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Monday, January 19, 2015 Rabiul Al-Awwal 28, 1436 AH

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Keyamo to Jonathan: You have no appetite to fight corruption >> page 2

APC rejects interim govt, insists on polls From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

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he All Progressives Congress (APC) has said it will neither accept

an interim government nor a postponement of next month’s elections as being advocated by certain individuals, saying the elections must hold as scheduled

on February 14 and 28, 2015.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party warned

that any attempt to scuttle the polls in preference for any other arrangement will be resisted by all available constitutional means.

“We are aware that those who are not comfortable with the turning of the political tide Contd on Page 2

District Head of Yola, Alhaji Sa’ad Bawuro (3rd right), presenting relief materials to internally displaced persons from Mubi, Madam Zainab Umaru (left), yesterday in Yola.

With them are NEMA Coordinator, Alhaji. Sa’ad Bello (right), and others.

Photo: NAN

Boko Haram kills 107 in Zamfara, Potiskum l Abducts 50 children in Cameroon >> page 2

Buhari denies report of foreign medical trip >> page 16

Over 20, 000 Nigerians seek medical treatment in India yearly- Envoy >> page 11

FG crashes fuel price to N87/litre >> page 3

PAGE 2

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

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

19-22 23

S/Report 24-25 Feature 26 Education 28 Health 30

APC rejects interim govt, insists on polls Contd from Page 1 in favour of the opposition ahead of the elections are scheming to abort a possible victory for our party, through either an interim government or a postponement of the elections.

“These enemies of Nigeria include those who are worried by the strong anti-corruption stance of our party and its avowed commitment to good governance and those who favour the status quo of anything goes, bad governance and massive corruption that have left Nigerians deeply pauperized and traumatized,’’ it said.

APC said those who may consider the two scenarios of interim government and postponement of the elections as outlandish should consider the published but yet-unrefuted statement by one Deji Adeyanju, said to be an official in the office of the Senior Special Assistant to

the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe.

The party quoted Adeyanju, who handles Dr. Okupe’s Twitter Account, as saying in a Blackberry Messenger (BBM) statement: “Buhari can never be President of Nigeria. Quote me any day any time. Instead of Buhari to become President of Nigeria, Nigeria would rather break. A military coup will even be allowed than for Buhari to become the President of a democratic Nigeria quote me any day, any time.”

It said that since the statement has not been refuted, one can safely conclude that it represents the thinking in the presidency circle.

“If a citizen is advocating a military coup against a sitting government just to prevent a supposed election victory of the opposition, it is nothing short of treason. Yet, the security agencies that have been falling

From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

the President said he would like to erect a Hall of Shame for Nigerians who engage in corrupt and unwholesome activities that bring the country to disrepute.

But he was the same person who brought a convicted criminal, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, out of the Hall of Shame to the Hall of Fame by misusing his power of Prerogative of Mercy when he granted pardon to this self-confessed ex-convict.

Imagine the pain, the efforts and resources that go into securing a single conviction for corruption in this our clime. Yet, the President decided to spoil the party for anti-corruption campaigners. On top of that, he displayed corruption within corruption by selective pardon when the likes of Tarfa Balogun, Lucky Igbinedion and others who were convicted about the same period did not enjoy his

over themselves warning against incendiary and inciting statements have not yet swung into action over this inciting statement. This is not encouraging vis-a-vis the non-partisan stand of the security agencies.

“The truth is that what could as well be a Freudian slip by Adeyanju has exposed the depth of panic and desperation in the presidency ahead of next month’s polls. This has also confirmed that those who have been canvassing, either openly or otherwise, the options of interim government or postponement of the elections, are working at the behest of certain forces,’’ APC said.

The party therefore called on Nigerians to be vigilant and be ready to do everything under the law to protect the nation’s democracy, imperfect as it may be.

It also alerted the international community to the

evil machinations of desperate politicians ahead of the forthcoming general elections.

“Our stand is simple but needs to be restated: The 2015 general elections must hold as scheduled all over Nigeria, and our party is ready for the elections. As we stated earlier, we will only accept the outcome of a free, fair, credible and transparent elections, not that of manipulated polls. We will also not agree to the postponement of next month’s elections under any guise, and an interim arrangement plot is totally unacceptable to us.

We challenge the ruling PDP to also state its own stand on next month’s polls for the world to note.

“We also challenge the presidency to state its own stand and to also distance itself from the anarchic and treasonable statement by one of its own over the forthcoming polls,’’ APC said.

Keyamo to Jonathan: You have no appetite to fight corruption

L Muhammadu Buhari, Next President?

– Page 4

Metro

32

Int’l 39 S/World

39

Sports 41 Columnist 48

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agos -based human rights lawyer, Mr. Festus Kayemo yesterday said President Goodluck Jonathan would be remembered as the president who destroyed his country and his political party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Keyamo in a press statement issued in Lagos said President Jonathan has no single appetite to fight corruption.

“We have a President who has no single appetite to fight corruption – yes, none. Imagine a campaign that is dominated by the theme of corruption, yet the President has decided to appoint a person facing trial for moneylaundering as his Director of Media and Publicity.

“The President only mouths anti-corruption. The other day (December 23rd, 2014, I think)

Jonathan Presidential pardon.”

Kayemo further challenged leading citizens of the country to stop sitting on the fence ahead of the presidential election and, instead, speak out for the betterment of the country and for posterity to judge them positively.

“My message to those silent elites today is that whilst they are sitting on the fence, people are being killed like flies in some parts of the country on a daily basis; whilst we are on that fence, our foreign reserves are going down, corruption is growing like cancer, poverty is growing even in the face of dubious economic theories and figures, and we continue to live without adequate power supply” Keyamo said apart from the fact that the president is from the Niger-Delta and thus a South-south person, there had been no other reason why some people in the region want him reelected.

Those in the area who are agitating for the President’s reelection, Keyamo said, are only interested in what they can get from the President and not in the interest of Nigeria.

Boko Haram kills 107 in Zamfara, Potiskum From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

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he notorious Boko Haram members have again attacked some communities under Birnin Magaji and Zurmi local government areas of Zamfara state, allegedly killing over one hundred members of the vigilante group in forest ambush.

The incidence reportedly occurred last Tuesday night when the vigilante members from two affected local governments mobilised a joint meeting aimed at curbing the threatening rate of insurgency across the border towns with Katsina state.

A source narrated that, the vigilante groups have traced the main hideout of the terrorists deep down the jungle, believing that the situation can be a further

threat to the oncoming general elections. This followed an earlier decision taken to find a lasting solution in order to ensure peaceful conduct of the elections.

According to the source, “When the meeting was going on, an informant within the meeting alerted the insurgents who immediately surrounded the victims and opened fire on them, killing over a hundred and escaped into the forest”.

The most affected communities include Zurmi, Birnin Magaji and Birnin Tsaba where insurgents’ have been frequently attacking, killing and rustling cows as well as other domestic animals.

Confirming the incidence, the emir of Birnin Magaji emirate, Alhaji Ahmed Umar Usman said, his community lost eight people,

while Zurmi community lost about seventy, and Birnin Tsaba thirty was recorded.

Other sources separately revealed to our correspondent that, the number of those killed were far more than the record so far, as more corpses were still lying there in the deep forest.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the state Command, DSP Lawal Abdullahi, only nineteen lives were lost and men have since been deployed to condone the forest in effort to ensure the return of law and order in the area.

Meanwhile, not less than seven people have been suspected dead with more than 20 others injured when a suicide bomber with a black Honda civic car blew up an explosive in a petrol station

in Potiskum town in Yobe state, An eye witness said the suicide bomber exploded his device immediately on entering the station where people were buying fuel, adding that the injured ones were taken to the general hospital, while soldiers has surrounded the filling station.

There is indication that lots of casualties were sustained as they receive treatment at the Potiskum general hospital. The real casualty rate is yet to be ascertained as rescue team were still carrying out their duty Also on Sunday, three people were killed in an attack by suspected members of the Boko Haram in Tourou, a place in the north of Cameroon. Around 50 children were abducted and 80 houses were burned in the attack, an army source told Xinhua.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

News Protests as Indonesia executes 2 Nigerians, others From Suleiman Idris, with agency reports

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wo Nigerians, Daniel Enemuo and Solomon Okafor, a Malawian, Namaona Denis, a former Brazilian pilot Marco Moreira alongside a Dutch citizen Ang Kiem Soei, Vietnam Tran Thi Bich Hanh and Indonesia Rani Andriani executed by the Indonesian authority over drug related offences has sparked global outrage with the Brazilian and Dutch government recalling their Ambassadors to the Asian country.

The Nigerian government has similarly summoned the Indonesian Ambassador to register Nigeria’s protest over the execution, by firing squad, of the two Nigerians, Solomon Okafor (Alias Namaona Denils) and Daniels Enemuo (Alias

Diarrassoube Mamadou) by the Indonesian government.

The Nigerians were executed along with their counterparts for drug offences at the Island of Nusakambangu in Cilacap, Central Java Province, despite appeals by the Federal Government.

A statement on Sunday in Abuja by the Director, Public Communication Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ogbole AmeduOde, said the executions were carried out despite persistent pleas for clemency made by the FG including the National Assembly.

“The executions had taken place against the grain of the excellent relations that subsist between Nigeria and Indonesia,” the statement noted.

The government expressed its sympathy and condolences

to the families of the deceased and also appealed to Nigerians to desist from drug trafficking which attracts the capital punishment in Indonesia and in many other countries around the world.

The FG said it would continue to engage the Indonesian authorities to negotiate and conclude a Prisoner Transfer Agreement that may enable other convicted Nigerians to return home to serve their prison terms.

It said, “Thus, the Foreign Minister , Amb. Aminu Wali has summoned the Indonesian Ambassador to register Nigeria’s protest.”

“Meanwhile, it strongly appeals, once again, to the Indonesian authorities to exercise clemency for other 12 Nigerians on the death row in the country.”

The government of Netherland and Brazil had appealed to the Indonesia government for clemency but the country’s President Joko Widodo last December rejected any plea insisting the execution by firing squad was carried out early Sunday morning in the Nusakambangan Island Prison Complex.

Reports said a last-minute personal appeal by Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff to spare her countryman, Marco Moreira, and the Dutch government for its citizen, Ang Kiem Soei could not convince Indonesia President while the Attorney General Office’s spokesman Tony Spontana said such plea “will not change or delay the execution”.

“What we do is merely aimed at protecting our nation from

Gunmen FG slashes fuel price to N87 per litre per liter to N87 per liter effective regime as soon as it takes effect attack army By Lawrence Olaoye as of mid-night Sunday the 18th of from midnight Sunday 18th of he Federal Government January 2015.

January 2015. yesterday slashed the pump I do hope the entire country “In line with this I have checkpoint, price of petrol, otherwise directed the Petroleum Product will benefit immensely from this known as Premium Motor Spirit Pricing Regulatory Agency and reduction in the pump price of kill 2 (PMS) from N97 to N87. the Directorate of Petroleum petroleum.”

This, according to the Minister Resources to ensure there is strict Responding to why the

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From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

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unmen attacked an army checkpoint in TakandaGiwa village, Bauhaus highway on Sunday killing one soldier and one civilian, while another civilian was injured.

Our correspondent gathered that the attack caused panic on the highway as motorists coming from Batch and Jos were forced to abandon their vehicles and ran for dear life, while some were said to have made upturn.

Unconfirmed report had it that about five soldiers were killed in the operation, while the attackers made away with the soldiers’ Toyota Hulks van parked at the checkpoint.

But it could not be confirmed if any of the attackers lost their lives in the exchange of fire with the soldiers.

However, a military source informed only one soldier, who was a driver, was killed in the attack, while the civilian was caught in the cross fire between soldiers on duty at the checkpoint and the gunmen The source added that Sunday’s attack by the gunmen was a retaliatory attack, as security personnel had been chasing the gunmen for some time now.

He revealed that even on Saturday, security operatives chased the gunmen from one area to the other.

The source, who would not want to be named, however, declared that the army and their security agencies were on top of the situation.

According to him, more personnel had been deployed in the area to pursue the fleeing gunmen.

o f Pet ro leum, M rs . D ie z ani Allison Madueke, who briefed Villa Correspondents, should take effect from 12 midnight of Sunday, 18th January.

She said the reduction became necessary due to the consistent slide in the price of crude at the international market.

She added that the Petroleum Product Price Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) has been directed to effect the new change with immediate effect.

Alison-Madueke, said “As you may be aware, there has been a lot of volatility in price of petroleum product, particularly crude oil over the last few months. Invariably, this has meant that the price of the product in Nigeria has also been greatly impacted.

“It is as a result of this, under the approval and directive of Mr. President and in line with Section 6 Clause 1 of the Petroleum Act, that it is my responsibility as the Minister of Petroleum to announce that there will be a reduction in the pump price of petroleum (primium motor spirit) by N10. Therefore, the reduction will be from N97

adherence to this new pricing

government resolved to reduce

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he Manag e me nt of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has initiated a scheme called ‘Kero Correct’ that would crash the price of kerosene to the regulated price of N50 per litre nationwide.

A statement by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, NNPC, Ohi Alegbe said the plan was disclosed in Abuja over the weekend, observed

the danger of drugs,” Attorney General Muhammad Prasetyo told reporters Thursday. “There is no excuse for drug dealers, and hopefully this will have a deterrent effect.”

He said that Widodo refused Rousseff’s appeal by telephone to spare Moreira. The president told Rousseff that he could not commute the sentence because all judicial proceedings had followed Indonesian law and Moreira had been granted due process, Prasetyo said.

He said that the executions would not disturb Indonesia’s ties with those countries.

Amnesty International said the executions would be a setback to the new Indonesian government’s promise of improving respect for human rights.

Indonesia has extremely strict drug laws and often executes smugglers. More than 138 people are on death row, mostly for drug crimes. About a third of them are foreigners.

the price, the minister said “We think is actually time to reduce the price we have been watching very carefully for the last two weeks to ensure that the volatility did not destabilize this particular reduction in price and we think it is safe to implement it at this time.”

President Goodluck Jonathan (left), and First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan (2nd left) receiving a souvenir from Executive Secretary, Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) Mr. John Kennedy Opara (2nd right), and Commissioner Representing North East, Architect Bishop Nimyel Baba (right), during a special service to mark the thanksgiving for the 2014 pilgrimage, Yesterday at the Aso Villa Chapel, in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

NNPC to crash Kerosene price

By Etuka Sunday

PAGE 3

that though kerosene was the most subsidized product, the Nigerian masses have not been enjoying the subsidy because of the long arbitrage system involved in its distribution and retail, diversion of the product by marketers to the construction industry where it is used for blending bitumen, and the fact that NNPC has no direct control over most of the marketers involved in the distribution and sales of the product.

“The Kero Correct initiative is thus designed to distribute and sell kerosene directly to end users from NNPC Retail mega and affiliate stations across the country at the governmentregulated price of N50 per litre to ensure effective control,” the statement said.

The statement quoted the General Manager, NNPC Retail, Mr. Ufford Jackson Ibanga, as assuring that all of the 524 NNPC retail mega, floating mega

and affiliate stations across the country have been keyed up for the Kero Correct scheme.

The scheme which will be officially flagged off soon will involve the distribution of a total of 1,500 trucks of kerosene across NNPC Retail’s mega and affiliate stations across the country to ensure that each consumer gets at least 25 litres of the product over the next three months.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

Page 4 Report Muhammadu Buhari, Next President?

By Ochiaka Ugwu

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former head of State, retired general, elder statesman, anti-corruption czar, chairman of Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), incorruptible public officer and the list goes on.

At age 71, he is still waxing strong and has remained unstoppable.

The prestigious Muhammadu Buhari got the political world talking when he overwhelmingly won the All Progressives Congress presidential primaries.

He is well-known for his well put together leadership role and he has not once disappointed those who have put him in position of authority and will not disappoint m o s t Nigerians who

are set to vote him in February presidential polls. Buhari clearly takes her leadership roles seriously and has never performed below expectation in any role he found himself playing during his public life. The emergence of this active general as the APC presidential candidate came as a surprise to many people. Analysts have placed him side by side with other candidates especially Atiku Abubakar who later came a distance third. This however is not the case. His capabilities as a clean man living in an already corrupt Nigeria society where corruption has become a way of life should not be questioned. Reason being, his achievements speak of what he is able to do and where he would put a country like Nigeria, if he elected into power which is likely to happen given his wide acceptance b y Nigerians w h o are

desirous of change from the stranglehold of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Nigeria today is being confronted with many problems stretching from insecurity to corruption. With that being said, the country needs to grown in many ways. The enthronement of a tested and trusted person like Buhari at the helm of affairs is of utmost important. Tribe and religion are no longer the issue anymore based on the fact that we are living in a democratic country that needs to assert itself and provide leadership to the teaming population. An example of that change or person who has done and is still doing well for himself in his leadership position is the APC candidate, Mohammadu Buhari. Buhari’s coming to power will no doubt clearly put things in proper perspective. With him taking the role of salvaging the country instead of enjoying his retirement, it shows that he is cut out to help humanity and provide the much needed leadership direction Nigerians are yearning for. For Buhari to have spent his productive years serving his fatherland and choosing to offer himself as a sacrificial lamb in his quest for making Nigeria a better place for all.

However, some people do not take this gesture in a positive light. The propaganda being carried by undesirable elements who never wished the country any good shows a different side as to what the opponent think about Alhaji Buhari. Looking at the major criticisms on the retired general, the PDP and its co-travelers presumably believe the APC presidential candidate has different motives as to why he insisted on returning to power a f t e r

“

It could be recalled that since Buhari joined partisan politics in 2002, his closest associates have been Christians such as the late Chuba Okadigbo, Edwin Ume-Ezoke, Chiefs Tony Momoh, Mike Ahamba, and Pastor Tunde Bakare.

seeking same for three unsuccessful attempts.

They held that the reason why he wanted power was to deal with his perceived enemies. But this from all estimation bellies the man, their fear stems from the fact that Buhari being an upright man will not tolerate their corrupt practices and it will never be as business as usual.

They fear that most of them will certainly cool their heels in jail if Buhari presidency becomes a reality. They also alleged that Buhari will Islamize the country.

This in fact is a serious allegation.

For someone who was a military head of state and refused to register Nigeria as a member of Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) why would he want to islamize the country now as a civilian president of whom many people have died for in making it a better country for the future generation?

Cynics who have tagged him as a religious fanatic have succeeded in exposing their ignorance on the person of the general. While refuting the insinuations that he is a religious fundamentalist, Buhari admitted that he is a “practicing Muslim”, but argued that his career background and general orientation has never indicated a proclivity for religious intolerance or religious obsession.

Buhari who said that he cannot disown his religion because of the accusations, made it clear that People he worked with for more than 20 years in the army including all the commands and staff that he worked with along the line were Christians.

He informed that when he moved into Maiduguri to clear the Chadians who was disturbing the city his second in command was Ugwoke, an Igbo and a Christian and they worked cordially which made the operation successful.

The former head of state left his audience spell bound when he announced that he has not been to Mecca in

the last 12 years and wondered why anybody in his right senses will stick the tag of religious fanaticism around him.

It could be recalled that since Buhari joined partisan politics in 2002, his closest associates have been Christians such as the late Chuba Okadigbo, Chiefs Tony Momoh, Mike Ahamba, and Pastor Tunde Bakare. When he got the ticket to run for the presidency in 2003 under the banner of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), against all odds he picked Okadigbo who was a Catholic, an Igbo and a protégé of Late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe as his running mate.

In 2007 contest under the platform of the same All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), again Buhari picked Chief Ume-Ezeoke, he was an Igbo and a Roman Catholic. In 2011, now under the umbrella of Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) he picked Tunde Bakare, a pastor.

So how more Christian do you want this man to be in his life endeavors. His action so far shows that he is a detrablised Nigerian committed to the progress of the nation.

The fact remains that with Goodluck Jonathan’s collapsing popularity, Buhari actually stands a chance of winning the 2015 elections.

It is glaring that for the first time in the last 16 years - Nigeria’s longest spell of democracy - there is a real chance that the president could be someone other than the candidate (PDP).

The truth of the matter is that Buhari remains the single most popular man in Nigeria.

Despite lacking real party structure, Buhari, with CPC in 2011, defeated Jonathan in Yobe, Zamfara, Sokoto, Niger, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Gombe and Jigawa. He single-handedly polled a total of 12,214,853 votes.

Riding on the back of APC’s nationwide structure backed by majority of Nigerians, 14 governors and their war chest, a Buhari victory in 2015 is quite sure.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

PAGE 5

News

Group sues for suspension of Nigeria’s election at ECOWAS Court

Senate President David Mark (2nd right), speaking during PDP North-Central stakeholders meeting, at the weekend in Abuja. With him are Plateau state Governor, Mr. Jonah Jang (left), Benue state Governor, Mr. Gabriel Suswam (2nd left), and Niger state Governor, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu (right).

Photo: NAN

By Evelyn Okakwu

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civil rights group; Citizen’s Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER) has approached the ECOWAS Community court of justice, requesting the court to suspend the forth coming general elections in Nigeria, scheduled for the 15th of next month.

CASER”S Executive Director, Frank Tietie said the suit, with the number ECW/CCJ/ APP/03/15, was to determine; “Whether the coming general elections in Nigeria, scheduled to hold in February 2015 ought not to be postponed or suspended in order to preserve Citizen’s Fundamental human right to life, in accordance with the ECOWAS Protocol relating to the mechanism for conflict prevention, management, resolution, peace keeping and Security?”

Speaking further; Tietie said the facts alleged, leading the quarry were the protracted insurgency in the North Easter part of Nigeria which has claimed over a thousand lives.

He added that the Nigerian military has not shown superior strength to protect the people, hence the advancement of the terrorist to other parts of the country.

Tietie said the problem which has led to the massive number of Internally Displaced Persons, (IDPs) amounting to 3.3 Million Nigerians, according to the Internally Displaced Monitoring Center (IDMC), would have a drastic effect on the results of the elections of not postponed and proper arrangements made.

Other facts, enumerated by the group are; that: 4 weeks to the elections, INEC was still grappling with issues of logistics.

And from the parties, it was also alleged that the all Progressives Congress (APC) has vowed to form a parallel government in the event where it was unsatisfied with the results, while Militants from the Niger Delta have also vowed to disintegrate Nigeria, in the event of a failure of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The group therefore alleged that the present state of insecurity of human lives in Nigeria cannot sustain the conducts of general elections.

I didn’t channel state funds to VP Sambo- Gov Yero

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

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aduna state Governor, Alhaji Mukhtar Ramalan Yero had refuted allegations that he was subservient to Vice President Namadi Sambo and had channeled huge sum of money belonging to the state to Sambo, saying that such assertions were misleading as the Vice President

had never interfered in his work as governor. He Stated this in an Hausa Radio phone-in programme Hannu Da yawa’ on the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).

Yero also denied report that he had called on his supporters to engage whoever engaged them in violence, saying his statement was misunderstood, and under no

circumstance will he ever call for violence either in the build up to the elections, during or after the elections.

The governor reiterated that he only urged his supporters to rise up and defend themselves whenever the opposition attacked and tried to destroy their property, adding that self defense was a duty incumbent upon any human

being.

He however, appealed for calm before, during and after the forthcoming elections, adding that as an advocate of peace right from his early years, it was his prayers that people should conduct themselves peacefully and be allowed to vote for persons of their choice without intimidation or force.

Christian council to deploy 2,000 monitors for February polls From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

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n order to ensure that free, fair and transparency are the watch words of the 2015 general elections, the Christian Council of Nigeria, (CCN) is deploying over 2000 observers to monitor the electoral processes across the country.

The General Secretary of the Council Reverend, Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Wushishi disclosed this at a press briefing in Kaduna

yesterday.

He said the 2000 observers comprising 2 coordinators from each states and 55 members from each of the 36 states will be trained to observe and report timely on any malpractices or otherwise in their polling units.

He further disclosed that the council has already trained more than 400 church leaders; women and youth leaders across the nation who are expected to go back to their communities and train

others on civic educations.

He advised every Nigerians to participate actively in the electoral processes. Noting that the effects of bad governance will still fall back on the Nigerians if they fail to perform their civic responsibility of electing credible leaders of their choice.

“Apart from the civic education and sensitization on rights and responsibilities, the council hopes to mobilize and deploy over two thousand (2000) people to observe

and report on the forthcoming general elections in Nigeria. Our grass root members will be trained to observe and report timely on any malpractices or otherwise in their polling units.

However, the council also called all on government at all levels to ensure that lives and properties of all Nigerians are protected before, during and after the elections, specifically the Christian minority in the crisis area and north as a whole.

AUN boss, others bag Jama’atu Nasril Islam humanitarian award Form Umar Dankano, Yola

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he Nigerian aid group, Jama’atu Nasril Islam, women wing Adamawa State chapter has awarded five people for delivering humanitarian services to the needy and has compassion to mankind in general.

Those awarded for year

2015 includes; president of the American University of Nigeria, AUN, Professor Margee Ensign, state president of National Council Women Society of Nigeria, NCWS, Hajiya Aishatu Barkindo Mustapha, immediate past Commissioner of Women Affairs, Hajiya Halima Muh’d Hayatu, Hon Aishatu Dahiru Binani serving

member of House representing Yola North, Yola South and Girei federal constituency of the state, and former Executive of Universal Basic Education Board, UBE in the state, Dr. Halilu Hamman respectively At the occasion of seminar for its members for 2015 (1436AH) held weekend at the famous capital

Shinkafi assures recall of 14,000 Zamfara sacked workers From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

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ormer Zamfara state governor, Mamuda Aliyu Shinkafi who is vying for the seat of the state governor under the umbrella of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has promised to recall 14,000 sacked civil servants ahead of oncoming general elections.

Shinkafi, who made pronouncement while flagging up Presidential/Gubernatorial campaign on Saturday in Gusau, the state capital assured that, sectors including agriculture, education and youths empowerment would receive priority of his administration if elected to serve as the next governor of the state.

He further explained

that, the abandoned zamfara state agricultural revolution programme(ZACAREP) would be revived to enhance food production in the state.

He added that the teeming civil servants across the state that are now faced with hardship in terms of daily needs would laugh for providing handsome salary and other welfare package within the first quarter of his administration.

Primary Secondary School Yola conference hall, the state Amira of the Organization,Hajiya Amina Muhammad Bashir reminded the gathering that it is ordained by Almighty Allah for his creatures including human beings to be kind to others which was the yard stick used in picking these awardees for their selfless service to humanity.

Hajiya Bashir charged other members of the society to be givers or providers of humanitarian services to our people for peace, love and harmony above all for God’s blessings in a abundances.

Responding President Margee Ensign expressed delight over the gesture saying is a morale booster for them to improve in the little contribution in human development especially considering the hardship being experience in this part of the globe.

PAGE 6

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

News

Road projects: Gov Yari disagrees with FG over N33bn reimbursement

From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

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overnor Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar of Zamfara state has accused federal government over alleged refusal to reimburse the total sum of 33 billion naira utilised for the constructions federal roads across the state within last three years.

Yari, who was swiftly reacting to the claim made by the minister of finance, Alhaji Bashir Yuguda at a flag-off ceremony of the 2015 Presidential and Gubernatorial campaigns of the opposition PDP Saturday in Gusau, the state capital that, the federal government has instantly released all monies as reimbursement to the Zamfara

state government.

The governor, who was in Shinkafi local government area for campaign, has challenged that never was a single kobo paid through the office of the minister of finance into the state government coffers with regard to claim for the total sum of 33 billion naira being reimbursement for the federal roads been constructed as

earlier filed in by his administration.

He further insisted that, “If the good people of Zamfara state were enveloped by the deceitful claim of the minister of finance, then I and my entire family warmly invite the minister and his entire family too, to gather at any spacious ground to swear in the holy name of Almighty Allah to curse the liar among the two us”

Officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Gombe state office, during their visit to victims of Friday bomb-blast, who were hospitalised at the Specialist Hospital, on Saturday in Gombe.

PDP executive declare support for APC In Kwara From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

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he Executive of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of WaraOsin and Egbejila ward in Ilorin West Local Government of Kwara state on Sunday declared their support for All Progressive Congress(APC) in the state.

They also disclosed that they would campaign for the party and house of assembly candidate in the constituency, Princess Segilola Abdulkadir.

While leading the PDP executive, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Ado of WaraOsin Ward, said that their loyalty still remains with Hon. Segilola despite party differences.

He described Segilola as an honest human being, who has represented their constituency well, and her achievements as a legislator further earned her their support.

Speaking on behalf of other PDP executive during a courtesy call to Princess Segilola’s constituency office, Ado said, “ We are still a card carrying member of PDP in our respective wards, but we still feel it is wrong to endorse any other candidate than honorable Segilola come 2015 as member Kwara house of assembly.

Ado’s words, “She has performed more than their expectations. We need to go beyond party politics to support people with achievements, and better sense of representation and that is what we are doing now by supporting Segilola.”

Polls: Aliyu urges royal fathers to dowse tension

Photo: NAN

From Yakubu Mustapha,Minna

Child marriage abuse in Nigeria, large and profound-Canadian envoy

By Evelyn Okakwu

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he Canadian government has reenacted its media campaign against early or forced marriage of young girls in most parts of the world, including Nigeria.

Speaking during the recently organised media briefing to mark the showcasing of its visuals for; “Two young to wed”, a global network against child marriage, the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Perry Calderwood said.

“It is estimated that there are about 14 million girls around the world that are married, each year before they turn 18. This number amounts to about 1 in 3 girls in the developing world”.

Calderwood added that 1, in 10 of these are married before the age of 15, stressing that the implications of child marriage in Nigeria are large and profound.

“Complications relating to pregnancy are leading cause of death for girls in the developing

world, within the ages of 15 and 19”.

Also at the event; the founder, Isa-Wali empowerment initiative, Maryam Uwais, a member of the girls not bride network, while addressing questions on leaders taking teenage girls as brides; said: “Leaders all over the world think about their communities, before they think about themselves, and Nigerian leaders should remember what they represent before taking any

decision, as set standards.”

“We have young girl with narrow pelvises having VVF. There are at least about 20, 000 such cases, yearly and the repair centers can only cope with 4, 000 repairs a year. The only way to combat this is to prevent young girls giving birth”, she added.

Speaking further, Uwais said; “As a Muslim myself, I do not see how we can justify child marriage when you look at the scriptures and you know that God is a just God”.

NLC, TUC others urge Yuguda to pay workers December salary From Ahmed Kaigama,Bauchi

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he Nigerian Labour Congress NLC, in collaboration with Trade Union Congress TUC and Joint Public Service negotiating council has called on Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State to pay workers their December Salary in the best interest of workers towards the

development of the State.

The three chairmen of the Unions, Comrade Hashimu Gital, Comrade Mohammed Usman and Comrade Aliyu Mohammed made the call in a joint Press conference at the week end in Bauchi.

The NLC chairman said as a result of dwindling of resources workers suffered due to delay in the payment of salaries.

Usman said from February last year government paid February salary in March, the situation continued up till today, in December we collected November remaining December.

While Comrade Aliyu said “ even though government and the union were discussing on the best way to settle the one month salary reminded the government that it’s

good to pay the salary in order to ease the hardship faced by the workers in the state , because it’s good to pay a worker before his sweat got dry” All effort to get the reaction of the state head of service, Mr Abdon Dala Gin failed Meanwhile the information officer of the head of service, Umar Sa’I’d said the state head of service have traveled out of the state.

T

he Governor of Niger state, Dr. Mu ‘azu Babangida Aliyu has called on traditional leaders in the country to employ themselves in their God - given service to dissipate growing tension over fears of crisis in the 2015 general elections.

Governor Aliyu made the disclosure at the coronation and presentation of staff of office ceremony of His Royal Highness, Alhaji Yusuf Nuhu, the 23rd Etsu of Agaie. Where he said the traditional institution has always been the cradle of stability in Nigeria.

He stated that the reason for the escalating fears in the forthcoming election is on the account of desperation within the political class, adding that it is instructive to always put the unity of Nigeria before individual interest.

“All apprehensions for violence will not be seen once we learn to accept whatever outcome of result we, know that God decides who wins. It is however our duty to tell our children to be law abiding and to stay away from acts that will lead to violence “ “We therefore call on our traditional leaders to remind their subjects that the unity of Nigeria is sacrosanct, hence above individual interest” The Etsu Agaie, Alhaji Nuhu in his acceptance speech pledged to lead the people with the fear of Allah. He also said he will continue to educate people of the emirate on the need for a violent free election.

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

News

Wife threatens divorce over husband’s frequent eating of dog meat From Osa Eresoyen, Asaba

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Houses and shops burnt by alleged political thugs, at the weekend in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe state.

Police arrest head master over alleged 93m fraud

From Osa Eresoyen, Asaba

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n assistant head master in one of the primary schools in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State (name withheld) currently being interrogated by the Criminal Investigations Departments (CID) police headquarters, Asaba, would soon face the stern looks of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abuja for allegedly defrauding KCM Business Venture in Boji Boji Owa, the sum of N93,964,068.49.

According to the petition written by Barrister Benjamin

Afam Okoh from Oyiboka Chambers, Boji Boji Owa in Ika North East Local Government area of the state on behalf of the KCM business venture, the sum of N93,964,068.49 defrauded were for 76 members, adding that the contribution were operating under a registered business name KCM Business Venture.

The petition alleged that 76 persons contributed a total of N93,964,068.49 to KCM Business Venture for business, adding that the assistant headmaster went to KCM to borrow the said amount for business with the assurance to pay back, adding that upon the

expiration of the agreed time, he failed to pay anything.

In the petition addressed to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Police Command, Asaba, the Assistant Headmaster on September 17, 2014 admitted being in possession of the said amount on investigation.

The KCM Business Venture disclosed that while investigation into the alleged fraud by the headmaster was going on, it was reported that he petitioned the federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) Abuja, for the squad to take over the investigation that was going on in Asaba.

The reports said that the alleged fraudster wanted the investigation to be transferred to Abuja as a delay tactics in the investigation of the offence he allegedly committed.

This is not the first time, according to the KCM, that the alleged fraudster was involved in such ‘dubious act to some members of the public, adding that he allegedly boasted that he has all the machinery to cover the matter.

The KCM therefore urged the Deputy Commissioner of Police to make sure that the issue of the alleged fraud be handled at the State Police Headquarters, Asaba.

children.

Mr Fatai Adeniji of the Adedeji Adeniji Chambers, Yaba, Lagos, noted that child abuse included rape, molestation and child labour.

He said that rape or sexual abuse of children from nine years old to 16 years old were two times higher than that of the adult population “Nurturing the girl-child is not the responsibility of government alone but all stakeholders.

“Government and its security agencies need to create a safe environment that will protect children from various forms of abuse,” Adeniji said.

Mr Ola Ogunbiyi of the Ola Ogunbiyi Chambers, Abulenla, Ebute Meta, told NAN that governments should build a safe environment and remove all forms of violence.

He said that children with emotional and behavioural disorders had a high tendency to drop out of school.

Ogunbiyi urged the Lagos State Government to adequately enforce its Child Rights Law enacted 2011.

“The state government should be more proactive and protect children from being abused,’’ he said.

He called on states yet to have a child right law to so urgently to protect their children.

“We need to build our tomorrow if we want to improve our quality of life,’’ he said.

dubbed “Ban drugs in hundreds of cities”, it said, quoting the Ministry of Public Security. The campaign will last until April.

The ministry said earlier that around 180,000 drug users had been punished by mid-December, with 55,679 sent to compulsory rehabilitation centers.

Illegal drugs, especially

synthetic substances like methamphetamine, ketamine and ecstasy, have grown in popularity in China in tandem with the rise of a new urban class with greater disposable incomes.

Authorities have stepped up efforts to combat drugs, teaming up with Laos, Myanmar and Thailand to try to stem the flow of

drugs from Southeast Asia, even arresting a string of celebrities on drug charges to bring publicity to the issue.

Earlier this month a Beijing court sentenced Jaycee Chan, son of kung fu movie star Jackie Chan, to six months in prison and fined him 2,000 yuan on drug charges.

Lawyers seek end to child abuse

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wo Lagos-based lawyers, Messrs Fatai Adeniji and Ola Ogunbiyi, on Sunday called for adequate punishment for child abuse in Nigeria.

The lawyers urged relevant agencies of government to strictly enforce laws against child abuse to check the vice.

They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that increasing cases of child abuse had shown the importance of Child Rights Act and the need to properly protect the rights of

Chinese police net over 60,000 people in vast drug sweep

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olice in China have arrested 60,500 people for drugrelated crimes and seized 11.14 metric tons of narcotics in a vast, multi-city sweep, the official Xinhua news agency reported.

Police handled 52,800 drug crime cases from late September to December during a campaign

n Ogwashi-Uku based house wife in Delta State identified as Anwulika (surname withheld) at the weekend threw cautions to the wind when she engaged her husband in a fight at a fried dog meat selling cool spot about four poles away from her house in the community.

The housewife, it was reliably gathered, has been complaining over the husband’s frequent visit to the joint; a situation she could no longer help when her complaint fell on deaf ears to storm the joint where she allegedly engaged him in a fight.

As it were, the woman had also complained of nonpayment of the children’s school fees, three of whom are said to be attending one of the colleges in the town, while the fourth in a private primary school.

Expectedly, the unsuspecting husband, a community based plumber has shuttered into the joint when the wife had followed him with Okada motorcycle to the joint near Ishiagu community and having ordered for two heavy chunk of the oily meat fried served with yam and soup, especially described as fever curing type, he was said to have cleared his throat properly to allow for the easy flow of the peppery liquid when the bubble burst.

He had just barely engaged the very piece he raised from the plate when the wife looking very set for a showdown was said to have appeared from no where and allegedly opened the torrent of her vexation on the dog meat seller who for close to two minutes stood speechless; but instead of replying, the woman was allegedly said to have slapped the husband with the meat that later fell out from his mouth.

It was further gathered that the husband in retaliation dazed her in the mouth but was rescued by a passerby who later intervene to settle the matter.

Speaking to our correspondent, the woman said, ‘I have not been comfortable with this dog meat my husband has been eating, each time he eats from this dog meat and makes love to me he stays more than expected, and I began to be worried over his increasing performances and this has affected my vagina so seriously with injuries; but the husband in reaction dispelled as untrue describing the wife as a nagging and incorrigible wife’.

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

News

Boko Haram: Adamawa northern zone now safe for returnees-Police, SSS

From Umar Dankano, Yola.

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he Adamawa northern senatorial district has been confirmed to be safe and secure for people to return and continue with their lawful activities, especially Mubi, Maiha and Uba Askira towns respectively.

The development was made public by the security agencies at a stakeholders meeting convened by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Adamawa State branch which brought stakeholders cutting across all the political parties in the state and the security agencies operating in the state to deliberate on the forth coming February elections.

State commissioner of police, Gabriel Adaji who spoke at the meeting held at the INEC conference hall said Mubi and Maiha with the exception of Michika and Madagali are now safe for citizens to go about their lawful activities.

CP Adaji disclosed that there was no incidence for now in Mubi and Maiha that could create any condition to panic about, yet he failed to offer any assurance of elections holding in the area.

“As for now, that I am talking to you the state apart from Michika and Madagali is safe”. Adaji advanced Corroborating the CP’s position, Director in charge of State Security Services in the state,Mr. Olugbenga Jaiyeoba expressed worry about what he described

Yola: Action Aid, NGO embark on electoral process awareness campaign From Umar Dankano, Yola

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nongovernmental organization Christened ‘Community Reach Initiative’ in collaboration with Action Aid Nigeria has embarked on mobilization awareness project with a view of enlightening the electorate on voting pattern and choice of credible candidate that could emerge as leaders in the fourth coming February 2015 general elections.

The programme manager of the organization, Alhaji Gidado Ahmad dropped the hint during a courtesy call on the members of the correspondents’ chapel of the Nigeria union of journalists Adamawa State chapter stressing that, the scheme would make the people ask candidates what they will do for them if voted into office.

Gidado, explained further that this will also enable the electorates not to be pushed over by those they elect and that, three communities each from six local government areas have been chosen for the project.

The organization he further opined was to create firm awareness on the electorates and it says it is nonpartisan.

“We are a nonpartisan organization as we will have facilitators that will educate these electorates.” He said

as the political Boko Haram working to subvert any plans to hold elections in the those areas.

SSS boss who explained that his position did not defer from that of the police commissioner, stressed that his skepticism about elections holding in Mubi and Maiha was based on the fact that there was three kinds of Boko Haram, “the political Boko

Haram, the criminal Boko Haram which has been hijacked by armed robbers and the real Boko Haram”.

He said the real Boko Haram will never tell you when they are coming and observed that the real success of the elections however depends on the politicians who he charged not to hide under the cloak of the political Boko Haram to scuttle the elections in the area

He added that if the politicians create a conducive atmosphere for the elections, the security agencies will only have to just key into it and everybody will be better for it.

The newly posted resident electoral commissioner for the state, Alh. Yusuf Shehu Baba promised to communicate whatever decision was reached with the security agencies on whether

to conduct elections in the area.

The INEC REC said the conduct of credible free and fair elections lay with stakeholders of the political parties while observing that INEC alone could not guarantee smooth elections devoid of violence if the political parties and their aspirants did not key into plans to ensure the elections hold without violence and acrimony.

L-R: PDP Senatorial Candidate for Adamawa Central, Dr Aliyu Idi Hong, District Head of Hong, Alhaji Umar Mahmood, and Chairman, Hong Local Government, Alhaji Ahmed Isa, during the presentation of relief materials donated by the candidate for victims of insurgents attacks in the local government area, at the weekend in Hong, Adamawa state.

Photo: NAN

Buhari can change Nigeria, Nasarawa residents say

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ome Residents of Nassarawa State on Sunday said that the Presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Gen. Mohammadu Buhari can change Nigeria for good.

They gave their opinions in separate interviews with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lafia.

Mr Silas Agara, the APC gubernatorial running mate in the state, said Buhari ``is an upright person who has nothing to gain in deceiving Nigerians.’’

``If you study him as a person, you will notice clearly that this man has one goal in mind and that is to rescue Nigerians from recession, corruption and so many other problems that are facing us. ``Even the opposition admits that he is a man of trust and incorruptibility, and that is why they are very worried now.’’ he said.

Mr Clement Godwin, another resident said he was not

suprised that Buhari is admired by many across the country. ``Going by his antecedents, this is not a surprise to me, we all know him to be a man who keeps his word. ``He is in politics because it is the only mediums available to get to the position where he can help Nigerians regain what we have lost over the years.’’

Miss Lizzy Oyelade, said Buhari’s manifesto and plans for Nigerians

if elected were in tandem with the needs of Nigerians. ``Hence I believe that he can change the country for good. You will realise that issues on corruption, insecurity, and unemployment and youth restiveness are constant in his campaign.’’

Mallam Ahmed Abubakar, another resident said he believed that Buhari will change Nigeria like Gov. Umaru Al-Makura has done in Nasarawa state.

From Umar Dankano, Yola.

While making the presentation, Dr. Hong who looked disturb over the weekend in Hong said the attack by the Boko Haram Insurgents is a serious setback to the development of humanity and their society adding that the gesture was to identify with his people at the time of need weather for good or for bad.

Receiving the donation on behalf of his subjects, District Head of Hong Alhaji Umar Mahmud Babangida called on the Federal Government and other donor

agencies to come to the rescue of the people who are in dire need of assistance following massive destruction wreaked on the town

by Boko Haram insurgents.

Items donated by the senatorial candidate include 100 bags of maize, 100 bundles of zinc, 240 mats and 530 assorted clothing materials.

Narrating their ordeals, the District Head noted that the people have virtually lost everything they had labored for in the past as unquantifiable

lives and properties have been destroyed by the Boko Haram Insurgents when they held sway in the area.

He thanked Dr. Idi Hong for the gesture adding,“Our son is the first person to bring relief materials since our relocation back into the town. We are grateful for the show of love at this critical time in our lives. We urged the Federal Government, well spirited individuals, donor agencies and other intervention agencies to come to our rescue,” he pleaded.

Insurgency: Ex foreign affairs minister gives succor to Hong victims

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he former Minister of foreign affairs and Adamawa Central Senatorial Candidate under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong has donated relief materials worth thousands of naira to the people of his home town, Hong Local Government area in Adamawa State with a view to cushion the hardship of destruction and killings by the insurgents onslaught recently.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

Page 9

News Gombe blasts: Victims were treated by resident doctors, says NMA

From David Hassan, Gombe

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ational Medical Association (NMA) Gombe state chapter has denied media report that doctors at the hospitals in Gombe as a result of strike were unable to assist victims who were affected during explosion that left six people dead and injured ten

… Urges JOHESU members to suspend strike others at a satellite market in Arawa area of Gombe state.

The chairman of the association, Dr. Danladi Adamu Bojude who made the disclosure yesterday in Gombe while briefing newsmen also said Gombe resident doctors are not on strike as it was reported in one of the national dailies, He

called on the public to discard the report even as he said the report was not true, but noted that there is need for the media to cross-check their facts before going to the press.

Speaking further, the chairman said those who were affected during the explosion on Friday were given

adequate attention by doctors at Gombe Specialist Hospital with a view to ensure that the affected victims get proper treatment.

He debunked media report on Saturday by the national daily online that doctors were unavailable to attend to affected victims during the blast on Friday

Internally displaced persons and villagers queuing for free medical attention, during a medical outreach by ‘Friendship with Purpose’ Group, on Saturday at Wasa village, in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

Jonathan promises women 45 percent affirmative action, says Danna From Ahmed Kaigama,Bauchi

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he Bauchi suspended female lawmaker and member of the President Goodluck/ Sambo campaign organization, Hon.Rifkatu Samson Danna has declared that president Jonathan assured that women empowerment will be high point in his administration with 45 percent women affirmative action in his action plan if re-elected into office.

Hon.Samson Danna made the declaration while talking to press

men in Bauchi at the weekend, saying that president Jonathan admitted that women folk have important role in nation building necessary for sustainable development at all levels.

She said in conscious effort to further realize the Gender Affirmative Action, President Goodluck Jonathan while campaigning for election the last term pledged to uphold the 35 percent affirmative action.

According to her, the President has gone a long way in giving effective representation to women

in political and public office appointments, we most reciprocate that gesture by voting for him again Danna Said “Today, there are about 13 women in Jonathan’s Federal Executive Cabinet, representing about 32 per cent of the 42 member Cabinet, with many others leading sensitive institutions.”

“This means, the Goodluck Jonathan’s administration has scored high marks on the empowerment of women, to his credit, women now know that they can aspire to the highest office in the

country” the female lawmaker said Hon Samson, appeals to president Jonathan to host women groups as rival in progress alongside the youths in similar meeting The member of the Jonathan/ Sambo campaign organization commended FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed for hosting over 700 political groups NGOs as demonstration to kicks start Jonathan campaign re-election bid the first of its kind for a serving minister to organize such political meeting in the country

go for tourism, business, training and as students. ``The rejection rate is very low, may be 20 to 25 per cent or even lower than that but it is not more than 25 per cent,” he said.

The envoy explained that the high commission was always careful in ensuring that only Nigerians without questionable character travelled to his country.

According to him, the measure is aimed at protecting genuine applicants from falling victims of fraudsters who masquerade as visa agents.

He said many of such fraudsters had duped unsuspecting visa applicants, who later realised

that the documents they were issued by the agents were fake.

The envoy said that already, the ICPC had secured the conviction of 27 fraudulent visa agents on behalf of the high commission.

Ghanashyam advised prospective visa applicants to come directly to the high commission, assuring that adequate measures had been adopted to protect the applicants from visa scammers.

He, however, regretted that in spite of the high volume of air traffic between India and Nigeria, there was still no direct flight between the two countries. ``Presently, there are no direct flights between Nigeria

and India, travellers are currently forced to connect flights in Addis Ababa, South Africa or Dubai. ``Direct flights between Nigeria and India will boost business, tourism, save passengers flight time and reduce the stress of the journey. ``Also, direct movement of patients during emergencies could save a lot of lives; so direct flights are important during medical emergencies,” he said.

According to him, the high commission is working with relevant Nigerian authorities to introduce direct flight between Nigeria and India to boost bilateral relations.

Over 20,000 Nigerians seek medical treatment in India annually, says High Commissioner

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o fewer than 20,000 out the 40,000 Nigerians who to travel to India every year were those seeking for medical attention, the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Ajjampur Ghanashyam, has said.

Ghanashyam told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja that 50 per cent of those issued with visa to that country, sought for medical care, while the remaining travelled for business, tourism, training and tertiary education. ``About 40,000 Nigerians go to India annually and 50 per cent of them go for medical.

The remaining 50 per cent

and that the injured were being treated by aid volunteers and nurses because doctors were on strike.

“I want to state categorically that resident doctors are fully on ground to serve, and we would not relent to serve humanity, we call on patients not to hesitate to report their cases to nearest hospital in order to be attended by the doctors he said.”

The NMA also called on members of the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) in the state, to suspend its strike and attend to victims of recent bomb blasts in the state.

He said doctors in the state had been making frantic efforts to attend to victims, but that the work was overwhelming as they were performing the jobs of almost every health worker.

Also commenting on the issue, Consultant Surgeon, Dr Adesina Opoola, said the victims were received and attended to by all doctors up to 2 p.m., but said they needed more hands as the work was overwhelming.

Recall that Gombe metropolis recorded two incidents of suicide bombing last week.

Kano road maintenance agency rehabilitates 42 township roads

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r Abubakar Jibril, the Managing Director of Kano State Roads Maintenance Agency (KARMA), on Sunday, said the agency had rehabilitated 42 township roads in the state between January and December 2014.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano that the rehabilitation work was carried out in seven local government areas of the state.

He said the Agency was established by the Kano State Government to repair dilapidated township roads across the 44 local government areas of the state.

He added that the Agency was also mandated to maintain the roads, as well as clear the drains in local government areas.

He said some of the rehabilitated roads were in Fagge, in Kano Municipal Area Council, as well as in Nasarawa, Taurauni, Gwale, Kumbotso and Dala local government areas.

Jibril said the Agency planned to rehabilitate more roads in 2015, adding that more local government areas in local area councils would be rehabilitated.

He commended the state government for establishing the Agency, saying it had greatly assisted in filling potholes on some of the township roads within the state capital.

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

The Arewa Consultative Forum ACF - Empowering the Northern Communities...

Suggestions to all Nigerians

ON THE CRITERIA FOR LEADERSHIP AND THE ELECTION OF CNADIDATES TO ELECTIVE OFFICES by

The Arewa Consultative Forum ACF

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Issued Wednesday 16th October, 2002

e, the members of the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF and all those who subscribe to or support its aims and objectives: Aware that Nigeria is poised to embark upon yet another round of general elections in which the people are being asked to cast their votes to elect officers to run our various governments; Conscious that Nigeria has suffered an endless succession of bad governments in its relatively short but difficult history; Realizing that selfishness, intolerance, incompetence, greed, insincerity and insensitivity have characterised our affairs; Believing that the above have been accentuated by poor leadership and bad management, leading to failure of the country to realize its potentials despite being endowed with enormous human and material resources; Acknowledging that Nigeria has squandered abundant and manifest opportunities and promises since its political independence; Anxious that Nigeria has reached a stage where it may suffer unprecedented turmoil and possible collapse unless bold measures are taken to clean and overhaul the system of producing political leaders, as well as the way such political leaders perform their duties while in office, and; Affirming that sovereignty is vested in the people, and that the people have the responsibility to safeguard the country’s national interest and protect it against internal and external threats, and further; Realising the people’s duty, right and responsibility to install or remove governments in furtherance of the national interest by free, fair and transparent elections, now, Do hereby declare and commend the following suggestions to all political parties, all their members, all candidates to elective offices, but above all to the electorate where ever they may be in the Federal Republic of Nigeria: 1. That the overriding objective of electing political parties or candidates into public offices shall be the enhancement of security, the elimination of corruption, the pursuit and enthronement of social justice and the improvement of the well being of the citizenry.

2. That the attainment of these goals requires persons of integrity and capability in public offices.

3. That the decision on who to elect cannot and should not be made through money-induced mob hysteria, intimidation or false pretences, but by calm and deliberate consideration of the quality of leadership and the performance of the candidate or aspirant in public office.

4. That the criteria for leadership and performance which the Nigerian electorate must apply henceforth in appraising candidates to all elective offices should include: 1. Commitment to one Nigeria.

2. Commitment to democratic ideals as enshrined in the Constitution.

1. Honesty and integrity.

2. Capability to be just to all Nigerians and to all parts of Nigeria 3. Vision.

4. Experience and good performance in public affairs.

5. Acceptability to the majority of the diverse peoples he is to serve.

1. Transparency.

2. Ability to manage people and the resources of the nation with probity. x. Ability to delegate responsibility to others but taking ultimate and full responsibility for their action or inactions.

5. That the Nigerian people must always be vigilant and hold governments and leaders continuously to account, to implement any mandates given to them. In this respect, Nigerians must pay particular attention, and support programmes that reduce poverty through a broadly shared economic growth and benefits.

6. That the assessment of the performance of all political parties and elected officers and the decision whether to renew or to terminate their mandates should be based strictly on their performance and the criteria enumerated above.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

Page 11

PAGE 12

Money Sense

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

How to reduce unnecessary spending habits Use cash instead of credit cards Well, I guess everyone has experienced, or knows, how quickly debt accumulates on a credit card. When we buy on credit, we are essentially spending beyond our means. As we are not dealing in hard currency, the realization that we might have indulged in unnecessary spending only hits us when we receive those huge monthly statements. If you find it extremely difficult to rein yourself when you have a credit card in your wallet, try ‘forgetting’ it at home and step out with cash to buy the required things.

Never shop to keep up with someone

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lot of us make certain purchases that we can really do without. When we spend money on unnecessary things, our financial planning goes for a toss. Over a period of time, it can even become a habit which may be hard to get rid of.

Thankfully, it is never too late to cut down on unnecessary spending habits, and this article will focus on some tips to achieve that.

Think before you shop impulsively Most of us want to have adequate savings for our rainy day fund. To achieve this goal, certain things need to be ensured. First and foremost, we need to earn well, so that even after paying the bills, we are left with a substantial amount, which can be diverted to the savings fund. Secondly, we need to ensure that we are spending to take care of our needs, and resisting the temptation of our ‘wants’.

If we do a bit of retrospection,

systematically. Before you receive your salary, make a detailed entry of the expenses that are due, such as your monthly EMIs, electricity and phone bills, groceries basically everything that you cannot do without. Once you have a fair idea of how much you are going to be left with, you can plan how much money you can save or invest in a month. Allocate adequate money for recreational activities, but once you have fixed a figure, do everything in your capacity to ensure that you stick to your plan. This way, you will have a fair idea of your finances, and hopefully, it will dissuade you from spending unnecessarily.

There are numerous distractions at the mall, thanks to the careful structuring and placement of commodities, but if you act like a blinkered horse, and head only to those sections which house items on your list, your job is half done.

Another tip that can be helpful while shopping for groceries is to avoid using carts when you are in to get a just few things, store owners think that people will shop more if they see that their cart can still hold more items, which is the prime reason for shopping carts getting bigger.

Plan a budget and stick to it If you are living paycheckto-paycheck, it is important to plan your money allocation

Prepare a list Making a list before entering a shopping mall or a grocery store is a good way of ensuring that you don’t spend on unnecessary items. Carry a pen along with you; check the items you have put into the cart, and move on to get the next thing on the list.

If you have a friend who knows that you have poor spending habits, it will be a nice idea to get him to accompany you when you are out shopping. He can assume the role of a critic by restricting you when your impulses start to get the better of you.

will be able to save some money.

Given the ever-increasing costs of gasoline, a significant portion of our monthly expense is spent on transportation. Try to minimize the use of your personal vehicle and give public transport a try. If you have colleagues in your locality, see if carpooling can be an option.

Many people like to pick up a cup from the drive-through

at Starbucks, but you can save considerable money if you brew your own coffee at home.

Many people may argue that people who spend frugally never know what it is to live life to the fullest, but there is a lot of difference between spending wisely and being a miser. The important thing to remember is that some people spend for just the heck of it, and spending money

on unnecessary things becomes a way of life for them. This is where it becomes a bad habit, which can have serious repercussions in the future. Everybody loves to indulge in shopping, or going on a spending spree once in a while, and it is absolutely fine to do so, but overdoing it creates financial issues and bad debts, which I am sure, nobody wants in life. www.buzzle.com

we will find out that we make a lot of impulsive purchases. When we go shopping, armed with a credit card, there is an increased likelihood that we end up buying things on a whim. Eventually, our whims and impulses become a habit, which like other bad habits; take a toll on our financial health.

Thus, it becomes very important that we get ourselves out of the mire of unnecessary spending.

Also, it is important to note that unnecessary spending comes in many forms, only one of which is shopping. Services like a gym membership that goes unused, or an extra DirecTV connection, are also forms of unnecessary spending.

In the following paragraphs, we give you a few options and suggestions which can help you to save, and fatten up that rainy day fund.

Take a friend along while you shop

…Small things that can make a difference

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rown bag your lunches and cook dinner at home. Not only will you be saving a good amount of money, but this will also reduce the instances of eating junk food.

Check what you are paying for your phone contract, data plan, and cable. Analyze whether you really need all the services that you are paying for. By expending a few extra, unused services, you

A lot of times, we shop just to ‘Keep up with the Joneses’.

Peer pressure, or a desire to fit into a group, can blind us into spending unnecessarily. Letting our emotions take control of our spending habits is the first step on the way to financial doom. I have seen a couple of friends engage in one-upmanship, and at the end of it, both were in serious debt. We should try to understand that our friends and competitors may have a passive source of income, or they might be free of financial liabilities, and hence they have all those extra dollars to splurge. Spending solely to prove a point to them may provide a brief moment of satisfaction, but in the long term, it definitely bogs us down with debts and no savings. To get off this habit, we should do a bit of introspection and engage ourselves in other constructive pursuits. Resisting temptation is very important in controlling frivolous and wild spending habits.

Get rid of bad habits Unnecessary spending habits has also got a lot to do with bad habits. Yes, smoking and alcoholism are bad enough for our health and spending our hard-earned dollars on them only compounds the problem.

If we really keep a record of the money splurged on cigarettes and alcohol, we will realize that it could have been used for something more worthy. If we really want to get rid of our habit of spending unnecessarily, it is extremely important that we quit, or limit, smoking and drinking. Going cold turkey can have issues of its own, so it is advised that you gradually reduce your dependence on intoxicants. This will not only help in saving you some money, but also diminish the risk of running huge bills at the hospital in the later stages of our life.

PAGE 13

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

EDITORIAL

resident Goodluck Jonathan, the candidate of the ruling Peoples Democratic party (PDP) in next month’s general elections and his main challenger for the Presidency, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) on Jan. 14 in Abuja signed a pact to keep the peace during and after the polls, starting on Feb. 14. The two were joined by the presidential candidates of 9 other parties.

The document reads in part:”We the undersigned presidential candidates of the underlisted political parties contesting in the general elections of 2015; desirous of taking proactive measures to prevent electoral violence before, during and after the elections; anxious about the maintenance of a peaceful environment for the 2015 general elections;…”Hereby commit ourselves and our party to the following: To run issue based campaigns at national, state and local governments levels; in this, we pledge to refrain from campaigns that will involve religious incitement, ethnic or tribal profiling, both ourselves and agents acting in our names; to refrain from making or causing to make our names or that of our party, any public statements, pronouncements, declarations or speeches that have the capacity to incite any form of violence, before, during and after the elections; “To commit ourselves and political parties to the monitoring of the adherence to this accord by a national peace committee made up of respected statesmen and women, traditional and religious leaders; all institutions of government including INEC and security agencies must act and be seen to act with impartiality; and to forcefully and publicly speak

out against provocative utterances and oppose all acts of electoral violence whether perpetrated by our supporters and/or opponents.”

The agreement was signed in the presence of notably former United Nations Secretary General, Mr. Kofi Anan, Nigeria’s Chief Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki and INEC chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega. On paper, the non-

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2015: The non-violence pact

2015 will confirm Nigeria’s progress in the eyes of the world. violence commitment of the contestants in the upcoming elections is the best thing to happen in the history Nigerian elections. Anything that will prevent a repeat of the widespread post 2011 election violence, particularly in the North, is welcome. Already, some citizens from other states residing in the North are voting with their feet, fearful that next month’s elections will not be peaceful.

It is not only important that we respect the sanctity of the ballot but also that we don’t give doomsday prophets cause for celebration. Mr. Anan said on the occasion of the signing of the pact that Nigeria could not afford to get it wrong.”Nigeria doesn’t want to repeat the experience of Kenya where violence took them back several years. 2015 will

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

confirm Nigeria’s progress in the eyes of the world. The stakes are high but I know Nigeria can rise to the challenge.

Nigeria’s success is Africa’s success.

Nigeria has the future of Africa in its hands, make Africa proud”.

As we said earlier, it is easier for the political gladiators to put their good intention on paper but harder to apply it on the ‘field of play’. Already the electioneering campaigns are getting more violent by the day. In Port Harcourt, Rivers state, where APC’s Buhari launched his campaign, his supporters were attacked by irate crowds on their way to the rally.

And in Jos, Plateau state, the buses of President Jonathan’s campaign organization were attacked and burnt.

These incidents do not, at all, signpost truly peaceful polls. The language of the contestants isn’t healthy either.

It will take more than a pious commitment on paper to nonviolence to achieve a peaceful vote.

As Jega said, “politics is at the heart of electoral violence and it behooves on all to seek solution to electoral violence within the same politics itself.” He listed “ten tenets of peaceful party politics” to include “internal party democracy, effective intra-party conflict resolution, accountability, supremacy of rules and uncertainty of electoral outcomes, trust in institutional redress, promotion of inclusiveness.” According to him, “a willingness on the part of politicians to accept election outcomes is at the centre of peaceful elections.”

We hope and pray the gentlemen, obviously, who on Wednesday, Jan. 14, put pen to paper, committing themselves and their parties to peaceful elections next month will be able to also walk their talk.

OUR PEOPLE

OUR VISION

Chairman Malam Wada Maida, Oon, Fnge Director/Editor-in-Chief Rufa’i Ibrahim Managing Editor Abdul-Azeez Abdullahi

Chief Operating Officer Ali M. Ali

Deputy Manager, Production Abdul-Rauf Musa

Editor, Daily

Manager, administration Hassan Hammanyaji

Head, Lagos Bureau Adesoji Oyinlola

Hameed M. Bello Acting Editor, Weekend Lawal Sabo Ibrahim

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

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

PAGE 14

Opinion

When you are not entitled to your own opinion

By Joe Onwukeme

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hen people air their opinions on vital issues or rebuke and admonish groups, individuals or politicians, affected persons some times ignore or reply with a popular phrase, “people are entitled to their own opinions”.There are people whose opinions can’t be ignored or referred to the above phrase, whenever they open their mouths to speak against decisions or policies they perceive as bad, it shakes the high and mighty.Nigerians were in lack of such a person and were in dare need of such a messenger whose voice will be heard, some one that after telling our leaders the truth won’t be referred to the phrase “he/she is entitled to his/ her own opinion.

The last night of 2014 produced such a messenger, in the person of Revd.Fr. Ejike Mbaka, convener of the Adoration Ministry, Enugu.

In his cross over night message described President Good luck Jonathan as a bad luck to Nigeria.

The reactions that have continued to trail the cross over night message and the predilection at which antiJonathan’s government received the news of the message is an indication that the political atmosphere is about to change for good.

The renowned priest who has always been vocal in his positive but dissenting opinions on government’s insensitivity to the people, took everyone by surprise in his cross over night message.

December 31, 2014 became the longest night before dawn, a night of heartfelt revelations, a night of uncensored and undiluted tirades.

There is a proverb that says: When people become too scared of a King, they wear thorns of baskets on their heads and talk to him. The above proverb best describes what

happened that night.

When the message first appeared on social media, early hours of 1st January 2015, people were in doubt if Fr. Mbaka could say such a thing, the priest must have been quoted out of context, it is the handiwork of his detractors were the thoughts of many. It was in the later hours of same day, that people’s doubt were cleared, the video had gone viral, it was all over the social media, even on you tube. “…Listen, any moment they will begin to tell us this one is a Christian the other one is a Muslim. I don’t believe in that. Who is a Christian more than Judas? Did Judas not betray Jesus? Judas was not just a Christian, he was not just a mere apostle, he was a super apostle like a cardinal. But at a time he messed up and Bible says his office, let another take…” Fr Mbaka speaks.

Just the way one of Jesus’ super apostles, Judas betrayed Jesus Christ by trading our Saviour for 30 pieces of silver, some of our christian clerics have sold their consciences for a few bags of naira, they have betrayed not only their congregation but Nigeria as a whole.

Many are still in shock over Fr.

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Mbaka’s sermon for many reasons.

Majority of christian clerics are in support of president Jonathan just because he is a christian, christian clerics are too sentimental to condemn Jonathan publicly, to others, they can’t believe a cleric from the South East that have the highest supporters of president Jonathan could say such a thing and finally, it was the same Fr. Mbaka that praised president Jonathan’s government two months ago when the first lady, Patience Jonathan paid him a visit.

Fr. Mbaka has come under heavy criticism for his latest verbal attack on president Jonathan. Many are increasingly of the opinion that the renowned clergy has been compromised. His untainted integrity is being questioned, he has been accused of speaking with both sides of his tongue and many are still bewildered why politicians who the clergy condemned in the past are the same politicians he is praising and praying for whenever they come to him for thanks giving.

Coming from his fellow clergy men, many are calling for him to be sanctioned by the catholic body while others have remained numb, some clergy men especially

those that have made Aso Rock Villa their second home went as far as accusing the catholic priest of collecting bribe from the opposition party.

A top cleric in Enugu, in an interview, December last year, postulated that president Jonathan has not done meaningful projects in the South East to warrant their votes in his re election bid, but for the fact he is a christian he ill get blocked votes from christians in the South East, nobody accused him of collecting bribe, he went further to say General Buhari is credible but his muslim back ground and his fanatic utterances in the past has ruled him out, christians should vote for president Jonathan. What message is the cleric trying to pass to muslims? Is such an unguarded utterance not enough to create religious crisis?

The involvement of our clerics in partisan politics is exactly the same reason why our Lord Jesus Christ spoke to the crowds and to his disciples and warns against the teachers of the law and pharisees.

In Matthew 23:23. “Woo to you teachers of the law and pharisees, you hypocrites…but you neglect to obey the really important teachings

Whatever your divide, the truth is always bitter and whenever you hear the truth, be objective in reasoning. Fr. Mbaka may have his short comings but the truth must be told, he has decided not to join his fellow clerics at the Augean stable or sit on the fence, he should be commended instead of crucifying him

of the law, such as justice and mercy and honesty. These you should practise, without neglecting the others…During election, Jonathan will answer Azikiwe, and answer Ebele and become an Igbo man and after election, the Ebele, the Azikiwe and Goodluck will vanish from his identity. Who is fooling who actually? Look at our federal roads, we are not even asking for new ones, roads built by Buharis and Babangidas — the so called Hausa people— cannot be maintained. …”

Many profiteers and supporters of the incumbent government mostly of South East extraction have been throwing unguarded tantrums at the catholic priest.

Let’s be sincere and objective here.

Were his assertions true or false?

The attackers of the catholic priest are they attacking him because he lied on his assertions? Are they not comfortable with the truth or the channel of dissemination?

Whatever your divide, the truth is always bitter and whenever you hear the truth, be objective in reasoning. Fr. Mbaka may have his short comings but the truth must be told, he has decided not to join his fellow clerics at the Augean stable or sit on the fence, he should be commended instead of crucifying him.

It is people’s reactions to opinions that will determine if people are entitled to their own opinions or not. The reactions Fr. Mbaka’s sermon has generated this past days, is enough reason to show that there are people who are not “entitled to their own opinions”, and such people should be avoided by doing the right things.

The same way God saved us from Ebola, God will save us from bad luck season.

Joe Onwukeme. viaunjoeratedjoe@gmail.com

A happy New…?

By Maryam Yahya

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t will be important for someone to identify the particular group to which they belong.

An adage says ‘a river that forgets its origin will surely dry off’. It was few minutes past 12 in the midnight; a voice arose at Dantata Hall, shouting “Happy New Year”.

It seemed baffling and disturbing but not much as baffling as it disturbing. Only that this was very unique because the boys wanted to challenge everybody to dare make that felicitation. These fellows forgot to be specific as to which of the various calendar systems New Year is being celebrated as there are many calendars: Julian Calendar:The Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar in -45, was a solar calendar with months of fixed lengths The Eastern Orthodox churches use the Julian calendar with traditional lunar tables for calculating Easter and their various events.

Gregorian (Christian) Calendar: It was introduced by Pope Gregory XIII after whom the calendar was named. It regulates the ceremonial cycle of the Roman Catholic and Protestant Churches.

In fact its original purpose was ecclesiastical (church usage). It was formed to suit the purpose of observing church rites like the Christmas, Easter, feast of Epiphany and other Christian events. Its months are January, Feb., ... Dec. Jews Calendar:This calendar is the official calendar of Israel and is the liturgical calendar of the Jewish faith.

Islamic (Hijrah) Calendar: The calendar was introduced by the second caliph ‘Umar bnKhattaab (RA) in the Hijra Era A.H. 17. It is use for the observation of various Islamic Rites. And its months include: Muharram, Saffar, R/ Awwal, R/Thani, ...Dhu-l-Hijjah.

Which one are you felicitating?No one can dispute the existence of all these calendrical

system but the point that many fails to notice is that there are so many vital factors which brought about these different types of calendrical system. In short and to be precise, what brought about the religious diversity brought about the difference in the way each religion counts its date (calendar).i.e. belief – ‘aqeedah’. Different belief brings about different religion and this in turn leads to different ways in which things are done in different religion.

The above first three calendrical system have been in existence before the revival of the Islaam in the time of the Noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The Hijrah Calendar in fact came up after his death by one of his khulafaa (caliphates) in person of ‘Umar (R.A.), the second khalifa.

Muslims need to imagine why didn’t ‘Umar adopt any of the existing Calendars in the counting of days (dates) during the Islaamic Era, but (‘Umar) invented the new

one – Hijrah Calendar.

Remember the Prophet (SAW) told us that:”‫و ىتنسب مكيلعف‬ ‫ ”نيدشاّرلا ءافلخلا ةنس‬i.e. ‘unto you is my sunnah (actions, deeds, says) and the Sunnah of the rightly-guided caliphates, hold firmly to it’. This is the instruction given by the prophet and it is reasonable because we can never ever be perfect up to the level of these great people. Remember what happened when some people disregarded the prophet’s instruction in the battle of Uhud, they caused destruction for many Muslims in consequence to their deed. They indeed faced the repercussion.

Remember also that the Prophet told us that: “‫مالسإ نسح نم‬ ‫ ”هينعن ال ام هكرت ءرملا‬. i.e. ‘among beauty (best) of one’s religion is leaving what is not of his concern’.

The prophet said this when he saw a script of Tawrah (Psalm) in the hand of one of his Sahabah, affirming that he is not concern of such, nevertheless talking of

the calendar which serve as the source of social order and cultural identity.

Celebrating the 1st of January’s New Year is part and parcel of their religion, indeed it’s their path and their desire. Allah (SWT) says in the Noble Qur’an: ‘never will the Jews and the Christians be pleased with you till you follow their path (religion, desire e.g. act the way they act etc.). Say: “verily, the Guidance of Allah is the (only) guidance. And if you follow their desires after what you have received of knowledge, then you would have against Allah neither any protector or any helper’. (Suuratu-l-Baqarah, Q2:120): ‘verily, if you follow their desire after that which you have received knowledge (from Allah), then indeed you will be one of the Zaalimuun (polytheist, wrongdoers)’.

(Suuratu-l-Baqarah, Q2:145) Maryam Yahya viamaryamibrahim10@ yahoo.com

Comment

PAGE 15

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

May dollar oil price drop to one dollar

By Joe Igbokwe

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uring the long struggle for power to shift to the South after the killing of Chief MKO Abiola, the winner of the June 12 1993 Presidential Elections, I remember I wrote an open letter to God with the caption GOD, PLEASE GIVE THE NORTH OIL. What informed my decision to write the piece then was the report I read in the front page of The Guardian Newspaper of Wednesday April 14 1999 where it was stated that “The last phase in the six-year old search for oil in the North by six Multi-Nationals begun yesterday with the drilling work on a well, Kolmani River-AX

by Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO) ltd” Let me reproduce what I wrote in that piece just for the records: “My immediate reaction to this good news of the century in Nigeria is to heave a sigh of relief that the freedom of Nigerians from slavery, oppression and intimidation may just be in sight. I was filled with profound happiness more than ever before in the last 15years in Nigeria. I prayed to God and said: Almighty and everlasting God in whose Almighty hands are the destinies of nations and individual, the God of Abraham, God of Jacob, the God of David, the God of Daniel, the God of Shedrach, Meshack and Abadnego, the God of Israelites, the God who answereth by fire, please, please let the North have oil this time around more in volume or twice the quantity found in the South so that the South can be free. I am now recommending this prayer to every living soul and every institution in the South; men and women, youth and children, churches, mosques, primary schools, secondary schools, universities, professionals, market women, petty traders, artisans, politicians, pro-democracy groups, human right activists, soldiers, police, business men and women,

bus drivers and conductors, Nigerians in Diaspora etc. This prayer should be recited as many times as possible everyday until oil is discovered in larger quantity in the North” I was compelled to write this piece above for balance of power and balance of economic activities in both the North and the South, so that all will live in peace and harmony, without the North abusing the South or the South abusing the North.

Today 16years after, when the South would have been in power for 14years and the North for 2years, Jimi Agbaje, the PDP Governorship candidate for Lagos has provoked me to a rethink on the subject matter. Jimi said recently that “South South can collapse Nigeria’s economy if President Jonathan is not re-elected” Jimi Agbaje said this because of crude

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oil from the South South. He said this because Nigeria has been running a mono economy. It is the economy of crude oil or crude oil economy.

Now, this 21st century monumental blackmail and celebration of mediocrity stunned me into disbelief and at once I returned to my desk to ask God to reduce oil price to one dollar per barrel so that Nigerians can think, dream and work again. I am at a loss that a man who claimed to have studied Pharmacy and has been in a retail drug business in Apapa for more than 30years could descend to this miserable level of thinking because he desperately wants to govern Lagos. How can a loss of oil money cripple the economy of North West, North East, North Central, South East and South West in one fell swoop?

Have the economies of Japan,

Germany, France, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Spain, Netherlands, Turkey, Sweden, Switzerland, Singapore collapsed because they have no oil? Have the economies of the third world countries that have no oil collapsed? Are they not making progress with the little minerals they have? Jimi Agbaje has told the world that he is not a deep thinker. He has told the world that he has no capacity to rule Lagos without oil money. He has shown the world that his lack of exposure while manning a drug retail store is a great limitation to his fantasy of ruling Lagos. He has shown the world that he has no capacity to key into the grand vision that has been driving Lagos since 1999 and has no business getting near the Alausa seat of Lagos power.

If a scientist and a pharmacist of more than 30years standing

Now, this 21st century monumental blackmail and celebration of mediocrity stunned me into disbelief and at once I returned to my desk to ask God to reduce oil price to one dollar per barrel so that Nigerians can think, dream and work again. I am at a loss that a man who claimed to have studied Pharmacy and has been in a retail drug business in Apapa for more than 30years could descend to this miserable level of thinking because he desperately wants to govern Lagos. How can a loss of oil money cripple the economy of North West, North East, North Central, South East and South West in one fell swoop?

can succumb to the ugly attraction of a mono-economy in the 21st century then there is no hope for Nigeria. If gold rust what will iron do? If a pretender to the seat of a sophisticated and developed state of Lagos has no capacity to think beyond the rent seekers that are prodding him on for their selfish interests, then he has no business even desiring to rule Lagos. Jimi Agbaje has exposed himself and his profound ignorance and if I were him I will withdraw from the governorship race in Lagos. Oil money has held Nigeria hostage for more than 60years now and time has come for us to break the vicious cycle. This is the time to rise up and go. Today, the two most viable states in Nigeria are Lagos and Ogun and both are driven not by the idle cash from the sale of crude but by widening the base for industry and capacity to key in and drive the engine of growth.

God Almighty should reduce the oil price to one dollar per barrel so that Nigerians can do the needful. Oil money has destroyed our sense of reasoning, our sense of responsibility and sense of purpose. With the prospect of oil still falling lower than it has already gone, we need men of vision and ingenuity to drive Nigeria. Lagos, as the life wire of Nigeria, needs a creative mind and an ingenious thinker to further the grand vision and initiatives of former Governor Tinubu and present Governor Fashola. Jimi Agbaje has shown he lacks that tact and his infantile blackmail should be ignored for what it is; the immature thinking of a political blackmailer and nothing more.

The new Nigeria we want must invest in Human Capital Development, must harness other mineral resources, must invest in science & tech, agriculture etc. This is the way to go.

Joe Igbokwe resides in lagos, Nigeria.

Charlie Hebdo: Some tough quandaries

By Boaventura de Sousa Santos

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he heinous nature of the crime against the journalists and cartoonists from Charlie Hebdo makes it extremely difficult to offer a cool-headed analysis of what is entailed in this barbaric act, its context and precedents, as well as its impact and future repercussions. Still an analysis is urgently needed, lest we fan the flames of a fire that one of these days may well hit our children’s schools, our homes, our institutions and our consciences.

Here are some thoughts towards that analysis.

One cannot draw a direct connection between the Charlie Hebdo tragedy and the fight against terrorism waged by the US and its allies since September 11, 2001. It is a known fact, however, that the West’s extreme aggressiveness has caused the death of many

thousands of innocent civilians (mostly Muslims) and inflicted astounding levels of violence and torture on young Muslims against whom all suspicions of wrongdoing are speculative at best, as attested to by the report recently submitted to the US Congress. It is also well known that many young Islamic radicals claim that their radicalisation stems from their anger at all that unredressed violence.

In view of this, we must stop and consider whether the best way to bring the spiral of violence to a halt is to pursue the same policies that have driven it so far, as has now become all too evident. The French response to the attack shows that democratic, constitutional normalcy is now suspended and an undeclared state of siege is in place; that this type of criminal should be shot dead rather than incarcerated and brought to justice, and that

such behaviour in no way seems to contradict Western values.

We have entered a phase of lowintensity civil war. Who in Europe stands to gain from it? Certainly neither the Podemos party in Spain nor Greece’s Syriza.

The freedom to express oneselfis a precious commodity, but it, too, has its limits, and the truth is that the overwhelming majority of those limits are imposed by those who advocate limitless freedom whenever their own freedom is curtailed. The examples of such limits are legion: in England a demonstrator can get herself arrested for saying that David Cameron has blood on his hands; in France Islamic women are not allowed to wear the hijab; in 2008, cartoonist Siné (Maurice Sinet) was fired from Charlie Hebdo for writing an allegedly anti-Semitic article.

What this all means is that limits do exist; it’s just that they vary

for different interest groups.

Take Latin America, for example, where the major media, which are controlled by oligarchic families and by big capital, are the first to cry out for unrestrained freedom of expression so that they can throw abuse at the progressive governments and silence all the good that these governments have done to promote the well-being of the poor.

It seems that Charlie Hebdo knew no limits when it came to insulting Muslims, although many of its cartoons were racist propaganda and contributed to feed the Islamophobic, antiimmigrant wave now sweeping over France and Europe in general. Besides many cartoons in which the Prophet is shown in pornographic poses, one in particular was very much explored by the far right. It depicted a group of pregnant Muslim women presented as

Boko Haram sex slaves, their hands resting on their belly bump, screaming “Hands off our welfare benefits”. At one stroke, the cartoon stigmatised Islam, women and the welfare state. As was to be expected, over the years the largest Muslim community in Europe saw this editorial line as offensive. On the other hand, however, its condemnation of this barbaric crime was immediate.

We must therefore reflect on the contradictions and asymmetries of the lived values some of us believe to be universal.

Boaventura de Sousa Santos is a Professor of Sociology at the School of Economics, University of Coimbra, Protugal. Sousa Santos has taught in various universities including Yale, Wisconsin-Madison Law School and University of Warwick.

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

Oyo elders demand redeployment of REC

L-R: Former Ekiti state Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, APC National Leader, Chief Bisi Akande, Oyo state APC Governorship Candidate, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, and APC National Leader, Senator Bola Tinubu, during the inauguration of Governor Ajimobi’s campaign, on Saturday in Ibadan.

By Ali Abare Abubakar

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Photo: NAN

Buhari denies foreign medical trip

By Umar Muhammad Puma

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residential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari has described as false a report making the rounds suggesting that he was ill and will be flown abroad for medical checkup.

Addressing journalists in Abuja yesterday, Buhari said a newspaper (not Peoples Daily), reported that he was jetted out for medical treatment abroad; while in actual fact he was busy with his presidential campaign tour of Benue Nasarawa and Plateau states.

“A national daily reported that I was to jet out for medical checkup yesterday but here I am. I was at Nasarawa and Benue states yesterday, tomorrow (today), I am going to be in two states, the

From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

T

he Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disqualify the state governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Akinwunmi Ambode, accusing him of spending N6.7 bn on campaigns.

PDP in a statement signed by it Publicity Secretary, Gani Taofik accused the APC governorship candidate of breaching section 91 of the electoral act 2010 as amended which stipulates maximum #200,000,000 as fund

day after tomorrow in two more states. I am doing two states per day. How they got the impression that I was sick I do not know although I got cold and that did not stop me from going through my schedule.

He said “a document have been put on paper, on tweeter that I am sick and the ABU said they are forged documents, this desperation in beyond my understanding.

“I don’t know of this desperation. The issue we are telling Nigerians is that of corruption in this country for the last 16 years PDP has literally destroyed this country. This is the issue and what does my health got to do with that one?” he queried.

On the alleged fraud in the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), he said “there is no fraud in PTF, there was an investigation and General

Obasanjo has answered that question, he confirmed that there was an investigation and the report was brought to him and there was nothing on ground as far as my management and chairmanship of the PTF was concerned. So what else can I say? The person who did the investigation because he was the Head of State he cleared me so what else can I say?

On the issue of certificate, Buhari said: “Why didn’t Nigerians ask I have contested three times under the same rules set by the INEC, where there is basic education qualification you must have and I was allowed to contest all these elections because my certificate was in order and there were individuals that wrote to the United States War College and the college answered them and it was published by some of your

papers. So really this desperation of misinformation that is being passed around will do nobody any good because our minds are being taken away from the serious issues of corruption and incompetence by the PDP”.

On the State of the Nigerian economy, he said “well, the country is broke now, how many states could not pay their workers’ salaries? Even in December most families were hungry during Christmas because they could not pay their salary yet they are talking about the individual health instead of paying the people.

When asked to make a categorical statement on his state of health, Buhari jokingly asked the reporter, “How old are you, 50 years? I am telling you if go to the field, you would not last the time I will last in the field”.

PDP wants INEC to disqualify Ambode, accuses him of spending N6.7bn on campaign permitted to be spent by a governorship candidate.

The PDP however called on security agencies to interrogate Ambode whilst demanding that INEC should summarily disqualify the APC Candidate.

The PDP said that “its intelligence team has detected that Ambode has spent at least #6.7 billion on campaign strategies placed as: employing expatriates, board adverts, radio and television Jingles, souvenirs, vehicles and campaign houses etc”. These the party asserts have

been made possible by the over N32 billion federal government Local government funds for three months now diverted into the Ambode Campaigns,” Taofik alleged.

The party also accused Governor Fashola of deploying all government property and paraphernalia to support Ambode.

“Fashola has deployed all state advantages to support Ambode. We call on well meaning Lagosians to condemn these actions. It is our expectation

that Fashola would stop his obvious support for Ambode at the expense of governance in the state.

“We are not worried that Ambode’s campaign is aggressive. It in fact it suggests that the APC has nothing to be comfortable about in their governance for 16 years. We are however uncomfortable because Ambode has spent over N6.7 billion on his campaigns and this fund is made available by Fashola who is now starving the local government councils.

rouble is not yet over for the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Oyo State, Ambassador Rufus Akeju on his posting to the state by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as political stakeholders from the state storm Abuja to press for his re-deployment to another state.

The stakeholders led by Dr. James Adesokan Ojebode, a patron of Oyo State Elders Council in a chat with newsmen said they were in Abuja to hold brief with officials of INEC on the need for re-deployment of Akeju to other state on alleged doubtful integrity of the REC. Ojebode along with six other elders from Oyo said the case of Akeju is peculiar in INEC because a court in Osun State had found him guilty of hub-nubbing with the opposition party, while an appeal court in Ondo State equally upheld the judgment by the lower court.

He said it was rather the court that advised that the REC be returned to the INEC headquarters from Osun State where he had worked, amid allegations of doubtful integrity trailing his operations in INEC. He told newsmen, “We are in Abuja to confer with the officials of INEC on this issue because we in Oyo state will not have Akeju preside over the February election owing to the general suspicion of the electorate on his posting.

“He had once been returned to the INEC headquarters based on protest by the PDP in Osun State and the people in Oyo State felt that he should be allowed to remain at the headquarters if his services are such important to INEC. His coming to Oyo has raised a lot of suspicion on the intent of INEC on the coming elections and that is what we are trying to douse.

“In the event that we fail to convince INEC, our next port of call would be the Presidential Villa to table our concern to the government. Mr President has promised free and fair elections in February and we believe all of us have been working hard to ensure just that. There should be no Akeju in our state to truncate democratic principles”.

Akeju became the REC in Oyo State when the INEC earlier announced the redeployment of the 37 RECs in the 36 states of the federation and Abuja in a letter marked INEC/SEC/402/ VOLIII/312.

While Akeju was posted from Osun to Oyo State, the former REC in Oyo State, Alhaji Nasir Ayilara, was posted to Niger State.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

PAGE 17

Violence free elections and challenges before INEC, others Analysis

By Ali Abare Abubakar

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ith only some few weeks to the commencement of the 2015 general election, with the presidential election scheduled to hold on February 14, stakeholders at a conference on the roles of the state and nonstate actors on mitigating violence in elections, organized by the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development (SCDDD), a nonprofit organization headed by seasoned diplomat and academician, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, in collaboration with the Washington based Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), which held in Abuja last week, deliberated on key issues that could pose serious challenge towards the conduct of a violence free election, more so when pundits are of the view that the 2015 election will be a tight race with the stakes indeed high.

The SCDDD is a nongovernmental think tank committed to policy advocacy and analysis in the nexus between conflict prevention, management, democratization and sustainable development in Africa, and according to the chairman of the organization, Prof Gambari, the centre thought it wise to invite the CSIS, which he said has spearheaded series of interactive sessions involving political parties from Nigeria but with the meetings held in the United States.

According to the organizers of the conference and as Nigeria inches towards the February general elections which from all indications, “would be a highly contested exercise, a number of outstanding issues remain unresolved.”

The SCDDD alongside its partner therefore identified and singled out these outstanding issues to include; “the potential implications of not holding elections in the states under emergency rule (Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, safeguarding the voting rights of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) within the current legal regime, the negative attitudes of many politicians across the country, the perception of lack of neutrality of the security agencies, especially the police and indeed some doubts being expressed in some quarters about the capacity of INEC to conduct free and fair elections in an atmosphere of transparency amidst the continuing difficulties in obtaining Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) as well as fresh registrations.”

The conference therefore provided the avenue for critical stakeholders to seek to address not only these immediate challenges of the forthcoming general elections, but according to Amb. Abdullahi Omaki, executive director of the SCDDD, “also to do so in a way that lays the basis for dialogue, collaboration, and consensus-building in the elections immediate aftermath and beyond.”

The critical stakeholders

invited for the conference included the political parties represented by the national chairmen of the two leading parties, the PDP and APC as well as the parties spokespersons, chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), represented by its chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, who also delivered the keynote address, a cross section of the media, members of the civil society, the National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki who delivered the closing keynote address, with the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the DG SSS and DG Civil Defence as discussants on the NSA’s presentation.

Members of the panel included prominent Nigerians that have distinguished themselves in their various fields of endeavour, including no less a person than the former Chief Justice of the federation, Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais among others.

On the role of political actors in mitigating violence, participants at the conference were of the view that political actors must not engage in do-or-die politics, which many said has been the bane of the country’s democracy, with Prof Gambari particularly harping on hate speeches and unguarded utterances.

“Political parties are not for hate speeches, unguarded utterances are not going to be conducive to a non-violent election” he said, condemning the resort to vile statements from politicians capable of overheating the polity.

Speaking on behalf of his party, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, national publicity secretary of the APC decried the non adherence to the need to provide a level playing field for all the parties in the election, singling out the security agencies for alleged complicity.

“You can imagine that at my age, I could be arrested for wandering” he said, recounting his experience at the hands of the security operatives during the governorship election in Osun State.

He was of the view that “so long as government continues to be part of the election, elections in the country will continue to be marred, urging for strict neutrality among all the security agencies.

On his part, the national publicity secretary of the PDP, Dr. Oliseh Metuh, who was represented by the national secretary of the party, Prof Wale Oladipo, waved away allegations of his party’s resort to using institutions of state for political gains, commending both the INEC and security agencies for jobs well done.

On the role of the media in promoting national unity, peace cohesion and mitigation of violence in election times, Tunde Aremu, veteran journalist, noted the challenges posed by the social media on the press’s ability to curtail violence.

On his part, Mr Laolu Akande a visiting journalist from the United States working with The

INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega Guardian lamented that political rhetoric and intemperate language in daily use in Nigeria has become a norm, stressing that it is but the representation of the social tension created by the cut-throat political competition and rivalry.

He blamed the situation on the conduct of political actors which he said, creates tension, as well as the apparent lack of internal democracy within the political parties, stressing that the situation is further worsened with too much influence of money in the political setup.

Akande faulted government’s running of the media, describing it as ridiculous that at this time in history, government is still holding onto the National Television Authority (NTA).

When it was time for participants to deliberate on the activities of the INEC leading to the February polls, it was visible that many of the participants have an issue or two to grind with the electoral body.

Being the first lecture to be presented, Jega’s address titled “INEC Ready To Go: Assessing Priority Challenges, Gaps and Contingency Plans” elicited heated debate on the activities of the commission so far.

Professor Jega while introducing his speech noted that “understandably, preparations for elections in Nigeria raise political anxieties for reasons of with the killings and destructions that had characteristically accompanied them.”

On the challenges being faced by the commission over the distribution of the PVCs, Jega agreed that until the commencement of the third phase of the distribution of the PVC, “there have not been any doubts raised about INEC’s capacity to deliver on its major mandate of

conducting free, fair and credible elections.”

While lamenting over the frustrations being experienced

by Nigerians who are eager to collect their PVCs, he however pointed out that “the substance and justification for the exercise and indeed efforts that culminated in the production of the cards are lost or erased from the memories of unsympathetic commentators.”

Jega disclosed that so far, INEC has printed 54, 341, 610 PVC out of which 38, 774, 391, (71.35%).

“These figures leave us with 15, 567, 219 cards” he stated even as participants expressed concern over the inability of Nigerians to access the PVCs, with the election barely few weeks away. This is even as INEC is yet to produce the cards to tally with the total number of registered voters in the country pegged at 68m.

“It will be less than an honest account to deny the existence of a PVC question. We in INEC are not satisfied with our methodology of distribution having been messed up but, we feel frustrated by the bashings and non-supportive roles of stakeholders in standing up to address the challenge” he said.

On the fate of the internally displaced persons in the emergency states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, Jega maintained that the commission is committed to widening the scope of citizenship and participatory democracy, explaining that INEC has set up a committee to study all the means that will facilitate the exercise of franchise by the IDPs. However, former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), expressed fears that there could be a legal implication of the outcome of the presidential election if the exercise billed for February 14, was not extended to the troubled states of Adamawa, Borno and states.

Speaking with journalists at the venue of the conference, Justice Uwais also noted that there could be what he called a “lacuna” if the IDPs, were not allowed to exercise their franchise during the 2015 polls.

Harping on the likely implications of not conducting elections in the North East, Justice Uwais said: “When the Electoral Act was enacted in 2010, this sort of situation of having IDPs was not envisaged, so there is no provision in the law on how to deal with it and the constitution is also silent but the way to go round it is to get the National Assembly amend the Electoral Act and make provisions to make it possible for the IDPs to exercise their franchise.

He said the National Assembly could expeditiously amend the Electoral Act to give room for the IDPs to vote in the election if the elected representatives in the legislature are willing.

“It all depends, if the National assembly is willing, they can pass a law within two days, then it goes to the president and the president within a day or two, can also assent to the bill just as he said “there is certainly a lacuna.”

Peoples Daily however recall that the national assembly has only recently adjourned sitting to resume on January 17, three days after the presidential election.

On the responsibilities of the security agencies in ensuring peaceful, free and fair elections, several of the participants expressed concern over the perceived partiality of the security agencies in favour of the ruling party.

Ms Jennifer Cooke, director of Africa Programme of the CSIS, questioned the alleged “profiling of potential troublemakers” by the DSS, stressing that the idea is inimical to democratic practice.

However, Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba, who stood in for the NSA, sought the honest opinion of the participants on whether it was possible to separate the state from the government as according to him, “political parties select candidates who occupy political offices and who form government that runs the state.”

In its communiqué at the end of the two-day conference, following “deliberations that were wide ranging and frank and required the commitment, cooperation and collaboration of both state and non-state actors”, SCDDD recommended that “INEC should demonstrate absolute impartiality and professionalism in the conduct of the election, ensure that IDPs participate in the elections while also ensuring that PVCs are duly collected much ahead of the election.”

For the security agencies, the conference recommended for them to see themselves as the agents of the state in the service of the people, strive to be transparent, impartial and professional, and to avoid excessive use of force.

In conclusion, the conference agreed that the February polls should not be postponed for whatever reasons and IDPs be factored in the elections.

PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

Politics

Adamawa PDM flags off guber campaigns From Umar Dankano, Yola

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he Adamawa State gubernatorial flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) and former Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Dr. Ahmad Modibbo has promised to restructure Adamawa State from the decaying situation to world class seat of government if elected as governor of the state come February 14th 2015 general election.

Dr. Modibbo made the promise before a mammoth crowd of his supporters and party faithful weekend during the flag off of his gubernatorial campaign in the state at the famous Mohammadu Ribadu Square in Yola, pledging to right the wrongs of the ruling party if voted to power.

He noted that there is no better time for change than now adding that the people are tired of imposition, oppression and lack of respect for the rule of law that has become the hall mark of the PDP. He said together with his running mate, a serving member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Anthony Madwatte will transform the state in no distant time through frugal and judicious use of its lean resources.

Modibbo who was visibly elated, maintained that the people of Adamawa really needs leaders that have the interest and love of the people and the state with a view to fast tracking developmental strides immediately if given the mandate by the electorate.

Delivering his address, the National Chairman of the party, Barr Ibrahim Yusuf promised a better deal for the people of the state adding that “We are tired of the umbrella and now want light.”

He urged the party followers to ensure the victory of the party by embarking on a house to house campaign, adding that with the caliber of candidates the party presented to the electorate, the party reserves the best chances in the coming elections.

The national chairman also present the party’s flags to the various candidates including the gubernatorial, Senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly candidates of the party.

Some of the party members interviewed by our reporter expressed confidence and hope that Dr. Modibbo will eventually emerge victorious in the forth coming polls, considering the laudable programme packages of the party and the personality of their candidate.

R-L: Senator Bukola Saraki, All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, APC Vice-Presidential Candidate, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Nasarawa state Governor, Alhaji Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, APC National Chairman, Chairman, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, and others, during APC presidential campaign, on Saturday at Lafia Square, in Nasarawa state.

Feb Polls: PDP will crumble, says Sen Adamu

By Ali Abare Abubakar

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head of the February 14 presidential election, Senator Abdullahi Adamu (APC, Nasarawa West) has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will crumble because the party has failed Nigerians who now yearn for change.

Adamu stated this Saturday while delivering a speech at the Old Parade Ground in Lafia, on the occasion of the visit of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Gen Muhammadu Buhari who was on a campaign tour to the state.

The former Nasarawa State governor and one time secretary, Board of Trustees of the PDP, said the people of the state have turned up in their numbers because they were united in

sharing the pains and the problems the country is going through under the present PDPled federal government.

“Nigerians desire to have light, portable drinking water, quality education for every child, but is this present federal government providing all these?”

Adamu sought to know from the mammoth crowd that graced the occasion who thundered back with a resounding “No!” “By the grace of God, this year, this PDP government in Abuja will crumble” Adamu declared, saying however that for this to happen, the people will need to come out and vote for candidates of the APC from the president down to the state assembly.

“This country needs to get change all over the platforms” he said, urging the people to

massively vote for the APC to bring about the desired change.

On his part, Governor Umaru Tanko Al-makura, who was presented with the APC flag by the party’s national chairman, Chief John Oyegun, expressed gratitude to the people of the state for their commitment and dogged defense of their mandate, which he said came under series of tests from the opposition.

“We have been tried many times but the strength of your mandate has kept us working and moving stronger” Almakura said.

He urged the people to repeat what they did in 2011 by coming out to not only vote for the APC but to ensure they protect their votes, stressing that the APC as a party has come to respect the rule of law, social justice and ensure

infrastructural development.

During the event, Senator John Danboyi (PDP, Nasarawa North), governorship aspirant, five commissioners from the past governor Aliyu Doma administration, alongside the Akwanga local government coordinator of Alhaji Yusuf Agabi, PDP guber candidate, among others formerly defected to the APC and were received by the national chairman of the party.

The new Lafia Old Parade Ground which was commissioned by Governor Almakura to mark the flagging off of his campaign was filled to capacity, with supporters perching on adjoining rooftops and trees to witness the event that attracted dignitaries from across the country.

APC can’t tackle corruption- Obanikoro From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

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rstwhile Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) lacks the capacity to tackle corruption in the country.

Obanikoro speaking in Lagos at the inauguration of the Goodluck/Sambo Independent Support Team, insisted that the APC is the most corrupt political party in Africa, wondering how it would tackle corruption with its “league of corrupt leaders.”

Obanikoro alleged that a National leader of the party in

Lagos collects N5million from all the 57 LCDA’s in the state.

“The entire waterfront in Lagos belongs to one of them, they spent 1.3billion to rehabilitate a kilometer road, yet they want to fight corruption; can corruption fights corruption?,” Obanikoro asked party loyalists.

He urged Nigerians not to allow people who are not prepared to lead a nation as complex as Nigeria.

“Nigeria of 1984 when General Buhari was 44 wasn’t as complex as 2015 when he’s 73; no amount of packaging can change a man; the man does not

believe all Nigerians are equal.

It’s for us to create a Nigeria were all of us will be equal.”

Obanikoro berated the opposition for misrepresenting the Jonathan’s administration to Nigerians, saying that the newly formed team will take the Jonathan/Agbaje campaign to every nooks and crannies of Lagos.

“We cannot afford to go backward. The change they are selling is backward change. That is why we are putting all energy to ensure victory for Jonathan and Agbaje in Lagos.

“The best thing that can happen in Lagos is to have

Jonathan and Agbaje at the centre and in Lagos. It will help the state to move forward more and get more support at the centre without antagonizing the federal government to the detriment of the people of Lagos.”

Speaking earlier, Director General of the Goodluck/Sambo Independent Support Team, Dr Adetokomboh Pearse said his team would do everything possible to ensure that the PDP wins the next election in Lagos.

He urged supporters to ensure that they picked up their Permanent Voters Cards so as to be able to vote come Feb. 14.

Page 19

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

Price crisis persists as cement enters 2015 at N2, 000/50kg

From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos with agency report

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he cement industry, which is a major component of the housing sector, has commenced the new year with an unresolved price war, which was the main feature of the industry all through 2014 with a brief respite that followed a landmark intervention by Dangote Cement, the industry’s leading brand.

The industry entered 2014 with different prices for different brands, with the Dangote brand selling for an average of N2,000 per bag, while the price for the Lafarge brand hovered around N1,950 nationwide at city centres and N2,000 in the hinterland.

In mid-Q4, Dangote however

knocked down prices by 40 percent, this intervention seems to have collapsed shortly after the devaluation of the naira by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), leading to a new price regime in the industry, with prices hovering around N2,000 per 50kg bag.

Though the manufacturers failed to link the new price increase to the devaluation of the naira, some analysts affirmed that while some “unforeseen market forces and political agenda” might drive the new price increase, it clearly defies the significant increases in capacity built over the past 12 years of backward integration in the industry.

A recent survey across most markets revealed that the Ikorodu area of Lagos recorded the highest

market price of N2, 000 per 50kg of cement among major brands, while others averaged N1,900 per bag within the same vicinity.

Likewise in the Badagry area of Lagos, a 50 kg bag of Dangote’s 42.5 grade of cement currently sells for an average of N1, 900 per bag, while the Lafarge brand now goes for an average of N1,800.

Some cement dealers across the country have fingered the major brands for the increase.

According to them, as industry leaders, once these major brands raise their product prices, other brands follow.

It was recently reported that despite significant increases in capacity built over the past 12 years of backward integration in the industry, cement prices

have remained relatively high.

Joseph Makoju, the honorary adviser to the President/CEO of Dangote Group, had stated that notwithstanding the drop in the price of the commodity by their company, end-userprices would depend on the location, as the company would charge between N100 and N200 per bag for transporting the commodity from their factory to the depots in various parts of the country.

Industry watchers have consistently maintained that prices would continue to differ at various locations, explaining that cement is a regional commodity whose prices depend largely on nearness to production plants and also on transport cost.

Nigerian oil tycoon topples Oprah as world’s richest black woman

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Nigerian tycoon, Folorunsho Alakija, has apparently just displaced Oprah Winfrey as the world’s wealthiest black woman. New surveys say Alakija is worth anywhere from $1.2 billion to $3.3 billion, depending on who’s counting.

The main source of Alakija’s wealth is a 60% stake in an offshore Nigerian oil company called Famfa Oil. She also has interests in fashion and printing.

Alakija’s paths to those riches started in the United Kingdom, where she went to study fashion design in the 1980s. She returned to Nigeria to start out in business for herself with a high-end tailoring service called Supreme Stitches.

Among her roster of clients was the country’s then-First Lady.

Fast forward to 1993.

Alakija’s proximity to the senior ranks of government meant that she, along with a clutch of generals and other officials, managed to obtain offshore prospecting licenses.

Alakija partnered with Texaco to explore her block. In 2000, they discovered a 1-billionbarrel oilfield. The rest, as they say, is history.

It is estimated that Alakija is worth $1.2 billion today.

Ventures Africa says she has a $3.3 billion fortune. That puts her ahead of Winfrey, who is worth $3 billion, according to Forbes. (Reuters)

L-R: Winner of the Sun Banker of the Year Award and GMD/CEO, First Bank, Bisi Mr. Onasanya, his wife, Mrs. Helen Onasanya, and CEO, Zinox Computers, Mr. Leo-Stan Eke, during the Sun Awards 2014, at the weekend in Lagos.

FG inaugurates new executive mgt team for FMBN

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he Federal Government, at the weekend in Abuja, inaugurated a four-man new executive management team for the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN).

The bank’s former Managing Director, Alhaji Gimba Ya’u Kumo, was returned to pilot its affairs till 2019.

At the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of Housing, Lands and Urban Development, Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi, said the essence of reconstituting the new executive management team for the bank was to reinvigorate and effectively reposition it to meet the

present and future challenges.

The country has a housing deficit of over 17 million.

According to her, “This is in view of the bumpy and stormy nature of the economic climate in which only the pro-active, adaptive and innovative organisations will have the absorptive capacity to survive its harsh consequences.”

She admitted that the challenges facing FMBN and other housing finance and mortgage institutions in Nigeria are real.

Eyakenyi urged the new board to create room for innovators and strategic thinkers in the bank to flourish by reconfiguring its

human resource management architecture.

In a remark, Kumo expressed appreciation to President Goodluck Jonathan for the confidence and trust reposed in the newly appointed members.

He said: “On assumption of office in my tenure in 2010, we met an FMBN that was being run using manual mode of operations, underperformance in NHF collections, stiff opposition from the labour unions, strained relationships with strategic stakeholders, low staff morale and an adverse loss position in its books”. (NAN)

AEDC explains estimated billing ...Says increase in line with NERC’s methodology

By Etuka Sunday

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he management of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has explained the rationale behind the recent electricity tariff increase, especially for customers under the estimated billing system.

The explanation, according to AEDC, was necessary to calm the customers who felt defrauded by the company for unjustly increasing electricity tariff without commensurate supply.

The company however, explained that the recent increase in the number of units ascribed to customers who have no meter, otherwise known as estimated billing, was to ensure that the company is able to account for the energy supplied to it.

AEDC, in a statement issued in Abuja, said that from a survey it carried out, only about 70% of the electricity supplied to it by the Market Operator is being billed, saying that most of the unbilled energy is consumed by customers who are unmetered and are being billed on estimation.

The company, however, said that such estimated billing was done in strict compliance with the estimated methodology prescribed by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), which is the statutory body saddled with the responsibility to regulate such issue.

“We like to assure our customers that we do not charge any tariff or do any review other than the one approved by NERC”, the company stated.

The company, while pledging its commitment to the metering of its customers through its annual 100,000 meter roll out plan scheduled for commencement in 2015, advised customers to also take advantage of the Credited Advance Payment for Metering Implementation (CAPMI) to acquire meters for their homes and offices.

Page 20

Money Market

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

NAICOM inaugurates EAIPN technical board From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

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he National Insurance Commission NAICOM has inaugurated Technical Management Board of the Energy and Allied Risks Insurance Pool of Nigeria (EAIPN).

It is believed that the inauguration of the board will boost the effort of the Nigerian Insurance industry to retain

Naira loses N2.50k against dollar despite CBN’s intervention

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he naira, on Thursday, slide further against the US dollar, losing N2.50k/$ at the inter-bank market in spite of the intervention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) at the foreign exchange market.

Aside the twice weekly Retail Dutch Auction System (RDAS), the CBN asked 21 commercial lenders to bid for $500,000 each, in an intervention move aimed at providing liquidity to the interbank market and supporting the naira, which has been hard hit by falling global oil prices.

Consequently, after trading on Thursday, the local currency closed at N186.10k/$ as against N183.60k/$ the previous day, data obtained from the Financial Markets Dealers Quotations (FMDQ) indicated.

“I think central bank will try to control any uptrend in the currency, to provide liquidity to the market. But for how long is the question,” one dealer told Reuters.

The Central Bank was forced to devalue the naira two months ago to halt the slides in its foreign reserves, after the country’s main export commodity, oil plunged.

The bank devalued the naira by 8 percent and tightened trading rules to try to curb speculation against the currency.

But the naira has traded well outside its devalued band of N160-N176; and reserves are still falling.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves were down 3.2 percent month-on-month, from December to $34.51 billion by January 13, because of drawdowns to defend the naira, CBN data showed.

Data from the Central Bank on Thursday showed the reserves of Africa’s biggest economy have steadily declined, falling 3.2 percent month-on-month from December, when they stood at $35.66 billion. (NAN)

capacity in Oil & gas underwriting, curb capital flight and grow the local market in energy and allied risks underwriting.

Member companies of the Nigerian Insurers Association are promoting the Pool.

In a brief but eventful ceremony to signpost the commencement of the pool at the Commission’s corporate headquarters in Abuja, the Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Fola Daniel congratulated the Chairman of the Nigerian Insurers Association, Mr. Godwin Wiggle for bringing to fruition his desire for a pool that will address some of the challenges faced by insurance companies in oil and gas underwriting in Nigeria.

Presenting the Technical Board of the Pool to the Commissioner for Insurance, Chairman of the Board, Mr. Wole Oshin, stated that the Pool currently has 14 subscribers, who have contributed 40% of their subscribed lines amounting to USD 4,000,000.00.

He expressed optimism that other insurance companies that have expressed their interest in the Pool will subscribe to the Pool after

the launching of the EAIPN. The fourteen companies are: Leadway Assurance Company limited, Custodian And Allied Insurance Plc, Aiico Insurance Plc, Lasaco Assurance Plc, Royal Exchange Insurance Co. Ltd, Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, Linkage Assurance Plc, Industrial And General Insurance Plc, Nigerian Agric Insurance Corporation (NAIC), Sterling Assurance Company Limited, Prestige Assurance Plc, NEM Insurance Plc and NSIA Insurance Oshin informed the CFI that Africa-Re emerged as the Manager of the Pool after a rigorous selection process, adding that the company is expected to use its global outreach and experience to manage the pool profitably and build the requisite capacity.

“The Technical Management Board went through a rigorous process in selecting Africa Re as the Manager of the Pool. They have a very strong pedigree and an excellent track record in the management of Pools.” We are really counting on their expertise

to build capacity and grow the local market and we trust that they will deliver on this mandate,” Oshin enthused.

He expressed the hope that with NAICOM’s backing, “there will be a structure that will guarantee the continuous funding of the Pool and to ensure that the Pool will be adequately patronised, adding that “the Board of the Pool anticipates a situation where a large proportion of businesses emanating from the country will have some element of the Pool”.

In his response, the Commissioner for Insurance said the coming of the pool was long overdue as the benefits were immense and most international players in oil and gas business were anxiously waiting for the Nigerian market to make the bold move.

He promised that the Commission would support the pool and encourage more insurance companies to subscribe, adding that the Energy and Allied Insurance pool of Nigeria presents a great opportunity for the insurance industry to retain

capacity and reduce capital flight.

“I can tell you that I am delighted to have this event today.

All my discussions with some players at the Lloyds market in London point to the fact that Nigeria is not ready to retain capacity and grow the market because the players have refused to establish Pools.

“With the inauguration of the technical management Board of the pool today, you have taken the bold and positive step to curb capital flight and grow the local capacity and I am sure the multinationals will be excited about this” he stated.

Daniel expressed the hope that claims payment will be a major thrust of this pool and congratulated the Nigerian Insurers Association for working assiduously to ensure that the Pool becomes operational.

The Commissioner expressed satisfaction with the decision of the Technical Management Board to appoint Africa Re as pool manager, noting that the company is fully committed to developing the local market.

L-R: Executive Director Organisation Resourcing of Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) Richard Esin, Executive Director Loans Securities and Market Development FMBN, Charles Nyor-Ajiva, Managing Director FMBN, Gimba Ya’u Kumo, Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. George Ossi at the inauguration of the management team for FMBN in Abuja.

Emefiele faults JP Morgan’s report on Nigeria’s liquidity position From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

T

he Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Mr. Godwin Emefiele at the weekend dismissed the claim of JPMorgan Chase & Co that there is a lack of liquidity in the Nigerian foreign exchange market, saying the naira is correctly valued and that Nigeria wants to remain in

the index.

The apex bank governor was quoted by Bloomberg as saying that “There is no truth in the assertion by the index team that they do not see the liquidity,” adding that “There’s no reason to begin to take a look at” the naira’s value after the central bank devalued the currency in November.”

Nigeria was placed on Index Watch Negative for JPMorgan local currency emerging market indexes on Friday after the central bank measures in December reduced foreign exchange and bond trading; measures the New York-based lender said make it difficult for foreign investors to replicate the gauge.

The governor, who spoke

ahead of today’s Monetary Policy Committee meeting in Abuja, said the apex bank was not consulted before the release of the JP Morgan’s report.

According to him, “We are very surprised at this action by the JPMorgan index team. We want to stay in the index and we’re doing everything to make sure we do.”

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

Capital Market

NSE: Investors lose N309bn in five days

Stories from Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

H

eavy investment loses has prevailed in the nations capital market for couple of weeks, resulting in the market indicators closing flat.

Market Capitalization of listed equities depreciated by 3.09 %, to close on Friday at N9.671 trillion, from N9.980 trillion it opened with, thus shedding N309 billion, while the NSE All-Share Index declined by 3.68%, to close at 29,034.89 basis points from 30,143.02 basis points recorded last week.

Similarly, all the indices finished lower during the week, with exception of the NSE Oil & Gas index, which inched up by 1.59%, while NSE ASeM Index closed flat at 1213.36 points.

Wilko set to acquire 20.6 percent stake in Avon Crowncaps

The NSE 30 index fell by 55.21 basis points to 1,305.23 points; NSE Banking Index went down by 18.52 basis points to 286.21; NSE Insurance Index declined by 6.12 to 139.87 points; NSE Consumer Goods index decreased by 29.57 to 770.51; NSE Lotus II dropped by 41.27 to 1,900.68 points, NSE Industrial goods Index shed 75.07 basis points, to 1,829.61 points.

Review of activity in the market showed that a turnover of 1.663 billion shares worth N16.585 billion in 23,591 deals were traded by investors in contrast to a total of 2.013 billion shares valued at N23.377 billion that exchanged hands in 20,902 deals the previous week.

The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart, with 1.373 billion shares valued at N9.219 billion traded in 13,354 deals; thus contributing 82.53% and 55.59% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

The Conglomerates Industry followed, with a turnover of 97.829 million shares, worth N548.892 million in 1,557 deals.

The third place was occupied by the Consumer Goods Industry with 57.872 million shares worth N3.979 billion in 3,872 deals.

Trading in the top three equities, namely: Access Bank Plc, Zenith International Bank Plc, and Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc (measured by volume) accounted for 561.416 million shares worth N4.147 billion in 3,370 deals, contributing 33.75% and 25.00% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

Fifteen (15) equities appreciated in price during the week, higher than fourteen (14) equities of the preceding week. Fifty-three (53) equities depreciated in price, lower than fifty-five (55) equities of the preceding week, while one hundred and twenty-seven (127) equities remained unchanged,

same as recorded in the preceding week.

Presco Plc led the gainers table in percentage terms, growing by 13.79 percent, or N3.60 kobo, to close at N29.70 kobo, UAC of Nigeria Plc followed with a gain of 10.33 percent or N2.90kobo to close at N30.98 kobo while Cutix Plc increased by 8.09 percent or N0.11 kobo to close at N1.47 kobo.

Other companies that appreciated in price were Betaglass Company Nig Plc 7.99 per cent, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc 6.48 percent, Custodian and Allied Plc 6.44 percent, Oando Plc 6.18 percent, PZ Industries Plc 5.95 percent, Pharma Deko Plc 4.67 percent and Seplat Petroleum Development Company Ltd 3.71 percent.

Julius Berger Nigeria Plc on the other hand topped the losers chart, dropping by 14.48 per cent or N7.53 kobo to close at N44.49 kobo, Dangote Flour Mills Plc trailed, with a loss of 13.88 per cent

or N0.63 kobo, to close at N3.91 kobo, while Diamond Bank Plc fell by 13.54 per cent or N0.65 kobo to close at N4.15 kobo. Other stocks that recorded price depreciation were Guaranty Trust Bank Plc 12.85 percent, Continental Reinsurance Plc 12.75 percent, N.E.M Insurance Co (Nig) Plc 11.67 per cent, Fidelity Bank 10.67 percent, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated 10.33 percent, UACN Property Development.

Also traded during the week were a total of 19,856 units of Exchange Traded Products (ETPs), valued at N1.429 million executed in 31 deals compared with a total of 1,852 units valued at N219,311.75 transacted last week in 19 deals.

Similarly, a total of 30,650 units of FGN bonds, valued at N22.872 million, were executed in 5 deals, compared with a total of 300 units of FGN bonds valued at N313,385.14 transacted last week in 3 deals.

W

ilko Corporation, a private company incorporated in the Bahamas, and a majority shareholder of Avon Crowncaps and Containers (Nigeria) Plc had concluded plans to acquire the entire minority shareholding of Avon Crowncaps, amounting to 141,158,205 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each representing 20.64% of the Company’s issued share capital.

Avon Crowncaps and Containers (Nigeria) Plc has earlier disclosed through its Stockbrokers, CSL Stockbrokers Limited, that its Board has received a restructuring proposal from Wilko to the effect.

The proposed acquisition of the company’s minority shareholding by Wilko is to be effected by way of a Scheme of Arrangement (“Scheme”) under Section 539 of the Companies & Allied Matters Act, Cap C20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (“CAMA”). The proposed Scheme shall be subject to the approval of the shareholders at an Extraordinary General Meeting to be convened by an order of the Federal High Court (“Court”) and the subsequent sanction of the court.

The cancellation of the Scheme shares and issue of new Avon Crowncaps shares to Wilko will result in the delisting of Avon Crowncaps shares from the Daily Official List of the Exchange.

In consideration of the cancellation, holders of the Scheme Shares shall receive N1.90 for each share given up.

The company will thus become a wholly owned subsidiary of Wilko.

L-R: President , Transcorp Plc, Mr. Emmanuel Nnorom, CEO, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema, Managing Director/ CEO, Transcorp Hotels Plc, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo, and Director General, Bureau of Public Enterprises(BPE) and Non-Executive Director of Transcorp Hotels Plc, Mr. Benjamin Ezra Dikki, during the official listing of Transcorp Hotels Plcs’ shares on the NSE, recently in Lagos.

Seplat secures US$1bn debt re-financing

S

eplat Petroleum Development Company Plc, has assured that it has successfully refinanced its existing debt facilities with a new US$700 million sevenyear secured-term facility and US$300 million three-year secured revolving credit facility.

According to the firm’s filings with the Nigerian Stock Exchange, the seven year facility also includes an option for the Company to upsize the facility by up to an additional US$700 million for qualifying acquisition opportunities.

The company has also provided an update on its operations where it has delivered on full year 2014 guidance.

The US$700 million sevenyear secured term facility has

…provides operational update been closed with a consortium of banks in Nigeria, comprising First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc and Zenith Bank Plc, is repayable quarterly from end June 2015 and has a margin of LIBOR +8.75% per annum.

The US$300 million threeyear revolving credit facility has been closed with a consortium of eight international banks, comprising Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Citibank, JP Morgan Limited, Natixis, Nedbank Limited, Rand Merchant Bank, Standard Bank and Standard Chartered Bank, has a quarterly reduction

schedule from end December 2015 and has a margin of LIBOR +6.00% per annum.

Proceeds from draw down on these new facilities has been used to repay the Company’s existing debt facilities (totalling US$552 million), and will also be used to fund new business and development opportunities and for general corporate purposes.

At the Company’s operations, net working interest production for full year 2014 as measured at the LACT unit (subject to final reconciliation) has averaged approximately 24,248 bopd and 39.4 mmscfd (approximately 30,819 boepd), in line with full year 2014 guidance of 29,000 –

33,000 boepd.

The company achieved a new production record when gross daily liquids production at OMLs 4, 38 and 41 exceeded 76,000 bopd in December.

At its capital projects, work is progressing on installation of the new 150 MMscfd gas processing plant at the Oben field and commissioning work is scheduled to take place during the first quarter of 2015; that will make additional gas volumes available to the domestic market.

The gas lift project at Amukpe, targeting the Ovhor field, is now operational. The company is currently operating five rigs.

Page 22

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

Business

Oil fall: Nigerian economy needs total restructuring - Agbaje

From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

T

he Senior Consultant/Chief Executive Officer, RTC Advisory Services Limited, Mr. Opeyemi Agbaje has said that the falling prices of crude oil in the international market has placed Nigeria in a situation where policy makers must restructure the economy.

Agbaje made the observation while speaking at a forum, with the theme: “Review of Nigerian Economy in 2014 and Projections for 2015”, organised

by the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN), in Lagos, at the weekend.

“This is the type of restructuring whereby you don’t have any choice, but to it. Analysts and columnists have over the years been advising on most of these things, but now we don’t need to advise anybody.

“Whether government likes it or not, we will have to deal with the issue of the Nigerian economy. We would have to diversify the economy, reduce the size of government and increase

Inadequate physical infrastructure, bane of nation’s economic growth-NSE

By Miriam Humbe

T

he Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), has said that inadequate physical infrastructure stock of the country is one of the major constraints and broad-based strong economic growth.

President of NSE, Engineer Isaac Olorunfemi said this yesterday, during the first Quarterly Dinner and Special Merit awards/Conferment of Fellowship on some 14 Engineers of Distinction, in

T

private and public sector, there may be an inclination towards job losses. So, the outlook is going to be difficult. It is going to be a challenging outlook for managers both in the private sector and in government.

Speaking about the private sector, he noted, “For the private sector, this is the era in which managers will actually earn their pay because they are going to now have to do their job. There is significant uncertainty across variables.

“Now, there is nothing that can be taken for granted. People

have to plan for interest rate, sales volume, exchange rate, political scenario and every other thing.

There is a high level of uncertainty.

“My description of where Nigeria is in 2015 is multiple crossroads. So, we are at a junction in which there different roads. It is a potential explosive combination of political risk, economic uncertainty and a seeming social crisis. It is not the place a country want to be in 2015.

“Essentially, this is an era that would challenge the acumen of managers in the private sector and in the government.”

Abuja.

Of this number, four, including Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, Minister, Federal Minister of Works, Arc. Mike Onolememen were among the recipients of awards of Special Merit awards.

He called on the awardees to see the conferment as a unique and deliberate way to stimulate and increase their interest in contributing to the growth and development of the NSE and the nation in general.

Falling oil revenue: FG pleads with states to adopt austerity measures

he Minister of State for Finance, Mr. Bashir Yuguda, on Friday urged state governments to adopt the austerity measures recently announced by the Federal Government to mitigate the effect of dwindling oil revenue.

Yuguda made the plea in Abuja while speaking with newsmen on the sideline of the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting.

He said that from the gradual decrease in oil revenue caused by the fall of crude oil prices at the international market, all tiers of government should be lessdependent on oil revenue.

“For the past two months, we have been advising states to key into the austerity measures that we are taking at the federal level to cushion the effect of the declining oil revenue.

“If not because the Federal Government has taken early measures to mitigate the effects of the falling oil revenue, we would have been sharing half of what we are sharing this month.

“So, if we are relying only on proceeds from crude oil sales for us to sustain ourselves, this would have been more difficult.

“This administration has been putting measures in place to

investment in alternative sectors whether we like it or not. “The oil price is still falling and we don’t know where the exchange rate is heading to.

“But the reality is that whoever wins the election by February 14, 2015; and whoever comes into office by May, will have to deal with serious economic issues.

“The implication of higher exchange rate, higher interest rate, lower GDP growth, is lower consumption and lower purchases of goods and services.

“So, there are also possibilities of labour issues because both in

expand the economy and make it export-oriented, especially in the areas of agriculture, solid minerals and services.

“The effect of this came out clearly when we rebased our GDP. “So, my advice to the states is that they tighten up. Let them prioritise their spending. Let them reduce their recurrent expenditure,” he advised.

Yuguda said that state government could copy the austerity measures of the Federal Government by making more efforts to generate more income through tax.

He cited tax on luxury items like mansion, private jets, wines and spirits, introduced by the Federal Government as area the states could consider for the generation of additional revenue.

The minister announced that the revenue target of the Federal Inland Revenue Services had been increased to N75 billion annually, explaining that the responsibility was to make the organisation to work harder on tax collection.

He, however, disclosed that Nigeria and other members of Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) were doing their best to ensure that oil prices stabilized at the international market. (NAN)

L-R: Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Jonah Otula, Accountant General, Sokoto state, Alhaji Aminu Abdullahi, and Minister of State for Finance, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda, during the Federal Account Allocation Committee meeting, last Friday in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

Diezani to inaugurate three 25MW gas turbines in Port/Harcourt

By Etuka Sunday

I

n order to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited (PHRC), the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke is to commission three 25 megawatts (MWs) gas turbines, installed and operated by an independent power producer.

The initiative is part of pragmatic measures to ensure continuous and unimpeded refining of petroleum products in PHRC. The Group Executive Director, Refining and Petrochemical of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Engr.

Gregory Udoh disclosed this in an exclusive interview in Abuja.

Engr.

Udoh said the arrangement with the independent power producers was aimed at ensuring steady power supply to the refinery adding that staff of PHRC would now focus majorly

on the core mandate of refining petroleum products for members of the public.

He said over 60 percent of the Turn-Around Maintenance (TAM) materials have been delivered to PHRC, Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC) and Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) and installation of such equipment and parts are in progress.

The GED noted that crude supply to the PHRC was now through marine vessels, bypassing the implacable activities of oil thieves along the Bonny to PHRC crude supply pipeline.

Speaking in similar vein, the Managing Director of the Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited, Engr. Bafred Enjugu has said that the turnaround maintenance of the refinery is on-going and that the facility is running optimally.

Engr. Enjugu noted that as at today, the plant is refining premium motor spirit, dual-

purpose kerosene, automotive gas oil and other petroleum products.

Engr. Enjugu stated that the company, through public-privatepartnership arrangement, has resolved the power problem of the facility adding that the three gas turbines installed by the partnership have the capacity to generate 72 megawatts of power, which exceeds the 23 megawatts requirement of PHRC. On his part, the Executive Director Services of the PHRC, Mr. Ralph Ugwu maintained that the PHRC remains the oldest, largest and newest refinery in the country.

It would be recalled that in 2011, the decision was made to rehabilitate all refineries using the Original Refinery Builder (ORG) but the ORBs declined participation, which led to a phased rehabilitation of all refineries, simultaneously and in more easily manageable bits and packages over a period of 18 months.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

Stock Watch

Report as at Friday, January 16 2015

PAGE 23

PAGE 25

Peoples Daily, Monday, January 19, 2015

PAGE 24

Special Report

Who will bear the brunt of Nigeria’s 2015 budget loopholes?

By Evelyn Okakwu

R

eports by various analysts have shown that the 2015 Budget Appropriation Bill as presented to the National Assembly on December 18, 2014 is not in consonance with the practice of austerity measures.

While the benchmark price for oil according to the budget stands at $65; per barrel, with a production figure of 2.27m barrels per day, it is still evident that the international price of oil, which Nigeria relies upon for profit in the exportation of this product has continued, be on the downward trend.

With just a little above $50 per barrel, the international price of oil may likely remain on the downward slope for quite a while. Previous reports have also shown that when Nigeria had the chance to build upon its allocation resource for capital expenditure; that segment of the economy continued to suffer, in all of government’s budget proposals and financial plans for decades. It is on record that; when oil price stood above the $79 per barrel benchmark used in estimating the 2013 budget, the Nigerian government had to resort to borrowing (N744billion) to meet her capital expenditure obligations due to revenue shortfall.

Currently, the price of oil has gone far below the price it was, when the 2013 budget was created for last year.

Yet rather than intensify its effort, ‘practically’ towards ensuring that Nigeria can meet up with the challenges of 2015, the budget proposal by the Coordinating Minister for the economy and Minister of Finance, Ngozi OkonjoIweala indicates that capital expenditure which has greater impact on the economy, for the benefits of the masses, will suffer a whopping 15 per cent

decline, from the meager 24 percent, allocated for its purpose last year. In fact, it has been reported that Capital expenditure dropped from N1.55tn in 2014 to N387bn in 2015.

That’s from 24 per cent to per cent of overall budget.

Put succinctly, Nigeria has in its usual manner negated the need to make proper plans towards an unarguable impending difficult time for the economy. It has belittled the principle of austerity which seeks to check exorbitant expenditures of government, such that money is only expended on crucial areas that facilitate economic growth.

These areas consist of infrastructural facilities that can only be created with the funds accrued from capital allocations in each fiscal year.

Capital expenditure implies the cost of

infrastructures such as bridges, hospitals, schools, etc. It’s through capital expenditures that infrastructure and other critical services that touch majority of the people are provided. As indicated by analysts, the only way to directly feel the impact of the budget as a citizen is through the capital expenditures.

Ironically however, this very segment of the budget has been slashed to further enrich its economic opposite; the recurrent expenditure, which makes up 91 per cent of this year’s intended spending rates.

An important question asked by a crucial observer goes thus; “Why will personnel costs increase from N1.77trillion (2014) to N1.84trillion (2015)? Is the government planning a massive recruitment drive in an austerity year? Or is this being brought on by the proposed elections in

2015?”

In other wards; is this a strategy to manage the working condition of Nigerians and prevent unnecessary strike actions before the period of the elections?

Already Nigeria’ debt burden has remained on the rise, with its figure rising from, with domestic debt rising from N4.55trillion in 2010 to N7.65trillion

as at September 2014.

Fiscal deficit was also slashed from N993.68bn in 2014 to N755.04 billion in 2015, while the debt servicing fees have risen from N828billion in 2013 to N943billion in 2015, an equivalent of 22% of the aggregate expenditure.

To service these impending challenges, the Federal Government says it will ensure a rise

“

in the level of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to ensure stability in the flow of income and consequent improvement of the economy, starting from the first quarter of this year.

But development economists have stated that “IGR to Budget in Nigeria is barely 12 percent, whereas in most countries it’s more than 90 percent.

“The little IGR generated

Ironically however, this very segment of the budget has been slashed to further enrich its economic opposite; the recurrent expenditure, which makes up 91 per cent of this year’s intended spending rates

or declared in Nigeria is diverted “legally’’ to the extent that in 2009, for example, N3.06tn was declared generated but only N46.8bn was remitted to government; in 2010, N3.07tn was generated, but N54.2bn remitted; in 2011 N3.17tn, only N73.8bn was remitted. Thanks to section 22(1), this legalized this diversion”.

“Reducing fiscal deficit from N993.68bn in 2014 to N755bn in 2015, makes no sense when a pro-growth, pro-investment and pro-jobs government should increase deficit spent even beyond the three percent GDP as the ceiling required by section 12(1) of the 2007 Fiscal Responsibility Act”.

What all of these mean is that government has set the ball rolling for greater debt burden on a country, already suffering from the many effects of its previous debts.

As explained by keen observers, “If oil prices stays below $65 per barrel, there

A dilapidated road

Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Senate President, Sen. David Mark

Speaker of the House of Reps, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal

will be more borrowing. If the volume of crude oil sold falls short of targets, Nigeria will resort also to borrowing and if the highly optimistic IGR falls below target, the next option will still be borrowing”.

And as always, the masses will be made to suffer.

Nigerians have not forgotten days when government had to retrench staff, in the name checking or controlling undue expenses.

In fact, as explained by Rowland Okechukwu, a business man based in Abuja, he says: “I am not surprised about your question regarding what the outcome of shortfalls from the budget will be for Nigerians. We all saw how oil price fell in the international market and Nigeria exports its oil for the economy to thrive. We have a set of leaders who only believe in the policy

that will enrich their purse.

And they are not making this wrong polices like they want to harm us; they have in fact programmed the economy just like they programmed the constitution to suite them. They will have a good explanation, in defense of their actions, even if they are taken to court, where the need arises. Such is the kind of leadership we have”.

“Many analysts advised government against inflation, while addressing the loopholes of this budget, but God help us! U will see what will happen; we are all here. My prayer is that it doesn’t get too hard that they start chasing out poor Nigerians from public offices, in the name of cushioning their excesses.”

In a similar vein, this anonymous respondent adds that; “Our leaders don’t have the masses at heart. How can they make polices that

will ensure the provision of facilities for the poor, when what they care about is how to make unnecessary allowances for themselves. I have read in previous reports that Nigerian lawmakers are about the highest paid in the world. With the level of economic challenges we have, what more can prove that this people care less about us?”

“They will never do what is right, unless we stand together against their corrupt practices”.

While a united mass of followers may be a way out of this mess, the call for the National assembly to look into the need for a reduction of its allocation for the good of the people, may also be an aspect necessary to be digressed by economic analysts.

As indicated by a previous report on the subject; “For the 2015 Budget to

adequately oil the machinery of governance and Nigeria’s economy calls for a miracle, as estimates on the revenue end is overly optimistic.

We have recurrent receipts which must be paid, as well as pressing capital expenditure obligations to citizens. Interesting times indeed lie ahead. Let’s pray for miracles. Nigerians need it now”.

In a nutshell, Nigerians hope that 2015 does not bring with it; economic turmoil like that currently forced on innocent Nigerians in the political terrain.

The humane expectation of most people is that as the year unfolds our leaders will quit the rhetoric face realities, and stop Nigeria’s economy from further deteriorating to the detriment of the masses; yet what hope is there of such miracle from a set of leaders, so distant from their followers?

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

Feature Africa Cup of Nations: W Does size matter?

By Piers Edwards

e all know that population size is not proportionate to footballing success, otherwise China and India would contest the World Cup final regularly.

But it can still make for some interesting comparisons.

There is Nigeria, for example - a country of around 175 million people, and the 2013 African champions - which has been unable to field a team capable of qualifying for this year’s finals.

And then there is the tiny island nation of Cape Verde population 500,000 - which will be at the Nations Cup for the second tournament in its history, and the second in a row.

Last time around, Cape Verde got through a group containing hosts South Africa, former champions Morocco and Angola, before putting up a decent fight against Ghana in the quarterfinal.

Ranked seventh in Africa, above Nigeria and South Africa, they are rated 40th in the world, above the likes of Turkey and the Republic of Ireland.

They have achieved the feat in much the same way Algeria has climbed up the rankings, by luring Europebased professionals to play for a country with which they have ancestral links.

This time around, the team from the islands that lie 500km (310 miles) off the west coast of Africa will be up against three former champions: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tunisia and Zambia.

David beating Goliath Just like Cape Verde, Burkina Faso and Zambia have shown that anything is possible at a Nations Cup - with Burkina Faso unexpectedly reaching the 2013 final, having never won any of their previous 21 Nations Cup matches away from home.

When Chipolopolo won the championship against all expectations in 2012, they were driven on by an unseen power - namely, their determination to reach the final in Gabon to honour the 18 players, and 12 other officials, who died in a plane crash shortly after taking off from the capital, Libreville, in 1993.

Should the same sort of inspiration work this time around, then South Africa already revitalised under coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba could be a force to be reckoned w i t h f o l l o w i ng t h e d e a t h o f their captain Senzo Meyiwa in October.

He was shot dead during a botched robbery and his replacement, Dean Furman, has already said Bafana Bafana want to win the tournament for the late goalkeeper.

First, they will have to get out of one of the toughest groups in Nations Cup history, with fourtime champions and perennial favourites Ghana, Africa’s highest-ranked side Algeria and 2002 runners-up Senegal, who conceded once in qualifying.

Cape Verde - known as the Blue Sharks - are ranked 40th in the world

“

There is Nigeria, for example - a country of around 175 million people, and the 2013 African champions which has been unable to field a team capable of qualifying for this year’s finals.

And then there is the tiny island nation of Cape Verde - population 500,000 which will be at the Nations Cup for the second tournament in its history, and the

That will be a draining exercise, but so will any sort of

progress because of the logistical challenges facing most of the

teams in Equatorial Guinea, which is unexpectedly hosting

the competition.

Congo-Brazzaville have already been told their hotel does not have enough rooms for them, prompting coach Claude LeRoy to describe the experience as unlike anything he had seen at eight previous Nations Cups, which must be saying something.

Burkina Faso found their accommodation so bad they left and looked for another hotel just 48 hours before their first game - while DR Congo’s hotel had no hot water and not enough food to feed the squad.

Did you know?

• All Cape Verde’s current squad play their club football overseas • Guinea qualified despite playing all their designated home matches in Morocco, because of the ongoing Ebola crisis • Equatorial Guinea are the only side ranked outside Fifa’s top 70, with the hosts ranked 118th The carrot for teams prepared to fight is that the accommodation will only improve the further they go with the pick of the best hotels becoming available as the losers go home.

Ivory Coast, as ever, will fancy staying a long time, as will Cameroon, revitalised after a disastrous World Cup. How long Cape Verde stick around depends on whether the David-beating-Goliath element that has been so prevalent in recent African football history continues in Equatorial Guinea - another nation of less than a million who reached the quarter-finals when co-hosting the tournament three years ago.

Source: BBC

PAGE 27

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

Comment Contd from Backpage insurgents have attacked towns like Baga, Damaturu, Biu, Askira-Uba, Konduga, Marte and Gombe. Even as we speak, the Boko Haram insurgents are in total control of the whole of Borno State except Maiduguri, Monguno, Dikwa, Konduga and Biu. The insurgents are in total control of towns like Baga, Bama, Gwoza and Banki.

Before Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, Boko Haram was nothing but a rag-tag group of extremists living in enclaves like Sambisa, while our proud military boys patrolled the towns. Now, under Jonathan, the reverse is the case. Our military boys are now in enclaves while Boko Haram patrol our towns.

Is it not shocking that insurgents have a free reign to enter cities, abduct young girls like in Chibok, burn houses like in Baga, slaughter people for hours like in Konduga, Gwoza etc, yet our military men are nowhere to be found and they do not even give hot pursuit to the retreating insurgents? What is really going on?

One obvious flaw is that our President has lost control of the military and the top hierarchy of the military is merely feeding fat on this unfortunate situation and the President seems to be totally helpless in the face of this.

The only response the President and his handlers can proffer is to hide this glaring and crass incompetence under political gymnastics; they blame the opposition on the one hand and in the same breath, they say it is a world-wide trend and Nigeria is just having its fair share of a global malaise. Is this true? As President, you are the Commander-In-Chief. If you have evidence against the opposition, just come out with it and arrest the ring-leaders. Do not cry like a baby as Commander-in-Chief.

Deal with the situation. That is why you occupy that seat. Till date, no single evidence has been produced against any of the opposition leaders linking them with the insurgency. Rather, what we see is a President who is supposedly bent on fighting insurgency but who is wining and dining with someone who has been directly linked with sponsoring the insurgents and even traveling with such a person to Chad at a time when the State Security Services officially invited that person to answer questions relating to the insurgency.

Another calamity and embarrassment is that our President, his Service Chiefs and security advisers were all led into wasting public funds by entering into a phantom cease-fire deal with fake Boko Haram leaders that left them with bloodied noses. Not to also mention the short-lived public celebration of the supposed killing of the Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, by the President and his security team, only for the outlaw to appear in subsequent videos posted online, taunting the Nigerian government. Any four more years of a Jonathan Presidency can only lead to more

Jonathan

Buhari

carnage by the insurgents. He just does not have the requisite capacity to tackle this problem of insecurity. The truth must be told.

Yet you hear the President say that the nation will appreciate him better after he has left office. I am sorry, but we have seen enough bloodshed and incompetence in the last six years to know there is nothing more to expect the next four years and we have seen enough to do an assessment right now and not in the future.

In all his campaign tours, the President is already sounding like a broken record. He says he has made the rails to function again. He mentioned this so much that you imagine that he was primarily elected to revive a few train lines. It sounds very funny when you hear such things, whereas the primary duty of government is the protection of lives and properties. If that primary duty fails, then the government has failed. It is like an undergraduate hoping to be promoted to the next level by barely scraping through the ‘electives’ and failing the core courses. It will never happen. So, is the President providing train coaches to be transporting the dead bodies from the North to the South? Are the trains to be occupied by living human beings or dead human beings?

Make no mistake about it, like the President always says, it is true that we have a rise of terrorism around the world.

But, we have all seen how governments around the world respond quickly and decisively to any attempt for terror to rear its ugly head within their society and how they quickly crush it.

We saw it happen in the United States after 9/11; we saw it happen in Britain after the July 7, 2005 bus bombing; in the last few days, we have seen it happen in France and in Belgium. In all these cases, all attempts were nipped in the bud. Even, here in Nigeria, previous governments have nipped insurgency in the bud. The ONLY government that has allowed it to fester, germinate and grow into a full-blown war leading to a successful secession of some parts of the country is that of President Goodluck Jonathan. It is so bad that hardly a day passes by without reports of one insurgent activity or the other leading to loss of lives and

limbs.

The President is also quick to mention that his administration has made the Nigerian economy the number one in Africa. He forgot to mention two things, though; one, that some of the major sectors of the Nigerian economy, that is, the telecom sector, financial services and the Nollywood industry that were taken into account to re-base the economy were sectors not created or grown by his government.

Secondly, he forgot to mention that the so-called re-basing has no impact at all on the ordinary Nigerian as the 2014 World Bank Survey still shows that Nigeria is ranked third among world top five poorest countries with sixtyone percent (61%) of its citizens living below $1.25 dollar per day.

No government can boast of any economic growth or theory that does not have a direct impact on the lives of its ordinary citizens.

It is like a father coming home to announce and jubilate about a pay rise and promotion at workplace, yet the wife and children cannot eat or live better many months later.

The Nigerian people have tolerated too much and taken too much battering from the PDP-led Federal Government since 1999. Under the Jonathan Government, the situation in the country has sunk to an alltime low, except for the few benefitting directly from the government. They are blind to criticism and blind to healthy opposition. They hurl abuses at anyone who dares to point out these acts of maladministration.

In saner societies, the President will not be allowed to campaign in many parts of the country. The people will rise against him and chase his convoy away.

The clear alternative to this monumental mess is the person of General Muhammadu Buhari. Let us be clear that Buhari does not present the total package Nigerians want at this time. He is human, he is not perfect. But at this point in our history, at this time, at this moment, he presents the only viable option and avenue for the people to vent their frustrations and anger against an inept and clueless Federal Government.

He represents the rallying point for the frustrated and teeming masses of our people. He reminds me of MKO Abiola (with some of

his imperfections) who became the rallying point in the struggle against military rule.

That is the change we are talking about. It is not a change from imperfection to perfection.

It is a change from hopelessness and cluelessness to some hope and to some expectations.

All the personal attacks on the person of Buhari in the last few weeks have only convinced me that he is the best available option at this time. Anyone on the weaker side in any argument always resorts to personal abuses and attacks. Have you noticed that on corruption, the only accusation against Buhari is that, he was too high-handed in fighting corruption in the past?

In other words, nobody can/ has accused him of lacking the courage, zeal and will to fight corruption. On the other hand, the President eats, sleeps and wakes up with corruption. In one of his famous interviews, he did not even see stealing as corruption. That is why he does not see the point why he should not appoint a person standing trial for corruption as his Director of Media and Publicity.

He just does not care.

So, Nigerians, we must decide what we want. When Buhari fought corruption and was supposedly high-handed, he was ruling with Decrees.

Now, he has the Constitution, the National Assembly, and the Judiciary without ouster clauses to guide him. It is therefore only an idiot that will believe the propaganda that he would throw everyone suspected of corruption into jail. I feel so sorry at times for the gullible masses of this country who fall for such cheap propaganda. But it is his type of appetite and revulsion against corruption that we so dearly need at this time.

You may say whatever you like about Buhari, but in terms of the character, the steel, the competence to lead the nation out of this period of insurgency, nobody can compare a Goodluck Jonathan to a General Buhari.

Just imagine the Service Chiefs (who were probably in secondary school when Buhari and others fought the Civil War) sitting in front of Buhari to brief him about the situation in the North East, and attempting to mislead him about movements of artillery, brigades or troops and, the strategy against the enemy!

The attack on Buhari’s certificate is most unfortunate.

Only fools can be deceived that a sworn affidavit in place of a certificate that you cannot readily produce is not sufficient for certain purposes. What is important is that the school(s) and dates are mentioned in such affidavits which can be subject to verification. But unfortunately the President’s team has carried on as if leadership is a function of academic degrees and qualifications. This is so sad.

Leadership is a divine quality, almost always bestowed at infancy so much so that even in primary schools, we see traits of leadership amongst pupils. If it were not so, then there would be no need for elections. We should

just look for the most qualified professor in our Ivory Towers and make him President because that would be the best material for President.

Besides, what moral right has Jonathan got to discuss Buhari’s certificate when I have since informed him that his Comptroller-General of Customs, Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko forged all his certificates, yet the President has not even ordered a simple investigation into the matter. He has turned a willful blind eye to the issue.

The orchestration of the age of Buhari is just another mischief, symptomatic of the weaker side the President’s team find themselves in the argument. Agility and strength and good health is not exactly a function of age. Yar’Adua did not die in power because he was an old man. Abacha did not die in power because he was an old man. Obasanjo ruled until he was seventy (70) years and it is the same set of PDP big wigs that are now criticizing the age of Buhari that were promoting and supporting the third-term bid of Obasanjo that would have taken him to, perhaps, seventyeight (78) years as President.

Today, Obasanjo still jumps about at nearly eighty (80) years or perhaps more. Professor Wole Soyinka, at over eighty (80) years, still travels everywhere, delivering lectures.

The relevant question here is that, is the age more important than the character or the character more important than the age? For those who are Christians, remember that the Bible says in Proverbs 16:31 that grey-headedness is a crown of beauty if found in the ways of righteousness. It is idiotic to deride an elderly person who is still agile and upright in character, instead of us praying that we live up to that age and we are blessed with such strength at such an age. During the Second Republic, the South-West and South-East massively voted for Awolowo and Azikiwe respectively who were both over seventy (70) years old, yet nobody raised an eyebrow.

Finally, this is not the time to adopt the herd mentality by joining the so-called “winning train” because the ruling party is always expected to rig elections in its favour. What we are witnessing with the large followership of Buhari is a revolution, a mass movement, a display of anger by the people against Jonathan and his government. This is a time for well-meaning Nigerians, the elites to rise up and speak truth to power, regardless of whose ox is gored. We can halt the slide to Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, etc by our simple votes. We must vote out incompetence, cluelessness and corruption.

The epitaph that will be left for the Presidential years of Goodluck Jonathan is this: HERE IS A PRESIDENT WHO DESTROYED PDP AND ALMOST DESTROYED NIGERIA. I have purged my conscience.

Now, I can sleep.

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

Education JNI honors AUN president

By Maryam Garba Hassan

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L-R: Mr. Bankole Cardoso, son of the late Dr Stella Adedevol, a former consultant physician, First Consultants Medical Centre, Lagos, receiving a post-humour award on behalf of his mother from the ViceChancellor, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Vincent Tenebe, for her distinguished service and the role she played in saving Nigeria from the Ebola virus disaster, during the 4th convocation of NOUN, on Saturday in Lagos. Photo: NAN

he women’s wing of the Muslim aid group, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), has presented the President of American University of Nigeria, Dr. Margee Ensign, with a plaque and a certificate of merit, in recognition of her contributions to the education of women and service to humanity.

The certificate and plaque were presented to her by Mrs. Hadiza Mohammed, National Director of JNI, at a colorful ceremony, in Yola, yesterday.

Responding, Ensign who was delighted thanked the body for finding her worthy of the recognition and promised to do more.

According to her, girl-child and women education is her priority and has a special place in her heart.

She said educating women and child girl brings progress to every society.

IGR: FG vows to curtail excesses of tertiary institutions

By Stanley Onyekwere

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he Federal government has warned that it would not fold its hands while questionable fees are imposed on tertiary students under the guise of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, who disclosed this recently in Abuja during a meeting with Executive Secretaries of regulatory agencies and other major stakeholders in federal government owned tertiary institutions, expressed concern over unnecessary charges impose on students by public Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education across the country.

While restating the commitment of government not to interfere with operations of governing councils of institutions, Shekarau said government would however play its oversight role to ensure that guidelines and standards are maintained in area of revenue generation.

“The essence of the meeting is to look at the various charges of fees in public tertiary institutions and regulate them.

“Our role in the ministry is to oversee the institutions and make sure they operate according to guidelines to protect the interest of beneficiaries who are our students.

“The government has the moral responsibility to make sure all public higher institutions operate within the guidelines even though they have their internal peculiarities,’’ he said.

Protests: UNN suspends postgraduate programmes

T

he University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) yesterday announced the indefinite suspension of its postgraduate programmes.

The Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr. Okw’n Omeaku, said in a statement

made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the suspension followed the postgraduate students’ protests and restiveness.

“Management has directed immediate suspension of all postgraduate programmes

indefinitely till further notice as a result of constant protest of postgraduate students.

“Students in the PG Hostels of the university are directed to vacate postgraduate hostels not later than 6 p.m. on Friday Jan. 16, 2015.

“All concerned students should please comply to avoid unpleasant consequences,” he said.

Omeaku said that all principal officers of the institution as well as Police and the Army in Nsukka had been notified for enforcement.

(NAN)

Bauchi Govt to employ NCE holders among 500 IDPs

G

overnor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State yesterday received 500 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Plateau, Kaduna, Adamawa and Yobe States, promising to employ Certificate holders among them.

Yuguda, who received the IDPS at the Government House Bauchi, disclosed that their number in the state, had risen to more than two million.

He said that with the security challenges facing the country, particularly the North East, Bauchi State had become a safe place for IDPs because of the relative peace there.

The governor said that his administration, in collaboration with the National Emergency

Management Agency (NEMA), had put measures in place to accommodate any IDP, who wished to resettle in the state.

Yuguda said that he would provide land for the IDPs to settle, as well as support them with little capital to start something meaningful.

He also promised to employ those with National Certificate of Education (NCE), who wished to settle permanently in the state ant teach.

Earlier, Mohammed Hari, who led the IDPs, told the governor that they had settled in Too Local Government Area of the state.

He said that the IDPs sought the governor’s audience for assistance, to enable them settle

and start up a new life.

One of the IDPs, Mr Dauda Sambo from Plateau, said he heard over the radio that Bauchi State was peaceful, and that the government welcomed any displaced person who wanted to settle there.

“I am from Wase Local Government Area of Plateau but because of constant crises in my area, I decided to come to Bauchi State.

“My house was burnt and as a farmer, I can no longer go to the farm for fear of being killed, so, I decided to come to Bauchi State when I heard that Bauchi is peaceful.

“My major challenge now is where to settle and how to acquire a piece of land so that

I can continue with my work,” Sambo said.

Another displaced person from Oyo State, Mrs Rachael Paul, said she ran to the state from Nasarawa State even after the crisis in Jos. “I am into buying and selling and I lost all my belongings, my house and everything, to the crisis in Jos, where I grew up.

“In search of a peaceful life, I ran to Nasarawa State but crisis also caught up with me there.

It was there that I heard that Bauchi is peaceful, so I convinced my husband to let us come here,” she said.

She thanked the governor for accepting them but appealed for financial assistance to enable her continue her business. (NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

Healthy Living

You need to take care of your skin while harmattan lasts to keep your skin properly hydrated as the ability of the skin to retain enough moisture will go a long way to help; 2. In addition, you could use good skin moisturizers to take care of the dryness on the skin surface; if you can, limit your use of soap base tablets as they could have drying effect, rather, make use of soap free body washes to minimize the loss of moisture in the skin.

3. The temptation to do a steaming hot bath is very high due to the overwhelming cold, but experts

Doyin Ojosipe

T

he weather is windy and dusty again, it’s cold at dusk and dawn, presenting with dry heat in the noon; such is the description of the Harmattan season. At this time, some health

say, just a warm bath will do as hot water is reported to strip the skin of its natural oils meant to tighten and protect the skin, causing damaging effects to the skin.

4. Another good bet is the use of ointments and creams, olive and jojoba oil, Shea butter, petrolatum and mineral oil; these have proven to be good as they help to quickly lock in moisture in the skin immediately after shower.

5. For ladies who love to cleanse, this period is a no for complete use of products with much alcoholic

ingredients, since it also has a drying effect, rather it is better to go with gentle fragrance free and gentle cleansers.

6. Consistent consumption of fruits such as avocado, carrots, kiwi fruit, tomatoes among others cum good intake of oily fish or fish with omega 3 fatty acids, soy products, rosemary leaf, among others are reported to help the skin in healing while nourishing the skin with the needed nutrients to keep it moisturized.

issues arise.

One of them is the excessive drying of the skin that could cause skin damage if care is not taken; however experts have listed a number of steps to follow to cater for the dry skin.

1. Increase your water intake

Good exercise can keep you from heart disease

L

ack of exercise is the single worst risk factor for heart disease for both men and women, yet seven out of ten adults, don’t do enough.

This doesn’t mean you have to rush to your local gym: becoming just a little more active will make a real difference.

Think of exercise in terms of everyday activity: the more you do; the better your fitness and the lower your risk of heart disease.

How does exercise help

heart disease?

Being physically active halves your risk of heart disease. This is because exercise: • lowers blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease • Increases good HDL cholesterol that transports fat away from the arteries and back to the liver for processing • May reduce levels of bad LDL cholesterol that can form fatty deposits in the arteries and

contribute to heart disease • Improves circulation by preventing blood clots that can lead to heart attack and stroke • Increases fat loss • Helps weight-loss • Builds muscle mass.

Exercise also reduces stress by releasing feel-good hormones called endorphins.

How much exercise is enough?

A 30 to 40 minute brisk walk three times a week is enough to improve your fitness level and reduce your cardiovascular risk.

If you are at increased risk of heart disease and stroke, you should aim to exercise for 30 minutes on five days out of seven, if not daily.

Any one of the following increases your risk of heart disease and stroke: • smoking • being overweight • diabetes • high cholesterol • high blood pressure • a family history of heart disease.• How can I increase activity levels?

Some simple ways to increase activity levels are:

• take the stairs or walk up escalators to tone your legs and buttocks • walk to the shops instead of driving, and carry the shopping bags home to give your arms a good workout • cycle or walk short journeys rather than using the car • get off the bus or train a stop early • Use your lunch break to go for a stroll.

You can split the recommended 30 minutes into manageable chunks – for example, a ten minute walk to and from the bus stop to your place of work, plus a five minute walk to the shops and back.

Energetic household chores like vacuuming, washing the windows and gardening also count as exercise.

You may want to invest in a pedometer, an electronic device that clips on your waistband and records how many steps are taken.

This will give you a base level from which to increase. Experts recommend 10,000 steps a day.

Finally, weekends are a great opportunity to be more active.

From country walks to busy shopping trips and leisure centers to health spas, there is a range

of venues and activities to suit everyone.How do I know if it’s working?

Exercise means raising your heart beat – you may experience this with a gentle stroll or need to walk briskly.

You should feel your body working quite hard, but still be able to talk.

Don’t exercise at one level: build to a maximum pace and then slow down before the end of the session.

Always warm up at the start of a session, and take time to cool down at the end with some simple stretches. netdoctor.co.uk

Page 30

Healthy Living

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

Cancer symptoms men ignore S kin changes When you notice a change in the size, shape, or color of a mole or other spot on your skin, see your doctor as soon as you can. Spots that are new or look different are top signs of skin cancer. You’ll need an exam and perhaps a biopsy, which means doctors remove a small piece of tissue for testing. With skin cancer, you don’t want to wait, says Marleen Meyers, MD, an oncologist at NYU Perlmutter Cancer Center.

Changes in lymph nodes Swollen lymph nodes, small bean-shaped glands found in your neck, armpits, and other places, often signal that something’s going on in your body. Usually, they mean your immune system is fighting a sore throat or cold, but certain cancers also can make them change. Have your doctor check any swelling that doesn’t get better in 2 to 4 weeks, Meyers says.

Trouble swallowing Some people have trouble swallowing from time to time.

But if your problems don’t go away and you’re also losing weight or vomiting, your doctor may want to check you for throat or stomach cancer. He’ll start with a throat exam and barium X-ray. During a barium test, you drink a special liquid that makes your throat stand out on the X-ray.

Heartburn You can take care of most cases of heartburn with changes to your diet, drinking habits, and stress levels. If that doesn’t help, ask your doctor to look into your symptoms. Heartburn that doesn’t go away or gets worse could mean stomach or throat cancer.

Mouth changes If you smoke or chew tobacco, you have a higher risk of mouth cancer. Keep an eye out for white or red patches inside your mouth or on your lips. Talk to your doctor or dentist about tests and treatments.

Weight loss without trying Are Pants fitting a little looser?

If you haven’t changed your diet or exercise habits, it could mean that stress or a thyroid problem is taking a toll. But losing 10 pounds or more without trying isn’t normal. Although most unintended weight loss is not cancer, it’s one of the signs of cancer of the pancreas, stomach, or lungs. Your doctor can find out more with blood tests and tools that make detailed pictures of the inside of your body, like a CT or PET scan.

Fever A fever is usually not a bad thing -- it means your body is fighting an infection. But one that won’t go away and doesn’t have an explanation could signal

leukemia or another blood cancer. Your doctor should take your medical history and give you a physical exam to check on the cause.

Breast changes “Men tend to ignore breast lumps because breast cancer isn’t on their radar,” Meyers says.

“But 1% of all breast cancers occur in men, although they’re usually diagnosed much later.”

Don’t take any chances. If you find a lump, tell your doctor and have it checked.

Fatigue Many types of cancer cause a bone-deep tiredness that never gets better, no matter how much rest you get. It’s different from the exhaustion you feel after a hectic week or a lot of activity. If fatigue is affecting your daily life, talk to your doctor. She can help you find the cause and let you know if there are ways to treat it.

Cough In nonsmokers, a nagging cough is almost never cancer.

Most go away after 3 to 4 weeks.

If yours doesn’t, and you’re short of breath or cough up blood, don’t delay a visit to your doctor, especially if you smoke. A cough is the most common sign of lung cancer. Your doctor can test mucus from your lungs to see if you have an infection. He may also give you a chest X-ray to check for another problem.

Pain

Cancer doesn’t cause most aches and pains, but if you’re hurting for more than a month, don’t just grin and bear it.

Ongoing pain can be a signal of many types of cancer, especially those that have spread, Lepor says.

Belly pain and

depression It’s rare, but depression along with stomach pain can be a sign of cancer of the pancreas. Should you worry? Not unless this cancer runs in your family, Meyers says.

Then you need to see your doctor. webmd.com

How allergies affect your child’s ears, nose, and throat drip down the back of the throat, leading to “post-nasal drip.” It can lead to cough, sore throats, and a husky voice.

Sleep disorders: Chronic nasal obstruction is a frequent symptom of seasonal allergic rhinitis and perennial (year-round) allergic rhinitis.

Nasal congestion can contribute to sleep disorders such as snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, because the nasal airway is the normal breathing route during sleep. Fatigue is one of the most common, and most debilitating, allergic symptoms. Fatigue not only affects children’s quality of

D

oes your child have allergies? Allergies can cause many ear, nose, and throat symptoms in children, but allergies can be difficult to separate from other causes. Here are some clues that allergies may be affecting your child.

Children with nasal allergies often have a history of other allergic tendencies (or atopy).

These may include early food allergies or atopic dermatitis in infancy. Children with nasal allergies are at higher risk for developing asthma.

Nasal allergies, can cause sneezing, itching, nasal rubbing, nasal congestion, and nasal drainage. Usually, allergies are not the primary cause of these symptoms in children under four years old. In allergic children, these symptoms are caused by exposure to allergens (mostly pollens, dust, mold, and dander).

Observing which time of year or in which environments the symptoms are worse can be important clues to share with your doctor.

Ear infections: One of children’s most

common medical problems is otitis media, or middle ear infection. In most cases, allergies are not the main cause of ear infections in children under two years old. But in older children, allergies may play role in ear infections, fluid behind the eardrum, or problems with uncomfortable ear pressure.

Diagnosing and treating allergies may be an important part of healthy ears.

Sore throats: Allergies may lead to the formation of too much mucus which can make the nose run or

life, but has been shown to affect school performance.

Pediatric sinusitis: Allergies should be considered in children who have persistent or recurrent sinus disease.

Depending on the age of your child, their individual history, and an exam, your doctor should be able to help you decide if allergies are likely. Some studies suggest that large adenoids (a tonsil-like tissue in the back of the nose) are more common in allergic children. entnet.org

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

Politics Extra

Shinkafi to recall sacked Zamfara workers From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

F

Adamu Maina Waziri, PDP Governorship candidate in Yobe State speaking at the flag-off of his campaign at the August Stadium in Damaturu on Saturday.

100 PDP supporters dump party for APC in Yobe

From Uche Uche, Damaturu

O

ver 100 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has shifted their loyalty to the ruling party in Yobe State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the formal flagging off of Governor Ibrahim Gaidam’s re-election campaign which took place in Nangere town in Yobe State yesterday.

The defectors who were represented by their leaders who were the party chairmen of PDP, in zone B, Yobe south senatorial district, comprising Nangere, Potiskum, Fune and Fika local governments, were presented with the APC flags during the occasion signifying their loyalty and acceptance to the ruling party and their abandonment of PDP.

Speaking during the occasion, state Governor, Alh. Dr. Ibrahim Gaidam pointed out that PDP has failed woefully in caring for the people especially in the area of providing security for the lives and properties of the people, thus the reason for people abandoning what he called a broken umbrella that could not provide the needed shelter for the people.

He therefore called on the remaining members of the PDP to join the APC in order to work together for the betterment of the lives of the all Yobeans, pointing out that PDP from the year 1999 to date has done nothing for neither its members in the state nor for the state in general.

“The security challenges we are facing in Yobe State and the entire northeast is the result of the

failure of the central ruling party, the PDP, but when APC forms the government at the national level with General Buhari as President, I assure you that Boko Haram members will run away and he is sure to pursue them even into the outer place and eliminate all the vestiges of the insurgents,” Gaidam optimized.

“On our party as APC government, we have fulfilled over 90% of our 2011 campaign promises in all the sectors of our economy such as the provision of portable drinking water and sanitation in which we have achieved over 70% of the MDG goals,” the governor said.

“We have also achieved a lot in the provision of road networks, electrification of our towns with solar powered street lights and

connected most of our towns to the national grid to improve the economic activities of our people,” he added.

“Further, we have improved our health sector by upgrading medical centers in all the three senatorial districts and employed doctors from within and outside the country to improve service delivery in the heath sector including qualified nurses, among other achievements of the administration.

He pointed out that his second term in office, after being reelected, would witness provision of more of the much needed dividends of democracy as his administration would consolidate on the achievements already made within his first tenure as the governor of the state.

ormer Zamfara State governor, Mamuda Aliyu Shinkafi who is vying for the seat of the governor under the umbrella of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has promised to recall the 14,000 sacked civil servants ahead of oncoming general elections.

Shinkafi, who made pronouncement while flagging off of the presidential/gubernatorial campaign on Saturday in Gusau, the state capital, shade tears of joy while acknowledging cheers from thousands of supporters in the state.

He assured that agriculture, education and youth’s empowerment would receive priority of his administration if elected to serve as the next governor of the state.

He further explained that the abandoned Zamfara State agricultural revolution programme (ZACAREP) would be revived to enhance food production in the state.

The PDP guber candidate added that the teeming civil servants across the state that are now faced with hardship in terms of daily needs would laugh from the payment of a handsome salary and other welfare packages within the first quarter of his administration.

Earlier, in separate speeches, the Minister of State Finance, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda , Dr. Bello Haliru, PDP North west chairman and the state Chairman of the party, Senator Hassan Nasiha, assured the teeming supporters of the PDP of the party’s readiness to promote the living standards of the people.

Others that graced the occasion include, the Minister of Defence, General Aliyu Mohammed Gusau, Minister of Special Duties Tanimu Turaki, former Sokoto state governor, Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa and PDP governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Senator Wali among others.

Buhari not clean on PTF-PDP

By Ahmed Abubakar

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Organisation yesterday disagreed with the clean bill of health given to General Muhammadu Buhari by former President Olusegun Obasanjo over the N25 billion-fraud that took place in the administration of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) by Buhari as executive chairman.

The Campaign Organisation, in a statement in which it subtly queried the health status of General Buhari, said that by saying that there was nothing amiss in the

financial transactions in the PTF; Obasanjo was only trying to cover up the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The statement issued by the Director of Media and Publicity, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, reads: “We believe that one of the cardinal principles of democracy, good governance and decency is to always set the record straight and let the Nigerian people know the truth.

“We do not believe that anything ought to be hidden and we believe that in the contest for the Presidency the record of public office of each and every one of the

presidential candidates is relevant and must be subjected to scrutiny and public debate” he stated.

“It is to this end that we make reference to the findings of the Dr Haroun Adamu-led Interim Management Committee probe of Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) where General Muhammadu Buhari, the presidential candidate of the APC, presided as executive Chairman for a number of years while General Sani Abacha was in power.

“The final report of that probe exposed nothing but monumental sleaze and the most pervasive and insidious type of corruption in PTF

while General Buhari held sway there. The report concluded its findings by recommending that the PTF under General Buhari and his entire team be asked to explain the circumstances in which N25, 758,532,448:00 disappeared and could not be accounted for. As the chief executive officer of PTF at the time Buhari, and no one else, must be held responsible for this.

“The fact that the recommendation of the Dr Haroun Adamu-led Interim Management Committee was never acted upon by the Olusegun Obasanjo government is rather curious and gives us some cause for concern.

This is especially so given the fact that the same General Buhari that was so badly indicted by the report is now vying for the exalted office of President of Nigeria.

“This is made all the more worrisome given the fact that the Army General has consistently held himself out as Mr. Integrity while he consistently accuses President Goodluck Jonathan of monumental corruption. The truth is that not only has the PTF report put a lie to the suggestion that General Buhari is ‘’Mr. Clean’’ but it has also indicated that he has a case to answer” Fani Kayode added.

PAGE 32

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

Residents groan over invasion of FCT by scavengers

Scavengers searching for valuables at a refuse dump site.

Feature

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

F

ollowing the invasion of Abuja, the the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), by scavengers otherwise known as ‘Baban Bolas’, in local parlance, who go about searching for valuables kept inside receptacles and at dumpsites, scattered around neighbourhoods in the metropolis, some residents are now groaning under activities of these group.

Some of the residents, who spoke in separate interviews with Peoples Daily, expressed serious concerns over increased nefarious activities of these scavengers in the city.

They complained that the scavengers (baban bolas) have become a major concerned for most residents, as some of them have become nuisances to the environment.

While some expressed concerns that since activities

of these Baban Bolas, mainly centered on waste collection points and refuse dumps within and around neighbourhoods, some of them engage in stealing of values from people’s homes, others were worried over their impact on the environment.

A resident, Mrs. Pamela Kim, who said even though these scavengers are focused on looking for valuables in dust bins or refuse dumps as the case may, as a means of earning a living, some of them have become nuisances to FCT environment, as they hide under their trade to steal.

For instance, one day, I washed my clothes and hung them outside for sunlight, before leaving the house for market, but on my return I was shocked to see an unknown scavenger with my husband’s clothes, and as I shouted and he flew away.

“Ordinarily, if they (Baban Bolas) come to a place, you expect that they should just go and pick things from the dust bins and move on, but recently, what

do you see some of them have become something else, and by the time you search their bags or carts you will be so surprised what would be in there.

“The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) and its waste collection agents, including FCT Neighbourhoods Associations should do something about the attitude of these scavengers scattered all over the city,” she stressed.

Another resident, Nancy Fom, decried that instead of the recycle materials like mental products and other things, these scavengers now get involved more in stealing people’s property.

“When these scavengers (Baba bolas) see your plates, pots, generators or any other property, they tend to go after these items and put them into their bags or their carts.

“Instead of being interested

“

Actually some of these scavengers are always on high with drugs and other intoxicative substances, as well as holding of dangerous weapons to even harm residents who may want to do something to them, but in most cases they attack even when the residents are asking questions

in picking materials like mental products and other valuable things, they (Baba Bolas) get involved in stealing people’s property.

“And with the growing number of scavengers in the Abuja metropolis, our concern is that the relevant FCT environmental task force should really do something about the issue, before it becomes even a more serious problem in FCT and its environs,” she maintained.

For another resident, Chidi John, who noted that no matter how scavengers go about picking things from the waste bins or dumpsites, the system of such job is bad , admitted that so some of them actually steal while others do not, but look for values thrown away by residents.

“Picking things in the waste bins is also dangerous to their health, (Baban Bolas’), they need to be more enlightened on the risks involved in this kind of jobs,” Contiuned on page 34

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

PAGE 33

Photo Splash

Young girl rearing cattles and rams, on Saturday at Waru village, in Abuja.

Over view of Sunday Market, yesterday in Mararaba.

Wheelbarrow pushers out for work, yesterday in Mararaba, Nasarawa state.

Elderly women waiting for alms, yesterday in Mararaba.

A labourer walking around Area 11, yesterday in Abuja.

Photos: Mahmud Isa

PAGE 34

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

Metro

Bwari council boss reiterates call for collective resolve against insurgency

By Stanley Onyekwere

T

he Chairman of the Bwari Area Council of the FCT, Peter Yohanna Ushafa, has reiterated the call for collective resolve of stakeholders towards checking the insurgency currently ravaging some parts of the country, irrespective of their ethnic, religious and political affiliations.

Speaking to newsmen, when the FCT chapter of the People Democratic Party (PDP) flagged off its Presidential and National Assembly campaign, in Abuja, Ushafa stressed that fighting the terrorists should not be left in the hand of the presidency alone but that all the stakeholders should have Contiuned from page 32

John said.

In the same, Mr. Tayo Ayo, observed that most of the scavengers are doing whatever they could, just to survive like any other person in the city.

“It is not that I’m supporting the scavengers’ job, because it is very dirty and dangerous not only to themselves but the entire society.

“Actually some of these scavengers are always on high with drugs and other intoxicative substances, as well as holding of

roles to play.

“We must not all be in the presidency before we fight the terrorists or other criminal activities, we can do our part by cooperating with the those in the presidency, security agents, the local vigilantes to check the menace,’’ he said.

Ushafa, who is also the chairman of the media and publicity committee of the party in FCT, said the party will campaign in all the nooks and crannies of the FCT to ensure total victory for the party’s candidates in the territory. ‘’We are going to all the communities to showcase our achievements from the federal, FCTA down to the area councils to the people

and use such achievements to sell the party’s candidates to the electorates,’’ the chairman added.

He pleaded with the people of the territory to continue to be law abiding and be tolerant of their neighbours in the interest of peace.

Meanwhile, addressing the party supporters at the Abuja old parade ground, the venue of the event, the leader of the party and FCT minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, described the opposition All Progress Party (APC) as a dead party in the territory.

He said the present administration has done more to develop Abuja city centre and its satellite towns, saying the Abuja master plan

is being maintain in line with the transformation agenda of President GoodLuck Jonathan.

The minister said FCT traditional institute will be accorded more attention, adding that the crisis rocking the Kwali traditional stool would soon be settled.

Earlier, the FCT chairman of the party, Alhaji Y. Y. Suleiman, said the party would emerge victorious during the poll because of the various developmental projects provided in the territory by the PDP-led administration.

Also speaking, the senator representing FCT in the National Assembly, Philip Aduda, who is seeking reelection, said all the elected representatives from the

territory would continue to discharge their responsibilities to make life meaningful to the residents of the territory.

However, highpoint of the event was reception of some decamppees from other opposition parties, with many of them from the APC, into the PDP. Peoples Daily reports that the flag-off was attended by the National Organising Secretary of the party, Abubakar Mustapha who represented the PDP national chairman, FCT minister of State, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, Minister of Water Resources, Serah Ochepe, former FCT Minister, Abba Gana and Wife of the FCT Minister, Aisha Bala Mohmmed.

Residents groan over invasion of FCT by scavengers dangerous weapons to even harm residents who may want to do something to them, but in most cases they attack even when the residents are asking questions,” Ayo said.

However, a resident, Nyams Jesse, attributed the development

to the fact that most degradable and non degradable waste materials are not properly handled in the FCT, as it appears being left at the mercy of scavengers.

“Although, most of them are rude and uneducated, sincerely there are some of them that are of

good behaviours.

“There was an incident at Lugbe, when one of them “scavengers” stole a baby and hide inside his sac bag, but because the baby was moving, that is why residents caught him.

“But the key thing is for

A scarvenger looking for scraps after a cleaning exercise by the Department of Development Control of the FCT recently.

residents should be careful and more security conscience of their environment any time they see scavengers around their waste bins or their environment,” he advised.

Furthermore, one Edward Madaiki, stressed that there is the urgent need for law enforcement agencies, especially the police men in the FCT to keep an eye on the activities of scavengers in the metropolis.

He added that this was necessary despite the fact that Baban Bolas are helping out in recycling waste bins, as they still needed to be checked because their rising excesses.

On his part, a scavenger, Ali Sambo, who dismissed the claims of the residents, said the worries over their activities are misplaced and uncalled for, as most of them only go about their normal businesses.

“Most residents have a misconception about our business; we have been passing through various challenges with residents.

“So, we pleading with them to understand that we are not thieves, but people searching for valuables inside waste bins and dumpsites in FCT,” he stressed.

“We don’t steal at all, we usually pick unused things kept inside waste bins, for recycling purpose, just to make earn meet, we are registered members of FCT recycling association, but I don’t understand why we are usually called thieves which we are not,” adds another Scavenger, Zayard Kabriu.

Page 35

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

International international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

Will the UK and Pakistan cooperate on security interests?

ANALYSIS

P

akistan’s army chief, Gen Raheel Sharif, has said there will be no let up in the military’s offensive against Pakistani Taliban (TTP) militants on the Pakistani side of the border with Afghanistan.

“The campaign will go on through the winter months,” he said during a three-day visit to London. “There will be no turning back.”

The Pakistan army operation in the militant stronghold of North Waziristan began last summer, long before the attack on a school in the city of Peshawar, in which Pakistani Taliban militants killed more than 130 children.

But, the general said, the massacre had given the army extra resolve to fight the militants. “We didn’t expect them to attack children,” he said.

Gen Sharif told Britain’s Secretary of State for Defence Michael Fallon that militants near the Afghan border remained in “just a few pockets”.

But in Peshawar analysts and journalists report that, in fact, the militants still control significant amounts of territory in North Waziristan, and that the army offensive has so far only managed to clear the urban areas.

A full plate?

There are also question marks over the way the army defines its enemies. While it is fully engaged against the TTP, Punjabi-based militant groups such as Lashkar e Toiba, which carried out the 2008 Mumbai attacks, are free to operate in Pakistan without interference.

Privately Pakistani military officials argue that, with so much fighting going on near the Afghan border, they cannot be expected to simultaneously confront Punjabi groups.

Critics argue that in fact the army has no desire to confront Punjab-based groups, most of which focus their attacks on Indian targets.

There are similar debates concerning the army’s attitude towards the Afghan Taliban and the cross-border Haqqani network, which in 2011 was described by the then chairman of the US joint Chiefs of Staff, Mike Mullen, as a “veritable arm” of Pakistan’s most powerful intelligence

British police are continuing their investigation into the MQM after the murder of its deputy leader, Imran Farooq (left), in London more than four years ago There are question marks over the way Pakistan’s army defines its enemies

agency, the ISI. Despite all lingering questions about Pakistan trying to distinguish between the so-called “good” and “bad” Taliban, Gen Sharif insisted that Pakistan had reviewed its Afghan policy and was genuinely committed to the establishment of a broad-based government in Kabul under the leadership of President Ashraf Ghani.

Separatists and detainees As well as discussing Pakistan’s desire to receive more military equipment and training from the UK, officials from the two countries traded

requests for co-operation in relation to individuals on each others’ soil.

Gen Sharif asked that the British take action against Baloch separatists living in London, including Hyrbyair Marri, who Pakistani officials say is the leader of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). The general requested that the BLA be listed as a terrorist organisation and that legal measures be taken against any of its leaders based in London.

For more than a decade the BLA has been in open rebellion in the Pakistani province of Balochistan. A long-running army campaign has contained

“

the insurgency but not managed to bring it to an end.

Mr Marri was cleared of terror charges in a British court in 2009. Human rights activists complained at the time that he was only put on trial at the request of Pakistani leader Gen Pervez Musharraf.

Given that Mr Marri was found not guilty, it would seem all but impossible for the British authorities to retry him.

For their part, British Home Office officials asked for Pakistani co-operation regarding the MQM political party. The MQM has 20 members in Pakistan’s National Assembly, most elected from constituencies in

The UK is pressing Pakistan to release two men - Mohsin Ali Syed and Mohammed Kashif Khan Kamran - who they suspect of carrying out the murder and who are currently thought to be in ISI custody in Pakistan.

Pakistan’s biggest and richest city, Karachi.

The MQM leader, Altaf Hussein, has lived in north London for more than 20 years and successive Pakistani governments have complained that British officials have turned a blind eye to the party’s willingness to use violence to get its way.

Following the murder of the MQM deputy leader, Im ran Farooq, in Lon don in 2 010 t he part y has be e n t he subject of a major British police investigation.

The UK is pressing Pakistan to release two men - Mohsin Ali Syed and Mohammed Kashif Khan Kamran - who they suspect of carrying out the murder and who are currently thought to be in ISI custody in Pakistan.

Despite all the warm words expressed by the Pakistani delegation and its British hosts it is unlikely t hat e it he r gove rn m e n t will m ove t o he lp t he ot he r.

While the British authorities can’t see what they could charge the Baloch separatists with, t he P akis t an is are re lu c t an t to give up the MQM suspects.

For as long as they remain in ISI custody, they provide the army with a valuable lever over the MQM’s parliamentary bloc.

Source-BBC

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

Page 36

International

DRC official denies presidential election postponement

Niger bans Charlie Hebdo over security concerns

A

prominent member of the ruling Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism (PNDS- Tarayya) says the government’s decision to ban the distribution of the Charlie Hebdo newspaper in the country is to ensure peace and stability in the Muslim dominated West African country.

Sani Iro, the communications director for PNDS- Tarayya, says some churches in Zinder in the Damagaram region, were torched on Friday by irate Muslim youth following the latest publication of Charlie Hebdo in France.

He said the government acted in good faith to maintain the country’s peace by banning the Charlie Hebdo publication.

Iro said the government has deployed security officers to Zinder following the burning of some churches and Christian related structures.

“Yes, to make sure that peace is reigning in the country, while other measures are being taken,” said Iro. He said Niger, which has a majority Muslim population, found the publication offensive.

“The population cannot understand that such a cartoon may be allowed in our country.

This is why the government took this measure and banned the cartoon,” said Iro. Critics say the banning of the distribution of the newspaper infringes on the freedom of speech which is guaranteed by the constitution.

Iro admits there is a constitutional provision that allows for media freedom but added that there is a need to ensure responsibility and accountability.

“Any kind of freedom has a limit,” said Iro. “Even if there is freedom of expression, you know that there are some things that cannot be allowed in a society for the sake of serenity of peace …If there is an expression that would bring trouble in the country it’s the role of the government to prevent the trouble in this country.”

Senior Muslim clerics criticized President Mahamadou Issoufou for saying on the air that “We are all Charlie” following the France terror attack. Mr. Issoufou was also among the world leaders who marched in support of Charlie Hebdo and to denounce the terror attack.

T

he Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) information minister says the presidential election will be held as originally scheduled in the constitution, contrary to media reports that the poll could be delayed.

O p p o s it io n p ar t ie s h ave accused President Joseph Kabila of trying to extend his term through a proposed law that would require completion of a

national census before elections are held.

Information Minister Lambert Mende said main opposition leader Vital Kamerhe is to blame for peddling rumors that the election would be postponed.

“What Mr. Kamerhe is saying is not true that the constitution is forbidding that any election be organized before or after the day of the end of the presidential mandate. I was saying that it is

false he didn’t read the constitution [well], because if we lose our president if an accident occurs the constitution has already given provision that the election can be organized before the end of [the presidential] mandate,” said Mende.

Mende added it appears opponents of the government are misinforming the public to embarrass the administration.

“Yes it is what we have

DRC Communication minister and government spokesman, Lambert Mende

witnessed for I think one year or one year-and-a-half. This opposition led by Kamerhe is trying to confuse the public in Congo, I don’t know why,” said Mende.

He said the constitution also mandates the electoral commission to seek permission for a new date from the Constitutional Court to enable time if the electoral body is unable to meet the requirement to organize a fresh presidential poll.

“Let people not tell [untruth] to the people,” said Mende. “The government is ready to help the electoral commission to organize the election at the date that is written in the constitution. So, what the leader of the constitution is saying is not true.”

He called on the opposition not to create tensions, which he said could create instability.

“We are asking them to cool the situation. We are asking them not to make the people of Congo [afraid],” said Mende. “I don’t think what is the interest of real patriotic politicians to make their own people [afraid] it is something that we really blame them, [but] lucky enough we have enough mature people who are not following them at all,” he said.

Source-VOA

Zambia Electoral Commission says ready to administer poll

A

senior official of the Electoral Commission of Zambia says the organization is ready to supervise a credible presidential by-election on Tuesday. Official campaigning ends on Monday ahead of the poll.

The commission’s director of elections, Priscilla Isaac, says both sensitive and non-sensitive materials have been dispatched to ensure all polling centers across the country can open on time for the vote.

“We have really tried to be on

top of things and we will be ready to open polling station on time on the 20th,” says Isaac. “We dispatched the last set of ballot papers to the districts - that was Thursday. So all the ballot papers are all in the districts and now just waiting for the deployment to the respective polling stations with the polling staff ... We know that everybody will be in place by the 19th at all their respective polling stations, in readiness for the polls on Tuesday.”

She says political parties were part of the verification process of the

ballot papers, and that the parties appeared satisfied with the entire process.

Some Zambians have expressed concern about violence after supporters from the ruling Patriotic Front and opposition United Party for National Development clashed in parts of the country in the midst of their campaigns.

Isaac says the electoral body is working with the parties to encourage a halt to such attacks.

“We are particularly concerned with PF and UPND because it

is basically them that have been involved in skirmishes between their cadres and supporters,” she says. “All the political parties made a pledge to promote peace for campaign, and also to ensure that restrain their cadres and supporters from violence.

Both presidents for PF and UPND made a public commitment that they would not support any violence from any of their supporters, calling on their supporters that even if they are provoked they should restrain themselves and restrain themselves from provoking [others],” she said.

Chad troops arrive in Cameroon C ameroon state radio journalist Said Abdoul Karim, who is based in the town of Kousseri on the border with Chad, told VOA in a telephone interview that thousands of Chadian soldiers came into Cameroon in a convoy of military trucks Saturday morning.

He says the soldiers passed through the Chadian town of Bongor and got into Cameroon through the northern town of Yagoua and are on their way to Maroua where they will work together with Cameroonian forces.

He says there was a big event in Chad to demonstrate solidarity with Cameroon in fighting Boko

Haram.

Colonel Didier Badjeck, spokesman for Cameroon’s military, says the soldiers have crossed the boundary and are on their way to the town of Maroua in northern Cameroon, where they will be deployed to the war zone on the border with Nigeria. He says they will work with Cameroonian soldiers to crush Boko Haram incursions in Cameroon. He says that he has given this information to the minister of communication so that Cameroonians along the road the soldiers are using should not panic.

Chad said last Wednesday that it would support Cameroon, whose president, Paul Biya,

had appealed for a coordinated international response to Boko Haram. Biya did not say when

or how many troops would be deployed in his Thursday announcement.

Thousands of Chadian troops have arrived in Cameroon to help the Central African nation fight the Nigerian militant group Boko Haram.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

Page 37

International Asia & East Pope Francis in Manila: Six IS Middle releases Yazidis million attend outdoor mass elderly in Iraq

P

ope Francis has celebrated an outdoor Mass in front of unprecedented crowds in the Philippine capital

Manila.

Six million people attended the ceremony or lined the Papal route to Rizal Park, city officials estimate.

That would be a record for a papal event. About five million welcomed Pope John Paul II in Manila in 1995.

The Vatican said Pope Francis had dedicated the service in part to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan, which devastated the country in 2013.

The Mass will be the Pope’s final full day in the Philippines, where there are 80 million Catholics, concluding his six-day tour of Asia.

The atmosphere has been electrifying, despite the heavy rain. Pope Francis’s visit has been seen here as a resounding success.

There’s been enormous enthusiasm for the Pope and the themes he’s focused on - helping the poor, the importance of the family, and protecting the environment.

Those who couldn’t reach the park for the Mass stood patiently under umbrellas as close as they could, to catch glimpse of Pope

Francis on his way there. A woman called Sara told us that her whole family had come in from the provinces to stay over the weekend and ensure they saw the Pope on what they see as a historic, once in a lifetime visit. One man, Jocson, said: “We are here to bear witness also, to see the Pope personally.”

Some people had camped

outside the park overnight to be the first ones admitted when the gates opened early on Sunday morning.

“It’s such deep joy - so much hope for our country - we really need his message - we need transformation among us and that is what he told us,” one of the worshippers, Chad Soniko, told the BBC, adding and wiping

away tears: “Really, really, really touched.”

Thirteen-year-old John Paul Jones said: “I saw God in his eyes.”

Before the final Mass, the Pope held morning meetings with religious leaders and young people at the University of Santo Tomas which is the biggest Catholic university in Asia.

Pope Francis kissed babies as people around took pictures of the unforgettable event

Pakistanis held over Peshawar school massacre

F

ive Pakistani men have been arrested in Afghanistan in connection with the Taliban massacre of 134 school children in the Pakistani city of Peshawar last month, officials from both countries said on Sunday.

The five were detained last week after Pakistan sent a list

of suspects to security services in the neighboring nation, said the officials who asked not to be named.

Taliban gunmen opened fire in the military-run school on Dec. 16, killing nine staff and the students, many of them the children of army personnel, in the country’s bloodiest massacre in years.

“We are investigating whether the five detained are the ones wanted by Pakistan,” one of the Afghan officials told Reuters.

Pakistan’s Taliban is a separate organization from the Afghan Taliban, but both share the goals of toppling their respective governments and enforcing strict Islamist

law across the region.

One of the Pakistani officials said another 20-25 people had been detained in Pakistan, but some had already been released.

A second Pakistani official said that talks were underway with the government for the transfer of the five prisoners in Afghanistan to Pakistan.

Palestinians throw eggs at Canada’s John Baird

A crowd of protesters had gathered at the foreign affairs ministry in Ramallah

P

alestinian protesters have thrown eggs at Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird as he was visiting the West Bank city of Ramallah.

Mr Baird was not hit, though some eggs struck his motorcade.

Canada is considered one of

Israel’s closest allies.

It voted against the Palestinians’ successful UN bid to become a non-member state and has opposed their recent move to join the International Criminal Court.

Mr Baird was in Ramallah to

meet Palestinian Foreign Minister RiadMalki, during a five-day trip to the region. His visit came a day after the ICC said it was opening a “preliminary examination into the situation in Palestine”.

Mr Baird said he and MrMalki had held “cordial and constructive” talks that included “candid and frank exchanges on areas where we differ in opinion”.

“I asked that the minister strongly reconsider the consequences of moving forward with any action that may be counterproductive to a negotiated solution with the state of Israel.”

‘Wrong side of history’ Palestinian negotiator SaebErakat, who did not meet Mr Baird, issued a statement expressing his anger at Canada’s backing for Israel.

“We regret the Canadian government’s decision to stand

on the wrong side of history by blindly supporting the Israeli occupation and its apartheid policies,” he said.

Harsh critics of Israel level the charge of apartheid - the system of state-sanctioned racial discrimination once practised

by South Africa - against the Jewish state over its treatment of Palestinians and IsraeliArab minority. Israel says the accusation is baseless and a part of efforts to demonise it.

The Palestinians will formally join the ICC on 1 April and have asked it to investigate Israeli “crimes” since June 2014.

This covers events prior to and during last summer’s conflict between Israel and militants in Gaza.

Israel and the US have strongly criticised the Palestinians’ move.

Sorces-BBC,VOA

T

he Islamic State (IS) militant group has freed at least 200 members of the Yazidi religious community in northern Iraq.

The group of mainly elderly Yazidis crossed out of IS-controlled territory and were received by Kurdish officials near the city of Kirkuk.

It is not yet clear why militants released them.

IS attacked the Yazidi minority community in Iraq last year, killing and abducting thousands of people.

Almost all of those released on Saturday were elderly or unwell, said Reuters. An early estimate of their numbers was put at 350, but later reports said there were some 200 in the group.

The group, including several sick infants, were taken directly

by Kurdish Peshmerga forces to a health centre for treatment.

KhodrDomli, a leading Yazidi rights activist, was at the centre.

“Some are wounded, some have disabilities and many are suffering from mental and psychological problems,” he told the AFP news agency.

“These men and women had been held in Mosul,” he added.

Israel: West Bank Islamic State cell broken up

I

srael says it has broken up an Islamic State cell in the occupied West Bank and charged seven Arabs with terrorism-related offenses.

The Israeli domestic intelligence agency Shin Bet said it arrested the suspects in November and December. But information about the case was kept under a gag order until an indictment was issued Sunday.

Authorities said the Israeli Arabs were plotting to carry out attacks in Israel and to target Druze Israelis, before eventually fighting in Syria.

Shin Bet said the seven suspects had confessed to working together to form a “Salafi Jihadist” group and pledged allegiance to the Islamic State.

The security agency said members of the group ranged in age from 22 to 40 and was headed by a lawyer, Adnan Aladin, who referred to himself as the “Commander of ISIS in Palestine.”

Shin Bet said the group practiced slaughtering animals to build up its nerve to fight in Syria and to train for “slaughtering infidels in Syria.”

The seven face charges of joining a banned organization, aiding a terror group and contact with a foreign group.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

Page 38

International Germany ‘anti-Islamisation’ Pegida rally cancelled

A

planned rally by Germany’s “antiIslamisation” Pegida group has been called off after police received a threat against one of the organisers.

Pegida announced the measure shortly before police said the threat was “concrete” and no demonstrations would be allowed in Dresden on Monday.

Pegida has been rallying each Monday for weeks, attracting record numbers in Dresden last week.

Rival protests have sprung up and have been condemned by German leaders.

Writing on its Facebook page, Pegida said it had no choice but to cancel the rally to ensure protesters’ safety.

It urged supporters to hang flags out of their windows and light candles instead.

Meanwhile in the western city of Essen about 50 demonstrators from the far-right Hooligans AgainstSalafists group (Hogesa) were outnumbered by more than

2,000 counter-protesters on Sunday.

The Hogesa demonstration was banned by police and those attending were detained.

German magazine Der Spiegel reported on Friday that intelligence agencies had

intercepted messages from known jihadists planning strikes against the group.

Pegida last week defied calls from German leaders to stay at home, following the deadly attacks

by Islamists in France.

Justice Minister Heiko Maas

urged organisers not to “misuse” the attacks.

However the rally went ahead, with a record 25,000 people attending in Dresden.

Anti-Pegida rallies drew tens of thousands in Dresden, Leipzig, Munich and Hanover.

Thousands have joined rival rallies against Pegida

Both Charlie Hebdo Gunmen are buried in France

T

he two brothers who gunned down 12 people in the Charlie Hebdo massacre in Paris have been buried in secret, unmarked graves in France.

French authorities said that CherifKouachi was buried just before midnight Saturday in a cemetery in the Paris suburb of Gennevilliers, even as his family was kept away. The gravesite was not marked so that it does not become “a pilgrimage site” for Islamists.

His older brother Said was secretly buried a day earlier in the northeastern city of Reims.

France expedites citizenship

for Malian hero Meanwhile, France says it is granting expedited citizenship to LassanaBathily, the 24-yearold Muslim from Mali who hid customers in a basement refrigerator before escaping to alert police about the attack on a kosher grocery story in Paris that followed the assault at the Charlie Hebdo offices.

Bathily told VOA’s Bambara service Saturday that French President Francois Hollande called him and promised to give him citizenship.

The grocery store worker said his actions had “nothing to do with faith,” adding that

the customers were “innocent” people who “had not done anything.”

Bathily has been hailed as a hero for his actions during the terrorist attack.

T h e g u n m a n , AmedyCoulibaly, who identified with Islamist extremists, attacked the store during a three-day terror spree in Paris in which 17 people were killed.

The hero and the gunman were both black French speakers of Malian origin, causing some confusion when Bathily left the store to get help.

He was handcuffed for 90 minutes by police until people

who knew him confirmed he was not the attacker. Bathily drew a map of the store for police. After four years of working there and praying within its walls during his shifts, he thoroughly knew the place.

Bathily told VOA “Even if I’m being called a hero, I’m not going to change.”

Bathily applied for citizenship in 2014 after living in France for eight years. The Interior Ministry says his paperwork has been expedited and Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve will preside over Bathily’s naturalization Tuesday.

Shots fired outside Joe Biden’s house in Delaware

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hots were fired near US Vice-President Joe Biden’s house in the state of Delaware, but he was away

at the time, a Secret Service official has said.

The shots were fired on Saturday from a public road in

Joe Biden and his wife Jill were not in residence at their lakeside house in Delaware on Saturday

Greenville, outside a security perimeter, Robert Hoback said.

The road is several hundred metres from the house, and officials were searching to see if the shots had hit anything.

The incident, which happened at about 20:25 on Saturday (01:25 GMT Sunday), is under investigation.

The Secret Service said the vehicle from which the shots were fired “drove by the vice president’s residence at a high rate of speed”.

“The shots were heard

by Secret Service personnel posted at the residence, and a vehicle was observed by an agent leaving the scene at a high rate of speed,” it said.

Mr Biden’s office says the vice-president and his wife, Jill, were later briefed on the incident.

One man was arrested later nearby but it is not known if he was directly involved in the shooting.

The Bidens spend many weekends at the Delaware house, the Associated Press news agency reports.

The incident comes four months after an intruder armed with a knife managed to dodge guards and enter the White House.

The head of the Secret Service stepped down over that breach and previous lapses in security surrounding the president.

Europe and Americas Ukraine’s Military: Troops retake Most of Donetsk Airport

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krainian troops launched a “mass operation” overnight, retaking almost all the territory of Donetsk airport in eastern Ukraine lost to separatists in recent weeks, military spokesman Andriy Lysenko said on Sunday.

The army’s offensive at the airport brought the fighting close to the city of Donetsk itself, center of a pro-Russian separatist rebellion. Residents reported intensified outgoing shelling including from residential areas in central parts of the separatistheld city.

“The decision was taken for a mass operation. ... We succeededin almost completely cleaning the territory of the airport, which belongs to the territory of Ukrainian forces as marked by military separation lines,” Lysenko said in a televised briefing.

Lysenko said the operation had returned the battle lines near the airport to the previous status quo and that the Ukrainian army had thus not violated the Minsk 12-point peace plan agreed with Russia and separatist leaders last September.

Four Ukrainian soldiers had been killed and 32 injured in the past 24 hours, he said.

With attempts to restart peace talks stalled, pro-Russian rebels have stepped up attacks in the past week, seizing from government troops parts of the airport, which is of strategic value to both sides.

“It was impossible to sleep -- explosions, the walls were shaking. It seemed like they were firing from near the building. ...

The DNR [rebel] army were firing from our district,” 53-year-old advertising executive Alla said by telephone.

A cease-fire agreed at the talks in Minsk, capital of Belarus, in early September was regularly violated from the start by both sides.

The World Health Organization said more than 4,800 people have been killed in the conflict pitting Kyiv’s forces against separatists whom the West say are supported and armed by Russia.

Despite what Kyiv and the West says is incontrovertible proof, Russia denies its troops are involved or that it is funneling military equipment to the separatists.

With its runways pitted and cratered, the airport itself, with a multi-story control tower and extensive outbuildings, has long since ceased to function.

But its hulk, battered by shelling and gunfire, has taken on symbolic value for both sides with troops and separatists hunting each other often at close range in a deadly cat-and-mouse game among the ruins.

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

Strange World Man beheads mother because he thought she was a reptile

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man beheaded his mother because he thought she was a reptile, a judge has been told.

James Dunleavy decapitated his mother Philomena then left her body in a shallow grave in the gruesome attack that followed a row in Edinburgh in spring 2013.

Dunleavy, 41, was jailed for nine years after a jury heard he chopped his 66-year-old mother’s arms and legs off.

The court heard that Dunleavy was a psychopath who wanted to see inside his mother to see if she was impersonating a human, according to the Scotsman.

He was found not guilty of murder but a jury found that he was guilty of culpable homicide due to diminished responsiblity.

MORE: Loaded ‘homeless’ beggar travels to luxury destinations Paris, Monaco and Ibiza Consultant psychiatrist Khuram Khan told the court: ‘He believed his mother was a reptile and the only way to check was to look inside her body.’

He will serve his sentence in a mainstream prison after assessments said his psychological problems could be treated with medication.

James Dunleavy thought his mother was a reptile (Picture: Police Scotland)

He decapitated and dismembered his mother Philomena (Picture: PA/Police Scotlan

neuroblastoma – a nerve tissue based cancer which has left the toddler with just a 50 percent chance of survival .

Speaking to the Newcastle Herald, MrKoessler, from Cairns, explained how his daughter showed considerable signs of improvement after the oil was

mixed with coconut.

He said: ‘Her cancer-ridden little body was alive again – Rumer had almost instant quality of life.

‘She would say “Daddy, tummy’s not sore” and she would be able to eat like a champion and began to gain weight.

‘Her energy was up and she

wanted to go outside with me instead of lay on her back with her legs curled up.

However, MrKoessler was arrested on January 2 after travelling to Brisbane, where he met with his daughter’s oncologist.

He has been charged with supplying dangerous drugs to a

person under 16 and possession of dangerous drugs, and will appear in court on Tuesday.

In the wake of MrKoessler’s arrest, a petition has been launched on change.org, calling for justice minister Jarrod Bleijie and Queensland premier Campbell Newman to intervene in the case.

unscathed.

The farmer, who earlier that day said goodbye to his pregnant wife and two-year-old son, was on his way to Idaho to collect cattle.

He still had around 100 miles left of his journey when the mammoth collision took place in foggy conditions.

‘I just braced and hoped that everything would be all right,’ MrWhitby is quoted as saying in The Oregonian.

The smash forced him up against the steering wheel and he was trapped in an upright position.

He took out his pocketknife and managed to cut away his seat belt and dislodge the steering column from his side.

MrWhitby cried out for help – which soon arrived.

A man asked if he could snap a picture while he was inside the twisted metal.

He was checked over at hospital

where 12 people were taken from the crash – but only needed a couple of plasters on his fingers.

The most severely injured was transferred to OHSU Hospital in Portland and lis in a critical condition.Six others remained in hospital over the weekend.

Dramatic footage has emerged online showing motorists involved in the crash walking around the eerie wreckage.

It is believed the smash was

Kaleb was asked by a fellow motorist if he could pose for a photo (Picture: KTVB)

Dad faces jail after giving cannabis oil to dying daughter to ease her pain

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father in Australia is facing jail after he gave medicinal cannabis oil to his dying daughter to ease her pain.

Adam Koessler was charged earlier this month after giving the oil to two-year-old Rumer Rose, in a bid to treat her advanced

Incredible moment!man poses for pic after smash involving 100 people

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his incredible photo was taken in the immediate aftermath of a crash that involved 100 people and countless vehicles.

KalebWhitby was sandwiched between two trucks in the smash on I-84 in Baker City, Oregon, US, that injured a dozen people but claimed no lives.

Amazingly, the 32-yearold father of one escaped the potentially fatal incident relatively

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

Some Interesting Facts

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ncient Greeks practiced a form (ineffective) of birth control that consisted of having a woman hold her breath, making her squat, and sneezing.

The FDA permits up to 5 whole insects per 100 grams of apple butter.

There are no naturally occurring blue foods, even blueberries are purple!

The skeleton of Jeremy Bentham is present in all the important meetings of the University of London.

The elephant is the only mammal that can’t jump!

Just like fingerprints, everyone’s tongue is different.

The longest recorded flight of a chicken is 13 seconds.

400 Quarter Pounders can be made from a single cow.

Only 38% of Americans eat breakfast every day.

111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321 11% of the World is left handed.

A “Jiffy” is the scientific name for 1/100th of a second.

A Boeing 747’s wingspan is longer than the Wright brothers’ first flight.

A broken clock is right two times a day.

A duck’s quack doesn’t echo anywhere, no one knows why.

A male emperor moth can smell a female emperor moth up to 7 miles away.

Lima beans contain cyanide.

Rats multiply so quickly that in 18 months, two rats could have over a million descendants.

Leisure

Watermelons are a popular gift to bring to a host in China or Japan.

Draftsmen have to make 27,000 drawings for the manufacturing of a new car.

An ostrich egg would take four hours to boil.

The chemical name of caffeine is 1,3,7 trimethylantihine.

Say what?

SUDOKU SUDOKU EASY 226

PHOTO OF THE DAY

A man carrying a bag of maize on his back during distribution of Christmas and New Year gifts by the wife of Bauchi state Governor, Hajiya Aisha Yuguda, to Christian women, yesterday in Bauchi. Photo: NAN

SporT 41 Page

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

sports@peoplesdailyng.com, SMS- 08142929046

Pinnick, Giwa appear before court of arbitration for sports

Eagles

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hris Giwa and Amaju Pinnick last week appeared before the Court of Arbitration for Sports in Lausanne for settlement of the disputed elections into the executive board of Nigeria Football Federation.

Giwa and Pinnick, who both emerged NFF presidents from various factional elections con-

ducted on August 26 and September 30, 2014 respectively, were physically present before the panel established to resolving sports’ legal disputes in Switzerland.

The frustrated proprietor of Giwa FC took his case to CAS in September as he still has the belief and conviction that he actually won the NFF election held on August 26.

Mashaba set to maintain unbeaten record at AFCON >>>Pg 43

The awaited verdict of CAS is expected to provide a lasting solution to the protracted six months long crisis which have engulfed the nation’s football since it exit from the Brazil 2014 World Cup. It would be recalled that observers and aggrieved contestants in both the August 26 and September 30 elections have demanded for a fresh elections after

cries of irregularities.

However, the failure of the Pinnick led NFF board to set-up an arbitration panel in resolve of the election disputes over the split that had the minority and majority in the NFF Appeals Committee.

Thereafter Barrister Igbokwe, who contested for executive member of the NFF in the September 30 elections requested for an ar-

Giwa apologises to Nigerians over Glass House meeting postponement >>>Pg 42

bitration panel to be set up after he got a go ahead from Fifa to seek redress outside a regular court after he had his appeal nullified by the majority members of the appeals committee.

The insistence of Pinnick against setting up an arbitration panel forced the surprise return of the Giwa’s factional board into office.

Australian Open: Djokovic ready despite illness >>>Pg 42

Page 42

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS ON ANY EMERGENCY Council endorses the useful phone numbers submitted by the security agents for easy access in case of any emergency on the metropolitan Roads. Accordingly, the general public may easily Contact KAROTA for: Breakdown of Vehicle(s), Traffic Congestion, Accidents, and Illegal/Wrong Parking to kindly Call KAROTA through the following numbers on – 08091626747. Similarly, the State Police Command could be contacted on – 08032419754, 08123821575. In addition, the State Fire Service can be contacted on – 07051246833, 08191778888.

184nd KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING

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overnor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE currently leads Kano State in the span of his second (2nd) and last term of four (4) yearsas constitutionally allowed, and commendably his administration unfailingly holds an Executive Council Meeting every week or seven (7) calendar days (especially on Wednesdays).

So far, the Kano State Executive Council held one hundred and eighty three (183) sittings of the projected two hundred and nine (207) meetings to complete the second (2nd) term in office by the current administration. The impressive average of twenty five (25) approvals granted per each of the one hundred and eighty three (183) sittings translate to a total of 4,575 public spirited/oriented projects,schemes and programmes executed across all sectors for the betterment of the lives of the citizenryin Kano State with an expenditure of N435,877,991,480.50 transparently and prudently deployed.

Majority of the approved projects/programmes/schemes are at 100% level of completion while many others are close to completion.

Again, those continuous in nature are relentlessly maintained.

This transformed Kano State and affords it an upright stature in developmental trends of international repute courtesy of the present administration.

The characteristic laudable trend was maintained on Wednesday 14th January, 2015 (23rd Rabi’ul Awwal, 1436AH) at the one hundred and eighty fourth (184th) sitting of the Kano State Executive Council held under the Chairmanship of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. Ten (10) MDAs submitted forty three (43) memoranda for deliberation of which Council approved twenty (20) cutting across five (5) sectors for execution with an expenditure of One Hundred and Eighty Seven Million, Two Hundred Thousand, Two Hundred and Fifty One Naira, Thirty Eight Kobo (N187,200,251.38) covering eleven (11) projects while the remaining nine (9) were on policy issues as follows; 1.

THE EMPOWERMENT SECTOR The superlative performance of the present administration under this sector inherent in public spirited and oriented activities undertaken by various MDAs in Kano State stridently calls for applause as the multitude of beneficiaries cut across all segments of the society.

Series of approvals were and are continually granted for the execution of projects, schemes and programmes related to empowering all categories of the citizenry in the State towards self actualization. The ten (10) memoranda approved for execution under the empowerment sector at the one hundred and eighty fourth (184th) sitting of the State Executive Council adds to the series and can be typically subdivided into four. Viz; provision of access to capacity building for serving civil servants = 3; provision of access to professional/academic education = 3; provision of access to employable skills acquisition = 2 and provision of access to support for the needy = 2. Thus; • Provision of Access to Capacity Building for Serving Civil Servants:i.

Request for Funds to Enable Conduct of Staff Capacity Building Training by Kano State Bureau of Statistics in Liaison with Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD):The office of the Secretary to the State Government endorsed this request originally submitted from the Kano State Bureau of Statistics and presented it to Council for consideration.

Need to acquire the required professional capacity by the staff selected for the training in conducting their day to day work instigated submission of the request. Details were summarized and presented to Council along with the request for the release of the sum of N1,150,000.00 to enable conduct of the training for forty six (46) staff as follows; a) State Bureau of Statistics – thirty six (36) Staff at N25,000.00 = N900,000.00. b) Ministry of Planning and Budget – ten (10) Staff at N25,000.00 = N250,000.00.

Accordingly, Council considered and approved as requested. ii. Request for Funds to Enable Ten (10) Kano State Government Officials Attend the First (1st) International Conference on “Sustainable Development” at BAZE University, Abuja (19th – 22nd January, 2015):BAZE University, Abuja invited Kano State to be represented by ten (10) relevant officials at the cited Conference scheduled to hold at its Headquarters in Abuja (19th – 22nd January, 2015).

As such, the office of the Secretary to the State Government submitted this request for consideration by Council. Two (2) prayers

Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso were presented as follows; - Council to consider and approve participation and release of DTA for ten (10) officials to attend the Conference.

- Council to consider and approve the release of the sum of N700,000.00 as registration fee for the Conference in respect of the ten (10) delegates (officials).

Council noted, considered and approved as requested. iii. Request for Funds to Enable Fifteen (15) French Teachers under the Ministry of Education Attend a Six (6) Months Training in French Language at France (1st February to 30th July, 2015):Contents of this memorandum reminded Council of its earlier approvals granted for the conduct of a screening examination to assess the capacity of the fifteen (15) French Teachers to attend the stated course.

In this regard, the screening examination was conducted at the French Cultural Center, Abuja. All the fifteen (15) Teachers qualified which prompted the State Ministry of Education to submit this request to Council for consideration as endorsed by the office of the Secretary to the State Government for the release of; - 191,610.00 Pounds Sterling for the six (6) months course in respect of the fifteen (15) French Teachers $1,005.00.

Accordingly, Council approved the release of the requested sumto enable the fifteen (15) French Teachers serving with the Kano State Ministry of Education attend the six (6) months training in French Teaching and Methodology according to the details presented.

• Provision of Access to Professional/Academic Education:i. Request for Funds to Enable Two (2) Officers under the Office of the State Accountant General Travel to India on Verification and Reconsideration Assignment in Respect of Sponsored Students at M. S. U and Dayananda Universities:Profound applause was accorded the Kano State Government under the present administrationfor its empowerment policy especially in respect of providing access to professional and academic education at under and post graduate levels in Colleges and Universities locally and abroad in marketable and required courses such as MBBS and Pharmacy, Commercial Pilot, Marine Engineering, etc. Series of approvals were granted for the release of funds to sponsor Kano State Indigenous qualified candidates for studies at such Institutions and their number is beyond comparison to any other. So far over 2,500 students have been sponsored to over 14 countries across the globe.

Prudence and accountability in the disbursement of such funds instigated submission of this request for consideration by Council.

Two (2) officers (Deputy Directors) from the Ministry of Finance and

the State Scholarship Board respectively are earmarked for the trip estimated to cost the sum of N1,348,400.00 which was requested for release.

Accordingly, Council considered and approved the release of the stated sum for the commitment. ii. Presentation of a Letter of Misconduct in Respect of Two (2) Amongst the Second (2nd) Batch of 181 Kano State Indigenous Students Sponsored for One (1) Year Top – Up Degree Programme at International University of East Africa, Uganda:Only the unfortunate misuse a rare opportunity such as that provided by the Kano State Government currently under the capable leadership of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE by ensuring access to professional/academic education at under and post graduate levels in Institutions abroad free of charge to Kano State Indigenous qualified students. Two (2) students among the impressive number of beneficiaries of the laudable scheme were found guilty of unpleasant behavior which led to their immediate expulsion and subsequent return to Kano by officials of the institute.

Cognizant of the financial commitment involved, the office of the Secretary to the State Government endorsed two (2) recommendations from the Ministry of Science and Technology and presented them for consideration by Council. Thus; - Council to consider and approve replacement of the two (2) students by two (2) other qualified ones from the Ministry of Science and Technology.

- Council to consider and approve withdrawal of the scholarship awarded to the two (2) students to be screen two (2) fresh students to replace them.

Immensely dismayed, Council approved execution of the two (2) recommendations proffered so as to deter others from committing similar offense. iii. Request for Funds to Enable Refund of One Way Ticket Fare in Respect of Fourteen (14) Amongst the 501 Post Graduate Returnees:Fourteen (14) of the 501 Kano State Indigenous Students sponsored for post graduate studies in five (5) Countries completed their respective courses successfully and hence are due to return to Kano with financial implications to the tune of N1,596,093.15 which was requested for release to enable the students return.

Owing up to its responsibility, Council approved as requested emphasizing disbursement of the fund as follows; S/N Number of Students Countries Amount (N) i. 02 China 226,421.09 ii.

05 Malaysia 581,104.99 iii. 05 Jordan 518,836.87 iv. 01 Dubai 128,942.55 v.

01 United Kingdom 140,786.84 Total = N1,596,093.15.

• Provision of Access to Employable Skills Acquisition:i. Request for Funds to Enable Provision of Logistics Required for the Screening of One Thousand, One Hundred (1100) Recruits for Course 7 of the Corporate Security Training Institute:Prominent amongst the employable skills acquisition training institutes established in Kano State by the present administration is the Kano Corporate Security Institute already graduated six thousand, six hundred (3,560) Corporate Security Personnel in six (6) Batches of one thousand, one hundred (1,100) each. Majority of them are already employed and deployed to various Government establishments while many others are engaged by Private Individuals and Corporations.

In envious progress, this request originally submitted from the authorities of the institute was endorsed by the office of the Secretary to the State Government and presented it to Council for consideration.

Equally, Council was requested to approve the release of the sum of N350,000.00 to facilitate provision of logistics required for screening one thousand, one hundred (1,100) recruits for course 7 at the institute.

Council noted, considered and approved as requested. ii.

Presentation of Employment Opportunities Offered by Motir Seapire Nigeria Limited:Motir Seapire Nigeria Limited was introduced to Council, through contents of this memorandum, as a consortium of many companies engaged in the power, Maritime and Energy (Oil and Gas) Sector.

Furthermore, details on the company were summarized to six (6) items and presented to Council for consideration all of which are congruent with the empowerment policy of the present administration.

Contd on Page 27

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015 Council appreciated the presentation and approved for collaboration between the Kano Sate Government and Motir Seapire Nigeria Limited pertaining the proposalon employment opportunities since it is at no cost to the Government.

• Provision of Support to the Needy:i.

Presentation of Report on 2014 (1435AH) Hajj Operation:This report was endorsed by the Deputy Governor/Honourable Commissioner, Ministry for Local Governments and presented to Council for consideration on behalf of the Kano State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board.

Details of the report were summarized to fifteen (15) items and presented to Council for consideration based on which the State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board proffered nine (9) recommendations that warranted the forwarding of three (3) cardinal prayers on Hajj Operations as follows; - Council to consider and approve commencement of 2015 Hajj Operation activities by the State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board.

- Council to consider and approve allocation of two (2) Hajj Seats for 2015 (1436AH)Hajj to two (2) Kano State Indigenous Winners in Qur’anic recitation competition which include Malams Muhammad Isman Sulaiman and Muhammad Ubale Lawan.

- Council to acknowledge/appreciate the recognition accorded to Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE and his Deputy Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje by the presentation of a PLAQUE by the Saudi Arabian Government for their Moral and financial support to the successful Hajj Operation in the year 2014 (1435AH).

Council approved execution of the three (3) prayers forwarded. ii. Request for Funds to Enable Kano Pillars Football Club Pursue CAF Champion League First (1st) Round in February, 2015 (Juba, Sudan):Support provided to the Kano Pillars Football Club by the present administration in Kano State needs no emphasis in this medium.

However, such support ensures the excellent continuous performance of the Club as good ambassadors of Kano State and the Nigeria Nation at local, regional and international football competitions especially the Nigerian Premier Football League Competitions in which the Kano Pillars Football Club clinched first (1st) position for three (3) consecutive years (2012, 2013 and 2014).

In the same vein, a Council Committee was mandated to study the cited request originally submitted from the Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youths, Sports and Culture and report/recommend findings to Council for consideration.

The assignment was judiciously carried out and it was recommended to Council to approve the release of the sum of N105,795,200.00 for both Home and Away Matches of the CAF Champions League Football Competitions to be undertaken by the Kano Pillars Football Club.

Accordingly, Council considered and approved the release of the trimmed sum of N100,000,000.00 for the stated purpose.

2.

THE HEALTH SECTOR Existing in good health is cardinal of all human aspirations and considered prominent by the present administration in Kano State which relentlessly approves execution of projects, schemes and programmes related to the improvement and transformation of the health sector in all aspects and ramifications for the betterment of the lives of the citizenry in the State. Physical and infrastructural requirements; material and medical consumables; tools/equipment are continually provided by granting series of approvals to which the one (1) approved for execution at the one hundred and eighty fourth (184th) sitting only added to the recorded achievements. Thus; Request for Funds to Sustain the Operations of the Magistrate Mobile Court Attached to the Taskforce Committee on Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (July – December, 2014):Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE champions the war against illicit drug trafficking in Kano State which was heralded continually from inception of this administration to date by setting fire to destroy illicit drugs and unwholesome materials estimated to cost the sum of over N4,000,000,000.00.

The cited Committee along with its attached Mobile Magistrate Court is the robust field men that enforce the general effort exerted towards the elimination of trafficking in counterfeit and fake drugs as well as unwholesome processed foods.

As such, the office of the Secretary to the State Government endorsed this request and presented it to Council for consideration on behalf of the Ministry of Health. Specifically, the sum of N7,589,800.00 was requested for release by the Ministry of Health to enable provision of operational funds and allowances to the Taskforce referred for six (6) months (July – December, 2014) as follows; - Operational funds (4 items) = N1,109,800.00.

- Allowances (6 months) at N1,080,000.00 = N6,480,000.00.

Total = N7,589,800.00.

Council noted, considered and approved as requested.

3.

THE INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT/ MAINTENANCE Only posterity can vindicate the commendable performance and indelible achievements recorded under this sector by the present administration. The State wears a brand new look courtesy of the urban renewal policy. Just take a trip round the entire State, the story tells itself in glittering volumes.

Maintaining the envious trend, the Kano State Executive Council approved the execution of six (6) memoranda under the infrastructural development and maintenance sector at its one hundred and eighty fourth (184th) sitting as follows; a) Presentation of Request for Permission to Access the Data

PAGE 43 on Registered Households and Business Premises in Kano State:Activities of the Street Naming and House Numbering Committee are commendable developments initiated courtesy of the efforts dissipated by the present administration in Kano State – especially the establishment of Kano Geographic Information System (KANGIS).

Relevant data/information required for physical development planning, demographic and socio – economic strategic designs, etc are currently easily generated, kept and retrieved whenever required.

This request was originally submitted from the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) endorsed by the office of the Secretary to the State Government and presented to Council for consideration.

Details on the genesis and reasons that instigated this submission, especially the established genuine attempt to source additional allocation of electric power to the State were presented for consideration.

Council appreciated the presentation, approved and directed authorities at KANGIS to allow KEDCO access to the Street Naming and House Numbering Data/Information required. This will certainly improve the level of industrial activity/production in Kano State, boost commercial activities and improve the living condition of the citizenry. b) Request for Funds to Enable Procurement of 1,500 Litres of Diesel (AGO):Standby electricity generators provide a sizable proportion of the electric power required by Kano State Government owned Health Facilities of all categories. Diesel is regularly required to energize such electricity generators so as to provide the necessarily required electric power as a vital enabling infrastructure for the normal health care delivery functions of the available facilities across Kano State in place of the epileptic supply from KEDCO as the renamed famous PHCN. The present administration unfailingly maintains the supply of diesel to the Ministry of Health which was reported as exhausted and warranted this submission as endorsed by the office of the Secretary to the State Government.

In this regard, the sum of N330,000.00 was requested for release to enable the Ministry of Health procure 1,500 litres of diesel to fuel standby electricity generators spread across Government owned health facilities in the State – especially hospitals.

Council noted, considered and approved as requested. c) Presentation of Update and Request for Augmentation of Initially Approved Funds for the Construction of Internal Road Network at Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education:This presentation was submitted to Council for consideration by the office of the Secretary to the State Government on behalf of the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport.

Equally, Council was notified of a variation upwards of the initial cost of N199,134,986.34 approved for the execution of the cited project on which the Contractor already mobilized to site and commenced works.

Additional works were encountered estimated and verified to cost the sum of N21,775,908.23 which was requested for release to augment the sum originally approved to the new Contract sum of N220,910,894.57.

Council noted, considered and approved as requested. d) Presentation of Report on Commissioning of Reallocation of 100 Hectares Developed Irrigation Scheme at Magaga Dam and the New WRECA Headquarters at Gwaron Dutse on 8th January, 2015 by Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE:Contracts for the execution of the two (2) projects commissioned were awarded to the Kano State Government owned Water Resources Engineering and Construction Agency (WRECA) by the present administration at the respective Contract sums of N169,000,000.00 (Magaga Dam Irrigation Scheme) and N56,000,000.00 (WRECA Headquarters).

The two (2) projects were successfully executed to 100% level which justified their commissioning by Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE on 8th January, 2015.

Details related to the quality of the two (2) projects as executed by WRECA were presented to Council for consideration as endorsed by the Ministry of Water Resources.

Council acknowledged the presentation appreciatively. e) Presentation of Progress Report on Activities of Kano State Fire Service Department:The State Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport supervise the Fire Service Department and presented this report for consideration

by Council. Specifically, activities of the Fire Service Department in four (4) months (September to December, 2014) were reported upon. Details were clustered and summarized under two (2) items and presented to Council for consideration. Thus; - The Department revived its recreation room (details presented); the control room was reactivated (details presented); the Fire Service Driving School was reactivated (details presented).

- The Department procured ten (10) single security poles; restored the electricity supply, water system at the students’ hostel and VIP guest house; refurbished a fire fighting vehicle at Sabon Gari Quarters; centralized thirty five (35) distress/emergency numbers/ lines with Etisalat Network.

Council acknowledged the presentation of the report with appreciation. f) Presentation of Progress Report on the Renovation of Sani Abacha Stadium:Contract awarded for the renovation of Sani Abacha Stadium is supervised by the Kano State Ministry of Works, Housing and

Transport which submitted this progress report for consideration by Council. Eleven (11) highlights were presented which totaled up to the overall and general percentage progress of the entire project to be at 95% level to completion.

Council acknowledged the presentation appreciatively.

4.

THE EDUCATION SECTOR This sector is second to none for the unwavering attention accorded in the efforts to transform it for the better exerted by the present administration in the State. The pinnacle was attained by declaring the provision of education at public schools free of charge at all levels in Kano State under the prevailing improved general situation regarding the education sector. Undertake a comparative analysis, award marks and grade the performance of the present administration towards improving the quality of services delivered by Government under the education sector within the span of the present administration.

“Flying Colours” or “Grade A” will certainly be awarded Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE for positively transforming the education sector in Kano State to its current envious status along the lines of which Council approved execution of two (2) memoranda under the education sector at its one hundred and eighty fourth (184th) sitting as follows; a) Request for Funds to Enable Reimbursement of Expenditure Incurred to Procure 100 Sets of ECOWAS Certificates in Respect of 100 Kano State Indigenous Students of Bilingual College Niamey:The Government of Kano State and that of Niger Republic endorsed a Bilateral Agreement on the establishment of Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso Bilingual College, Zinder mutually convenient to the parties.

In relation to the above, Kano State sponsored one hundred (100) students to join one hundred (100) others from the Niger Republic at the Niamey Bilingual College. Emergency ECOWAS Travelling Certificates were procured for the one hundred (100) Kano State Indigenous Students at the cost of N500,000.00 (N5,000.00 for each) which was requested for refund by the Ministry of Education as endorsed by the office of the Secretary to the State Government.

Council acknowledged and approved the release of N500,000.00 to the Ministry of Education as reimbursement for the incurred expenditure. b) Presentation of Proposed Amendment to the Transfer of Corona Trust School Law 1973:The Ministry of Justice submitted this presentation for consideration by Council.

Council was notified that, the Corona Trust School (now Kano Capital School) was formally transferred to the State through the Edict “Transfer of Corona Trust School (1973)”. The Edict makes provision for the Management of the School since then (now 41 years). The time lapse warrants a review and amendment to the said Edict so as to enhance academic activities and improve the administrative affairs of the school.

Accordingly, the proposed amendments were effected and Council was requested to approve the transmission of the Bill to the State House of Assembly for passage into Law. Council acknowledged the presentation and approved as requested.

5.

THE JUSTICE SECTOR This sector connotes the judiciary which is the third (3rd) arm of Government in addition to the Executive and Legislative arms.

As such, all issues relevant to the dispensation of justice promptly and correctly are approved for execution. For example, approvals were granted for the construction/establishment of twenty seven (27) Shari’ah Courts and twenty six (26) Magistrate Courts (total = 57) to facilitate easy access to the dispensation of Justice for the citizenry in the State. Again, approval was recently granted for the purchase of Encyclopedia of Islamic Jurisprudence (volume 1 – 11); Encyclopedia of Islamic Law (volume 1 - 10); Encyclopedia of Islamic Shari’ah (volume 1 - 10) at the total sum of N4,200,000.00.

Continuing with trend, the Kano State Executive Council granted approval for the execution of one (1) memorandum under the Justice Sector at its one hundred and eighty fourth (184th). Thus; Request for Funds to Enable Production/Printing of Kano State High Court Rules 2014:The office of the Secretary to the State Government endorsed this request and presented it to Council for consideration on behalf of the State High Court.

Essentially, the State High Court Civil Procedure Rules in use since (1988) is currently reviewed and signed as Kano State High Court Rules (2014) that requires production/printing at the estimated cost of N7,600,000.00 which was requested for release. Details were summarized and presented as follows; S/N Description Quantity Price (N) i. Hard Cover High Court Rules (2014) Books 2000 1,820.00 ii. Paper Back High Court Rules (2014) Books 3000 1,320.00

Total 5000

Total (N) 3,640,000.00 3,960,000.00 7,600,000.00

Accordingly, Council considered and approved the release of the stated sum for the undertaking.

PREPARED BY: Council Affairs Directorate, Office Of The Secretary To The State Government, Government House, Kano.

Page 44

Sport Abu Dhabi Championship: Stal beats Kaymer to win title

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

Australian Open: Djokovic ready despite illness

N

F

rance’s Gary Stal claimed his first European Tour title following an astonishing collapse by Martin Kaymer at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.

US Open champion Kaymer began six shots ahead and that soon extended to 10.

But after 47 holes without a dropped shot - a bogey then double and triple bogeys saw his lead gone by the 13th.

Germany’s Kaymer shot 75 and was third as world number 357, Stal, carded a 65 to reach 19 under and win by one, with Rory McIlroy second after a 66.

Watson praises Murray after winning Hobart title

H

eather Watson paid tribute to fellow British number one Andy Murray after winning her second WTA title in Hobart.

Watson, 22, became the first British woman to win two tour titles since Anne Hobbs in 1985 with victory on Saturday.

She joins compatriots James Ward and Kyle Edmund in the singles for the Australian Open, along with Murray.

Watson is the only British woman in the Australian Open singles after Johanna Konta and Naomi Broady

lost in qualifying, while Laura Robson continues her recovery from a wrist injury.

Robson, who is 21 on Wednesday, has not played since last year’s Australian Open and has slipped to 941 in the rankings, but Watson is confident her Fed Cup team-mate will get back to her best when she returns next month.

Watson won her first WTA title in Osaka two years ago before her career was derailed by a bout of glandular fever, and Saturday’s victory takes her to a new career-high ranking of 38.

Heather Watson and Andy Murray

ovak Djokovic insisted he felt ready to begin his bid for a fifth Australian Open title despite feeling unwell on the eve of the tournament.

Djokovic, 27, has another day of rest before facing Slovenia’s Aljaz Bedene in round one on Tueday.

Bedene, who came through qualifying, is based in the UK and in the process of applying for a British passport, which he hopes could open the door to the Davis Cup team.

Djokovic was courted by the LTA in his younger days, and the Serb said: “I wish him all the best. If he thinks it’s the proper way for him to continue his tennis career, I support him.”

Third seed Rafael Nadal has played down his chances of winning a second Australian Open title as he makes his way back from

injury. The Spaniard, 28, has played just eight matches since Wimbledon following a wrist injury and appendicitis.

Nadal lost his only tour match of the season so far against Germany’s Michael Berrer at the Qatar Open on 6 January, and faces a

Deontay Wilder and Bermane Stiverne

D

Wawrinka which he lost 6-3 6-2 3-6 6-3.

Nadal beat Roger Federer in straight sets in last year’s semi-finals, but the 33-year-old Swiss arrives in optimistic mood this year after a fine 2014 that lacked only an 18th major title.

Djokovic

Wilder beats Stiverne to win WBC title

eontay Wilder became the first American heavyweight world champion since 2006 after taking the WBC title off Bermane Stiverne on points.

Wilder, 29, dominated against his 36-year-old Canadian rival, with the three judges scoring the bout 118-109, 119-108 and 120107 in his favour.

The win was the first time Wilder had not won by knockout as he extended his unbeaten record to 33-0.

“I answered a lot of questions tonight,” said Wilder.

“I already knew I could go 12 hard rounds and take a punch. I am just excited,” he added.

Ukraine’s Wladimir Klitschko holds the WBA, IBF and WBO titles.

Wilder had not gone past the fourth round in any of his previous fights, but he constantly outpunched a lacklustre Stiverne in Las

tricky first-round contest in Melbourne against experienced Russian Mikhail Youzhny on Monday.

The 2009 champion almost added a second Australian title last year, only to succumb to a back injury during the final against Stan

Vegas on Saturday.

“I want to bring excitement back to the heavyweight division,” said the American, who won an Olympic bronze at the Beijing Olympics and knocked out Britain’s Audley Harrison in one round in 2013.

After Boston’s John L Sullivan became the first gloved champion in 1885, the heavyweight division was dominated by American fighters for more than 100 years. However, the last American to own a portion of the world heavyweight crown was Shannon Briggs, who briefly held the WBO title.

Stiverne suffered his second defeat from 26 pro fights.

“It just feels like I was flat in the ring,” he said. “I didn’t do what I know I can do. I need to go back and work on the mistakes.

“I couldn’t cut the ring. I couldn’t move my head like normal.”

Don King wants Canadian to fight Fury

P

romoter Don King says Bermane Stiverne could fight Britain’s Tyson Fury if the Canadian beats Deontay Wilder.

On Saturday, WBC title-holder Stiverne, 36, will fight 29-year-old Wilder, who is aiming to become the first American heavyweight world champion since 2006.

Current British and Commonwealth champion Fury, the mandatory challenger for Wladimir Klitschko’s

(R)Tyson Fury

WBO world title, fights on 28 February against Germany’s Christian Hammer in London.

Wilder has won all 32 fights inside the distance, including a first-round victory against England’s Audley Harrison in April 2013.

Haitian-born Stiverne has won 24 of 26 bouts and Saturday’s fight in Las Vegas sees the first defence of his title, which he won with a sixth-round stoppage of American Chris Arreola in May.

Page 45

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

Sport P-i-c-t-o-r-i-a-l 1.Cristiano Ronaldo scores twice as Real Madrid comfortably beat Getafe to move four points clear at the top of La Liga.

2.The Red Devil’s nervous performance on the big stage made Nigeria’s absence even harder to swallow, and they failed to do themselves justice in Bata.

3.Heather Watson pays tribute to fellow British number one Andy Murray after winning her second WTA title in Hobart.

4.Gary Stal, ranked 357th in the world, claims his first European Tour title in Abu Dhabi as Martin Kaymer falls behind.

2 1

5.Deontay Wilder becomes the first US heavyweight world champion since 2006 after taking the WBC title off Bermane Stiverne.

3

5 4

Page 46

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

PUBLIC NOTICE ORDINARY WOMEN DOING EXTRAORDINARY THINGS INITIATIVE

The general public is hereby notified that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

BEACON HILL EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE

KING’S POWER AND GLORY RESTORATION GLOBAL MINISTRY

The general public is hereby notified that the above named INITIATIVE has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for the Registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990.

SIGNED: Bar Monday akoh 08068242312

Signed: SECRETARY

The general public is hereby notified that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. Pastor Promise Agboola - President 2. Special Apostle Elias Oyeniyi 3. Mrs. Oluwakemi D. Agboola - Secretary 4. Pastor Femi Olorunlogbon - Vice President THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE 1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2. To restore man into his original place in the plan of God Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission (C.A.C) P.M.B 198, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

TWEETCHRIST OUTREACH

CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

The Trustees are: 1. Onyebuchi Monica madiebo - Chairman 2. BabatundeAdemoyo - Secretary 3. Beatrice Hudgson THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE 1. To foster unity among members.

2. To empower the less privilege in the society.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission (C.A.C) P.M.B 198, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

AKAMKPA COMMUNITY LIAISON OFFICERS ASSOCIATION

The general public is hereby notified that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Ntufam (Dr.) Sir PaulinusEkpeNtui 2. Ernest NdifonOkpa 3. EdetOkonOjong 4. Francis Etta 5. Apostle AlloysuiusArek 6. Roland Ntukpek 7. Ernest OsimAttah 8. Sylvester OkonErom 9. Sunday OkonNtui 10. Raphael BasseyEyo AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To foster peace, love and unity amongst members and all the quarrying communities.

2. Establishment of love, togetherness amongst members and their communities.

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

NAME OF TRUSTEES: 1. AkandeTaiwo Hassan 2. AkandeAbimbolaOreoluwa 3. AdeyemoAdesinaOluwakayode 4. LawalAishat AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To care for the welfare of the needy.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off AguyiIronsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named CHURCH has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, for Registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act,1of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Udeh Stanley Ifeakachukwu 2. Onyia Joy Nkemdili 3. MbadiweOfumaAtuanya THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To preach the gospel through social media.

2. To preach the word of God through tweet.

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 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: IWUAGWU NNAMDI ESQ GREEN AID SOLICITORS SUITE 10 SHALOM PLAZA, GUDU, ABUJA

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

BETTER LIFE MEDICAL MISSION

CHRIST THE KING COLLEGE GWAGWALADA OLD BOYS ASSOCIATION

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, No 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Dr. RotimiAdesanya 2. Dr. Gabriel Babatunde 3. Mrs. OmotayoAdesanya 4. Mrs. Mary Akinlade The Aim and Objectives are: 1. To render comprehensive medical care/outreaches on volunteer basis to the society, churches groups, corporate organisations, persons, orphanages.

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.

This is to inform the general public that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, No 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. AdeyoOgiriOchefu - Chairman 2. EzekwesiliOkechukwu - Secretary 3. Abanobi Martin 4. AgoromChinedu The Aim and Objectives are: 1. To keep alive among old boys interest in the well being of Christ the King College Gwagwalada herein referred to as CKC. 2. To promote social interaction among its members and CRC. 3. To foster unity among old boys.

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 MARY OGBU 07036972188

SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

MAVO VILLAGE AREA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, ASSOCIATION (MAVCODA) ANGWAN MAKONGIJI WASE ROAD MAVO WASE L.G.A PLATEAU STATE

foundation for vocational education development

This is to in form the general public that the above named organization has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part C of the companies and allied matters act 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE 1. MUSA UMARU MAVO 2. SANI ALHAJI YAHAYA 3. YAHAYA NUHU MAIKUDI 4. ADAMU S. TASHA MOHAMMED 5. IBRAHIM BATURE 6. USMAN SANI 7. AMINU BAWA 8. ZAKARI MAIKEKE 9. BAKO AHMED PATE 10. BAWA WAZIRI AIMS AND OBJECTIVE To promote quality life to the peoples at the community To empower youth for entrepreneurs and develop their skills Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Wise zone 5 Abuja within 28 day of this publication SIGNED: secretary 09097143877

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.Amb Dr Godknows Boladei Igali OON, FNAH. 2.Mrs Tokoni Boladei Igali 3.Preye Igali 4.Dr Stanley Lawson 5. Chief Ephraim Faloughi THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1.Development of vocational education in educational disadvantage areas 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

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named CENTER has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, for Registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act,1of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Prof. OladapoOlayemi 2. Dr. (Mrs) Valerie OkonObot 3. Dr. OlayinkaAtilola 4. Dr. (Mrs) HadizaSabuwaBalarabe 5. Mr. Patrick Obidoyin 6. Mrs. Kelechi Elizabeth Oladimeji 7. Dr. OlanrewajuOladimeji THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To implement community-based health projects relating to HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria, Cancer and other common diseases among low-income community dwellers.

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 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

LOSS OF DOCUMENTS

This is to notify the general public of the loss of Original Land Document with Ref No. GK/05/1320 of plot NO. 551, Apo Resettlement, Abuja belonging to Mr chukwudi odika of house 16, Egure Street 2nd Avenue Gwarinpa, Abuja. All efforts made to trace the said document proved abortive. If found, please return to the nearest police station. AGIS and the general public should hereby take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENTS

This is to inform the general public of the loss of the Statutory Right of Occupancy (R of O) in respect of plot No. 2804 measuring about 2200m2 within Asokoro Extension IV District, Abuja issued in favour of Chinedu Ikenna with File No. AN 6183 dated 1st day of March, 2002 and the Re-Certification and Re-Issuance of C of O Acknowledgement Letter dated 20th day of May, 2005 in respect of same Right of Occupancy got missing and was duly reported to Plolice Station. All effort made to trace the siad documents proved abortive. If found, please call: 08036018801 or return to the Abuja Geographical Information Systems (AGIS) and general public to please note.

THIS SPACE IS FOR SALE

PAGE 47

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, January 19, 2015

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

MOSAIC GARDENS RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION, GADUWA DISTRICT

GOD'S HOPE GLOBAL LESS-PRIVILEDGED MISSION

HAPPENING CITY INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION 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. ALHAJI IBRAHIM GUSAU 2. MR JACK IBRABOKA 3. ALHAJI SULAIMAN LAWAL 4. AIR COMMODORE YAHAYA ILLIYAS 5. MR TOLU AKINTUNDE 6. MR WELLINGTON NKEMADU 7. MR KALU CHIDI AGWU 8. MR EDWARD IGBASUWE NYULA AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROTECT AND PRESERVE THE INTEREST OF ITS MEMBERS. 2. TO ENSURE A BETTER WELFARE FOR ITS MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE EMERGING GENERATION YOUTH MENTORING INITIATIVE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.PROF. ADEBAMBO ADEWOPO 2.APOSTLE ISRAEL W. ABAM 3.MR. JIDE ASUMAH 4.MR. ALIU FOLORUNSO ALIU MATTHEW 5.MR. ISRAEL OLOTU 6.COLLINS HARRISON 7.MR. EMMANUEL SOGEIN DAMINABO THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO EMPOWER THE YOUTH. 2.TO ENGAGE THE YOUTH IN USEFUL VENTURES. 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.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named MISSION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. EVANG.ROSEMARY WAJIKU MURIMI- CHAIRMAN. 2. OKPO- ENE OKPO EKPENYONG 3. EDET PATRICIA ARCHIBONY 4 . EFREMFON ESSIEN ESSIEN 5 EVANG. BABA-KUKU IBRAHIM MOHAMMED .

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE 1.TO SEEK AND TO SAVE THAT WHICH WAS LOST (LUKE 19:10).

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission (C.A.C) P.M.B 198, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE GOD’S FLAMING SWORD OF FIRE GRACE CHAPEL

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHAPEL 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 COLLINS NZENWA 2. MR EFOSA OMOROGIUWA 3. OKOSODO INNOCENT 4. GLADYS OMOROGIUWA KOMESAGA AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: BARR. ADEDEJI OLUWAFEMI JOHN

SIGNED: BARR. TIMOTHY O. ADEJOH 08062609616

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

GOD’S GARDEN OF WONDERS MINISTRY

TRUST IN CHRIST REVIVAL ASSEMBLY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Apostle Bello Osazeli Matthew - General Overseer.

2. Pastor Ikhine inibhojie 3. Esimewele Angela - Treasurer 4. Bello Micheal - Secretary 5. Aigbomian Fidelis Elinmilenomen - Financial Secretary 6. Bello Happy 7. Amos Godwin Aletor

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.PASTOR SOLOMON OBARO 2. MRS. RACHAEL SOLOMON 3. ELDER SAMUEL MAKOLO 4. MR. PAUL SOLOMON 5. MRS OWOLABI BUKKY

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1.To preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. TO PROCLAIM CHRIST, EVANGELISE AND REVIVE THE LAND THROUGH CRUSADE.

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.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

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. EYOH JOSEPH 2. IGWEZE CHUKWUDUMEMI GRACE 3. EWEARU JOHN OSEOKHAI 4. UKWOCH PRECIOUS TOCHI AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. Signed: BARR. TIMOTHY O. ADEJOH 08062609616

PUBLIC NOTICE SHAMS-UD-DEEN AL-ISLAMIY ASSOCIATION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR CHANGE OF TRUSTEES TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE: 1.ALH. ABDUL-AHMED-OLORUNGBEMI - REMOVED 2.ALH. ABDUL-FATAI LAWAL-OLOHUNGBEMI 3.ALH. JAMIU ADEMEFUN 4.ALH: TAOFEEK ODEGBOLA 5.ALH. ABDUL-RAHAMAN AGBOFUJA 6.ALH. ABDUL-WAHEED BADRUDEEN THE NEW TRUSTEE ARE: 1.ALHAJI ABDUL-WAHEED BADRUDEEN - CHAIRMAN 2.ALHAJI ABDUL-RAHMAN AGBOFUJA 3.ALHAJI ABDUL FATAI LAWAL-OLOHUNGBEMI - SECRETARY 4.ALHAJI JAMIU ADEMEFUN 5.ALHAJI TAOFEEK ODEGBOLA THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THESAME. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS CHANGE OF TRUSTEES 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: ALHAJI ABDUL FATAI LAWAL-OLOHUNGBEMI SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE GRACE EVANGELICAL CHURCH OF CHRIST The general public is hereby notified that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part ‘C’ of Companies and Allied Matters Act No 1 of 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: Mr. Iliya Lumana (CSP Rtd) –chairman Mr.Joseph Sabo Layara – secretary Mr.Ibrahim Kadala (CSP Rtd) member Mr. Ilu Idi (ASP Rtd)- member Mrs. (Mama) Hannatu Y. Gagare – Member Mr. Folisco Shalome (ASP)- member Mrs. Elizabeth Benjamin- Member THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.

To preach and teach the Bible as truly the inspired and holy word of God 2. To feed the hungry, clothe the poor, support and enriched the needy both physically and spiritually 3. To Glorify God 4.

To join hands with government in promoting moral and physical development of nation Any objection to the above registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi, PMB 198 Maitama Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

Sign Barrister G.E.Kaka, Solicitor

PUBLIC NOTICE INTEGRITY BROTHERS ASSOCIATION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1.HARUNA ABDULLAHI ABUBAKAR - CHAIRMAN 2.MOHAMMED AMINU HARUNA - SECRETARY 3.ABDULLAHI UMAR 4.SADISU HARUNA 5.SANI AHMED 6.SABIU HARUNA 7.MOHAMMED LAWAL 8.AUWAL SANI 9.SAMAILA SALE 10.JAMILU HASSAN AIMS AND OBJECTIVES FOR BROTHERHOOD, MUTUAL COOPERATION, LOVE AND FRATERNITY AMONG MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

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monday, january 19, 2015

SPORTS latest

Manchester City 0-2 Arsenal: Wenger master class produces shock win

S

anti Cazorla scored one and created the other as Manuel Pellegrini’s side failed to close the five-point gap to Chelsea at the top of the table Much had been made of Arsenal’s inability to beat the big clubs in the top flight ahead of Sunday’s encounter, but Arsene Wenger’s side proved they are no soft touch with an impressive display to consign City to a first defeat in 15 games.

Santi Cazorla opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the first half after returning City Captain Vincent Kompany was adjudged to have blocked off Nacho Monreal.

City, who also welcomed leading scorer Sergio Aguero back into the starting line-up, were devoid of ideas going forward in the first half but were far more threatening after the break.

The defending champions were unable to pull off a fightback, though, and there was no way back when Cazorla turned provider with a free-kick that was headed home by Olivier Giroud.

Defeat for City was their second at home in the league this season and a first loss since back in November ensured Manuel Pellegrini’s side remain five points behind leaders Chelsea, with the two teams set to face each other next in the Premier League.

Arsenal have now won five of their last six games and leapfrog arch-rivals Tottenham into fifth place.

Aguero made his first start for six weeks and Kompany was also back in the City starting line-up along with James Milner.

There were two changes to the Arsenal starting line-up following victory over Stoke City last weekend, with Aaron Ramsey and Hector Bellerin in for Tomas Rosicky and Mathieu Debuchy.

City made a positive start and Aguero was unable to pick out a team-mate from the byline after referee Mike Dean played an excellent advantage when Laurent Koscielny clattered into Fernandinho with a clumsy challenge that resulted in a yellow card for the Frenchman.

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QUOTABLE QUOTE This CNN interview is an unfortunate blackmail attempt. It smacks of an international conspiracy against Nigeria’s national security.

– Major Gen. Chris Olukolade, Director, Defence Information

Between Jonathan, Buhari: Here is a president who destroyed PDP, almost destroyed Nigeria

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he epitaph that will be left for the Presidential years of Goodluck Jonathan is this: Here is a president who destroyed PDP and almost destroyed Nigeria.

This is a season of hirewired deceits, misinformation, campaign of calumny and spewing of outright falsehood and lies – all to hoodwink and deceive ordinary and gullible Nigerians for their votes.

I am not worried about these antics of the politicians.

It is their way. For them, their business is politics and their politics is business. No scruple.

My real worry is that many Nigerians who are the elites can see through some of these outright falsehoods but have decided to sit on fence and keep an embarrassing silence. They forget that millions of ordinary Nigerians who are confused and hoodwinked by these falsehoods and who do not have access to facts depend on their voices and guidance to make their choices.

This is, therefore, a message directed at those silent Nigerian elites who should speak up at this time. For me, I have decided that enough is enough. This is the time to speak up.

Unfortunately, many of our elites do not want to speak up now because they do not want to be caught on the wrong side of any government in the next four years; they prefer to play safe, not wanting to be tarred with the brush of partisanship.

But, I ask: what is wrong with partisanship in a country where you and your children have a huge stake? What is wrong in speaking up and standing up for what your conscience tells you is the right thing to do? What is wrong in being caught on the wrong side of the government in the next four years, if only you would be caught on the right side of posterity?

Except for a few class of persons like INEC officials, security agencies and those on the Bench, every other Nigerian has a duty - yes, a duty - to speak up now for our country, and to come down from that fence on which they are sitting regarding the 2015 general elections.

Those elites who do not speak up now for fear of being branded partisan and losing face upon defeat are enemies of the people who are looking up to them for guidance.

My message to those silent elites today is that whilst they are sitting on the fence, people are being killed like flies in some parts of the country on

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Monday Column Festus Keyamo, Esq.

Festus Keyamo a daily basis; whilst we are on that fence, our foreign reserves are going down, corruption is growing like cancer, poverty is growing even in the face of dubious economic theories and figures, and we continue to live without adequate power supply.

Yet, those who should speak truth to power are sitting on the fence in anticipation of personal gains. I am sorry, but today I have come down from that fence because my buttocks are already hurting from sitting on it.

Do not forget that I am from the Niger-Delta region and all my close friends and associates are the main supporters and aides of Mr. President. Two or three Governors who are either my former classmates or colleagues are the main backers of Mr. President. It is so easy, so convenient and so seemingly logical for me to get into that political mix and forget about the good of my country for personal gains. The disgusting message we hear all over the streets of that region every day at this time - promoted by the hirelings of the President – is that Goodluck Jonathan is “our son”, so we have no choice but to support him. In fact, I see some of my “brothers” from the Niger Delta region these days strutting all over the place, denigrating people from other regions. It is typical of what the Yorubas call “omo oju ori ola ri” (a person whose eyes have not seen wealth before).

But the question I ask those who tell me such nonsense and behave in such a manner is that, after the next four years, what is next for us? Is our entire future and that of our children

dependent on a South-South President for the next four years?

Kindly note that in getting down from the fence and speaking up at this critical time, I do not mind if you speak up for Goodluck Jonathan. Yes, you have a right to do so as a Nigerian. But, as an elite, your stand must be known so that when the massacres continue because of cluelessness, when the unrestrained stealing of our public resources continue, when darkness continues to befall the nation because of lack of power, it is important we all remember those who betrayed their conscience and the people because of ethnicity and self-aggrandisement and for posterity to record it as such.

We have a President who has no single appetite to fight corruption – yes, none. Imagine a campaign that is dominated by the theme of corruption, yet the President has decided to appoint a person facing trial for moneylaundering as his Director of Media and Publicity. If nobody would say it, I will say it because I am the one prosecuting the fellow in court and the case has been adjourned to February 23 and 24 for trial. Part of the lies told is that the fellow has been freed whereas some of the counts in the Charge were just struck out and the court held that he has a case to answer on some other counts. Yet nobody is asking the President these hard questions.

The President only mouths anti-corruption. The other day (December 23rd, 2014, I think) the President said he would like to erect a Hall of Shame for Nigerians who engage in corrupt and unwholesome activities that bring the country to disrepute.

But he was the same person who brought a convicted criminal, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, out of the Hall of Shame to the Hall of Fame by misusing his power of Prerogative of Mercy when he granted pardon to this self-confessed ex-convict.

Imagine the pain, the efforts and resources that go into securing a single conviction for corruption in this our clime. Yet, the President decided to spoil the party for anti-corruption campaigners. On top of that,

he displayed corruption within corruption by selective pardon when the likes of Tarfa Balogun, Lucky Igbinedion and others who were convicted about the same period did not enjoy his Presidential pardon.

Yet nobody is asking these hard questions on the campaign trail. The funny thing is that, nearly six years into his tenure as President, Goodluck Jonathan said the other day that he is just coming up with a plan to tackle corruption!! Haba, Jona !

To add insult to injury, President Goodluck Jonathan decided to tackle the corruption of stealing of our resources in the high seas by empowering small-time crooks and criminals to police our waterways. This is because he has no idea as to how to revamp, re-organise and reinvigorate the Nigeria Navy to perform its constitutional duty.

These days, it is an eyesore to see our military chiefs and officers kowtow to these empowered small-time crooks and criminals for appointment and promotions and other privileges. The disaster about this initiative of empowerment of crooks and criminals is that crude oil theft has never been so high, so rampant in the annals of this country than it is now. Why? Because the President has put a rat as a watchman over a morsel of fish. It is sad to say, but the President, by his actions, has shown no spine, no appetite, no nerve to fight corruption. He just continues to sink into an abyss of moral debauchery.

The other tragedy of this President is that, even as he is on the campaign trail, in the last one month, the omnipresent Contd on Page 27

DAN GAYE

US, UK in fresh move to deal with Boko Haram – News

Hope not with fruitless drones this time!

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