Friday, September 19, 2014. Edition. by Peoples Media Limited

Vol. 14 No. 53

Friday, September 19, 2014

. putting the people first

Thul-Qadah 25, 1435 AH

158 Days after

N150

Will the abducted Chibok schoolgirls ever be rescued?

2015 elections should hold as scheduled, Tambuwal, Jega insist

l Emergency states inclusive By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

he current insecurity in some parts of the country, not withstanding, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has insisted that next year’s general election should hold as scheduled

nationwide. Also, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega believed that elections will hold in all states of the federation including states under emergency rule. Tambuwal made his position

>> page 2

known Thursday when he received the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Austine Alegeh(SAN) and his entourage at the National Assembly. While making reference to some comments that suggested a possible postponement of the 2015 elections because of the insecurity

in the country, Tambuwal said: “We are about to go into elections and some people are already saying that there may be no elections. But I firmly believe that we are going to have elections. The 2015 elections should be held. “I firmly believe we can go into election. The problem now is that

governance is suffering at various levels as many elected public office holders are already in politicking mood. You have to blow the whistle that people are running fowl of the law,” the Speaker noted. Similarly, the National Contd on Page 2

Troops capture Boko Haram leader l Kill 60 in Konduga From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna with agency report he dreaded Boko Haram sect Wednesday met their waterloo as they lost scores of their members during repeated attempts to enter Konduga, about 70 kilometres to Maiduguri. A statement from the military yesterday said Nigerian troop’s captured “a high ranking terrorists’ leader” who was seriously wounded and is currently being treated in a military medical facility. According to the statement, Military sources informed PRNigeria that the terrorists’ leader whose name is still being kept a secret was captured after the second but more fierce battle waged by the insurgents to capture the town following their earlier routing by the military. Scores were captured yesterday in battles where over 60 terrorists were killed, the

R-L: Chairman, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, receiving a brochure of Asokoro Island Project from the Contd on Page 2 Chairman, Suleiman Yahaya, after endorsing it as “world class that will change Abuja landscape”, yesterday in Abuja.

2015: I will contest Kaduna guber - El Rufai >> page 16

Amnesty Int’l accuses military of operating torture chamber >> page 3

2015: PDP NEC backs govs on Jonathan’s sole candidacy >> page 3

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News

CONTENTS News 2-10 Editorial 12 Op.Ed 13 Letters 14 Opinion 15 Politics 16-18 Business 19-22 Stockwatch 23 S/Report 24-25 Islam 26 Int’l 27-30 Metro 31-34

Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

2015 elections must hold as scheduled, Tambuwal, Jega insists Contd from FrontPage Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Atahiru Jega, expressed optimism that elections will hold in Nigeria’s troubled North-East in 2015. Jega said this while responding to questions from members of the Senator Andy Uba-led Senate Committee on INEC on Thursday. He was at the Senate to explain the rationale behind the commission’s decision to create 30,000 additional polling units as part of preparations for the elections. The INEC chairman explained that while the security situation in the area could not be underestimated, elections could still hold in the three affected states. According to him, if elections could hold in more volatile areas, it could hold in Nigeria’s NorthEast, where the situation is being brought under control. Jega further explained that there was nothing unusual about the increase in the number of polling units across the country because it was done based on need. He reiterated that the distribution of the 30,000 additional units was based on the number of registered voters in a

just and equitable manner. Jega declared yesterday in Abuja that the lingering Boko Haram insurgency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states will not stop its commission from conducting general elections in the states next year. He said if elections can hold in Afghanistan and Iraq, it can also hold in the troubled North Eastern part of Nigeria and in particular, Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states that are currently under state of emergency. The INEC boss explained that while the security situation in the area could not be underestimated, elections could still hold in the three affected states. According to him, if elections could hold in more volatile areas, it could hold in Nigeria’s north east where the situation is being brought under control. He explained that there was nothing unusual about the increase in the number of polling units across the country because it was done based on need. He said: “We are having displacement of people with people leaving where they live and live in camps it is a serious challenge, nobody can underestimate it but the hope of everybody in this country is that this is a temporary problem and you cannot begin to plan long

Seized $9.3million Controversy: APC raises 15 questions for President ‘76,300 girls out of school in Bauchi’ Page 5

S/World 35 Digest 36 Feature

Vogue 39-40 Sports 41 Columnist 48

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he All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to come clean on the circumstances surrounding the 9.3 million US dollars that was impounded in South Africa, which has become the latest in a series of global ridicule to which the scandalprone Jonathan administration has subjected Nigeria and her people. In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, the party also called on the National Assembly to launch an urgent investigation into the issue, saying the silence of the peoples’ representatives on the issue is deafening, unfathomable and unacceptable. It said there is no doubt that the President is at the centre of

the whole issue, considering the presidential treatment given to the plane and its cargo, since the plane departed from the Presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, away from the reach of the Nigerian Customs Service which could not therefore have cleared the plane and its passengers. ”It is absolutely urgent for President Jonathan to clear the air on this alleged off-the-shelf equipment or arms purchase, which runs against all known protocol for such purchases anywhere in the world. Military equipment and weapons are not bean cakes to be purchased by the road side. There are globally-acceptable protocols for such purchases by governments, otherwise what differentiates a government from an insurgent group that is shopping for arms?

Contd from FrontPage statement said. In addition to their losing scores of their fighters, the terrorists also lost weapons and equipment including 24 riffles, five rockets propelled grenade tubes, two machine guns as well as a Ford Ranger vehicle. Another Ford ranger vehicle was also destroyed. During the first battle of the day, which lasted over 12 hours, scores of the terrorists were killed, the statement said. “Right now, our troops are combing the vicinity of the battle scene in a cordon and search

operation to determine the exact casualty figures suffered by the terrorists in the encounter”, the military source was quoted as saying. “During the encounter, three Hilux vehicles, one armoured personnel carrier and a cache of arms and ammunition were confirmed captured by the troops. “In yet another battle which occurred at Benishek on Wednesday, troops fought through an ambush, capturing four motorcycles from fleeing terrorists. “Unfortunately however, one soldier lost his life while four other who were wounded are

term based on a temporary thing. “If we now say okay because people are leaving the north east therefore the polling unit you create in the north east should take care of people who have moved out are we saying that this people are not likely to come back before 2015 or whenever we conduct the elections?” He noted that elections were held in several volatile nations “...including countries which are having problems like ours in terms of security, take Afghanistan, take Iraq and so on. “We hope and pray that states where emergency is; will stabilize sufficiently for us to be able to conduct elections that are relatively peaceful in those areas and we must plan for that eventuality.” The INEC helmsman said the commission was obliged to make preparations to hold elections in all parts of Nigeria even where there is the case of displaced people as long as there are registered voters, stressing that there were likely to be displaced people but that there temporary displacement should not be an excuse to disenfranchise them. On the Adamawa State governorship bye-election, Jega said preparations were in top gear to conduct the exercise across the state.

He informed the Senators that from the briefing he received from the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, life was gradually returning to normal in most parts of the state. “Yesterday the Adamawa State Electoral Commissioner was here and he gave us adequate briefing. From what we have heard, people are moving back home. (In) Madagali for example, as of yesterday buses were being provided to move people back home from the camps”, he said. Commenting about the issue, Senator Alkali Jajere (APC, Yobe South) said there was “no Jupiter on earth” that can stop elections from holding in his state. He alleged that the ruling party could be using the media to fly a kite by speculating that elections may not hold in states under emergency rule, saying “If you look at it closely, it may be the plan of the PDP”. In his remarks, Senator Magnus Abe said until Nigerians begin to put the nation’s interest above individual or sectional interests, we will fail as a unit. According to him, anyone who had an evidence based on complaints about the distribution of the polling units should criticize INEC based on such evidence instead of a blanket condemnation.

2015: Security is APC top priority, says Buhari From Raji Bello, Sokoto ormer Head of State and Chieftain of All Progressive Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) has said one of the party’s cardinal objectives is to ensure that lives and property of every Nigerians are secured. He said, unlike what is being obtained in some part of northeast states where security is deteriorating under the reign of PDP, his party would not compromise the safety of the people, if voted in the forthcoming elections. Buhari spoke in Sokoto, yesterday during his one-day visit to the state to inaugurate N1.12 billion projects executed

by the state governor, Alhaji Aliyu Magatakarada Wamakko’s administration. “The number of soldier deployed during elections in Ekiti and Osun states are enough to rescue our schoolgirls that still in the captivity.” He said that the ruling PDP -led government should be blamed for the nation’s insecurity woe. The former Head of State also explained that only APC led government is capable of puttinga halt on the prevailing security challenges in the country and urged Nigerians to embrace the wind of change. “We want all Nigerians to sleep with their two eyes and to be secured, that is APC most priority if voted in 2015.”

receiving treatment”. Also soldiers have arrested Four suspected gunmen that attacked some villages in Sanga LGA of Kaduna state which led to the killing of about 50 people on wednesday among them pregnant women and children. Reports from the area said the alleged suspects were arrested by the soldiers who were searching nearby bushes after the attacks. One of the residents of the area told newsmen on phone that four of the gunmen were arrested by soldiers. According to him, the soldiers transported the suspect to their base in Kafanchan.

“We saw how they were arrested but we couldn’t approach them,” he said. Contacted, the spokesman of 1 Division Nigerian Army, Colonel Abdul Usman said he was yet to be briefed with regards to the arrest as he promised to find out. Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) spokesperson, Abubakar Adamu said the agency will soon take relief materials to the affected communities in sanga. It could be recalled that suspected gunmen on Wednesday killed several villagers including a soldier during an attack on the people of the area.

Troops capture Boko Haram leader

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Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

News

2015: PDP NEC backs govs on Jonathan’s sole candidature By Lawrence Olaoye

he National Executive Council (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday ratified the endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan as the sole candidate for its ticket as the Presidential candidate of the party at the December 6th national congress of the party. This followed a motion for that purpose moved by a former Defence Minister and an exNational Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bello Haliru Mohammed seconded by the former Anambra state governor, Chief Jim Nwobodo. Niger state governor and

chairman of Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF), Dr. Babangida Aliyu, who spoke on behalf of the governors on the platform of the party, told the members of the highest decision making body of the PDP that they had resolved to support Jonathan to allow for continuity. He said all the governors, including Jigawa state governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, were unanimous in the decision to endorse the President. Speaking on behalf of the leadership of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun, former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Southwest, said the organ resolved to support Jonathan in order to

ensure stability and continuity of the party’s programmes. Similarly, Senate President David Mark, who spoke on behalf of the PDP caucus in the National Assembly, said the legislature had been harping on the imperatives of continuity and had long ago endorsed Jonathan for a second term. Responding, the President said he was short of words for the gesture extended to him by the stakeholders even as he assured them that he would not rest on his oars in striving for the development of the country. While not making any declaratory commitment as to whether he had accepted the offer or not, he assured the

stakeholders that he would not disappoint them adding that he would make the declaration to contest at the auspicious time. On Boko Haram, Jonathan said that no responsible government would allow secession and as such promised to end insurgency latest by the end of October. The President said he was “humbled and overwhelmed” by the decision of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to endorse him as the sole candidate for the 2015 election. In what appeared to be his first official remarks indicating an interest in a fresh tenure, Jonathan said he will not

3 killed, 24 injured as police, communities clash in Kamba From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

t was a catastrophe yesterday to the people of Kamba Local Government Area of kebbi state as police and the communities clashed, three killed, while 24 were injured over the release of ritual suspect by the police. An eyes witness, Haruna Mohammed who spoke to People’s Daily on the condition of anonymity, said that the crisis started around 11pm when a ritual suspect was arrested by the police and the communities over had that the police have decided to release the suspect without any investigation. According to him, a 5 years old girl was missing for 10 days and her body was later found at the uncompleted building while some of her body parts were missing like intestine, eyes and other parts of her body. He therefore, said that after the investigation by the people of the communities the ritual suspect hail from Danda in Niger republic and was arrested by the communities and handle over to the police in the area who later released him. The district head of Kamba

Mamudu Zarumin Fana Local Government Chairman, Alhaji Umar Yakubu Kamba have confirmed the incident. Confirming the incident to

newsmen at the hospital, the I.C. Operation officer in charge of the hospital, Adamu Yahayah said that over 20 casualties were brought to the hospital

while some of them who had serious several cases have been transfer to Birnin Kebbi FMC and Sahyayh General Hospital for further medical treatment.

disappoint the party that trusted him well to offer the mandate, and promised to raise his performance if “re-elected”, according to the News Agency of Nigeria. The NEC is the highest organ of the PDP. His endorsement by the party means no other candidate can seek the party’s nomination for the 2015 presidential elections.

Monarch flees palace after gun attack in Kogi From Omale Adama, Lokoja

R-L: Borno state Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, receiving HIS 64 page E-passport from Borno state Comptroller of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Alhaji Madu Musa, during the launch of the new passport in Maiduguri. Photo: NAN

he traditional ruler of Ette in Olamaboro Local Government of Kogi Dr Aron Akor has fled his palace following an attack by gunmen. The monarch who spoke with newsmen from hiding His hideout in Okpo on Tuesday said he fled his palace on August 30th following an attack on him at about 1:00 am on August 29th by unknown armed men. The armed men, he said aside injuring him and setting his properties ablaze ,strangled his security guard, Shaibu Apeh to death, pushed the body under the kitchen table and invaded his bedroom demanding the release of all papers pertaining to Kogi State Government in respect of the boundary. The Onu-Oda-Adogo who described himself as a “refugee” said the house of a Special Adviser to the governor and Youth Leader, Godday Eko, the clan chief of Ebe as well as Chiefs of Ochigide, Aishi and Ajefunu were also destroyed. The monarch said the case was reported at Okpo Divisional Police station and the police later took the body of the deceased Apeh to the hospital adding that the case was later transferred to the state police command in Lokoja.

came in one fateful morning and searched the hotel thoroughly. According to him, they headed to particular room 102; two decayed human skulls were found.” So they began torturing about 13 of us immediately. I was stripped naked at the hotel. We ended in up in the special anti-robbery squad in Anambara known as the Awkuzu SARS. I was thrown inside a cell. I noticed writing on the wall. “Welcome to hell fire”.

“They used a rope to tie my neck and with each officer standing on both sides they drew the rope till they found that a mark had been created on my neck, so they used a cloth round my neck and continued with the tortures. He said several tortures were meted on him, till he complied to sign a blank document. The police has however describe the report by the Amnesty International as baseless

Nigeria’s Military torture chambers; hell fire- Amnesty Int’l ...Report baseless-Police By Evelyn Okakwu

recent report by the Amnesty international has accused Nigeria’s military authority of habouring torture chambers symbolic of hell fire. Addressing a team of Journalist yesterday while delivering the latest report by Amnesty international, with the team; “Welcome to hell fire torture and other ill treatments

in Nigeria” the Senior Director of Research, Nicola Duckworth, said a minimum of 5000 Nigerians have been arrested since the military operations began against the Boko Haram Terrorist group in 2009, adding that several survivors have had terrible stories from their accounts in military torture centers across the country, some of them as young as 12. Speaking at the event, the agency’s Africa research and

advocacy director, Netsanet Belay stated that; “The country’s parliament must immediately take this long overdue step and pass a law criminalizing torture. There is no excuse for further delay.” Speaking also at the event, a survivor of the torture Mr Justin Nwankwo said he was taken away from the Upper room hotel in Eastern Nigeria where he worked as a manger, after the police

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Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

News

Nigerian troops not attacked by terrorists in Kogi - Army

Lagos state Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (3rd right), with survivors of Ebola virus disease during their visit to the governor, yesterday at the Government House, in Lagos. Photo: NAN

I won’t return to school, says survivor of FCE Kano attack A From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

hmad Kawu Hadejia,one of the survivors of the Federal College of Education (FCE) Kano, terror attack on Wednesday, said he would discontinue his degree programme in the institution. Hadejia, a 100 level student of the department of languages in the institution, said, he would rather consider pursuing a job with his N.C.E. certificate in his home town, Hadejia Local Government, of Jigawa State than pursue degree in the institution. Narrating his ordeal, the 35-

year old, stated that the gunmen stormed both the lecture halls as lectures were going on, around 1:53 Pm, and opened fire on the students. “I won’t return to this school. I would rather look for a job with my N.C.E. certificate in my town because I was really scared and witnessing the attack with my eyes have put more fears in me, I don’t think I would return to the school.” “I saw three of the attackers, all wearing black suits, when they stormed the lecture room where I was sitting in. When the first one entered and opened fire on us, the remaining two also followed him

and fired gunshots on us. The other one of them threw a bomb into the opposite lecture hall packed with students. As we were running, I just fell down and played dead because I knew it was the only way I could escape. It was then I was hit by a stray bullet on my thigh and sustain various injuries because of the stampede by the students running for their lives.” He stated. Another victim, a 12-year old, Abdulbasi Nasiru, who was shot also on his thigh while selling sachet water in the school, also said he saw the attackers in black suits. Nasiru added that he was shot

at his thigh while running away when the insurgents came close to him. Meanwhile, the Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, simultaneously visited the scenes of the attack, in the FCE and victims of the attack at the Murtala Muhammad Hospital. Addressing the crowed, the minister prayed for quick recovery for the injured victims and prayed for eternal peace for the soul of the dead ones. While condemning the attack, Shekarau also prayed for peace to reign in the country, particularly the northern region.

are ready to receive the N150 million allegedly given by the former governor to the victims of recent insurgency attacks in the troubled state should he bring it forward. It would be recalled that some national dailies had reported that during the visit of the former governor to the state, he gave N30 million each to the five IDPs camps within Maiduguri to be shared among the victims of insurgency attacks in various parts of the state now

accommodated at the facilities. However, leading the other chairmen of the subcommittees to a press conference, the Chairman of the IDPs camp at the Government Girls Secondary School, Yerwa, Alhaji Al-Amin Kam Saleh said no camp has received any N30 million from the former governor. He said “we perceive it is a pledge and we will gladly receive it when it is given.” He added: “But we can tell

you that a truckload of rice was given to each of the two camps at NYSC Orientation camp and Government Girls Secondary School, Yerwa.” He said the bags of rice given by the former governor to the two camps were 12,000 bags, insisting that nothing more was received from the former governor. Kam Saleh denied a media report that they made themselves unavailable for the former governor intentionally.

Boko Haram: IDPs c’ttees yet to receive Sheriff’s N150m donation - Saleh From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

he five sub-committees established by the Borno state Governor, Kashim Shettima to take charge of the affairs at the internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps, yesterday said they were yet to receive any financial gift from the former governor of the state, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff. They however, said they

We are worried about escalation of Boko Haram- Northern traditional rulers

arely 48 hours after 15 students of Federal College of Education, Kano and another killed in Sanga local government of Kaduna state, the Northern traditional rulers have said it is worried about the escalation of Boko Haram insurgency and cattle rustling in the region. “The council condemned in its entirely the bomb blast that occurred at Federal College of Education in Kano which led to the loss of innocent lives and

properties. It condoled Kano Emirate Council, the Kano state government, families of the victims and prayed for the response of the departed souls, and speedy recovery of the injured victims.” The royal fathers stated this in a communiqué issued in Kaduna yesterday after a one-day meeting of chairmen of states traditional council from the nineteen northern states. The communiqué signed by the Etsu Nupe, His Royal

Highness Dr. Yahaya Abubakar stated that the greatest threat to the youths of the north today is the security challenges confronting the region and it is becoming more dangerous when security agents cry out that they are encountering problems in discharging their duties of protecting the territorial integrity of the country. The royal fathers also expressed dismay over non-implementation of recommendation contained in previous reports on security

challenges and therefore resolved to immediately intimate President Goodluck Jonathan and the Northern States Governors Forum of its stands on security problem in the region. The council expressed concern over the suffering being faced by the displaced persons affected by the nefarious activities of insurgency and resolved to mobilize assistance (food and medications) for delivery to the refugee camps in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

he Nigerian Army has denied the widely report that its troops were attacked by Boko Haram terrorists along OkeneKabba Road in Kogi State. It nevertheless said that it was a robbery incident. In a statement, the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Olajide Olaleye, said “the alleged and widely reported Boko Haram attack on Nigerian Army troops along Okene – Kabba Road was clearly not a Boko Haram related incident. “In reality, the incident was a case of armed robbery attack on troops of 322 Artillery Regiment who were travelling in seven Marcopolo buses to Kontagora for an engagement. Apparently, the robbers mistook the soldiers for normal civilian travellers who ply the route. Three soldiers who sustained injuries during the robbery attack are receiving appropriate medical care and will soon join their colleagues.”

Military will end insurgency soon - Shettima From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

overnor Kashim Shettima of Borno yesterday expressed optimism that the series of violent campaigns being waged by the dreaded Boko Haram sect will become history very soon as Nigerian military were capable of crushing the insurgents. Governor Shettima stated this at the launch of the new 64 page e-passport in Maiduguri, saying the recent victory recorded by the military in different encounters with the insurgents have brought back hope of ending the crisis soon. “The military has brought back homes to the minds of the people with its renewed efforts in fighting the insurgents. With the recent victory, I believe that the restoration of peace will soon come and normalcy returned,’’ Shettima said. He commended the Federal government for introducing the new passport saying that the efforts had placed the country among the best countries of the world. “I think that the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) deserves kudos for introducing the passport. This has made us proud as Nigerians, because the passport conformed to the best practices in the world,’’ he noted. The governor also commiserated with the NIS for losing some of its men to insurgency in the state.

Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

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News

Contractor abandons multi-billion naira federal dam project in Katsina From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

L-R: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Alhaji Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu, President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, and Senate President Daivd Mark, during the 66th PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, yesterday in Abuja. Photo Joe Oroye

76,300 girls out of school in Bauchi – SUBEB

From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

he Executive Chairman, Bauchi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Alhaji Abdullahi Dabo has disclosed that not less than 76,300 girls are out of school in the state. The SUBEB boss made the disclosure at the 2014/2015 School Enrolment Drive Campaign’’ in in Bage, Shira Local Government Area of the state Represented by the Board’s Permanent Commissioner Four, Alhaji Kasim Ibrahim, said that the figure was collated from 466 communities in the state between March and April, with financial

and technical support from UNICEF. “The figure shows that there is still a lot of work to be done to improve on the situation if our girls must be properly and adequately educated. “If we want to successfully fight poverty in our communities, we must ensure that our girls who are among the most vulnerable in every community are properly and adequately educated. “With education, employment opportunities will be broadened, income levels increased and maternal and child health will also be improved.’’ Dabo said that the state government had introduced free

Internet scam: SSS arrests Sokoto gov’s Facebook impostor From Raji Bello, Sokoto

he State Security Service (SSS) in Sokoto state have arrested 28yr-old alleged internet fraudsters that specialised in impersonating Facebook accounts of some personalities including the Sokoto state governor, Alhaji Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko. The SSS Director in the state, Mr. Abubakar Ibrahim, while briefing Journalists in Sokoto, said the suspect was arrested in Edo state alongside his accomplish. Ibrahim gave the name of the alleged fraudsters as Endogo Ediseimokumor, a native of Bayelsa state. He said the suspect had perfected the act by creating a facebook account of the governor and other high profile personalities with pictures to deceive the general public. Upon investigation, the director explained that the suspect

confessed to the act, adding that he had reealised the sum of N1.5 million from the fraudulent activities. “Upon our investigation, it was discovered the suspect has been cunning his unsuspected victims between N10, 000 and N50, 000 deceiving them to purchase employment forms,” he explained. Ibrahim added that printed forms, laptop, modern, Driver licence, Mtn cards were among the exhibits recovered from the suspect. Also paraded is a 20 year old man and an accomplish of the principal suspect, who posed as a female on social media platforms with beautiful pictures to defraud the public. Othes include a teenager who defrauded his victim to the tune of N250,000 and another nabbed for sending threatened text messages to his victims in order to extort money from them.

education as part of efforts to ensure people of the state were educated. He noted that alarming rate of out of school children in the state necessitated SUBEB to organise the enrolment campaign to ensure that community, religious and traditional leaders, especially parents were sensitised and encouraged to enroll all children of five to six years in school. The chairman expressed sadness over the recurrent mass failure being recorded in West African Examination Council (WAEC) examinations in the state in spite of huge budgetary allocation to the education sector. Speaking, Hajiya Tasoro

Danjebo, a renowned educationist and women’s advocate in the state, decried the attitude of some parents who deny their children western education. Danjebo said denying a girl child education was like endangering the society by increasing the rate of poverty. “When you deny a woman education, you have only succeeded in casting a gloomy shadow on the immediate future of your family. In his remarks, Ahaji Aliyu Misau, the Chairman, Private Schools Proprietors in the state, described education as the bedrock of meaningful development in every society.

Kano college of education attack babaric – JNI From Mohammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

ama’atul Nasril Islam JNI yesterday condemned in stroger terms the bomb attacks at Kano State College of Education that killed and injured several, describing the attack as babaric. The group urged Federal Government to investigate the killings and to ensure those responsible are brought to book. In a statement signed by the Secretary-General of the group, Dr Khalid Abubakar Aliyu made available to newsmen in the state; JNI said it would continue to condemn such attacks on innocent Muslims so long they continue. He said as usual JNI received with consternation and shock the bomb explosion and senseless killing of innocent students at the College which come after some relative calm in the state. “This barbaric and callous attack is condemnable in its entirety; it

will always demand for questions on what exactly the perpetrators want, are they blood tasty or it’s a conspiracy? JNI will continue to condemn so long as the denigrating acts continue. “Also, as with previous similar cases, the sporadic gun shots that ensued after the blast is very worrisome and calls for practical investigation which must bring the perpetrators to face the wrath of the law and find ways and means of stopping future occurrence of such devilish act. “However, as Muslims we find solace that there is the Day of retribution which all souls shall account for their deeds.” He said The group commiserated with the Kano state government, the Emir of Kano and the families of the victims of the inhuman attack, even as it called on governments at all levels to do everything possible as a matter of urgency to stop the evil acts of terror repeatedly being unleashed on innocent souls.

contractor has abandoned the multi-billion naira IngawaDallaje Federal Government Dam project in Katsina state inspite of the collection of over 50 per cent down payment to handle the project which would cost the government N4.3 billion on completion. A representative of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), who led a team of inspectors of federal government projects implementation and execution, Hajiya Mariam Iliyasu disclosed this in Gusau, Zamfara state capital yesterday. Mariam informed that the project which comprised irrigation outlets, water treatment plant, road construction and electrification would benefit number of communities when completed. She lamented that even though the contractor had already been paid 50 per cent of the contract funds, but he deserted the project site for over 2 years now and elongated the period of completion to six years without having completed it. Mariam further disclosed that the federal government is willing to complete the payment over all satisfactorily completed projects, calling for the contractor to return and complete the project. Meanwhile, on inspection visit to Federal Medical Center Gusau, the team noticed that there were some violations of the rules governing procurement measures which include failure of the hospital’s procurement office to conduct independent market surveys before seeking of tender thereby to ask for the government approval on contracts. The FRC blamed the Federal Ministry of Finance for delays in the execution of federal government projects, saying, “Continuous violations of section 26 of the commission’s act 2007 by the Federal Ministry of Finance is one of the main factors responsible for noncompletion of federal government projects across the nation.” She said the act “directs the minister of finance to release approved funds for federal government project execution 30 days from the date appropriation bill is passed, but this is not done,” she lamented. She said the situation had led to several non-completion or inefficient performance by contractors handling federal government projects and making it look as if the government is not discharging its responsibility to the public. She stated that the commission will arrange an interface with the finance minister so as to ensure compliance with the provisions of the law. The team was assigned to monitor all federal government projects in Kaduna, Zamfara and Katsina states in the North West zone.

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2014 Hajj Update

Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

5,500 Hajj pilgrims screened for Ebola-official D r Morenike AlexOkoh, the Director, Port Health Services, Lagos, on Thursday said no fewer than 5,500 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia have been screened for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). Alex-Okoh, made this known at a news briefing in Lagos. She said one of the key roles of the Ports Health Services at the points of entry is to ensure that there is no cross-border transmission of EVD. “The index case came in through one of the international airports, and our key role now is to ensure that no case comes in or

is exported out of Nigeria. “For pilgrims, when they arrive here, they are screened. Screening is done at two levels, the primary and secondary. “The primary is for temperature, filling health forms and visual observance,’’ she said. According to Alex-Okoh, the secondary level is for people that show symptoms related to those of EVD. “If one has or shows symptoms, there will be further assessment to find out why. This is just to essentially be sure that they are not suspected cases of EVD. “Suspected cases are transferred to isolation centres

for further investigation and testing. “It is to be sure that the pilgrims test negative before they can proceed on their journey. “So far, we have screened close to six thousand pilgrims and more will be screened in the next couple of days,’’ she said. A l e x-Oko h s a id t h a t t h e exit and arrival screening were mandatory for everyone going in and coming out of Nigeria, regardless of where they were coming from or going to. Also, Dr Olukayode Oguntimehin, the Deputy Incident Manager, Ebola Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), said

that EVD screening for intending pilgrims is to contain the virus. Oguntimehin, who is also the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, said, “The EOC is structured in a way that is targeted toward curtailing the outbreak. “There are teams to tackle incidences. The teams are Epidemiological, Surveillance, Port of Entry (POE), Social Mobilisation and Communication team, as well as Case Management team. “Both the POE and Surveillance team do contact tracing. “From the index case of EVD,

R-L: Jigawa state Governor,Alhaji Sule Lamido, receiving the notification for the airlift of Yobe state pilgrims from the Yobe state Amirul Hajj, Mai Bade, Alhaji Abubakar Suleiman, on Monday at the Government House, in Dutse.

we had 366 contacts in Lagos. As of now, none of them is under surveillance. They have finished the 21 days incubation period. “But, we still have some people left in Port Harcourt where we had secondary incident cases. “As at the last count, over 518 people were followed up in Port Harcourt and probably 348 left.” Mrs Mahmud Oyekan, the Commissioner representing South-West zone of the National Hajj Commission Board, also spoke on the health check system for intending pilgrims. “The Hajj Commission, in collaboration with all the stakeholders as well as the Saudi Government has further heightened the medical care through massive enlightenment and education of all pilgrims on EVD. “ Officials of the commission and intending pilgrims are screened even before they come to the point of take off, which is the airport. “So far, from this zone, about seven people are to go for this year’s Hajj and 5500 pilgrims have already gone. All were thoroughly screened for EVD and other health related ailments,’’ she said. (NAN)

Excercise designed to strengthen brotherhood among Four female intending pilgrims stopped over pregnancy Muslims, From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi newsmen on preparation for replacement or to wait until next lifted around seven ( 7) o’clock in the airlift of Pilgrims from the year Hajj exercise if they are fit. the Morning. Pilgrims say Sanusi said the board had Sarkin Aska said the board he Bauchi State Muslims newly built Sir Abubakar Tafawa

Pilgrims Welfare Board has stopped four intending female pilgrims from performing this year Hajj exercise on health grounds and pregnancy The Special Adviser to the State Governor on Hajj affairs, Alhaji Sanusi Sarkin Aska stated this yesterday while briefing

Balewa International Airport, Bauchi. According to him, the four women include two pregnant women and the other two women were barred on medical grounds. He said the women were advised to bring their

had already secured Visas for 2,892 pilgrims from the State and air lift of Pilgrims will commence on Sunday 21st September 2014. He said 530 pilgrims from Bauchi ,Ningi and Giade Local Government Areas and some pilgrims from the board will be air

completed issuing of hand bags, uniform and enlightenment programmes in all the 20 local Government areas. He said medical tests and injections had been completed and pilgrims will be test on Ebola at the airport before the commencement of the air lift.

Over 14,000 Chinese Muslims to perform pilgrimage

ore than 14,000 Chinese Muslims are expected to depart for the Islamic holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage to the Holy Ka’bah. Authorities say that 12,000 have already departed on the government-organized trip, with that number set to exceed 14,000. This figure, of course, does not include those who have embarked

independently or with other organizations. Acorrding to Xinhuanet, a charter flight with 297 Chinese Muslims from North China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on Wednesday morning left Beijing for Mecca. It was one of a total of 94 flights arranged to transport the pilgrims to their destination and back, with the last plane leaving

on Saturday. 50 Chinese official functionaries will also attend the Hajj between October 3 and October 7 to provide medical and security services to the pilgrims. The organization of this year’s Hajj pilgrimage from China was undertaken by both the central government and local governments in cooperation

with private travel agencies. Every Muslim who is physically and financially able to perform the Hajj pilgrimage is required to do so at least once in their lives as a religious rite. Every year, millions of Muslims from all around the world gather at the Ka’bah in Mecca to fulfill this rite, it what is deemed to be the biggest multicultural gathering in the world.

he annual Muslim pilgrimage of Hajj is a reflection of ethnical and racial diversity. Millions of Muslims gather in Saudi Arabia every year to carry out the same rites in unison. They all have one purpose regardless of nationality, race, language, and social class. Therefore, the annual pilgrimage can provide Muslims with a good opportunity to bridge their differences. That’s what Sunni pilgrims attending a forum organized by Iran’s Hajj mission in Medina have emphasized. The idea of unity is central to Islam. And the hajj is designed to strengthen the spirit of brotherhood among Muslims. Can Muslims be hopeful that one day they will enjoy unity as they are practicing it now during the hajj? Only time will tell.

Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

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News

Commuters decry incessant robbery attack on Keffi-Kaduna road

From Gambo Ahmed, Lafia

ommuters plying Keffi-Kaduna Federal Highway have called on the Nasarawa and Kaduna Police Commands, to as a matter of urgency; embark on an extensive borders patrol in order to combat the incessant armed robbery activities around Tudu Uku, Angwan

Ayaba Tattara and Barde, Koso Villages in the neighbouring Kaduna State. A commuter, Mr. Markus Beybeydo, who made the call yesterday in a chat with Peoples Daily, said, “We are appealing to Nasarawa and Kaduna Police authorities to come to our aid, by deploying security operatives to the spotting areas so as to checkmate the

activities of armed robbers who, on daily basis operate freely on the road, killing and seizing properties of innocent of travelers”. According to Beybeydo, “Now that we have entered the festive period, which is climaxed with activities, the road will equally be busy as people will be travelling through the road to states like

Plateau, Gombe, Bauchi, Yobe and Adamawa. Therefore, if something is not done to safeguard the lives and property of passengers from the bandits, then we are in danger”. A resident, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, said the persistent robbery activities along Keffi-Kaduna road requires collective efforts of vigilante groups and respective

SARS arrests female robber who abandoned husband, 3 children

“I am from Edo State. I came to Lagos last February to look for greener pastures when my husband was constantly beating me. We were married for eight years. “I abandoned my husband and three children and came to Lagos with the intention of living under the bridge until I found a place to lay my head. “Isiaka came to the hotel to see me. He told me to accompany him to a night club. Initially, I declined, but after much persuasion I followed him. “Instead of going to the club, he took me to his place where we spent the night together. In the morning, he asked me to enter the front seat of his vehicle and

he started picking passengers and I asked him why he was carrying passengers but he didn’t respond. “It was when he and his gang members attacked the passengers that I knew what he was into. I told him I didn’t want to take part in their operations. But he threatened to deal with me, saying nobody would know my whereabouts if I didn’t co-operate with the gang. “That was why I had a rethink and continued to participate in robbery operations. The first time I participated, I wasn’t given anything while at two other times I was given N15,000 and N10,000 respectively.” Trouble started for the gang after a victim, whom they robbed

reported the incident at the Ojo Police Division, which began investigating the activities of the gang. Ironically, the female police officer investigating the case at the division was also robbed by the gang when she boarded their vehicle while in mufti. She was able to get details of the vehicle during the attack. The cab was later traced to Iyana-Iba the next day, when unsuspecting passengers were already boarding it. Ahmed was then arrested while the other members escaped. The case was later transferred to SARS for further investigation which eventually led to the arrest of Victoria. (NAN)

Retired soldier disarms motorcycle snatchers in Delta community From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

retired soldier popularly called “old soldier”, Mr. Fidelis Erue, in Ika-South local government area has singlehandedly disengaged a gang of motorcycle snatchers operating within the post office axis of Agbor metropolis. Fidelis, who was coming from Orogodo River’s neighborhood through Edeke Street by the right, was stopped by four

Two in court for stealing N22.2m goods

Guns and other items recovered from armed robbers and displayed by the Kano Police Command, on Tuesday in Kano.

peratives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Ikeja, Lagos, have smashed a syndicate, arresting a woman and a man that specialised in robbing unsuspecting passengers who board commercial cab along Badagry-Mile 2 route. According to Police sources, the suspects, identified as Ahmed Isiaka and Victoria Amodu are part of five-man robbery gang operating along Seme-BadagryMile 2 route. One of the apprehended robbers, 27-year-old Victoria, while narrating her story said: “I was arrested last Wednesday at Dakar Hotel in Seme, where I used to work as a prostitute.

village heads through close monitoring and reporting of questionable characters in their domain, to appropriate authorities and the reintroduction of Police (Mopol) check points at the major flash points, so as to curtail the heinous crimes witnessed in the area. His words: “In fact, we are calling on the Police Commissioners of Nasarawa and Kaduna states to intervene and save us from these culprits terrorizing the people.”

men who tried to harass and dispossess him of his motorcycle. According to Fidelis, an attempt by the men to intimidate him by claiming that they were retired force men failed to yield the financial settlement they expected from him. He said that, as a retired soldier, he defended himself with proof of his I.D card. The old soldier narrating his ordeal said that the gangsters became furious and seized his motorcycle, which one of them went away with, while two others

disappeared. He pointed out that he had no option, than to hold on to the fourth man, who was part of the gang. Fidelis said that his firm grip on the suspect and the man’s subsequent struggle to liberate himself, attracted attention of the people who came to the scene. He said as the mob heard his alleged “pathetic story” while the suspect refused to speak, nor give his own version of the incident, making the crowd to ask the suspect to produce the

motorcycle before he would be released. Thirty minutes later, Fidelis’s motorcycle, which was stolen, was seen in the neighborhood, but the crowed was not deceived as they advised Fidelis to inspect the motorcycle to ascertain that it was his, before they allow the man to go. Our correspondent reports that the suspected motorcycle snatcher after he was let off the hook by the crowed fled the area half naked as he had his shirt torn.

50-year-old trader, George Daramola, and one other person, were yesterday arraigned before a Tinubu Magistrate’s court, for stealing goods worth N22.244 million. The other defendant, Saturday Mekuleyi, 36, is a student. They were docked before Magistrate Yetunde Phinero. The defendants, who reside at 7, BabafemiOsora Crescent, Lekki Phase I and 2, Admiralty Close, Lekki Phase I off Babafemi Crescent respectively, are facing a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, burglary and stealing. The prosecutor, Inspector Ignatus Okeke, told the court that the defendants and others at large conspired to commit the alleged offences. He said the defendants on June 27, between 9 and 10 am, broke into a house at 7, Babafemi Osoka Crescent, Lekki Phase I in Eti-Osa Local Government Area and stole some goods worth N22, 244, 426 belonging to one Olufemi Ogunnike. Okeke said some of the items stolen were 20 designer hand bags, 40 designer shoes, five boxes of English wears, four gold sets of jeweleries, designer watches, hair extension, three boxes of shirts and T-shirts. Other items were Lenovo laptop, two school sandals, one Apple IPAD and home theatre. The prosecutor also told the court that the second defendant received the stolen property from the first defendant knowing that they were stolen. According to the prosecutor, the offences are contrary to Section 409 and punishable under Sections 285 and 320 (11) of the Criminal Law of Lagos, Nigeria, 2011. However, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges against them. Magistrate Yetunde Phinero granted the first defendant bail in the sum of N200,000 with two responsible sureties in like sum, while the second defendant was granted bail in the sum of N100,000 with one surety in like sum. (NAN)

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Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

News

Court orders police to investigate Sim cards threats

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Magistrate court sitting in Barnawa, Kaduna has ordered the police to investigate Sim cards alleged to have been used to carry out threat text messages to Mrs. Nancy Talatu Harry by a couple Mr. and Mrs. Solomon Otse, and two others. It would be recalled that the couple alongside one Mr. George

and Blessing Abel who are resident of a house in Narayi, Chikun local government area of Kaduna state were arraigned before the court on four count charges of threat to life, criminal conspiracy, defamation of character and assault by their landlady. The couple, who were dragged to court along with the two other accused persons by one Mrs. Harry, who alleged that sometimes

ago, the husband and his wife assaulted her and threatened to deal with her through series of text messages. In his ruling, Magistrate Samson Kwasu of Barnawa Magistrate ordered that the case be transferred to the Sabo police station for further investigation, and to meet with the service providers to authenticate the sources of the text messages from

the period of the incidence till date. Counsel to the accused, O.A Shokale had earlier objected to the transfer on grounds that no law backs the transfer and facts to be inquired into, but finally and reluctantly conceded being the first application at the instance of the prosecutor. Meanwhile, the accused persons still enjoys the bail terms granted them at the last sitting.

Former Head of State and Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammed Buhari (left), inaugurating A 250-bed Orthopedic Hospital constructed by Sokoto state government, yesterday in Sokoto. With him are Sokoto state Governor, Alhaji Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko (middle), and former Sokoto state Governor, Malam Yahaya Abdulkarim (right). Photo: NAN

Ekiti: Fayose promises employment opportunity for underprivileged children From Tope Musowo, Ado – Ekiti

he governor elect of Ekiti state, Dr Peter Ayodele Fayose has promised to provide employment opportunities for under privileged sons and daughters of Ekiti, who knows nobody in government. Speaking with newsmen at a press briefing in his G.R.A office, the governor elect said over ten thousand applicants have submitted their CV to the campaign office, that when the employment opportunity comes in various organizations, both government and private sector, he would start fixing them even outside of Ekiti state and these people do not necessarily have to know anybody in government. He said he has observed that the jobs that are available always go to the few ones that are privileged to know people in government, but his government on assumption of office will look at employment opportunity in terms of a common man on the street of Ekiti, who does not have to be connected to anyone in government, he maintained. Fayose confirmed his readiness to provide employment opportunity for his people wherever there are openings.

Ebola: Senate wants Adadevoh, others immortalized By Ali Abare and Ikechukwu Okaforadi

he Senate has urged the Federal Government to immortalise late Dr Stella Ameyo Adadevoh and others, who fell victim of the Ebola virus, while trying to prevent the infected Liberian Doctor, Patrick Sawyer, from spreading the disease to the larger society. This is even as the upper chamber directed managements of both public and private schools at all levels to put in place precautionary measures to forestall possible spring up of

the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in their schools. These were part of the resolutions they arrived at after their debate on the motion sponsored by Ifeanyi Okowa and all the senators, which has the title “The Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria”. The Senate also commended President Jonathan for providing leadership and prompt response in tackling the spread of Ebola, even as it urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and African Union (AU) to create regional and continental wide containment

measures and programmes in taming and preventing the virus. In the motion, the senators expressed concern that the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in Liberia, where the late Patrick Sawyer imported it into Nigeria in July, is still on the rise with several hundreds of cases in the last three weeks, and that as long the situation stays as it is in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, Nigeria is at high risk. After an extensive debate on the motion, the Senate President, David Mark, in his remarks said the way Nigerians rose up against the possible spread of

the virus shows that collectively, Nigerians can surmount any challenge confronting it, be it Boko Haram or corruption. “Environmental sanitation is ve ry i mporta n t, person a l hygiene is very crucial and communities must get together whether they are schools or colleges or universities or small communities and be able to organize themselves in such a way that with little assistance from government, they can avoid the spread the Ebola epidemic and indeed any other epidemic”, Mark said. Other senators who spoke,

including Ayogu Eze, Uche Chukwumerije, Helen Esuene, Atai Idoko, among others, called on the federal government and Nigerians at large to show same commitment and unity of purpose as in the case of Ebola, to other challenges like terrorism, corruption and unemployment which are currently killing Nigeria. Meanwhile, leading debate on the motion, Okowa had pointed out that the Ebola virus has been largely contained in Nigeria, even though he emphasised the need to new entries of the infection into Nigeria.

of the anti-Ebola kits was part of the university’s preparedness to tackle the epidemic headlong. The vice-chancellor thanked members of the Unilorin Ebola response committee for their foresight and prompt preventive response, adding that all returning and new students would be screened before they would be allowed entrance into the campus. Ambali also charged the University health workers to be at alert and to follow laid down procedures in the case of an outbreak. He called on the university’s director of health services, Dr. (Mrs.) Mary Ajiboye, to come up

with request for other necessary anti-Ebola kits for immediate approval. Presenting the equipment to the vice-chancellor, the director, health services, Dr. (Mrs.) Ajiboye, said that the kits are for the protection of staff and students, noting that prevention is better than cure particularly in the case of Ebola. Ajiboye gave assurance that the university is ready and protected against any eventuality. The director, who is also a member of the Ebola Response Committee, explained that the Committee would place the hand sanitisers in strategic locations on campus, such as the Senate

Building, Faculties, the Walkway and the Unilorin FM Station, among other places. Earlier, the Unilorin Ebola response committee led by its chairman, Prof. Ayo Ojuawo had briefed the vice-chancellor on the activities of the committee. Ojuawo told the vice-chancellor that the committee had taken cognizance of the implication of new students being expected on campus soon as well as returning students and students on immersion programme. He said there is no cause for alarm, as the committee has put measures in place for comprehensive screening of

everybody. The chairman disclosed that all those attending conferences on the campus would be screened, explaining that their movement history and contact details would also be documented. Ojuawo said that the committee is working closely with the Kwara State Ministry of health committee that is saddled with the responsibility of handling any case of the outbreak of the disease. He disclosed that portal cabins have also been provided on the main campus and at the college of health sciences to serve as quarantine spots for any suspected Ebola patient on the two campuses.

Unilorin purchases N1.2m Ebola preventive equipment From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

o curtain the spread of the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in and around the University community, the management of the University of Ilorin has procured Ebola preventive equipment worth N1.2 million. The equipment include personal preventive kits, face masks, boots, hand gloves, automatic soap dispenser, infrared thermometer (non-contact forehead) and disposable bed spreads. Unveiling the equipment at the university health, the ViceChancellor, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, said that the procurement

Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

PAGE 9

News

Group commends agency for providing Zamfara with solar refrigerators

From IbrahIm Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

coalition of civil society organizations working on Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health [MNCH] in Zamfara state yesterday commended the National Primary Health Care Development Agency [NPHCDA] over procurement and distribution of 36 units of modern solar refrigerators to

some selected wards in the state. The development was proclaimed in a statement by the coalition’s state coordinator, Alhaji Ibrahim Tudu, who described the development as timely, considering the upsurge of solar refrigerators that were not functioning in the state. Alhaji tudu said that, the last assessment of the state of cold chain conducted by the coalition in July this year indicated that,

over 92 solar refrigerators were not functioning in the state at all, as against 73 solar discovered in February this year’s assessment, saying that, prior to such a development, only 53 solar refrigerators worked across the 14 local government areas of the state as against 68 from the last assessment. The statement further revealed that, additional solar refrigerators would soon be

provided to 3 local government areas of the state through the Millennium Development Goals MDG’s and local government councils intervention of 2013. While applauding the state government for signing an MOU with NPCDA in realising such a development, the statement appealed to the state government to complement the efforts towards meeting the national routine immunisation policy of obtaining

Vice President NACCIMA bags traditional title of Dallatun Bauchi

he National Vice President Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture ( NACCIMA ),Alhaji Sanusi Maijama’a Ajiya has been named the new Dallatun Bauchi. The Emir of Bauchi Alhaji Rilwanu Suleymanu Adamu

confirmed the appointment of Dallatu title on Alhaji sanusi Maijamaa when Bauchi State Governor Mallam Isa Yuguda who led thousands relatives friends and well wishes of new Dallatun Bauchi on a thank you visit to the emir in his palace yesterday The Emir of Bauchi said the honor was in recognition of Maijama’a numerous contributions

towards the development of the Emirate state and the country at large. He advised him to be patient fair, just and to carry all people along for the development of the society. In his remark Yuguda assured the emir that the new Dallatun will justify the confidence reposed in him.

Yuguda described new Dallatu as hard working, diligent, trust worthy and very reliable person that will protect the image of the emirate state and the country at large. The new Dallatun Bauchi is also the Chairman, Coalition of the Northern States Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (CONSCCIMA )

and 2014, of the Gombe state university. Delivering his lecture with the theme, “Nine Ingredients for a Successful Life after Graduation”, Dr. Ali said repentance, seeking for Islamic knowledge as well as utilization are key to success in life. The scholar also said it is unIslamic for one to avoid marriage because of responsibility, noting that seeking for basic Islamic knowledge is obligatory upon every

individual. Also speaking at the event, the Vice-chancellor Gombe state university Prof. Abdullahi Madi who was represented by the Deputy Registrar, Alhaji Abubakar Difa commended MSSN for organizing the event and called on the graduating students to be good ambassadors of the university. In a goodwill message, the Royal Father of the day, the Emir of Dukku Alhaji Abdulkadir

Haruna Rasheed ll commended the students for their effort in reforming the youths and appreciated the scholar for excellent performance. Responding on behalf of the ex students, Ustaz Bukari Abubakar expressed gratitude to Allah for the success of their studies and urged the youths to always be vanguard of change in the society even as he called on them to raise against challenges of life.

Muslim scholar urges students to be self employed From David Hassan, Gombe

uslim students in Gombe State University have been advised to be self employed after graduating from school. Muslim scholar, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim gave the advice yesterday in Gombe during the 7th send forth, that was organized by the Muslim students society of Nigeria for graduating students of 2013

NSCDC licences 35 private security companies

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

he Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) yesterday licensed 35 Private Guard Security Companies. Speaking while issuing licenses to the operators and representatives of the companies, Commandant General of the Corps, Dr. Ade Abolurin charged

Successful tobacco treaty talks will save 200 million lives - NATT Ayodele Samuel,Lagos

R-L: Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, and President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Afam Osigwe, during a visit by the leadership of NBA to the speaker, yesterday at National Assembly, in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

From Ahmed Kaigama,Bauchi

at least a functional cold structure in each of the wards across the nation. ‘We wish to use this medium to congratulate the state for winning $00,000 dollars for being two year free polio state from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. However, we are appealing to the government to provide more support to routine immunisation activities in order to reach more children and, address various challenges of transporting vaccines to many wards due to inadequate cold chain equipment many part of the state,’ the statement added.

them to help stem the waves of criminality in the country. “The licenses are not for child’s play. You are given the licence because you meet up with the requirement of the law. And as such, we expect you to contribute your quota in ensuring a crime free society”. He urged them to be professional in discharging their

duties, saying that the security situation in the country require intelligence gathering and inter agency collaboration. The NSCDC boss also called on them to shun corruption and ensure prompt payment of their workers. He charged the recipients to always start the process of renewing their licences three

months before its expiration Responding on behalf of the owners of the companies, Sanya Oshijo, promised that the operators will work in line with lay down rules and regulation in the fight against criminality in the country. Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone, powered by Easyblaze

he Network for Accountability of Tobacco Transnational (NATT ) yesterday said if key provisions of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) were to be discussed at the sixth session of the Conference of Parties meeting in Moscow are adopted, about 200 million lives will be saved by year 2050, .NATT Nigeria spokesman, Philip Jakpor, said this in Lagos during a training on Domestication of FCTC and COP6 organized by NATT ally - the Environmental Rights Action,ERA. He alerted the public on subtle and brazen attempts by the tobacco industry to derail the upcoming talks. Delegates to the COP 6 will attempt to reach conclusions on Article 19 of the FCTC which is seen as a tool to hold tobacco companies liable for the harms caused by their products. Delegates will also deliberate on a new public badge policy which will keep out tobacco industry agents from infiltration of the talks. Jakpor explained that in the past COPs NATT was able to expose tobacco industry agents in the treaty meetings who sneaked into the venues using a public badge, even as he explained that the new policy would permanently shut the tobacco industry out of the talks. He revealed other tactics that the tobacco industry has used to water down or out rightly halt the implementation of the FCTC. They include making gifts to governments to gain favour, offering to partner with governments, voluntary self regulation and promotion of front groups to discredit the treaty talks. One of such groups that he urged journalists to isolate and expose is the International Tobacco Growers Association (ITGA) which is funded by transnational like British America Tobacco (BAT) and Philip Morris, among others. ITGA has recently been organizing visibility events across Africa to discredit the treaty talks with the aim of stifling plans to introduce farmers to alternatives to tobacco farming.

Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

PAGE 10

News

South Africa bound illegal drugs intercepted at Lagos airport From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

fficers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said they have prevented a 38-year-old man from smuggling drugs to South Africa. Nigeria authorities and it South African counterpart are currently locked in a seemingly diplomatic misunderstanding over the interception of $9.3 million in cash seizure in a South Africa airport. The arrest and drug seizure took place at the international wing

of the Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos, during the outward screening of Arik Air passengers to South Africa. The drug was concealed in a false compartment of the suspect’s luggage. NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, Hamza Umar, gave the name of the suspect as Darlugar Ufondu Steven. “Steven was apprehended on his way to South Africa. He was found in possession of 1.535kg of substances that tested positive for methamphetamine”. The suspect, who claims to be

an assistant coach in an amateur football club in South Africa said he was under immense financial pressure. “I am married with a child and have lived in South Africa for about a decade. I have worked very hard to attain financial freedom but have nothing in return. This is my first time of smuggling drugs. I was under financial pressure to cope with peers. A friend introduced me to drug trafficking as a way of making quick money. They promised to pay me 6,000 dollars to take the bag containing the

drugs to South Africa”. Chairman of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade called on members of the public to support drug control efforts. “We have made remarkable improvement in our counternarcotic efforts. The Agency is prepared to detect hidden drugs and prosecute the drug barons. Members of the public should avoid drug trafficking and report suspected cases to the agency”, Giade stated. The agency said suspect will soon be charged to court.

L-R: Minister of state Trade and Investment, Mr. Samuel Ortom, Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen, Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, Director General, Budget Office, Mr. Bright Odogwu, and Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, during a joint briefing on the outcome of the Federal Executive Council meeting, on Wednesday at the State House, in Abuja. Photo: Joe Oroye

KDSG condemns attack in Sanga LGA From Muhammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

eanwhile, Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Mukhtar Ramalan Yero has condemned in strong terms

the attacks, describing it as an attempt by enemies of peace aimed at truncating the present stable atmosphere in the State. A statement by the Director General, Media and Publicity to the Governor, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki

said the attackers were clearly out to create tension in the state with selfish and dangerous aim, while pleading with such unscrupulous elements and their sponsors to stop killing innocent and defenseless people.

Governor Yero called on the people of the LGA to remain calm, as according to him, security agencies have already been directed to commence operations aimed at restoring law and order in the area.

journalists in Ilorin on Tuesday. Ibrahim, who is also the director, Centre for International Education in the University of Ilorin, said government should emphasise importance of Mathematics as a tool to national development. According to him, “Through Mathematics education, Nigeria will produce creative, resourceful and innovative people for national development and more attention should be given to provision of learning-friendly environment”, he said. The association, in a

communiqué, issued at the end of its 51st annual national conference in Ilorin, observed that Mathematics education is facing serious challenges, saying that little emphasis is placed on the motivation of Mathematics teachers in schools. The association also recommended that government should re-engineer science and Mathematics education through provision of Mathematics laboratories and instructional materials to primary schools and colleges. It also said that parents

should encourage knowledge of Mathematics from early stage to adulthood, including special children, adding that teachers should use functional and interactive approach in the teaching of Mathematics to develop love for the subject. The association, which called for employment of Mathematics teachers to remedy short supply of Mathematics teachers in schools, added that teachers of Mathematics should be encouraged to attend international conferences to enhance their professional development.

Mathematics association urges FG to use members for development

From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

he President of Mathematical Association of Nigeria (MAN), Professor Mohammed Ibrahim, has urged federal government to utilise its members for sustainable development in Nigeria. He noted that without government tapping mathematicians’s potential, national development may not be realised in Nigeria. The MAN president stated this in Ilorin while speaking with

Campaign for peace: Cleric tasks religious leaders By Stanley Onyekwere

eligious leaders all over Nigeria have been urged to eschew primordial sentiments with a view to help enthrone harmony and peaceful co-existence among the legion of tribes and religions across the land. A notable man of God, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Anyembugu, made the clarion call following the inter-faith seminar on peaceful

co-existence held at Arewa house, Kaduna recently, in which Christian and Islamic leaders featured prominently. “Both of our major religions (Christianity and Islam) preach peace and love for one another, and such admonition is particularly invaluable to us as a nation at this critical period,” remarked Anyembugu, the parish priest of St. Sylvester’s Catholic Church, New Nyanya, Nassarawa state.

The cleric, who was the lead speaker at the well-attended event, spoke against the escalating insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in the Northeast region. He lamented the paradoxical situation whereby religions which symbolize peace are being cleverly manipulated as instruments of violence and terrorism by compatriots who ought to know better. Rev. Fr. Anyembugu while recalling the theme of the World

Youth congress which he attended in Brazil last year, admonished religious leaders to “not only preach peace but go the extra mile to pursue and/or “plant” seeds of peace across our fatherland, for our common good.” According to the Reverend who is also a motivational speaker and author, only by imbibing virtues such as the fear of God, good governance and justice can Nigeria thrive.

Teacher Education: NTI donates 400 computers desktops and laptops to NOUN, NMC and Adeyemi College of Education By Mohammed Ibrahim, Kaduna

r. Aminu Ladan Sharehu, the Director-General and Chief Executive of the National Teachers’ Institute, Kaduna said computer education is a prerequisite to life-long learning which teachers can seek to embrace. He disclosed this during the distribution of Computers Sets, Laptops and other computer accessories given out as donation to some sister teacher institutions which include the National Mathematical Centre, Abuja, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and Adeyemi College of Education, Akure, Ondo State by the National Teachers’ Institute, Kaduna. A total of 400 Desktops and Laptops were distributed to three teacher educational Institutions. The National Open University of Nigeria benefited with 100 Desktops and 50 Laptops, the National Mathematical Centre got away with 40 Desktops; with 10 Laptops while Adeyemi College of Education, which has the highest of 150 Desktops with 50 Laptops. ``We h a ve si nce sta rted distributing these computer sets and laptops along with their allied accessories for the use of Nigerian teachers through the establishment of model computer laboratories in 37 states & FCT for the use of Nigerian teachers free of any change,’’ Dr. Aminu said. He said in addition to establishing computer laboratories for use by teachers in 37 States and the FCT free of charge, Institute is to equip all field centres nationwide with the e-learning facilities for easy access to the internet for teachers. The Institute is committed to the creation of ideal learning environment for the Nigerian teachers such that will enable them to learn with minimal stress. He said the aim is to promote teacher education and professionalism in Nigeria through partnership and collaboration by assisting sister teacher training institutions so that together Nigeria could face and address the challenge of teacher education. In a goodwill message, the representative of the DirectorGeneral, National Mathematical Centre, Mr John Ebiaku, who is also the Head of Computer Department at the Centre, appreciated the effort of the NTI under Dr. Aminu’s administration. Describing the event as unique, he said the Centre has a mutual relationship with NTI, which could enhance better performance. Mr. John said the Mathematical Centre would continue to partner with the Institute in order to achieve the desired national objectives. In a related development, the team of 17 seasoned professors under the leadership of an Academic Consultant, Prof.(Emeritus) Thomas Adeyanju, working to develop manuals for six NTI new programmes have submitted its report to the Director-General and Chief Executive. The seasoned academics, who are specialists in various fields, have developed 135 different manuals for the six degree programmes, which are expected to commence soon by the Institute.

Page 11

Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

Money Sense

If you’re pursuing one of these careers, you may want to think about changing your focus

t’s been said that if you’re not growing, you’re dying. Well, that seems true when it comes to careers, too. Unfortunately, in today’s fast-paced, technologydriven world, sometimes it’s hard to predict which jobs will be winners and which will be losers. But understanding the likely trajectory of your chosen field will be crucial to your professional success. “People need to ensure that they’re in an industry, or working to enter one, that has long-term potential and security,” says Debra Wheatman, a certified professional career coach and president of Careers Done Write. She says that if you’re not careful, you could find yourself putting your best earning years into a dead-end job. Or worse: By the time you do see the light, you might be stuck. “A career change often times means you have to start over at a more junior level,” says Wheatman, “If you have a family or other debt obligations, it could be really difficult. These things have to be considered.” Desktop Publisher Desktop publishing was revolutionary during the printed media era, helping organizations avoid the cost and complications of using large printing presses to print everything from advertisements to magazines. Today, desktop publishers still design layouts with computer software for newspapers, books, and other printed media, says the U.S. Department of Labor, but the printing party has come to an end. Projected decline: According to the Department of Labour, desktop publisher jobs are expected to decline by 15 percent from 2010 to 2020. That’s a total of 3,300 lost jobs, which is sizable considering the profession had only 22,600 jobs in 2010. Why it’s dying: The Department

Money Tip:

ife insurance is critical to financial planning. It’s a necessity for anyone with dependents who would be affected financially by your demise. Yet life insurance is one of the hardest financial products to understand and it’s sold by agents who are sometimes more concerned with their commissions than your needs.

Quote

f a man has money, it is usually a sign too, that he knows how to take care of it; don’t imagine his money is easy to get simply because he has plenty of it – Edgar Watson Howe

says that advances in user-friendly desktop publishing software will allow other workers, such as graphic designers and copyeditors; to perform the tasks desktop publishers do now. Automation will also lead to job loss. Finally, the Department says, opportunities in desktop publishing will be stronger “for those with a degree in graphic design or a related field.” Semiconductor Processor You’d think if any job was safe in this computer-filled world it would be the people who manufacture electronic semiconductors, aka microchips and integrated circuits. But alas,

looking at projections by the U.S. Department of Labour, it appears these workers are destined to be processed out. Projected decline: The Department of Labour expects this job to decline rapidly by 18 percent, going from 21,100 jobs in 2010 to just 17,300 in 2020, a total loss of 3,800 jobs. W h y i t ’ s d y i n g : Here’s a bitter irony for those in the semiconductor processing biz: Despite the fact that semiconductors are in strong demand, increased automation in the plants that make semiconductors means fewer of

these workers will be hired, says the Department. In addition, many microchip manufacturers will close plants in the U.S. and move production overseas to less-costly countries, says the Department. Insurance Underwriters If you’ve ever applied for auto, health, or any other kind of insurance, it’s likely that your fate, whether you got the insurance and how much you paid for it, was in the hands of an insurance underwriter. Now, it seems, many underwriter jobs are in need of a little insurance themselves. Why? Projected decline:

Opportunities in this field will increase, but at a mere six percent between 2010, to 2020. That’s slower than the average rate of 14 percent for all occupations, according to the U.S. Department of Labour, which doesn’t bode well for the future. Why it’s dying: The reason for the snail-paced growth will probably come as little surprise to most. The Department of Labor says that new forms of underwriting software will allow companies to process insurance applications more efficiently than ever and this will result in fewer underwriters needed.

Dying careers you should avoid

…check out these alternatives instead

raphic Designer Not only does the career of graphic designer have a better outlook for job growth, according to the Department, it also gives you the opportunity to be more creative. That’s because graphic designers use computer software, and sometimes even draw by hand, to create visual concepts for logos, websites, or product illustrations. Projected growth: The Department projects graphic designer jobs to grow by 13 percent from 2010 to 2020, which translates to 37,300 possible new jobs. Why it’s growing: The Department says that due to the increased use of the Internet, graphic designers will be needed to create layouts and images for such things as websites, electronic publications, portable devices, and video entertainment media. “Companies need artists to create packaging, branding, marketing/ PR materials, trade show/ billboard signage, online and print advertising, gaming development artists, and many are anxious to

(hire graphic designers)” says Cheryl Chapman, a professor of digital graphic art with Coastline Community College in Southern California. Education Options: Typically, a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field is a must for graphic designers, says the Department. “However, those with a bachelor’s degree in another field may pursue technical training in graphic design to meet most hiring qualifications,” says the Department. Database Administrator With the recent kerfuffle about China allegedly hacking private companies’ databases to perform corporate espionage, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that database administrators will be much needed in years to come. Why? Database administrators use computer software to help companies store and organize data, as well as keep that data safe from unauthorized users, says the U.S. Department of Labor. Projected growth: Job opportunities for database

administrators will grow by 31 percent, from 2010 to 2020, says the Department of Labour. That’s a total of almost 34,000 new jobs. Why it’s growing: There is rapid growth in the amount of data being collected by companies, and therefore a greater need for database administrators to keep it organized for analysis, says the Department. Heath field says that this “big data” collection promises to be a huge job creator, with companies needing people to organize and analyze the data they have been collecting from consumers for the past decade or more. “Companies are now discovering that they’re not using that data and want to start utilizing it,” she says. Education options: Database administrators have a bachelor’s degree in a computer- or information- related subject, says the Department. Accountant or Auditor If you like working with spreadsheets, examining financial records, analyzing financial operations, and helping

companies to run more efficiently to create bigger profits, the job of accountant or auditor could add up for your future. Projected growth: Accounting and auditing positions are expected to grow by 16 percent from 2010 to 2020, says the U.S. Department of Labour. Talk about growth: The Department expects 190,700 new jobs in the field by 2020. Why it’s growing: Unless you’ve been vacationing on the moon for the past five years, you’ve heard about the financial crises and scandals - all of which has resulted in companies placing a bigger emphasis on accounting practices to adhere to stricter laws and regulations, says the Department. “Every business has to keep track of money, pay taxes, and balance the books, so accountants will always have jobs,” says Heathfield. Education options: The Department says, “Most accountants and auditors need at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field.” www. usdepartmentoflabour.com

PAGE 12

Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

EDITORIAL

Enugu as Nigeria’s ‘sick baby’ chicken farm in Government House and disobedience were a product of after-thought. It should be noted that Onyebuchi wasn’t the first deputy governor to have operated s poultry farm in his official residence. Several before him did the same. Even Gov. Chime did not deny he too owned one in

“

nugu state has just staged a theatre of the absurd. The thematic plot centred on the so-called impeachment of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi, by the state’s House of Assembly. The lawmakers, acting out a script written by Gov. Sullivan Chime, accused the deputy governor of operating an illegal commercial poultry in his residence and openly defying his boss’ orders, including instructions to represent the governor at public functions he is unable to attend personally. A panel raised by the state’s Chief Judge, as required under the 1999 Federal Constitution, ‘tried’ Mr. Onyebuchi and found him guilty of “gross misconduct”. Based on the panel’s ‘findings’, the House quickly impeached the deputy governor. And just as quickly, Gov. Chime swore in a replacement. Suddenly, Chime found the man he won elections with, in 2007 and 2011, to be “a bad spark plug” to get rid of, just few months to the 2015 polls. The absurdity of Onyebuchi’s removal from office lies in the nature of the charges brought against him. We learnt that Gov. Chime who pushed for the removal of his deputy didn’t provide any charges initially. He left it to House to cook up some but the lawmakers found nothing approximating “gross misconduct” to pin on the deputy governor. The charges of illegal operation of a commercial

Suddenly, Chime found the man he won elections with, in 2007 and 2011, to be “a bad spark plug” to get rid of, just few months to the 2015 polls. his official residence. It is, therefore, obvious that the real for Gov. Chime wanting his deputy sacked was not any “gross misconduct” but political falling off. Onyebuchi had not hidden his interest in fighting election to the Senate when their terms run out next year. But the governor has his own candidate for the senate seat Onyebuchi desires. Chime’s preferred candidate is his chief of

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staff. In other words, Onyebuchi’s real offence was that he dared to express an interest in a position which his boss also wanted, not for himself but a crony. The question is when has it become a bona fide Nigerian to see k an elective political office? It is an inalienable right of every citizen enshrined in Nigeria’s federal Constitution. The other absurdity is Gov. Chime’s decision to the impeached deputy governor to return to state’s civil service as a deputy director on salary grade level 15. Onyebuchi left the service on SL 13 when he opted for political office, first as an adviser, then as commissioner and finally as deputy governor. The decision to return Mr. Onyebuchi to the civil service raises two questions, one moral and the other constitutional. The moral one is: if Onyebuchi has now become a “bad spark plug”, is it morally right to send him back to civil service where he would only be a bad influence? Two, Onyebuchi was presumed to have resigned his position in the civil service prior to entering politics. If he did, he cannot now be returned to the service. If he did not, he and his erstwhile boss breached the Constitution, thereby committing an impeachable offence. As one radio commentator said, Enugu is an interesting case study in use/abuse of power and constitutionalism.

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Page 13

Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

Opinion

Why are Nigerians all good losers? By Bamidele AdemolaOlateju

igerians are good at picking bad leaders because we focus on all the wrong things, like a candidate’s contrived narrative – lack of shoes, charm, exaggerated meekness, superfluous religiosity, their stellar pedigree or their deep pockets. None of these has any bearing on a candidate’s leadership potential. Attributes of good leaders transcends politics, it applies to leadership in general. Contrary to what is often bandied about, a candidate’s good past results does not guaranteed future good results. This is because new roles often come with new challenges. In Nigeria, a leader in a new position, faces new obstacles, deals with a unimaginable ethnology-religious pressure, competing and sabotaging domestic and foreign interests, endemic corruption and staggering mediocrity. Regardless of the challenges we face as a nation, we expect our leader(s) to manage our diversity, monstrosity and challenges with a clear road map. Is there a road map for Nigeria? What qualifies a leader! Before we get it all wrong again in 2015 as we have always done, what qualities should you focus on before handing out your vote? There are seven fundamental leadership qualities that a leader MUST have to be effective. If any one of these qualities is missing; sooner or later, the newly elected

leader will fail – spectacularly. It is worse if more than one of the attributes is missing. At the end of this article, you will be able to judge for yourself, why we are in a hole with the kind of people we have elevated into positions of authority in this country. It all starts with integrity – the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles and moral uprightness. Is Nigeria as you know it on sinking sand or solid rock as far as integrity goes? A house built on quicksand cannot stand. Integrity is the foundation for effective leadership. Integrity is an amalgam of consistency, honesty and ethical behaviour. No leader can succeed once his followers are able to establish he has no integrity. When a leader’s integrity is in doubt, it is very hard for the leader to regain the trust of his people. No Commander-in-chief can rally the troops without integrity. The low Integrity Quotient in Nigeria plays itself out in the various state houses across the nation and in Aso Rock. The President, the ranks of state governors, head of ministries and agencies are populated by people of questionable integrity. How exactly can one describe a President whose favourite people and list of friends includes alleged murderers, gun runners, drug barons, oil thieves and terrorists? A president who has refused to declare his assets; a man under whose authority $20billion went missing without a whimper. What would have happened if Mr. Jonathan had flown to

Chibok to address distraught parents after the girls abduction? What would have happened if electoral calculations were discarded in favour of decisive action by bringing federal might to bear on the abductors? This make-or-mar quality, is what a leader must have in surplus. Courage is the strength needed to make difficult decisions when facing conflict, pain, grief and adversity. Courage derives from a leader’s core values and commitment to a vision. Nigeria has a general lack of courageous men and women. What it has, are men of greed and men without vision. What it has in surplus are leaders who are galvanized by the ethos of money and power and nothing else. Oil theft is crippling Nigeria’s economy, but the President has no courage to confront his powerful friends who steal crude oil in barges. We have in authority those who lack the courage to take the bold painful steps to greatness that we need. Almost everyone who has had the opportunity to lead Nigeria had been there accidentally. A leader must want to lead. A leader must have a compelling vision of why he wants to lead and where he wants to lead his people. This country has been making the same mistakes and repeating the same unworkable solutions. A leader must be able to persuade his people to do something new, chart a new course and change direction. Visionary leaders inspire their people to imagine a better future and motivates them to work hard towards a life of opportunities.

We have had many vision documents like Vision 2020. The documents delineating the vision spent their lives as wraps in the kiosks of peanuts and popcorn sellers across Nigeria. These documents were no more than wholesale copies from other countries without any significant local understanding or buy in from Nigerians. Beyond the technocrats who got large estacodes from the many visits to study the implementation abroad, not much else was achieved. Good judgement means making well-informed, wise decisions with an eye on desired outcomes. When a leader makes consistently good judgment calls, little else matters. In the same vein, nothing else will matter if he exercises poor judgment when it matters most. Boko Haram is a cancer today because it wasn’t exercised and cut off early. Good vision requires good judgement. Can a leader confront our national complexities and face new challenge and still be able to prioritize and quickly zero in on the most important issues of the day? A leader must quick witted and be able to focus while recognizing the possible unintended consequences of her decisions. Without emotional intelligence, a leader is often pedantic, self-conceited and self-opinionated. Empathy is about feeling for others while emotional intelligence focuses on self and understanding of self and how it affects others.

This internal focus helps an emotionally intelligent leader to take a hard, honest look at himself with a view to understanding his strengths, weaknesses and blind spots. A good leader with sound emotional intelligence puts personal pride aside and actively seeks the input of experts around him and incorporates their best ideas into the overall action plan. Lack of emotional intelligence was President Obasanjo’s albatross. Without it, he became overtaken with hubris. He began to overestimate his own ability, started getting drunk on power and he began biting more than he can chew in addition to alienating others. Diminishing emotional intelligence is the bane of previously successful leaders moving unto higher responsibilities and new roles. In 2015 and beyond, Nigerians must move away from inducement and false predictors of success. Regardless of position, location and situation, the hallmarks of good leaders are – integrity, courage, empathy, passion, vision, judgment and emotional intelligence. It is about time we move away from corn eating politicians whose claim to any form of connection are token gestures and photo opportunities with the poor with no real emotional investment in their well-being. Good people, shine your eyes, you all know where the shoeless narrative you bought got you. Bamidele AdemolaOlateju via Tweeter: @ olufunmilayo

Fixing Nigeria, nuts and bolts: The Lamido stance By Adamu Muhd Usman

hen your people are secured, when your people are considered, when your people are contented, when your people are happy, they can be your first defense - Sule Lamido at a political debate in Abuja, September 9, 2014. It will be remembered for a long time as one of the most memorable deliberations on Nigeria’s contemporary problems due to its brilliant conception and the weight of its discussants. The Kukah Centre organized it and Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah, Roman Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, himself moderated the discussion. To discuss the issue, Fixing Nigeria: The Nuts and the Bolts were two of the most successful state governors in Nigeria, Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos State and Sule Lamido of Jigawa State. The Kukah Centre, whose focus is faith, leadership and public policy, selected the two governors to share their governance experiences. Fashola is an APC member while Lamido is a PDP founding father but both men have made highly appreciable impact in the governance of their states in the last eight years. While Fashola is credited with transforming the megapolis of Lagos, Lamido is credited with enormously

transforming a rural state into an enviable position. The audience turned out in force at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, the venue of the discussion. It was filled to capacity by people from the all walks o of life. The moderator Bishop Kukah threw questions at the two discussants on security, economy, leadership and good governance in Nigeria. Sule Lamido’s responses reflected his rich experience as a politician of many decades’ standing, a top notcher in several political parties in four republics, a former federal lawmaker, a state and national party official, a minister and a state governor. In his view, insecurity, he said, is collective problem that requires collective efforts to solve. He said the current insecurity problem bedevilling the country is not limited to the north-east since it has other facets such as kidnapping, vandalism, baby factories and the selling of human parts that prevail in other parts of the country as well. The problem must not be seen in isolation, he said. Lamido also spoke thoughtfully on the subject of leadership and good governance. He said there has been a serious disconnect over the years between the leaders and the people such that the people have often lost confidence in

governance as a whole. Recalling his experiences as Jigawa State governor, Lamido said he inherited a state that was metaphorically below sea level in terms of economic, educational and health care facilities. Most state institutions were on the verge of collapse, he said. He recalled that the first thing he did as governor was to assemble Jigawa indigenes to discuss how best to confront the multiple challenges facing the state. He said in the years since then, because there is commitment and political will, he has been able to follow up on all the advice he received at the forum to their logical conclusion. It has been the secret to the state’s transformation, he said. Lamido also said the problem of Nigeria is leaders appropriating public wealth to themselves, their associates and their cronies at the expense of the people they are supposed to serve. For Nigeria to develop, he said a leader must focus on building strong institutions rather than rely on the good luck of having strong leaders. He also said we must avoid the practice of converting public institutions to private estates that serve individual interests to the detriments of the public good. His administration, Alhaji Sule said, focused on the building of strong institutions that would anchor the state’s

development agenda, this is why his administration built a brand new secretariat and a judicial complex as well as made massive investments in education, health and human development. Leadership, Lamido also said, is about trust and good governance while democracy is about people’s participation in the affairs that concern them. He spoke about how he dedicated telephone lines where he receives complains and advice from people across the state. During the first three months, he said he mostly received abuses and insults but later on, out of over 300 hundred text messages he receives on daily basis, 90% of them praised his efforts in various areas. Lamido spoke at some length about his administration’s revolutionary approach to poverty alleviation which kicked off with the convening of the Talakawa Summit. He said the summit was very revealing to him and it propelled his desire to confront poverty head on. He said, “All those at leadership level in Nigeria must be ready to be accountable to the people while the citizens must be bold enough to demand for their rights from leaders.” Asked about the economy, Lamido lamented the poor patronage of Made in Nigeria products. He said unless we

abandon this attitude it will be difficult for the Nigerian economy to advance. He cited as examples of dwindling industries of hides and skins, textiles and cotton, groundnuts and cocoa, which he attributed to the poor patronage of products made from these crops. On President Jonathan’s planned meeting with state governors, Lamido said Dr. Goodluck Jonathon is his PDP-sponsored presidential candidate but after the election he automatically becomes the Nigerian president. As such, he said, he would continue to give him advice just like any other governor in Nigeria. On the whole, the discussion at the Kukah Centre was an important contribution and I hope this noble gesture should be a continues event to enhance good relationship among Nigerians, a source of enlightening the people and updating the citizens about the happenings in the society and it will be a platform for interaction and learning of politics of ideology and it will as well be an avenue to search for solutions to Nigerian’s many developmental problems and all those who attended went away with a portion of rich experience from two of Nigeria’s wonder governors. Adamu Mohd Usman is Special Adviser, Media to Jigawa state governor.

Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

PAGE 14

Opinion

Ebola in Nigeria: The issues at stake

By Jaye Gaskia

t is perhaps such an uncanny truth that the ongoing Ebola Virus Disease [EVD] outbreak in Nigeria should be so thoroughly representative of the good, the bad and the ugly in our national life and body polity. How do I mean? The response to the outbreak thus far reveals on the one hand a glimpse of the immense potential that this country is and that we have as a nation; while on the other hand it is also fast becoming an exposition of all that is wrong with us. The response unveils a pointer to the almost limitless nature of our potential strength, while also exposing the abysmal depth of our systemic and structural challenges. The way and manner by which after initially being caught off-guard the health and political authorities got their acts together and mounted such a coordinated and effective response that has resulted in more or less containing the outbreak is quite impressive, and to the extent of its impressiveness, also quite unusual and unexpected of this inept and greedy treasury looting ruling class. Although as a journalist I was speaking with quipped to me; and I do believe there is some truth in this, ‘the response has been so coordinated, forgetting momentarily inter party and intra elite acrimonies, because the ruling class shared a common fear of the unimaginable impact of allowing such an outbreak of such a disease to literally go

viral’. What was this journalist friend referring to? Let us take a cursory look at the EVD. Like AIDS it has no cure, and there is no vaccine for its prevention; Like AIDS too it is an infectious disease; but unlike AIDS, this one can be transmitted not only through exchange of fluids during sexual intercourse or during blood transfusion etc, but also simply through coming into contact with body sweat, vomit, stool, etc of an infected person! Given this context, no one is or can be actually safe if the disease were to be allowed to get out of hand as we have seen in the major epicentres of the current historic outbreak in Liberia [with more than half of the total number of infections recorded across West Africa thus far, and more than half of the total number of fatalities]; as well as in Sierra Leone, both of which countries have large swathes of their territories in some form of lockdown as a result of the current outbreak. Even though the neighbourhoods of the poor can be quarantined and locked down, nevertheless, the rich, the high and mighty must still interact with the poor. They have drivers, they have house helps, errand persons, even the home tutors for their kids who live in these neighbourhoods, and who can more easily come into contact with the infection and bring it into the homes of the rich. Herein lies the trigger, the impetus, and the hidden motive for ruling elite uncharacteristic

collaboration to do any and everything to contain the Ebola Virus Disease. I mean at the inception of the outbreak, when there was less certainty, we saw Ministers refusing to shake hands with one another at Federal Executive Council Meetings! Now let us turn our attention to the other worrying parts of the response, those parts that serve to once again expose the depth, scope and scale of the systemic rot engendered by the bungling incompetence of gluttonous light fingered elite. Let us start from the rear, the ongoing debacle about re-opening of primary and secondary schools across the country. The Federal government after consultations between the federal and state education ministries initially pushed school reopening dates back by about 6 weeks to Mid-October, then after some pressures somersaulted and reversed the reopening date to 22nd of September. In pushing back the dates in the first instance, the FGN had stated conditions that would need to be met before October 13th; whereas in moving the date forward to 22nd of September the same FGN was silent on these conditions. Every school was supposed to have at least 2 staff members trained in responding to the EVD. Now beyond the debate on date which is neither here nor there, a number of issues needs to be raised and addressed. How many primary schools are there in the country, public and private? Similarly how many

secondary schools are there in the country, again public and private? How many pupils are in each of these schools, and are in all of these schools altogether? How many teachers are in each, and all of these schools? At the rate of 2 teachers to be trained per school, how many teachers will need to be thus trained in each LGA, in each state, and across the federation? Where will they be trained? And how will they be trained? Will they be trained in batches? And how long will the training take; that is what is the length of time that will be needed to complete the training of all of these teachers? How many special EVD monitors and supervisors will be needed in each LGA, in each state, across the whole country to ensure compliance and quality, and ensure that every school is covered? What support infrastructure needs to be put in place to ensure that the training of teachers become integral part of a seamless response healthcare delivery system? How many isolation and treatment centres need to put in place to cater for all the schools working on various assumptions with regards to possible scenarios [for example if 1% , 2%, 5% or 10% of students were to need isolation etc? Now let us quickly look at the other issues, those around funding the response. The Federal Government recently announced it was setting aside N1,9bn to manage the response, although the minister of health was then later reported to have

clarified that the bulk of this money will be spent buying vehicles! So how will be various isolation and treatment centres be funded and equipped? Are we waiting on donors to purchase the necessary kits, equipment and other treatment facilities? States governments have also begun to announce huge sums of monies in their hundreds of millions to tackle the outbreak. What all of these frenzied resource allocation drives have lacked thus far is transparency and accountability. How are these monies being appropriated? If this was truly an emergency why have the National and State Assemblies not convened emergency sessions on the EVD outbreak? Why have the Federal and State executive councils not prepared and forwarded to the emergency sessions of the National and State Assemblies Supplementary bills to appropriate funds to tackle the emergency? Why are there no detailed user friendly, citizen centred response plans in the public domain for everyone to see and access and assess? I am once again forced to the conclusion that this current ruling class is inherently inept and incompetent to govern us, the only thing it is adept at doing is looting the treasury, and manoeuvring around the corridors and bedrooms of power. The lesson once again is that we have a duty to take our destiny back into our own hands. Jaye Gaskia via Twitter: @jayegaskia &@[DPSR] protesttopower.

When the wicked reign, the people suffer

By Ola’ Idowu

t goes without saying that Nigerians are groaning day and night under the wicked rule they are being subjected to either through Boko Haram terrorists that have declared a fake Islamic Caliphate in the North-eastern part of the country, or through a government that has abdicated its responsibility to the people and in every way possible shown the wickedness of its reign. An Australian self-appointed crisis negotiator Stephen Davis who has worked with the Nigerian government on previous negotiations including that of the 2009 Amnesty declaration granted to Niger Delta militants indicted the former Borno state governor Ali Modu Sheriff and former Army chief Lt. General Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd.) as Boko Haram sponsors. Ali Sheriff, for his part, everyone knows, started the arming of the present day Boko Haram. From their days as street hustlers who sold petrol and diesel in gallons on the black markets of Maiduguri, to when he formed them into political thugs called ECOMOG and armed them for political enforcements.

However, he has never been free of accusations of supporting the group till date and a recent revelation by Nigerian intelligence services shows that he has been helping train Boko Haram terrorists in Abeche, Chad since 2011 as well as route their weapons through that country into Nigeria due to his relationship with the Chadian President Idris Derby. This shows the credibility of Davis’s statement on Ali Sheriff but when such men reign in a country like Nigeria ultimately the people suffer. Ihejirika was also accused of sponsoring Boko Haram. In defending himself he said in a sane country like the UK and US such accusations would be dismissed off-hand. On the contrary, in a sane country, its people like the former Chief of Defence staff (CDS) Admiral Ola Saa’d Ibrahim and present CDS, Air Marshal Alex Badeh - who worked with him as Chief of Air staff - that should be speaking up for him if he really did a good job. It’s not his course-mates from NDA course 18 who did not work him in his three years as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) who should be speaking on his behalf. According to an exclusive

report published by Leadership Newspaper Abuja in January 2014, when President Jonathan declared a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa state, the CDS Admiral Ola Ibrahim (rtd.) was mandated to preside over its prosecution but Ihejirika insisted the army should take over since they constituted most of the JTF forces. he entire prosecution of the terror campaign under Ihejirika was unprofessionally carried out and this much can be seen in the disorganisation in the 7th division that led to mutiny of soldiers in that division who complained of inadequate weapons and welfare from their commanders. The cold war between the service chiefs led to Ihejirika’s sack in January 2014. The question is if Ihejirika did such a good job while there as army chief how come the army has suffered such reversals in the hands of the terrorists within just eight months after his sack? Apparently, there was no war on terrorism being prosecuted and the terrorists have been the ones dictating the pace and front-line of the battle in the last three years, when the reverse should be the case. If we have spent over $33 billion on Defence in the last

five years alone and a large chunk of it under the tenure of Ihejirika as COAS how come BH are still able to declare a caliphate? The amount we have spent on security is about 1.6% of our GDP equating us to the category of a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) country. Only four NATO countries: US, UK, Greece and Estonia spend up to or more than 2% of their GDP on defence. NATO requires its members to spend 20% of their defence budget on investing in new and quality equipments. Let’s say Ihejirika and the Defence HQ invests 15% of the defence budget on quality equipments and 5% goes to waste and corruption, at least we would have a fighting force of international standard that would have put the BH insurgency to bed. But when wicked men reign, the people would always suffer. The wicked men who reign in Nigeria are the ones who extradited the Nyanya bomb blast suspect Aminu Ogwuche from Sudan for his role in the bombing, and then after Davis made mention of him, they presented him to the press so he would deny his role in the bombing. What they forget was, there are Nigerians who don’t

forget easily. The only reason Ogwuche was extradited to Nigeria from Sudan was because he had being investigated by the DSS and found guilty of his role in the blast, that was the only way the Sudanese were ever going to agree to extradite him. Under international extradition laws you have to show proof to the extraditing country that a crime has being committed. The DSS through Interpol showed such proof to the Sudanese government and they arrested Ogwuche and extradited him to Nigeria, how come he hasn’t been tried in court and he is still being paraded to the press some months after and allowed to deny his role in the Abuja bombing? It shows Oguwche is being used as some sort of bargaining chip by the wicked men who rule, he would be released when they strike a deal and the whole noise has died down and Nigerians have forgotten as usual at the risk of doing more harm to the same innocent people. When wicked men reign, the people groan in suffering. Ola’ Idowu viafrenchcoast2@gmail.com

Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

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Comment

The Jonathan government and Oritsejafor affair By Ayobami Oyalowo

hen news broke that a private plane from Nigeria was seized in South Africa with about $10m in new notes, my heart palpitated and I was askance even though I was in the midst of others. My fear steamed for a few facts. I was sure that the federal government of Nigeria will do what it does best; keep mum and then later will either deny or offer some lame explanations while muddling up the waters sufficiently enough by using pawns to obliterate the facts of the matter and politicizing the issues, hereby diverting our attention away to other things. Sad to say, I have been proved right on every count. Not only have they started their campaign of calumny, they have used a most saddening approach; they are playing the religious card. Why is the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) getting involved in a supposedly private matter of such dangerous proportion? We shall come back to the CAN later on. Suffice to say that Nigeria is in deeper troubles than we are presently prepared to admit to. Sadly, the trouble and danger inherent is potent enough and highly dangerous to our corporate existence, while

collectively playing the ostrich will benefit no one eventually. Here are the facts of the matter. On 5th September 2014, a Bombardier Challenger 600, with a Nigerian flight crew piloted by Captain Tunde Ojongbede, flew into South Africa and landed at Lanseria Airport in Johannesburg. Eventually we got to understand that there were two planes and not one that flew in to South Africa. The other plane involved, used by Swat Inc., a Hawker Siddeley 125, also with an American registration number (N497AG), landed at Lanseria Airport last month. That plane and its passengers remained in the country for two days before returning to Abuja on August 13. When the passengers’ luggage were checked, officials of SA Revenue Service (Sars), found undeclared raw cash of $9.3 million on the passengers. On board one the seized aircrafts was also an Abuja-based Israeli man, Eyal Mesika, whom we were told was the only man with the combinations to open the lock on the suit cases containing the cash to be laundered or used to purchase illegal arms by the order of some unnamed persons in the Nigerian Government. One amazing fact is that the Nigerian government has maintained a curious silence

since the scandal broke on September 5th when South African law enforcement agents confiscated $9.3 million from the two private jets. If Sahara Reporters did not blow the lid on the illegality, I doubt if ordinary Nigerians would have known the kind of gang we currently parade as political and religious leaders. South African airport security spokesman Solomon Makgale confirmed a police investigation was underway but declined to give details. The aircraft was temporarily impounded, but was allowed to return to Abuja about four days after the initial arrest of the plane because the Nigerian government reached out to its South African counterparts, ostensibly to douse the tension and keep the fact away from the public. The arrested passengers apparently told officials they were acting on behalf of the Nigerian intelligence service, and they provided documentation confirming they had come to South Africa to buy weapons. However, the National Conventional Arms Control Committee, which has to approve the import and export of any weapons as well as issue permits for such transactions, was not aware of any applications in this case. It is also not clear whether the Israeli

passenger was an intelligence operative or an arms dealer. A spokesman for South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority disclosed that the country’s investigators found the Nigerian arms buyers with invoices from two South African firms called Tier One and ESD. The invoices were for armaments and a helicopter. We can safely conclude therefore that the arms deal was supposed to be a black market operation and therefore an illegal arm purchase. Such arms could end up anywhere either in the hands of the Niger Delta militants, political thugs and assassins, or even the dreaded Boko Haram militants... your guess is as good as mine. After much hush hush, it finally emerged that the bombardier jet involved in the illegal money laundering and purchase of black market arms belonged to Pastor Oritsejafor . Here are few questions keen watchers have been asking. FAAN just over a year ago readjusted the laws guiding the usage of non-scheduled commercial operators. The law according to the Nigerian aviation authorities seeks to regulate and stop the abuse by private jets owners, who turn their planes over for commercial purposes illegally. Therefore, one should ask, why was Pastor

Engaging my Ndigbo compatriots By Joe Igbokwe

t the huge risk of being called names by my brothers and sisters, I boldly write this piece to my people. I have been called names in the past for speaking out and I may be wrong but please forgive me. I write because I know that a story that must be told never forgives silence. I write despite all odds because I know that when a writer is silent he or she is lying. I write because I want things to be done differently, because I know that the greatest part of hell will be reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of great moral crisis. I write knowing fully well that I am not the best God ever created and therefore mine cannot be the last word. Two incidents involving Mrs. Stella Oduah, who was removed as a Minister for corruption, and General Ihejirika, who just retired from the Nigerian Army necessitated this open letter. Mrs. Stella Oduah was removed as a Minister of Aviation for issues bordering on corruption. She was accused of financial recklessness. When the lid was blown open, our people went to town to defend her.. All Igbo organizations went to town with the chorus Leave Stella Oduah alone”. The shouts came from our people all over the world and it was loud enough and at best, deafening. When Mrs. Stella Oduah was eventually

eased out by the presidency, one thought our people will learn the lesson but not Igbo. Our leaders went to town with a project to honour Mrs. Stella Oduah and others with awards in Lagos. In preparation for the ceremony one of the leaders spoke to the press. Hear him “we are honouring our own Mrs. Stella Oduah to show the world that even when Nigeria mocks our brightest and best for doing a good job at the Aviation Industry, we must tell the world that we love and celebrate our own.” She was given an instant title of Ada Igbo. As I write this, billboards are at strategic locations in Igboland, celebrating her as Ada Igbo. Now enter General Ihejirika, the former Chief of Army Staff. He only recently retired from the army after serving for more than three decades. General Ihejirika is now eyeing the

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governorship seat in Abia State on the platform of PDP just few months after pulling out of the Nigerian Army. But an Australian peace negotiator, Stephen Davis, reportedly contracted by the federal government and who spent four months in Nigeria negotiating with Boko Haram to get the kidnapped Chibok girls out, told the world that the former Governor of Borno state ,Ali Modu Sheriff and Ihejirika were sponsors of Boko Haram. The moment Stephen Davis’ statement hit the Nigerian public space, hell was let loose once again. Our people went to town with the usual mantra: “Leave Ihejirika alone”. Almost all the Igbo organizations have issued press statements suggesting that General Ihejirika is being persecuted for staking his life to fight Boko Haram for Nigeria. Again the noise was so loud and

deafening. Now the questions are: do we need to defend Oduah and Ihejirika? Are they not old enough or competent enough to defend themselves? Were our people with them when they were serving? Can we swear we know them very well to continue this noise? Do we really know the character of these persons? Why this prebendal politics? If we continue to defend our tribes only, who will then defend Nigeria? Who is working for Nigeria if I may ask? Is it not bad behaviour for Igbo to continue to defend what they know nothing about? Are we not making ourselves objects of ridicule in the eyes of other Nigerians? When we pour invectives on other Nigerians or people who are different from us are we not endangering the lives and businesses of Ndigbo scattered all

I suggest that Igbo should stop creating enemies for itself in Nigeria. I suggest that Igbo should rise above ethnic preoccupation to help move Nigeria forward. If we are still one Nigeria, Igbo should consider the feelings of other Nigerians. This defeatism attitude must give way to politics of ideas. This persecution complex must stop.

Ayo private jet leased out for a supposedly commercial purpose since August 2nd 2014 according to him? I am a Christian and, as such, a member of CAN. Pastor Ayo should be left alone to defend himself and his private business without dragging CAN alongside himself. Why has CAN become the private enterprise of one man? His ownership of the jet has raised several questions in the past. One of which is that the plane seized by South African officials is actually registered in the US for use only as a private jet, not for commercial purposes. Another issue is does Pastor Oritsejafor owns more than one jet? In 2012, he claimed that members of his congregation presented him with the gift of a jet. However, the registration number of the jet detained by South African authorities differs from the registration details for the jet purchased by Oritsejafor’s congregants. In response to criticism of his acquisition of a private jet, the pastor had argued that he needed the jet to enable him to travel widely for events related to his ministry. The question then is whether the commercial leasing of a private jet is part of Oritsejafor’s ministry? Ayobami Oyalowo via Twitter: @Ayourb

over Nigerians? Have we forgotten that our people are the most mobile in Nigeria? Do we know how other Nigerians rate us in this predictable primitive defense? Do we consider the feelings of other Nigerians? What signals are we sending out with this improper behaviour? Don’t we have men and women who will say enough is enough in this madness of defending the indefensible? We know Igbo history, philosophy and sociology; when does it tolerate blind and unquestionable defence of someone who might have compromised his or herself while in office? When has Igbo become so ethically compromised that they do must defend even thieves from Igboland? Are these Igbo not aware that such fight, like in the case of Stella Oduah not only ridicules the Igbo but belittles them before others? What happens to the sanctimonious resolve of our fore fathers never to get involved in war of blame? I suggest that Igbo should stop creating enemies for itself in Nigeria. I suggest that Igbo should rise above ethnic preoccupation to help move Nigeria forward. If we are still one Nigeria, Igbo should consider the feelings of other Nigerians. This defeatism attitude must give way to politics of ideas. This persecution complex must stop. This leadership complex must seize to exist. Joe Igbokwe wrote in from Lagos.

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Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

We shall change the political firmament in Nigeria – UPN From Matthew Aramunde, Lagos

Akwa Ibom state Governor and Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, Chief Godswill Akpabio (3rd left), addressing journalist at the end of their meeting after endorsing President Goodluck Jonathan as the party’s candidate for 2015 election, on Wednesday night in Abuja. With him are his colleagues. Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

2015: I will contest Kaduna Governorship election – El Rufai From Muhammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

ormer Federal Capital Territory Minister, Malam Nasir El-Rufai yesterday said he has resolved to contest for the office of the Governor of Kaduna State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2015 elections. The former minister disclosed this in a statement made available

to newsmen ahead of his public declaration in Kaduna, which will hold later this month. El-Rufai said the state is now fragmented across ethnic and religious lines, saying already he has made wide consultations with stakeholders before making his intention public. According to him, educational institutions in Kaduna are decaying, while unemployment and youth restiveness are visible.

He added that trust in government is low and the essentials needed to stimulate socio-economic development are most lacking. “ Kaduna State that was once a point of reference in peaceful coexistence, progress and fairness in the Northern region in particular and Nigeria as a whole is now lagging behind most states created recently. “The situation should not and

must not be allowed to deteriorate further; otherwise the cohesive fabric of our community may be completely destroyed. Bearing these in mind and after deep reflection and wide consultations with stakeholders who cherish the importance of providing good leadership, I have resolved to contest for the office of the Governor of Kaduna State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2015 elections,” he said.

Buruku House of Reps. Seat: Group accuses Jega of bias From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

socio-political organization, Democracy and Justice Initiative (DJI) has petitioned the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega over his alleged bias in the controversial Buruku House of Representatives seat. The organization in a petition addressed to Prof. Jega entitled, ‘Fresh Election into Buruku Federal Constituency of Benue State: Role of Prof. Attahiru Jega’, dated September 15th, 2015 and signed by John Adoyi Odoga and Terngu Msuega, Executive Director and Secretary respectively a copy which was also made available to Peoples Daily, accused INEC of playing pranks with the election. The Buruku federal constituency seat hitherto, held by the APC was declared vacant since 30th May

2014 when the Supreme Court in its judgement sacked Hon. Orker Jev and ordered that elections be conducted within 90 days to fill the vacuum. INEC had earlier fixed 23rd August 2014 for fresh elections as directed by the court but later suspended same citing a pending motion at the Supreme Court that was served on them as reason for the suspension. It could be noted that while suspending the polls, the commission had through its Secretary, Mrs. Augusta C.Ogakwu in a statement said , “The suspension is sequel to a motion on notice served on the commission from the Supreme Court urging the court to set aside it’s order on the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct fresh election in Buruku federal constituency”. But the group said media

reports where the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Benue was quoted as suggesting that INEC is making clandestine moves to conduct the polls and requested to know from the Chairman of the Commission if the said Motion on Notice filed on June 18, 2014 by Hon. Sekav Dzua Iortyom, which prompted the suspension of the election has been determined by the Supreme Court to warrant the conduct of the said election. “The Chairman’s role in the Buruku Federal Constituency has left so much to be desired. While the same case instituted by Hon. Sekav Dzua Iortyom was pending at the Federal High Court, Makurdi, the Chairman of the Commission, Prof Attahiru Jega had unilaterally signed and issued a Certificate of Return to Hon. Sekav Iortyom when there was no court order to that effect. The said certificate of

return worsened the matter as the Buruku Federal Constituency had two certificates of return at a point”. The petition which also, accused both Governor Gabriel Suswam and Dr. Iyorchia Ayu who always boast that the INEC boss was his “boy” during their ASUU days stated further, “we wish to remind Prof Jega that the Constitution and the Electoral Act governing the activities of INEC it is not the purview of the Commission or that of the Chairman to conduct elections arbitrarily. The Supreme Court had ordered the conduct of election within 90 days into the Buruku Federal Constituency on May 30, 2014. 90 days has since elapsed by effluxion of time. Therefore, there is no justification whatsoever for INEC to order the conduct of any election after the expiration of the Supreme Court order”.

he Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) has promised to change the political firmament in the country if voted into office come 2015. This much was revealed by the party’s Lagos State Chairman, Femi Ikuomola in a chat with media men during the inauguration of the state executives at the party secretariat in Ikeja, Lagos. Speaking further Ikuomola noted that the party peopled by those who are adherents of the ideologies of the late sage Chief Obafemi Awolowo has been resurrected in Lagos and has thus vowed to bring back smiles to the faces of Nigerians. Taking a swipe at other political parties whom he alleged have brought suffering and untold hardship on the hapless and hopeless masses, he revealed that the UPN has finalized preparation at ameliorating the pains of the Nigerian masses by the provision of free and qualitative education to university level, provision of affordable accommodation, provision of employment opportunities for the teeming youths who are presently roaming the street among others. On the issue of the ability of the party to within the short period of time before the 2015 election to galvanize the masses as to be able to torpedo the ruling party in Lagos State, Ikuomola revealed that as someone who has been at the top hierarchy of the said party, he is fully equipped to beat them to their game plan “We shall occupy the Oval House at Alausa come 2015” he enthused In his contribution, the Publicity Secretary of the Party in Lagos, Chief Val Offor Ogbonnaya dismissed the perceived threat by other parties stressing that as true Awoist, the people of Lagos has yearned for the opportunities that his party will unleash on them by the time they assume the mantle of leadership come 2015. He noted with glee that it was because the ruling party spied into their manifesto that promises the masses free education to university that compelled them to reduce drastically the outrageous fees they had slammed on students of various institutions in Lagos He therefore urged voters to utilize the opportunity offered by the party and to shun stomach infrastructure syndrome that is sweeping across the country.

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Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

Politics

“Only Gen Buhari can guarantee success for APC in 2015” says Sen Habu Ibrahim Interview

ecently during plenary, the Senate expressed its dissatisfaction with the manner the war against the Boko Haram insurgency is being prosecuted. What is your take on the effort by the federal government towards tackling this menace ravaging the North east? Well, I don’t think there is any progress. Previously we have confided the Boko Haram in the Sambisa forest but now they are taking over territories, sacking emirs, killing Imams and so on. They are invariably taking over both the traditional as well as religious leaderships. So there is no progress and that explains why everybody was disgusted. As we approach the APC Presidential primaries scheduled to hold in October, how do you react to insinuations that the thread holding the party together will snap as a result of the party’s inability to reconcile the interests of its leading presidential aspirants? Well, it’s false; it’s not true that the APC will break apart after the presidential primaries. I am speaking from a vantage position both as a member of the APC National Executive Council (NEC), the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) as well as the APC Caucus. So I know every level of decision making and I didn’t see any indication of the party coming apart because of the primary election. In fact, the presidential front runners in the APC communicate with each other. Buhari, Kwankwaso and Atiku visit each other. I am a Buhari loyalist and I don’t hide it. I am a Buhari man, there is no doubts about it, I will pray for him, work for him to ensure he emerges victorious but that does not stop me from communicating with either Kwankwaso or Atiku. They know me, I know them. But you know, the people insinuate things because they want to create problems. The APC will hold all its conventions and congresses or primaries without rancor, this I assure you and people will see. My principal, that is General Buhari, accepts the fact that others have the right to contest, at the same time, we as members feel that as a party, we try to see if we can have a consensus candidate. This is because the APC have to cut down on cost because we are not a government party. The PDP can afford to award a N10 bn contract and

Senator Habu Ibrahim (APC, Katsina South) is the Deputy Minority Leader, also a member of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). In this interview with Ali Abare Abubakar and Ikechukwu Okaforadi, Sen Habu sheds more light on issues relating to the party’s presidential primaries, insisting however that Gen Buhari remains the candidate to beat. Excerpts: take ten percent, which amounts to one billion Naira. If they give a N100 bn contract, they get N10 bn as cuts for the party. The APC does not have that kind of money; so obviously, the party must have to cut cost. So if some of us try to push for consensus, we are doing it for the interest of the party. There are some of us working hard to see if we shall have a consensus, if somebody say, well let me withdraw to allow the party to win, such a person should be praised, not that he doesn’t like the party or will not like to contest or doesn’t like democracy but he is trying to save the party lots of resources that we shall use for the main election itself because the most important thing is to win the election. So, I assure you and you can quote me anywhere, all the serious problems that the people are insinuating are not there. Luckily enough, the party has purged itself with the type of people that could create problems for the APC. Tom Ikimi, Sen Ali Modu Sheriff, Attahiru Bafarawa and Ibrahim Shekarau, these are people that we know who are always being used by the government because they are in the opposition. By the struck of luck, these people all left the APC, we are competent and don’t fear that anyone is planted. There has never been a time in the history of democracy in Nigeria that the opposition came together to form a formidable challenge to the ruling party. Do you think the APC would maximize this potential to actually challenge the PDP come

Senator Habu Ibrahim 2015? You see, if you look at how the APC was formed, it is indeed the first in history with parties given up their registration to form a new party. Look at the history of what happened, alliances were there but this is the first time parties were saying, take over my registration so that it can join a new party. All these were done not by force, people on their own volition decided that yes, we want a strong opposition party. On their own volition they said they were given up their registration. Some people were

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As far as I am concerned, Buhari remains the only person and you can say it anywhere, for APC to have a strong takeoff, we need to have Buhari as our candidate. I will employ others to look at the interest of the party to make sure the APC succeeds. After all, Buhari has the integrity, the image and required leadership qualities needed now by the country, to fight corruption, once they say it is him, everybody knows there won’t be any play

chairmen of political parties but they willingly relinquished their positions to join the APC. People from across the country look at the issue seriously and agreed that yes, people have commitments that we have reached the point to make sacrifices to see that this party is born, because they knew if PDP is allowed to vie against the ACN, ANPP or CPC, PDP will always have the upper hand. Everybody wants to save Nigeria from the PDP because I bet you, if PDP continues for the next five years, forget about Nigeria. I always call PDP, Poverty Development Party, because there is nothing the people of this country are getting but poverty. And we have to save Nigeria from the clutches of PDP, that’s why we needed to make sacrifices. The general impression is that Gen Buhari stands a better chance to bring victory to the APC, considering his acceptability and integrity, leading many to want the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar as well as Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso to step down for him. What is your take on this? Well, I think I told you, Iam a Buhari man and I will support

him hundred percent. But in fact, to be objective, if today, the APC wants to get to almost the same level with the PDP, they should give it to Buhari. Buhari has the capacity, look at what happened in 2011, he formed the CPC within nine months without structures and with no money but he was able to garner almost 12 million votes and all the 16 northern states supporting him and winning in those states. As of now, this is the person that you are sure, will bring strength to the party. Secondly, Buhari’s supporters are people who are willing to go to any length for him; no other person in Nigeria has that kind of support. So we have a good opportunity and people talk of money, if you talk of money, who has more money than Jonathan? You can see all the posters which cost money, even recently, a plane with $9m was held in South Africa with our money cornered for the election. So we don’t even think of money, if you think of money there are some whose only CV is money. As far as I am concerned, Buhari remains the only person and you can say it anywhere, for APC to have a strong takeoff, we need to have Buhari as our candidate. I will employ others to look at the interest of the party to make sure the APC succeeds. After all, Buhari has the integrity, the image and required leadership qualities needed now by the country, to fight corruption, once they say it is him, everybody knows there won’t be any play. Fighting insurgency, Buhari is a general and can even lead the troops himself wherever he wants them to go, even if he will take them to Sambisa, he will only put on his military fatigue and go there. Buhari has the entire requirement to remove Nigeria out of its present predicament, occasioned by decades of misrule by the PDP. Because Nigeria without peace, I am sorry to say we are finished as a nation. Either we allow a revolution or the army takes over or the nation collapses and we can see what is happening now. If you hear how 100 Boko Haram can send a battalion to start running, you will see we require qualitative leadership and somebody Nigerians will respect to get the country moving again. To me personally, Buhari has what it takes and the needed requirement to lead the country, particularly at these trying times.

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Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

Politics

How Oshiomhole popularized PDP ticket, says aspirant From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

do state House of Assembly aspirant, Mr Osamede Edorodion has taken a swipe at the state Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, following the recent outburst of the latter in response to the defection of some top members of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Edorodion who is seeking to represent Ikpoba-Okha constituency on the platform of PDP, declared that the Governor’s action has made the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) more acceptable to the people ahead of next general elections. Speaking at an interactive

session with journalists yesterday in Benin City, the State Capital, Edorodion, challenged Oshiomhole to stop making a `heavy weather’ in connection with alleged financial inducement against some PDP Lawmakers which he has failed to prove. The aspirant urged politicians to put an end to name dropping during and focus on issue-based campaigns which he noted was the hallmark of democracy in civilized society. He appealed to eligible voters in the state to participate in the forthcoming distribution of permanent voter card and registration by the Independent Electoral commission (INEC).

Onolememen lauds PDP governors’ endorsement on Jonathan’s second term By Miriam Humbe

inister of Works, Arc. Mike Onolememen has commended the endorsement of incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan’s second term ambition by the governors of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP as the sole candidate of the party for the 2015 presidential elections. Onolememen who gave the commendation when he received the executive members of PDP South-South zone led by their chairman, Chief Cairo Ojuigbo in his office yesterday in Abuja, assured of his commitment to fully support PDP to succeed in the Soutth-South zone. “What the PDP did today is what is obtainable in most good democracies all over the world. A president should be given a first

chance of refusal. We will stand with Mr. President through thick and thin and by the grace of God, victory will be ours”, he said. While speaking earlier, chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, South-South zone, commended the PDP for honouring the South-South by unanimously endorsing the candidature of President Jonathan as its sole candidate. He congratulated the minister on his giant strides in the infrastructural development of the country, assuring him of the zone’s support towards his move to occupy the Government House in BeninCity, come 2015. The South-South leader called on the minister to support the efforts of the party towards winning all the seats in the forth-coming House of Assembly elections.

PENGASSEN Strike: Diezani, GMD, others shun Reps hearing By Umar Muhammad Puma

inister of Petroleum, Diezani AllisonMaduekwe and the Group Managing Director of NNPC yesterday failed to appear before the House of Representatives committee over union’s strike in the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). The three joint committees of the House of Representatives have summoned the Petroleum Minister, and leaderships of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) over the looming crisis in the oil and gas sector in the country, but waited for almost two hours, without any of the invitees showing up. The lawmakers only received a letter from the GMD, Thalma Dawah, who said the strike issue was an “internal matter” which will be resolved soon, as the committees described the statement as wrong, which must be explained by the NNPC boss. In the letter, Dawah told the committees that “NNPC is currently engaging the unions” and that he was “confident that

in no time, our staff will go back to work.” But none of the invitees showed up at the venue of the meeting, a situation that drew the lawmakers’ ire and who threatened to exert their constitutional powers of bench warrant on the officers. Several members openly expressed their displeasure at the way the petroleum minister “continues to shun invitations” of the House, without regard to their legislative positions as peoples’ representatives. However, chairmen of the petroleum committee, Rep Muraina Ajibola, who led the other committee chairmen, warned that the lawmakers “are standing on the threshold of history” on this issue, since they protect the interest of Nigerians. He then disclosed that the members “have agreed to summon the petroleum minister, NNPC GMD, president of NUPENG and PENGASSEN and any other person who has anything to contribute on this issue, to explain to Nigerians the cause of this conflict on Tuesday 23rd September.”

L-R: Niger state Governor, Dr Mu’azu Aliyu Babanigida, Jigawa state Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, and Gombe state Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo, during the 66th PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Joe Oroye

Taraba cabal plotting coup against democracy – group From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

youth group, Taraba Liberal Youths Congress has described the actions of Governor Danbaba Suntai’s associates as civilian coup against democracy. The youths described the present attempt to return the governor back to office in his present state as a coup against democracy. The group in a statement signed by its leader Bilyaminu Maihanchi, said the present attempt to return Suntai as governor of the state despite obvious evidences that he is yet to fully recover from the injuries he sustained in the October 25, 2012 plane crash is at best a political coup and a greatest show of shame and disservice to the people of the state. Insisting that it is a public knowledge that the governor is far from being fit to return to office, the group maintained that the present plan to return the governor by all means not only portrays the people of the state as not only being callous, but irresponsible people who are ready to subject the life of the governor to grave danger in primitive

quest for power. “This is clearly the greatest show of shame and disservice on the image of our dear state. It portrays us as callous and irresponsible people who are ready to subject the life of our dear governor to grave danger in primitive quest for power. “Subjecting our governor to this humiliating and dehumanizing treatment is not only criminal but also deserves serious condemnation from all well meaning people,” he stated. The group further stated that the governor’s posture on the social media where he appeared disoriented, especially on You Tube where he stated that he was coming from Abuja in response to an inquiry rather than Wellington Hospital London has proved beyond reasonable doubt that Suntai is far from being fit to resume duties as governor of the state. Besides, the group noted that what is more dangerous in the present political saga is the anarchy, bureaucratic friction and tension that the attempt would generate in the state considering the current security situation in the country

more especially in the North-eastern part of the country where Taraba is located. The group further averred that the cabal that is behind the attempt to return Suntai as governor at this auspicious moment has turn his health status into a laughing stock not better than a movie insisting that the greatest hallmark of democracy is the rule of law and freedom of expression. The group however expressed its support to the resolution of the State Executive Council of September 10 mandating the state House of Assembly to constitute a medical panel to ascertain the true health status of the governor and determine whether he’s fit to return to power as provided in Section 189 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The group however called on the leadership of the National Assembly, the people of Taraba and all well meaning Nigerians to support the bold steps taken by the executive and legislative bodies of Taraba State towards resolving the constitutional impasse and as well as avoid the serious threat to the nation’s democracy which the present plan portends.

Accord Party will spring surprises in Benue, Young Alhaji boasts From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

rstwhile Deputy Governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress APC, in Benue state, Alh. Usman Abubakar popularly known as ’Young Alhaji’ has finally joined the Accord Party, boasting that the party will spring surprises in 2015. Abubakar who left the APC along with other very notable heavy weights including Ambassador Michael Gbasha, Comrade Tar Uko, and Elder Gbishe Ibi amongst others, maintained that AP would liberate the opposition in Benue and contest for the plum seats in next year’s elections. Speaking to journalists at the party’s state secretariat in Makurdi

yesterday, Abubakar explained that they decided to leave the APC because of imposition of candidates and other undemocratic practices by some elements especially the Senate Minority Leader, Dr. George Akume, assuring that in AP, there would be no imposition of candidates as everybody would be treated on merit.. It would be recalled that as a result of the APC’s last congresses in the state where Sen. Akume allegedly handpicked officials and foisted them on the members, the party has witnessed mass exodus with the likes of Sen. Daniel Saror, Sen. David Iornem, Elder Ninga Biam, Rt. Hon. Mdzenda Iho amongst others leading the pack. “It was only three months to the

elections when we sprang surprises in the state with the APC and won our elections but denied been sworn in by the connivance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and some fraudulent politicians both at home and in Abuja. We are going to do it again”, Abubakar boasted. “In 2003, I brought another party and won elections, I was denied. In 2007, I moved to ANPP, won the senate seat but was still denied. In 2011, we won overwhelmingly, yet denied victory. Who will accuse a man of being impotent who always pregnant a woman only for the woman to continue having abortion? We will change strategy this time”, he said.

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Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

business@peoplesdailyng. com 08142929046

FG’s Automotive Industry Development Bill splits Senate Lawmakers want FG to revive Ajaokuta steel plant

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

he federal government’s Automotive Industry Development Plan Bill yesterday caused commotion in the Senate, following moves by the lawmakers to kill the

Bill on the ground that federal government is yet to put in place structures necessary for takeoff of automotive industry in Nigeria. Majority of the senators argued that before the Bill could be passed for second

reading, the power sector and the Ajaokuta steel plant should be up and running to feed and sustain the local auto industries. The Bill, being an executive Bill, was expeditiously treated and was about to be

passed for second reading before the senators suddenly moved to kill it, but for the intervention and pleadings by the Senate President, David Mark. However, when the question was put by the Senate

L-R: Regional Manager, FCT North, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), Mrs Hauwa Kulu Muhammad, Executive Director, AEDC Commercial Services, Mr. Ernest Mupwaya, and Shamaki of Jiwa, FCT, Alhaji Muhammad Danladi, during AEDC’s customer sensitisation on health, safety and environmental issues in using electricity equipment, yesterday in Abuja. Photo:Justin Imo-Owo

Banks seize N300bn aviation intervention funds to repay debts-NCAA

From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

igerians may never know the real fate of the N300 billion naira intervention funds the federal government provided for operators of airlines on the domestic scene under the Aviation Intervention Fund as the regulatory authority yesterday said the funds was usurped by banks to repay their debts. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) disclosed that rather than use the funds to reposition the ailing airlines in the industry, the banks rather used it to repay debts owed them by them

CAC promises improved services, apologises for disruptions

by the airlines. Acting Director General of NCAA, Benedict Adeyileka said yesterday the funds were not properly apportioned for the intended purpose, hence its poor performance. Adeyileka spoke on the topic, ‘sustaining safety in the Nigerian aviation sector, the attendant challenges’ at a one day seminar organized by Aeroconsult Limited with the theme “Sustaining Safety in the Nigeria aviation sector”. He said the “banks used the intervention fund to pay debts owed them by airlines. They used the money to repay debts and

>>Pg 20

now the airlines are paying the interest at a lower rate. It was a good intention by government but the results were not what it was intended for.” He said the country’s aviation industry is face with various challenging ranging from inadequate infrastructural facilities and training of personnel while the airlines are battling with how to re-fleet, cost of aircraft leasing and finance, high cost of insurance, ageing workforce and fuel. On how to overcome the challenges, he advice the airlines to leverage on Nigeria’s signing

Effect of strike on power supply: Nebo appeals to NUPENG, PENGASSAN

of the Cape Town Convention to commence a fleet renewal programme with newer aircraft and also work together as partners rather than see themselves as competitors and embrace codesharing and interlining. Chief Executive Officer of Aeroconsult limited, Olatunde Obadofin said “with air traffic projections in the years ahead, current and emerging safety risks must be addressed proactively to ensure that any capacity expansion is carefully managed and supported through strategic regulatory and infrastructural developments.

>>Pg 21

President on whether the Bill should go for second reading or not, there was confusion on whether the majority wanted it rejected or passed, even though Mark controversially passed it for second reading. This controversy in the passage therefore triggered off arguments between those that wanted it rejected and those that approved it, which lasted for a while before the Senate President was able to bring it to control. Speaking shortly after the Bill was passed for second reading, Mark said the passage of the Bill cannot actualise the Nigeria’s automotive development plan without other necessary strictures on ground. “The problem of Nigeria automotive industry development can’t be solved by this Bill alone. Practically on ground, we are not prepared. No investor can put money on ground if there is no regular power supply. “Ajaokuta is good to revive and other necessary things. There is need to put in place protectionist policy to grow our automotive industry. Today everybody is going to China, but China has this protectionist policy we are talking about, India has it, so we must protect our local industries”, Mark said. Meanwhile, leading debate on the Bill which is titled “Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (Fiscal Incentive, Assurances and Guarantees), the Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, explained that the Bill seeks to confer pioneer status and to provide tariff incentives and income tax reliefs on automobile and automotive components.

CBN Exchange Rates

as at 18th SEPTEMBER, 2014 Buying Selling

$ € £ Riyal YEN CFA

163.10 256.94 212.44 41.25 1.49 0.30

163.10 258.60 213.81 41.52 1.50 0.32

Self -Assessment Practice

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Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

Business

CAC promises improved services, apologises for disruptions By Mahmud Jika

he Corporate Affairs Commission has taken necessary steps to deploy a new online registration system by the end of the month adding that the new system portends better services for customers. A statement signed by the Commission’s Director, Public Affairs, Churchill Williams, said that the configuration of the new online system was borne out of the fact that the existing system had functional limitations in features and user ability. It also said that the commission has started a new bottom-up application development which will be launched in stages starting with name search and online payment by the end of the month. While apologizing to customers for the disruption in its services, the commission said it had put in place measures to clear the backlog arising from two weeks system shut down with this week even as

approvals are awaiting collection. The statement said further that the disruption was caused by the vendor handling the commission’s software who had collected part of his money and yet shut down the system. It said it was unfortunate that anyone could do this to a government business for two weeks, adding the disruption was a deliberate attempt to sabotage the ongoing efforts to deploy a new online registration system by October 1, 2014. The commission said it will continue its stakeholder sensitization programme which will be followed by pre and post incorporation services. The commission, the statement added expects that at the end of all these processes, its services will reach optimum level within the next six months when all applications on services will be automated and available online. The commissioned reiterated its commitment to overcome these challenges and further solicit for

the understanding and cooperation of its valued customers and the general public. Recall, business activities at the headquarters of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Abuja were brought to a standstill early morning Monday as lawyers and other customers protested over alleged poor service by the organization. The lawyers, along with members of the Institute of Chartered Accounts of Nigeria (ICAN) and Chartered Institute of Secretaries of Nigeria (CISN), during the protest called on President Goodluck Jonathan to order the immediate sack of the management of the corporations for alleged incompetence. One of the protesting lawyers, Osakwe, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, accusing the Registrar General of CAC, Bello Mahmud, of not doing enough to resolve the crisis that resulted in loss of valuable data from prospective applicants for

business registration in the past two months. For more than two months, normal services in CAC have been deteriorating, Mr. Osakwe said, Contrary to information in the CAC website that applications for reservation of business name and business incorporation would be completed within three hours and three days respectively, its takes a minimum of two months. CAC claim is not in tandem with the reality on the ground. The truth is that nothing is working in CAC. There is total collapse of their Internet connectivity service. Valuable data are lost, creating confusion in the system between lawyers and their clients. The claim that CAC was upgrading its system to a bigger one is false.” According to him, applications for name search availability sent in to the CAC system more than two months ago are still pending approval.

L-R: National Coordinator, Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria (PSAN), Mr. Boniface Okezie, Managing Director, Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, Mr. Olanrewaju Jaiyeola, and Chairman of Board, Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, Dr Oba Otudeko, during the 5th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the company, on Tuesday in Lagos.

Minister urges RMRDC to partner private sector By Mohammed Usman

he minister of science and Technology, Dr. Abdu Bulama, has urged the raw material research and development council(RMRDC), to have faultless relationship with organized private sector in the harnessing and utilization of the massive and abundant raw materials available in the country. “The Success of the transformation agenda of government would be further

sustained when the raw material research and development council is able to consolidate a seamless relationship with the organized private sector in the harnessing and utilization of the massive and abundant raw materials available in the country.” The minister made this during the visit of the Board of the Council (RMRDC) to minister’s office,Abuja, led by the council’s chairman, Senator Wali Jibril. In a statement signed by Chief

Press Secretary to the minister, Taye Akinyemi, the minister added that there was no reason why all industrial concerns in the country should still be importing most of their raw materials in spite of the tremendous work and effort which the council has expected in research and development. Stating the imperative of RMRD to transformation agenda, the minister said, ‘’Raw material research and development is fundamentally the nucleus of the transformation agenda of

government’’. Bulama also assured the council of his unflinching support and cooperation towards the realization of the goal and objectives of the agency. In his remark, the chairman of the board, Senator Wali Jubrin had intimated the minister with the successes recorded by the council especially in developing and implementable strategic plan geared towards energizing the agency and moving it to the front burner of national development.

government of Poland discovered low trade turn over last year hence the need to partner with Nigeria in order to capture Africa thereby improving the economy. He said, “From our perspective, the trade turn over last year was below our expectation, with the size of our population and economy, we believe we can do better. “As politicians, we should make our economy stronger.” Saying his country has finished with the Economy

Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Nigeria, areas of interest would include agriculture, shipping, oil and gas and energy. In his response, the minister, Dr Ortom said the Polish delegate have come at the right time since the economy has been opened for countries that are more advanced, to tap from the raw materials available in Nigeria. He said, “We are working on EPA, looking forward to organised private sector hence the design of our policy.”

According to the minister, in order for both countries to benefit, bilateral agreements are key factors. “Nigeria being the biggest economy in Africa with high population and in strategic location is the opportunities needed by Polish government to improve its trade turn over,” he called. He however said the “bottleneck” that hinders trade growth in Nigeria using what he described as ‘best international standard.’

Poland looks up to Nigeria to increase trade turn over

By A’isha Biola Raji

oland has made known her intention of strengthening the relationship with Africa by partnering with Nigeria describing the latter as the fastest growing economy in Africa. Andrzej Dycha, Polish deputy minister for economy made this known in Abuja yesterday, during a visit to the minister of state for Trade and Investment, Dr Samuel Ortom. Andrzej said as politicians, the

NIPC lauds rapid economic development in Oyo By Mahmud Jika

he Nigerian Investment promotion commission has commended the efforts of Oyo state government in ensuring rapid economic development of the state, making it one of the top economic destination in the country. This it said is coming at the booming period when the country is witnessing a rising profile of foreign direct investment ( FDI)inflow and owing the reforms programmes by the federal government including the recent rebasing of the nation economy under president Goodluck Jonathan transformation agenda. A statement by the Assistant Director/Head Media and Publicity, Mr. Joel Attah, quoted the Executive secretary of the Commission, Mrs Saratu Umar, to have gave the commendation when she received in audience the Oyo state government lead by the Deputy Governor, Moses Alake Adeyemo yesterday in Abuja . The ES noted that, with solid minerals deposit such as marble, gold and granite, the full potential of which are yet to be exploited, active and constructive collaboration with both local and foreign investors would ensure full exploitation of these resources for the rapid socioeconomic development of the state. She called on the states to work in close collaboration with the commission in order to have sustained capacity building programmes designed to assist them in establishing and running Investment Promotion Agencies/ One Stop Investment Center at the state level, and promised to partner with the Oyo state government to realize its full economic potentials through the promotion of the abundance investment opportunities domiciled in the state. In his response, the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Moses Alake Adeyemo described NIPC activities as very impressive in promoting the abundance investment opportunities of the country to the outside world, thereby ensuring the economic transformation and advancement of the country. He stated that Oyo is a pacesetter state and the best investment destination in the country as it has many potentials that are yet to be exploited and has high returns on investment. He therefore promised of the State’s readiness to partner with the Commission in order to promote its abundant solid minerals and other resources to the outside world.

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Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

Business

Forte Oil steps up Nebo appeals to NUPENG, fuel haulage with 100 trucks PENGASSAN to shelve strike …Assures Abuja residents of power restoration in hours F T From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

By Etuka Sunday

he Minister of Power Prof. Chinedu Nebo has called on workers in the Petroleum Resources Sector to call off their industrial action. The Minister made the call in Abuja Thursday, while speaking on the effect of the workers’ action on gas supply to the power plants. A statement by the special assistant on media to the minister, Kande Daniel quoted the Nebo to have observed that the actions taken by members of NUPENG and PENGASSAN in the course of their ongoing strike have cut off gas supply to major power stations including Egbin, AES, Olorunsogo, Geregu and Sapele.

Prof. Nebo regretted the adverse effect of this development on power supply at a time when Government had recorded substantial progress in solving the gas problem, thereby raising peak generation in recent weeks to an average of 4,500, with a spinning reserve of about 300 MW. Reports from across the country had also, within the period, indicated noticeable improvement in the quantity and quality of power supply to homes and businesses. He therefore, decried the current setback arising from the oil and gas workers’ action, curtailing supply of gas to power stations, and reducing power generation.

This has inevitably led to a drastic reduction in power supply across the country. The Power Minister assured that efforts were on to ensure a speedy and amicable resolution of the matter, and appealed for the understanding of electricity consumers affected by the development. While appreciating the concerns and fears of the workers, the Minister also appealed to members of NUPENG and PENGASSAN to take into consideration, the enormous damaging socio-economic effect of their action on the nation, and return to work. Prof. Nebo who also inspected Apo substation where a weather-

induced explosion occurred during the week, assessed the extent of damage, and was assured by the TCN engineers, that efforts were on to restore supply to parts of Abuja affected by the incident, by Friday this week. He further assured that results of Government’s efforts to effect a significant improvement in power supply would become even more evident in the coming weeks. The Minister emphasized that the cause of fire that gutted the facility is nature induced from lightening sparks, he dismissed the insinuation that the accident could have been by attack or sabotage.

Chairman, Adamawa state branch of Nigerian Association of Physically Challenged Persons, Alhaji Abubakar Hosere, show casing some locally made shoes by his members, yesterday in Yola. Photo: NAN

Nigeria to organise 21st digital market summit on October 1st By Chris Alu

he Nigeria digital marketing summit, one of the biggest ICT events for young professionals and business executives is scheduled to hold on October 1, 2014 in Lagos with the theme “Nigeria digital marketing in the 21st century”. Nigeria digital marketing

summit is a forum that will host Youths and SMEs, providing them with the latest tools and techniques to ensure a successful marketing program into the Brands, Products and Services. The convener of the summit, Mr Samson Olatunde, said that “we believe that reward for excellence in Business and career can inspire better performance

that will strategically position Young Brands, SMEs and MultiNational Companies via Nigeria digital marketing summit. This is a forum that will connect Professionals and Entrepreneurs pursuing excellence in the development of dynamic skills in business, career, and marketing via business information technology”.

According to him, the summit will provide participants with latest tools and techniques to incur a successful marketing program. Through hands-on workshops, case studies and keynotes; this summit will provide attendees with emerging strategies, tactics and the top do’s and don’ts of online marketing.

drive across the Continent and outside of Africa by raising its profile among business and economic audience. ‘Facetime’ is a highprofile segment within CNN Marketplace Africa, where each week a major player from the continent’s business community is interviewed. CNN Marketplace Africa is the destination for access to movers and shakers at the forefront of African business. The show goes beyond the numbers to bring viewers the new business solutions and industry trends redefining African business. On-air content is complemented by distinctive online editorial at a CNN Marketplace Africa microsite,

where popular and innovative content is shared across a range of social channels. Announcing the deal yesterday, Antonio Canto, Vice President, Regional Ad Sales, EMEA, CNN International said “We are delighted that Dangote Industries Limited is working with CNN to promote its brand internationally in a TV sponsorship across all CNN International global feeds,” In his remark on his Group’s involvement, President/Chief Executive, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote said “Africa has made tremendous progress on the economic front in the last decade and has become one of the fastest growing regions in the world –

home to six of the top ten fastest growing economies in the world. “Africa also offers one of the highest rates of return on investment in the world, a fact that discerning foreign investors have since acknowledged. Indeed, Africa has turned the corner and is now catching up with the rest of the world in the race for development. Dangote Industries Limited is delighted to sponsor the ‘Facetime’ segment in CNN’s Marketplace Africa because it tells compelling success stories about Africa. Such content can ultimately position Africa as an attractive investment destination and foster development that lift communities and nations into prosperity. This is Africa’s time.”

Dangote Group to sponsor Market place Africa on CNN By Etuka Sunday

angote Industries Limited (DIL) one of Africa’s largest business conglomerates, has concluded arrangements for the sponsorship of the prestigious ‘Facetime’ segment on CNN Marketplace Africa, a CNN International’s show that offers a unique window into African business. Starting on September 19, a bespoke multi-media Dangote Industries Limited advertising campaign will include sponsorship of CNN Marketplace’s ‘Facetime’ segment and exclusive branding on the show’s microsite. The advertising campaign will showcase Dangote’s expansion

orte Oil Plc said it added 100 new trucks to the over 1,000 in its fleet operations as a strategy to sustain operational efficiency and attain exceptional product throughput. Forte oil in a statement, maintained that this is an audacious step toward an unrivalled market dominance in the Nigerian downstream sector. Its Head, Business Operations, Mr Tunji Rabiu, said that his company would change the landscape by taking this giant step of investing in large-scale trucks acquisition. He said: “As a distribution and marketing company, we believe our customers deserve superior service delivery, which remains our major focus, in addition to operational efficiency. We’re changing the landscape by taking this giant step of investing in large scale trucks acquisition and as such set a new standard for product distribution in our industry.” Also, Mr Akin Akinfemiwa, the Group Chief Executive Officer, Forte Oil PLC said: “We are very confident that the acquisition of these 100 worldclass product delivery trucks is a very strategic investment that will substantially increase our capacity to growour revenue, profitability and ultimately maximize value for our shareholders as we move towards our mission of building a long-term successful company; boosting investor confidence by making Forte Oil PLC the investment of choice in Nigeria and globally. The Mercedes Benz trucks, which was financed through equity and debt provided by Heritage Bank, is a significant addition to the over 1,000 existing trucks its fleet operations as the company takes an audacious step toward an unrivalled market dominance in the Nigerian downstream sector. It added: “In line with its vision of becoming Nigeria’s leading integrated energy group, Forte Oil diversified its downstream operations into related high margin energy businesses that include a subsidiary, which specializes in the supply of Well Production Chemicals and Drilling/ Completion Fluids to the upstream petroleum sector. “In line with its diversification strategy, Forte Oil PLC incorporated Amperion Power Distribution Company Limited, with the State Grid Corporation of China as technical partners (the world’s largest power company) and successfully purchased the 414MW Geregu Power Plant, located in Nigeria’s Kogi State under the recent federal governmentled privatization programme in the power sector. Forte Oil is poised to carve a niche in the power generation subsector by using this as leverage for future opportunities as part of its commitment to bridge the current power deficit in Nigeria.”

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Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

TAX Alert

Self-Assessment Practice By Mohammed, Habibu Sale

he self-assessment tax regime is a system of tax administration whereby a taxpayer is granted the right by law to compute his liability pay the tax due and produce evidence of tax paid at the time of filling returns. RETURNS: This refers to an act of submission by individuals or companies of a record of financial statement and other required related documents to the tax offices for a specific financial year. The law requires every company (including a company granted exemption from incorporation) to, at least once in every year without notice or demand, make and deliver to the tax authority a return in the form of: 1) The audited accounts, tax and capital allowances computations and a true and correct statement in writing containing the amount of profits from each and every source; 2) A declaration which shall be signed by a director or secretary of the company that the returns contain a true and correct statement of the amount of its profits computed in respect of all sources and that the particulars in such returns are true and complete. • For newly incorporated companies, the submission shall be within eighteen months from the date of its incorporation or not later than six months after the end of its first accounting period, whichever is earlier. • For existing companies – companies that have been in business for more than 18 months – the submission shall be not more than six months after the close of the company’s accounting year. The taxpayer bears the burden of accurately calculating his liabilities, pays the tax due and files self-assessed returns on or before the due date. The tax returns are accepted by the tax officers as filed, subject to simple arithmetic checks to ensure that tax forms are duly completed. The tax authority may subject the returns to further administrative checks to determine whether or not a taxable person self-assessed less than what ought to be. Where the taxpayer fails to meet his obligations, sanctions are immediately applied. Non-filers are subjected to administrative assessment that are based on information obtained from the tax payer and other sources with appropriate penalties and interest effective after the due date; it relies heavily on post-filing controls such as risk-based audits, collection enforcement measures etc. COMPOSITION OF RETURNS A. COMPANY INCOME TAX 1) Duly signed audited account or statements of affairs 2) Tax computation 3) Capital allowances computation 4) Schedule of assets 5) Duly completed selfassessment forms (Company Income Tax and Education Tax) 6) Evidence of payment of the taxes due (or as applicable) B. PETROLEUM PROFIT TAX o Computation of estimated adjusted profit or loss; o Estimated assessable profit of that period; o A schedule showing: • The residue at the end of

that period in respect of its assets, • All qualifying petroleum expenditures incurred in that period, • The value of any of its assets disposed in that period, and • The allowances due it under that schedule for that period. o A computation of its estimated chargeable profits of that period. o A statement of other sums, deductable under section 22 of Petroleum Profit Tax Act (PPTA), the liabilities for which were incurred during that period. o A statement of all amounts repaid, refunded, waived or released to it, as referred to in subsection of its estimated tax for that period. C. PERSONAL INCOME TAX o Completed income tax forms (Form A ) in the prescribed form: • Statement of the amount of income from every source, • Particulars of income, allowance, relief etc, • Declaration/attestation of the correctness of returns by taxable persons, • Forms to be signed by a director of the company, and the secretary of the company. o Evidences of payment of tax. D. PAY AS YOU EARN (PAYE) o Completed Form A (income tax form for returns of income and claims for allowances and relief) o Form H1 (annual income declaration) o A schedule of tax deduction from the employer containing the following information; • Name of the employer • Tax Identification Number (TIN) of the employer • Name of employees • TIN of employee • Basic salary • Allowances • Tax charges • Overall total charged and remitted

tax.

Evidence of payment of

E. VALUE ADDED TAX o Fully completed Form 002 • Value of all taxable goods and services purchased or supplied during the preceding month. • Evidence of input tax deducted (as much as possible). • Evidence of payment of tax. FILLING: This is an act of compliance with the tax law which requires that returns must be submitted within a stipulated period (statutory due date) regarding an individual or a company. DUE DATES OF FILLING RETURNS: This refers to statutory date by which a company or individual taxpayer, depending on the tax type, must file its tax returns or risk a relevant sanction which may include being charged penalty and interest on a varying degree as the relevant tax law prescribes. Section 41 of CITA thus provides that: 1) “Every company including a company granted exemption from incorporation shall, whether or not a company is liable to pay tax under this Act for a year of assessment, with or without notice from the Service, file a selfassessment return with the Service in the prescribed form at least once a year.” 2) “Subject to this Act or any organization made thereunder the time of filing returns shall be:a) In the case of a company that has been in a business for more than 18 months, not more after the end of the accounting year and; b) In the case of newly incorporated company within 18 months from the date of its incorporation or not less than 6 months after the end of its accounting period, whichever is easier, in addition, the form of returns shall be signed by a managing director of the company and the secretary respectively.” 3) “Any company which fails to comply with the provision of

sub-section 2 shall be liable to pay as penalty for late filing as follows:a) N25,000 in the first month in which the failure occurs, and b) N5,000 for each subsequent month in which the failure continues.” Part III, Section 12 of Value Added Tax law as amended provides that: 4) “A taxable person shall render to the board, on or before the 21st day of the month following that in which the purchase or supply was made, a return of all taxable goods and services purchased or supplied by him during the preceding month in such manner as the board may, from time to time, determine.” 5) “A person who imports taxable goods into Nigeria shall render to the board returns on all the taxable goods imported by him into Nigeria.” Part IV, Section (1) of the Personal Income Tax as amended provides that: 6) “For each year of assessment, a taxable person shall, without notice or demand therefore, file a return of income in the prescribed form and containing the prescribed information with the tax authority of the state in which the taxable person is deemed to be a resident, together with a true and correct statement in writing containing:a) The amount of income from every source of the year proceeding the year of assessment computed in accordance with the provision of this Act and rules or regulation made there under, and b) Such particulars as by the return may be required for the purpose of this Act and rules or regulations made there under with respect to any such income, allowance, relief, deduction or otherwise as may be material for the purpose.” 7) “The form of return shall contain a declaration which shall be by or on behalf of the taxable person that the return contains a true and correct statement of the

income computed in accordance with the provisions of this Act and rule or regulation made there under or that particulars given in the return are true and complete.” 8) “A taxable person shall file with the relevant tax authority the returns as stipulated in CONSEQUENCE OF FAILURE TO FILE RETURNS ON DUE DATE • If there is a failure to file a self-assessment return on due the date, Section 55(1) (2) and (3) of CITA 2004 as updated in 2007 provide the penalty of N25,000.00 in the first month in which the failure occurs, and N5,000 for each month in which the failure continues. • Where an offence that relates to failure to file returns is proved to have been committed by the consent or connivance or to be attributed to, any neglect on the part of any director, manager, secretary or other similar officer, servant or agent of company as well as the company, Section 55(5) of CITA 2004 as updated in 2007 provide the penalty of fine not exceeding N100, 000.00 or imprisonment of not less than 6 months or both fine and imprisonment. • Where there is a failure to furnish a statement or information or keep the records required, Section 85 of CITA 2004 as updated in 2007 provides a penalty of N20,00.00 and N2,000.00 for each day during which the failure continues and 6 months imprisonment in default of payment. • Any person who aids, abets, counsels, incites or induces any other person to make or deliver any false return or statement under the CITA, keep or prepare any false accounts or particulars concerning any profits on which tax is payable under the CITA, or unlawfully refuse or neglect to pay tax will be subject to the provisions of Section 94(2) CITA, 2004 as updated in 2007 to a penalty of N1000 fine or 5 years imprisonment or both, fine and imprisonment.

Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

Stock Watch

Report as at Thursday, September 18, 2014

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Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

Islam

The Four indispensable fundamental principles of Ibadah (II) Allah says: “And they were not enjoined anything except that they should serve Allah, being sincere to Him in obedience, upright, and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate, and that is the right religion.”(alBayyinah: 5)

n the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. All Praise is due to Allah! We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and we seek refuge in Him from our evils and bad deeds. Anyone who is guided by Allah is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and final messenger to mankind. May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon His last and final Apostle, his Household, his companions and all his followers until the end of time. Last week we opened our discussion with first two of the four: knowledge, taste, accomplishment and sincerity. Today by the leave of Allah we will proceed to explain the remaining two. But, for the purpose of continuity, let me briefly remind you of those two. Under the principle of knowledge we have agreed that learning as the only process left behind the Prophets of Allah, may Allah be pleased with them. There is no more revelation from Allah to any creation and whoever may be! To this end, seeking, searching and learning of knowledge is the beginning of wisdom. Ignorance will forever remain execrable and blameworthy! Allah says: “And follow not that of which you have not the knowledge; surely the hearing and the sight and the heart, all of these, shall be questioned about that.”(al-Isra’: 36) Thus, ignorance was not, is not and will not be accepted by law as an excuse for conjecturing anything in the rights of Allah or His Prophet. Similarly, Allah will never accept any act of worship founded on assumption, ignorance, postulation and supposition. Secondly, the principle of

taste consists of the feeling of pleasure, enjoyment and looking forward to doing the same over and over. The fact that you correctly know an aspect of ibadat and your engagement in any of it does not fulfill the basic criteria of its acceptability by Allah; you must continuously like what you are doing or saying in all circumstances; before, during and after. As soon as you perceive any of its aspect as a burden, liability or straining, that aspect stands rejected, repulsed and rebuffed by Allah! Now let us continue with the third and the fourth principles viz: accomplishment and sincerity. 3. Accomplishment: The principle of execution involves doing or carry out the learned or acquired skills or rudiment to the later. It means the state of being enthusiastic, passionate and whole-hearted during the process of performing the rites and any act of ibadats. Knowing and not doing is not enough a duty worthy of recompense before Allah. In Islam, only a living and visible Satan will implore his followership to doing only what he says, and pay no attention what he does! In Islam, knowledge is judged by both utterances and actions. If someone claims of having knowledge or is identified as being educated or knowledgeable, the instruments of judging him are his scholastic achievements or his erudite speeches, but his actions in conformity of his claim plays most decisive criteria. Allow his actions qualify or disqualify him. Thus, the state of having virtuous knowledge, the state of having commensurate passion

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islam explained By Husain Zakariyya Yawale +234-8052952900 (sms only) islamexplained35@yahoo.com for what has been acquired and the enthusiasm for acting upon them are still not enough criteria for the acceptance of one’s submissions to Allah. In other words, the combination of worthy education, the love of it and the practical demonstration is not worthy of approbation in the sight of Allah, let alone satisfactory. To us mortals who are satisfied with the apparent and outward of one’s saying and doing, they are not enough to win Allah over, notwithstanding the nature of their natures. There is another principle on which all other vitreous deeds and speeches are dependent upon; sincerity. 4. Sincerity: This is the most important and the most decisive criteria fulfilling the acceptability of one’s deeds. It means the inner motive of everyone’s deeds and utterances towards the realization of the face of Allah, the Most Exalted! It is a secret between Allah and His servants. Even the angels who are saddled with collection of our outward deeds do not know the state of the servants of Allah. Thus, culpability of committing sin can only be judged by Allah, and no one! What we are permitted to adjudge of one’s deeds is only the apparent and outward. We are not liable by law to

pass any verdict on account of our perceptions that the culprit has hidden motive to perpetrate the offence in question. That means, two or more people can act simultaneously in a given deed like Salats, Hajj, Fasting or any act of worship in congregation, and at the same time big disparity occur as a result of individual differences of internal motive or sincerity. Similarly, a good intention, motive and objective that coincides with virtuous deeds that was based on worthy knowledge abated by enjoying it, makes the deeds acceptable by and rewardable by Allah. Similarly, any with the same premise but ill motivated or meant to score double objectives renders the whole act of ibadets worthless and void! Hence, bad intention renders good deeds null and void, and complete waste of time and energy and wealth, where applicable. On the contrary, a bad deeds founded on assumptions or postulations, or simply performed wrongly, cannot be accepted by Allah, notwithstanding a good and sincere motive and intention! Thus bad intent spoils worthy deeds, but sincere objective is ineffective in changing bad deeds into satisfactory one. In essence, sincerity

Sincerity: This is the most important and the most decisive criteria fulfilling the acceptability of one’s deeds. It means the inner motive of everyone’s deeds and utterances towards the realization of the face of Allah, the Most Exalted! It is a secret between Allah and His servants. Even the angels who are saddled with collection of our outward deeds do not know the state of the servants of Allah.

refers to sincerity and purity of intention and motive in worship of Allah. Allah says: “They have been ordered no more than this: To worship Allah sincerely, being true (in faith), to establish the prayer, and to give zakah. And that is the worthy religion) (AlBayyinah: 5). And He says: “Say: “I am but a man like yourselves but to whom it is revealed that your Lord is only One God. So whoever hopes to meet his Lord let him work righteousness, and let him not associate anyone with Him in worship” (AlKahf: 110). In a more precise sense, it signifies purifying our motives and intentions so that our activities are not polluted by anything other than seeking the pleasure of Allah. The Prophet (pbuh) said, “Allah is Pure and He accepts only that which is pure” and “He accepts only that which is pure and done solely for His sake alone!” This has made us to understand that if a person forsakes an act to attract commendation from people, such person is being pretentious. Whereas if does it only because of people such intention has ditched him into committing the highest sin on earth; shirk or associating partners with Allah. However, sincerity or ikhlas, frees the burdens of both of the aforementioned sinning. In the final analysis, any act of worship that is obligated or recommended by or His Apostle must fulfil the four adumbrated principle which we called indispensable before he or she expects from Allah acceptance and recompense in both worlds. Take it or leave it! If anyone worships Allah ignorantly or presuming what he performed conforming with the command of his or her Lord, perceiving what he or she does or says as tasking or burden, performs or utters at his or her will in utter disregard to the prescribed times of his or her Lord or intending others than his or her Lord, and above all hoping his nor her Lord along with others, that deeds and saying is rendered useless, worthless and null and void! May Allah grant us pure intention in all that we do and say for the sake of Allah in return for His favours in both worlds!

P A G E

Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

International

There is an African answer to terror

Ugandan security forces stopped a cell of Somalia’s al-Shabab fighters ‘planning for an imminent attack’ [AFP]

ANALYSIS

ast week Ugandan authorities discovered an al-Shabab terrorist cell operating in our biggest city, Kampala. Explosives were discovered in the raid, and there is little doubt that this group of terrorists had no other intention but to cause carnage on the streets of the city. It is not the first time we have had to face down the menace of alShabab. It was only four years ago when bombs planted by extremists ripped through two locations as crowds gathered peacefully to watch the football World Cup. While that attack strengthened our resolve to meet the scourge of terrorism head on, it brought home to our citizens the very real threat on our front door. Now almost a year from the barbaric events of the Westgate Mall attack in Nairobi, these latest developments show that governments throughout East Africa can never let their guard down. The government of Uganda has taken immediate steps to shore up our national security increasing security in public places, partnering with organisers of public events and activating further counterterrorism measures,

including surveillance. Coalition of expertise Yet, it is the nature of how last weeks’ discovery came about that is worth examination. Along with other recent successes in defenestrating key branches of terrorist cells in East Africa, our tactics were based on a broad based coalition of expertise - of intelligence sharing by various AU nations, with additional international assistance. The absence of any major attack since is vindication of the steps we have taken in Uganda since the outrages of 2010. But we know that complex and often sophisticated terror networks cannot be met by a single nation’s resolve alone. Terror networks like alShabab have proven that they can

operate effectively across porous borders, utilising technology and sophisticated criminal networks - child trafficking, poaching, and drug smuggling - that do not recognise the rigid boundaries of nation states. And with Ahmed Abdi Godane, the spiritual leader of al-Shabab now dead courtesy of a US air strike with African AMISOM forces operating in partnership on the ground in Somalia, it seems a flexible, multipronged international coalition is the answer to effectively challenge the once creeping dominance of extremist Islamic factions in East Africa. The Kampala terror cell was an uncomfortable reminder that it takes more than targeted air strikes to sever the tentacles of extremist

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cells that operate throughout our region. But AMISOM’s relative success in Somalia does indicate that Africa can be at the epicentre of the successful stymieing of terror on our continent. As Ugandans, our commitment to fight terrorism on our continent manifested itself at the very beginning when we were the first country to deploy troops in Somalia. We operated for almost two years before other troop contributing countries joined. Web of warlords When AMISOM soldiers arrived - in which a Ugandan contingent was at its core - they were repelled by fierce opponents and many saw the mission as having little chance of success. US forces in the thousands, and

As Ugandans, our commitment to fight terrorism on our continent manifested itself at the very beginning when we were the first country to deploy troops in Somalia.

other foreign contingents, had previously come and gone with few tangible gains. Yet AMISOM is now a credible peacekeeping force that has negotiated Somalia’s deeply divided and fractured web of warlords, clans, and militant factions to bring a semblance of stability to the capital, Mogadishu. Somalia has some distance to go before it can boast of restoring the fundamental pillars of a functioning state, but it was an African force, with western financial commitment and technology, that has made the most progress. AMISOM has been a story of international cooperation. The financial commitment was considerable - some $1.5bn in aid, with additional funds for the AU Mission. Yet in comparison to peacekeeping operations in DRC or Afghanistan, what has been achieved by a coalition of African nations for the resources expended is considerable. But it also will be proactive action among communities where the most progress will be made. In Somalia, troops were taught responsible fire control to reduce civilian casualties. They reached out to local populations, including supplying basic medical care. And when terror cells continue to perpetuate the narrative of western intervention in foreign lands, the presence of a united, regional African force shows we can win the hearts and minds of those who doubt our motives. Defeating terror is of course much more than conquering territory, or parading conspirators on television. As politicians our mission also lies in fixing the fundamentals. That means strengthening institutions, securing borders, raising education standards, standing up for the vulnerable and making sure that we suffocate the intoxicating allure of extremism by offering a genuine alternative. There have of course been setbacks. Some of them have resulted in grave loss of life, homes and livelihoods. But the arrests of last week - and the advances of the last year - have shown that international cooperation, with African nations at the very heart, is the most effective answer to terrorism. This will of course require our wealthier international partners to play a key role. But in Africa, we are proving we can meet these challenges on our own two feet. This war will only be won if it is led from within. Courtesy; Aljazeera

Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

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International Zimbabwe fights seizure of diamond money in Belgium

Chinese lab team arrives in Sierra Leone to curb Ebola epidemic

5 9 - m e m b e r Chinese laboratory team, which comprises 30 doctors and 29 laboratory technicians with a mobile laboratory, arrived at the Lungi International Airport of Freetown, Sierra Leone on the early morning of Wednesday. The team from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention will be based at the Sierra Leone-China Friendship Hospital at Jui, some 30 kilometers east of the capital city of Freetown, according to the source from Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone. Providing equipment as well as expertise, they will carry out lab screening and observation to help the West African Country of Sierra Leone to improve lab testing and contain the Ebola epidemic, said Zhao Yanbo, the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone. T h e C h i n e s e government had sent 174 medical experts to Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone in spite of a high risk of infection from Ebola virus since the deadly disease broke out in the three West African countries. Source; Xinhua

imbabwe risks losing 45 million U. S. dollars diamond revenue from Belgium after a South African company sued for wrongful cancellation of its platinum mining agreement with a Zimbabwe state mining firm in 2010, state media reported Thursday. Zimbabwe began trading its diamonds in Antwerp in November last year after the European Union lifted sanctions on the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC), the state mining firm that has partnered six companies to mine diamonds in Marange. The country’s third 10-day diamond auction in Antwerp was scheduled to run from the third of this month to Tuesday this week with 500,000 carats expected to go under the hammer. But the South Africa based Amari Platinum Holdings was last week granted an order by a Belgium court to attach Zimbabwe diamonds worth 45 million dollars. The company argued that the Zimbabwe government wrongfully terminated its memorandum of agreement with the ZMDC in 2010 after it had invested over 4.5 million dollars in exploration work for platinum mining. Zimbabwe’s Mines Minister Walter Chidhakwa was quoted by the Herald newspaper as saying that government had sent a team of lawyers to Belgium to argue Zimbabwe’s case. The minister accused Amari of jumping the gun by rushing to the

President Robert Mugabe Belgian High Court before the dispute had gone before the International Court of Dispute Resolution in Zambia on Sept. 19, 2014. Chidhakwa a r g u e d t h a t the diamonds in Belgium did not be l ong t o ZM D C bu t t o the companies which it had partnered with in mining the Marange gems and that these companies could not be punished

for ZMDC “sins.” The companies with the diamonds in Belgium are Jinan M i ni ng , A nj i n In ve s t me nt s , DMC, Mbada Diamonds, DTZ OZGEO and Marange Resources, which is wholly owned by the Zimbabwe government while the rest are in partnership with the ZMDC. “We have dispatched a team to Belgium and a team left yesterday

(Wednesday). They will be looking at two issues, first the matter that has triggered this is sub judice, it is before the International Court, secondly, ZMDC does not have diamonds in Antwerp,” Chidhakwa said. He said he hoped for due process to be followed and for a favorable outcome for Zimbabwe. Source; Xinhua

Libyan parliament rejects new cabinet

ibya’s Tobruk-based parliament has rejected the new cabinet of Abdullah alThinni, according to Faraj Hashim, parliamentary spokesman. Thinni had presented a cabinet

with 16 ministers on Wednesday, but members of parliament rejected those names on Thursday. Thinni, a former career soldier, has been the oil-producing state’s acting prime minister since March.

He stood down after June elections and the new parliament reappointed him at the start of this month. His administration has failed to impose order on a fragmenting

Thinni, a former career soldier, has been the oil-producing state’s acting prime minister since March [Reuters]

country, and many observers fear Libya is heading for civil war. Libya has two competing governments. The country’s former government in the capital Tripoli is refusing to accept the new one in the remote eastern city of Tobruk. Armed rebels who backed the rebellion to overthrow Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 have kept their weapons, staking claims to territory, oil and other resources. An armed group from the western city of Misrata seized the capital Tripoli in August and forced the elected parliament to move to the east of the country. The Misrata group has set up its own parliament and government, which are not internationally recognised. As violence continues to flare up in Libya, diplomats gathered in the Spanish capital Madrid to try and find a solution to the crisis. Representatives from Libya’s armed groups, however, failed to attend the conference, which opened on Wednesday and was attended by representative from 16 nations, the UN and the Arab League.

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Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

International

Syrian children’s deaths ‘caused by vaccine mix-up’ M edics carrying out a vaccination programme in rebel-held northern Syria accidentally administered a muscle relaxant to up to 75 children, killing 15 of them, the opposition says. A preliminary investigation by the National Coalition found atracurium was given to the children instead of a solution used to mix measles vaccines. The packaging for the drug is said to be similar to that of the solution.

All of the children who died on Tuesday were between six and 18 months old. Their parents initially accused the opposition health authorities of not storing the vaccines properly or using out-of-date medication The National Coalition meanwhile said it suspected a “security breach by vandals” linked to the government of President Bashar al-Assad. The three-year-old conflict in Syria and the resultant breakdown in state institutions have meant that

diseases such as measles and polio have been spreading. In response, UN agencies and NGOs have launched immunisation campaigns in rebel-held parts of the country’s north and east. The children who died were among tens of thousands living in Idlib and Deir al-Zour provinces who had been given a second round of measles vaccines since Monday. A doctor at a clinic in the town of Jarjanaz said the infants had exhibited signs of severe shock about

This girl survived the immunisation mistake but 15 other children died

an hour after they had been given the injections, with many suffocating to death as their bodies swelled. On Wednesday evening, the National Coalition said a preliminary investigation had found atracurium, a muscle relaxant used in surgery, was administered. The error was believed to have occurred because the packaging of the atracurium was similar to that of the solution used to mix the measles vaccine, the Guardian newspaper reported. The immunisation programme was suspended following the incident and the health minister of the opposition interim government resigned. Officials said the investigation was continuing to find out who was responsible, with inquiries now reportedly focused on clinical negligence. The World Health Organization (WHO) said it had “provided a team of experts to provide assistance in investigating this event” but that it was vital that immunisation efforts resumed in Syria as soon as possible. The charity Save the Children, which provides aid to northern Syria, meanwhile warned on Thursday that education had become one of the deadliest pursuits for children and teachers, as the country’s schools were increasingly being damaged and destroyed.

Asia & Middle East

Xi announces new aid for combating Ebola

hinese President Xi Jinping announced here Thursday an aid package of 200 million yuan (about 32.54 million U.S. dollars) for Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea to combat Ebola. The aid will include cash, food and materials, announced Xi who is on a state visit to India, adding that his country will also provide the World Health Organization with 2 million dollars in cash and give the African Union the same amount. The spreading of Ebola in West Africa has been a severe challenge for the international community, including China and India, Xi said. The new aid is aimed at helping the three West African countries fight Ebola, enhancing epidemic prevention capability of surrounding countries and supporting regional organizations concerned to play a leading and coordinating role in fighting the epidemic, he noted. Source; Xinhua

Thai PM sorry for bikini comment after British murders

hailand’s Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has apologised for suggesting that tourists in bikinis were vulnerable to attack - unless they were unattractive. His comments came just days after two British holidaymakers were murdered on a beach on the island of Koh Tao. Gen Prayuth was quoted as telling officials: “Can they be safe in bikinis ... unless they are not beautiful?” The comments sparked outrage and the British embassy said it had contacted officials to seek clarification.

“I’m sorry that it hurt people,” Gen Prayuth said at a press conference on Thursday. He had made the original remarks while speaking to government officials on Wednesday, with reports quoting him as saying: “They [tourists] think our country is beautiful and is safe so they can do whatever they want, they can wear bikinis and walk everywhere.” Thai police admit they are struggling to find the killers of two British tourists, after it emerged crime scene DNA did not match that of any suspect. The bodies of Hannah

Witheridge, 23, and David Miller, 24, were found in Koh Tao on Monday. British brothers Christopher and James Ware were questioned but police now say there is no evidence against them. They also said that there were no DNA matches for a group of Burmese suspects. Gen Prayuth was the head of the army when he led a dramatic coup in May. He became prime minister last month. Thailand’s tourist industry suffered in the wake of that coup and the curfew and martial law temporarily imposed afterwards.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha

China’s Xi Jinping signs landmark deals on India visit

ndia and China have signed 12 agreements in Delhi, one of which will see China investing $20bn (£12.2bn) in India’s infrastructure over five years. At a news conference with Chinese President Xi Jinping, India’s PM Narendra Modi said “peace on the border” was important for progress. Talks came as India accused China of fresh territorial incursions in Ladakh. China is one of India’s top trading partners but they vie for regional influence and dispute their border.

Mr Modi and Mr Xi made separate statements at the end of

their talks in Delhi on Thursday. Under the investment plans,

The two leaders pledged to work towards peace on the disputed border

China pledged to: Help bring India’s ageing railway system railway system up-to-date with high-speed links and upgraded railway stations. Set up industrial parks in Gujarat and Maharashtra. Give more market access to India to products, including pharmaceuticals and farm products. Both sides also focussed on increasing co-operation in trade, space exploration and civil nuclear energy. Mr Modi called for an early settlement on the disputed common

border between the two countries and said the “true potential of our relations” would be realised when there was “peace in our relations and in the borders”. The BBC’s Andrew North in Delhi: “Almost everything they sell in this market store is made in China” There have been reports in the Indian media of Chinese troops trying to construct a temporary road into Indian territory across the Line of Actual Control (the de facto boundary) in the disputed Ladakh region over the past week.

Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

Page 30

International Scottish independence: Voting under way in referendum

Voters queue up in West Glasgow to answer the question: Should Scotland be an independent country?

eople in Scotland are voting on whether the country should stay in the UK or become an independent nation. Voters will answer “Yes” or “No” to t h e r e f e r e n d u m question: “Should Scotland be an independent country?” With 4,285,323 people - 97% of the electorate - registered to vote, it is expected to be the busiest day in Scottish electoral history. Votes will be cast at 5,579 polling stations until 22:00 on Thursday. The result is

expected on Friday morning. Strict rules mean the BBC - in common with other broadcasters - is not allowed to report details of campaigning until after the polls close. Once the polls have closed, ballot papers will be counted in each of Scotland’s 32 local authority areas. These will include votes cast from the 789,024 postal vote applications, which was the largest volume of registration for postal votes ever in Scotland. After votes have been

tallied, the counting officer in each area will communicate the result to the chief counting officer Mary Pitcaithly in Edinburgh. With her approval they will then make a declaration of the result. Campaigners for both the Ye s and No camp aig n have been casting their votes Once the results from all 32 local authority areas are known, Ms Pitcaithly will declare the result of the referendum at the Royal Highland Centre outside Edinburgh.

Ms Pitcaithly has said she will announce the result at “breakfast time” on Friday. The result is most likely to be between 06:30 and 07:30, according to Elections Scotland. That is because the final Scottish declarations in the 2010 UK parliamentary elections and the 2011 Scottish parliamentary elections declaration were made at those times respectively. However, running totals which can be made from the first declaration onwards - may indicate a result earlier in the morning. The bulk of these are expected to come in between 03:00 and 06:00. Because the polling stations are expected to be so busy, counting officers have put measures in place to reduce the risk of queuing. The remote nature of some Scottish regions also means bad weather could delay the receipt of ballot boxes at counting centres, in turn delaying the national result. Helicopters and boats are being used to transport ballot boxes to counts in areas such as Argyll and Bute. Elections Scotland said recounts will only be allowed at a local level on the basis of concerns about process, not the closeness of a result.

Argentina tries doctors for ‘baby theft’ during military rule

wo doctors and a midwife have gone on trial in Argentina charged with kidnapping babies born in captivity to left-wing political prisoners during the 1976-83 military government. It is the first case of medical staff being tried for allegedly falsifying the babies’ birth certificates. An estimated 500 children were stolen at birth from their mothers during what was known as the Dirty War. They were then given illegally to other families who raised them as their own. The real parents were either killed

or disappeared. Prosecutors in the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, accuse the two doctors, Norberto Bianco and Raul Martin, and the midwife, Luisa Yolanda Arroche, of “providing essential assistance” to hide the babies’ identity and hand them over to sympathisers of the Argentine military government. The medical staff is now in their 80s. Two former commanders at one of the clandestine military hospitals, the Campo de Mayo base outside Buenos Aires, are also being tried. “It’s a very important trial because

it will judge the complicity of doctors and midwives who were directly responsible for these crimes against humanity,” said 36-year-old Francisco Madariaga, who was delivered by the midwife at Campo de Mayo and taken from his mother at birth. “With this trial we’ll be able to learn what they did with our mothers the day after we were born, know that there will be a punishment and justice will triumph because we are the living proof of the crime,” he told AFP. Mr Madariaga’s mother, Silvia Quintela, a leftist militant, has never been found. The trial deals with the cases of

nine stolen babies, five of whom were eventually able to recover their true identity. An estimated 30,000 people were killed or disappeared during the Dirty War, a period of state terrorism in Argentina against leftwing guerrillas, political groups and anyone perceived to be associated with socialism. Of the 500 babies stolen from their captive mothers, more than 100 have been found through genetic testing and the efforts of the Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo, a rights group founded by women fighting to locate their stolen grandchildren.

Australia raids over ‘Islamic State plot to behead’

olice have carried out antiterror raids in Sydney sparked by intelligence reports that Islamic extremists were planning random killings in Australia. PM Tony Abbott said a senior Australian Islamic State militant had called for “demonstration killings”, reportedly including a public beheading. The raids, with at least 800 heavily-armed officers, led to 15 arrests. One man has been charged with

planning an attack. Prosecutors said he planned to “gruesomely” execute someone. Australian media reports said a plot involved beheading a random member of the public after draping them in an Islamic State flag. Asked about the reports in a press conference, Mr Abbott said: “That’s the intelligence we received.’’ “Direct exhortations were coming from an Australian who is apparently quite senior in

ISIL (Islamic State) to networks of support back in Australia to

conduct demonstration killings here in this country.”

Hundreds of officers were involved in the early-morning raids

Europe and Americas

US House okay’s Obama’s plan to train, equip Syrian rebels

he U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday approved President Barack Obama’s plan to train and equip Syrian rebels as part of efforts to fight the Islamic State militant group. The chamber voted 273-156 to give the president the authority to offer more support for the vetted rebels fighting both the Syrian government and the group. The measure came as an amendment to a bill that will fund the federal government through midDecember. The Senate is expected to consider it later this week. Obama issued a statement welcoming the move, saying the training program will be implemented outside of Syria in partnership with regional countries. “There will be no U.S. military personnel in Syria as part of this program,” he said. He also urged the Senate to pass the bill “without delay.” The measure enables the Pentagon to vet, train and arm what Washington calls “moderate” Syrian rebels, who will then fight on the ground while U.S. warplanes carry out airstrikes on the Islamic State targets inside Syria, part of a strategy unveiled by Obama on Sept. 10 for degrading and ultimately destroying the radical group running amok both in Syria and Iraq. The U.S. military has launched air raids on the group’s targets in Iraq since Aug. 8, and stepped up the operation over the weekend by hitting targets near Baghdad, Iraq’s capital. Rep. Jackie Speier, a Democrat, voted against Obama’s training plan. “We should have our eyes open wide enough to know we are being asked to do something more today than train three to five thousand fighters in the Free Syrian Army,” she said. “We are not facing a limited engagement, but a new war.” Polls show that the Americans support the airstrikes on the Islamic State both in Iraq and Syria, but they are wary of an open- ended campaign in the region, as Obama said the battle against the group could go beyond his presidency that ends in January 2017. Secretary of State John Kerry, who just returned form the Middle East and Paris on a trip focusing on building a coalition against the Islamic State, reiterated Wednesday that no American combat troops will join the fighting in the Middle East. “U.S. ground troops will not be sent into combat in this conflict,” he told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee at a hearing. “Instead, they will support Iraq forces on the ground as they fight for their country.” Obama also reaffirmed his commitment earlier in the day, a day after the top American military officer made remarks to the contrary. “I will not commit you, and the rest of our Armed Forces, to fighting another ground war in Iraq,” Obama said at the U.S. Central Command in Tampa, Florida.

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Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

Recommendations on Civil Society Organisations, Labour, Youth And Sports Being excerpts from the recently concluded National Conference: RECOMMENDATIONS ON CIVIL SOCIETY ISSUES 1. The Public Order Act and Remand Law: In order to enhance the work of civil society and to enable it perform its mandate to the people and enthrone a truly democratic and just society, the Conference decided to recommend the REPEAL of these laws; 2. Regulation of Civil Society and its Organizations: The establishment of a selfregulatory Commission is recommended to be peopled by civil society activists and which shall be free from undue state’s interference that will regulate the conduct and activities of civil society organizations in Nigeria. The Commission shall be known as “Civil Society Regulatory Commission (CSRC)”. Its functions shall be to:(a) Register Non-government organizations in Nigeria. (b) Sanction CSOs that abuse the ethics or rules of the Commission. (c) Propose Grants on behalf of Non-government organizations to the National Assembly and make them available for the CSO’s access to do their work to the society. 3. Justiceability of SocioEconomic Rights: The merger of Chapters Two and Four of the 1999 Constitution while causing them to be executable or justiceable under our law as it is the practice in other civilized societies of the world. 4. The African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights which we have domesticated is incorporated into our Constitution. 5. Appropriate Grants for Civil Society Accessibility: That statutory funds to be known as “Civil Society Grants/Fund” be annually appropriated by the National Assembly for civil society activities to strengthen them to perform their watchdog roles, act as checks against impunity by state actors and to enthrone an open, just and accountable society. The Fund/Grant shall be managed by the CSRC. 6. Weak Institutions a) We recommend the strengthening of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), AntiCorruption Agencies and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to help them judiciously discharge their functions by being independent in appointment, operations and funding; and b) That Judicial officers

Justice Idris Kutigi convicted or found guilty of corruption and perversion of justice be liable to 50 years imprisonment and loss of all official entitlements including gratuities and pensions and all ill-gotten gains without an option of fine. We note that what revived the Asian nations were the enactment of such strong laws that frowned at corruption, abuse of due process and the rule of law in their countries. 7. Social Security for the Unemployed, Disabled, Aged and Children 1. A National Jobs Creation Agency be established through the merger of the National Directorate for Employment (NDE), the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), the YOUWIN Department, the Community Services, Women and Youth Employment Project (CSWYE) and graduate Internship scheme SURE-P. This will lead to a coordinated job creation approach; 2. The agency will receive and review applications against a set of criteria and eligibility factors. The funding will be allocated on a competitive basis; 3. The agency’s activities will be governed by three committees: Advisory, Investment and Technical Evaluation Committees. a. The Advisory Committee will be responsible for providing advice on the job creation strategy to the government; b. The Investment Committee will have fiduciary responsibility for the approval of funding applications. The Investment Committee is independent of the management of the agency; and

c. The Technical Evaluation Committee is responsible for technical assessment of proposals and recommendations to the Investment Committee. 8. Popular Participation and Inclusiveness: To encourage popular or people’s active participation in government and achieve optimal reduction in corruption, the policy of Participatory Budgeting to cause the citizens to participate in deciding how they are governed, including choosing projects they want in the Appropriation Laws and the contractors who will execute these projects be entrenched in our Constitution. 9. Minorities’ Rights and their Fears: In order to build a just, free, stable, equitable, peaceful and strong nation, it is recommended that all the executive and strategic positions in all the tiers of government rotate among all the Zones or States or ethnic nations making up Nigeria; Senatorial Districts or Local governments making up a State, or wards making up a local government. This shall ensure that all parties are equitably and justly treated. 10. Funding of Education: In order to revive our educational sector and build a strong nation, we propose 30% allocation for Education in Annual Appropriation Laws of our Government at all the tiers: from federal to local government. 11. The Plight of Nigerians in Foreign Lands: In order to adequately cater for the welfare and security of these Nigerians in foreign lands, Conference decided to recommend the setting up of a National Commission on Nigerians

in Diaspora to take care of the issues affecting this category of the population. 12. Abuse of Women’s Rights and Rape: That a law shall be enacted to provide for life imprisonment with hard labour for any person convicted of rape and sodomy, and death penalty for the rape of a minor. 13. Creating An Enabling Space for Civil Society and its Operations: To do this Conference decided to recommend the enactment of a Civil Society Consultation Act (CSCA) which will amongst other things: a) Formalize some level of civic power around the three tiers of government in Nigeria; b) Smoothen the loose ends between citizen rights to participate in governance and actual participation itself; c) Make it mandatory for government to put in place structures and programs for consulting and dialoguing with citizen organizations; d) Define the level of civil society representation and participation in public regulatory bodies; e) Provide in clear terms, the way in which government must involve civil society in drawing up the budget and implementing it; f) Provide for Annual General Assembly between government and civil society or Annual National Conference between civil society and government; g) Provide for Town Hall Meetings between Civil Society and Chairmen of Local Councils; and h) Provide for periodic evaluation of both official and unofficial spaces of citizen participation in governance. This will be with a view of reinforcing both models and getting the best out of them. ISSUES RELATING TO LABOUR 1. Unemployment: To tackle the challenge of unemployment, Conference decided that: a) A Labour and Employment Exchange or Job Centres should be established in major cities throughout the Federation; b) It should be mandatory for all employers of labour to provide First Aid Corridors in their workplaces; c) Revival and development of domestic industries through: i) Enactment of fundamental policies to provide incentives to and protect domestic industries; ii) Promotion of added value to local raw materials; iii) Fixing of the power sector to enable industries thrive; and iv) Encouragement and protection of farmers to produce raw materials for industry. This can be done through guaranteed markets for agricultural produce. d) Skills Acquisition Development: (i) There should be an overhaul of existing skills acquisition programmes to make them more functional and effective through the revival of Vocational and Technical Education/schools;

(ii) The ITF should be strengthened to provide effective linkage between Educational Institutions and Industries. Adequate financial support should be made to the ITF to support the establishment of Skill acquisition centres across the country; and (iii) There should be funding of skills acquisition projects through revolving loans for take-off. e) Disability and Unemployment i. 15 percent of employment places in public and private sectors of the economy should be reserved for persons with disabilities and ensure that they are given work that matches their qualifications; ii. ILO Convention No. 159 should be ratified and implemented by developing a National Policy on Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment of Persons with Disabilities to ensure entry to the labour market; and iii. Reasonable accommodation should be provided in work places according to Article 2 of the United Nations Convention on the Right of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) which Nigeria had signed and ratified. f) Casualization of Labour: All multi-national companies and government agencies that have employed casual workers for more than six months should be mandated to take immediate steps to convert the same to permanent employment. 2. Precarious Work and Vulnerable Workers a) Regulations guaranteeing casual workers permanent employment after working for six months, irrespective of the number of contracts making up the period should be enacted. b) Policies and laws which extend labour and social protection to domestic workers should be put in place urgently. Such laws should regulate working hours, pay, maternity protection and other conditions of work. c) It shall be mandatory for all employers of domestic workers, who are between ages 18-25 to ensure they acquire Secondary education or vocational training; d) The National Child Rights Act should be strengthened and made applicable even where states have not domesticated the Act; and e) There is the need to revive and strengthen the Labour Inspectorate Division of the Ministry of Labour. 6 Minimum Wage a) The National Minimum Wage, as currently provided for in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 should remain on the Exclusive Legislative List; and b) All stakeholders, including state governments should avail themselves of the tripartite framework for determining the minimum wage to ensure ownership and acceptability.

Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

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When FCT marked World Breast Feeding Week with baby show By Stanley Onyekwere

t wasexcitement and fanfare last week at the area 2 Family Health Clinic, in Area 2, Abuja,when the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) celebrated the 2014 world breast feeding with a baby show, to showcase exclusively breast-fed babies. The show, which wasorganized by the FCT Primary Health Care Development Board (PHCDB), as part of its activities to mark this year’s world breast feeding week, was to create awareness on promotion, protection and support of exclusive breast feeding in the Territory. Specifically, the show provided rare opportunity to showcase exclusively breast-fed babies from different communities in the FCT, thereby creating effective awareness on the importance of breast feeding and breast milk in the overall development of children. Aside the Baby show, other activities mapped for the celebrated included world pressing briefing, orientation of pregnant/nursing mothers, women, husbands, community members, support groups on exclusive breast feeding practices, infant and young child feeding practices. For the mothers, it was a day of honour and appreciation for exclusively breast feeding their babies, which would spur them to even do more. It was quite revealing to note that there are still a few of them at a time there islow rate of breastfeeding mothers in Abuja. Also, itserved as an avenue to

Secretary of the Board, Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed presenting the ultimate prize to Baby Wealth Orieke, who emerged first at the show. advocate for improved commitment from all tiers of government, policy makers, health care professionals, communities, families and the general public as well as the media towards the promotion of breast feeding campaign. The first week of August every year is observed globally as

International Breastfeeding week, to encourage exclusive breastfeeding by nursing mothers. The theme for this year breast feeding week, which is “ Breastfeeding: A winning goal for life”, with the slogan – “Breastfeeding: Score a Goal, Save a Life.” Flagging off the show,the

Some mothers with their babies listening to a talk on available food and fruits for complementary feeding of babies after six months, during the show.

Executive Secretary, FCT PHCDB, Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, reiterated that this year’s theme responds to Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 2015 countdown and beyond by emphasizing on the importance, promotion and support for breast feeding, complementary feeding as well as other infant and young child feeding practices. He noted that the Territory has joined the world to sensitise the public on the role of nutrition in meeting the 8th MDGs target, disclosing that 2015 is the benchmarked year set for achieving the goal. According to him, activities to score a goal to save the FCT child deserves targeting use of cost effective strategy- breast milk (the best start in life), which is the most important child survival intervention in the region. He added that the baby show was a key intervention strategy for achieving the MDGs 1 and 4 on eradication of extreme poverty and hunger as well as reduction of child mortality. Nevertheless, he stressed the need toensure that all FCT women exclusively breast feed their babies, with support of the FCT their husbands, for at least six months, after which, the women can continue and use food and fruits as complementary feeding. His words: “The only way we can score goal to save a child is to ensure that all FCT women breast feed their

babies; and FCT men support their wives to breast feed exclusively for six months and even continue for two years and beyond.” Furthermore, the Secretary, pointed out that babies who are adequately breast-fed, are exposed to adequate nourishment from their mothers, thereby having strong foundation laid for proper growth and development. Frowning at the poor attitude of most nursing mothers towards exclusive six months breast feed, in the Territory, he lamented that the development has given rise to severe malnutrition among infants in the FCT, as according to him most Abuja mothers for reason best known to them, shy away from recommended breastfeeding culture. The Secretary maintained that only 9 percent of nursing mothers especially high class mothers practices exclusive breast feeding in the nation’s capital. He stressed the need for mothers to give breast milk to their newborn babies, as it contains all the nutrients including large percentage of water that babies need for optimal growth from 0-6months of life. He disclosed that malnutrition was responsible for at least 35 per cent of deaths in children less than 5 years of age, despite that there is an alarming 5.5 percent fertility rate in the country. According to him, infant mortality rate was 100 deaths per 1000 live births but decreased to 75 deaths per 1000 live births in 2008 report by the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). This figure, he said, further decreased to 69 deaths per 1000 live births noting that the survey revealed that maternal rate has risen to 576 per 100,000 live births from the 545 per 100,000 live births in 2008. As part of the solution, he called on state governments and FCT to emulate Lagos state government that recently increased maternity leave for pregnant women to six months. Also, he called on men (fathers) and other stakeholders in the FCT to support nursing mothers to breast feed exclusively for six months. Highpoints of the show was a demonstration of several sources of complementary feeding for babies and screening of the 100 babies that participated at the event as well as presentation of prizes to three babies who emerged winners. While a three-monthold Wealth Orieke emerged first, the second position was clichéd by baby Rejoice Azaku, whereas baby Alvin Obaara came third. However, several consolation prizes were given to all the babies who took part at the show.

Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

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Photo Splash

A woman hawking groundnut and her friend hawking plantain chips, at Area 3, in Abuja.

A restaurant operator preparing for the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business, at Jabi Motor Park, in Abuja, recently. A man hawking jewelries attending to his customer, at Gudu market, in Abuja.

Auto mechanics attending to clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s engine, yesterday at Gudu mechanic workshop, in Abuja.

Commercial motorcyclists waiting for customers, at Area 3 Junction, in Abuja. Photo: Joe Oroye and Justin Imo-Owo

Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

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Metro

Land use contravention: FCTA seals 70 property

A retired old soldier displaying his medals, during a protest by ex-service men over non payment of the entitlement by Federal Government, recently in Abuja.

By Stanley Onyekwere

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Community chides council chair over paucity of amenities By Usman Shuaibu

ome residents of Pegi community in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have lambasted the chairman of the area council, Hon. Ishaku Shaban Tete, over failure to deliver dividends of democracy for the people in the area. Some of the inhabitants, who spoke with Peoples Daily in the Community, alleged that the current leadership of the council has failed to provide purposeful leadership, capable of satisfying the aspirations of the residents and

others in the entire council. A resident, Mr. Vincent John, accused the chairman of neglecting the community, in terms of provision of basic amenities. He decried that since the chairman assumed office, he had not carried out any meaningful project in the area, calling on the council boss to focus on the development of the community. Another resident, Mr. Galadima Pada, urged the chairman to repair some dilapidated roads across the community especially major link roads, so as to enable the residents have access to other towns or

villages. Pada who maintained that absence of electricity had worsened situation in the community, pleaded with the chairman to provide transformers for the community, in order to boost socio-economic development of the area. Not left out, one of the traders in the community who identified herself as Mrs. Blessing Ogbonna, expressed dismay that the people of the community were being neglected in the area of potable drinking water. She urged the chairman to

construct boreholes to alleviate the suffering of the residents especially during the dry seasons. She noted that some of the people who were living in Pegi community relocated to the community as a result of demolition exercise which took place during the former minister of the FCT, Mallam Nasir Ahmed El- Rufai. Similarly, a farmer, Mr. Danladi Zafiwo, said that since the chairman took over the administration the affairs of the Council, the farmers have not been getting sufficient fertilizers to boost their activities in the area.

… Bwari chair tasked on provision of basic amenities By Usman Shuaibu

traditional titleholder, ‘Dan-Malikin’ of Dakwa community in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mohammed Alkwandawi, has called on the chairman of the area council, Hon. Peter Yohanna Ushafa, to provide basic amenities for the residents in the area. He also urged the chairman to join hands with the FCT minister, Senator Bala Mohammed to

build a standard hospital in the community, to stop people from travelling out to the neighboring towns for medical attention. Alkwandawi, who made the call in an interview with Peoples Daily, in Dakwa, further urged the chairman to construct boreholes, to boost potable drinking water supply in the area. He decried that despite persistent appeals to the chairman to rehabilitate several dilapidated roads within the community, as had been done by the council to

address the issue. Also, he ppealed to the chairman to build a senior secondary school in the community, to enable their children to have access to educational facility without traveling long distances to other nearly towns. He equally requested the chairman to install transformers at the strategic places in the community, to boost electricity supply for the people. The Dan-Malikin Dakwa,

who is also the Chief of Islamic Scholars in Bwari Yamman, however, pointed out that he had carried out some self-help projects in the community where the government had failed to do so. Continuing, he said that some projects executed include; building of primary/nursery schools, construction of boreholes in Tudun Nasara, building of Health centre in Dakwa; and building of a vigilante office in the community among others.

n order to ensure full compliance with the Abuja Master Plan, the FCT Administration between July 1 and September 12, 2014 sealed up 70 properties, in some highbrow areas of the Federal Capital City, Abuja. It further disclosed that 27 property in the city have been served with land use contravention bills to discourage such acts which no doubt has been impacting negatively on the environment Disclosing this yesterday, after a meeting with some senior officials of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, revealed that these property sealed up are situated in Maitama, Wuse II and Gwarimpa II Districts. He explained that the sealing of defaulting property would be a continuous exercise, stressing the need for property owners in the City to use their property according to the land use as enshrined in the Abuja Master Plan and approved by the FCT Development Control Department. Mohammed emphasized that the FCT Administration would not fold its arms to watch property owners engaging in land use contravention, because such contraventions also affect the city planning. According to him, a total of 473 building plans were submitted during the same period under review to the FCT Development Control Department, while 384 were approved forthwith. A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the FCT Minister, Muhammad Sule, the FCT Development Control Department has in the same period approved a total of 263 setting out/stage applications. Also, the minister announced that the FCT Administration has commenced the enforcement of redecoration of property that exhibits some level of decay in the capital city. To this end, the minister directed the Development Control Department to invigorate the process of enhancing the aesthetic of individual property in the Federal Capital City to give the facelift Abuja deserves. He therefore called on the residents of the Territory, particularly property owners to cooperate with the FCT Administration; stressing that everything would be done to maintain the Abuja Master Plan because Abuja remains the window through which the World sees Nigeria.

Rural community tasked on healthy living practices By Stanley Onyekwere

n a bid to adequately educate rural dwellers on the importance of good environment and food for a good health and living, officials of the Federal Capital Territory

(FCT) Health Insurance Scheme has embarked on sensitization tour of communities in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). Addressing a cross section of residents of Kabusa community, who were at his palace to part

take of the education, His Royal Highness, Yohanna Koche, who described the initiative, encouraged the his people to key into the scheme. According to the monarch, “With periodic health sensitization

programmes such as this, many minor diseases and sickness that people in the grassroot suffer as a result of ignorance will be tackled head-on.” The traditional ruler however thanked the FCT Minister, Senator

Bala Mohammed and the Executive Secretary, FCT Human and Health Secretary (HHSS), Dr. Demola Onakomaiya, for demonstrating great commitment towards improving the health of the people, especially rural dwellers in the FCT.

Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

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Strange World

Artist mother turns her toddler’s doodles into beautiful paintings

ho knew that a child’s meaningless doodles could have so much potential? Toronto-based artist

Ruth Oosterman takes creativity to a whole new level by converting her two-year-old daughter Eve’s scribbles into beautiful paintings. Ruth is so artistic that she is able to transform Eve’s random

lines into recognizable shapes. A random curve becomes an elephant’s ear, and crooked lines become the gnarled branches of a tree. Nothing seems to escape her eye – she can spot the outline of a

woman’s face or the hooked nose of a bird where most people would just see haphazard scratches. It all started by accident when Eve discovered her mother’s ink pen and loved using it. “That was part of the reason I used watercolor on that very first drawing because I knew the beautiful effect it would have on the paper. The ink pen marks immediately become a type of paint once you touch it with a wet paintbrush. It makes it easier to blend into the colors I add and also adds a dark intensity that I wouldn’t be able to create otherwise.” Since then, the motherdaughter duo have worked together on several stunning pieces. The process begins with Eve using a black ink pen to make her original ‘sketches’ on white cardstock. Later, Ruth takes over with her watercolors, quickly turning the doodles into a ‘grownup’ painting. “I find as we leave childhood, we begin to over analyze the things we do and lose that precious aspect of letting go,” Ruth wrote

on her blog. “Because of this I have chosen to speed paint the pictures she provides. All of the pieces are completed within 30 to 60 minutes, the reason for this is I don’t want to give myself any wiggle room to over analyze or second guess.” Ruth said that Eve often finds her modifications quite funny. “She likes being able to choose which drawing I get and stands by helping me choose what colors to use. Once she sees the video time lapse we create of our process, she makes me put it on repeat, over and over and over.” According to Ruth, children can help bring out dormant creativity in adults. “As we get older, we tend to create this box that everything is supposed to fit neatly into. As a child, there is no box. It is just endless freedom to explore any and every possible avenue of creativity and adventure,” she said. “I feel so blessed that my daughter can remind me once again what it is like to paint like a child by letting me see through her eyes.”

Star wars fan spends 20 years and $248,000 creating world’s largest darth vader memorabilia collection

ill McBride, from Washington DC, is the proud owner of the world’s largest collection of Darth Vader memorabilia. The 42-year-old Star Wars fan has been working on the massive collection for the past 20 years, spending over $280,000 on 60,000 items including figurines, artwork and replica lightsabers. Bill’s obsession with the iconic Star Wars villain began when he was five years old. “The moment Darth Vader burst on screen in Star Wars, I was immediately a fan of the character,” he said. “When you have the imposing, powerful presence of David Prowse, the other-worldly voice of James Earl Jones, all wrapped up in one of the coolest, most amazing costumes in movie history, you can’t help but fall in love.” Although he’s been a fan since childhood, Bill only started collecting Darth Vader merchandise in the 1980s. But h e ’ s m a d e up f o r l o st tim e by getting his hand on some pretty awesome stuff – right from original movie props to pre-production items, original works of art, and modern merchandise. Some of the ‘rarer’ items in his collection don’t

even have a ‘market value’, while others can fetch over $16,000. But Bill isn’t really interested in parting with any of his cherished Vader relics. Not too long ago, he received a very interesting trade offer – a man wanted four or five items from Bill’s collection, in exchange for his Porsche 911! “But I turned him down, of course,” said Bill, matter-of-factly. His Darth Vader memorabilia collection might be the most exhaustive one in the world, but Bill says it will never be complete. “The hobby of Star Wars collecting is mind bogglingly vast, and it’s easy to get lost,” he admitted. But Bill’s enthusiasm sure

hasn’t faded over the years. “I am more passionate today than when I started,” he insisted. And now he’s really looking forward to the new saga in the Star Wars franchise, Episode 7. “Needless to say, the entire world is now becoming fully engaged in Star Wars mania again and I for one am dying to head back into that galaxy, far far away.” To read more about Ruth and Eve’s collaborations and watch their time lapse videos, you could visit Ruth’s blog, The Mischievous Mommy. The prints are available for sale on Etsy, priced between $28.25 and $39.55. All proceeds go to Eve’s college fund.

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Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

Digest

Can’t sleep? Have rice for dinner

f you can’t sleep at night then it might be worth changing what you have for dinner. Scientists have discovered that eating lots of rice can trigger a deep slumber, while pasta and noodles can actually hinder sleep. The Japanese researchers also found eating bread products including white bread, pancakes and pizza - had no effect on the quality of sleep. They say eating food high on the glycaemic index (GI) - such as rice - was found to be associated with good quality sleep. Foods with a high GI release sugar in the blood more quickly, leading to spikes in blood sugar levels that can last for a longer

time. Low GI foods, on the other hand, tend to cause small blood sugar rises that don’t last as long. A high GI diet may affect sleep quality because of the effects of tryptophan, an amino acid known for its tranquilising effects and link to the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin. This backs up previous research which found eating a meal high in carbohydrate - with a high GI - increased the amount of tryptophan being transported into the brain compared with other amino acids. In the brain, tryptophan is converted into serotonin and then to melatonin, which induces sleep. According to the study, people in Japan consume up to ten times

Danger: Tests found a protein is released by the body to fight illness which could be a danger in later life

more rice than those in Europe and North America. Rice accounts for approximately 28 per cent of the Japanese people’s daily energy intake. The study analysed data from the annual health examinations of 1,848 factory workers (1,164 men and 684 women). The Industrial Health and Safety Law in Japan requires that employers offer annual health examinations to all of their employees, so this data could be used by researchers. The participants also answered a questionnaire in 2003 and a year later in 2004 on health-related behaviours such as their diet, whether they smoked and how much exercise they took. To assess the participants’ sleep quality, researchers used the Japanese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, which assesses a person’s quality of sleep. This looked at sleep quality; the amount of time it took to fall asleep after the lights were turned off, duration, efficiency, disturbances, use of medication and how the workers felt and performed during the day. Those with a higher rice intake and higher GI intake scored much better on the sleep scale - i.e. they slept well. The researchers also found a higher rice and GI intake were linked with better sleep duration. Higher noodle intake, however, was associated with a more frequent sleep disturbance, higher

Japanese researchers found that high rice consumption, or eating lots of high GI foods, led to good quality sleep

levels of daytime dysfunction, increased use of sleep medication, poorer subjective sleep quality, and taking longer to get to sleep, they found. Bread consumption was not found to be linked to sleep quality. Writing in the study, the researchers said: ‘The present study indicates that high consumption of rice and a high dietary GI are associated with

good sleep, especially good sleep duration. ‘Meanwhile, higher noodle consumption is associated with poor sleep quality. The effects of starchy foods on sleep may differ according to their GI values. ‘Diets with a high-GI, especially those with high rice intake, may contribute to good sleep.’ Source: Dailymail.co.uk

Do ‘drink responsibly’ ads actually make people drink More?

e a lth e x p e rts ha ve slammed the alcohol industry’s ‘drink responsibly’ ads and called for tough warnings on alcohol bottles to be introduced. Researchers say the ads are ‘deceptive and misleading’. They called for warnings similar to those found on cigarette packets to be used. Scroll down for video ‘The contradiction between appearing to promote responsible drinking and the actual use of ‘drink responsibly’ messages to reinforce product promotion suggests that these messages can be deceptive and misleading,’ said David Jernigan, of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. A report on the research, published in the September issue of Drug and Alcohol Dependence, analyzed all alcohol ads that appeared in U.S. magazines from 2008 to 2010 to determine whether messages about responsibility define responsible drinking or

Ads incorporated a responsibility message, but none actually defined responsible drinking or promoted abstinence at particular times or in certain situations, researchers said.

provide clear warnings about the risks associated with alcohol consumption. According to the study, most of the ads analyzed (87 percent) incorporated a responsibility message, but none actually defined responsible drinking or promoted abstinence at particular times or in certain situations.

When responsibility messages were accompanied by a product tagline or slogan, the messages were displayed in smaller font than the company’s tagline or slogan 95 percent of the time. According to the study, most of the ads analyzed (87 percent) incorporated a responsibility message, but none actually defined

responsible drinking or promoted abstinence at particular times or in certain situations. Analysis of the responsibility messages found that 88 percent served to reinforce promotion of the advertised product, and many directly contradicted scenes depicted in the ads. For example, a vodka ad displayed a photograph of an open pour of alcohol with a tagline that implied the drinker had been partying all night.

In small lettering, the same ad advised the audience to enjoy the product responsibly. Source: Dailymail.co.uk

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Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

Interview

2015: APC well positioned to win FCT - Candido

Hon. Abdullahi Adamu (Candido) is the FCT Secretary of All Progressives’ Congress (APC). The Abuja born politician and former Secretary of AMAC in this interview with Peoples Daily Ochiaka Ugwu spoke on the chances of the opposition APC in the capital city. Excerpts

ow do you feel being in the opposition APC? It has being wonderful, appreciative and beautiful for one to find himself in viable opposition party like mine. For any nation or democracy to grow, the opposition remains the vital tool to check the excess of the ruling party. So, it has been wonderful and interesting that I am part of the system that is checkmating the excesses of the ruling party. People have alleged that APC FCT is embroiled in infighting given the fact that you came from different backgrounds, how true is this? Never at all, I am the state secretary of the party. It is a figment of imagination of people who don’t wish us well. Since the congresses that produced the structure of the party in FCT, there has never been any division in Wards, Area Council chapters to State level. There is no reason to suggest there is any infighting or division whatsoever amongst the party members. It only exists in the minds of our detractors. For us in APC, we are marching better and on to victory. There is also this allegation by PDP that most of you are begging to join the party, is it true? I think is a reverse from my own assessment on how the party is waxing stronger by the day. The reverse is the case. I have never heard of any APC defecting to the ruling party in any of our structures. In all the 62 electoral wards of FCT, we have never witnessed anybody decamping to PDP. It is baseless and unfounded. You should also be informed that we were in Kwali Area Council not long ago to welcome stalwarts from the PDP to our party led by three prominent former councillors. The truth of the matter is that they are no longer comfortable with our popularity in FCT. APC has come to stay and we are waxing stronger to victory in 2015. Up till now, there is nobody that has indicated interest for any elective position in APC, does it give a worry? It does not give any worry. We are not worried as this could be part of the strategies. More so, we are law abiding people waiting for the right time as ascribed by the electoral law. This is an intelligent political party, we are not noisemakers and we know what we are doing. I will tell you categorically that APC is present in every household in FCT rooted in the minds of the people. Those who are displaying posters, we wish them well. APC is a disciplined political party and the INEC has not asked us to do so. We are watching as we don’t want to go against the Electoral Act. We are working underground and by the grace of God, victory will be ours. Immediately INEC lifts the ban,

It is just the sentiment I have spoken about in the last paragraph. When you link a political party with nefarious activities and finally those accused are the one romancing with the ruling party. What do you say about that? Nigerians can now see that people who are said to be the sponsors of Boko Haram are the one romancing with the ruling party. So, where do you find them in APC? APC as a party has come stay and PDP is afraid. They will wish to give APC any name just to discredit it. It is a calculated attempt to smear APC in bad light.

Hon. Abdullahi Adamu (Candido) you will see us in action. We are set to takeover FCT. Not long ago, FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed said that APC is a stillborn, how do you react to this statement? I will never agree with him in this respect. Bala Mohammed is a product of the defunct ANPP which later with AC and CPC metamorphosed to APC. So, he is a clear product of APC. APC moulded and produced him; it is the party that brought him to limelight. It is unfortunate for him to say that APC is a stillborn. For saying this against a party that nurtured him, he can be best described as a political ingrate. Sir, what strategies are you putting on ground to wrestle power from the ruling PDP? Good, our strategies are kept to our chest now knowing the kind of environment we operate and the political atmosphere we found ourselves. We are keeping it to ourselves now under what we call APC intelligent box. We wouldn’t want start narrating or sharing how we intend to capture all the seats in Federal Capital Territory. Let me state it clear that we are aware

of PDP’s plan to divide Nigerians from the angles of religion, zones and tribes. All kind of sentimental approach to issues, we in APC is playing politics of issues. Politics must be issue based for the society to grow and that is our watchword in APC. PDP’s plan to come back to power with sentiment will surely meet a brick wall as Nigerians are wiser now. They will vote according to their conscience and not by sentiment and that is why we are going back to drawing board. You seem so optimistic? Very optimistic and I am assuring you that APC will win FCT and Nigeria in 2015. There is no magic that will make PDP to retain power. All the brouhaha and the division they are trying to create will not work. Nigerians have seen that APC is the way and we are going to take power by 2015. You party has been associated with Boko Haram by the PDP, what are you doing to remove this illusion from the mind of an average Nigerian?

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It is baseless and unfounded. You should also be informed that we were in Kwali Area Council not long ago to welcome stalwarts from the PDP to our party led by three prominent former councillors. The truth of the matter is that they are no longer comfortable with our popularity in FCT. APC has come to stay and we are waxing stronger to victory in 2015.

You will agree with me that politics in Nigeria toady is highly monetized given the widespread poverty in the country; do you have the money to march PDP kobo to kobo? It is another way of ensuring that PDP retains power by coming up with many poverty promoting policy to impoverish the people. It was done to put Nigerians at a corner where they will not have any alternative than to vote for money. But I tell you Nigerians are wiser today and they will certainly disappoint PDP. Although, they have been in poverty for a very long time to the extent that most of them are used to it. They now know that the only option to break this circle of poverty is to vote out PDP and what it represents. What is your assessment of the FCT legislators in the National Assembly? We had had senators in FCT that were very credible like Khariat Gwadebe, Adamu Sidi Ali all these people proved their worth while holding sway as our representatives in the red carpet chamber. Others that came later, I don’t think they have anything to show because I have not seen anything. In short, I cannot score them, because I have not seen anything to mark as far as the people are concerned. The worst is the representative we have in the House of Reps. As a representative you need to attain certain height in terms of touching peoples’ lives positively. Senator Philip Aduda is trying somehow, but to be sincere with you, the worst representation we have had in the FCT is the man representing AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency, Hon. Zephaniah Jisalo. He is the worst of all. Based on this, people have come to terms with reality that sentiment will no longer take us anywhere. So, any person who is competent and as far as he is a Nigerian irrespective of tribe, religion and region will be qualified to be elected. Not just the sentiment of being Gbagi, Gwandara and Hausa, it doesn’t matter again. The question will now be whether you will bring good and quality representation. The people have decided to support someone based on his capacity to deliver the goods. They

will never elect a passive watcher to decide their fate. There is this rumour that FCT indigenes have endorsed Hon. Jisalo for senate and the incumbent AMAC Chairman, Micah Jiba for reps, are you part of that endorsement? I can never be part of that endorsement, because I can never be part of failure. These are group of failures who have nothing to count on order than I am an indigene. Those are the yardstick they use to go to power. These are the sentiment they use to promote to make sure they found themselves in power. I am Gbaghi, Christian, it is old fashioned. We need people who are vibrant and can talk for people. We need somebody that will make a case for the people and touch their lives directly irrespective of their background. How do you assess the current AMAC Chairman? I have lost touch with the council administration for some time, I left the council in 2006 and for me, I heard they said they are doing well, that is what I heard them saying. I want to see it, I want to see it on ground, I want to fill it, I want people to fill it and come to report. I want to see performance been celebrated not from the angle of sentiment. I mean from the angle of objectivity were people are performing and been celebrated that is what I want to see. You have been keeping people guessing for a very long time, are you running for any political office? I ran in 2002, God has been so gracious to me. I ran in 2013 as chairman for the first time. I have never had the opportunity before so that was the time I had and of course am someone who believes in objective politicking. I have done the best I can. I couldn’t make it but I can still continue to serve my people, but not necessarily going to office. So, for 2015 no, i am not contesting election for 2016 is yet to come, for 2019 is yet to come is only God that knows the best. But for me, i am an objective politician who believes that if you have done your own best live and let someone else takeover. Finally your party APC will soon elect a presidential candidate, why is it not possible for you people to come to a compromise by coming up with a consensus candidate? That is democracy at its best. If it is Atiku, Kwankwanso, Buhari or Rochas Okorocha that emerges at the end of the day, everybody will queue behind him. Every APC member is a potential presidential hopeful. All you need do is to meet the delegates and convince them that you are the best.

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Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

Parent-Child Relations

The family unit: Why is it important? W

hat is a family and what purpose does it serve? How does it function? What are its goals? What makes it strong? What destabilizes it? What contributions should each member make to its success? How is success to be measured? The answers to all these questions have a direct effect on good parenting and how children are raised. In this chapter, we attempt to examine these and other issues. We will also make parents and readers aware of the great capacity of the family unit to effect positive social change. The family n0t only transforms its members but ultimately society as a whole. We will also examine how parenting is practiced in the Muslim work and in the West. In Chapter One we introduced parents te the question of why good parenting matters how parenting is learned, and how the parenting style we choose to adopt affects the kine of people our children become. Becoming good parents goes beyond the nuts and bolt of applying key principles. Parenting require an awareness of the nature of the family uni and its interconnectedness, the major focus this chapter. This chapter will also make con stant reference to love, care and security. P loving family environment responds to bod the needs of children and the needs of parents Good parenting prepares children to become responsible adults with a sense of civic re sponsibility. We also touch on the issues of single-paren families, divorce, changes in family size ane current family conditions in the Muslirr world. The instability facing many Muslirr families may seem to have little bearing or child rearing, but the reality is that stable fam ily units are essential to forging stable and dy namic societies. Some define the “family” as a group of people related to one another, others as a social unit, and yet others as a group consisting of parents and children living together in a household. Although there are many views of the family, definitions of the traditional family are often closely related to marriage and children. It is also through marriage that the family unit often evolves, since marriage is not merely a partnership of two individuals, but a merger of two extended families. The modern family unit (particularly in the West) has transformed considerably over the years, changing from an extended to a nuclear structure. In addition, family size has changed (people are having less children). However, a family ought to be much more than the sum total of its parts. A family is part of the larger culture, and ideally, a whole

culture in itself. It is important for us to understand the greatness of the roles we play within family. A family is a little house of worship, a little government, and a little school of goodness. Transition to Parenthood When we think of a family, we normally think of parents and children. First time parents undergo a transition from a dyad (two people) to a triad (three people) upon the arrival of the first child. With the arrival of children parents enter a new phase of life. Parents go through a period of adjustment due to the changes in lifestyle that children bring (including hardships and tensions as well as joy and happiness). When a baby is born to a Muslim family certain traditional rites take place to welcome the newborn (Zaydan, Abdul Kareem, in Arabic, 1993): place on the seventh day after birth or later. The meat can be cooked and people can be invited to eat it at a community feast twaltmah). The meat should be used to feed the family and the people of the community, both poor and rich. The animal has to be a wholesome and healthy one without defects. Upon slaughtering the animal the following prayer is to be said, “In the name of Allah, for Your sake and from You Oh Almighty God, this is the ‘Aqiqah of the baby [name]:’ Ahmad and al- Tirrnidhi reported that the Prophet it said: “Every child is mortgaged by its ‘aqiqah, which should be slaughtered seven days after childbirth, the child’s hair should be shaved, and the child should be named:’ This is recommended and is not obligatory. In addition the Prophet it told his daughter Fatimah to weigh the shaved hair of the baby with silver and donate the silver to the poor. Jews have similar observances but for Christians baptism often meets their requirements. Effects of Children on Marital Stability The family unit is immediately put under pressure with the

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arrival of children. Parenthood, although a great gift, is not always the exciting event that it is sometimes assumed to be. Upon becoming parents, couples should realize that life will never be the same again, and prepare themselves accordingly for the challenges that lie ahead. Parents will need to sacrifice some of their interests for those of the baby; and the capability of being a mother or father will come into question. It will not be easy, especially for mothers, to cope with the fatigue of being constantly on call for the baby. Fathers may not come home to a cheerful wife, a happy child, and a spotless house, and many

fathers, may see their wives overworked, unhappy, and unable to take care of them as before. Motherhood involves mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion. Little sleep and constant care of the baby will take a toll on even the strongest of relationships, and ultimately may cause the marriage to suffer. Financial issues become more significant as couples struggle with house and job responsibilities while caring for a child. This can also have an adverse effect on married life. Life can be particularly stressful for parents who work fulltime. Some parents avoid put-

However, a family ought to be much more than the sum total of its parts. A family is part of the larger culture, and ideally, a whole culture in itself. It is important for us to understand the greatness of the roles we play within family.

. . . A guide to raising children ting their children with child care agencies and work alternate shifts to enable one parent to always be at home with the child. Although this is good for the child, it is not optimal for the husband and wife, who become like two ships passing in the night. In such cases the relationship can deteriorate rapidly. Parents may have petty disagreements or destructive struggles over whose turn it is to clean the house or wash the dishes. Parents who feel guilty about the lack of time spent with children may exacerbate matters further by cutting back on “couple time” in favor of “child time.” Other parents spoil their children with e gifts, money, and junk food (rather than spending time with them), putting even more :l financial and social pressure on themselves. Such pressures will put the marriage under n strain, especially if the couple’s limited time y together is turned into complaint sessions instead of intimate chats. Marital conflict bettween parents impacts negatively on children. Many parents suffer from lack of communication which leads to misunderstanding and , unresolved conflict. Children should not be s treated as “small adults” who are expected to always behave like grown-ups. It is also wrong d to treat children as annoying, it is their habit o to be persistent and to ask questions. Their physical, emotional, and developmental needs are must be fulfilled. The following are a few suggestions to help parents manage the transition to parenthood. The change in family dynamics from being husband and wife to being mothers and fathers will hopefully be less stressful. Schedule some daily or weekly time to spend alone together as a couple. This could include going for a walk, doing some exercise, or having dinner together. Talking on the phone during the day or getting up a few minutes early to focus on each other is helpful. Sharing babysitting time with other trusted parents is also a good practice. Share expectations with your spouse. Discuss any anxieties which you may have concerning your new role as parents. Talk about the impact of parenthood on your health, your relationship, and your jobs. Spend time on eating meals together, worshipping together, having sex, and exercise. Since the baby’s demands will take up all your time, make time for communication even if the dirty clothes and unwashed dishes have to wait. Express your disagreements and do not be afraid of conflict. Regard a fight as an indication that something is wrong in the relationship, and seek counseling together. Talk with a trusted friend or a wise co-worker who has experienced the transition from spouse to parent. This helps to alleviate feelings of isolation. Make sure you speak with a person of the same gender, and do not reveal anything about your spouse that is private.

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Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

Weekend Revue

With Tobias Lengnan Dapam lovelengz@yahoo.com 07036990957

Ebola film-makers oppose school resumption date

I don’t care how you perceive me; I am who I am - Jim Iyke

ollywood actor, Jim Iyke, has expressed his feelings to fans that he owns his words but owe people the interpretation to anything he said or write as it is best known to him. Jim Iyke explained that a person might say something but people might have different perception to whatever is said and as such, might get people confused. He added that though people might think bad about a person, he will always remain who he is. Hear him;

“I own my words but I owe people the interpretation. Men dt wear their intentions on their faces sometimes. As much as one might have a good intention for their actions, his action may seem parallel to his intention depending on hw peo perceive it. As much as perception is good, when viewed wrongly can lead to deception. Even tho wat peo think about you may bear relevance, I am what I think. #Introspection #InsideOut #EmpireStateOfMind #LawsOfRecognition #Impervious #MyDarkThots #DmBae.”

ome Nollywood filmmakers held a rally in Ikeja, Lagos State to educate the public on the dreaded Ebola virus, Sahara Reporters has said. The rally was also aimed at opposing the September 22nd resumption date for schools. Celebrities present for the rally include ‘Folake Daramola, Saidi Balogun’ and others. Speaking on the resumption date, Jide Kosoko, said school toilets are an eyesore that put children at susceptible ends to disease infection.

Yvonne Nelson explains why her relationships do not work

Yvonne Nelwson

hanaian Nollywood star, Yvonne Nelson has accepted the fact that she is not lucky in love and has given reasons for her bad luck with affairs of the heart. The actress who produced the chart bursting movie ‘Single, Married and Complicated,’ took to twitter to talk about the

major reason she has not found love and stated that her high expectations in relationships may be the reasons she has not found love and blamed it on movies. She also gave her candid opinion on relationships, pointing out that no relationship is a total waste, as wrong relationship teaches one to prepare for the right ones.

Recall her stormy relationship with Nigerian singer, Iyanya, which many thought would lead to the altar but later crashed like a badly arranged pack of cards. Aside Iyanya, Yvonne has had two other failed relationship which, according to her friends, has devastated her and made them wonder why she always settles for the wrong men.

Rivers was to join series

J Jim Iyke

erry Seinfeld has said that Joan Rivers was to join him for an episode of his digital series, ‘Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee’, until he got a call saying she had to postpone because she was undergoing a medical procedure. Comedy legend Joan went into cardiac arrest following a throat procedure on August 28 and died on September 4. Seinfeld, in a post on his show’s Facebook page, said the Fashion Police star had been thrilled to be included. He wrote that he wanted to show another side of Joan, and to tell her how much he admired her accomplishments, especially later in her career. Seinfeld called her one of the greats and said: “I’ll miss her.”

Jerry Seinfeld

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Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

Weekend Revue

Praiz, Simi, Sammy Industry Nite set to host X3M music crew

raiz who dropped ‘Mercy’ some months ago followed by an international remix with Diana King, the sensationally voiced Simi who recently released an amazing video to her hit single ‘Tiff’ and Sammy who is also a talented songwriter, singer, dancer and guitarist all signed to Xtreme Music (X3M) to perform their trending songs ‘tonight’ at this week’s edition of The Industry Nite.

I am neither proud nor arrogant- Joseph Benjamin

multi-talented actor is also a model, musician and compere, but often mistaken for been pompous and arrogant. In a bid to clear such speculation hanging around his neck, the Kogi State handsome dude posted a picture on his Instagram page

explaining reasons he is the way he is. “Close some doors not because of pride, incapability or arrogance but simply because they no longer lead to somewhere”, the post read. Although divorced, Joseph is blessed with two lovely children, a 10 year old daughter and 7 year old son. He had also said he still committed to his kids and would continue to love and care for them. “I’ve been separated from my wife but we still keep a good relationship, and our separation was a mutual agreement. She is a good woman but I could not go on with the union anymore seeing the foundation it was built on was untrue. I have two wonderful children. They are an integral part of my life; their mum and I have a very good arrangement on how to balance their lives and make sure that psychologically they are stable and unaffected by our separation.”

actor will address next Tuesday’s climate summit, where he expects some 120 world leaders. DiCaprio said he was honoured by the role and feels “a moral obligation to speak out at this key moment in human history” about the threat of climate change. The 39-year-old Wolf Of Wall Street star founded the environmental foundation in 1998. He joins 11 other prominent world figures who advocate on behalf of the UN as Messengers of Peace, including StevieWonder,MichaelDouglas,George Clooney, Brazilian author Paulo Coelho and conductor Daniel Barenboim.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Joseph Benjamin and his children

oseph Benjamin is a multitalented Nigerian Nollywood actor who got his big break as the co-host of MTN Project Fame West Africa Season II (a reality TV show). The award-winning Nollywood

DiCaprio given UN climate role

eonardo DiCaprio has been appointed a United Nations Messenger of Peace to help promote global action on climate change. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the American actor “is not just one of the world’s leading actors” but has “a long-standing commitment to environmental causes”. DiCaprio has established a foundation with a mission to promote the Earth’s last wild places and build a more harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world. The secretary-general said the

I can’t do without women- Seyi Law

Seyi Law and his wife

ward-winning stand-up comedian Oluwaseyitan Aletile aka Seyi Law is enjoying marital bliss without batting an eyelid. The talented comic act got hooked to his heartthrob through his unique style of bringing fun and laughter to the hearts of the depressed. In a recent interview the humour merchant spoke passionately about his wife and their marriage. He tells you “my wife gives me some pampering that helps calm my nerves whenever I am stressed.” Seyi Law also stated that he can’t do without women in his career although his wife has warned him against the dangers

of hanging around too many women. “My wife once told me that I give too much room to my female fans not because I want to give them too much room, but because I understand the entertainment business, you can’t do away with ladies. I tell you, if a show has a 100 people, and out of the 100 people, you have 50 men, 50 ladies, trust me, 40 of those men are there at that show because a lady convinced them to come. So, you see I can’t run away from those ladies. One of the basic principles that I used to manage my female fans is understanding. If you bring your enemies close, they become your friends,” he said.

SporT 41 Page

Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

sports@peoplesdailyng.com, SMS- 08142929046

Eguavoen, Rotimi win August LBA G

ombe United coach Austin Eguavoen and Dolphins goalkeeper and captain Sunday Rotimi have been named Manager and Player of the League Bloggers Awards (LBA) for the month of August respectively. The two posted impressive results with their teams in the ongoing season last month. Eguavoen edged out Kadiri Ikhana (Enyimba), Mohammed Baba Ganaru (Nasarawa United) and Stanley Eguma (Dolphins) for the manager’s award. Gombe United, now coached by Eguavoen, got 12 points out of 15 in August including an away win at Bayelsa United. They also climbed out of the bottom four. Enyimba and Dolphins finished August unbeaten but could only muster 11 and nine points respectively while Ganaru’s Nasarawa United amassed 10 points for the

Eguavoen

Ubido foresees Heartland win

eartland midfielder, Julius Ubido has said his side were convinced that they would record a win against hard-fighting Kaduna United last Wednesday. The Naze Millionaires won 2-0 against the Crocodiles on match day 26 clash at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri. Midfielder, John Nnam scored the match opener in the 10th minute while forward, Osas Okoro grabbed the second in the 20th minute to hand his side the three points. Ubido said the goal margin would have been more if not for some missed chances at goal in the

later part of the hotly contested duel. “We were convincing and deservedly won the encounter though Kaduna United actually gave us a stiff challenge expected of a side struggling to stay alive. We’re highly satisfied with the 2-0 win though it could have been more but we’re really grateful to God for helping us to secure the three points. I think other teams will begin to take us more serious with this win in our resolve to fight for the top spot on the log. We remain positive of securing one of the continental tickets at the end of the ongoing league season,” he said.

month under review. For the player’s award, Rotimi had to contend with Osaguona Ighodaro (Enugu Rangers), Ugwu Uwadiegwu (Enyimba), Emem Eduok (Dolphins), Julius Ubido (Heartland), Austin Ekpoma (Gombe United), Olayinka Onaolapo (Nasarawa United) and Nzube Anaezemba (Enyimba). The Dolphins custodian, however, restored himself as one of the country’s safest hands by keeping four clean sheets out of five games in August, including a penalty save at Sunshine Stars that helped his club secure a point and a clean sheet. Rotimi also conceded just a goal in five matches, exactly 315 minutes of league football, in August to be named LBA Player of August. Eguavoen and Rotimi will be given their awards later this month.

AFCON 2015 qualifiers: NSC orders Eagles back to Abuja

ll things being equal, Nigeria will play their remaining Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches at the 60,000 capacity National Stadium in Abuja, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has ordered. The Super Eagles have been ordered to play their remaining Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches in the capital after their loss to Congo in Calabar. This means that they will no longer play in Calabar, where they have called home for the past three years following their 3-2 defeat at the hands of Congo on September 6. The UJ Esuene Stadium had been an impregnable fortress for the Super Eagles until their first ever defeat there by the Central

Africans. The Nigeria Football Federation has been directed to inform the Confederation of African Football (CAF) that the remaining Super Eagles matches in the AFCON qualifiers will now be played in Abuja. The NFF is currently undergoing a lean purse and has been depending largely on the benevolence of the Cross River State governor, Liyel Imoke who has single-handedly bankrolled the camping exercise of the Super Eagles including the players and coaches’ feeding and accommodation every time the team has a home match to play. Thus, the NFF is trying to get the NSC under its Director General, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye to rescind its decision

Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye

claiming that it doesn’t have money to prosecute Super Eagles games in Abuja and because Abuja fans don’t turn up for games that much as well as the security challenges to confront. The NSC irked by the negative publicity generated by the complaints of the bad pitch in Calabar, has directed the NFF to relocate all the Super Eagles matches to Abuja National stadium that boast of very good pitch. Undeterred by the directive of the NSC, the Cross Rivers State government has begun the process of getting the stadium back to shape even as the NFF tries to convince the NSC to allow the Super Eagles to play Sudan in Calabar in October.

Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

Page 42

Sports

Enyimba confident of claiming NPFL title after loss

nyimba manager Kadiri Ikhana says his team will get better and keep fighting for the league crown, despite succumbing to a 1-0 defeat to Akwa United in a week 26 fixture of the Nigeria professional football league. A Kufre Ebong goal late in the first half condemned Enyimba to another loss, which now leaves them four points off leaders, Kano Pillars. But Ikhana still believes his players will keep improving. “It was a painful loss, but we will keep improving. It wasn’t a very good game for us, but I know the players are determined to win the title so we will keep working and keep improving,” he told sl10.ng. The seven time league champions would have gotten to within a point of Pillars, if they had won, but the loss means they’re still third on the log, with Nasarawa United, who lost 3-0 to Crown, still second with a point better. Kano Pillars’ 1-1 draw with Taraba means they have the lead, but Ikhana says it can all change in two games. “We all know how unpredictable the league is and because Pillars are top now doesn’t mean they can’t lose,” he added. “They’re just four points ahead of us and that could change in two games. “It’s just for us to keep improving and keep winning games. “We can beat them.” Enyimba will host Bayelsa United at the Aba Township Stadium on Sunday, with the hope that the improvements will start there.

Super Falcons will win AWC in Namibia, Oshoala confident By Albert Akota

he Canada 2014 FIFA Women’s U20 World Cup most valuable player, Asisat Oshoala, says the target for Nigeria is to reclaim the Africa Women’s championship which is set to be held in Namibia in October. Oshoala, top scorer at the last FIFA U20 women’s World Cup in Canada with seven goals, has joined up with the senior women’s national team, the Falcons as they prepare for the next Africa Women’s Championship. The Falcons have opened camp in Abuja, the Nigerian capital after weeks of delay due to the crises in Nigerian football. The team also failed to win the last edition of the

competition for only the second time since inception, after they fell short in Equatorial Guinea. But Oshoala says they are working very hard and hoping that the title returns to Nigeria. “The target obviously is to go to Namibia and win the tournament, that is what we are working for at the moment,” she says. “After the failure of 2012, we cannot afford not to win the competition again this time.” The Nigerians are grouped alongside hosts Namibia, Ivory Coast, and Zambia in Group A, and play their opening game against the Ivoirians at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek on October 11. Nigeria has won the tournament a record eight times.

Super Eagles slip on FIFA ranking Asisat Oshoala

Garba sure of U-20 playing tour ahead of AYC in Senegal

By Albert Akota

lying Eagles Chief Coach Manu Garba has confirmed that the team will embark on a playing tour ahead of the CAF Africa Youth Championship slated for Senegal in 2015. The U20’s have been idle for almost one month, since the Lesotho U20 team pulled out of an AYC qualifier against their Nigerian counterparts, citing the Ebola Virus Disease as the reason. The team is already through to the championship proper but remain inactive, with the last competitive game being the qualifier against Tanzania in Kaduna. But Manu has now confirmed that they are set for a playing tour between the end of September and the start of October. “We should be embarking on a playing tour by the end of this month, or at the start of October,” said Garba. “We need to get the boys together and get them working

as a team so we can have a proper preparation for the Africa Youth Championship in Senegal.” Elections into the Nigeria football federation are due by the end of September, but administrative lapses at the Glass House could hinder the team’s plans of having the playing tour. Almost all administrative

efforts at the Glass House are currently geared towards the NFF ordinary congress being held this weekend, September 20, in Warri, and also the elective congress. A good number of the Flying Eagles players have either secured contracts with foreign clubs, or are on the verge of doing so.

Chief Coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi By Albert Akota

Manu Garba

he Super Eagles of Nigeria’s winless start to the 2015 Africa Nations cup qualifiers has cost them dearly as they have dropped four places in the latest FIFA rankings. The team started off their AFCON 2013 title defence poorly with a loss at home to Congo and a draw away to South Africa. The Africa champions ranking of 37th means they are now out of Africa’s top five ranked nations, ranked sixth on the continent behind Algeria, Cote d’ivoire, Tunisia, Ghana and Senegal. Algeria are now Africa’s number one football playing

nation based on the FIFA rankings after moving up four places to 20th in the world after a 100 percent start to the AFCON 20015 qualifiers. Cote d’ivoire are ranked in 22nd, Tunisia moved up 11 places to 31st in the World, but third in Africa. Ghana are fourth in Africa ranked 33rd in the world with Senegal completing Africa’s top five nation with a ranking of 36th. Globally Germany, Argentina, Colombia, Netherlands and Belgium completes the top five while Brazil narrowly missing out on a spot in the top five as they are ranked sixth.

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Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

Sports

Costa can’t play all games – Mourinho A

lthough Chelsea striker Diego Costa has scored seven goals for Chelsea in his first four Premier League games, club manager, Jose Mourinho said the Brazilian-born Spaniard cannot play more than once a week because of a hamstring problem. Mourinho, looking down in the dumps after Chelsea could only draw 1-1 with Schalke 04 in their opening Champions League Group G match on Wednesday, started with returning veteran striker Didier Drogba in attack with Costa on the bench against the Germans. Costa, who cost Chelsea $52 when he joined from Atletico Madrid in the summer, replaced Drogba in the 74th minute, but could not keep up his remarkable scoring record which includes four goals in pre-season and seven in the League

Costa

Wenger wants Casillas at Emirates

rsenal manager, Arsene Wenger could reignite interest in Real Madrid keeper Iker Casillas in January, according to reports on the continent. Wojciech Szczesny looked unimpressive as he shipped two goals in the 2-0 Champions League defeat at Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday night and is not currently being pushed for his place in the starting line-up. Arsenal explored a move for Casillas in the summer but decided

against bringing the veteran to north London. There are claims however that Wenger could be tempted to go back in for the Spain legend in the January transfer window to provide Szczesny with competition. Monaco are also keeping tabs on the situation and have the capacity to make a big money offer for Casillas, who has recently won his place back in Carlo Ancelotti’s side. Casillas was subjected to derisory whistles and boos from fans

in Real’s last home league match, a 2-1 defeat against city rivals Atletico Madrid. But Real supporters didn’t hesitate in commending his work on Tuesday night when he was called into action against Basle and made an excellent reflex save. With rumours of Casillas’s desired departure gathering speed, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez curiously chose this week to present the keeper with a memento for his 15 years service with the club.

including his hat-trick against Swansea City on Saturday. Mourinho said Costa’s injury is not connected to one he suffered towards the end of last season and which restricted him to just the first nine minutes when he played for Atletico against Real Madrid in last season’s Champions League final. Costa picked up the injury in Spain’s 1-0 defeat to France on September 4 and Mourinho said he could not play more than one match a week for the time being. “If he has one week to let the muscle recover he can start. He played on Saturday and was not in condition to start the game today (Wednesday). It was not to protect Costa for the game against Manchester City on Sunday, it was because he was not in condition to start the game,” Mourinho said.

FIFA WORLD RANKINGS TOP 20 1. Germany 2. Argentina 3. Colombia (up one) 4. Netherlands (down one) 5. Belgium 6. Brazil (down one) 7. Uruguay (down one) 8. Spain (down one) 9. France (up one) 10. Switzerland (down one) 11. Portugal 12. Chile 13. Italy (up one) 14. Greece (down one) 15. Costa Rica 16. Mexico (up one) 17. United States (up one) 18. England (up two) 19. Croatia (down three) 20. Algeria (up four)

England now 18th in FIFA ranking

Casillas

E Hodgson’s

ngland moved up to 18th place in the latest FIFA world rankings released on Thursday. Roy Hodgson’s team have risen two places after wins over Norway and Switzerland this month but remain behind the likes of Costa Rica, Greece, Mexico and the USA. Germany still top the rankings despite losing 4-2 to second-place Argentina in a friendly, which was a rematch of the World Cup final in the summer. Germany were crowned world champions after a 1-0 extra-time win in

Brazil. Northern Ireland leaped up 24 places to 71. The Republic of Ireland also moved up four places to 62. Scotland moved down a place to 29 equal with Wales. Chris Coleman’s Wales have risen 12 places after their 2-1 win over Andorra, courtesy of two goals from Gareth Bale. Colombia climbed one place to three even though they lost 1-0 to Brazil in a friendly and swap places with Holland, who suffered two defeats as the Gus Hiddink era got off to the worst possible start.

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PUBLIC NOTICE

THE TRINITY INTERNATIONAL OUTREACH.

The general public is here by notified that the above name OUTREACH has applied to the corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration under part c of the companies and allied matters act N0. 1 of 1990.

The trustees are: 1. REV. ANYANWU EMMANUEL CHUKWUGOZIE (chairman). 2. MRS. ANYANWU ROSE UJU (secretary). 3. MISS. ANYANWU UGOCHI DEBORAH. 4. MRS. EKE PEARL OLUCHI. Aims and objectives. 1. To preach the God’s word. 2. To help the needy and less privileged in the society. To help the needy spiritually, morally, financially and to visit and pray for the sick and distressed. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general,corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication. Signed: Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE NATURAL SHEA AND GRICULTURAL PRODUCTS PROCESSORS ASSOIATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.OKOLO KINGSLEY - CHAIRMAN 2.SANI BABA AHMED 3.OLUGBENGA OLALEYE 4.KEHINDE KASHEEM 5.RUFUS DURODOYE 6.GODWIN OBEYA 7.MARTINS OLAKUNLE KOMOLAFE - SECRETARY THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO PACKAGE FOR EXPORT NIGERIA’S EXPORTABLE ITEMS. 2.TO PROMOTE NIGERIAN INDUSTRIAL GOODS. 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.

PUBLIC NOTICE

HIS GLORIOUS OUTREACH INTERNATIONAL

THE CHRIST LOVE CHURCH INTERNATIONAL

The general public is here by notified that the above name Body has applied to the corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration under part c of the companies and allied matters act N0. 1 of 1990.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1. PASTOR SMART ETERIGHO AKPUGHE - CHAIRMAN 2. MRS. STELLA ESEOGHIENE AKUPUGHE - MEMBER 2. MR. SAETA UKPEMO. - MEMBER 4. REV OLISE DIVINE AMAECHI - MEMBER 5. DEACON JACKSON UGO OFILI. -SECRETARY 6. PASTOR DAVID OLADIPUPO. -MEMBER 7. MR. AKUMBA MICHEAL. -MEMBER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO RAISE A PEOPLE BY THE WORD OF GOD, PREPARE THEM TO FULFILL THEIR DESTINIES, INCULCATE INTO THEM THE FEAR OF GOD, TEACHING THEM TO LIVE THE LIFE THAT ATTRACTS HEAVEN, AS HEAVEN IS OUR FINAL DESTINATION. 2. TO PROMOTE MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND PEACEFUL CO EXISTENCE AMONG HUMANITY. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general,corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.PASTOR ODINAKA STEPHEN - PRESIDENT 2.MRS. EGURIDU PHILOMINA - VICE PRESIDENT 3.ODINAKA ISREAL - SECRETARY 4.OHWOVORIONE MOSES - TREASURER THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO PREACH,TEACH AND PROPAGATE THE TOTAL GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN NIGERIA AND THE WORLD AT LARGE. 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: CHAIRMAN

SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

FALOM CHRISTIAN CENTRE

PATHWAY TO VICTORY INT’L PRAYER MINISTRY

The general public is hereby notified that the above named CHURCH has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. CHRIS EJIGA - CHAIRMAN 2. EUCHERIA OKHOUFU-EJIGA 3. IDAKWOJI ROSE - SECRETARY 4. TAMNO TONYE TOBIAH MINIMAH 5. IFFI CHARITY 6. EJIGAH GODWIN

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. DR. MRS. JOY CHIOMA NWANKWO 2. NWANKWO SHIRLEY IJEOMA

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. SOUL WINNING AND MISSIONARY WORK 2. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST 3. TO BUILD AN OLD PEOPLES HOME IN THE 6 GEO POLITICAL ZONES IN NIGERIA Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED:SECRETARY

SIGNED: BARR. NWANKWO CHINEDU NDUBUISI 08037662644,09099639340,0705440295

PUBLIC NOTICE

INITIATIVE FOR WOMEN’S ACCELERATED DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA

KEKE NAPEP RIDERS ASSOCIATION,KARU LOCAL GOVERNMENT BRANCH NASARAWA STATE

NEXT GENERATION FOUNDATION FOR CLIMATE CHANGE

SIGNED: SECRETARY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.EVELYN HAUWA ONYILO - PRESIDENT/FOUNDER 2.WINNY FONAKA - SECRETARY 3.MRS FLORENCE JATAU - MEMBER 4.KANDE JOHN - MEMBER

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.YUSUF USMAN - CHAIRMAN 2.DAUDA ALHASSAN - VICE CHAIRMAN 3.OKPANACHI SHAIBU - SECRETARY 4.SUNDAY IGBOANUGO - FINANCIAL SECRETARY 5.OMEJE KACHIM 6.ABUBAKAR SADIQ YUSUSA - TREASURER

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.MOBILISE WOMEN TO PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY IN NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT. 2.PROMOTE THE EDUCATION OF THE GIRL-CHILD. 3.PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN,CHILDREN ANF FEMALE YOUTHS. 4.ENSURE ADEQUATE LEGISLATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF LAWS AND POLICIES ON WOMEN. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRARGENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE CHRIST’S LIBERATION MISSION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.PASTOR JOHN OLUDAMILARE FADIPE - GENERAL OVERSEER 2.EVANGELIST EZEKIEL OLAOLUWA FADIPE 3.BRO. JOSHUA OLUWABUNMI OGUNGBOHUN 4.MRS. OLAJUMOKE OLASIMBO FADIPE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST BY MEANS OF OPEN AIR SERVICES,ESTABLISHING CHRISTIAN CHURCHES,EVANGELISTIC CRUSADES,HOUSE WITNESSING OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, MUSICAL CONCERTS AND OTHER PROGRAMMES CONSISTENT WITH GOD’S LAWS AND ORDINANCES THROUGH THE LEADING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. 2.TO ENCOURAGE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP AND FOSTER THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE CHURCH AND ITS MEMBERS.

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1.TO FOSTER UNITY AMONG MEMBERS IN KARU LGA,NASARAWA STATE AND ELSEWHERE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRARGENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Engr. Enwerem Obinna Anselem 2. Engr. Enwerem Victor Ifeanyi 3. Mr. Ebulue Chijioke THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To combat/fight global warming and climate change and its effects. 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: MONDAY .I. ADAH ESQ D.Y. UMORU & Co. PLOT 2059,WUSE ZONE 3 ABUJA.

SIGNED: Barr. Okey Leo Ohagba

PUBLIC NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

SOLID FOUNDATION IN CHRIST CHURCH

This is to inform the general public that the above named Church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allies Matters act no. 1 of 1990

TRUSTEES 1. Pastor Titus Ademola Adetiloye President 2. Evangelist Christianah Adetiloye 3. Bro. Daniel Adebayo Adetiloye Secretary 4. Rev. Abayomi Mordekai Okesanya 5. Pastor David Adeyemi Adetiloye 6. Deaconess Esther Ndidi Okesanya AIMS AND OBJECTIVE To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja, within 28days of this publication

SIGNED: SECRETARY

Signed Secretary

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Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

PUBLIC NOTICE

CHANGE OF TRUSTEES OF BIBLE MISSIONARY CHURCH OF NIGERIA - CAC/IT/NO. 2021

JESUS TABERNACLES CHURCH

DIFFERENT APPROACH DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

The general public is hereby informed that the above named Church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for Change of Trustees under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004.

THE FORMER TRUSTEES ARE: 1.REV. SUNDAY U. OKARIMIA - Deceased 2.REV. EMMANUEL IBEH - Removed 3.REV. DAVID NJOKU - Retained. THE NEWLY APPOINTED TRUSTEES ARE: 1)REV. AARON AJERE - Chairman 2)REV. SYLVESTER EMUKA - Secretary 3)HON. MARSHALL NWACHUKWU 4)DEACON NNAMDI MADUABUM AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:Still unchanged. REASON FOR CHANGE: *Rev. Sunday U. Okarimia is late, while Rev. Emmanuel Ibeh has left the Church. Any Objection to the changes should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, and Maitama. P.M.B. 198, Abuja, within twenty Eight (28) days of this publication. . SIGNED: J. KPAKU, ESQ. (Solicitor)

PUBLIC NOTICE

KINGDOM OF PRIESTS CHURCH

The general public is hereby notified that the above named CHURCH has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. REV. ALLAM VITUS ABDUL 2. ALLAM MNGOHOL JENNIFER 3. ELDER ORBUNDE TERWASE 4. PST. EYURUNTELA ALEXANDER EYITUOGO 5. PST. GBEV GRACE MIMI AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO PREAH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO ACT AS A LOBBY GROUP IN DRIVING KEY IDENTIFIED AREAS WHICH REQUIRE DEVELOPMENT. 2.ORGANIZATION OF TRAININGS WITH THE AIM OF EQUIPPING INDIVIDUALS ON THE KNOW HOW OF THE MAINTINANCE OF EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE,THEREBY GIVING RISE TO PROVIDING AND ENHANCING SKILLS ACQUISITION AND THE ATTENDANT JOB CREATION WITH THE AIM OF TACKLING UNEMPLOYMENT AND AIDING THE POVERTY ALLEVIATION DRIVE. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrargeneral, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

DENON WELFARE FOUNDATION

The general public is hereby informed that the above named foundation has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR AKHIGBE OHIMAI LOUIS 2. PASTOR OKOISE ODION MEXY 3. PASTOR OMORODION DORIS 4. MRS LOUIS-AKHIGBE IRENE 5. MISS UGENLO ESTHER DEBORAH

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.MR DEMIAN ARINYZE - PRESIDENT 2.MR JULIUS SUCCEED - VICE PRESIDENT 3.PST. HYMAN AYO - GEN- SECRETARY 4.MRS FAVOUR ARINZE 5.MR ETENG IBIANG 6.MR RICHARD BELLO 7.MR PRINCE MATTEW OKORO 8.MR CHRISTIAN ONYEJE 9.MR GABRIEL ARINZE 10.MRS KATE EGBENUKA AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.PUTTING SMILES IN THE FACES OF THE LESS PREVILEGED. 2.EMPOWERING THE AGED WIDOWS AND THE LESS PREVILEGE THROUGH TRAINING AND FINANCIAL ASSIST. 3.TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE SOCIETY.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrargeneral, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED ANDREW .A.BELLO ESQ 07038976794

SIGNED BARR. KAYODE LAWANI 08095336644

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.REGINALD NNABUE EKEANYANWU 2.PROBEL BARI-ELNEN BESTMAN 3.FADERE ADEGBENRO ALAO 4.SOLOMON AKHIDIME AIDELOMO

SIGNED NKIRUKA BLESSING NWANKWO LEGAL PRACTITIONER 08187074562

The general public is hereby informed that the above named church has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO TAKE THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST TO EVERY PART OF THE COUNTRY THROUGH CRUSADING AND MISSION 2.TO RAISE A KINGDOM OF PRIESTS UNTO THE LORD’S SERVICE. 3.TO SALVAGE THE MORAL DECADANCE IN THE SOCIETY BY RAISING A PEOPLE OF STANDARD, INTEGRITY AND CHARACTER. 4.TO MINISTER TO THE POOR, NEEDY DOWNTRODDEN AND RESTORE THE HOPE OF THE HOPELESS.

PUBLIC NOTICE

SONIA DARE FOUNDATION

This is to inform the General Public that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies And Allied Matters Act, 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Sonia Ifunanya Chukwuka Ike - Chairman 2. Chinedu Amuzie - Secretary 3. Daniel Obinna Ike 4. Sandra Onyenemere AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To create awareness on the importance of education and to involve and engage the youngsters into positive programs that builds their natural talents, abilities and leadership abilities. 2. To create awareness on disability by taking the information tot he masses so as to give them a sense of purpose and identity thereby leading to improvement of their self-esteem and quality of life. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris crescent off AguiyiIronsi street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from this publication. Signed: NWOSU TRACY; 09094350448

PUBLIC NOTICE

KOKO AREA DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

RAYMOND & CATHERINE AFUNANYA FOUNDATION

LIVE AND LET LIVE SOCIAL CLUB OF NIGERIA

This is to inform the General Public 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.

This is to inform the general public that the above named FOUNDATION has applied for change of name from Raymond &catherine foundation to raymond& catherine afunanya foundation 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 CLUB 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. Alh. Adamu S/Aski Koko - Chairman 2. Alh. Saminu Lani - Vice Chairman 3. Alh. Yahaya Bello Koko - Secretary 4. Mal. A’kilu Gwadabawa - Member 5. Aminu Adamu Koko - Member AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote the overall development of the entire area and its people. 2. To consolidate the unity of its members by promoting mutual respect, peaceful con-existence and understanding among its members. 3. To provide for the welfare of its members and their social,recreational and cultural interest. 4. To protect all interest thereof. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris crescent off AguiyiIronsi street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from this publication. Signed: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE BLOCK MAKERS ASSOCIATION IGBETI, OYO STATE 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. Rabiu Musibau 2. Olalowo Joseph 3. Iroko Joseph 4. Yusuf Abdulahi 5. Durosinmi Jamiyu 6. Tijani Jamiu 7. Aremu Bakre AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1 To foster unity among 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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mr Peter Nnochirionye Afunanya, Mnim- Chairman 2. Mrs. Margaret Nnennia Peter-Afunanya - Member 3. Mr. Augustine Chijioke Afunanya - Member 4. Rev. Fr. Donatus Oluwa Chukwu - Member 5. Dr. Gideon Chidi Osi Secretary AIM AND OBJECTIVE

1. To assist the underprivileged people. 2. Pursuit of peace and conflict management and resolution 3. Poverty reduction and community service. 4. Public education and HIV?AIDS pandemic and partnership with drugs and rehabilitation of people living with HIV/AIDS Any Objection to this change should be forwarded to Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris Crescent, Off AguiyiIronsi Street, PMB198, Maitama, Abuja within 28th days from the date of publication. Signed: BARR. IJEOMA EZENTA (08035414172)

PUBLIC NOTICE MAHYOSER OMZ FOUNDATION

The general public is hereby informed that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mrs. Regina Agwuda Ochube 2. Felix Agbo Ochube 3. Henry Eche Ochube 4. Millicent Ogwa Ochube 5. Sunday James Ochube 6. Yvonne Oyiowo Ochube 7. Mary Ochanya Ochube 8. DavinaEdugwu Ochube 9. V/Adm. Usman Oyibe Jibrin 10. Mrs. Margaret Edugwu Eje

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Shaibu Nuhu 2. Sokeh Kevin 3. Igboke Chukwuma 4. Uguru Augustine 5. Ekeh Sylvester 6. Ahametula Ada AIM AND OBJECTIVE 1. To render moral and financial help to fellow members in time of need. 2. To unit its member with view of better realising their common goals. 3. To promote the social welfare and to foster the spirit of oneness and harmony in the relationship among its members and humanity at large. Any Objection to the registration should be forwarded to RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris Crescent, Off AguiyiIronsi Street, PMB198, Maitama, Abuja within 28th days from the date of publication. Signed: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE MOTIVATING AFRICAN YOUTHS INITIATIVE

The general public is hereby informed that the above named INITIATIVE has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Engr. Kola Adeniji 2. Barr. Datta Amachree 3. Engr. Charles Orie 4. Ekwubiri Chinomso Havilah Ogenna 5. Barr. Blessing Balo 6. Dr. Zainab Tambuwal 7. Barr. Frank Omadhebor

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar-general, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. Youth empowerment. 2. To promote cooperation and integration of African youths in teh context of ‘‘emerging leaders and entrepreneurs’’ so as to raise the standard of living of her people and ensure economic stability of the African continent. 3. To reawaken African consciousness in African youths the world over. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar-general, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: DBANQUET CHAMBER 08033436481

SIGNED: JOAN GREG ESQ NO. 22/23 NSITF PLAZA WUSE 2 ABUJA

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To help the orphans, widows and less privileged in the society.

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Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

PUBLIC NOTICE MIND THE GAP COMMUNITY & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. TayoOlosunde - Chairman 2. Olatunji Ajani - Secretary 3. Korede Olosunde AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To promote community and youth development. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar-general, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED: VERA LESLIE 08033901887

PUBLIC NOTICE

FRESH ACCORD INITIATIVE INTERNATIONAL

OLUWATOMISIN ORPHANAGE HOMES

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. A-Delaw Av-Placii 2. Orievulu Kingsley Stephen

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Dr. Oluwatomisin Adewole Abegunde 2. Mrs. Olusesan Abolade Abegunde

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To promote the advancement of peace in the society. 2. To cater for the general welfare of the members and the society.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To promote the orphanage homes in the world. 2. To support natural disaster in the country. 3. To promote health delivery within the rural area.

SIGNED: BARR. NKECHI CHUKWUEMEKA 08037789542

SIGNED: BARR. IDRIS 080330619247

PUBLIC NOTICE

OLUWATOMISIN FOUNDATION

SOUTHERN YOUTHS PEACE INITIATIVE

The general public is hereby informed that the above named BODY has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

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. Uchenna Christiana Ikegwuonu - President 2. Olisa Emeka Anthony - Member 3. Onaku Vitalis Izuchukwu - Member 4. Ikejiofor Emeka Onochie - Member 5. Onwuemene Benedicta Isioma - Member 6. Engr. Emmanuel Chielo - Member 7. Nelly ImeUdoh

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. John Francis Ekene 2. Gabriel Oshomogho Moses 3. Florence Chinyere Ukpe 4. Lucy Oputa 5. Vincent Juliana Praise 6. Joy Isioma Ashinze

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Dr. Oluwatomisin Adewole Abegunde 2. Mrs. Olusesan Abolade Abegunde AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To help the less privilege. 2. To promote education/scholarship award feeding and clothing. 3. To promote orphanage homes Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar-general, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED: BARR. IDRIS 080330619247

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To promote youth participation, good governance, democracy and human rights at the grassroot. 2. To equip young poeple with contemporary job skills for self employment which in turn help to mobilize human, financial and other resources to support community initiatives and projects. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar-general, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED: BARR. EKENE FABIAN APUAMAGA; SOLICITOR

PUBLIC NOTICE

ENAJITE ULOHO FOUNDATION

OKONGWU MEMORIAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL CLUB 97, NNEWI

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mr. Bright Esemuonaha Uloho 2. Mr. Cornelious Oghenevwairhe Awanriota 3. Mr. Moses Ogbemudiare Uloho

The general public is hereby informed that the above named CLUB 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. Ibe Benjamin 2. Amaobi Chukwuka 3. Nonso Igwe 4. Lotanna Okoye 5. Azuka Ojukwu

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To assist in education and medical care to the orphans, disabled and less privileged in the society. 2. To do charity to the needy in the society. 3. To cater for orphans, disabled and less privilege via health care facility, education and scholarships

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To promote, protect the unity of love and mutual cooperation among 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 THIS IS TO TNFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF THE LOSS OF ORIGINAL LETTER OF OFFER OF STATUTORY RIGHT OF CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY IN RESPECT OF (FILE NO. MISC 5O635 PLOT NO. 982, CADASTRAL ZONE CO4, DAPE ABUJA, BELONGING TO IMAM MALIK ISLAMIC SCHOOL OF NO.1, KINKASSAMA ROAD, MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE. ALL EFFORTS MADE TO TRACE THE DOCUMENTS PROVED ABORTIVE. IF FOUND, PLEASE CONTACT THE NEAREST POLICE STATION. SIGNED: BARR. NUHU SAMBO: 08066366043 CHANGE OF NAME

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS MICAH MATHIAS NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MICAH MATHIAS PAU. all FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID.GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known as ONAH GRACE ANAGA. Now wishes to be known as ENECHE GRACE ANAGA. All former documents remain valid.All Authorities concerned and General public to please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known as AMINA MUSA. Now wishes to be known as USMAN AMEENA MUSA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC AND THE General public to please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known as MUSA YAKUBU. Now wishes to be known as MOSES YAKUBU EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid.FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC BAUCHI AND THE General public to please take note.

COVENANT FIRE WORLD WIDE MINISTRY

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To propagate and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. 2. To establish local branches for the propagation of the gospel worldwide. 3. To organize outreaches, crusades, seminars, workshops and revival sevices for the works of the gospel. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar-general, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED: BARR. OBINNA AMORHA 08062631263

PUBLIC NOTICE This is to inform the general public of the loss of original certificate of right of occupancy in respect of plot No: 290, File No: AK 41867, size AK 168, 1.200m2 located at extension AA4, Kuje Area Council of the FCT belonging to Bala Daurawa. All effort to trace the said documents proved abortive, members of the general public should not please. If found kindly returned to the nearest police station or P.O. Box 11158 Garki; Area 10 Abuja PUBLIC NOTICE THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF THE LOSS OF ORIGINAL LETTER OF OFFER OF STATUTORY RIGHT OF CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY IN RESPECT OF (FILE NO. MISC 5O636 PLOT NO. 368, CADASTRAL ZONE CO4, DAPE ABUJA, BELONGING TO IMAM MALIK ISLAMIC SCHOOL OF NO.1, KINKASSAMA ROAD, MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE. ALL EFFORTS MADE TO TRACE THE DOCUMENTS PROVED ABORTIVE. IF FOUND, PLEASE CONTACT THE NEAREST POLICE STATION. SIGNED: BARR. NUHU SAMBO: 08066366043 CHANGE OF NAME

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS miss. muinat olusola disu NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS mrs. muinat olusola oresanya. all FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID.GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

PAGE 47

Peoples Daily, friday, September 19, 2014

Some Interesting Facts

used sheet of Bounce will collect sawdust like a tack cloth. In Singapore, it is illegal to sell or own chewing gum. The shroud of Turin is the single most studied artifact in human history. Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the U.S. treasury. Every Swiss citizen is required by law to have a bomb shelter or access to a bomb shelter. Pearls melt in vinegar. The sperm count of an average male compared to thirty years ago is down thirty percent. Leonardo Da Vinci never dated or signed his most famous painting, the Mona Lisa. Babies start dreaming even before they’re born. The odds of being born male are about 51.2%, according to the census. Fried spiders taste like nuts. Close to two million people who go to the hospital in the U.S. for one ailment wind up catching another. Even a small amount of alcohol placed on a scorpion will cause it to go crazy and sting itself. All babies are color blind when they are born. Only 55 percent of Americans know the Sun is a star. The USA bought Alaska from Russia for 2 cents an acre. Nazi leader Adolf Hitler had only one testicle.

Earl Dean designed the bottle for Coca-cola. All coffee is grown within 1,000 miles or the equator. Smiling releases endorphins in the body, which makes people feel better. When he was only 13, Johnny Depp lost his virginity to a girl slightly older than him. On average, a disposable

Leisure

diaper can hold up to 7 pounds of liquid. The world’s smallest and oldest republic is San Morino. It’s 25 square miles and is located mostly on top of a mountain entirely surrounded by Italy. Goats eyes have rectangular pupils. Over half the U.S. population would rather fold, than wad their

toilet paper. 23% of all photocopier faults worldwide are caused by people sitting on them and photocopying their butts. 2,500 left handers die each year using products designed for right handers. When honey is swallowed, it enters the blood stream within 20 minutes.

Say what?

SUDOKU SUDOKU EASY 150

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Forrest Galante, middle, says he’s surprised that he has survived his incredible encounters. Source: Dailymail.co.uk

www.peoplesdailyng.com

QUOTABLE QUOTE Torture is not even a criminal offence in Nigeria. Our message to the Nigerian authorities today is clear criminalise torture, end incommunicado detention and fully investigate allegations of abuse.

. . . putting the people first

friday, september 19, 2014

SPORTS

latest

CAF bans Birori for two-year in all football activities

wanda international Dady Birori has been banned from football for two years by the Confederation of African Football for holding two registrations with different details. As well as a Rwandan passport, Birori also has a DR Congo passport under the name of Etekiama Agiti Tady, with different dates of birth on each. Birori plays for AS Vita Club using his DR Congo passport and the name Tady. His suspension is a huge blow for the player and his club, who have a two-legged Champions League semi-final against CS Sfaxien later this month. In August Caf suspended Birori until further notice and disqualified Rwanda from the 2015 Africa Cup Nations qualifiers for fielding an ineligible player. That initial ruling followed a protest made by the Congo Brazzaville Football Federation after Birori featured in the first leg of the second round qualifier between the nations last month in Pointe-Noir. Rwanda had beaten Congo on penalties over two legs to reach the group phase but it instead the beaten side progressed to Group A of qualifying for the next year’s finals in Morocco. Congo have since gone on to win their opening two matches - including a 3-2 victory away to defending champions Nigeria and are top of the table.

Dady Birori Advert: 0806 business: 0704 news: 0814 lagos: 0805 0803

– Amnesty International’s Research and Advocacy Director Netsanet Belay

As Suntai saunters into Jalingo...

t was about 7:40pm in late October, 2012 when pilot Danbaba Danfulani Suntai manoeuvred the landing gear of his aircraft, a Cessna 208, for the final descent. It was already dark, and the most visible illumination around Namtari village, located on the outskirt of Yola, was the NNPC depot. Pilot Suntai mistook the depot’s floodlights with Yola airport tarmac light and crashed into a farmland. My incurable acrophobia always betrays me whenever I attempt to make myself airplane buff. Sometimes I wished aircraft was never invented in view of its attendant precariousness and vulnerability. In May this year, I classified it as ‘necessary evil’ when my flight from Istanbul to Kano suddenly developed a fault and made a loud bang mid air. It was a harrowing experience that caused commotion in the aircraft and forced the pilot to make a U-turn back to Istanbul airport. Conversely, Danbaba Suntai, the governor of Taraba State, is air freak. The governor loves flying just as he loves power — and now fishing. Suntai is a victim of Nigeria’s chronic state of impunity. Nigerian system gives all manner of waivers, tax holidays, etc to the elite. Even in the realm of violation of law and order, the elite get crime waivers, stealing holidays and ‘duty-free’ (or is it looty-free?) privileges to spend their loot. Fact of the matter is Suntai does not acquire what in aviation circle called Instrument Rating. This certificate, according to Rockcliffe Flying Club, “allows a private or commercial pilot license holder to fly into Instrument Meteorological conditions, i.e. cloud and visibility less than Visual Flight Rules (VFR). Instrument rating is required for a commercial pilot to be Pilot in Command (PIC) of a commercial flight carrying passengers at night”. In plain language, Suntai does not obtain the certificate needed to fly at night. He was a novice. If air traffic is solely controlled by the pilots as in road traffic, the VIOs would have charged him for driving without license. FRSC too would insist Suntai’s plane have “L” sign dangle on its tail and cockpit. But don’t solely blame Governor Suntai; blame the Nigerian system that gives exception to every situation, however crucial or critical. The system that lowers the bar for the governor because he is a governor. I was shocked to learn that Suntai once piloted President Jonathan on the ill-fated plane. Writing on the matter, columnist Salisu Suleiman said: “The first

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Friday Column Jaafar Jaafar

Suntai observation is that President Jonathan’s security operatives displayed unbelievable lack of professionalism and put the president’s life in great risk by allowing him to be piloted by a 51 old man trying to play Boy Scout. The Presidential Fleet has some of Nigeria’s best trained pilots and it is their duty to fly the president and other key functionaries. If the president needed to (be) flown around in a helicopter, why didn’t a plane from the fleet dash to Taraba to convey him?” The Nigerian system allows a president to breach not only protocol but constitutional provisions. Nigerian leaders hardly abide by the restrictions put by their security details in order to safeguard their lives or image. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo once snatched a cane from security personnel and beat him severely as punishment for beating a bystander. The same Obasanjo allegedly stopped his motorcade to defecate openly in the bush.

“

Once a president, a governor, nay any public office holder, one has to stop some whimsical hobbies and other attitudes that will lower the estimation of the office. President Obama declared openly that he quitted smoking after becoming president. Did you hear someone quitting kainkain at least to shore up respect to the office and also avoid some diplomatic solecism? Here the seat of power even makes one start smoking cigars when he was hitherto a Three Rings smoker, adopt exotic drinks or date foreign escorts. Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi is another stuntman governor Third Republic produced. Amaechi often travels alone in order to tell Nigerians driving is his hobbyhorse. Despite Arnold Schwarzenegger’s love for acting, he suspended acting until after leaving office in 2011. You can roll out your Schumacher talent or join Richard Branson travel to space when you are out of office but not when your attention is needed to attend to state matters affecting millions. Suntai is now back — ‘in Abuja from Abuja’ as he claimed in a new video that indicated he was not aware he had just returned from London. To him, Eagles Square and Trafalgar Square are identical. He couldn’t tell apart Abuja airport and Heathrow, nor could he differentiate Millennium Towers with the Shards. If Suntai could not differentiate between London and Abuja, he will definitely not differentiate between the accent of our ebullient Mama Peace and that of Queen Elizabeth. When Suntai returned to Nigeria from America 10 months after the crash, he was aided by

his wife and a group of political associates to alight from the aircraft. Looking visibly abnormal, grimacing instead of smiling, limping instead of sauntering, the ailing governor looked more of a puppet. This time round, he was sneaked out of the plane without the normal airport protocol in order to conceal his condition and stage a comeback at the government. Against the picture painted by the cabal that he can walk unaided, talk not parrot-like, Suntai showed no sign of mental fitness. One blogger quipped: “the cabal saying Suntai was fit to rule, should ask him to pilot them in an aircraft”. Harsh. Immediately after his first return from medical trip, Taraba State had a sudden tumble into political quagmire. The political vultures flocked around Suntai’s decomposing political career, feasting with relish. Suntai was once video-recorded by the cabal around him addressing the people of Taraba State, stuttering he has dissolved his cabinet. The Suntai I watched lately is not physically and mentally balanced. What is now required of the lawmakers is to stand their grounds and ensure that Suntai is clinically fit to resume office before giving him the nod. The political stalemate in Taraba State is a saddening situation that further put our democracy to test. Similar scenario occurred when late President Umaru Yar’Adua was terminally ill, and showed no sign of recovery. The cabal around the late president enmeshed in a political subterfuge and sabotaged every constitutional process that could make his deputy, Goodluck Jonathan, acting president. Jonathan was denied access to Yar’Adua at home and abroad. Against cabal’s wish, the Senate took the right decision. The deputy governor of Taraba State Alhaji Garba Umar was even lucky to be made “acting governor” without civil society organisations and rights activists marching the streets of Jalingo or lobbying the state lawmakers to invoke the Doctrine of Necessity as the case of President Jonathan. In hindsight, without the death of Umaru Yar’Adua, the powerful cabal around late president would hardly allow Jonathan become president no matter how long the president remained bedridden. The Taraba political crisis is a xeroxed copy Yar’Adua/Jonathan presidency. Jonathan perhaps refused to wade into the crisis because he suffered a similar fate. Therefore acting governor of Taraba State, Garba Umar, will hardly become governor unless after 2015 election or when Suntai fully recovers, and saunters into Jalingo unaided.

Published by Peoples Media Limited, 35, Ajose Adeogun Street, 1st Floor Peace Park Plaza, Utako, Abuja. Kano office: Plot 3, Zaria Road, Opposite Kano State House of Assembly. Lagos Office: No.8 Oliyide Street, off Unity Road, Ikeja, Lagos. Tel: +234 814 292 9046. Cell: +234 802 443 2099; 803 7007 759. e-mail: contact@peoplesdailyng.com; pmlnewsdesk@gmail.com ISSN: 2141– 6141