would succeed.

Source: BBC

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

Page 36

International

Sierra Leone Ebola survivors help train healthcare workers

Regional airlines merge as Somali airspace draws competition

E

bola survivors in Sierra Leone are helping to train healthcare workers by showing them what to expect when dealing with Ebola patients. The training is a partnership between the

International Organization for Migration (IOM), the World Health Organization and the Sierra Leone Ministry of Health and Sanitation.

The training takes place in a stadium downtown. A mock hospital has been set up so people

get a real sense of being at work Some Ebola survivors find great comfort in a song they wrote thanking God they are still alive.

They sing it when they meet for a panel discussion with healthcare workers going through training.

R

egional carriers Daallo Airlines and Jubba Airways profited independently for years in one of the world’s toughest markets, competing on routes to war-torn Somalia that most avoided.

Yet as the guns fall silent, the rivals face a new battle that has pushed them to merge: competition from big international carriers such as Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines and flydubai, muscling into Somali airspace.

“The odds are against us, but that is the reason we are making a merger,” Mohamed Yassin, chief executive officer of Daallo, told Reuters. “We are not sitting back. We are trying to put our forces together ... to face the new challenges.”

Hardy entrepreneurs running airlines, money transfer firms and mobile phone companies innovated and thrived in Somalia for more than two decades, keeping Somalis connected to the world as the state was torn apart by warlords and Islamist militants.

Now Mogadishu’s Western-backed federal government is slowly extending its control and imposing a semblance of political order, which is also changing the commercial landscape for firms such as Daallo and Jubba that once had the market to themselves.

Turkish Airlines now offers a daily service to Mogadishu, while Ethiopian Airlines flies to Hargeisa in the self-declared state of Somaliland in the north, a destination flydubai plans to serve from March. Kenyabased African Express also serves Mogadishu and other Somali cities.

Turkish Airlines said it had increased flights to Mogadishu in January to seven a week from four but said it had “no near future plans” to add other destinations in Somalia.

Daallo and Jubba, which offer domestic flights within Somalia but face more competition on international routes, will on Thursday launch African Airways Alliance, a merged entity owned equally by founders of the former rivals.

“We are trying to attract other carriers to join the alliance to scale the business, to help growth and sustainability,” said Yassin in an interview in Nairobi with one-time rival and now partner, Jubba Chairman Said Qailie.

He said the two airlines would still use their Jubba and Daallo brands after the merger.

Seeking support Together, Daallo and Jubba carried about 250,000 passengers in 2014 and generated revenues of more than $75 million, the airlines said in a statement.

By comparison, Turkish Airlines carried 54.7 million passengers in 2014.

An empty Ebola virus decontamination zone at the Hastings treatment clinic, as the Ebola virus shows signs of diminishing, in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Marina Sheriff is one of those people. She caught Ebola from a local doctor.

Speaking in her native Krio language she said, “I want to make people know Ebola is real, because when it started, people were in denial about it, they did not believe it existed.”

But it does exist, and that is why it is so important for healthcare workers to be prepared said YasminKandeh, a training supervisor with IOM. She said it is crucial for them to know how to properly put on and take off their protective gear. The virus is spread through contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids, and patients often experience vomiting and diarrhea, so the slightest slip-up can turn health workers into patients themselves.

The workers are also taught what behavior to expect from Ebola patients, said Kandeh.

“Patients who are delirious and confused, these are some of the major challenges that pop up in the Ebola treatment units, and we just want to prepare the healthcare workers to be able to manage such challenges efficiently and compassionately,”

In Uganda, lease-to-Own boda bodas are good business

B

odabodas, or motorcycle taxis, are one of the main forms of transport in Uganda. But the costs of buying one and starting your own business are high. Now, an American entrepreneur has started a lease-to-own bodaboda business -- with good results. There are about 800 paying drivers and 200 on the waiting list.

People in Kampala love to hate them. Or hate the fact that they actually love them: motorcycle taxis, otherwise known as bodabodas. They are immensely popular not only among the thousands of people hitching a ride every day, but also among young

people hoping to make a quick buck.

But owning a bodaboda and having your own little business is expensive. That is where American social entrepreneur Michael Wilkerson saw an opportunity. He started a leaseto-own bodaboda business, called Tugende.

“The simplest way to put it is that Tugende is a for-profit company, because it provides people with an opportunity. If they don’t take that opportunity, we can’t help them,” said Wilkerson. “Ownership helps drivers make more money. It actually doubles their take home income. But more importantly it gives them the ability to

think longer-term and plan for their family’s financial future.”

Boda drivers leasing a bike from Tugende pay 70,000 Ugandan shillings per week, which is about 25 U.S. dollars. It takes about 18 months to fully pay off the bike to own it.

By contrast, renting a bike the ordinary way costs a driver 60,000 shillings a week, a little over 21 dollars, and they’ll never fully own their taxi.

“A lot of people use the bike that they now own as a stepping stone up. They either sell it or they lease it to somebody else and now have two income streams,” said Wilkerson.

Like Jonan Ariyo, a Tugende client.

He paid off his first bike and now rides around Kampala on his second.

“They give me a bike. I can ride my kids to school. And look for money for them, for cattle for them, and to pay Tugende,” said Ariyo.

Wilkerson said Tugende fills a niche, as most bodaboda drivers have a tough time getting business loans due to the perception they are reckless.

“For a lot of people who don’t interact with this community, their perception of the bodaboda is the one guy who’s like zigzagging crazy through traffic, not the 10 who’re actually parked at the traffic light waiting for it like they’re supposed to,” he said.

Liberia schools reopen after six-month Ebola closure

M

any schools in Liberia have reopened after a sixmonth closure caused by the deadly Ebola outbreak.

Monday’s move comes a day after the leaders of Liberia and Sierra Leone vowed to eradicate the virus, which has killed more than 9,000 people, mainly in West Africa, by mid-April.

Teachers have been trained to implement and monitor safety measures, while soap and other hygiene materials have been distributed and mass mobilisation campaigns on Ebola prevention have been conducted nationwide.

Pupils who trickled in to Saint Michael High School on the outskirts of the capital washed their hands with chlorinated water before going inside.

“I feel happy to come to school today because for so long I have not seen my friends,” Albert Kollie, 18, told the AP news agency.

“I am very happy to be counted among the living and I pray that Ebola be eradicated from this country.

“I am not afraid because everyone in Liberia today knows the danger called Ebola.

“No one wants to die so we have no choice but to respect the rules given by health authorities.”

Ebola, one of the deadliest known pathogens, is spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person showing symptoms such as fever or vomiting.

Liberia has seen the highest death toll from the epidemic, with

at least 3,800 killed.

In neighbouring Guinea, where the outbreak began, schools already have reopened though many fearful parents have kept

their children home.

In Sierra Leone, where disease transmission is now the highest, officials hope to reopen schools by the end of March.

Liberian schoolchildren wash their hands before entering their classrooms as part of the Ebola prevention measures

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

Page 37

International

Sissi seeks UN Mandate on international intervention in Libya

T

he UN human rights chief is calling on Libyans to overcome crippling political divisions that have fractured the country, and unite against extremism in the wake of the grisly revelation that Islamic State militants beheaded 21 Christian Egyptian workers there.

“The brutal murder of these men, and the ghastly attempt to justify and glorify it in a video, should be roundly condemned by everyone,” U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Al Hussein wrote in a statement.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, however, is turning to the United Nations to take the lead, asking the UN Security Council on Tuesday to adopt a resolution calling for international military intervention in Libya.

Sissi’s comments came in an interview with France’s Europe 1 radio, a day after his forces retaliated against the killings by launching airstrikes against what Cairo said were Islamic State militants in eastern Libya.

“There is no other choice, taking into account the agreement of the Libyan people and government and that they call on us to act,” he said.

The U.N. Security Council condemned the beheadings Tuesday, saying: “This crime once again demonstrates the brutality of [the Islamic State group], which is

responsible for thousands of crimes and abuses against people from all faiths, ethnicities and nationalities, and without regard to any basic value of humanity.”

Jordan has called for an emergency UN Security Council session, scheduled for Wednesday.

Nation in turmoil The beheadings were the latest example of the chaos that has persisted in Libya, where parallel governments and warring militias are struggling for control, creating a vacuum of power and rule of law four years after the uprising that

our Taliban suicide bombers have attacked a police headquarters in eastern Afghanistan, killing 20 officers and injuring eight others.

One bomber detonated explosives at the gate, while others clashed with police and caused an explosion at a dining hall where officers were eating.

The militants, in the city of Pul-i-Alam in Logar, were dressed as police.

The attack came one day after Afghan authorities launched an operation to weaken insurgents in Helmand province.

Din Muhammad Darwesh, the spokesman for the Logar governor, told the BBC that the first bomber

detonated his explosives at the main gate of the headquarters.

akistani authorities said a powerful suicide bomb went off just outside police headquarters in the eastern city of Lahore Tuesday, killing at least five people and wounding many more.

Witnesses described the explosion as so powerful that they were knocked to the ground. The injured are being transferred to nearby hospitals. Rescue operations are under way and police have surrounded the area.

Television footage showed that the intense explosion shattered windows on nearby buildings and set several vehicles on fire. A senior police official told the media that the suicide bomber wanted to enter the police headquarters but failed to do so due to several layers of security.

JamaatulAhrar, a splinter group of the Pakistani Taliban, has claimed responsibility for the Lahore blast, calling it revenge for the hanging of some of their members recently.

ousted former leader Moammar Gadhafi.

The U.N. authorized airstrikes in Libya during the rebel push to oust Gadhafi, allowing NATO to carry out the attacks against Libyan forces under a mandate to protect civilians.

Libya’s air force, backed by the country’s internationally recognized government, joined Egypt in Monday’s airstrikes, which killed dozens of militants and several civilians, according to military officials.

The rival parliament based in Tripoli, which is supported by some

Islamist groups, denounced the strikes as a violation of international law and Libyan sovereignty.

Since 2014, the Islamic State group has killed hundreds of civilians in Iraq and Syria and claimed responsibility for the deaths of several foreigners. It has publicized graphic videos of those killings on social media.

Last month, it released footage of the immolation death of a Jordanian pilot shot down over Syria as well as pictures purporting to show the beheading of two Japanese hostages.

In this video image released by the Egyptian Defense Ministry, an Egyptian fighter jet lands in Egyp

Afghan police killed in Taliban raid F Another two were killed in clashes with police. A fourth

Afghan security forces now have more responsibility, but the Taliban has ramped up attacks

bomber however succeeded in gaining entry into a dining hall where officers were eating their lunch, he said.

Officials told AP news agency that the bombers were able to enter the compound as they were wearing police uniforms.

Afghan troops have assumed more control over security since foreign troops formally pulled out last December.

But insurgents have stepped up attacks since then.

On Monday, the same day Afghan military and police launched a major operation in Helmand, the Taliban killed at least six policemen in an ambush in the Kandahar province.

Their spokesman, AhsanullahAhsan, said such attacks will continue until sharia law is implemented in Pakistan.

The bombing happened hours after Pakistani security officials announced the killing of a commander of the Pakistani Taliban in “an intelligence-led operation” in the northwestern Swat valley.

Officials identified the man as Bakhat Raj, also known as Asadullah, and described him as

the militant group’s financier.

The Pakistani Taliban had claimed responsibility for an attack in the northwestern city Peshawar last Friday that killed 20 worshipers in a Shiite mosque.

In a statement to the media, a spokesman had threatened that more attacks will follow. The group also carried out a devastating attack on a Peshawar school in December that killed 150 people, mostly children.

Suicide bombing kills 5 in E. Pakistan P

Asia & Middle East

Narendra Modi: India PM warns against religious attacks

I

ndia’s Prime Minister NarendraModi has vowed to protect all religious groups after a string of attacks on churches in Delhi.

Addressing a Christian audience in the capital, he called on all religious groups to show restraint and respect.

Since December, five churches have been attacked, but this is the first time MrModi has commented on the issue.

Critics say his Hindu nationalist BJP government is not doing enough to stop Hindu zealots targeting minorities.

MrModi has also been blamed for not doing enough to stop the 2002 anti-Muslim riots in Gujarat when he was the state’s chief minister.

More than 1,000 people, mostly Muslims, were killed in the violence, which were sparked by a fire on a train at Godhra in Gujarat that killed 59 Hindu pilgrims.

MrModi has denied any wrongdoing and Indian courts have cleared him of all charges.

“I condemn violence against any religion. We will act strongly against such violence,” MrModi said at a conference organised by Christian groups in Delhi on Tuesday.

“My government will not allow any group belonging to majority or minority to incite hatred against other communities.”

MrModi also said that “everyone has the undeniable right to retain or adopt the religion of his or her choice without coercion or undue influence”.

Christian groups accuse hardline Hindu groups, emboldened by MrModi’s landslide in last year’s general election, of carrying out the recent attacks, but police say there is little evidence for this.

Japan pledges $15.5 million in anti-terror funds

J

apan has pledged $15.5 million to help countries in the Middle East and Africa that are battling militants from the Islamic State group.

Tokyo’s Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said Tuesday the aid would support counterterrorism efforts, including increased border control and investigation capabilities.

More details of the aid will be unveiled by Vice Foreign Minister Yasuhide at an international antiterror conference Thursday in Washington, a foreign ministry statement said.

The counter-terrorism package is twice the amount previously pledged by Kishida during a visit to Brussels last month. Separately, Tokyo has also pledged $200 million to help refugees fleeing Islamic Statecontrolled areas.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has vowed a tough response to the Islamic State militants, who in January beheaded two Japanese hostages - a journalist and his companion.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

Page 38

International

Ukraine, rebels continue fight over strategic town, despite truce

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ro-Russian rebels and Ukraine’s military are both refusing to pull back their weapons from a strategic eastern Ukrainian town, where fighting continues despite an internationally brokered cease-fire.

Although the truce deal that went into effect Sunday has led to decreased hostilities elsewhere in the war zone, fighting has persisted in Debaltseve, which is controlled by Kyiv but surrounded by the separatists.

Under the terms of the cease-fire, both sides were to begin withdrawing heavy weapons from the flashpoint town on Tuesday. But as the deadline passed, each side insisted they would not be the first to make such a move.

“As soon as the militants cease fire, the Ukrainian side will begin to withdraw heavy weaponry from the frontline,” said Ukrainian military spokesman AnatoliyStelmakh in televised comments.

Rebel spokesman Denis Pushilin told Reuters the separatists have the “moral” right to defend the city, which he called “internal territory.”

He also said the rebels were ready for a mutual withdrawal, but will continue to “respond to fire.”

The peace deal and weapons withdrawal are expected to be the focus of a phone call later Tuesday between

A

A view of an explosion after shelling is seen not far from Debaltseve representatives of the rebels, Ukraine, Russia, and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, or OSCE. The OSCE has been tasked with monitoring the cease-fire, but so far has been blocked by the rebels from entering Debaltseve. Germany on Tuesday said it had agreed with the

leaders of Ukraine and Russia to allow the monitors to reach the besieged town.

The United States said it is “gravely concerned” over the deteriorating situation in and around Debaltseve. The U.S. State Department, in a statement Monday, said 129 rebel cease-fire violations have been recorded since late

Sunday, along with five deaths.

Spokeswoman Jen Psaki described the violations reported by the Kyiv government as “aggressive actions” that threaten the cease-fire agreement announced last week by Russia, Ukraine, Germany and France, which calls for government and separatist forces to withdraw heavy weapons.

US Federal Judge blocks Obama immigration directives

A

U.S. federal judge in Texas has issued a ruling that temporarily blocksPresidentBarackObama’s executive order on immigration.

District Judge Andrew Hanen announced the ruling Monday in favor of 26 states, including Texas, that had filed a lawsuit seeking to permanently stop Obama’s order.

The president announced in

November that he was protecting as many as 5 million undocumented immigrants from deportation. The states had argued that the president had exceeded his constitutional authority, and would impose undue financial burdens on them. “Judge Hansen’s decision rightly stops the president’s overreach in its tracks,” Texas Governor Greg Abbott said in a statement.

Barack Obama speaks about the Islamic State group.

The White House issued a statement early Tuesday saying Obama was well within his authority in deciding how to enforce the nation’s immigration laws.

“Those policies are consistent with the laws passed by Congress and decisions of the Supreme Court, as well as five decades of precedent by presidents of both parties who have used their authority to set priorities in enforcing our immigration laws,” the statement said.

Appeal planned It added that said the Justice Department plans to appeal Hansen’s ruling.

The president’s executive order included expansion of a program that protects young immigrants from deportation if they were brought to the United States illegally by their parents.

The program was to begin receiving applications on Wednesday.

The president’s order would also protect parents of U.S. citizens and permanent residents who have been in the country for at least five years and

have committed no serious crimes.

Obama’s executive actions also angered congressional Republicans, who also claimed the president had overstepped his constitutional bounds.

House Republicans have passed a spending bill that authorizes funding for the Homeland Security Department through September, but would undo the president’s orders. The bill has failed to gain approval in the Republicancontrolled Senate, where Democrats have successfully blocked the measure from advancing to a final vote.

Democrat Nancy Pelosi, minority leader in the House of Representatives, issued a statement Tuesday that said the Department of Justice, legal and immigration experts, and history support Obama’s executive actions.

A group of 12 states and the District of Columbia filed a brief in support of the Obama administration, saying the president’s orders would economically benefit the states once those undocumented immigrants came out of the underground.

Major winter storm threatens much of US

F

reezing cold temperatures hit large parts of the U.S. Monday as northeastern New England region began digging out of its fourth winter storm in a month, while the mid-Atlantic region and parts of the south were hit with their own blast of snow and ice.

Snow swirled sideways in Kentucky and the state capital of Frankfort came to frozen halt Monday. Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear urged people to stay home if possible. The state was expecting anywhere from anywhere from 15

Europe and Americas EU border Chief: record flow of Migrants likely in 2015

to 38 centimeters of snow by late Monday.

Freezing rain was forecast for northern Mississippi and snow and sleet is possible in north Georgia.

The nation’s capital, Washington, is preparing for up to 30 centimeters of snow, in Boston more than 2.4 meters of snow have fallen this year and another 20 centimeters is expected by Thursday.

Along with the snow, the eastern United States is experiencing record breaking cold for mid-February.

The coldest spots Monday were

Watertown, New York, where the thermometer hit -36.6 Celsius, and Mount Washington, New Hampshire, with a reading of -37 Celsius.

“It’s getting a little tiring. I love Maine, I love the winter,” said a resident of the northeastern state.

“But this winter makes you question it.”

The Washington area has dealt with tree-toppling winds and temperatures as low as minus-15 degrees over the last two days.

With the ground frozen solid and

temperatures expected to hover at or below freezing for the rest of the week, any snow that falls will be slow to melt.

People here can expect little sympathy from fellow Americans in northern states such as Massachusetts and New Hampshire, where some motorists have given up trying to dig out their cars and resorted to more basic forms of transportation – including their feet and their sleds.

As one bundled-up man said, “All you can do is grin and bear it.”

record number of migrants look set to flow into Europe this year, with human traffickers becoming increasingly aggressive as they take advantage of chaos in Africa and the Middle East, the EU borders chief said.

Many asylum seekers and illegal immigrants are reaching Europe via the Mediterranean Sea, with hundreds dying during the perilous crossing, said FabriceLeggeri, executive director of Frontex, the European Union’s border cooperation agency.

Libya’s plunge into anarchy has created an ideal environment for traffickers, who pack people fleeing war and poverty in the Arab world and sub-Saharan African onto rickety boats that set sail for Europe — mainly aiming for nearby Italy.

In an interview at the Warsaw headquarters of Frontex, Leggeri said the numbers since Jan. 1 of what his agency terms “irregular crossings” into Europe at all border points was the highest ever recorded.

An official put the number at more than 5,600, despite winter storms and cold that normally deter the human smugglers.

Asked if that meant 2015 would be a record year, Leggeri said, “Yes, if the current trend is confirmed.”

In 2014, there were approximately 300,000 irregular crossings into the European Union, with U.N. data showing at least 218,000 people entering via the Mediterranean. The other major route for migrants was overland from the Middle East into the western Balkans and into the EU, officials said.

“There are obvious reasons: because of the geo-political situation in Syria and the Middle East, because in Libya one can say there is a failed state and there is no government able to have effective control of the territory, which makes it easier for organized crime to flourish there.”

Leggeri said traffickers were becoming more aggressive.

In one case this month, smugglers pulled out guns to threaten an Italian coastguard crew which was trying to tow a wooden vessel filled with migrants into port. The traffickers, he said, wanted the boat back so they could use it again.

Frontex is in charge of an EU coastguard mission patrolling the Mediterranean, dubbed Operation Triton, which started work last November just as Italy wound down a much larger program, Mare Nostrum, that rescued more than 100,000 migrants in 2014.

The Mediterranean crossing claimed an estimated 3,300 lives last year, and earlier this month more than 300 people are believed to have died after leaving Libya in inflatable rafts.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

Page 39

Strange World

Stunned widow receives Valentine’s Day bouquet from her husband who’d been dead for eight months

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im Golay arranged for his wife to receive Valentine’s Day flowers after his death Many women are surprised to receive flowers on Valentine’s Day, but Shelly Golay, from Casper, Wyoming, had more reason to be surprised than most.

52-year-old widow, Shelly Golay,

was stunned when she received a bouquet of Valentine’s Day flowers… from her husband who died eight months earlier.

Shelly’s husband, Jim Golay, passed away at the age of 53 from an inoperable brain tumour. But before he passed, he made plans to remind his wife just how much he loved her.

In an act reminiscent of the Hollywood movie P.S. I Love You, Jim, who died in June 2014, arranged for his wife to receive a bunch of her favourite blooms every Valentine’s Day for the rest of her life.

Shelly’s first bouquet, which arrived two days before Valentine’s Day, was accompanied by a touching note which

read: ‘Happy Valentine’s Day Honey.

Stay Strong! Yours Forever, Love Jim’ But despite the note, Shelly initially though the flowers were from her kids.

Shelly immediately called the florist, who confirmed the flowers were actually from her deceased husband, and that this bunch was the first of many.

Jim went one better than P.S. I Love You and arranged for his wife to receive flowers

Mother ‘killed son, 10, because he had big ears’

A

mother is alleged to have killed her son because he had big ears.

NuraySacan, 37, was arrested following the 10-year-old’s death who was in Gazi Hospital in Ankarra, Turkey, for cosmetic surgery.

It is alleged that she was unhappy with the surgery so she choked him to death with her scarf in the women’s toilets.

She was arrested when she hit another car while trying to flee the hospital and confessed to paramedics, according to news. com.au.

Sacan is reported as saying: ‘Both his ears had become even bigger after the surgery.

‘He became very ugly. He would have felt even more ashamed in front of his friends. I did it to save him such embarrassment. I was trying to protect him from a lifetime of pain.’

DrMetinYilmaz said: ‘The operation was a simple one and it was a complete success. There were no post-operative issues and he was due to go home.’

She is now in police custody.

Jessie Row, from the florist Nate’s Flower shop, said: ‘It seems like something that only happens in the movies’ Shelly told local news station KCWY13: ‘He’s such an amazing man, and he can love beyond boundaries’ She went on: ‘Even in death he’s just amazing’

Mum uses app to give her baby a virtual makeover and it’s pretty terrifying

T

hat is, until mum Fiona decided to give him a fabulous virtual makeover using the Youcam app.

The app uses facial features to suggest makeup looks, which the user then selects from.

And mum had a LOT of fun with it. She says: ‘I intentionally take/ use photos of him pulling faces and gunning because I live to amuse myself.’

She then posted the pics online to amuse the rest of us as well.

Meet baby Gabriel. He’s just seven-weeks-old and pretty angelic looking.

He’s like a little Liza Minnelli, with a dash of Liz Taylor.

Page 40

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

Digest

How well you balance offers an insight into your general health

It’s something you might not have given much thought to before, but how well you can balance is important

H

ow good is your balance?

Can you stand on one leg for 20 seconds?

What about for a whole minute - or with your

eyes closed?

It’s something you might not have given much thought to before, but how well you can balance offers an insight into your general health.

A study published in the journal Stroke found that being unable to stand on one leg for more than 20 seconds was linked to an increased risk of ‘silent’ stroke - tiny bleeds in the brain that don’t cause symptoms, but which raise the risk of both full-blown stroke and dementia.

‘The ability to balance on one leg is an important test for brain health,’ says Dr Yasuharu Tabara, associate professor of genomic medicine at Kyoto University, Japan, who led the research.

Last year, the UK’s Medical Research Council found that 53-yearolds who could stand on one leg for ten seconds with their eyes closed were the most likely to be fit and well in 13 years’ time. However, those who could manage only two seconds were three times as likely to die before the age of 66.

Our sense of balance is based on three types of information. The first is visual - what your eyes can see going on around you and where you are, fed to the brain via the optic nerve.

There is also feedback from your joints and muscles. When they bend or stretch, special sensors, known as proprioceptors, send signals to the brain. ‘Proprioception is the body’s way of knowing where it is at any given moment without seeing it,’ says Dr David Selvadurai, an ear, nose and throat (ENT) consultant at St George’s Hospital, London, who specialises in balance disorders.

The third set of information comes from the inner ear, where there are tiny tubes, known as the semi-circular

canals, which contain fluid that moves when our head does. Cells lining the tubes detect the fluid’s motion and communicate to the brain via the vestibulocochlear nerve - the pathway for both hearing and balance.

We tend to take our balance for granted, as all of this happens automatically, says Dr Barry Seemungal, consultant neurologist at St Mary’s and Charing Cross hospitals, London. ‘Walking is a very difficult task to perform. It seems easy only because our brain is able to rapidly coordinate our muscles to allow us to make a step without falling over.’

Difficulties with balance tend to occur when there’s a problem with the information being sent to the brain.

For instance, an infection affecting the inner ear, such as labyrinthitis, can throw balance off because the feedback from the two ears will differ.

Similarly, balance tends to worsen as we age, as sight deteriorates, and the input from joints and muscles can be less reliable as their proprioceptors are reduced by conditions such as arthritis, says Dr Selvadurai. As we age, we also lose cells in the inner ear that detect movement.

One in three over-65s will have at

Weak ankles, in particular, are a common cause of trips and falls

least one fall a year, according to the NHS, and falls are the most common cause of injury-related death in people over 75.

Subtle signs your balance isn’t as good as it could be include difficulty walking on uneven surfaces, such as gravel or cobblestones (because of impaired feedback from your feet), or feeling unsteady when you get up in the night to go to the loo (because your balance system can’t rely on visual input in the dark).

However, there are things you can do to train your balance system and keep it working well . . .

Try marching on the spot An important part of our balance system is an automatic reaction known as the vestibulo-ocular reflex - a tiny eye movement that keeps vision focused as we move. ‘Exercises to stimulate this reflex can help with balance,’ says Dr Selvadurai.

The idea is to strengthen the coordination between your body and your eye movement.

‘Physiotherapists who specialise in balance disorders often ask patients to do things such as holding out your thumb, training your eyes on it, then slowly turning round making an arc with your thumb, following it with your eyes as you do, or marching on the spot, focusing on a particular point in front of you.’

Swap shoes during the day changing between types of shoe can help keep the balance sensors in your feet and legs ‘switched on’, says Sammy Margo, of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

‘If you wear the same heel height every day, your calf muscles adapt to them - shortening if you wear higher heels, lengthening if you stick to flats - and your ankles get used to that position,’ she says. ‘Your feet also get used to any support you’re giving them, so vary the shoes you wear to keep everything working harder. If you wear heels in the office, walk to work in your trainers, for example.’

Watch your blood pressure High blood pressure can lead to tiny arteries in the brain hardening, which can lead to balance issues.

‘It can scar the brain’s white matter (basically its cabling), which, in turn, disrupts the communication across the cerebral cortex - the part of the brain that governs thinking, movement and planning, but also many of our automatic functions, particularly balance,’ says Dr Seemungal.

Ideally, blood pressure should be below 120/80. Anything over 140/90 is considered a high reading. Keeping weight at a healthy level, regular exercise and cutting back on salt can help to bring it down.

Go for a swim or play bowls Although balance tends to decline as we age, it needn’t be inevitable, says Dr Selvadurai. It’s very much a case of ‘use it or lose it’ - an active lifestyle, building in some sort of physical activity, can preserve your balance.

Last year, a study by the University

of Western Sydney found that older people who swam regularly were 33 per cent less likely to have a fall than people who did other types of exercise, such as walking or golf. Researchers suggested the effort of supporting the body in water improved swimmers’ balance.

‘Playing bowls is also a great way to improve hand-eye-body coordination, which is so important to the balance system,’ he adds.

Brush your teeth on one leg Keeping the bones and muscles in feet and lower legs strong is vital for stability, says Michael O’Neill, a consultant podiatrist at The Princess Margaret Hospital, Windsor.

Weak ankles, in particular, are a common cause of trips and falls, he adds. And if you go over on your ankle once, the damaged ligaments (connective tissues that join bones and muscles) often heal in a way which leaves them looser and therefore more prone to further injuries - and possibly falls.

‘To strengthen your ankles and ligaments, try standing on one leg for two minutes while brushing your teeth,’ says Mr O’Neill. Remember to swap legs halfway through.

Balance with your eyes closed If you don’t find standing on one leg that difficult, challenge yourself further by trying it with your eyes closed, says Sammy Margo.

‘This makes it harder, as we tend to rely too much on what we can see, rather than the input from the proprioceptors in the leg muscles and joints themselves,’ she says.

Rising up on to your tiptoes with the supporting leg makes it even harder - ‘it gives you a much less stable base and activates more muscles, including your calf muscle’, she adds. If you can’t balance on one leg easily, build up to it by trying to stand with your feet as close together as you can.

Stand on a pillow Another way to make the sensors in your feet and ankles work harder is to vary the surface you’re standing on.

‘When a surface is less predictable, the proprioceptors in feet have to work that bit harder,’ says Sammy Margo.

‘This is why physiotherapists use

Our sense of balance is based on three types of information: visual, feedback from your joints and muscles and from the inner ear Bosu balls (an air-filled dome that looks like half a gym ball), or wobble cushions (hard, plastic, inflatable cushions) to improve balance. But you’d get a similar effect standing on a fat-ish pillow, folded in half.’

Get a good night’s sleep ‘When you’re sleep-deprived, the connections between different brain functions become slow or skewed,’ says Professor Jason Ellis, director of the Northumbria Centre for Sleep Research. ‘This affects coordination and the reflex between what your eyes are seeing and your movement.’

This has a detrimental effect on balance that is most likely to affect day-to-day activities, such as walking or pushing yourself out of a chair. ‘If you asked someone who was sleepdeprived to balance on one leg, they’d probably be fine for the most part,’ says Professor Ellis.

‘In doing that, you’re forcing the brain to wake and deal with something.

It’s the simple, everyday tasks that would be affected - and where you’d be more likely to trip or fall.’

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

When you’re sleep-deprived, the connections between different brain functions become slow or skewed

SporT 41 Page

Peoples Daily, PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, thursday, october February 2, 2014 18, 2015

>>>Pg 42

NFF rallies Eaglets for crucial Guinea game

sports@peoplesdailyng.com, SMS- 08142929046

Toure, Bony return boost Manchester City

>>>Pg 43

Golden Eaglets

pressure on Eaglets

By Albert Akota

T

he General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Musa Amadu has warned against putting ‘intense pressure’ on the Golden Eaglets to emulate the feat of their predecessors.

The Nigerian U17’s got a 2-0 win over hosts Niger in their opening fixture of the ongoing CAF U17 championship, but was greeted with mixed feelings as most fans felt they should have scored more.

Amadu believes it won’t be wise to expect this team to be the

exact same as the last set, thereby putting them under ‘intense pressure’.

“I don’t think we should put intense pressure on the boys,” Amadu. “It was only their first game and I would say a 2-0 win is a good way to start.

“We do expect them to im-

prove as the tournament wears on but I suggest we don’t put them under any intense pressure.”

The Eaglets led by Manu Garba were runners-up at the last edition in Morocco in 2013, and Coach Emmanuel Amuneke has already set his sights at winning

the competition this time, but Amadu believes there shouldn’t be too much comparison with the class of 2013.

“The 2013 U17 was a different team and this is a different team so I don’t think we should be comparing both of them,” Amadu posited

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

Page 42

Sport

Pinnick meets Akpom, Iwobi’s parents in London

By Albert Akota

T

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Amaju Pinnick has met with parents of some ravemaking Nigerian youngsters across the top rank in England.

On his way to an official meeting with FIFA President, Mr. Sepp Blatter at the Home of FIFA today morning, the NFF boss stopped over in the England capital and watched Sunday’s FA Cup fifth round match between Arsenal and Middlesbrough at the Emirates.

“I was able to see Kenneth Omeruo and Chuba Akpom at the match. I am meeting the parents of a number of these youngsters this time and have plans to meet all of them and also their parents in due course.

“You see, some of them might have represented England at junior level, but they are willing to represent Nigeria at senior level, and that is what we are looking at. We are looking at strengthening our teams at all

levels and these players are willing, once we can convince them that there is a new set-up in Nigeria football.”

Pinnick’s diary has 18 –year old attacking midfielder Alex Iwobi of Arsenal, who has joined up with the country’s Olympic Team ahead of their departure for an 11th All-Africa Games qualifying match against Gabon in Libreville on Saturday, as well as former Chelsea centre back Joshua Debayo, also 18, now on the books of another Premiership team, Southampton.

Debayo is also an England U-18 international.

There are also Fejiri Okenabirhie, 19 –year old former Arsenal winger, now with Stevenage; 19-year old Brighton FC striker Chike Kandi, formerly with Chelsea FC and; Chelsea and England U-19 defender Ola Aina, 18.

Mayowa Balogun, 18, is a versatile defender with Wigan Athletic FC while Arsenal defender Semi Ajayi is getting better by the day.

Nwakali

NFF rallies Eaglets for crucial Guinea game

By Albert Akota

T

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has called on the U-17 National Team, Golden Eaglets, to go all out for a win against Guinea’s Syli Babes in Niamey today.

The top-of-the-table clash at the Stade General Seyni Kountche starts at 3pm and the winner will automatically become the first African flagbearer at the FIFA U-17

World Cup finals in Chile later in the year.

NFF’s Director of Competitions, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, who is in Niamey with the team, said a victory is non-negotiable as Nigeria look to book an early ticket to the finals in Chile to go and defend the world title.

“We are the champions of the world, and that we must underscore boldly here. The Eaglets did well to win their first match against the host nation despite all the odds against

them. There is no way Guinea will stand up to our boys today.

“The NFF has provided everything the team needs to succeed and we expect nothing but victory against the Guineans.”

A 2-0 win over host Niger Republic, courtesy goals by Victor Osimhen and Captain Kelechi Nwakali, took the world champions to the top of the table, and Guinea’s 1-0 win over Zambia put the Syli Babes in second place.

Flying Eagles not clinical enough- Ugbade

F

Iwobi

Green to lead Olympic Team to Gabon

By Albert Akota

M

ember of the NFF Executive Committee Barrister Chris Green will lead the U-23 National Team delegation to Saturday’s 11th All-Africa Games qualifying match against the U-23 National Team of Gabon in Libreville.

A 35-man delegation, including 19 players, will fly out from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport today aboard an Ethiopian Airline flight, to arrive in Libreville by noon tomorrow.

Already, the NFF has provided all details concerning the trip to the Embassy of Nigeria in

Libreville, with Mission Staff to receive the delegation on arrival tomorrow, and to mobilise the Nigerian community in Libreville to support the team during the match.

The match will be played on the natural turf of Stade Augustin Monedan a Sibang in Libreville, starting from 3.30pm Gabon time (2.30pm Nigeria time) on Saturday, 21st February.

The second leg will take place in Nigeria on 7th March, with the winner to take on the winner of the Zambia/Madagascar fixture for a place at the Men’s Football Tournament of the 11th All-Africa Games, scheduled for Brazzaville, Congo, 11th – 21st July, 2015.

lying Eagles assistant coach, Nduka Ugbade has bemoaned the team’s 2-2 draw against the Black Satellites of Ghana in an international friendly.

The Nigerian U20’s took the lead through enterprising winger Musa Yahaya in the 22nd minute at the Ohene Djan Stadium, before the Ghanaians equalized 12 minutes later.

But Ugbade believes his players were not clinical enough and lacked

the killer instinct to see off the game.

“I thought it was a good game for us but we weren’t clinical enough in front of goal. We created a lot of chances that we couldn’t convert. “We gave the Ghanaians the opportunity back into the game after taking the lead and the defense was a bit shaky at times.

“We didn’t show enough control and character and we gave them too much space and time on the ball,” Ugbade bemoaned.

Flying Eagles

The former Nigeria international however expressed confidence there will be some improvements by the time they play the second game on Wednesday.

“We have seen the areas where we had some problems and hopefully we will show improvements by the time we play them today.

“We want to keep improving before the Africa Youth Championship and we must seize every opportunity to improve.”

Page 43

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

Sport

Italy coach denies black players racist

F Yaya Toure and Wilfried Bony

Toure, Bony return boost Manchester City

T

he Ivory Coast duo of Yaya Toure and Wilfried Bony will both be in the Manchester City squad this weekend, and Frank Lampard believes the club can only benefit from their presence.

Toure and Bony have been away on Africa Cup of Nations duty with their country, returning

triumphant after an epic penalty shootout win over Ghana in the final.

Bony has yet to feature for the club since signing from Swansea City in January, while Toure has not played since the FA Cup third-round win over Sheffield Wednesday.

Manchester City have won just one of their six matches in all

competitions since then, falling seven points behind leaders Chelsea in the Premier League title race, but Lampard is optimistic when assessing the impact Toure and Bony could have.

“He [Toure] is a massive player for the club,” said Lampard. “I could see that from afar when I was at Chelsea.

L

Van Persie

attacking trio Frank Rijkaard, Ruud Gullit and Marco van Basten.

When asked to clarify his comments by La Gazzetta dello Sport later on Monday night, Sacchi said: “I have been misrepresented, do you really think I’m racist?

Sacchi was Italy coach when they were World Cup runners-up in 1994. His last role in the game came as director of football at Real Madrid 10 years ago.

In October, the president of the Italian football federation, Carlo Tavecchio, was banned for six months

by Uefa for making racist remarks.

The 71-year-old apologised after referring to “banana eaters” when discussing foreign players during his election campaign in July.

“Of course you miss a player like Yaya with his talent and his ability, and we’ve had a time where we lost quite a few games.

“Alongside Yaya coming back, we’ve got Bony arriving. We’ve seen what he’s been doing at Swansea and he’ll be a fantastic signing for the club

Van Persie set for Swansea clash, confirms Van Gaal ouis van Gaal has confirmed Robin van Persie will return to the Manchester United squad for Saturday’s Premier League match against Swansea.

The Netherlands striker missed Monday’s FA Cup fifth round win over Preston with an unspecified injury but is likely to retain his place at the weekend after Radamel Falcao again struggled to make an impact.

“Yes, he shall be fit,” confirmed Van Gaal when asked about the availability of Van Persie ahead of the trip to the Liberty Stadium.

Falcao, meanwhile, has scored just four goals in 19 appearances since joining on loan from Monaco and cut a disconsolate figure when he was withdrawn on the hour mark against League One opposition with his side still trailing.

Van Persie himself has struggled for top form during a campaign which has regularly been interrupted by injury but is the only United player to have reached double figures in terms of goals so far this season.

Goals from Ander Herrera, Marouane Fellaini and Wayne Rooney eventually saw United overcome Preston at Deepdale and set-up a quarter-final clash against Arsenal at Old Trafford next month.

ormer AC Milan and Italy coach Arrigo Sacchi has denied he is racist after claiming Italy’s youth set-up features “too many blacks”.

Sacchi, 68, criticised the number of “foreigners” in the lower leagues at an awards ceremony.

According to Italian media reports, Sacchi said: “In our youth sector there are too many blacks.”

He later clarified: “I just wanted to underline the fact that we’re losing our national pride and identity.”

Sacchi attended the Viareggio Tournament this month, which is regarded as the most prestigious youth tournament in Italy.

Sacchi, who won backto-back European Cups with Milan in 1989 and 1990 with a team featuring Dutch

Mario Balotelli with England defender Ashley Cole in Euro 2012

Real Madrid won’t benefit from Schalke showdowns - Casillas

F

aced Schalke in last season’s UEFA Champions League when the sides meet again today.

Real claimed a 9-2 aggregate victory over Schalke in last year’s round of 16 on their way to lifting the trophy.

However, Casillas is not expecting an easy ride this time around against the Bundesliga’s fourth-placed side.

“They are aware that they have an opportunity to get revenge and we expect a tough game.

“The fact that we faced them last year does not benefit us. If anything, it gives them an advantage.

“It would be a mistake to think that playing in Gelsenkirchen will be easy and that we’ll repeat what happened last year.

Ahead of the trip to Germany, Casillas praised the way one of Real’s own

German stars, Toni Kroos, has settled into the club.

“This season, some players who were important to our style of play left the club,” he added. “Others arrived and have become key elements of the team, like James [Rodriguez] or Toni Kroos. The statistics are there to see and demonstrate that.

“He’s quick and young.

He has being playing to a top level for a long time, so I think that Real Madrid were right to sign him, above all when you take into account his age.

Real Madrid goalkeeper, Iker Casillas.

Page 44

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

CHRIS EFOBI MEMORIAL FOUNDATION.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED foundATION HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THEN COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1) GRACE CHINYELU EFOBI 2) CHUKWUDI UGWUCHUKWU EFOBI 3) CHINENYE UZOCHUKWU EFOBI THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1) To care for the less privileged and orphans.

2) To empower the youths, downtrodden, vulnerable and widows.

3) To establish a scholarship scheme for the less privileged.

4 To establish skills acquisition programmes for the benefit of the poor masses, youths and widows.

5 To promote and champion human rights and dignity.

6 To promote real value base for good morals, etiquette and ethical norms among individuals.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OFTEN PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

Open Arms Outreach Ministry.

This is to notify the general public that the above mentioned ministry is in the process of applying for registration under part C of the companies and allied matters act 1990.

The trustees are.

1, pastor Basil Ndubuisi. Chairman.

2) mr sunday Njoku. Member 3) mr Samuel chinedu Njoku member.

4)helen chinyere Njoku member.

Aims and objectives. a)to reach out preach and teach the gospel of the Lord Jesus christ to all the nation’s. b)to win and lead people of the world to the true vine of righteousness which is in christ Jesus (Mathew 24:14 and john 15:1,4,5) c)to organise crusades and build churches to take care of the less privileged.

Any objection to the proposed registration should be forwarded to the registrar general.corporate affairs commission, abuja within 28days of the application.

Signed casmir C.Igwe Esq, pp IGWE &IGWE attorneys, legal practitioners & consultant. B suit 91(3rd floor) BEFS PLAZA, OPPOSITE MFM, UTAKO ABUJA. 08034536861,07057995253.

PUBLIC NOTICE

HIS WORD FAITH CLINIC MINISTRY.

GOMBE LAMORDE FOUNDATION

This is to notify the general public that the above mentioned ministry is in the process of applying for registration under part C of the companies and allied matters act 1990.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION IN THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

The trustees are.

Mrs ADLINE CHIOMA AMADI, BRO KINGSLEY AMADI, SIS. PEACE UNEGBU OJINGWA, SIR IFEANYI OKECHUKWU, UGOEZE EMILY ALOZIE.

Trustees 1. Hajia Hajara Ibrahim Salim - Chairperson 2. Mallam Yusufu Lamuwa - Vice chairman 3. Barr. Sanusi Baba - Secretary 4. Dr. Ahmed Shuaibu –Gara Gombe 5. Pastor Josiah Nabinta 6. Mallam Yakubu El-Rasheed 7. Mallam Abdullahi Garba

Aims and objectives.

TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST. Any objection to the proposed registration should be forwarded to the registrar general.corporate affairs commission, abuja within 28days of the application.

Signed secretary

AIM AND OBJECTIVE 1. To provide unit and social development among the people of Gombe Statez.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION

PUBLIC NOTICE lords divine restoration prophetic ministry This is to notify the general public that the above mentioned ministry is in the process of applying for registration under part C of the companies and allied matters act 1990.

The trustees are.

1. rev.ugo prophet emmanuel nnamdi oranu. general overseer.

2. mummy goodness amuche oranu. treasurer.

3. sis. gloria uche nweke. secretary.

Aims and objectives. to preach the word of god to the world.

2. to win souls for christ.

Any objection to the proposed registration should be forwarded to the registrar general.corporate affairs commission, abuja within 28days of the application.

Signed secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE

HOUSEHOLD LIBERTY CHURCH

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION IN THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

TRUSTEES 1. Ikpefua Kenneth Onoiribhola 2. Augustine Ikpefua 3. Joy Priscillia Onyeonoro AIM AND OBJECTIVE 1. To preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION Signed:Secretary

SIGNED: Barr. A.R Gidado

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

AD-DEENU BIL-HIKMAH SOCIETY OF NIGERIA

National Relationship and Integration Foundation

ERIATA CENTRE FOR LITERARY EDUCATION & ENTERPRENEURAL DEVELOPMENT

The general public is hereby notified that the above named SOCIETY 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) IMAM . ABDULWASIU HUSSAIN. ....... CHAIRMAN 2) MRS. ADEBISI NASIR MARIAM 3) ALHAJI. FASUYI BASHIRU 4) MRS. MUHAAMMED BASIRAT 5) MR. AZEEZ ADEWALE. ........... SECRETARY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO ORGANIZE PRAYERS AND SPIRITUAL DIETS WITHIN MEMBERS 2. TO FIND SOLUTION TO GENERAL AND SPECIFIC MUSLIM PROBLEMS IN THEIR AREA OF NEEDS 3. TO INFORM AND EDUCATE PEOPLE ABOUT THE TENETS OF ISLAM Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication SIGNED: UCHOHWO ONOTASA SHADRACH (ESQ) PP: SHUDY ADVOCATE 08066175757

PUBLIC NOTICE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION IN THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.Prince awuzie - chairperson 2. Kama Gbemuotor - secretary 3. Auwal Mohammed Jalo 4. Austin Ejiofobiri 5. J.A. Zarma

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.ERIATA EDWIN ORIBHABOR - CHAIRMAN 2.ELAYE ORIBHABOR - SECRETARY 3.EDITH IZEBHEYE ERIATA

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote peace and unity among the members.

2. To preach non-violence campaign in Nigeria.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

AFRICAN WISDOM AID INT’L FOUNDATION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION IN THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.ENGIN HAYRULLAH OZSU 2.MAGDALENE EJEMEN IYERE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO CARE FOR THE WELFARE OF ITS MEMBERS. 2.TO HELP THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN THE SOCIETY. 3.TO PROVIDE PUBLIC ENLIGHTENMENT ON DEVELOPMENT.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION IN THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

GLOBAL

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION SIGNED: SECRETARY

INFINITI BROTHERS CLUB OF NIGERIA

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION IN THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.UMEMBA ELEDANACHI - CHAIRMAN 2.EZE EJIKE 3.UKODEI IZUCHUKWU 4.EZE OBI CHINEDU 5.ASOGWA IFEANYI 6.AGBAI EMMANUEL - SECRETARY 7.OGWUIKE DOZIE 8.OGBU IKECHUKWU 9.MMADUADICHIE UCHE 10.CHIKA ERVA THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO PROMOTE THE WELFARE OF MEMBERS. 2.TO PROMTE UNITY AND HARMONIZE A PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE AMONG THE MEMBERS IRRESPECTIVE OF AGE,SEX AND RELIGIOUS BACKGROUND. 3.TO MOBILIZE CONSCIOUSNESS AND AWARENESS OF COMMON RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE CLUB AND GOVERNMENT ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION SIGNED: SECRETARY

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO PROMOTE LITERARY EDUCATION EMPOWER THE YOUTHS EDUCATIONALLY, ECONOMICALLY, SOCIALLY AND TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO BE INDEPENDENT. 2.TO PROMOTE THE PUBLISHING OF BOOKS, NEWSPAPERS, MAGAZINES, JOURNAL AND PERIODIC TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WITHIN ABUJA, THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE INT’L SOC. FOR ERAD. OF HUMAN AND DRUG TRAFFICKING This is to inform the general public that the above named Organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Removal and Appointment of new trustees under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Maliki Samson Mohammed - Retained 2. Pastor Alex Steven Ocheme - Removed 3. Mrs Juliet Jane Ocheme - Removed 4. Mr Johnson Onoja - Removed The Newly Appointed are: 1. Mr. Daeke Gabriel Adekunle 2. Mr. Ari Bala Dabuwa 3. Mrs. Hauwa Aliyu Muhammed 4. Engr. Icheme Ben James 5. Mrs. Icheme Grace 6. Barister Chris Ekomdu, mni 7. Mr. Ubana Michael Okon 8. Pastor Akinrinsola Kayode Akinyosola 9. Mrs. Kayode Falaye The Aim and Objectives Remain the same Any objection(s) to the Application should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Bem Atetan 08065640604

Page 45

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

WISEWORD GOSPEL CHURCH

IGBO COMMUNITY SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE, LAGOS

The general public is hereby notified that the above named CHURCH has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act No.1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. AKINTUNDE OJO SUNDA - PRESIDENT 2. LEKAN OGUNRINDE - MEMBER 3. AKINTUNDE AYOMIDE FAVOUR - MEMBER 4. AKINTUNDE FOLASHADE - MEMBER 5. BOSE BUSOLA OGUNRIDE - MEMBER 6. ALEGBE ONOSEN DIVINE - SECRETARY THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST Any objection to the registration of the above named Church should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off AguiyiIronsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: BARR ONOSEN DIVINE ALEGBE (SECRETARY)

PUBLIC NOTICE FRIENDS OF THE BIBLE INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN CENTRE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CENTRE HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION IN THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Omisope Funminiyi Peter 2. Omisope Foluso Tomiwo 3. Aroyeun Tayo Olalekan AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To reach the world with the great and powerful gospel of Christ.

2. To carryout evangelical programs allover the country and the world at large.

3. To help the less privileged in the society.

4. To empower women, youths and the less privileged to become self-reliant, have access to basic amenities and promote entrepreneurship.

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

DESTINY TRANSFORMERS INITIATIVE The General Public is hereby notified that the above named INITIATIVE has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for Registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, No. 1 of 2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Ogochukwu Ogo-Uzodike 2. Chidi Okechukwu Duru 3. Isabella Ogo-Uzodike 4. Chief Ekeprefa Nelson THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To encourage the harnessing of vocational skills, leadership skills and management skills in children.

2. To promote and groom the vocational skills, leadership skills and management skills innate in children.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off AguiyiIronsi Street, P.M.B. 198, Maitama, Abuja within Twenty-Eight (28) days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ORGANISATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MR. AGBANUSI PAUL CHINEDU - CHAIRMAN 2. MR. CHIKEZIE JUDE CHUKWUKANMA - SECRETARY 3. MR. EZEAMAMA HYGINUS EZEANYANASO - MEMBER 4. MR. NWEKE NATHAN - MEMBER 5. MR. EDOM NNAMDI - MEMBER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO FOSTER PEACE, UNITY AND PROGRESS AMONGST THE IGBOS AND THEIR NEIGHBOURS IN LAGOS STATE. 2. TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE OF ITS MEMBERS. 3. TO PROMOTE AND PURSUE DEVELOPMENTAL PROJECTS FOR THE COMMUNITY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

PUBLIC NOTICE HELPING HANDS COUNSELLING FOUNDATION

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MRS FOLAKE ESTHER BALOGUN - PRESIDENT 2. MRS BUKKY ELIZABETH BALOGUN - SECRETARY 3. SEGUN ABRAHAM BALOGUN AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1 TO ASSIST PEOPLE IN THEIR EMOTIONAL HEALTH THROUGH COUNSELLING THEREBY UNDERSTANDING THEIR BEHAVIOUR AND ATTITUDE. 2. TO ORGANIZE SEMINARS AND WORKSHOP FOR INTENDING& MARRIED COUPLES AND FAMILY AS A WHOLE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: BARRISTER PAUL E. UTI (J.P) TEL: 08035910306, 08028798278

SIGNED: BARR. KINDNESS A. J 08062425175

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

JESUS CHRIST RESTORATION & TRANSFORMATION MINISTRY

GOLDEN GATE CHRISTIAN CENTRE INTERNATIONAL

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MRS. UJUNWA EKWEOBA 2. BRO. SYLVESTER OKEKE 3. REV. (MRS) FLORENCE ONUEKWUSI AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.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, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: KALU ONUOHA ESQ 08023038994

PUBLIC NOTICE RURAL REBIRTH ADVOCACY INITIATIVE

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. AKI ASWEILO - CHAIRMAN 2. OVIE-ONISO AZAGA - SECRETARY 3. MIKIEONISO MILLER 4. OYAWALE TUNDE 5. PROGRESS UNUKE 6. AKI FAITH AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL AREAS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARR. MIKE ADINYE 08097027858

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CENTRE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

1. PASTOR IKECHUKWU LAWRENCE AMAECHI 2. PASTOR (MRS) JOSEPHINE AMAECHI 3. BROTHER KINGSLEY IKEOKWU 4. BROTHER TAMUNOKURO IYENE

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROPAGATE THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ALL OVER THE WORLD. 2. TO PREACH SALVATION AND WIN LOST SOULS FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD. 3. TO ESTABLISH CHURCHES ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD FOR THE PURPOSE OF EVANGELISM. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARR. NIKE ADINYE 08097027858

PUBLIC NOTICE FOUNDATION FOR YOUTH & WOMEN EMPOWERMENT FOR SUSTAINED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. STEPHEN AHEMBAGA ORSULE 2. HON. BENARD LORLIAM (SAN) 3. MRS GRACE MNENA ORSULE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO ORGANIZE PROGRAMS GEARED TOWARDS WOMEN AND YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AND LIBRATION. 2. PROVISION OF SKILLS ACQUISITION AND ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMMES. 3. TO HELP THE YOUTH AND WOMEN IN THE SOCIETY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: STEPHEN AHEMBAGA ORSULE CHAIRMAN 08033139876

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

FAITH BUILDERS POWER OUTREACH DOMINION

LEGACY FRIENDS LINK INTERNATIONAL CLUB OF NIGERIA

DIVINE WINNERS EVANGELICAL MIRACLES MINISTRY WORLDWIDE

The general public is hereby informed that the above named church has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under part “C” of Companies and Allied Matters acts 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Rev. (Dr.) Mrs. Umo Mildred Ene-Obong 2. Goodness John Ene-Obong 3. Rev. (Mrs.) Fatima Oyedipe 4. Prof. (Mrs) Atim Bassey Antai 5. Nwup Augustine Umo 6. John Nsifiok Aniekan 7. Bassey Maurice Inang 8. ItaOkokon Bassey 9. Chukwudi Akparanta 10. Usani Onenson Mbang

- Chairman

- Secretary

Aim and Objectives are: 1. To preach the gospel of our Lord and SaviourJesus Christ all over Nigeria and to the outermost part of the world and establish branches of the Ministry therein.

2. To conduct medical outreaches all over Nigeria and to the outermost part of the world, to build hospital, run and support orphanages.

3. Reach out to other less privileged through electronic, print, social and other advance technological media available.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the

Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication.

SIGNED: Secretary

The general public is hereby informed that the above named CLUB has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under part “C” of Companies and Allied Matters acts 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Ogbozor Leonard Chinedu 2. Dominic Afam Obeleagu 3. Henry Ejike Ariba 4. Onwuka Anthony Chizoba 5. Ejim Francis Emeka 6. Elue Chinedu Emmanuel Aim and Objectives are: 1. To promote unity and progress among youths.

2. To help each other and to share views.

3. To work towards the advancement of the socio-economic welfare of members.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication.

SIGNED: BARRISTER CHUKS OKPARA; 07038733013

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Adeoya Afolabi Oluyide 2. Evangelist Afolabi Emmanuel Oluwamayowa 3. Pastor Mrs. Oluwaremilekun 4. Mr. Larre Popoola AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. 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, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: OHUE LINDA O.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

PUBLIC NOTICE PALACE OF HIS MAJESTY FAMILY CHURCH

PUBLIC NOTICE SOUL HARVESTERS GOSPEL CENTRE

The general public is hereby notified that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the part ‘C’ of the Company and Allied Matters Act, of 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named CHURCH has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the part ‘C’ of the Company and Allied Matters Act, of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Bishop Isaac Rhema - President 2. Mrs. Esther Rhema - Vice President 3. Mr. Dapo Olorunyomi - General Secretary 4. Evang. Okeke Simeon - Pro

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Stanley Nkwonta 2. Pastor Grace Nkwonta

AIMS/OBJECTIVE: 1. To preach the gospel of Christ and win souls into the kingdom of God through Christ.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitana, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: OKWOR KANAYOCHUKWU 07060870656

PUBLIC NOTICE EJIRINDE WILSON FOUNDATION

The general public is hereby notified that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act No.1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Prof. Olasope Oyediji Oyelaran 2. Oyindasola Omolara Oyelaran 3. Eileen Blanche Wilson Oyelaran 4. Deacon Ezekiel Ademola Adebiyi 5. Adedoyin Ademola Oyelaran 6. Omosalewa Oyebimpe Oyelaran 7. Oyeyinka Olalekan Oyelaran

- Chairman - Secretary

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To encourage the youth of Ajaawa at secondary school level to aspire to higher education.

Any objection to the registration of the above named Church should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off AguiyiIronsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is to inform the general public of the loss of R of O of Original Land documents and Certified True Copies of the following: 1. Plot number 546A of about 2ha at kuje 2 Extention 2. DC - 4 of about. 1-8ha in Kango district kuje FCT 3. Plot BSV/F 180 of about 2ha in Zone 07-06 Bwari district FCT. Got missing All belonging to Danbo Int’l School Barnawa South- Kaduna All efforts made to trace the missing Document Proved abortive. If found please contact the nearest Police Station. AGIS and the general public should take note.

AIMS/OBJECTIVE: 1.

To propagate and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

2. To establish local branches for the propagation of the gospel worldwide.

3. To organize outreaches, crusades, seminars workshops and revival services for the works of the gospel.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitana, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is to inform the general public of the loss of original Certificate of Occupancy with No. 7dauw-17371-7149rb3e2u-10 and file No. ED.10069 in respect of Plot No. 99 Kaura District Cadastral Zone B11, Abuja dated 17/01/2001 belonging to Emmanuel Peter Adamu. All efforts to trace the said document proved abortive. If found, kindly return to the nearest Police Station OR call 08033140864 LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is to notify the general public that ALH. Yunusa Hassan of makama jahun, new extension Behind s2a makama, opposite Abacha House BAUCHI, BAUCHI STATE. Was a victim of fire incident which occured at his resident on 14th November, 2012.

As a result of the incident, the victim lost the following items 1. Approval letters of six Plot of land 2. Certificate of occupancy (C OF O) (3) with no BA/22538, BA/18830 & BA/18282 3. Agreement letters of customary land.

4. Documents letters of shops 5. Car particulars 6. Indigene letters.

7. Certificate of children /students, as well as valuable household properties. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME I FORMERLY KNOWN AS AGATHA NENR0TMWA. NOW WISHES TO BE KNOWN AS AGATHA BARNABAS.ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAINS VALID. N. P. F and GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

THIS SPACE IS FOR SALE

THIS SPACE IS FOR SALE

THIS SPACE IS FOR SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE ALUMA NKELE FOUNDATION The general public is hereby notified that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the companies and Allied matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. Dr KaluIdika Kalu - Chairman 2. Barr Ikechi Kalu Uko - Secretary 3. Chief Okuji Okonkwo Awa 4. Dr John Egbuta AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To help the less privileged have access to good and qualitative education.

2. To care for the sick and the needy in the community.

3. To help the youths have access to good and better education on all levels.

Any objection to the application should be forwarded to the registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off AguiyiIronsistreet, Maitama Abuja PMB 198, within twenty-eight (28) days from the date of this publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is to inform the general public of the loss of original certificate of occupancy no. 1a5ew - df51z-3267r- e221u- 10 in respect of plot no. 752 CADASTRAL ZONE A06 with file No. Misc 15979 located at maitama District belonging to Daddy property Development company limited is missing. AGIS AND AUTHORITY CONCERNED SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE. SIGNED. DADDO PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as Miss Okorie Chinwenwa Henrietta, wish to be known as Mrs Okorie Chinwenwa Henrietta Moemeka.All former documents remain valid.All authorities concerned and general public to please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as miss NYARUM ZAKKA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS TAWARMA .N. ALHAMDU . All former documents remains valid general public take note CHANGE OF NAME

DADDO PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED. The family of Ezeugwu Elias Ononyem now wishes to be known and addressed as Ononyem Elias Ononye’s family. All former documents remain valid general public take note.

PAGE 47

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESday, February 18, 2015

Some Interesting Facts

A

dults only laugh 15 to 100 times a day.

Frank Perdue’s chicken slogan, “It takes a strong man to make a tender chicken” was translated into Spanish as “it takes an aroused man to make a chicken affectionate. Awesome!”

Dalmatians are born without spots.

Interesting!!!!

Bats always turn left when exiting a cave.

Awesome!

The ‘v’ in the name of a court case does not stand for ‘versus’, but for ‘and’ (in civil proceedings.

Interesting!!!! or ‘against’ (in criminal proceedings.

Interesting!!!!

• Men’s shirts have the buttons on the right, but women’s shirts have the buttons on the left • The owl is the only bird to drop its upper eyelid

to wink. All other birds raise their lower eyelids • The reason honey is so easy to digest is that it’s already been digested by a bee • Roosters cannot crow if they cannot extend their necks

Leisure

• The color blue has a calming effect. It causes the brain to release calming hormones • Every time you sneeze some of your brain cells die • Your left lung is smaller than your right lung to make room for your heart • The verb “cleave” is the only English word with two synonymswhich are antonyms of each other: adhere and separate

Say what?

SUDOKU SUDOKU EASY 247

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Whoa boy! Horse whisperer Martin Tatta shows off one his tricks developed from the native Indian practice of using a horse as a pillow and to provide warmth.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

www.peoplesdailyng.com

. . . putting the people first

wednesday, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

QUOTABLE QUOTE The behaviour of retired General (Chief) Obasanjo … continues to constitute a serious embarrassment to the military before all who have reasonably and rightly adjudged the essence of military background in terms of the high value and standard it tends to contribute to statesmanship.

– Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Abuja

SPORTS Buhari: Building religious harmony latest

T

iverpool’s Lazar Markovic has been given a four-match European ban for his red card against Basel at Anfield in the Champions League in December.

The 20-year-old midfielder will miss both legs of the Europa League last-32 tie against Besiktas.

He received one more than the usual three-match ban after being sent off for Benfica against Juventus in last season’s Europa League semi-final.

he ongoing electioneering in Nigeria is unique in many respects. For the two groups involved in the campaign, namely the Buharists and the Jonathanists, it is a campaign for the soul of the nation and most importantly, a campaign for CHANGE on which lies the future of the nation and its diverse people. Before the political campaigns began, it was clear to many Nigerians what the campaign issues are and should be since the more than five years of the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

The issues of the 2015 election campaign are easy to identify and most Nigerians including the uneducated know it. They are insecurity, poor economy and growing poverty, widespread corruption, poor infrastructure and socio- economic amenities like power and collapsed education. It should be noted that under the Jonathan government, Nigeria has fared poorly in the listed critical areas despite huge budgetary allocation made to improve these sectors.

The problem that Nigerians have to deal with in the 2015 presidential election is choosing between non- performance and inefficiency that has brought the nation to the present sorry state, and efficiency, competence and positive leadership that will create the condition for development and progress.

For many Nigerians, General Muhammadu Buhari represents the latter tendency, given his track record of discipline and incorruptibility and the surprising manner in which he emerged as the candidate of the opposition in a keenly contested primary election where few gave him a chance.

Perhaps, based on other calculations, the Jonathan camp did not reckon with the fact that they were to confront a Buhari in the 2015 polls. When they realized the strength and appeal of their opponent and the fact that their achievements in office would pale into insignificance when juxtaposed to failures in security, economy, corruption and power, they abandoned the issues. Rather, as social media enthusiasts would say, they went viral with attacks on the person and private life of Buhari, working very hard to put on him a false toga to create a wedge between him and the Nigerian people who see him as approximating the Change they yearn for.

One area of the life of General Buhari on which most lies have been told to tarnish his image and standing, is religion. Not having the liver to confront Buhari on

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564 385 292 327 454

Gusau, Fresh others retain State FA chairmanship seats

By Albert Akota

E

lections into the Football Associations of the 36 States and Abuja has hit full throttle with the exercise already successfully concluded in some States.

Alhaji Yusuf Ahmed Fresh, Member of the NFF Executive Committee and Chairman of the NFF Referees Committee, retained his seat unopposed as Chairman of Niger State Football Association, at elections conducted in Minna on Monday.

Also on Monday, at elections conducted in Dutse, Alhaji Sabo Abdullahi Dutse retained his seat unopposed as Chairman of the Jigawa State Football Association. yesterday, two more States concluded their exercises, with Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, Member of the NFF Executive Committee and Chairman of the NFF Security Committee, retaining his seat unopposed as Chairman of Zamfara State Football Association at elections conducted in Gusau.

Liverpool hit man baned for four-matchs

L

8620 9705 9046 1969 0344

Wednesday Column Louis Okoroma

Gen. Buhari the burning security, economic and leadership issues of the day, the campaigners for Jonathan have spent much time and effort trying to portray the General as a religious bigot who is intolerant of Christians and people of other religions. They have also worked hard to portray him as a Muslim fundamentalist who if he ascends to power would Islamize the country and introduce Sharia law to replace our present legal system!

Fortunately, all the efforts to demonize General Buhari has failed to yield desired result as Nigerians in unison continue to chorus, ‘’enough of 16 years of PDP misrule’’. In fairness to President Jonathan and in sympathy with him, the issue in the election, is not him as Jonathan, but the PDP as a party that has trifled and made nonsense of the mandate of Nigerians in the last 16 years.

This means that even if Jonathan was not at the helm of affairs and Nigerians find their country in the hopeless and pitiable state it is today, the PDP would still be thrashed by the Nigerian people at the March 28th, 2015 polls.

While working hard to side- track the election issues and damage the person of the amiable Buhari, the Jonathanists did not reckon with Buhari’s simple, natural and down- toearth nature. Buhari’s attractive nature, and his character as a fighter which derive from his military background coupled with his democratic credentials, acquired since he joined politics as a member of the defunct All

Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) has compelled him to fight back at those labelling him a religious bigot and fundamentalist.

While fighting back to remove the false toga, the General unknowingly in the past couple of weeks has acquired a new toga.

General Mohammadu Buhari has become a fighter and builder of religious harmony and tolerance in Nigeria.

Considering the importance of religious harmony to the quest for national development, peace and progress in Nigeria, General Buhari has again made an invaluable contribution to unity of religions in Nigeria, thanks to the Jonathanists.

General Buhari to counter the label of Islamic fundamentalist maliciously put on him by his political opponents recently met with a number of clerics of the Christian faith. The first meeting of the popular General was with the representatives of the influential Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, CBCN in Abuja. Those who witnessed the interaction said it was one friendly and intellectually stimulating encounter never seen before. General Buhari was in his element.

In a speech titled ‘’One Nation Bound in Freedom, Peace and Unity’’, the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stated that, ‘’ those who deliberately disseminate divisive information and attempt to stoke primordial sentiments using religion or ethnicity, and create fear in the minds of our people,

fail the standard of patriotism this nation demands from them.’’ He accused the ruling party and the government of descending to the level of spreading falsehood as a strategy to prevent the inevitable change that our country and people desire and require.

General Buhari later declared to the Catholic Bishops led by the Most Reverend Ignatius Kaigama, Archbishop of Jos, and indirectly to the Christians of all denominations in Nigeria that ‘’ in spite of what our detractors say, I am not a religious fanatic of any sort and I have never been.’’ Then the retired General proceeded to recount pleasant memories he had in the Nigerian Army, the institution that moulded his character and in which he served the nation for a greater part of his life and in which there is no discrimination on religious grounds. He remembered with nostalgia the happy moments and life of discipline and service under fellow Nigerians who were Christians and his superior officers and those who were under his command and mentorship who were not Muslims. It is thus clear that a man like Buhari who had such exposure for the greater part of his life is not and cannot be labelled a religious fanatic.

Rather he is one of the most well rounded persons that Nigeria can lay hold on at a time like this!

When Buhari met with the Association of Pastors of Northern Nigeria and got their endorsement for the 2015 polls, as well as a copy of the Holy Bible, it then dawned on many Nigerians that this man, Mohammadu Buhari is one person in whom religious harmony, peace and unity of Nigeria is assured.

Louis Okoroma is a Political Analyst based in Abuja.

DAN GAYE

I’ll flee Nigeria if Buhari wins – Bode George

The guilty are afraid.

Published by Peoples Media Limited, 35, Ajose Adeogun Street, 1st Floor Peace Park Plaza, Utako, Abuja. Kano office: Plot 3, Zaria Road, Opposite Kano State House of Assembly. Lagos Office: No.8 Oliyide Street, off Unity Road, Ikeja, Lagos. Tel: +234 814 292 9046. Cell: +234 802 443 2099; 803 7007 759. e-mail: contact@peoplesdailyng.com; pmlnewsdesk@gmail.com ISSN: 2141– 6141