Tuesday, December 20, 2016 Edition

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Tuesday, December 20, 2016 / Rabi’ul Awwal 20, 1438 AH . . . putting the people first

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Executive, legislature relations shouldn't undermine governance - Buhari

page 5

Magu not rejected, SGF not indicted, Senate recants page 5

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Filippo Grandi (right) interacting with a baby, during his visit to Bakassi Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp on Sunday in Maiduguri.

Photo: NAN

2 female suicide bombers kill selves in Maiduguri pAGE 7

Workers shut AG's office, protest Ayine's appointment pAGE 3

page 6

24-hour curfew imposed on Kafanchan

74 journalists killed nationwide in 2016 - Media watchdog >> pg 3

pAGE 10

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, dEceMBER 20, 2016

News

CONTENTS News 2-10 Editorial 11 Op.Ed 12 Letters 13 Politics 15-17 Business Stockwatch

19-20 18

What hope as pneumonia, diarrhea kills more children in Nigeria?

Page 4

Int’l 23-24 Metro

21-22

Feture 26 Sports 27-28 Columnist 32

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Truck drivers block Abuja-Lokoja-Okene highway to protest N10, 000 tax

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rotesting truck drivers have blocked the Abuja-LokojaOkene highways since the early hours of Monday, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

The drivers are protesting the N10,000 daily tax imposed by the Kogi State revenue Service.

The state government, police and the Federal Road Safety Corps

were, however, taking measure to ensure free flow of traffic.

No official reaction yet from the state government but the state police Commissioner, Badulahi Chafe, is currently in a meeting with the leadership of the truck drivers to end the blockade.

One of the motorists trapped in the gridlock, Isaac Ighure, said he

had remained on the same spot on the road for over three hours .

Mr. Igure described the development as bad for the state and the country, especially when it is happening few days to Christmas.

The gridlock has stretched to over 30 kilometres as at the time of this report.

The meeting with officials of the truck drivers is holding at the state police command headquarters.

The Police Public Relations Officers, ASP William Aya, who confirmed this to NAN said that the issue would be resolved soonest in order to ease the hardship on motorists and the travelling public.

(NAN)

Buhari: No robust funds for foreign missions

By Lawrence Olaoye

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resident Muhammadu Buhari has told the Ambassadors-designate that the nation could no longer afford robust resources to fund foreign missions just as he charged them to learn to adapt and do more with less funds made available to them.

The President, according to a statement made available to newsmen by his Special Adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, gave the charge yesterday while declaring open an induction course organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Nigerian Career Ambassadors-designate who were recently cleared by the Senate.

Buhari, who expressed optimism that the current economic recession in the country will ebb in 2017 said “We are optimistic that the external factors that partly contributed to push our economy into recession will ebb in 2017. Until then, I regret that the resources available to fund our missions abroad will not be as robust as we would like.

We are working hard to turn around our national economy by effectively reforming our macroeconomic environment through measures, some of which were outlined in my budget speech to the National Assembly last week.”

While maintaining that the prevailing economic circumstances have led to a restructuring of Nigerian missions abroad, Buhari reminded the Ambassadors-designate that , “as we are all making great sacrifices at home, we also expect you to similarly make judicious use of the resources put at the disposal of your missions. As Heads of missions, you will be held accountable for the utilisation of all resources under your control. These are lean times, and all of us are expected to do more with less.”

He specifically charged the Ambassadors-designate to change the narrative of Nigeria outside the country by playing up the positive values and outstanding contributions of Nigerians in the global arena.

“I want to emphasise your duty to change the narrative of Nigeria as seen by the outside world. For far too long, we have allowed Nigeria to be defined by others, always emphasizing our negatives. To the average foreigner, Nigeria evokes 419, terrorism, militancy, communal and religious clashes, insecurity, corruption and all our other faults,” he said.

The President continued: “You have the duty to correct this narrative by taking the initiative to define and portray our country for what it truly is. We are a nation of 180 million vibrant, enterprising, hardworking, hospitable and peaceful people. We are a remarkable nation that has succeeded in harnessing our multiple diversities as strengths such that we are the leading country on the continent. Therefore, you will need to mobilise, sensitise and motivate all your staff so that together you engage with your host governments, the private sector and other segments of the society to explain that Nigeria is much more than the negative image portrayed to them.”

Buhari also enjoined them to leverage on the achievements of

Nigerians within the country and in diaspora: Think of people like Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, Chinedu Echeruo who founded Hotspot application which he sold to Apple for over a billion Dollars; think of Bayo Ogunlesi, who runs over a billion Dollar Infrastructure Fund and is now Adviser to US President-elect; and Jelani Aliyu, an accomplished car designer at General Motors. Indeed, these and other hardworking Nigerian professionals in the diaspora have never forgotten their roots and have been making significant contributions to their communities back home, and even to our economy through their huge remittances.”

He urged them to sustain the work ethic characterized by the love of country, professionalism, excellence, integrity and honour associated with the “Nigerian diplomatic tradition established in 1957 by the pioneers of the Nigerian Foreign Service, sometimes referred to as the “Twelve Apostles” and also “bequeath same to succeeding generations. ” The President also charged the Ambassadors-designate to stress Nigeria’s commitment to international

peace and security through contributions “to nearly every UN peacekeeping initiative since 1960 when we achieved our independence. In addition, we are the stabilizers and shock absorbers of West Africa having helped to contain potentially de-stabilizing developments in the sub-region.”

He urged the Ambassadors– designate always to be mindful of the national priorities that “revolve around the economy, security, anti-corruption, good governance, agricultural transformation and infrastructural development, including rail, roads and power” and use their roles “as Principal Representatives to build meaningful partnerships to attract foreign investments, new skills and technologies.”

Buhari stressed that “as Nigerian Ambassadors, you must set the standard of putting Nigeria first in all your actions.

You must show leadership, fairness and justice to all. Discipline, probity, accountability and zero tolerance for corruption must be your watchwords.

You are expected to project the best image and traditions of our country in your conduct and all you do.”

Governor of Katsina State, Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, (2nd right),in a handshake with the Chancellor of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU), Alhaji Umaru Mutallab, during a visit by the management of UMYU, yesterday in Katsina With them are, from right, the Special Adviser for Higher Education, Professor Badamasi Lawal Charanchi, the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Mannir Yakubu and the Vice Chancellor of UNYU; Professor Idris Isa Funtua, (1st right),

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, dEceMBER 20, 2016

News

Ag News Editor Ese Awhotu

Workers shut AG office, protest Ayine’s appointment

By Ese Awhotu with agency report

T

he Office of the Auditor General of the Federation was shut for three hours yesterday by workers union protesting that appointment of Anthony Ayine by President Muhammadu Buhari as the Auditor-General for the Federation.

The protesting workers who were joined by a coalition of civil society group arrived the Audit House which is the headquarters of the Office of the Auditor General as early as 6am and shut it down to business activities.

The placard carrying protesters said they were rejecting Ayine’s nomination because he was not to head the Auditor General’s Office

as a local government employee.

The placards carried inscriptions such as “Bringing an outsider as Auditor General would jeopardize our future,” “We need internal succession,” “We once had an outsider and it failed us.”

Speaking to journalists yesterday, the Chairman of the workers’ union, Mr Aina Abiodun

said Ayine’s was being rejected by the workers because the office of the Auditor General for the federation is a constitutional office based on career progression.

He said since the office is not a political position, any appointment must be done based on career progression.

According to him, “The OAGF is not for the highest bidder.

There is career retardation in the office and as such we are asking the president to please help the audit institution to address this anomalies and inadequacies.”

However, the protest which lasted for three hours was suspended after some top officials in the Auditor General’s Office intervened.

Youth group alleges disparity in SGF resignation letter

By Albert Akota

T

he National Youth Reform Group (NYRG) has alleged disparity in the resignation letter purportedly submitted by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation

(SGF), Engr. Babachir David Lawal, to Rholavision Engineering Ltd. The Chairman of the Group, Charles Olufemi Folayan who stated this at a press briefing in Abuja yesterday, said investigation by his group had shown that Babachir resigned from

the company August 18, 2015, before his appointment, while the letter from the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, is reading 2016.

According to him, the group has the original letter submitted by the SGF and the one with the Senate.

Folayan said: “It has been revealed that the allegation against the SGF has some elements of misinformation, lies and forgery that the Senate leadership has once been accused of and the allegation is the handiwork of some agents of corrupt people, who have

been prevented by the SGF from having their ways in government.

“We can no longer fold our arms and watch the people who are supposed to work for us now working against us and for their selfish interest,” the group said.

150,000 refugees have returned home, says Buhari

By Lawrence Olaoye

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari has said that his administration is being guided by international best practice and standards in its rehabilitation of millions of persons displaced by the activities of the Boko Haram insurgents in the country.

Buhari, while receiving Mr Phillipo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees yesterday in State House, also disclosed that about 150,000 refugees have also returned into the country from across the nation’s borders.

According to a statement by his spokesperson, Femi Adesina, Buhari told the UN envoy that Nigeria was making efforts to domesticate the Kampala Convention, which legally binds governments to protect the rights and wellbeing of people forced to flee their homes by conflict.

The President lauded the military, which he said has created a safe passage that has made it easier to help the displaced persons.

He disclosed that different mechanisms have been put in place to care for the displaced, in areas of nutrition, health, physical and spiritual rehabilitation, among others.

“About 150,000 refugees have also come back home from across the borders. Our sleeves are rolled up to face the challenges head-on,

along with our strategic partners, “ the President said, adding that Nigeria appreciated the continued collaboration of the United Nations.

Grandi, who had visited Cameroun, Niger, and Chad, as part of his tour of the Lake Chad Basin

region, commended what he called “Nigeria’s determination to resolve the humanitarian crisis” at hand, noting that his visit to Maiduguri, in Borno State, afforded him the opportunity “to see the excellent work being done by the authorities,

with support of the international community.”

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees said he was leaving Nigeria with the conviction that things were under control, stressing “A lot remains to be done, but I see progress.

I have seen the protection given to the rights and privileges of civilians in the North-east, and it is commendable.”

Grandi added the UN would always be willing to assist Nigeria with resources and the needed expertise to resettle displaced persons.

President Muhammadu Buhari Chats with Director General National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mr. Ayo Oke and Ambassadorial designates as President Inaugurates them, during their Induction Course, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: State House

Dogara applauds Supreme Court judgement on sack of LG chairmen

By Umar Muhammad Puma

S

peaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Yakubu Dogara, has applauded the Supreme Court’s judgement which held that the sack of elected local government chairmen and councillors by state governments and appointment of caretaker administrators is illegal.

This judgement buttresses Dogara’s position that state governors do not have the constitutional right to sack duly elected

local government officials and the need for local government autonomy, both financially and administratively, in order for local Government councils to develop.

The Supreme Court judgment delivered by the five-man panel, led by Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, in the case of the appeal against the dissolution of the 16 Local Government Executives in Ekiti State, during Kayode Fayemi’s tenure, described the practice as “executive recklessness”, which must not be allowed to persist.

State Governors have a constitutional responsibility to act according to the dictates of the judgement, as Nigeria is a nation of laws and not of men. The National Assembly will undoubtedly, intervene legislative to solve this problem. Already, clauses granting financial autonomy to both local councils and State Houses of Assembly are being considered by the National Assembly in the ongoing constitutional amendment exercise. The proposals include denying federal allocation to local governments

that do not have democratically elected council officials. In the interim, the Federal Ministry of Finance should be guided by the Supreme Court decision which makes it illegal to release Federation Account funds to an unelected Council.

In an interview recently, the Speaker described the state-local government Joint Account as “evil” and urged state legislators to move against governors who refused to conduct council polls and hijack their funds.

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, dEceMBER 20, 2016

What hope as pneumonia, diarrhea kills more children in Nigeria?

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

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neumonia was recently reported to be the leading cause of child deaths in Nigeria, a position previously held by malaria over the years. In 2015; about 17 per cent (127,000 deaths) and 10 percent (75,000) of all under-five deaths were caused by pneumonia and diarrhea, respectively.

As the world grapple with this thorny issue - Pneumonia, which has overtaken malaria as the number one killer disease among children under the age of five in Nigeria is regarded as one of the common childhood illnesses, as revealed by the International Vaccines Access Centre (IVAC).

Jean Gough, the United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Representative in Nigeria, has repeatedly warned that “lack of exclusive breastfeeding is implicated in the current high rate of child malnutrition in Nigeria; while exclusive breastfeeding should be the first strategy in fighting child malnutrition.

What is the key to unlocking the big story and throw back the embarrassment of economic recession, food insecurity, high unemployment and the near-total collapse of the health system occasioned by lack of access to health care in Nigeria?

In a bid to help narrow the gap of survival of mothers and new born in the face of competing needs, peculiarity, and limited resources, UNICEF in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency, Edo state Directorate; provided a platform to sensitize and train Volunteer Community Mobilizers (VCM’s) in some parts of Edo state and fortify themselves against preventable killer diseases.

They came to provoke a response without hesitation. This time, Esan North East Local Government Council of Edo state for the 3-Day trainning programme for faith, Community based Organizations, religious leaders Non-Governmental Organisations and other stakeholders.

The fruitful exercise was meant to strengthen their resolve to build capacity and educate the people to shun risky behaviours within the swaths of influence, in order not to be on the wrong side of history.

At the Secretariat of Esan North East Local Government Council, venue of the event which begun 14th December 2016, featured paper presentations on exclusive breastfeeding, malaria prevention, control and treatment as well as food and Nutrition etc at record time.

The choice of language and pattern of presentation of the Facilitators surfed on the wave of goodwill of existing relationship between them and the locals, serenaded around the Assembly, reshaped human lives.

The programme which cuts across the world of politics, business, age, sex, gender, and religion, renewed call for a concrete model to the people a sense of belonging and make the voices count on key household practices and other issues of concern where it matters.

Edo state Director, National Orientation agency, Mrs. Magdalene Umunna, briefed participants and resource persons on the purpose of the gathering and called for voluntary commitment to end preventable deadly diseases affecting women and Children especially.

Umunna goodwill message on the

participants at the 3-Day sensitization and training programme of Community volunteer mobilization at Esan North East Secretariat in Edo state. programme was delivered by Tsetimi Eyituoyo, an Official in the agency. His views were corroborated by UNICEF local resource person, Tim Idowu moderated the sessions.

Idowu contended that being (VCM’s), was not conceived as a self-serving racket, but, a task to render selfless service to humanity, especially women and Children and elderly people in society.

Idowu who was flanked by UNICEF desk Officer at NOA office in Benin, Pastor Chris Obaweki, encouraged participants to be United in the fight against deadly diseases by imbibing good sanitary habit.

“We should be passionate in whatever we do at all times in order to achieve maximum results”, raising pertinent questions concerning myths and misconceptions about maternal and Reproductive health.

Delivering a paper on “common Childhood illness”, Edo state Immunisation Officer in the state Ministry of Health, Mrs. Aikhuele Justina, formulated four major symptoms and six steps in management, prevention of diarrhea, cold, Pneumonia and fever as well as the importance of Immunization in the life of Children.

According to her, “Immunization serves as defense or safeguard for the body and prevent Children from becoming vulnerable to disease attack” which often result in loss of lives, especially if such cases are reported late or not properly handled by experts.

In his report on exclusive breastfeeding, Edo state Nutrition Officer, attached to the state Ministry of Health, James Uwaifoh, harped on the right dietary habit as a recipe against deadly diseases such as malnutrition, cholera, diarrhea and other deadly diseases which often result to deaths of Children between age 0 and five.

He called for positive change in lifestyle to promote wellness, especially among the ageing population. Uwaifoh, who relied on some relevant authorities to support his claims, said, only 25 percent of breastfeeding mothers in the state were truly committed to exclusive breastfeeding of their Children.

“Food and Nutrition must be taken seriously. Many people pay less attention to food and Nutrition have lost control of their Children...In Edo state, exclusive breastfeeding is 25 percent, which means that in every 10 breastfeeding mothers, only three are committed to exclusive breastfeeding. Others are deceiving themselves and pretending”.

The Paper delivered by the Focal person, roll back malaria, Esan North East Local Government Area, Dr. Osazee Arasomwan who offers a glimpse into the malaria, urged the participants to shun risky behaviours that could predispose them to mosquito bites and dirty environment, insisting however, that malaria prevention is better than cure.

“

Food and Nutrition must be taken seriously. Many people pay less attention to food and Nutrition have lost control of their Children...In Edo state, exclusive breastfeeding is 25 percent, which means that in every 10 breastfeeding mothers, only three are committed to exclusive breastfeeding. Others are deceiving themselves and pretending

For Mrs. Helen Ehigie, state Health Educator attached to the state Ministry of Health, dwelled on the importance of anti-natal care in the lives of Children and expectant mothers whom he tasked on Child spacing and other harmful practices which could result to still births, deformity in Children.

She insisted that it is extremely difficult to mobilise people around old ideas to check the gravest predicament of life and expect to get new results during voluntary health services.

Mrs. Ehigie, assisted by other health Officials and other local resource persons, also made a practical demonstration of hand washing exercise.

Evangelist Godfrey Iyoha from Efandion, Ward 8, Esan North Easl Local Government Area, listed family pressure, lack of skilled Cooks, low income and fragile economic power of women as responsible why most underprivileged breastfeeding mothers in Nigeria develop apathy for “exclusive breastfeeding”.

The participants are expected to do a postmortem of the knowledge they have acquired from the training programme and draw up an action plan that would ensure that preventive measures are taken not to rollback common killer diseases of Children and women of Child bearing age.

A structure would be put in place to compliment the efforts of workers across the 22 primary Healthcare centres (PHC’s) in the Local Government Council and keep obtain data on anti-natal care attendants to help monitor the compliance. They are also to ensure that births registration and other health related issues of concern do not end a a bye product of a confiscated idea.

To give everyone a reason to cheer, UNICEF desk officer at NOA office in Benin, Pastor Chris Obaweki along with other project Facilitators as a matter of priority, have disclosed plans to hold quarterly meeting with the PHC’s workers to ease the danger of moving backward and plan for future hence it is impossible to succeed in isolation.

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, dEceMBER 20, 2016

News

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

he leadership of the Senate has said that the upper chamber has neither indicted the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), David Babachir Lawal, nor rejected the nomination of Ibrahim Magu as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Responding to questions from the State House Correspondents on the position of the duo after consultation with President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday, Senate Leader, Senator Mohammed Ndume, clarified that the Senate only demanded some clarifications from President Muhammadu Buhari on Magu

Executive, legislature relations shouldn’t undermine governanceBuhari

PAGE 5

Magu not rejected, SGF not indicted, Senate recants following a report received from the Department of State Service (DSS).

On question bordering on rejection of Magu, Ndume said “No, no no. Let me say categorically that the Senate did not reject Ibrahim Magu as the chairman.

What happened was that when we selected his confirmation for Thursday, then we had an issue or a letter from the Department of State Security (DSS) that could not allow us to continue with the confirmation without further clarifications. So, we now concluded that since we have a letter that we cannot ignore, we cannot do the confirmation. So, it was not that we sat down to take a decision that we have rejected Ibrahim Magu. So, I want to that to come out clearly.

“We specifically asked chairman media to issue a statement. What we said was that on that Thursday the Senate could not go ahead with the confirmation of Mr. Ibrahim Magu and that we are in possession of a letter from the Department of State Service which requires clarification from Mr. President, who is the head of the government.

That was what happened.

Even if the rejection is going to come, it is not going to come from the Senate because we have not done anything anyway.”

When reminded that the Senate Spokesman, Senator Aliyu Abdullai Sabi, said the Senate rejected Magu, Ndume said “I hope we are not arguing. I listened and I still listened because of this controversy that can come out. I’m part of the persons that wrote the short press

statement which states that the Senate cannot continue with the confirmation. It is different from saying that the Senate has rejected.

In fact we have referred the other four to the committee.”

On Senate recommendation for the sack of the SGF, he said “It’s not an order we are giving. The Senate resolution is a recommendation, it’s not a law. What the Senate considered is work in progress because it was an interim report.

“It is the same public that is interested and worried to know what have we done as a Senate about those allegations. The committee issued an interim report and the interim report seemed to indict the SGF, the consequences of that indictment are what they recommended but we are not there yet because the report itself

• L-R: Commissioner of Commerce, Zamfara state, Fatima Umaru Shinkafi, Minister of State for Mines and Steel development, Hon. Abubakar Bawa Bwari Wife of Kebbi state Governor, Hajiya Zaina Bagudu and Minister of Mines and Steel development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, during the Launching of operational vehicles for the ministry, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

By Lawrence Olaoye

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resident Muhammadu Buhari has urged the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, not to allow occasional differences between the legislature and the executive to affect good governance in the country.

The President, according to a statement made available to newsmen yesterday by his Senior Special Assistants on media and publicity, Garba Shehu, gave the urge in a goodwill message to the Senate President on the occasion of his 54th birthday anniversary yesterday.

Shehu stated that Buhari “notes that whatever differences that may occasionally arise between the two branches of government should not be allowed to compromise their common goals of promoting the greater progress and development of Nigeria.

According to Buhari, despite the principle of separation of powers, both arms of government should be united in the promotion of the common good of the people.

While wishing the Senate President many more prosperous years ahead, the President called for closer cooperation between the executive and the legislature to ensure the smooth implementation of government policies and programmes.”

The President described the Senate President as “one of the most influential politicians of our time who has made tremendous impact on the country.”

He noted that Senator Saraki has successfully kept the memory of his late father alive by identifying with the grassroots in his home state.

is interim. Ok, we take the interim report, we give the public until the whole investigation is concluded.

I hear, coming from the SGF that he has not been given a fair hearing, so the hearing has not finished. We can give him an ample of time to go before the committee and clear himself.”

Asked why he came to see the President, the Senate Leader said “Let me say that my meeting with Mr. President is not a new thing in that you have been seeing me here in and out for two reasons: one I’m the Senate leader by the grace of God and two, Gen. Buhari, the President is one of my mentors and we have been relating since 2002. So, we normally come intermittently to compare notes on issues so that’s my reason for coming here.”

We’ll fund 2017 budget with N288bn recovered loot-FG restates

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

he federal government has said that the total sum of N288.6 billion recovered loot from the previous administrations would be deployed to fund the 2017 appropriation estimates currently awaiting consideration and approval of the National Assembly.

This declaration was made by the Director General Budget Office, Ben Akabueze, yesterday while responding to questions from Journalists at the 2017 Budget Breakdown organized by the Ministry of Budget and Planning at Old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa.

Minister for Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, who also responded to questions, allayed fears over the pendency of the approval of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) by the National

Assembly ahead of the presentation of the 2017 budget estimates last week.

This came as the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, admitted that the Social Intervention Scheme piloted by the Federal Government has not performed fairly well.

Akabueze said “A total of N288.6 billion. This includes N97.6 billion which is equivalent of $220 dollars expected from the Swiss, part of what is called Abacha loot recovery. Then it also includes N72 billion that has already been received in recent cases of loot recovery. And a balance of N90billion.

“Other expected recoveries that are at an advanced and reasonable stage that we feel comfortable and confident that they would come through in 2017 and so they have been reflected in the budget.”

Udoma on his part said that the

National Assembly which already had both the MTEF and the budget would work on them at their own pace.

He also underscored the determination of the government to pull Nigeria out of recession.

He said: “With respect to the question about the MTEF, the National Assembly has the MTEF which has been updated. And they have the budget. So, everything is with them. So, they will determine how they treat it. I am sure the sequence will be (that) they do the MTEF before they do the budget. But everything is with the National Assembly.

“We are determined to bring succor to our people. The only way is by taking strong actions to change the current trajectory of the Nigerian economy.

To get out of the recession and bring the country back on the path of growth, government must find the resources to spend on infrastructure,

and to spend to reflate the economy”.

His Minister of State for Budget, Ahmed said that the social intervention programme encountered teething problems even as she believed that the issues would be completely solved in the 2017 budget to meet the objective of the scheme.

According to her, the program could not record any meaningful progress until October this year.

She however assured that the implementation of the program will fully take-off by next year.

It would be recalled that only thirteen states have completed the verification of their slots in the 200,000 persons selected for employment into the N-Power jobs being managed by the federal government.

The school feeding program has not recorded much success in those pioneer states of Osun, Kaduna and Anambra states.

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, dEceMBER 20, 2016

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News

S/Kaduna killings: 24-hour curfew imposed on Kafanchan

From Femi Oyelola, Laguna

W

hat started as a peaceful protest by youths of Jema’a Local Government headquarters in Kafanchan against the unending

killings in Southern Kaduna yesterday ended up in chaos as some youth set some shops ablaze.

However, the timely arrival of policemen and other security agents helped in bringing the

situation under control.

Foreseeing more problems, the local Government Chairman of Jema’a Local Government Council, Dr Bege Katuka slammed a 24 hour curfew on Kafanchan and its environs to

prevent further break down of law and order.

Dr Bege Katuka who confirmed the development via a telephone interview with our correspondent hinted that, the decision became necessary to forestall any possible

• Members of Adamawa branch of Association of Nigerian Architectural Professionals (ANAP) and pupils of Low Cost Primary School, Yola planting trees to mark the end of year’s school programme, yesterday in Adamawa. Photo: NAN

breakdown of law and order in his jurisdiction.

According to the council chair, “as a responsible government, it was incumbent on the council to take proactive measures to guarantee the safety of lives and property.

He urged the people to be calm and remain indoors until the situation improved.

Spokesperson of the youths, Mr Nathan Chaweson regretted the high level of impunity exhibited by the attackers even with the presence of security operatives at flashpoints.

Chaweson lamented government’s failure to guarantee the security of the people from which was its primary responsibility, adding that for the period the attacks lasted, no single arrest had been recorded.

“We are pushed to wall to question the innocence of the government in what has been happening,” he said.

The Spokesperson challenged the government to rise to the responsibility of protecting lives and property in all parts of he State to give everyone a sense of belonging. Youths were seen leaves and placards with varying inscriptions, chanting “we no go gree” slogan.

The Police Public Relation Officer ASP Aliyu Usman Katsina while speaking to Peoples D

ABSUTH workers begin strike

W

orkers of Abia State University Teaching Hospital on Monday began an indefinite strike following the nonpayment of six months salaries by the state government.

A correspondent who monitored the action at the Aba campus of the hospital on Monday reported that workers including

medical and paramedical staff as well as administrative workers barricaded the hospital entrance.

The striking workers also locked out the Chief Medical Officer of the hospital, Dr Chucks Kamalu.

The Secretary, Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Allied Institutions, ABSUTH Chapter, Mr Samuel

Kalu, said the strike would be total until they received payment alert.

Addressing the workers at the ABSUTH, Aba campus, Kalu expressed dismay over the nonpayment of salaries.

He said, “They tell us, they will pay today, they will pay tomorrow but it is all a lie. So what we are doing is what is right in law to get our salaries. We will occupy here

until we get salary payment alert.

“Nobody will pass through this gate without wearing black attire. Our children are asking us when are we traveling home for Christmas yet we cannot buy food items for our homes.

“Our homes are breaking because of this suffering. We cannot endure anymore. We want you workers to be peaceful until

Criticism trails N237.80bn Delta debt profile

From Osakhare Erese, Asaba

C

riticisms have continued to trail the Delta State debt profile of N237.80bn.

Although, the present administration of Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa had claimed that the debt was inherited through successive administrations.

Investigation revealed that some people have allegedly resorted to pointing accusing fingers at Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa’s led administration as part of the colossal debt hanging on the state, adding that the state blessed with abundant mineral resources including oil owes various banks as loans obtained is a shame and aberration.

Comrade Emeka Okonta, Delta State Chairman accused governor Okowa of allegedly playing to the gallery, adding that PDP led governments across country , have

failed to provide the dividend of democracy for the people of the state its govern.

In his words: “The N237.80 billion debt is not a good omen for the state at all, Okowa has some questions to answer to Deltans even though he claimed that successive governments incurred the debt, Okowa had also borrowed money in a state where there are lots of mineral resources, oil” But the State Commissioner for Finance, Orogun David Edevbie told journalists yesterday in Asaba at a news briefing that the Delta State Government under the leadership of Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa manages to pay salaries consistently since June 2015 despite the dwindling revenue receipts from the federation account caused by a decline in international crude oil prices and vandalized oil pipelines and flow stations in the state by militants.

This, according to the Commissioner had placed the State which once second in 13% mineral revenue receipts, has dropped to fourth after Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Rivers States.

Olorogun Edevbie disclosed that while pipelines vandalism have continued to thrive, aggregate revenue for the period of 29 May, 2015, and 30 September 2016, was N192.50 billion compared to N280.71 billion budgeted for the period.

His words: “The state currently runs a total staff strength of 50, 000, it is wrong and something has to be done to it to reduce the unnecessary wage bills, the state recently uncovered signature forgery of the immediate past Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan by some contractors, government is investigating the act before it can pay any contractors, besides, over 20 oil companies

have moved out of the state, it is really sad to note such” He explained that while recurrent expenditure was broadly in line with budget, the overall decline in total revenue had adversely affected spending on capital projects, adding that consequently, the ratio of recurrent to capital expenditure over the period was 80.20 compared to the budgeted ration of 60.40.

The commissioner lamented the fact that less than 1% of the state’s population was consuming the bulk of the accruing revenue, and further disclosed that the state government was working out modalities to instead of sacking workers, retires some of them and give them their benefit.

He said that most of the bank borrowings had been restructured by the State Ministry of Finance into long term debt of between 1618 years.

we get what we want.”

Mr Uchechukwu Uche of the Works Department in the hospital said that they had not received salaries since June 2016.

Uche wondered how they would spend the yuletide without money adding that some of the workers were being ejected due to nonpayment of house rent.

He said, “Last week, some commissioners came here and told us that they were going to pay us two months salaries but the week ended and we did not see anything.

“Our families are in disarray because of financial challenges.”

The Chairman of ABSUTH Pensioners, Mr. Victor Nwogwugwu, said that they had not received pension since the new administration of Gov Okezie Ikpeazu came on board.

According to him, we have not been paid pension for three years now since the last tenure of Theodore Orji.

The protesters displayed placards with inscriptions, “No ABSUTH Pensioner has received one full month pension since November 2009,’Pay us our pension, Our families are suffering’.

Nwogwugwu also said they were not leaving the gate of the hospital, despite the scorching morning sun, until they received payment alert like their counterparts still in service.(NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, dEceMBER 20, 2016

News

Traditional rulers urged to tackle communal crisis From Osakhare Erese Asaba

D

elta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has urged traditional rulers in the state to ensure that their subjects are not involved in any action capable of causing intercommunal crisis.

The governor who described the killing or beheading of individuals as barbaric and not in tune with what is happening in the 21st century, observed that such killings were capable of igniting retaliatory attacks capable of leading to intercommunal crisis.

While assuring of his administration’s commitment for dialogue to be harnessed as the best form of resolving disputes, Governor Okowa stated that peaceful communities would translate to a peaceful state.

The governor spoke on Sunday at a thanksgiving service held at the Church of God Mission, Olu Palace, Warri as part of activities lined up for the celebration of the 1st coronation anniversary of His Majesty Ogiame Ikenwoli, the Olu of Warri.

Governor Okowa who stormed the Olu Palace accompanied by retinue of political office holders asserted, “we are in a very serious situation, things that happened when people never knew God are happening now.”

“You must forgive who you think must have wronged you, a heart which is forgiving always lives in peace,” Governor Okowa said, adding that giving thanks to God was very vital but the greatest of all thanksgiving is, “giving a reconciled heart to God because, whatever you have given in thanksgiving is nothing if you don’t have a forgiving heart.”

He congratulated the Olu of Warri on his one year anniversary and used the occasion to call for prayers for the country, the state, local government and different Kingdoms in the state.

“Your Majesty (Olu of Warri), I congratulate you and thank you for giving your heart to God and we believe you reign will be peaceful, if we have peaceful Kingdoms, there will be peace in Delta State,” he said.

Earlier in a sermon, Bishop Mike Laju urged people to live a life of thanksgiving, a life of giving, stating, “what makes a man great is not what he has but, what he has done with what God has blessed him with; what will God remember you for?”

2 female suicide bombers kill selves in Maiduguri T

wo female suicide bombers were on Sunday night killed as their weapon went off as they attempted to invade Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, officials said.

The incident happened at about 10.30p.m., near Muna Garage, one of the most attacked motor parks in recent times.

Two young girls, with

explosives on their bodies, made their ways to a suburb village called Geleri, about 5km away from Muna park.

One of the suicide bombers detonated her device in the village, which also killed her partner whose device failed to explode.

Premium Times reports that Police spokesman, Victor Isuku,

who confirmed the incident to journalists, said three villagers were injured in the explosion.

“At About 2030hrs yesterday, two female suicide bombers were halted to stop for routine check at Geleri village which is about 5km to Muna Garage, an outskirt of Maiduguri,” he said.

“One of the suicide bombers detonated IED strapped to

her body killing her and her accomplice whose IED vest did not explode.

“Three residents of the area were however injured. The command’s EOD unit rushed to the scene to render the unexploded IED safe. The area has been secured and normalcy restored.”

L-R: President, National Council for Women Society, Dr. Gloria Laraba Shoda, former President of Senate, Sen. Adolphus Wabara, former Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Mrs Paulen Tallen, representative of Minister of women Affairs, Mrs Angela Akukalia and APC, South South Zonal Women Leader, Mrs Rachel Akpabio during the unveiling ceremony of the 2017 National Political Summit by the Save Democracy Group Africa, yesterday in Abuja

One killed, as cults clash in Delta

From Osakhare Erese Asaba

C

ult clashes in Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State on Monday night resulted in the brutal murder of a middleaged father.

The victim, who was machete to death by the rampaging cultists, was identified as one Frank Chinedu Okolichi (aka Aboy). It was gathered that the victim, who just returned from Lagos to be part of Iwu festival

of Ibusa, was killed by unknown cultists between 9 and 10pm.

Checks on the matter indicated that the victim was chased from the festival venue to his house and was macheted severally, right in front of his house.

It was gathered that the cultists ensured that he gave up the ghost before leaving the scene and disappeared to an unknown direction.

According to a family source, “the cultists killed the victim after

they trailed him from an outing in town and that they cannot tell what actually transpired that caused the gruesome murder”.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Andrew Aniamaka, confirmed the murder of the victim by cultists on Saturday night. He gave the name of the victim as Mr. Frank Chinedu Okolichi, adding that his corpse has been deposited in a hospital mortuary in Ibusa.

He said the police is at present,

on the trail of the suspects, adding that the police are on ground to maintain peace in the town.

According to him, “there was the celebration of Iwu Festival in the town and preliminary investigation reviewed that they trailed him from the venue and cut him severally with machete in front of his house”.

However, we assure you that no stone will be left unturned to arrest the culprits for this dastardly crime against God and humanity.

Gunmen kidnap, kill police officer in Ekiti

T

he Superintendent of Police attached to Ekiti State Police Command, Mr. Idowu Taiwo, has been murdered by unknown persons.

The deceased was reported to have been initially kidnapped on Sunday night at a drinking joint in Ado Ekiti.

His corpse was later found on Monday in a car in Ado Ekiti.

A dependable Police source that the late Taiwo was until his death, the Officer in Charge of Finance, commonly called OC MSS in the force’s parlance.

According to the source, the motive for his murder is yet to be ascertained.

The source however claimed that the deceased was at a relaxation joint not far from a police station

at Ologede area of the state capital when the assailants stormed the place and took him away.

He added that the corpse of the deceased was discovered in a car with his hands handcuffed.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Alberto Adeyemi, (SP) confirmed the incident. He said, “I confirm that the deceased was officer ‘OC MSS

“His name is SP Idowu Taiwo; he was taken away from Ologede area and was later found dead at Ajebamidele area in Ajilosun area of the state capital “After he was murdered, they abandoned his body in a car in Ajebamidele area of the town.

“Investigations have begun to arrest the perpetrators, but no arrest has yet been made.”NAN

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, dEceMBER 20, 2016

News

Professional architects move to end building collapse From Umar Dankano, Yola

T

he National President of the Association of Nigerian Architectural Professionals,ATAP, Dr. Olusegun Iduwo has assured Nigerians of putting up professional mechanism in check mating the continued collapse of buildings in the country.

Dr. Iduwo ,who was in Yola to attend the end of the year.2016 dinner anniversary

said the association is promoting professionalism nationwide through registration of subsidiaries or affiliates of the profession mentioning draft men, technicians and technologies to be accorded training for efficiency.

He lamented that if quackery is allowed to take over the real jobs of professionals then the future of the country and our people will be in danger.

Earlier in his address, state chairman of the association,Mr.

Umar Marafa stated that the association in the state has embarked on tree planting campaign as part of activities to mark its end of year programme.

Marafa said members had so far planted many tree seedlings in various parts of Yola to mark the end of year.

“We have planted 50 seedlings at the headquarters of the state urban planning, we played about 40 at federal housing estate primary school and other public

and private schools as well as other places in need within the state capital.

“This is part of our contribution to mitigate desertification and global warming”, Marafa said.

He also explained that the association also conducted career talks for students in various schools.

He lauded government effort to reconstruct North East and urged for involvement of professionals in all fields for quality job.

• Commissioners for Education, at the Joint National Project Steering Committee Meeting, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: NAN

FG urged to sustain CBN anchor borrowers programme

By Usman Shuaibu

T

he chairman committee in charge of mobilization, sensitization and facilitation of the Anchor Borrowers Programme of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Salami O. Abdullahi, has called on the Federal Government to sustain the programme in order to boost food production in the country.

He said that the Anchor Borrowers Programme would put a stop to the importation of food into Nigeria, if the government of the day always support the farmers financially through the programme.

Salami who is also a Deputy Director at the FCT Agricultural Development Project (ADP) made the call in an interview with Peoples Daily during the sensitization programme in Gwagwalada, said that the Anchor Borrowers Programme was set-up by the CBN through the government to assist the genuine farmers during the dry season farming in the territory.

He pointed out that the programme was targeted at rice/suya beans farming in the territory, assured the farmers that the programme is real.

He, however, warned the farmers against using the anchor borrowers fund to marry so many wives.

Corruption: Group faults senate on Babachir, disowns Ikenga

By Ochiaka Ugwu

A

pressure group, the Supreme Niger Delta Youth Council Worldwide (SNDYCW) has taken a spite on the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on their indictment and subsequent call for the sack of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Engr. Babachir David Lawal dismissing it as witch hunt and personal vendetta.

In a statement released in Abuja and signed by the group’s National President, Prince Michael Newgent Ekamon JP, they vehemently disassociated themselves from a statement credited to Barr. Ikenga lmo Ugochinyere of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) calling for the sack of Engr. Babachir.

The group went on to disown Ikenga as leader of apex youth group in Nigeria, NYCN dismissing him as their president and at the same time calling for his arrest by security operatives.

The statement read, “The attention of Supreme Niger Delta Youth Council Worldwide (SNDYCW) has been drawn to the malicious publication on one of the national dailies (not Peoples

Daily) on page 33 of Friday edition of December 16th, 2016 wherein the So-called National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Claiming to have thrown it weight behind the Senate on its resolution, Wednesday, asking President Muhammad Buhari GCFR,to sack and prosecute the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Engr. Babachir David Lawal over his alleged complicity in the misappropriation of funds donate to the Internally

Displaced Persons (IDP) in the North East”.

That, the (SNDYCW) vehemently disassociate themselves from the malicious publication of Barr. Ikenga lmo Ugochinyere’s led fake NYCN and call for his immediate arrest and prosecution for impersonating as the President of NYCN. We are not his members, we don’t know him and he can never be our President”.

They took a swipe at the senate

for not referring the matter to the law enforcement agencies for investigation and unilaterally arrogate the power of the investigative agencies.

“After a careful perusal of the so called allegation against the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Engr. Babachir David Lawal, we have resolved to pass a vote of confidence on him and therefore ask the Senate to tender an unreserved apology to Engr.

Babachir David Lawal-SGF. Failure to do so, we shall be compelled to publish the names of all the National Assembly members who have cornered contracts from MDA’s in the last 18 months” the statement read in parts.

They therefore, called on President Buhari to disregard Campaign of calumny against Engr. Babachir Lawal as it snack of witch hunt, vendetta, selfserving,malicious and unpatriotic.

Things will be better for Nigerians in 2017 — Lai Mohammed

T

he Minister for Information, Arts and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has commended Nigerians for their perseverance and understanding, urging them to look forward to better times in 2017.

Mr. Mohammed spoke to journalists at a programme tagged “A special evening of music and camaraderie to usher in the Yuletide season”, organised by the Lagos State Government at the State House, Alausa.

“We give thanks to God that we are alive; by the grace of God, next year will be much easier.

“2016 has not been a particularly easy year even for governance because the economy has not done much as well as we thought.

“This is not because of incompetence on the part of government but because of the general global slowdown and this affected commodity prices,” Mr. Mohammed said.

According to him, despite all, the government tried its best, especially in the face of challenges with the Niger DeIta, and has more than thrice intervened and bailed out some states.

Mr. Mohammed commended

Nigerians for their perseverance and understanding and urged them to continue to support the government.

The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abdulwaheed Odushile, told journalists that the Federal Government needed to focus more on the economy, particularly in the area of job creation.

“Government needs to improve the economy by creating jobs directly.

“It should create rooms so that people in the non- formal sector can also create jobs, especially in agriculture, tourism and other areas where they can show their skills.

“It has done a good job in terms of security but it can still be improved upon; if the economy is okay, there will be less crime.

“Job creation is very important and I think government should focus more on that,” Mr. Odushile said.

He also enjoined Nigerians to encourage government to do more in the New Year.

Earlier, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde, said that the programme was the governor’s initiative to usher in the Yuletide season. (NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, dEceMBER 20, 2016

News

LECAN executives get 21-day ultimatum to announce election results

By Usman Shuaibu

A

member of the Licensed Electrical Contractor Association of Nigeria (LECAN), Abuja Chapter, Comrade Ayorinde David Ayeni (Chairmanship Candidate), has given a 21-day ultimatum to the executives of the association a well as the electoral empire which conducted the 2016 chapter election to declare him as the true winner of the election.

He stated this in an interview with newsmen after the election was conducted peacefully and votes were counted at the venue of the election on Saturday in Abuja, expressing with nostalgia as the electoral empire complained about over voting without announcing the chairmanship result.

Ayeni pleaded with his supporters to continue to maintain peace within the association, assuring them that his mandate will be given to him in due cost.

He called on the entire members to al ways obey the laid down rules and regulations guiding the association.

It was observed that during the election Comrade Ayorinde David Ayeni polled 22 votes to defeat the other two chairmanship candidates who got 17 and 15 votes respectively.

Herbal practitioners urge FG to sign traditional medicine bill into law

By Usman Shuaibu

T

he herbal practitioners across the country have called on the Federal Government to deem it necessary to sign into law the Traditional Medicine Bill which has been pending before the National Assembly for so long now.

This was contained in a communiqué and made available to Peoples Daily at the end of the three days seminar tagged “The Skills Acquisition Workshop on Production and Marketing of Traditional Herbal Medicine” which commenced on the 13th to

14th December, 2016.

The communiqué further asked the Federal Government to gear up towards promoting and developing the herbal medicine to acceptable international standard in order to meet up with orthodox medicine in the society.

“Government should also look into export potentials of herbal medicine with a view to boosting national economy and enhancing socio-economic growth and rural transformation,” the communiqué said.

The communiqué pleaded with the government of the day

to establish the herbal research gardens across the states of the federal including the FCT, so as to boost capacity building of the herbal practitioners through the workshops.

It is said that the skill acquisition workshop should be held frequently across the six geo-political zones of the nation to update the knowledge of the herbal practitioners, while calling for adequate funding for the training of herbal scholars as well as practitioners.

The communiqué, however, appealed to the government to put a stop to bush burning and

uncontrolled deforestation so as to preserve medicinal bio-resources.

Speaking during the workshop, the Desk Officer at the FCT Department of Science and Technology, Hajiya Aisha Adamu, advised participants to use the knowledge they had acquired at the workshop to better the society.

Meanwhile, the workshop was organized in conjunction with the Academy of Natural Medicine Ibadan, the FCT Department of Science and Technology and the National Association of Nigerian Traditional Medicine Practitioners.

(NANTMP).

• R-L: outgoing Controller of Prisons, Enugu State Command, Mr. Aloy Uchenwa handing over to his Successor, Mr. Ifeanyi Amaliri on Sunday in Enugu. Photo: NAN

Niger gov. shares Buhari’s vision for a new Nigeria From Yakubu Mustapha,Minna.

T

he Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has said that he shares President Muhammadu Buhari’s vision for a new Nigeria.

The governor noted that he was glad to share same birthday with the octogenarian, described President Muhammadu Buhari as leader that has always placed national interest above self interest.

He stated this in a congratulatory message to President Buhari on his 74th birthday, signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace .

The governor said it was President Buhari’s commitment to Nigeria and his desire to see a new Nigeria in his life time that made him to contest elections many times before he won in 2015.

“Mr President, it is an honour to share the same birthday with you.

However, it is not only the coincidence of birthday that I share with you, I also share your vision, commitment, dedication and patriotic zeal to see a new Nigeria. ” Governor Bello emphasized that despite the current socio-economic challenges occasioned by inherited national issues, President Buhari has continued to provide needed leadership that is giving hope to generality of Nigerians.

The governor urged all Nigerian to heed the call of President Buhari in coming together for a better Nigeria.

S/ Kaduna communities, Fulani herdsmen meet over incessant attacks

W

orried by incessant attacks that have claimed many lives and displaced thousands of rural dwellers, communities in Southern Kaduna at the weekend met with Fulani herdsmen toward halting the trend.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the meeting, convened

by Emmanuel Jekada, and held at St. Thadeus Science Academy, Madakiya, near Kafanchan, had representatives from the 87 wards of the eight local governments that constitute the Kaduna South Senatorial Zone.

In a keynote address at the meeting that also featured representatives of Hausa, Ibo, Yoruba communities and youth groups, Mr. Jekada said that the gesture was part of his “little contribution” to the efforts by the Kaduna State Government toward ending the attacks in the area.

“As a concerned citizen, I am trying to support the peace moves of the Kaduna State authorities; and as a military man, I want the youth

to understand that war does not lead to peace. It only leads to more wars as it is currently being experienced in Southern Sudan and the Middle East,” he said.

The meeting was divided into eight groups according to respective local governments, with each of them given posers and questions on the possible causes of violence in their specific areas, and how best to address them.

According to the presentations by the groups, the causes of the violence included poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, religious and tribal sentiments, as well as perceived injustices.

Other identified causes included abandonment of culture and tradition, bad leadership, intolerance, bad teachings by some religious leaders, political manipulations and rumour peddling.

Other factors included the destruction of farm produce and the killing of cattle, unprovoked attacks and insincerity by government and

its agents.

NAN quotes the participants as particularly calling for more fairness on the part of security personnel deployed to restore law and order, while also insisting that suspects arrested in connection with the attacks should be prosecuted to deter others from fomenting trouble.

Individual Fulani contributors, during the group discussions, however, exonerated the resident herdsmen from the attacks, which they blamed on foreign herdsmen that usually attack the local communities and flee.

They, however, regretted that they were always left to face the consequences of the attacks, and alleged that the native communities had always pounced on them each time there was an attack.

The Fulani recalled that they had always lived in peace with the local communities, and called for more dialogue and avenues of interaction to boost mutual understanding and curb the violence.

On their part, the natives alleged that the state government was being misinformed on the true nature and causes of the crises, and advised government to always insist on hearing from all sides so as to be well guided into taking informed decisions.

They also advised the Fulani communities to help the security personnel and the state government by reporting the movement of strangers among them so as to prove that they had no link with the attackers.

The local communities also wondered why security men, who were always quick to arrest locals for possessing even dane guns used for hunting, had not been able to arrest the attackers that wield very sophisticated weapons.

Mr. Jekada, who spoke with NAN after the meeting, said that the resolutions would be forwarded to the Kaduna State Government to help its efforts toward ending the bloodshed..(NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, dEceMBER 20, 2016

News

74 journalists killed worldwide in 2016, media watchdog says

S

eventy-four journalists and other media workers were killed worldwide in 2016, the majority –53– of whom died in targeted attacks, media watchdog, Reporters without Borders (RSF) said Monday.

RSF Germany director Christian Mihr said Afghanistan, Yemen and Somalia were countries where media safety and freedom were particularly at risk in 2016.

Over 55 per cent of Nigeria’s fruits, vegetables perish before consumption

T

he Agricultural Fresh Produce Growers and Exporters Association of Nigeria (AFPGEAN) says between 55 per cent and 72 per cent of fresh produce grown in the country perish before they can be consumed.

The Executive Secretary of the association, Akin Sawyerr, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos on Monday that this was because fresh produce needed to be kept in refrigerated conditions soon after harvest.

Mr. Sawyerr said fresh produce were basically fruits and vegetables.

“Fresh produce production has the same challenges as other agricultural products but its uniqueness lies in its being very perishable.

“The issue with fresh produce in Nigeria is that there is little processing, no storage in refrigerated conditions due to lack of electricity (power) for most of the produce grown by farmers.

“We also cannot move these produce quickly from farms to supermarkets or hotels or airports, where they would be used because of poor road conditions,’’ he said.

The AGFPGEAN scribe, however, commended the Federal Government for its intention to concentrate on infrastructure in the 2017 budget, saying this was of utmost importance.

He said that Nigeria had about five times more arable land than Kenya but Kenya earned about a billion dollars in fresh produce exports to European markets annually, while Nigeria struggled to earn ten million dollars annually.

Mr. Sawyerr attributed this to lack of storage and poor farming methods.

He called on the government to ensure that its agencies and security personnel, usually encountered on the highways and at the borders, are efficient and effective in carrying out their tasks.

He said these bodies, many times, constitute roadblocks to fresh produce transportation.

“Time is valuable in the life of fresh produce. NAN

“Afghanistan is a classic example, even if Germany does not want to hear it, because there are always attempts to portray it as being safe.

“This year the number of emergency requests from journalists in Afghanistan, who

turned to us to ask for assistance, rose.

“It was clearly compared to the previous year as the state no longer had control in many regions and regional warlords were in charge,’’ Mihr said.

The remaining 21 journalists

died while they were working in areas such as war zones, and five of the total victims were women.

The most dangerous countries were Syria, Afghanistan, Mexico, Iraq and Yemen.

The 2016 number was lower than last year’s total of 101 as

many journalists had to flee countries where they were in danger.

According to RSF, a total of 348 journalists are also currently being detained worldwide a rise of 6 per cent since 2015. (dpa/ NAN)

@60, Gov. Abubakar donates relief materials to the less privileged From Ahmed Kaigama , Bauchi

N

ot less than 135 physically challenged persons have benefited from Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar’s support materials from 20 local government areas of the state.

This was part of activities to mark his 60th birthday.

The governor celebrated his 60th birthday a week earlier with a Golf Kitty at the Bauchi Golf and Country

Club.

He also commissioned blocks of classrooms at his mother’s village at Wuro Modibbo Abba in Akko Local government of Gombe State.

Speaking during the donation in Bauchi yesterday, the governor said that the donation of the items is part of giving back to the society and to thank Allah for his mercies.

135 physically challenged persons drawn from all the 20 local governments and the Special School

located in the state.

He noted that he decided to donate to the less privilege to appreciate Almighty Allah for his mercies.

He said that the donation was made through Hadiza and Mohammed Abubakar Foundation using the little has and will continue to do everything he can to help the less privileged in the society.

The governor also reiterated his commitment towards the

development of Bauchi State and its people through meaningful projects which will impact positively on the lives of the people.

Items including Braille Typewriters and other support gadgets were also donated to the Special School for the physically challenged in Bauchi.

Other items donated to the physically challenged at the occasion include Sewing Machines, Bicycle for Lame People and Grinding Machines.

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

Edo proposes N150bn budget for 2017

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

E

do state government has proposed the sum of (One Hundred and fifty Thousand Naira) N150 billion for the 2017 fiscal year.

The government intend to fund the deficit budget which has N74.9 billion recurrent expenditure N75.1billion Capital expenditure with external borrowing plan of N25 billion from the third tranche of the World Bank budget support facility.

The total budget size, is 29 percent higher than the previous budget which attained 76 percent implementation with a shortfall of N22.9 billion against the projected N25 billion as at November 2016.

Besides, the downturn in Nigeria’s

economy, resulting to economic recession.

The state governor, Godwin Obaseki while presenting the appropriation bill Christianed “budget of consolidation and prosperity” to members of the state House of assembly on Monday, said the revenue estimate is based on a $42.0 benchmark for crude oil and average daily production of 1.9mil.

Highlights of the budget, indicate that tourism, culture, leisure and hospitality as well as healthcare services will gulp N22.2 billion, while the sum of N22.3 will be use to upgrade infrastructure, including Road, Transportation, traffic Management, Information Communication Technology (ICT) and development of new towns.

This is in addition to he sum of N3, 179, 873 was set aside to settle Pension arrears and liabilities in the state ahead of the implementation of the contributory Pension scheme on January 1st 2017 by the state government.

The sum of sum of N17.3 billion will be committed into Education, sport sectors, youth engagement and social services for vulnerable groups in addition to N302 million for culture and Tourism The governor who was decked in navy blue suit, promised to establish a one-stop-shop Business and investment Bureau to identify growth opportunities in addition to N6.6 billion was proposed to to rebuild infrastructure across the stateowned Institutions in the state.

He promised to carryout Institutional reforns in the Civil service and build a new Central administrative building in Government House, and continuation of ongoing projects inherited from previous government as well as partner private sector Investors to recruit and offer training to some farmers in the state.

According to him, “In 2017, we shall engage in robust budget monitoring and implementation”.

Responding, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Justin Okonobo, said: “Edo state is in for good time” and sought the cooperation of members” to ensure that the bill meet public expectations.

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, dEceMBER 20, 2016

Page 11

PAGE 12

Opinion

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, dEceMBER 20, 2016

Our chaotic democracy

By Abdul Mahmud

A

s many perceptive observers have correctly noted, chaos lies at the core of our democracy. They point to the madness or, more profoundly, the struggle over “who gets what, when and how”, of those who squeeze the civic out of our democratic order to gain political notoriety, as evidence.

The madness that characterizes fraudulent party selections and the chaos and violence that often follow our general elections make the evidence irrebuttable. Two points are implicit here: the first one concerns order as the nature of democracy.

The rooting of democracy is practically impossible in a polity reduced to chaos. The argument here is that how power is acquired is governed by rules and by the “principle of societal organization”.

In effect, democracy must be rule-based in order to reduce or eliminate tension. The second one centers on representation as an essential character of democracy.

For democracy to flourish the recognition of otherness and difference must exist to promote harmony and unity in the party political rank.

The evidence seems to point out the problem we are always

confronted with when we elect folks who turn public offices into the wonderland of mad people, the asylum of those whom the gods have condemned to death by first making them mad with power. Do I tar everyone with the same brush? No. There are folks who unfortunately find themselves inside the insane asylum of the men and women of power and who, like Alice in Lewis Caroll’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’, despise the stereotyping because they were voted to be among mad people. I enjoin these folks to Cat’s message to Alice: “Oh, you can’t help that…I am mad. You are mad. You must be, or you wouldn’t have come here”. If the evidence truly exist, here it is: pugilists who turn the hallowed chambers of the legislature into boxing rings and their fellow colleagues into opponents or sparing partners.

It doesn’t matter to them if the gavel, the symbol of legislative authority, becomes the hammer while the heads of their colleagues are the nails they hammer into nothingness.

No sane person undresses in the public and lashes at anything or everything in sight like the bull in a china shop. The emptying out of psychiatric inmates of the state asylum system into our national and states Houses of Assembly

where they display animality is a yearly ritual in our part. Foucault describes this ‘emptying out’ as a voyage outside the city walls to where mad people become prisoners of their own departures.

In our case, we don’t send our mad legislators outside the city walls; in fact, we send them with our votes to Abuja and the states capitals of our country to mock our collective unreason, conjure up images of our collective insanity, and create party political squabbles. No sane person undresses in the public only to put on rags of shame as our legislators have consistently done since the inception of civil democracy in 1999.

Politics makes things happen.

In our case, politics makes things happen in strange ways. Consider, for example, the ceaseless Boko Haram attacks on innocent citizens in the northeast and elsewhere, conflict over land ownership and grazing rights in the north-central, the increasing theft of crude oil in the Niger-delta, and homes riven by hunger and hardship. To address these problems we need a programme of constitutional and legislative reforms and a stable legislature. How can all of this be possible when our legislators display a certain proclivity for laziness and utter disregard for the pain we endure? The problem

I see here is the high purchase on power that huge pomp, emoluments, allowances, salaries and entitlement afford our political leaders that they repudiate the very essence of politics thereby making our democracy empty.

The appeal to force, might and power to resolve political conflicts, rather than seeking to mediate them through compromises and cooperation, makes our democracy chaotic. It is this appeal that births the idea that the will of the godfather is supreme or that it is the will of the godfather that constitutes the supremacy of the party, regardless of other competing wills. Not true. The idea that a political party represents the collective interests and aspirations of all members quite rightly makes the party supreme. The nonrecognition of competing wills, otherness and difference, or “the difference of the other”, is most worrying. Yes, it is worrying, but I doubt if our politicians make sense of the destruction they unleash on our democracy and the chaos that threatens it. Bukola Saraki appears to make sense of this destruction when he tweeted recently, “it is time to remind ourselves of the solemn promise to deliver real change, which can’t be achieved in atmosphere distracted politics” (sic).

Will our politicians make sense of Saraki’s reminder and begin to act in a manner that makes politics less distractive or our democracy less chaotic? I doubt it. Here, the politics of chaos merely allows our politicians to negotiate new terms and framework favorable to their pursuits and engagements and to enjoy new privileges and entitlements. Saraki’s reminder, though correct, is a curious one, which makes sense only if our politicians accept that representation is not about sharing “two hundred positions” as a certain Abdulmumin Jibrin gleefully let out as the odious carrots of reward at the disposal of his House principal, Yakubu Dogara.

Can our politicians redeem themselves? Can we fix our politics? Can we bring order back to our democracy? Yes, but it appears already late. The bull is no longer in a china shop; it is rampaging through our quarters of governance. Consider this: two acting Directors-General were announced at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) within three days. That too is chaos!

Abdul Mahmud is a Public Affairs Analyst.

A reversal of ‘African time’ concept

By Emmanuel Onwubiko

F

or the specific purpose of informa­tion, permit me to relate to you that the piece you are about to about to read was scripted about two decades ago when I was still a reporter with the Plateau Stateowned Standard Newspapers. The news­ paper was set up by the former Military administrator of Benue/Plateau, Joseph Gomwalk, who was then a police com­ missioner. Nigeria Standard Newspaper at a point became the cynosure of all eyes because it stood for equity and fairness and was feared by the feudal oligarchs in Northern Nigeria who saw it as a threat to the hegemonic hold on Northern Nige­ ria especially with the task of speaking for the Rights of the oppressed Northern tribal minorities. That’s that about when it was written and the media house I was working when it was scripted. Here is the story of how and why African time must be abolished. Mallam Sani Mohammed Abdulminimu is a Nigerian-born Ameri­ can-based management consultant.

He has stayed in the United States of America for over four decades. In early 1997, when he lost his aged mother, he was compelled by customary obligations to come back home to attend his late mother’s forty days prayer. When he ar­ rived the country’s international Airport in Lagos, he intended to join one of the few available private airlines to fly to his home state of Adamawa in the Northern part of the country. He bought his ticket and got ready to board the plane. When he and other passengers boarded the plane, little did they know that they were going to wait for the next one hour before the plane could take off. This long delay at the airport made

Mallam Abdulminimu very restive and sad.

When he went to find out why the plane could not keep to its scheduled time, he was decisively told by a highly placed staff of the Airport; Mallam… don’t you know that you are in Nigeria? In Nigeria ‘O’ we observe Afri­can time.

This Airport scenario where the socalled African time was blamed as a fac­ tor that caused the unwarranted delay, is repeatedly experienced in all aspects of our socio-economic activities as Nigeri­ans. The concept of African time has been elevated to the position of an acceptable ideology.

Karl Mannheim rightly said, that, there is certainly some connection between the modern term “ideology” and the term as used by Bacon signifying a source of error.

According to Mannheim, Bacon’s the­ ory of the ‘idolca’ may be regarded to a certain extent as a forerunner of the mod­ern conception of ideology. Bacon’s idols were phantom or preconceptions, and these were, as we know, the idols of the tribe, of the cave, of the market, and of the theatre. All of these are sources of error derived sometimes from human nature it­self, sometimes from particular individu­als. They may also be attributed to society or to tradition.

Bacon said that these idols or “false phantoms,” are distortions of the mind, like distortions of beams of light reflected from an uneven mirror: “from the nature of a clear and equal glass, wherein the beams of things should reflect according to their true incidence, it is rather like an enchanted glass, full of superstition and imposture…”

The only way to correct this wayward mode of thought is through observation and experimentation, through the induc­ tive method. These idols or “false opin­ ions,” “dogmas,” “superstitions,” and “er­

rors,” distort knowledge in many ways.

Francis Bacon made what looked like a concise description of what African time represents in his theory of idol at the mar­ ket place. Bacon wrote that the idol of the market place stands for the words men use in the commerce of daily life, words that are common comic in daily conversa­tion…

In Nigeria, whenever a public meeting starts long after the scheduled time, the conveners of such meetings will quickly blame “African time” for such lateness.

One thing which these skeptics who tend to see Africans as people who don’t keep to time forget to know that among the many respected virtuous African cultural values, there is the one which recognizes the African sense of time and promptness.

Oliver Onwubiko, a Catholic priest and scholar vast in African Philosophy wrote in one of his books that, the question of the African sense of time was arisen be­cause of some dangerous conclusions some writers on Africa have drawn and strange enough some of them are Afri­cans.

Onwubiko said that in the African cul­ ture, time is polychromous in the sense that a person can do these or more things within a given period but simultaneously.

Clock time thinks of them being done suc­ cessively. For instance, a woman in a typi­ cal Igbo village could be doing her cook­ing, at the same time cracking her palm kernel, she may still within this period attend to her baby and would be prepared to attend to anything that may come up.

The most disappointing factor is that most Nigerians have embraced lateness as an ideology which they prefer to call “African time.” The concept of African time has also given rise to the “fire bri­gade” approach which most Nigerians adopt and

utilizes when carrying out their legitimate duties. We must reverse this negative interpretation which we give to the concept of African time. This African time or firebrigade approach has made us to suffer many devastations in the field of politics and sports in this country.

It was the “fire brigade approach that made our national football, teams to miss out in the qualification playoffs to many global tournaments . It was also the fire brigade approach that made Nigerian stu­ dents perform abysmally poorly in all the externally conducted examinations. Af­ rican time neatly marred most electoral events in the political calender set by the Independent National Electoral Commis­ sion under the erstwhile chairman, Atta­ hiru Jega.

We as Nigerians must accept prompt­ ness, dedication and hardwork as our na­ tional ideology. African time should mean promptness and decisiveness. The old neg­ ative interpretation of African time must henceforth remain destroyed perpetually.

With the inauguration of the current ad­ ministration headed by President Muham­ madu Buhari renowned for instilling dis­ cipline especially in his first ‘missionary journey’ as a military Head of State with his well known War Against Indiscipline, it is expected that he would reorganise the National Orientation Agency to com­ pel the staff to be up and doing in waging unrelenting science based and evidenced backed enlightenment programmes to mo­ bilize Nigerians to embrace African Time to mean promptness and decisiveness in all their private and public businesses.

Emmanuel Onwubiko is Public Affairs Analyst

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, dEceMBER 20, 2016

PAGE 13

Comment

Jollof rice, national under-development and our children

By Jibrin Ibrahim

A

ccording to my numerous twitter followers, Saturday was #WorldJollofRiceDay. Please don’t ask me who declared that Saturday must be devoted to Jollof rice, I don’t have a clue.

All I know is that as a serious social media junkie, I spent Saturday receiving and sending out tweets about the greatness of Jollof rice. For my foreign readers, please note that according to Jollof Rice 101, the food is a red, spiced rice dish loved in every city and town in West Africa. It is also called Djollof, Benachin in the Gambia and of course in its historic ground zero Senegal, it is called Thiéboudienne. It is cooked in a red, tomato-based sauce and its classic form must be peppery. The most important thing however is that over time, it has come to denote a state of enjoyment probably because it is a necessary part of every marriage or party. Jollofing has therefore entered West African English as a synonym for enjoyment.

The word itself has its origins in the Wolof (pronounced Jollof) Empire, which was a medieval West African state that ruled parts of Senegal and the Gambia from approximately 1350 to 1890. By the end of the 15th century, the Wolof states of Jolof, Kayor, Baol and Walo had become united in a federation, with Jolof as the metropolitan power. It was therefore not surprising to see such an important dish named after the ‘power’ – Jolof.

The important point from history is that the region from the Gambia River to Liberia was also known as the Grain or Rice coast because of high local production of rice, millet and other grains.

There is a legend on the invention of Jollof rice, known by the Senegalese inventors as Thiéboudienne. One woman from Saint Louis, Senegal. Penda Mbaye, a cook at the colonial governor’s residence, is reputed to have created

the dish with fish and vegetables, first using barley. Following a barley shortage, she decided to use rice, at the time still a luxury good having just arrived in Senegal by way of Asia in the 19th century. Eventually it became a favoured dish throughout Senegal and was elevated to national dish status. The rest of us then copied this great dish invented by the Djollof woman.

My good friend, Mamadou Diouf, professor of African history at Columbia University has a different legend on the origins of Jollof rice. He argues that it was invented as a nutritious dish to feed the Senegalese colonial army and that is the reason why everything – rice, vegetables and fish/meat is thrown into one big pot, to meet the exigencies of barrack cooking for large crowds. Through the world wars, the recipe was popularised around the region and today we West Africans are so proud of our African culiniary invention – the Jollof rice. I use the capital letter advisedly as the tweet from @am_delly explained clearly “Spelling Jollof rice with a small letter J is an insult. Jollof rice is not just a food. It’s a feeling, sign of hope and a way of life.” Still on deep twitter philosophy, another tweet worth draying attention to is that of @jilltxt who informs as that as Confucius knows, “He who eats Jollof with stew has trust issues” and as I as a student of Confucius I always eat my Jollof, pure, that is without stew.

Original Jollof rice is of course cooked in a cast iron pot over firewood and one of its characteristics is that it must burn at the bottom pot to provide the right taste. It is precisely for this reason that there was an earth shattering event last year when a British celebrity chef called Jamie Oliver dared to cook Jollof rice in his television show. There was a massive torrent of online insults against poor Jamie for destroying Jollof rice in his show.

After 4,500 nasty comments and insults on what

came to be known as #JollofGate, Mr. Oliver hastily removed his “fake” Oyibo Jollof rice recipe from his website and has since stayed away from experimenting with West African food. West Africans, especially those in the diaspora, were not only enraged by an Oyibo stealing their recipe, but even more by his innovation of adding coriander, parsley and a lemon wedge and just imagine, even 600 grams of cherry tomatoes on the vine, as ingredients for preparing Jollof rice. As Vera Kwakofi, from BBC Africa, argued at the time, “The danger is that in five years his version will become the official one.” The blogger Motley Musing also agreed: “We have to ask ourselves who actually benefits from Jamie Oliver’s ‘appreciation’ of Jollof rice. This doesn’t necessarily translate into value for Africans. For so long, different African cultures have been appropriated without any direct benefit to Africans themselves, and people are particularly sensitive to this.” Shortly after the JollofGate incident, the British supermarket chain Tesco removed its Jollof rice recipe from its website after numerous complaints.

Now that we know that this invention by French colonialism in Senegal is our West African contribution to the world culiniary tradition, we need to reflect a bit on what it means to our underdevelopment. For people my age who grew up before the oil boom, Jollof rice, or rice for that matter, was certainly not our staple food. Growing up in a Hausa family in Kano, the food I knew was “tuwo da miyan kuka”. The tuwo was, of course, made of guinea corn. To my eternal shame, I can’t remember when last I ate my staple. I recently called a friend who runs the best Hausa/Fulani eatery in Abuja called the “Masa Place” to request whether they could prepare my staple as a special request. She laughed as she explained to me that Hausa people no longer eat guinea corn, it’s

reserved for horses she explained; tuwo is now made from miaze or wheat. Yes indeed, the world has changed. As children, we grew up on locally grown food staples. Meanwhile, we impose on our children the culture of eating imported food such as Jollof rice made from Thai rice, Portuguese tomato puree and Swiss maggi cubes and become angry when Oyibo talk about “our” Jollof rice.

We are not alone if that is any consolation.

Over the last one hundred years, 75 percent of the world’s plant genetic diversity has disappeared as humans stopped eating local food. The world has 300,000 thousand known edible plant species and 200 of them were commonly eaten not so long ago. Today, the world eats mainly only four plants, rice, wheat, maize and potatoes. With age, I have become interested in healthy foods and the wealth we have in that regard is incredible. In expensive health shops round the world, some of our foods are revered. Acha is today regarded as one of the healthiest grains for the human race. Moringa, which the Hausa call zogale, and is considered food for the poor, is recognised by health experts as a super food extremely rich in nutrients, vitamins and anti-oxidants. Finally, the famous miyan kuka of my youth, produced from leaves of the baobab tree is also recognised today as a super food that is extremely useful in fighting malnutrition. Even more important say the experts, the baobab fruit is even richer in vitamins and anti-oxidants. My recollection from my mother is that we must never drink “tsala”, light yoghurt from Fulani women because they cheat by substituting real yoghurt with baobab fruit known in Hausa as “kwalba da nono”. Today I am learning that its much more nutritious than milk.

Jibrin Ibrahim is a political and development theorist and expert.

President Buhari and El-Rufai’s comment on government By: Philip Agbese

T

he corridors of power is wrapped in some mystique and those familiar with the internal workings of the seat of governments would readily concede to the existence of an inner circle which influences major decisions. In Nigeria, it is loosely referred to as the “kitchen cabinet.”

Most times, it is a combination of informal busybodies who arrogate to themselves the powers of scratching the leader’s conscience or claim usurpation of his wisdom to tilt perceptions and decisions on leadership issues.

They regale in it and often display a pseudo aura of sophistry more than the crown himself.

Despite President Muhammadu Buhari’s acclaimed stiffness, he is perceived to be surrounded by this clique, and Nigerians who know better even speculate and broadcast the names. And Kaduna state governor, Mallam Nasir El Rufai is touted as belonging to this President’s Kitchen cabinet or his inner circle of influential men and women.

Whether it is true or false is less important.

What is incontestable is El Rufai’s closeness’ to Buhari. There is no doubt that he is one of PMB’s closest confidantes. He is reputed as sharing same perceptions about life or leadership with Buhari. And El Rufai had once publicly confessed owing his elevation to the seat of governor of Kaduna state to Buhari’s prodding.

It implies the allegiance El Rufai owes to Buhari. And quite often he expresses concern about his desire to see an exceptional Buhari Presidency. He speaks in a manner that suggests a Buhari presidency excelling in performance to the level of not only disarming his critics, but to the point of gasping for breath.

A perturbed El Rufai once voiced his desire of a perfect Buhari Presidency during a state prayer session organized by an opaque group, by the nomenclature of Abdullah Network

Communication.

After lamenting the enormity of the afflictions of Nigeria, he said; “it will be more painful if this government fails Nigerians.”

Therefore, in respect of El Rufai, it is safe to hazard the guess of intimacy with Buhari and moreover, they belong to the same region and political party. By implication, El Rufai can have the President’s audience more frequently than his other colleagues.

An astute leader, no doubt, the governor is expected to deploy his energy and wealth of experience to assist PMB succeeds in the herculean task of governing Nigeria in order to redefine the Nigeria he wishes to see.

Nigeria is a large and complex country.

And to abandon the burden of leadership of this great country on the shoulders of one man and expecting a wonderful performance is demanding too much. Buhari’s acolytes’ who share his vision and perceptions about changing Nigeria must necessarily and audaciously step out to render assistance.

Unfortunately, Governor El Rufai has not explored this plank of thinking. Rather, he has chosen to anoint himself with the toga of the many half-hearted loyalists and sympathizers’ of the Buhari administration. What these folks often flaunt is lamentations and wailings about the gravity of the decay in Nigeria and the hapless Buhari, always burdened with the responsibility of salvaging Nigeria from its degenerative pit.

It is what El Rufai has been doing in the last 18 months when Buhari ascended the throne as President and he held the other end as governor of Kaduna, a state referred to as the Northern mafia center. Some days back, El Rufai again repeated these idle and worthless talks, as he fielded questions from reporters after the National Economic Council meeting in Abuja.

Irritatingly drumming the obvious hardship in the country, which he blamed on pervasive

corruption of past era, which Buhari inherited and the decline in oil production as a result of militancy in the Niger Delta, Governor El Rufai said; “This collapse happened because there is a reduction in price of oil. Secondly, we were producing over two million barrels of oil per day but because of the situation in the Niger Delta, we are now producing about 1.1million barrels per day. It is therefore inevitable that there will be cut and pain. But to say that it is government that is doing it without referring to the cause, it is not fair.”

Earlier, as a guest at the Sunday Service of the Latter Rain Assembly, Lagos, Governor El Rufai had also descended into another session of wailing, pitying Buhari, instead of thinking on how to assist him to overcome the daunting challenges governance has bestowed on him.

Thus he said; “When we sit down with President Buhari these days, I pity him. I pity him because he has always become president anytime Nigeria is in trouble. First, it was after the NPN (National Party of Nigeria) government had almost grounded the economy (in 1984) and now, after a massive looting of the nation’s treasury; and he has to lead the team to fix it.”

Frankly, this is a flawed approach about someone you cherish who finds himself in a dilemma. But El Rufai can do more than his present posturing. Lamenting and wailing all over Nigeria about the country’s past or why the masses must suffer and necessarily lick their wounds in appreciation and why no one should expect anything good too soon is disguised mockery of the President and Nigerians. It dampens the spirit and faith of Nigerians in the Buhari Presidency.

El Rufai can be more positive and pragmatic, if his intention is to render genuine assistance to PMB. For instance, he could assemble some prominent Niger Delta leaders, (some of whom might be even his friends), to open their own

mutual dialogue with the dissenting voices and restive interests in the region.

The initiative could offer an informal platform for a parlay with these disenchanted interests in the region, outside of the officialdom of government, with the intent of prevailing on them to also see the other side of the coin. If the parley strikes this reasoning and commitment from stakeholders in the region, it would douse tension in the area considerably and increase Nigeria’s daily crude oil exploration and export.

As a Northerner, El Rufai is in a privileged position to know the secret sponsors of Islamic extremism, which has mutated into religious terrorism. He could privately engage these arrowheads in secret talks to convince them to discard such ideas and call their adherents to order.

Though not part of Buhari’s media handlers, but it is more worthwhile during such public outbursts, El Rufai could devote time to explain to Nigerians the Buhari policies and programmes, which are still misty as well as the derivable benefits to wax masses support of them and the Presidency than wailing about past wrongs.

It is loftier to reason and act this way in support of the Buhari Presidency than posture in a manner suggestive of masses revulsion against PMB for inflicting pains on them. Competing for a medal in wailing as demonstrated by El Rufai is not the panacea. He must be seen engaging practical steps to assist President Buhari to salvage Nigeria. But if this task is too heavy for him, it is better and more honourable to remain mute than inspire and stir up the passions of hatred in Nigerians against the government with wailings’.

Agbese Kingdom.

writes

from

the

United

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, dEceMBER 20, 2016

PAGE 14

News

Paucity of funds crippled SMEDAN operations in 2016- DG

By Abba-Eku Onyeka

T

he operations of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has been crippled owing to the 8.99 percentage release of its 2016 capital budget, the Director General (DG) of the agency, Dr Dikko Umaru Radda has disclosed.

This was contained in a press release from the Head, Public Relations of SMEDAN, Ibrahim Mohammed.

According to the release, SMEDAN’s budget performance in 2016 was made known by the DG of the agency while presenting progress report on SMEDAN to the House of Representatives Committee on Industry when its members visited the agency’s Industrial Development Centre (IDC) in Lagos last week on oversight visit.

According to the DG, the Agency had N193, 904,770.60 as its 2016 appropriation for overhead and a capital vote of N1, 793, 953, 179 respectively.

He informed that out of the N193.9 million for overhead, only N120, 835, 581.94 had been released to the agency while out of the N1.79 billion appropriated for capital project, only a meagre

sum of N161, 402, 286 million had also been released to date.

He said that based on the releases to the agency, budget performance stands at 61.25% for

overhead and 8.99% for capital.

Radda further informed that total expenditure for overhead as at December 13, 2016 was N118, 774, 545. 15 and N161, 206, 476

for capital, with a balance of N2, 061, 036. 79 for overhead and N195, 810 for capital expenditures respectively, even as he added that the percentage

completion based on releases for the year remained 98.29% for overhead and 99.88% for capital project.

Kwara govt to renovate 420 classrooms

By Taofik Lawal, Illorin

T

he Kwara State Government is to begin renovation of 420 classrooms across the sixteen local government areas of the state.

The State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed who disclosed this while addressing members of the All Progressives Congress at the monthly stakeholders meeting held at the Banquet Hall in Ilorin, said the schools have

been selected and will be given face-lift to provide conducive academic environment for teaching and learning in the state.

On the five billion naira London and Paris Club Loan refunds received by the state government, Governor Ahmed had released N1.8billion for the sixteen local government councils and Colleges of Education for payment of their salaries.

He promised that the government will continue to

ensure judicious use of funds, stressing that the balance of the money will go into stimulating the informal sector through injection of funds into the state SME scheme and the implementation of ongoing and new infrastructure.

The governor assured the party stalwarts that the government will continue prioritize infrastructure by paying contractors through the Kwara Infrastructure Fund (IF-K) with a

view to completing all projects on schedules.

On the Light Up Kwara project recently approved by the state executive Council, Governor Ahmed said the project was conceived to strengthen security in the state and stimulate the local economy. According to the governor, the project would be funded through public-private partnership on built, operate and transfer basis for ten years by the consultant.

Recession: Agric’ll save Nigeria’s economy, says Nasarawa AG From Gambo Ahmed

N

asarawa state Accountant General (AG), Mr. Zakka Yakubu has called on Nigerians to embrace agriculture as a means of salvaging the country from recession as well as improve gross domestic product.

According to him, “moving from petroleum to Agriculture will definitely be the only panacea to save our economy.

Agricultural products are higher now in the global market” He continued, “We need to go back to Agriculture as it was done in the past. If we move to Agriculture, we will see what the future of this country will become economical.”

The Accountant General further implored Nigerians to cultivate the habit of personal savings as well as contributing towards supporting both state and federal governments as according to him “we must not depend solely on government to do everything for us”.

• Former Senate President Sen. David Mark (4th left) and wife, Mrs. Helen Mark, former minister of Interior, Hon. Abba Moro, the parish Priest Rev. Fr. Innocent Jooji in a group photograph with 2016 Pilgrims to Isreal from St. Mulumba Catholic Chaplaincy on Sunday in Abuja.

FG assures provosts of its determination to transform teacher education

By Paul Efiong

T

he Committee of Provosts of Colleges of Education in Nigeria has been assured of government’s determination to revamp Teacher Education in order to attain an enviable status.

Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, gave the assurance in his office during his meeting with Committee of Provosts of Colleges of Education in Nigeria, who paid him a courtesy visit.

He said that the Ministry takes Teacher Education as a priority in the drive to transform the education sector; hence it formed one of the pillars in the Ministerial Strategic Plan.

Malam Adamu assured the Committee of looking into some of its complaints that are within the purview of his Ministry with a view to addressing them.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Committee, Dr. Nwanze I Ezoem, congratulated the Minister, saying that his

appointment has not only brought sanity to the education sector but is a sign post of a visionary step to a pragmatic education in the country.

In his words: “We have also observed that the short time you have spent in the Ministry has witnessed a lot of positive policy thrust for the sector.”

Dr. Ezoem pledged the Committee’s unalloyed support to the Minister and his management team, saying that the Committee is bent on

making Teacher Education a “Professional Reality” and not just a past-time occupation for quacks.

However, the Chairman complained about some challenges Colleges of Education are facing including low enrolment of students, late disbursement of Tetfund allocations salary and promotion arrears, among others; and urged the Minister to look into them with a view to professing solutions.

PAGE 15

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, dEceMBER 20, 2016

Rivers rerun: Magnus Abe’s thanksgiving a dance on grave of our people – PDP

T

he Peoples Democratic Party,PDP, in Rivers State has lambasted the winner of the Rivers South-East Senatorial District in the December 10 legislative rerun election, Senator Magnus Abe, describing his last Monday thanksgiving as a “dance on the graves of Rivers people.”

Abe had described his victory at the rerun election in the state as a reward from both man and God, while appreciating some members of his party for their efforts While both major political parties in the state, including security agencies, have been on accusations and counteraccusations following the killings and violence that marred the poll, the PDP said the colossal loss could have been avoided.

In a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to PDP Chairman, Rivers State, Bro. Felix Obuah, Jerry Needam, the party claimed that the APC senator masterminded the death of the same people he was fighting to represent at the Senate.

The statement reads, “Concerned over the number of lives and property of innocent Ogoni natives and other residents in Ogoni Communities lost in pursuit of Mr. Magnus Abe’s evil political ambition to impose himself on the people of the Rivers South-

East Senatorial District, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, said such colossal loss was avoidable if not for the desperation, greed and hard-heartedness of the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate, Mr. Abe. “It is in this regard that the State PDP Chairman, Bro Felix Obuah, has described last Monday’s Church Thanksgiving by Mr. Abe, following his disputable and controvertible declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as the winner of last Saturday’s election in the area, as nothing but a dance on the graves of all those brutally killed, maimed and abused by Mr. Abe’s civilian and military hatchet men, who continually invaded the Ogoni communities of Yeghe, Boue, Bori, Zaakpon and Wiyaakara, among others, on a mission to silence all those opposed to Abe’s ambition.

“The PDP Chairman, Bro Felix, believes that he who must come to equity must come with clean hands, stating that Mr. Abe has no justifiable reason or rectitude to give thanksgiving in a church without first confessing his wrong doings and apologize to the people of Ogoni and indeed, all Nigerians over the death of dozens of innocent souls in quest for his amibtion.

“It is indisputable and obvious that Mr. Magnus Abe and

other All Progressives Congress, APC, candidates in the Ogoni area who have been declared winners respectively in last Saturday’s election did not actually win as pronounced by INEC, the PDP said, assuring that by the grace of God all of these stolen mandates will be upturned by the court.

“The PDP Chairman again, while sympathizing with the people of Rivers South-East, whose mandates have been stolen by the APC led federal government, through the use of military and brute force, called on them to remain hopeful and not to be discouraged by the current situation in the area, noting that he who laughs last laughs best, as their preferred PDP candidates will get justice soon.

“He noted that God is not man that can be deceived, and that no amount of thanksgiving will avert the repercussion of the evils and injustice perpetrated in the land by Mr. Abe and his APC allies.

“The PDP Chairman described the Church thanksgiving by Mr. Magnus Abe as a mockery of the Church and God, since he did not win any election in Rivers South-East Senatorial District, adding that God does not accept sacrifices of sinners, who without seeking forgiveness, offer thanksgiving to Him.”

Anti corruption group honours eminent Nigerians tomorrow

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

T

he Buhari administration has received accolades from far and wide as a result of its anti-corruption crusade. In order to contribute to the patriotic campaign to curb graft in Nigeria, an anti graft group, Media Network Against Corruption has concluded plans to honour eminent Nigerians who have

transparently performed in office with Conferment of her Transparency in Public Office Award slated for Wednesday, 21st December, 2016 at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Sheraton Hotel, Abuja.

Those penciled down for honour, include Dr. Maikanti Baru, the group managing director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Dr Babatunde Fowler, the executive

Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service.

In a press release made available to newsmen and jointly signed by the national coordinator of Media Network Against Corruption, Comrade James Okoronkwo and secretary, Engr Johnson Eze, the group noted that Dr Maikanti Baru, the GMD of NNPC has being in the vanguard of the anti-

corruption crusade long before he was meritoriously appointed to pilot the affairs of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

He was the chairman of the anti corruption unit of the NNPC for many years.

Continuing, the group eulogized the executive chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Dr Babatunde Fowler, for increasing

the revenue base of the federal government.

The group stated that Justice Ishaq Usman Bello will deliver a paper on the ‘Quick Dispensation of Justice in the FCT’, while Barr. (Chief) Okoi Obono, the Special Assistant to the President on prosecution, will also speak on the ‘Imperatives of Driving the Anti-Corruption Crusade in Key Government Agencies.’

Attack on SGF is plot to get at Buhari, says ITAG From Umar Dankano,Yola

T

he recent call for the sack of Secretary to the Federal Government ,SGF, Engineer David Lawal Babachir and the refusal to confirm the appointment of Ibrahim Magu as substantive Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFFC) by the senate has been viewed as national sabotage.

Adamawa chapter of Integrity, Transparency and Good governance (ITAG), made its stand on the unfolding political development in the country, insisting that it was an attempt to get at President Muhammadu Buhari.

The association in a press statement issued on Monday in Yola, signed by its Chairman, Mustapha Atiku Ribadu, said the senate particularly its leadership which has corruption cases was out to settle scores with the presidency.

“It is on record that the Special Investigation Panel (SIP) headed by retired AIG Ali Ahmodi indicted the President of the Senate and his deputy.

“Also, Nigerians are aware of his (Saraki) case with the code of conduct tribunal which is still pending. The senators, instead of asking him to resign, they were even accompanying him to the court. No wonder, the former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo described the members of the national assembly as ‘unarmed robbers’,

The association claimed that Saraki was just using Babachir as a mere smokescreen to get Buhari. It also noted that the recent rejection of Ibrahim Magu as chairman of the EFCC by the senators, after withholding the nomination for five months, was a confirmation of plot to frustrate Mr. President.

“We wonder why since both the president and senate president are from the same political party, the ruling APC, he (Saraki) refused to advised the president to withdraw the name of the nominee whom he knew will not scale through.

“The senate president and his cotravelers are scheming to rubbish and humiliate Mr. President using law making as a coy. It even got to a point that the senate plans to amend the constitution to decentralize the police force, whittle down the powers of the president over commissioners of police by giving state governors the power of last command over the police.

“Saraki had positioned himself to take down Buhari’s men, one after the other, starting from the SGF, then Magu, and it could be any person close to the presidency, next.”

While noting that it is a group of likeminded individuals committed to good governance, the group declared support for the fight against corruption and urged Saraki to resigned “as he had lost the moral ground to occupy this exalted office.”

R-L: Hon. Muhammad Sani Abdul, Hon. Bulus Solomon, Senator Biodun Olujimi, Senator Barnabas Gemade, Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Senator Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya, Delta state Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Senator Clifford Ordia, Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim Senator Mao Ohanbuwa, Senator Ben Murray Bruce and Chief of Staff to Delta state Governor, Hon Tam Brisbe, during a visit by the Senate Committee on Works to the governor, at the Government house in Asaba yesterday Photo: Senate President Office

Mass exodus hits Benue APC as over 2,000 members join PDP

A

major political loss hit the All Progressives Congress in Benue State on Monday as no fewer than 2,000 members of the party defected to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. According to DAILY POST report, the party members, who pitched their tents with the PDP in Vandekiya LGA of the state on Monday hinged their reason for defection on Governor Samuel

Ortom’s failed leadership style.

Leading the crop of the over 2,000 defectors was former APC stalwarts, Hon. Demenongu Unom and Laha Dzever.

Unom, who spoke on behalf of the defectors, said he decided to dump the APC alongside his teeming supporters due to the glaring failed leadership style of Ortom.

He said the regime of Ortom had brought bad luck to Benue

State.

Receiving the decampees, the state’s chairman of the party, Sir Hon John Ngbede, who spoke on behalf of the former governor of the state, Gabriel Torwua Suswam, welcomed the new members on board.

He said the party was currently mending their broken fences to capture power from the APC in 2019.

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, dEceMBER 20, 2016

Politics

Strengthening legislature vital for democracy, says Gov Okowa From Osakhare Erese, Asaba

D

elta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has stated that the strengthening of the legislature in the country is vital for the growth of democracy.

Speaking when he received the National Assembly Joint Committee on Works led by Senator DR. Kabiru Gaya yesterday in Asaba, Governor Okowa said that the legislature must cooperate with the executive arm in carrying out their oversight functions in order for the growth of democracy.

Other members of the Committee are Senators Clifford Ordia [Vice chairman], Bukar Ibrahim, Biodun Olajumoke, Barnabas Gemade, Mao Ohabunwa, Abdullahi Danbaba, Ben Bruce and Hon Solomon Maren and Hon. Sani Abdu.

“National Assembly is doing very well, it must continue to maintain their watch dog functions, you must work hand in hand with the executive and apply your watchdog functions,” the governor said, adding, “the strengthening of the legislature is vital for the democracy.”

While decrying the destruction to the roads by articulated vehicles, Senator Okowa called for the regulation of the movement of heavy duty vehicles in the country.

“There is the need to have a policy direction in which heavy duty trucks will not be allowed to ply designated roads,

a lot of roads have been destroyed by these trucks especially those above 30 tonnes, as they ply roads not originally designed to carry their weight,” he said, adding “some federal and state roads have failed because of this. We need to designate appropriate roads for them to ply, as is done in other clime.”

Governor Okowa commended the Committee for its oversight on the

second Niger bridge, stating that “the bridge will reduce the traffic gridlock in the area and encourage the private sector to partner with government on projects.”

Earlier, the Committee Chairman, Senator Gaya informed Governor Okowa that they were in Asaba to supervise the progress of work on the second Niger bridge “which is dear to the federal and

state government and link Delta State and other South Eastern States.”

While commending Governor Okowa for his infrastructural development projects and the quality of state representation in the National Assembly, he said that the bridge is a Public-Private Project, and government has earmarked funds to meet its part of the counterpart funding.

L-R: Chairman of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers, Bro. Felix Obuah; former Governor of Rivers, Sir Celestine Omehia; Speaker, Rivers House of Assembly, Mr Dabo Adams; Deputy Governor Ipalibo Harry Banigo; and Gov. Nyesom Wike, during a Thanksgiving Mass held by PDP after a successful Rivers Legislative Rerun Elections on Sunday in Port Harcourt.

Photo: NAN

Leaked Wike call: Police demand Gov’s call records from telecoms

T

he Police have requested details ofRivers State Governor Nyesom Wike’s call logs from telecommunication firms, as they continue investigation into the leaked audio of a phone conversation the Governor allegedly had in which he is being accused of ordering officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to rig the Rivers rerun election.

A senior police offer told journalists, the panel will look into Wike’s incoming and outgoing telephone calls, as well as SMS exchanges. He said, “Obtaining the CDR shouldn’t pose any difficulty to the investigators because the telecom firms have it on their exchange.”

“Forensic analysis of the audio

**As APC vows to contend with him tapes would be matched with the call logs, which will also assist in identifying the voice prints of the suspects”, he added.

The Inspector-General had constituted a panel to investigate the audio and submit its report within 30 days. Wike has already said they would not help with the investigations, insisting that the so-called audio was not his voice.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress, APC, has affirmed its readiness to contend with Governor Wike.

The party, which described Wike as a distraction, called on the Nigeria Police and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to investigate the alleged audio of Governor Nyesom Wike threatening

INEC staff over the December 10 rerun elections in the state.

Leaders of the party led the peaceful protest to the Rivers State Police Command on Moscow Road and the state headquarters of the INEC on Aba Road, where they appealed to the bodies to dig deep into the matter.

Deputy governorship candidate of the APC in the last governorship election, Mr Asita Asita, who spoke on behalf of the protesters, said they were not happy with release of result for Rivers East senatorial district by the electoral body when some elections had not been conducted in some areas.

“We have formerly presented a petition to the Chairman of INEC. We have also presented the petition to the Inspector General of Police

through the Commissioner of Police in the state.

“We are protesting the conduct of the election especially in the Rivers East senatorial district, where election results were yet to collate in about four local government areas when the INEC went ahead to declare the results in favour of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and present certificates.

“We have come to lay a formal complain to the INEC, now we had hoped that Wike will concentrate on the governance of the state.

We have allowed him to govern, but he is distracting himself in the governance of the state. We are here therefore, to formally notify him that we are now ready to contend with him.”

Kwara Speaker congratulates Senate President at 54 From Taofeek Lawal

S

peaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Dr. Ali Ahmad has congratulated the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki as he marks his 54th birthday, urging more support from Nigerians for the present National Assembly leadership.

Ahmad stressed that beyond reasonable doubt, Saraki has proved his doubters wrong with the way he has been handling the senate affairs as its president for over a year and half.

The Speaker stated this in his congratulatory message to the senate president issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Shuaib Abdulkadir in Ilorin.

Thanking Allah for Saraki’s life, he said over the years, the senate president did not only increase in age, further grows in stature but has constantly developed in wisdom which, according to him, has manifested in the manner he handles himself and at every capacity he served.

He said, “As today marks another birthday, we celebrate you our visionary leader. You are indeed a reformer, a pacesetter and an accomplished administrator.

Through your exemplary leadership, Kwara has been repositioned for greatness and the National Assembly is equally on similar path.”

The Speaker, however prayed Allah to further grant the senate president sound health, provide him with more wisdom and the wherewithal to live the rest of his life in joy and peace.

I cannot be impeached; I am God’s project – Fayose

G

overnor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has blasted clerics who predicted that he would be impeached or removed, less than a year after assuming office.

In 2014 after his swearing-in, two notable clerics from Ibadan and Akure, predicted that Fayose would not last 12 months in office.

They claimed the Governor would suffer the same fate that befell him in 2006 during his first tenure.

Fayose has gone on to weather the storms of legal and political battles and said he was God’s project. He was speaking during the annual Christmas Carol Service at the Government House

Grounds on Sunday.

According to a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, the Governor had declared that: “God knows everything and for Ekiti and her people, we are going forward and with God all things are possible.

“In January this year, a cleric

said I would be removed in 2016 and I am still here by God’s grace.

On April 22, 2015, somebody said myself and Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State would be removed from office, but I am still here.

“My enemies can’t change my destiny. I am God’s project and all that he plans for my life will come

to pass, no matter how bitter some people feel. Anybody with a negative prophecy against me and this state will fail. We won’t lose any battle in Ekiti. God is bound

by His words and will accomplish them.”

Governor Fayose also urged Ekiti people to remain positive minded and expect a better future.

PAGE 17

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, dEceMBER 20, 2016

Politics

Kebbi: I have no interest in running for Governor in 2019 – Ibn Na Allah From Mohammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

S

enator Bala Ibn Na Allah representing Kebbi South Senatorial District of Kebbi State, North West Nigeria, has said that despite having good relationship with his people he still does not intend to contest 2019 governorship election in the state.

The Deputy Senate Leader made this clarification while fielding questions from newsmen during the 10 years anniversary and awards presentation of the Association

of Kebbi indigenes resident in Kaduna State at the weekend.

Senator Na Allah who was among recipients of the award said he has never confided in anybody on his future political ambition.

According to him, the future shall determine his political movement.

“I have a good relationship with my constituent going by my records as a two times Member House of Representative and a serving senator. That is to show that I have a good rapport with my people, but

despite that I don’t have any intention to become a governor in 2019,” he said.

He called on the Association of Kebbi indigenes resident in Kaduna State to be more united than ever irrespective of their spiritual believe, tribe and economic status.

“I have been seeing that Kebbi people residing in Kaduna State are united; and I seize this opportunity to tell them to be crusaders of peace and unity, and to continue to maintain the tempo of peace that I have seen in them.

“Kebbi State is one of the states in Nigeria that have been doing well in all human endeavors. I can categorically tell you that Kebbi State is having 48 serving and retired Brigadier Generals; and no other states in Nigeria can boast of such feat,” he said.

Kaduna State Chairman Nigerian Union of Journalists, Garba Muhammad, who was the Immediate past chairman of Kebbi Indigines residents in Kaduna also received excellence award from the association.

Okorocha under fire for putting his wife ‘in charge’ of 4 ministries in Imo

I

mo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, is currently at the receiving end of harsh criticisms following his recent claim that his wife, Nkechi, was in control of at least four ministries in the state.

The governor made the revelation when the correspondents’ chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Imo State, recognized Nkechi with the “Most Outstanding Governor’s Wife Award” during the week in Owerri.

Reacting to his statement, Igbo National Council, INC, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha said Okorocha had succeeded in

converting the state to his private property.

President of Igbo National Council, Comrade Chilos Godsent, said it amounted to ridicule of public office.

According to Godsent, “It is a reckless statement and it is very unethical to make such a statement in a public function. It ridicules the sensibility of the public. It indicates that it is a one man’s business.”

On his part, the Executive Director of Human Rights for Citizens Development, Comrade Ikechukwu, said the statement was crude.

“When I heard it, I was surprised and felt that some public officials don’t understand why

they are in office. So, we must let them know they should be careful of whatever they say in office.

“What type of government do we have in this state? We want our public officials to know that they have a duty to provide us the necessary social amenities and not to just provide for themselves.”

Adding his voice, Chairman of PDP in the state, Chief Charles Ezekwem, said the administration was the private business Okorocha.

“The governor can decide to run the affairs of government the way he likes, but if it is true that his wife controls any ministry, I don’t think it is

proper I only think that there is nothing we say now that can change anything,” Ezekwem said.

A former speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Emeka Ihedioha, described it as an aberration.

Ihedioha, in a statement signed by his media aide, Mr. Chibike Onyeukwu, said: “It is an aberration; it runs contrary to the ethics of governance and standard process of democratic engineering and good governance.

“It has yet further confirmed our fears that Okorocha has personalized governance in Imo State. A situation where he has totally abdicated his duties as governor is totally unacceptable.”

Dogara hails Supreme Court, blasts Governors over LGs

T

he Speaker of House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has commended the Supreme Court for holding that sacking of elected local government chairmen and councilors by state governments, and that appointment of administrators, are illegal.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Mr Turaki Hassan, in Abuja on Monday, Dogara said state governors did not have the constitutional right to sack duly elected local government officials.

He described the appointment of caretaker committees for local governments by governors as “executive recklessness.”

“State governors have a constitutional responsibility to act according to the dictates of the judgment, as Nigeria is a nation of laws and not of men.

“Already, clauses granting financial autonomy to both local councils and State Houses of Assembly are being considered by the National Assembly in the ongoing constitution amendment.

“The proposals include denying federal allocation to local governments that do not have democratically elected council officials.

“In the interim, the Federal Ministry of Finance should be guided by the Supreme Court’s decision which makes it illegal to release federation account funds to an unelected council’’, Dogara said.

The Speaker recently described the state/local government joint account as “evil’’ and urged state legislators to move against governors who refused to conduct council polls and hijack their funds.

Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Interior, Hon. Jagaba Adams Jagaba, addressing his supporters, during the Jagaba’s constituency outreach, at the weekend in kubacha Kagarko Kagarko LGA, in Kaduna state.

1,000 PDP members defect to APC in Kano From Kano

M

Mustapha

Adamu,

ore than one thousand members have dumped the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC ) in Kano State.

In a grand reception held in Gwarzo Local Government area yesterday, the state’s Commissioner of Health, Dr. Kabiru ibrahim Getso, described the development as a great victory for APC and democracy in the

state.

According to him, it was a breakthrough for the ruling party to receive such high-profile personalities under its umbrella, stressing that they would be up and doing to embrace them.

“This is a great victory for APC in this state. If you see the calibre of the people that have joined our great party, you will describe the scenario as a breakthrough. We will ensure that we carry them along without segregation,” Getso said.

He also called on the existing APC supporters to be more

committed in moving the party forward, warning them against any form of discrimination against the new members.

He attributed the victory to the commitment and number of projects being executed in the area by the state Governor Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and his policy of open-door administration, noting that it was the governor’s desire and passion to carry everybody on board, irrespective of party differences.

In his remarks, the APC chairman, Gwarzo chapter, Alhaji

Shehu Yusuf Ciroma Kutama, pledged to carry them along to ensure justice and fairness among all members.

One of the decamped members, Alhaji Damina Gwarzo, said that they resolved to move to APC after carefully studying the number of developmental projects brought to them by the state government through the commissioner for Health within a short period of time, adding that, they were enjoying the dividend of democracy under the current administration.

PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, dEceMBER 20, 2016

Stock Watch: Monday, December 19, 2016 Company

7UP

Previous Closing Price

185.06

184.5

Opening Price

184.5

High

Low

184.5

Close

184.5

Change

Trades

-0.56 25

Volume

Value

Company

Previous Closing Price

Opening Price

High

Low

Close

Change

Trades

Volume

Value

233,796

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

ABBEYBDS 1.25 - - - 1.25 0 - -

MBENEFIT 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

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

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

ACADEMY 0.59 - - - 0.59 0 - ACCESS

4.46

4.46

4.64

4.46

4.5

0.04 321

28,060,764

126,589,999.78

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

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

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

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

AFRPAINTS 2.59 - - - 2.59 0 - -

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

AGLEVENT 1.02 0.97 -

-

1.02

8 48,971 46,330.44

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

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

126,800 124,264.00

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

822.99 822.99 822.99 822.99 8.99 73

115,282 94,401,035.72

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

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

NNFM 8.99 - - - 8.99 0 - -

AUSTINLAZ 2.09 - - - 2.09 0 - -

NPFMCRFBK

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

0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 0

6

174,000 170,510.00

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

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

PREMBREW 2.95 - - - 2.95 0 - -

CAPOIL 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

PREMPAINTS 10.93 - - - 10.93 0 - -

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

-

8.73

7 51,560 458,087.60

CHAMPION 4.17 4.17 -

-

4.17

11 146,282 587,170.36

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

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

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

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

CONOIL 27.41 26.04 -

ROADS 6.6 - - - 6.6 0 - -

-

27.41

8

13,350 330,799.00

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

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

SCOA 4.16 - - - 4.16 0 - -

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

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

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

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

MBENEFIT 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

DANGSUGAR

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

DEAPCAP 0.58 - - - 0.58 0 - -

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

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

JOSBREW 1.51 - - - 1.51 0 - -

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

JULI 1.75 - - - 1.75 0 - -

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

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

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

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

NCR 11.02 - - - 11.02 0 - -

LEARNAFRCA

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

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

-

2.62

8 37,850 99,859.50

Top Gainers Company

Previous Closing Price

Opening Price

High

NEIMETH 1.03 0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 -0.05 6

126,800 124,264.00

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

822.99 822.99 822.99 822.99 8.99 73

115,282 94,401,035.72

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

Top Losers Low

Close

Change

Trades

Volume

Value

Company

Previous Closing Price

Opening Price

High

Low

Close

Change

Trades

Volume

Value

ALUMACO 7.75 - - - 7.75 1 200 1,474.00

MULTITREX 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

FORTISMFB 5.42 - - - 5.42 0 - -

NNFM 8.99 - - - 8.99 0 - -

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

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

INFINITY 1.42 - - - 1.42 0 - -

UTC 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

OMOSAVBNK 0.92 - - - 0.92 0 - -

UNIONDICON 11.84 - - - 11.84 0 - -

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

MANDRID 5.35 - - - 5.35 0 - -

ASOSAVINGS 0.5 - - - 0.5 0 - -

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

ABBEYBDS 1.25 - - - 1.25 0 - -

JULI 1.75 - - - 1.75 0 - -

Page 19

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, dEceMBER 20, 2016

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Ashakacement Plc, Mr. Rabiu Umar, Vice Chairman, Edith Onwuchekwa,Company Secretary, Zainab Umaru, and Director, Bruno Bayet, during an extraordinary general meeting of Ashakacement Plc, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) yesterday assured Nigerians that would be travelling across the country during and after the yuletide period, a hitch-free journey with the availability of Premium Moter Spirit (PMS) called Petrol and Aviation Turbine Kerosene (ATK) popularly called aviation fuel.

The Group Managing Director of the Corporation, Dr. Maikanti Baru, who disclosed this in Abuja said the giant step was taken to forestall shortage of the product, a situation that had recently led to reported cases of flight delays and cancellations across the nation’s airports.

Dr. Baru said in the build-up to the yuletide period, the Corporation had

exceeded the demand of marketers.

The GMD explained that the NNPC had imported about 38.7million litres of aviation fuel which represented about 26-day sufficiency.

Specifically, he continued, on December 14, 2016, the Corporation completed the discharge of 8,800MT which represented about 10.6million litres to major terminals in the country.

In addition, as at this morning

(December 19, 2016), 23,500MT which represented about 28.2million litres was being discharged to the major oil terminals.

In order to sustain the tempo, the Corporation had also secured the supply of additional 30,000MT vessel of ATK which represented about 36million litres expected to berth Nigerian shores before the end of the year.

Furthermore, NNPC wishes to state

that it has over 40-day sufficiency for PMS and adequate volumes of AGO and DPK to satisfy national demand throughout the yuletide period and beyond.

A statement by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, NNPC, Udu Ughamadu quoted the GMD to have further assured Nigerians that the NNPC would sustain the drive towards ensuring availability of petroleum products at all times.

Yuletide: NNPC assures availability of PMS, Aviation Fuel

NCAA to fine airlines without adequate insurance cover ...warns against smear propaganda

From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

T

he Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has sent out a stern warning stating categorically that no airline will be allow to operate in Nigeria without the required adequate insurance cover and other safety certificates in accordance with the provisions of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NCAR) 18.11.2.

The regulatory agency also issued similar warning to players in the aviation sector to desist from any form of anticompetitive practices in the industry or face the music.

The warning is coming on the heels of recent cases of increase in unwholesome propaganda in the industry insinuating in some quarters that a particular airline aircraft crashed on one hand, which was outright false and on the other hand,

there was also an allegation last week that a particular carrier does not possess aircraft spares to sustain a safe operation using the online platform.

It was also alleged that the same airline does not maintain its aircraft regularly, a claim the airline had since swiftly reacted to.

The industry regulatory body stated that it was unfathomable that some questionable sources have been posting and circulating some cruelly fictitious stories about some airlines.

An online statement signed by the General Manager, Public Relations, NCAA, Mr Sam Adurogboye, stated that the authority recently carried out a safety audit on Arik Air and there were no issue of safety concern found, adding that such reports should be discountenanced.

According to Adurogboye, “All those involved in this nefarious activity should

promptly desist from this course of action as the consequences is seriously detrimental to the industry, particularly the confidence of the passengers. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is well aware of the high volume of passenger movement within the country and from the Diaspora during the yuletide season.”

He hinted that NCAA’s Aviation Safety Inspectors (ASI) have embarked on increased surveillance on airline operations in addition to its daily ramp inspection diligently carried out so as not to leave room for anyone to cut corners.

On the issue of insurance, contrary to some claims, Adurogboye stated that it was inconceivable for any carrier/flight crew to carry out any flight operation (private or commercial) without valid or all requisite safety certificates.

To buttress his point, the NCAA

Spokesman cited the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARs), 18.11.2, which states that, “No person shall operate any aircraft in public air transport category without adequate and valid insurance.

He added that on this strength, the authority will continue to statutorily provide robust regulation for safe and secure airline operations, appealing to passengers to show understanding and not take laws into their hands when it becomes inevitable that flight has to be delayed or cancelled on account of unfavourable weather conditions or any other operational issues such as unavailability of fuel whenever it arises.

In addition, Adurogboye hinted that the Consumer Protection Directorate has been strengthened to enforce the Passengers Bill of Rights as it relates to passengers and the airlines.

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, dEceMBER 20, 2016

Page 20

Business DMO boss to Nigerians: be creative, support FG’s recovery efforts From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

T

he Director General of Debt Management Office (DMO), Dr. Abraham Nwankwo, has called on Nigerians to be more creative and support the federal government’s efforts at getting the country out of recession.

Nwankwo at a breakfast meeting with editors in Lagos on Friday, observed that the task of getting the country out of the present economic challenges remains a collective responsibility.

The DMO boss was optimistic that the measures taken so far by the Federal Government to ensure that the country’s economy becomes sustainable, would be fruitful, noting that there was no reason to despair.

According to him, the authorities were exploring other regenerative areas that abound in the country as part of measures aimed at strengthening the economy.

“Indeed, I am emphasizing that what we are supposed to be focusing on is being

able to establish the minimum amount of resources we need to get out of the woods. Let us put our thinking together and identify the needed resources from the most appealing and attractive sources,” Nwankwo said.

“Let me emphasis that our focus is on raising revenue in a way that we will use our resources to solve our problems. The focus for all us is to do whatever we can do to set ourselves on the path of sustainable growth. That path entails that we will diversify our economy in such a way that we have several sources of foreign exchange. That

should be one of the indicators.

“If we can replace as many as the things we import, we should be able to establish a sense of sustainability in terms of our recovery. I am optimistic that while the challenges are enormous, the means to get to sustainable growth are abundantly available,” he stated.

He stressed that “for a country that has been used to high growth in the past 10 years and an economy that has a relatively steady source of revenue which has largely influenced our consumption and investment on social programmes to collapse drastically due to the fall in the price of oil, it puts a greater burden on competent management of resources.

“One of the most appealing sources for a company, for instance, that has a challenge of revenue, is to look into debt. Getting debt is not as easy as that because it requires planning, so that you don’t go back to the same type of challenge again.”

CBT partners Sterling Bank on JAMB Registration From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

S

Chairman of H2O Technologies & Design Systems, Emmanuel Akpakwu (middle), briefing the stakeholders of Microsoft Inc, during the inspection of a new Mobile Self-contained Classroom call EGG, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Aisuebeogun seeks strong carriers for Nigeria From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

A

former Managing Director of the Federal Airports of Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Richard Aisuebeogun has called on airline operators to build carriers that would stand the test of time by seeking strong financial partnership and open themselves up for investors.

Aisuebeogun stated that a report of survey carried out in May, 2016 says over the past 12 years nearly 37 airlines were launched in Africa, and almost all of them had failed – 25 of which are from Nigeria.

He stated that today, only about 12 Africa airlines have inter-

continental operations, stressing that the more, “We realise that airlines are not a luxury but a necessity in our remote villages and hub cities, the more we can change our thinking and make sustained efforts to ensure that airlines are supported and developed for the accelerated development of our economies and improvement of our livelihoods’.

Aisuebeogun who is one of the very few qualified and graduate of (Global) International Aviation Professional (IAP), noted that the potential of aviation in Africa is under-utilised, which means that there are huge opportunities for the sustainable airlines to thrive, but

for the region to realise these latent possibilities, aviation – particularly, commercial air transport – must be prioritised by government.

He disclosed that today, air transport is recognised as an important element in the achievement of the United Nation’s Vision 2030 Sustainable Development Goals which seeks to improve individual livelihoods in all corners of the globe, adding that air transport is also vital to achieving the African Union’s (AU) Agenda 2063, which seeks to transform Africa’s economy from its current largely underdeveloped state to hugely develop economies.

tudents sitting for the 2017 Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination for the first time in many years, would have reasons to cheer as Computer –Based Test Centre Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (CPAN), an association of CBT owners in Nigeria announced its partnership with the One-Customer–Bank, Sterling Bank Plc, for the seamless registration of students ahead of 2017 UTME. The appointment of the Bank is based on its laudable contributions towards the development of the education sector in Nigeria and the impact on the major stakeholders across the value chain.

The Association’s Chairman, Engr. Sage Udebuami who disclosed the appointment of that Bank at a press conference in Abuja said the decision of the Association to partner with Sterling Bank was also based on its capacity, commitment and provision of infrastructure needed for the consistent growth of the sector especially in the last three years.

His words: “It is a known fact that we have our challenges. To help checkmate these challenges, we have decided to look in the direction of Sterling Bank. We are confident that with its robust IT platform that suits the new model recently introduced by JAMB for adoption by our members, seamless process for the registration of students sitting for JAMB next year is guaranteed”.

He expressed confidence that the partnership with Sterling Bank would reduce the turn-around time for the registration of students, reduce cost of operation for CTB owners and increase savings for JAMB. In his remarks, the Sterling Bank’s Head of One Education Mr. Adolphus Abraham said the Bank is delighted to be associated with the CBT owners assuring that the Bank has already put in place the right technology, platforms and competent human resources to ensure the delivery of quality service.

The coming on board of Sterling Bank, according to him, would enhance the process of registration and sales of forms and further support the over 500 CBT owners to fully understand the process of registering over 1.5 million students with the use of the new model recently introduced by JAMB. His words: “JAMB recently introduced a new model for the registration of students siting for exams. With this partnership, Sterling Bank will provide the right technology and other infrastructure including logistics to ensure that the process is flawless. It would also give us the opportunity to bring our expertise to bear on the success story of JAMB in deploying education services. It is the responsibility of JAMB to conduct examination but this starts with registration and sales of forms. With our robust Technology, we will put in place an efficient and seamless registration process”.

NECA, NACCIMA, MAN commend FRC on NCCG, seeks clarification From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

T

he Organised Private Sectors in the country consisting of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) have commended the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, FRC on the recently released National Code of Corporate Governance (NCCG) for operators in the nation’s business environment, but seek clarifications on some sections of the code.

The body gave the commendation while on a courtesy visit to the Council’s corporate headquarters in Lagos to brainstorm on those areas of the code they needed further

clarifications over the weekend.

Speaking at the Council’s office, the Director General, DG of NECA, Mr. Olusegun Oshinowo, who led the delegates, said the body was in support of the NCCG which is to ensure transparency, accountability and fairness to all stakeholders in the business sector of the economy but sought answers to some questions with regard to the code.

He highlighted some of the grey areas in the code which they were in the Council to seek clarifications on to include among others, transitional time for the enforcement of the code, the number of non-executive directors to be appointed into companies’ board, constitution of Joint Audit by entities with at least N10b capital and appointment of consultants, which he urged the FRC to look

into with a view to addressing them in such a way that the inputs of the stakeholders would reflect in the code.

He however commended the Council for allowing robust social dialogue on the NCCG through the series of public hearings and seminars it organized to get inputs from stakeholders before the code was eventually released, adding that to ensure that the code is largely acceptable to all, there was the need for continuous social dialogue and improvements on the code reflect current realities in the country.

In his response, the Chief Executive Officer of the FRC, Mr. Jim Obazee, said the Council was working tirelessly with stakeholders to ensure the code yields the desired result of entrenching transparency and accountability in the way

businesses are done through its emphasis on more disclosures in financial statements in order to build investors’ confidence in the nation’s business environment.

He highlighted some of the giant strides the FRC has made in the past which were hitherto criticized in the beginning but were later commended for achieving the desired result to include among others, adoption of International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) as benchmark for stating financial statements in the country and the issuance of FRC Registration Number to those who sign entities’ accounts to give credence to the accounts and to ensure that in the event of any misstatements, those individuals can be held responsible through suspension of their numbers instead of the entire organisations they represent.

Page 21

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, dEceMBER 20, 2016

Voxpop: Erratic power supply triggers mixed-feelings among residents in Kpeyegyi Community

T

he state of electricity supply in Kpeyegyi community, a suburb of Abuja, has sparked mixed feelings among residents in the area. While some are of the view that in recent times, supply of electricity the community and environs is good, others insist that there is still much that Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) must do to improve the power situation in the area. They expressed these divergent views in this VOXPOP conducted by

Beauty Amaike. Excerpts: Future Nwankpa, a Businessman: y take concerning the light situation in Kpeyegyi a small rural settlement which am living in. I think I must say that more should be done concerning his power because we are not having constant light the way it should be because sometimes we are in total blackout which I believe is a Nigeria problem generally .But it does not mean that we don’t have light compare to other settlements in this axis like Jikwoyi, Kurudu and Karshi respectively.

I think the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC)is trying in this area even though is a small settlement. But I would like to say that the government can do more because businesses are no longer moving as a result of power shortage we are experiencing coupled with the recession.

M

Uche Eke, a petty trader: he government can help us by providing enough transformers that can handle this power problem in the community, so that people can go back to their businesses. Although we have two transformers in this area, but they are fairly used and as such their services

are not good. If there is no light, a lot of businesses will fall and I believed when the government do this, people will be happy and businesses will move fine .I wouldn’t fail to commend the officials of , they are really trying but more should be done in this regard.

Joy Aaron, a businesswoman: or me, the power distribution company (AEDC) is really doing g good work in this area unlike before

F

T Ayola Samuel

Future Nwankpa

“

Esther Essien

The situation of power supply in this area is very impressive especially in this period of the year.

Joy Aaron

when they don’t attempt bringing light to us. I must have to commend them. The constant light in this area keeps my family busy especially the children now that they are on holiday, they do not disturb if there is light. I appeal to them to keep their good work up and not holding back from their good work.

Esther Essien, a hair stylist: he situation of power supply in this area is very impressive especially in this period of the year.

Because of the constant light in this area customers are attracted to my shop because I entertain them with my television and it makes them feel free and happy, so if there is no light my shop is always boring and it becomes difficult for me to feed myself. But now there is constant light to a reasonable extent. I no longer spend time buying fuel. I encourage them never to let up in there good work because that is the way it should be.

T

Ayola Samuel, a business man: here is no consistent light in this area. They bring light for fifteen days and bring bill of thirty days. I think that is unfair .The transformer people in this community are making use of is weak. So I am pleading with the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to provide steady supply in this area.

This light issue started in 2014 when we have problem of transformer which we contributed money to buy. I think I paid almost 5,000 for my apartment and shop and during this time, the power holding representative’s promise that they will not collect money during this time the transformer had problem, it lasted for almost 6 months .but surprisingly they brought of 33,000.

So my advice to the government is to make prepaid for everybody so that people can ration what they have if i like recharge if don’t like I put my light off.

T

Residents urged to be wary of cyber fraudsters impersonating FCT Minister

By Stanley Onyekwere

R

esidents have been admonished to be wary of activities of suspected fraudsters who operate fake Facebook accounts in the name of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

A statement signed by Chief Press Secretary to the FCT Minister, Muhammad

Sule, said it was imperative to call on members of the public to beware of the activities of these fraudsters who operate the fake Facebook accounts with the Minister’s photograph to promote nonexisting land offers, contracts, employment opportunities among others, and request innocent members of the public to pay certain amounts of money for these services.

According to the statement, the FCT Administration conducts the businesses of

governance through the recognized official channels in its Mandate Secretariats, Departments and Agencies using due process and transparency, and not through any social media platforms.

“The general public should be aware that the FCT Minister has one Facebook account mainly for information dissemination about this Administration’s strides for the purpose of educating the public only.

“The Minister will not either by himself, through personal aides, other individuals

or organizations solicit for money or ask members of the public to patronize any regulated activity of the FCT Administration through his Facebook page or any other social media platform.

“The Administration thus, wishes to advise all those engaging in such unscrupulous acts to desist forthwith as security agencies have been directed to closely monitor their activities and deal with them in accordance with the provisions of the law,” the statement read.

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESDAY, dEceMBER 20, 2016

Page 22

world news

international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

Aleppo: The guilt, the resentment, the indifference analysis

By Riham Alkousaa

I

t seems the only way to isolate yourself from the tragedies of Aleppo is to be in Damascus.

While most of my Syrian friends abroad are posting about Aleppo on social media, my friends in Damascus are talking about late night pizzas, posting photos of graduation ceremonies and of the wet grey asphalt after a short night rain, and celebrating autumn. Maybe the only way to shade your eyes from this calamity is to care about your own survival.

The evening of the 14 December, while people were slaughtered in Aleppo, the Syrian Symphony Orchestra held a classical concert lead by Missak Baghboudarian in Damascus Opera House.

Since I left in 2014, I stopped asking myself why the people who do care in Damascus are doing nothing to stop the tragedies in Syria.

I know the fear, the frustration and the survival mode you get into. When I was there, I was thinking about the blackouts, about how much the chicken will cost tomorrow and, most of all, about how to get out of there.

I was a coward from the beginning, giving myself excuses as a daughter for two parents who would lose their minds if I get hurt. But, I was simply too afraid to act.

I am filing my final paper this semester, while reading the endless tweets and posts about Aleppo. I am sometimes too afraid to speak with the people there.

My last contact was yesterday when Hisham Eskef, a member of a rebel group that participated in the past truce negotiations for Aleppo, told me that 800 people were taken by the regime while they were getting evacuated from east Aleppo.

I am the hypocrite who would talk with the people in east Aleppo, hear their pleas, cry and then go back to reading Lee Hamilton’s thoughts on the “creative tension” in the American democratic system.

I am the hypocrite who would say to those trapped in Aleppo, looking death in the eye, that I am with them.

But, I am not. I am the Syrian who spends her day wondering how a horrible massacre could produce surreal images, such as those of a woman in a wheelchair and her husband who was

Supporters of Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad tour the streets in celebration of what they say is the Syrian army’s victory against the rebels in Aleppo [Reuters]

frantically trying to save her.

The pictures tell a story of a man who desperately searches #Aleppo’s streets for a doctor to save his wife’s life, she dies in midst.

I am the Syrian who just read a long interview with Sadeq Jalal Al Azm, who died in exile on December 11, talking about the right to revolt and at least referring to what happened as a revolution.

We never learned about him in our textbooks, we didn’t read his thoughts on love and religion, many of my Syrian friends don’t recognise his name in the first place. And some would ask: “Where was the Syrian intellectual elite in this revolution?”

H ow Fac ebook hur t t he Syrian Revolution am the Syrian who would see photos of an old friend reporting about the “tense sunset” in the distressed city of Aleppo. I would see photos of a belated honeymoon taking place alongside a “victory” over an anguished city. My friend went there, with the man she just married, to report for pro-Assad media about the greatness of a victorious army.

Among some of her photos that stuck with me were images of the long line of young men who were forced to fight with the army

I

in order to get to their families in east Aleppo, and an image of a mother in a black headscarf crying bitterly at the sight of her destroyed home. Her attempt at image poetics disturbed me.

Eventually, I had to tell her that this victory is built on people’s misery, that while the operation went well, the patient is dead now.

She told me that this is war and, in wars, there is always a winner and a loser.

Will Aleppo evacuees be safe in Idlib? n my news feed, I would see another pro-regime friend checked-in in Aleppo with a photo of the old partly damaged castle, a picture of Assad crowning its top. On the same feed, a friend

O

based in Gaziantep would post photos of the graffiti that residents left in east Aleppo before being forced to evacuate; “Walls are the notebooks of the rebels,” he captioned it.

I read the comments of all Syrians, those who are mourning the slaughter and those who are celebrating it. They both see Aleppo as the “sacred” city, where it’s always worth taking a last selfie with the rubble before departure. Aleppo is a city to be lived, not to be described.

It is a city where resentment had all the reasons to grow into a vicious monster. Is this the type of resentment that allows one to justify a massacre and celebrate it?

What is happening in Aleppo is truly historic, as Assad said the

“

It is a city where resentment had all the reasons to grow into a vicious monster. Is this the type of resentment that allows one to justify a massacre and celebrate it?

other day. It is the spectacular tearing apart of a once united nation, to the point that its people can no longer agree on basic principles of humanity.

In our last politics seminar this term, we discussed nationbuilding. Nations need a foundational myth or a story keeping people together, giving them a reason to live together under the roof of a “nation”.

While our professor was asking my colleagues about their nations’ stories, I was anxious because I didn’t have one. Not before, and not any more.

Our story, I am afraid, would be that one day we were so different that we killed each other, and we celebrated this killing with chocolates and gaudy Christmas trees. That one day we were so different that we only cared about our own survival and the death of others did not matter.

Riham Alkousaa is a Syrian journalist covering refugees in Europe and conflict in Syria. She is currently a masters’ student of Politics and Global Affairs at Columbia University, Graduate School of Journalism.

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera’s editorial policy.

Source: aljazeera.com

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesDAY, dEceMBER 20, 2016

Page 23

News From Africa Sudan civil disobedience:

Why are people staying at home?

P

rotesters in Sudan are holding a “day of disobedience”.

What is it and why are they protesting? BBC World Service Africa editor James Copnall explains.

What are the protesters doing?

Instead of taking to the streets or marching towards a ministry or the presidential palace to express their concerns, as they have done in the past, Sudanese protesters are doing something much simpler - staying at home.

Some students have not gone to their school or university; workers have not turned up at the office; even some government employees have not shown up for work. This tactic of “civil disobedience” has been tried before - in November the protesters held a three day “stay-athome” strike.

Activists tweeted photos of empty streets and offices, particularly on the first couple of days. By day three, most people were back at work. But the protest was considered to be so successful that the “day of disobedience” is being repeated.

However, it appears as though fewer people are heeding the call to stay at home this time.

The trigger for these protests came last month when the Sudanese government imposed a fresh round of austerity measures - at a time when the economy is doing so badly that many Sudanese are struggling to make ends meet.

Rebels kill South African peacekeeper and policeman

A

A Twitter user posted this photo saying it was of shops closed as part of the protests The rise in petrol and diesel prices led to an increase in the cost of many basic goods, including medicines. The government eventually backtracked on medicines, because the suffering of sick people struggling to afford the drugs they needed provoked such anger.

For many - but by no means all - of the protesters, another motivation is dislike of President Omar al-Bashir and his government.

Since Mr Bashir seized power in a coup in 1989, Sudan has not known a day of peace and civil wars continue in Darfur, South Kordofan

and Blue Nile.

This is a very interesting question and one which nobody seems to have an answer for. The initial call to stay at home came on social media, but no organisation or group has said it was responsible.

Instead it seems to have been the work of a number of social media users with no particular affiliation. A large number of bodies have backed the campaign, including opposition parties, cultural organisations and youth groups.

Even a major rebel movement, SPLM-North, has tried to throw its

weight behind the demonstration.

However most of the protesters seem sceptical of these attempts to join - or shape - their efforts.

Last week, President Bashir warned “keyboard activists” that they would not be able to overthrow his government and challenged them to take to the streets - a reference to the last major protests in the capital in September 2013.

The security forces used live ammunition to stop those demonstrations, which were also about austerity measures. Rights groups say as many as 200 people were killed.

South African peacekeeper was killed, two others were injured, in a rebel attack in the city of Butembo in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to a South African military statement.

UN and police sources told the AFP news agency that five rebels and one local policeman were also killed in Monday’s attack.

The clashes between security forces and rebel fighters, who attacked the prison in Butembo, came amid rising tension across the country as President Joseph Kabila’s mandate runs out.

Butembo is a city of around one million people in the troubled North Kivu province located in east of the country.

“At around 6am (04:00 GMT), the assailants, who were likely Mai-Mai fighters, launched an attack against the prison and other places,” AFP quoted the spokesman for the UN’s MONUSCO peacekeeping force, Felix-Prosper Basse, as saying.

Mai-Mai rebels have staged several attacks in Butembo in recent months.

Although the reasons for their return appear unclear, some residents say they have heard some fighters claim they are seeking to overthrow Kabila.

The country was due to hold a presidential election this year as Kabila’s mandate ends on December 20, but the authorities failed to organise the polls and there is widespread fear of protests and violence.

Blind former LRA child soldier, breaks stereotypes

B

weyale, Uganda - Simon Peter Otoyo had just returned from school when the rebels of Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army arrived in his village in northern Uganda . They tied his hands behind his back and marched him, along with three of his brothers, to a rebel camp deep in the bush.

As a child soldier for the LRA , 11-year-old Simon Peter was given a gun and sent out to fight the government army.

During a fierce battle in 1996, a bullet pierced his temple, shattering his skull and lodging behind his left eye, leaving him permanently blind.

After he was shot, Simon Peter spent the next 10 days in a coma. The rebels took him to various hospitals, but none would attempt to remove the bullet from behind his eye, so for the next nine years he endured intense pain as he moved with them from camp to camp in the borderlands between Uganda and Sudan, staying behind with the women and children when the men went off to fight.

Eventually, an ambush by the army offered him a way out. As missiles rained down on the jungle base where the rebels were located, Simon Peter made a run for it, sprinting blindly through the trees.

Simon Peter Otoyo’s wife, Atino Marie, assists him in leaving their home in Western Uganda. Although he has become very independent, Otoyo still relies on the help of his family [Aurelie Marrier d’Unienville/ Sightsavers/Al Jazeera]

A bullet smashed through his shin bone, but he kept going until the noise of the fighting died down.

For three days, he wandered through the wilderness using only his senses of hearing and touch before he was found and taken to a hospital.

A decade later, he has turned his life around and is now fighting to overturn attitudes towards the blind in Uganda.

“People see the blind as a burden,” said Otoyo, sitting on a blue plastic chair outside his hut in the town of Bweyale. “They look at us like we are dirty, and they think we can’t work properly. But I wanted to show the community that disabled people can also be productive,” he told Al Jazeera.

The 31-year-old now has a full-time job teaching knitting

classes to students at the Amor Foundation Vocational Training Institute, enabling him to support his wife and 10-month-old son, and smashing stereotypes about the visually impaired.

“Before, I was not free. It’s so much better to work for myself and earn an income, instead of just receiving charity,” said Otoyo.

According to 2014 census results,

of its 34.6 million population, 14 percent of Ugandans over five years of age are living with a disability, with higher figures in rural areas.

Despite more inclusive disability policies, a lack of data and statistics on those with disabilities makes the monitoring of and accountability for these policies very difficult.

As a result, insufficient attention and resources have been provided for disabled persons, further limiting the services offered to them and the investments made in changing societal perceptions of disability.

Edith Kagoya, the coordinator of a Sightsavers project that aims to help young disabled people find employment, said the biggest challenge is changing community attitudes towards disability.

“Often, the community thinks that disabled people have been cursed,” she said, adding that as a result, many find themselves either neglected by their families or over-protected, denying them the opportunity to gain independence and learn how to navigate the world on their own.

Many never finish school, and in a country with high unemployment across the board, persons with a disability find it especially difficult to secure a job.

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he U.S. Electoral College is set to meet Monday, where electors are expected to make official Republican Donald Trump’s surprising November victory in the presidential election.

Each state may send a certain number of electors to the college calculated by their representation in Congress. A candidate needs 270 electoral votes to achieve a majority and win the presidency. In most cases the winner of the popular vote in a given state will win all of that state’s electoral votes, although some states do allow their electoral votes to be divided.

The Democratic candidate, former U.S. secretary of state Hillary Clinton, defeated Trump by nearly 2.9 million votes in the national popular vote. But the Republican Trump won where it mattered, in enough of the state-bystate contests to claim an apparent 306-232 edge in the Electoral College, well more than the 270 majority he needs.

Clinton piled up big vote margins in California and New York to give her a national popular vote edge, while Trump won enough states, sometimes relatively narrowly, to claim the Electoral College advantage

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, dEceMBER 20, 2016

Asia&Middle-east

Trump Victory to be Made Official Christine Lagarde: as Electoral College Meets and a four-year term as the nation’s leader. It would be the fifth time in U.S. history, and the second in the last 16 years, that the popular vote winner did not win the all-important Electoral College vote.

In most election years, voting in the Electoral College is little more than a formality. But that is not the case this year.

Because of the close and bitterly contested race, and continuing opposition to Trump’s victory by many Clinton supporters, thousands of Americans have bombarded the 306 Republican electors with emails and phone calls, demanding they reject Trump, either by voting for Clinton or another, more acceptable Republican. In the unlikely event that 37 Republican electors defect from Trump and the vote ends in a tie at 269, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives would pick the president.

Most of the electors, however, are bound by state law to vote for the

IMF chief convicted over payout

A

Clerks unseal the certificates of results from all fifty states during a meeting of the U.S. Electoral College in the House of Representatives on Capitol Hill in Washington, Jan. 4, 2013. candidate who won their state vote count, or if they are not, say they feel morally compelled to vote in the Electoral College the way their state voted.

Faithless electors - those who cast Electoral College votes for someone other than the presidential candidate who won their state - are not unheard of in American political annals, but

Russia bath Orphans among thousands evacuated lotion kills from east Aleppo 41 drinkers in Irkutsk

A

t least 41 people have died in the Siberian city of Irkutsk after drinking bath essence, Russian authorities say.

The hawthorn-scented liquid was consumed as if it were alcohol, according to Russia’s Investigative Committee.

Some 16 others are in a serious condition. Two people have been detained over the deaths and police are removing bottles from shops.

Investigators said a warning that it should not be swallowed was ignored.

The product, called Boyaryshnik (Hawthorn), was found to contain methanol, a toxin found in antifreeze. A state of emergency has been declared in Irkutsk, and Russia’s top investigative agency opened an enquiry into the incident.

Russian media reported that the victims were poor people, aged between 35 and 50, and were not drinking together.

Household products are seen by some as a cheap alternative to alcohol across the former Soviet Union. Analysts say up to 12 million Russians drink cheap surrogate alcohol.

While poisoning from alcohol is common, this is one of the deadliest incidents in years. This, officials said, was because the ethyl alcohol which was normally present in this product had been replaced by methanol.

A local official told Tass news agency that the liquid came in bottles whose labels said the content was 93% spirit.

Seeking safety. Thousands more flee east Aleppo as evacuations resume

D

ozens of buses carrying evacuees including orphaned children from the last rebel-held district of Aleppo travelled to oppositioncontrolled areas outside the city early on Monday, according to Turkish officials and a monitoring group.

Turkey said that about 20,000 people have been evacuated from eastern Aleppo so far, as a fragile ceasefire between rebels and government forces was holding.

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Monday that the evacuees from the besieged city were bused to an area under opposition control, in an ongoing effort to get people to safety.

Nearly 50 children who were trapped in an orphanage in east Aleppo were evacuated, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said.

“This morning, all 47 children trapped in an orphanage in east Aleppo were evacuated to safety, with some in critical condition from injuries and dehydration,” Geert Cappelaere,

UNICEF regional director, said in a statement.

UNICEF and other agencies were also assisting in reunifying other children evacuated in the past few days with their families and giving them medical care and winter clothes, he said.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said an estimated 500 people had been evacuated from two villages besieged by rebels in Idlib province on Monday as part of the deal.

SOHR said 10 buses had left the majority Shia towns of Foua and Kefraya carrying evacuees through rebel-held territory towards Aleppo.

The evacuation process in Aleppo got off to a shaky start last week, with agreements collapsing and four people reportedly killed by government-allied forces as they attempted to leave eastern Aleppo.

In the latest disruption on Sunday, gunmen attacked buses sent to take people out of Foua and Kefraya and torched them, killing a bus driver, the

Syrian Observatory said.

‘Sleeping in the streets’ Thousands of people remain in eastern Aleppo, many sleeping in the streets in freezing temperatures as they wait to be evacuated.

“Conditions in eastern Aleppo remain extremely dire,” said Al Jazeera’s Imtiaz Tyab, reporting from Gaziantep on the Turkey-Syria border.

“In the evenings it can go to -5C. They have access to very little food, fuel, water and medical supplies.”

Most of the evacuees are taken to rebel-held Idlib province or Aleppo countryside.

Turkey has said that they could also be housed in a camp to be built near the Turkish border to the north.

Meanwhile at the United Nations, France and Russia announced agreement on a compromise resolution to deploy UN monitors to eastern Aleppo to ensure safe evacuations and immediate delivery of humanitarian aid.

French court has found International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde guilty of negligence but did not hand down any punishment.

As French finance minister in 2008, she approved an award of €404m ($429m; £340m) to businessman Bernard Tapie for the disputed sale of a firm.

Lagarde, who always denied wrongdoing, was not present in court, having left France for Washington.

The IMF board is to meet “shortly” to consider the latest developments.

On Friday, Lagarde told the trial she had always acted in good faith.

Verdicts of the Court of Justice of the Republic (CJR) are not subject to appeal, French media say.

Nonetheless, Lagarde’s lawyer said his team would consider appealing, Reuters news agency reports.

Lagarde replaced Dominique Strauss-Kahn as IMF managing director in 2011.

Mr Strauss-Kahn - also a former French finance minister - resigned following his arrest in New York on charges of sexual assault that were later dropped.

Another former IMF head, Rodrigo Rato of Spain, is currently standing trial on charges of misusing funds when he was head of Spanish lender Bankia.

Lagarde, 60, was tried on charges of “negligence by a person in position of public authority”.

Accused of allowing the misuse of public funds, rather than actual corruption, she could potentially have been sentenced to a year in prison.

Ms Lagarde said earlier that the trial had put her and her family through a “testing” time

PAGE 25

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, dEceMBER 20, 2016

Healthy Living Tweet with flashing images sent to epileptic writer Trump and had clashed with a Fox News host in a TV interview the day before receiving the flashing tweet.

He has also used Twitter to directly address complaints to the incoming US president.

After his wife tweeted about the seizure, the responses received included messages from staunch supporters of Mr Trump, some of whom mocked the situation.

Advice rofessor Seri advised those with epilepsy to be cautious when viewing unknown material online.

“You should sit far enough from the stimulus so it doesn’t fill your vision and watch in a sufficiently lit room so the impact of any flashes is lessened,” the professor advised.

“In a well lit room your baseline is higher, so changes are less dramatic.

Don’t open attachments from people you don’t know.”

There have been instances in the

P

V

Source: BBCNew.com

Millions of Kenyans at risk of elephantiasis disease

• anity Fair and Newsweek writer Kurt Eichenwald has claimed he suffered an epileptic seizure after receiving a malicious tweet containing flashing images.

The message, sent from an account which has since been suspended said: “you deserve a seizure for your posts”.

Shortly afterwards, Mr Eichenwald’s wife tweeted from his account saying the images had caused a seizure.

The incident was reported to the police in the US. Mr Eichenwald had previously written about how he had been “assaulted” via the internet.

He confirmed in a series of tweets that he is pursuing legal action against the person responsible for this latest incident.

“Last night, for the second time, a deplorable aware I have epilepsy tweeted a strobe at me... It worked,” he said.

“This is not going to happen again.

My wife is terrified. I am... disgusted.

All I will be tweeting for the next few days are copies of documents from the litigation, police reports etc.

“Once we have the lawsuit filed, we will be subpoenaing Twitter for the identity of the individual who engaged in this cross-state assault,” he added.

Simon Wigglesworth, deputy chief

past of accidental seizure triggers being broadcast.

In December 1997 more than 600 children in Japan were taken to hospital after feeling sick while watching cartoons on television.

Some suffered convulsions, while others complained of eye irritation.

They were reported to have fallen ill after seeing a cartoon monster flash its eyes.

In June 2007 a segment of animated footage promoting the 2012 Olympics was removed from the organisers’ website after fears were raised that it could trigger epileptic seizures.

In July 2015 Twitter was criticised for uploading two video adverts that featured a looping, rapid succession of flashing colours.

Eventually the company removed them.

Mr Eichenwald said he would be taking a break from Twitter.

executive at Epilepsy Action, said: “We are appalled that someone would go to these lengths to bring on a seizure in another person.”

“Seizures are not only very distressing for the person experiencing them, but can also cause injury and, in the worst cases, be fatal,” he added.

Mr Wigglesworth explained that photosensitive epilepsy is a type of epilepsy in which seizures are triggered by flashing or flickering light.

He warned that if this incident had happened in the UK it might have been a breach of the law, perhaps of the Computer Misuse Act. Stefano Seri, a professor of clinical neurophysiology and developmental neuropsychiatry at Aston University, explained how the material in the tweet must have been carefully constructed.

“Abrupt changes in light intensity, or luminance, can trigger seizures. The most sensitive range is about 15-25 flashes per second,” said Prof Seri.

“The picture would need to occupy most of the visual field. It would take some very sick people to do this, but technically, it is possible.

“Modern LED screens are not as provocative as older ones. It takes a very carefully designed stimulus to induce a seizure,” Prof Seri added.

Mr Eichenwald is a prominent critic of US president-elect Donald

Millions of Kenyans at risk of elephantiasis disease

T

ransmitted through mosquitoes, more than three million people in Kenya are at risk of a disease that some believe is the result of witchcraft.

Elephantiasis affects mostly poor communities where sanitation levels are low and mosquito breeding is rampant.

After an initial inadequate response, the government has now launched a huge campaign to tackle neglected tropical diseases in coastal areas.

“I used to be a fisherman but I can no longer do that. To earn a living I have to do menial labour and it’s very difficult,” Katoi Kaviha told Al Jazeera in Marikibuni village.

The disease has enlarged Kaviha’s feet to such an extent that he is now unable to walk.

Sultani Matendechero, a doctor with the Neglected Tropical Diseases Unit, said: “Some of them associate their condition with witchcraft, they associate their conditions with lifestyle. Mostly, these are the wrong associations.”

He added that many victims were also unaware that there are remedies for the disease.

Medicine is being properly distributed for the first time this year under a multimillion-dollar campaign.

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, dEceMBER 20, 2016

Feature Nigeria’s disappearing storytellers

In our series of letters from African journalists, Nigerian novelist and writer Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani considers if Nigerians are getting worse at writing good stories.

Most Nigerian children go to government-run schools

Poet Tade Ipadeola was awarded with the prestigious Nigeria Prize for Literature last year

L

ast month, the judges of the $100,000 (£65,000) Nigeria Prize for Literature announced that there would be no winner for 2015.

Professor Ayo Banjo, chairman of the advisory board for the prize, declared that none of the 109 book entries met the required standard.

“Each book was found to manifest incompetence in the use of language,” he said. Another judge described the entries as riddled with “grave errors”.

Only books written in English are eligible for the prize. And, in Nigeria, quality of English is usually directly proportional to quality of education.

As the country’s educational system has declined, the effect can be read and heard when Nigerians communicate in the tongue that was gifted us by our colonial rulers of yore.

Over the six years of Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure as president of Nigeria, his wife Patience kept many middle-class Nigerians entertained by her customised version of the English language.

For example, she once extolled her husband’s commitment to maternal health saying: “Goodluck said that... no woman will die again under pregnancy. He said that all Nigerian women, you have died enough.”

And when she paid a hospital visit to some victims of a Boko Haram attack in Abuja, the former first lady expressed satisfaction that “the doctors and nurses are responding well to treatment”.

But the laughter was usually accompanied by disdain.

Some described her as a disgrace to Nigeria and complained that someone who spoke such poor English had no right to represent our country on the world stage.

These critics were inadvertently calling for the majority of Nigerians to steer clear of the public stage. They were suggesting that millions of Nigerians keep their mouths shut.

Mother tongue v English Often when I watch TV, listen to radio, read newspapers or interact with groups of people, locally, I arrive at the conclusion that, as far as grammar and pronunciation are concerned, many Nigerians have

decided that Queen Elizabeth may go ahead and speak her version of English while they speak their own.

The mistakes and malapropisms may not be as amplified as Mrs Jonathan’s, but

Chinua Achebe’s 1958 novel Things Fall Apart has sold millions worldwide

they are nonetheless very much there.

Most Nigerians attend government-run schools, which these days have poorly paid and poorly trained teachers.

Mrs Jonathan herself was a qualified

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is another award-winning Nigerian novelist who writes in English

“

Last month, the judges of the $100,000 (£65,000) Nigeria Prize for Literature announced that there would be no winner for 2015.Professor Ayo Banjo, chairman of the advisory board for the prize, declared that none of the 109 book entries met the required standard.“Each book was found to manifest incompetence in the use of language,” he said. Another judge described the entries as riddled with “grave errors”. Only books written in English are eligible for the prize. And, in Nigeria, quality of English is usually directly proportional to quality of education.

teacher, with a National Certificate in Education from the Rivers State College of Education to prove it.

The privileged Nigerians who attend privately owned schools learn better English, but usually pay heavy fees.

An option might have been for Mrs Jonathan to stick to her mother tongue, an interpreter constantly by her side.

But, in a country with such fragile ethnic fault lines, a national figure only engaging in her mother tongue could easily send the wrong message.

She may have been perceived as the first lady of a region rather than of the entire country.

Nigerian writers face a similar dilemma.

Undoubtedly, indigenous works form an essential part of a people’s literary heritage. There is a place for them.

But, had Chinua Achebe or Wole Soyinka written in Igbo or Yoruba, they would probably not have been recognised beyond the boundaries of their ethnic groups.

These world-acclaimed writers may not even have been read widely among their own clans.

Not even the English are born with the ability to read their language. They are taught, usually in schools.

And the UN reports that more than one in three adults in sub-Saharan Africa are unable to read and write, while 47 million young people aged between 15 and 24 are illiterate.

In April 2015, no fewer than 10.5 million children in Nigeria were reported to be out of school, the highest number of any country in the world.

If poverty in the country remains at the current dire level, fewer and fewer Nigerians will be able to afford to learn correct English.

Fewer, no matter how skilfully they can tell a good story, will possess the competence in the use of the English language required by most literary prizes.

Consequently, many of Nigeria’s greatest storytellers will continue to be denied a place on the literary stage.

And, sadly, their would-be page-turners will go with them to the grave.

Source: BBC

PEOPLES DAILY

Sports

tuesday, dEceMBER 20, 2016

Page

27

sports@peoplesdailyng.com, SMS- 08142929046

Gov. Ugwuanyi gives Rangers land, cash gifts

Enugu Rangers win Nigerian league after 32 years

E

nugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has rewarded champions Rangers with a plot of land each as well as a total sum of 41.5 million Naira.

The plots of land are located at the Rangers Estate in Enugu.

The Sultan of Sokoto Saad Mohammed, a big fan of Rangers and who started his military career in Nsukka, was also present at the victory reception at the Michael Okpara Square in Enugu.

“We commend Rangers for reviving the famous Rangers spirit and making the club great again,” saluted Governor Ugwuanyi.

“We dedicate this trophy to the almighty God.” The team will be hosted to a dinner at The Dome later today (yesterday).

Among the Rangers stars in attendance were striker Ifeanyi Egwim, who suffered a horror fracture on the final day of the past season, but he has

>>Pg 28

Rangers now want $250,000 after they first demanded for $500,000.”

Egbuchulam scored 16 goals last season as Rangers emerged champions in October. Etoile have raided the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) this month.

NPFL hotshot Godwin Obaje and Ibrahim Alhassan ‘Muazam’ have already undergone a medical at the Tunisian champions. Etoile will feature in next year’s CAF Champions League.

Rohr heads to AFCON in Gabon after holidays in Madagascar

>>Pg 28

Dalung blames NFF for Falcons national disgrace

since recovered and will soon be training again.

Meanwhile, Chisom Egbuchulam has left for Tunisian club Etoile du Sahel as both clubs are now discussing a transfer fee for the player.

“Chisom has left for Tunisia to undergo a medical with Etoile du Sahel,” a top source at Rangers informed. “The two clubs are now discussing a transfer fee for the player.

“Etoile want to pay $150,000, but

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, dEceMBER 20, 2016

Page 28

Sport

Why Senegal emerge CAF Beach Soccer AFCON 2016 champions

S

enegal emerged champions of the African Football Confederation (CAF) Beach Soccer 2016 tournament after mauling hosts, Super Sand Eagles 8-4 in the final played under floodlight.

The Senegalese side exhibited the class

that made them unmatchable for the hard fighting Super Sand Eagles.

However, the two finalists are to represent Africa at the Beach Soccer World Cup in 2017 in the Bahamas.

Nigeria won the competition in 2003 and 2007.

Taraba FC players shut down Government House activities

T

he players of Taraba State’s male and female football teams, Taraba FC and Taraba Queens, yesterday shut down activities at the government house in the state capital, Jalingo, to protest nonpayment of backlogs of their salary arrears.

The players are demanding immediate payment of 21 months’ salary arrears from the Taraba State Government.

Security operatives were deployed to the government house to deny the players access into the building. The gate of the government house has since been shut.

Despite being tear gassed, the players vowed to spend nights there until they are paid.

Yesterday’s protest occurs barely a month after a similar one by the players.

Senegalese

Dalung blames NFF for Falcons national disgrace

S

Taraba FC

Osaguona targets January return

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Christian Osaguona Ighodaro

igeria and KV Mechelen striker Christian Osaguona Ighodaro is targeting a January return to the pitch after an injury setback.

Osaguona, who moved to Mechelen, was at the eye of the storm as regards his transfer from Moroccan side Raja Casablanca.

Fifa had to intervene in the case and ruled the former Shooting Stars striker was free to lace his boots for the modest Jupiler Pro League outfit.

The striker was duly installed in the Mechelen first team but his debut was marred by injuries as the tall striker kept working on his comeback.

Osaguona said that he is hoping to be back on the pitch and banging in goals next month.

“It’s been tough being out injured and unable to play but all that is part of a footballer’s life,” he said.

“I’m on course towards recovery.

Everything is going fine with my recovery and hopefully I will be fit again soon.

“I’m targeting sometime next month to be back on the pitch and hopefully repay Mechelen for their faith in me.”

ports minister Solomon Dalung has come out to blame the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over the disgraceful episode concerning the late payment of the Super Falcons after they won the women’s AFCON in Cameroon.

Dalung suggested the NFF submitted a budget for AWCON in Cameroon late and so the saga that saw the Falcons embark on a wellpublicised protest to press for their entitlements.

“It is worthy of mention that the delay in the payment of the Super Falcons entitlements which degenerated into a national embarrassment could have been averted if the Nigeria Football Federation effectively managed the situation,” he said.

“The NFF has formed the habit of requesting for funds for its program at very short notice

Super Falcons

and thereafter resort to blackmail to hasten the approval and release of such funds from Government.

“We cannot continue to administer our football in this manner any longer.”

Dalung equally wondered how the NFF got the funds to stage an Annual General Assembly, but could not pay the Falcons.

“Let me express my concern that could this General Assembly come at this period considering the recent unwholesome developments in our football life?,” he said.

“How can Nigerians reconcile the claims by the NFF that it could not pay the Super Falcons for paucity of funds, yet on another breath it is holding an Annual General Meeting which the resources if deployed would have mitigated the situation of the players.”

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, dEceMBER 20, 2016

Sport

Rohr in 2012 when he was coach of Gabon

S

uper Eagles coach Gernot Rohr is expected to be at next year’s AFCON in Gabon after a short holiday in Madagascar.

Rohr has already said he will be at Gabon 2017 to spy on Nigeria’s World

Cup rivals Cameroon and Algeria.

Incidentally, the Franco-German was in charge of co-hosts Gabon when they reached the last eight of the 2012 AFCON and so he will be very much at home in Gabon.

Liverpool eyes Brazilian teenager

Rohr heads to AFCON in Gabon after holidays in Madagascar

The Super Eagles will face Cameroon in a crucial double header from August 2017 on the road to Russia 2018 with Nigeria hosting the first game in Uyo. Nigeria lead their qualifying group on six points from two matches, while

Cameroon are second with two points.

Zambia and Algeria are on a point each. In March 2017, Nigeria is due to play a series of friendlies as part of their preparations for the World Cup qualifiers.

Borussia Dortmund coach fumes at Reus suspension

B

L

iverpool is the latest European club to show their interest in highly-rated Santos midfielder Thiago Maia.

The 19-year-old is considered to be one of the hottest prospects in South American football, having shone in the Brazilian top flight and for the national side as they took gold at the 2016 Olympics.

Manchester United, Chelsea and Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain are all said to be monitoring Maia, but will have to fight off competition from Jurgen Klopp’s Reds if they are to land the starlet.

The German manager is reportedly keen to add a central midfielder as cover for Captain Jordan Henderson and has a number of scouts keeping a close eye on the teenager.

Page 29

Thiago Maia

orussia Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel fumed at the “absurd” suspension of Marco Reus after his controversial dismissal against Hoffenheim, likening it to being wrongfully imprisoned.

Reus was shown a second yellow card with Dortmund trailing 2-1 at the RheinNeckar-Arena after just 41 minutes on Friday.

Nadiem Amiri appeared to be holding onto the Germany international’s shirt as he dribbled down the wing, but Reus in shocked referee Benjamin Brand felt “We have to foresee a very physical style Reus committed the foul and sent him off of playing. It seems it’s normal to play hard for a second bookable offence.

Tuchel has frequently been outspoken against us,” he told a media conference about his perception of rough play against ahead of Tuesday’s meeting with Augsburg.

“It has negative repercussions if we Dortmund and did not hide his frustration that, not only had his player been lose players unjustly and have to play 60 incorrectly sent off, he now has to serve a minutes [sic] in Hoffenheim with just 10 men. suspension.

Barcelona stars miss King’s Cup ahead Christmas

B

arcelona returned to training yesterday ahead of their final game of the year without prolific strikers Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez.

The South American trio will not feature in Wednesday’s King’s Cup round-of-32 second leg against Hercules at the Nou Camp after being released for the Christmas holidays early by coach Luis Enrique.

All three started Sunday’s 4-1

home win over city rivals Espanyol, a game in which Suarez scored twice and Messi once as the Catalans climbed to second in La Liga.

They are three points behind Real Madrid, who have a game in hand after their participation in the Club World Cup. “The front three have never played the first round of the cup and I believe it is necessary that they begin their vacations,” Barca coach Luis Enrique told the club website.

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique is the only other player in the team to have been given permission to begin the holidays early.

The rest of the squad will be available for selection on Wednesday before enjoying seven or eight days off to be with their families, Luis Enrique said.

Messi scored his 12th league goal of the season on Sunday to join Suarez at the top of the La Liga scoring charts.

Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Neymar

Page 30

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, dEceMBER 20, 2016

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, dEceMBER 20, 2016

Some Interesting Facts 1. Br i xton Market was the fi r st electrified market in the country and stands, as a result, on Electric Avenue.

2. Dr Samuel Johnson once owned 17 properties in London, only one of which survives - Dr Johnson’s Memorial House in Gough Square, which contains a brick from the Great Wall of China, donated to the museum in 1822.

3. The Fleet River - one of the capital’s many buried waterways - still runs under the cellars of the Cheshire Cheese pub on Fleet Street.

Page 31

Leisure

4. East London is the most popular film location in the city, playing host to everything from Oliver! to A Clockwork Orange and Full Metal Jacket. The naval buildings of Greenwich stood in for Washington in Patriot Games.

5. The Monument to the Great Fire of London was also intended to be used as a fixed telescope to study the motion of a single star by Robert Hooke, who designed the structure with Sir Christopher Wren.

6. Only six people died in the Great Fire of London, but seven people died by falling or jumping from the Monument to it before a safety rail was built.

7. Postman’s Park, behind Bart’s hospital, is one of London’s great hidden contemplative spots. It is full of memorials to “ordinary people” who committed heroic acts.

8. The tiered design of St Bride’s Church in Fleet Street is believed to have been the inspiration for the tiered wedding cake.

Say what?

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Nomadic families in Sudan migrate south on Sunday as the dry season begins.

www.peoplesdailyng.com

QUOTABLE QUOTE Sometimes some things slip through the crack.

That’s why I brought a motion to debate it again when I discovered the error. It is unconstitutional..

. . . putting the people first

tuesDAY, dEceMBER 20, 2016

SPORTS latest

Nigeria, Tunisia in war over Amokachi’s children

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he International future of the twin sons of former Super Eagles captain Daniel Amokachi could spark an international tug of war between Nigeria and Tunisia.

Kalim and Nazim joined Turkish champions Besiktas on a one year deal from Finnish side JS Hercules, where their father is presently the head coach and pending on how they progress, they could be offered an extension.

However, their progress could bring about an international tussle between Nigeria and Tunisia as they are eligible for both nations.

They qualified for Nigeria through their father, a former Nigeria international and captain but the 20 year old twins are yet to be capped by the West Africa nation at any level, which could open the door for Tunisia to steal the duo.

Amokachi is married to a Tunisian, which mean his sons are eligible to represent the Carthage Eagles. Furthermore their birth was registered in the North African country.

For now, their focus will be on making the grades at Besiktas as they are presently with the Under-21 team of the Turkish side from where their progress will be monitored for promotion to the first team.

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- Gbjabiamila on the unconstitutionality of the amendment of Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB)

by NASS

Yahaya Bello’s vitriolic against journalists

I

f Nigerians did not protest against the anti-social media law sponsored by Bala Ibn Na’allah, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress from Kebbi State that made the Senate to throw out the bill into the dustbin, Yahaya Bello, Kogi State governor would have been one of the governors in Nigeria to be tough with journalists.

One would have thought that being the youngest governor in Nigeria, his age might be pushing him presently to be going astray?

Bello was recently quoted in a broadcast to have vowed to deal with any journalist writing or publishing negative stories against his government. Can somebody say the governor is fulfilling his promise to suppress the media in the state by embarking on the arrest of a journalist? What the governor should focus on is how to ensure he delivers the good governance to Kogi people having looked at his mates who are not fortunate to be governor at his age. In case Yahaya Bello fails to study Nigerian constitution before becoming the governor, Barrister Mohammed Ibrahim, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the state should kindly educate and call the governor to order. Why I embark on this article is to voice out against the continued detention of a publisher of one communitybased newspaper in Kogi State, Mr. Friday Ogungbemi by men of Department of State Services, DSS in Kogo State who was alleged to have published a negative story against Bello’ s government on November 23- December 15, 2016 edition of the magazine.

Ogungbemi was later arrested and he is currently spending 6 days in the custody of the state officials of DSS. Despite protest and letters written by the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to Hon. Bello, the governor has turned a deaf ear to it by ensuring

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tuesDAY Column By Garba Shehu

Governor Yahaya Bello Ogungbemi suffers for the offense he had committed. in the said publication, Ogungbemi was said to have focused on the Chief of Staff to the governor of Kogi State, Edward Onoja.The article had criticized Onoja, describing him as overzealous and acting as if he was the governor of the state.

Let me quickly urge Mr.

“

Bello to read and internalize chapter four of the 1999 constitution of Nigeria which gives liberty to freedom of expression. The young Kogi State governor should not have allowed himself to be misled by sycophants, considering the factor that led to his emergence as governor of Kogi State.

Being the former President

Being the former President of Kogi Youth Arise Forum, one must surely know that the governor was once a realist and a fighter. In case Bello must have forgot history, he should be reminded that journalists contributed immensely to his victory.

Also, with the teeming support from youths across the state to lead Kogi into a brighter future, Bello presented himself to vie for the position of Governor in the gubernatorial election of 2015 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

of Kogi Youth Arise Forum, one must surely know that the governor was once a realist and a fighter. In case Bello must have forgot history, he should be reminded that journalists contributed immensely to his victory.

Also, with the teeming support from youths across the state to lead Kogi into a brighter future, Bello presented himself to vie for the position of Governor in the gubernatorial election of 2015 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

His mandate however came about after the death of Audu Abubakar, the winner of the 2015 Governorship elections who died of a heart attack shortly after the declaration of the election results announcing him the winner.

An appeal filed by James Faleke, the running mate to the deceased APC governorship candidate in Kogi state, Abubakar Audu, aimed at nullifying the adoption of Yahaya Bello as the APC candidate in the state’s governorship election was dismissed by the Appeal court at Abuja and Supreme court respectively. With this, Bello should see himself as governor for all the people in Kogi State and stay away from what could dent his government image.

Giwa was published via african examiner.com

DAN GAYE

Workers shut AccountantGeneral office, protest Ayini’s appointment – News

May be he forgot to take into account their December salary and Christmas bonus.

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