Wednesday, April 23rd, 2014. Edition.

www.peoplesdailyng.com

Vol. 13 No. 47

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

. . . putting the people first

Jimadal-Thani 24, 1435 AH

N150

Confab:

C’ttee wants immunity for president, govs removed Stalemate over new federal structure >> Pg 2

Traffic gridlock on Abuja-Keffi Road due to military checkpoint, yesterday at Kugbo, in Abuja following recent Nyanya bomb blast. The check-point is meant to filter incoming traffic to Abuja.

Photo: NAN

ABU makes breakthrough in crude oil refining >> Pg 2 >>> PAGE 2

Pandemonium as gunmen shoot Islamic scholar in Kaduna

>>> PAGE 3

25 killed in fresh Taraba violence

>>> PAGE 5

Police, Nyako flex muscles over Jonathan’s visit

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

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News Editorial

12

Op.Ed

13

Confab c’ttee wants President, govs stripped of immunity

Letters

14

By Patrick Andrew

Opinion

15

CONTENTS News

2-10

Metro

16,18

Business

19-22

Stockwatch

23

S/Report

24

Property

27

Motoring

28

Arts

29

States of Emergency: NUJ urges Jonathan to retain governors – Page 6

Int’l

31

Digest

36

Politics

37

News Extra

39

Sports

41

Columnist

48

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embers of the National Conference’ Committee on devolution of powers have advocated for a partial removal of immunity clause to allow for all elected officers found wanting to come under the hammer of the law.

By inference, a sitting president and state governor found wanting of corrupt dealing or any criminal offence will be prosecuted and if found wanting, face the wrath of the law.

Also, zonal structure heavily canvassed by South West delegates yesterday in the Committee on Political Restructuring and Forms of Government received knocks from members of the committee who wondered what modalities will be adopted to restructure the federating units into zones.

Members of the committee, who debated on several items under the devolution of power, insisted that the efficacy of the immunity clause has been severely abused by elected officers, most of whom, they argued, have hidden under the clause to perpetrate atrocities against the state and Nigerians.

The delegates, therefore, insisted that the clause be carefully considered to ensure that areas that mischievous officers had taken advantage of should be removed to make it possible for the law to take its full course where necessary.

According to an insider, the

Chairman of the committee, Obong Victor Attah, had tactfully sought to divide the house on the matter and was overwhelmingly confronted with 'yes, remove it', while those in opposition barely raised their voice subsequently.

Accordingly, the members resolved that immunity be retained in the Constitution on only civil matters but that any elected officer found to have been involved in criminal matters should not enjoy any such immunity.

“At this point, immunity clause must go. Though we have a need to be cautious, so that it will not be abused by unnecessary litigations against an elected officer, the clause should rephrased.

Instead of holistically expunging immunity clause from the constitution, we should adopt partial removal of immunity so that elected officers enjoy some immunity on civil matters.

"But in serious cases criminal in nature, and indeed criminal cases, where an elected officer is found wanting there should be no immunity for such officers, the full weight of the law should take its course. This will serve as deterrent to all those who may want to abuse the immunity clause," a delegate and member said.

Peoples Daily recalls that not a few delegates had during their three minutes each contribution on the March 17 inauguration speech of President Goodluck Jonathan, spoken against the constitutional provision of immunity clause noting that the clause had been severely abused by elected

officers who hid under it to perpetrate acts inimical to the interests of the state and people.

Stalemate on new federal structure

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o-Chairman, Mohammed Kumalia, had informed the committee that three ideas were dominant: federal government, zonal structure, the federal government with zonal structures without states but administrative units, and thirdly, the existing three tiers of government.

However, South West delegates Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Yinka Odumakin had taken strong positions in favour of dissolving the present federating units in each respective political zones as presently constituted, which are unconstitutional, into legal structures.

They argued that this will allow the zones to create states and local government areas as they so desired and used it to correct the current imbalance, for instance like the South East, which has the least number of states.

But Dr. Sam Egwu, a delegate from Ebonyi state, distanced Ebonyi from the position of South East, which the South West said were in favour of the zonal arrangement, noting that returning to the zonal arrangement would be returning the people of Ebonyi state to slavery of the South East region.

In the same vein, Sen. Mohammed Aruwa, Sule Yahaya Hamma and Adamu Maina Waziri all spoke strongly against the return to Zonal administration, stressing that it lacked convincing modalities. They also contested that the suggestion that the United States, where Nigeria draws it federalism from, states have separate constitutions noting that none of the states has laws that runs contrary to the federal laws.

They also wanted to know how resources accruing to the zones from the federal coffer will be distributed and therefore requested for the South West to bring up superior arguments and not attempt to force their positions on others.

Others also wondered how the interest of the minorities in other regions will be adequately addressed in view of the fact that, unlike the South West which enjoys uniform language, others have multi-language settings and quite difficult to administer in the manner the South West have canvassed.

Waziri, in particular, reminded the delegates that federalism as practised by the United States, Australia, India were made possible because the federating units were either conquered, purchased or negotiated with stressing that the case of Nigeria was different as it was more of a forced union.

Co-chairman General Nwachukwu urged members to ponder over the arguments and ensure that questions raised during contributions are adequately addressed today.

ABU makes breakthrough in crude oil refining

By Aminu Imam with agency report

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he Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has said that the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has announced a breakthrough in refining crude oil with local raw materials.

This was part of statement issued by Mr Kalu Otisi, Head, Press and External Relations, PTDF in Abuja on Tuesday.

The statement said that the breakthrough was the outcome of a four-year intensive research on the production of Zeolite Catalyst using clay by a team of researchers.

It said the team was led by Prof. Abdulkarim Ahmed, Chair holder, PTDF Endowment in Chemical Engineering, ABU. Zeolite catalyst is an essential additive in the conversion and refining process of heavy gas oil into usable gasoline and petrochemi-

cal products in refineries.

It said the design and fabrication of the pilot plants would be commissioned in November.

It quoted the Executive Secretary, PTDF, Dr Oluwole Oluleye, as commending the researchers for the effort.

“Oluleye said the discovery would reduce the huge capital flight on the importation of the raw materials for use in local refineries.

“He said NNPC imported zeo-

lite catalyst worth 12 million dollars in 2011.

“The application of novel techniques in zeolite catalyst production will not only offer huge opportunities for entrepreneurial development of sustainable refinery and petrochemical products but will also create job opportunities for Nigerians.’’

The statement said PTDF was supporting refining and petrochemical operations as epitomised by the various research programmes it was funding.

Pandemonium as gunmen shoot Islamic scholar in Kaduna From Muhammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

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nknown gunmen yesterday night shot an islamic scholar identified as Malam Muhammed Usman Muhammed at his residence located along Kwoi Close in Tudun Wada Kaduna.

The shooting made residents of the area to run for safety when they heard sounds of gun shots.

The incident, according to reports from the area, occurred few minutes to 8pm.

Sources in the area said the gunmen went to the scholar's house in a Golf car, five of them two ladies and three men, and attacked him. Reports said his attackers met him when he was coming out of his car and opened fire on him after which they entered their vehicle and fled.

"Malam returned home in the evening in his 406 Peugeot car and was outside when some men came in a Golf with two ladies in the car and shot him," a source said, in a telephone interview.

Although not much detail came out from the area, Peoples Daily gathered that the sound of gunshots made many residents of the area to remain indoors.

Confirming the incidence,

State Command Public Relations Officer, SP Aminu Lawan said the scholar was rushed to the hospital by the police.

According to him, the victim was taken to intensive care unit at an undisclosed hospital, saying they are waiting to hear from the doctors if he is dead or not.

At the time of filing this report, no confirmation from the hospital whether he is dead or not.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

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News

ACF, NEF to proffer solution to terrorism

Sokoto state Governor, Alhaji Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko (2nd right), in a group picture with members of Senior Course 36 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru during their visit to the governor, yesterday in Sokoto.

Photo: NAN

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25 killed in fresh Taraba crisis A

t least 25 people were killed in a new bout of ethnic violence in Nigeria's northeastern Taraba state, according to local authorities.

"The latest crisis painfully led to new 25 deaths," acting Governor Garba Umar told reporters yesterday.

He said the violence, which

broke out Monday night, had dealt a blow to ongoing efforts to calm down the situation in the state.

"It has become imperative to appeal to all the warring factions to lay down their arms and embrace peace," he added.

"We shall continue to work with all the communities and law enforcement agencies to restore

peace to our state," vowed the official.

The violence in Taraba usually pits local farmers against Fulani herdsmen.

The Nigerian Red Cross announced, at the weekend, that 84 people had been killed in deadly ethnic clashes last week in the state.

Well over 500 people have been

killed in the fighting in the past months.

Fulani herdsmen are nomads who move from one settlement to another in search of better grazing grounds for their animals.

They often clash with local farmers amid tit-for-tat accusations over cattle theft and the destruction of farmland.

Gunmen kill 2 APC officials in Borno From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

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wo officials of the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC) in Borno state were killed on Monday morning when suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked their vehicle along Maiduguri-Dikwa highway.

Witnesses said the deceased were the APC Interim Chairman of Kala-Balge local government council Alhaji Modu Janga and the Youths Leader, Alhaji Abba, who shot dead near Mafa town.

It was gathered that the slain politicians were killed on their way to Gudumbali town after attending an undisclosed event in Maiduguri, the capital city.

Sources said the incident occurred when some gunmen waylaid their vehicle in which they were travelling and fired sporadic shots at their direction.

According to an eyewitness and resident of Mafa, Babagana Usman Mafa, said “the insurgents blocked the road with wood and tree branches, before identify occupants of the vehicle and shot dead two persons at

APC govs want Jonathan to fish out masterminds of Nyanya bombing

By Umar Muhammad Puma

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he Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) has called on President Jonathan to show leadership at this moment and do whatever it is within his capacity and capabilities as President to fish out those who are involved in Nyanya bomb blast.

The forum in statement issued yesterday and signed by Chairman, Progressive Governors

Forum, Rochas Okorocha, reaffirmed the commitment of the Progressives Governors to work with the Federal Government and all Nigerians to resolve the security challenges facing the nation.

“We want to reiterate our call to President Goodluck Jonathan to deepen that particular section of our Constitution, which guarantees safety of lives and property of ordinary citizens”, the forum stated.

the spot, and fled towards Dikwa, a border town with Cameroon.

“The party chairman along with other passengers in the ambushed vehicle, were first stopped by flagging-down the driver for identification, before three gunmen on motorcycles shot dead two people at close range and fled towards Dikwa,” Usman said.

He said the gunmen did not rob the party officials, as their vehicle was abandoned at the scene of the incident, adding that the road was also closed for two hours by soldiers and policemen prevent further at-

tacks.

On whether other vehicles were ambushed during the attack, he said: “these gunmen could have targeted the APC officials returning to the council area of Kala/Balge, before they were ambushed on that road leading to Gudumbali, the council headquarters.”

Chairman of Kala-Balge local government Alhaji Alifa Bukar Rann confirmed the incident to newsmen, saying “the two officials of APC were shot dead near Mafa town while returning to Gudumbali for party official engagement.

Boko Haram: Fear grips Bauchi tertiary institutions

From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

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peculation in Bauchi state over Boko Haram threats to attack higher institutions of Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi and AD Rufa'i College for Legal and Islamic Studies Misau yesterday caused panic among staff and students of the two institutions. It was gathered that notice of threats to attack the two institutions separately were pasted on walls in the two institutions and as a result, some students left the schools for fear of the unknown.

Our correspondent who visit-

ed the Abubakar Tatari Polytechnic in Bauchi metropolis however reports that some students were seen attending evening lectures.

However, some lecturers and students of the two institutions said they have to leave the school to enable the authorities provide adequate security to the institutions.

When contacted, the Rector of the Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Dr. Bala Adamu Azare did not deny or confirm the threat but said he just returned from Abuja and had to report to the Ministry of Higher Education.

he Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) in a fresh move to find lasting solution to the problem of terrorism in Nigeria, is set to engage governors in the Northern states in the next few days in order to discuss how to facilitate a reduction in tensions which exist at all levels of government in the country.

The two groups disclosed this in a joint statement, signed after a meeting of the two group held in Kaduna yesterday.

The statement signed by Colonel Jip Ubah (rtd) and Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, for ACF and NEF respectively, stated that the group will organize a Northern leadership summit to comprehensively access the nature of the multiple threats which the north is facing and what steps is taken to deal with them.

The statement appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan, State Governors and other leaders to exercise restraint in their utterances and action and demonstrate the highest quality of leadership.

“We appeal to Mr. President, our governors and other leaders to recognize that our nation is facing the most dangerous set of challenges since its formation. These are times when wise counsel and the highest commitment to a peaceful and secure nation need to be deployed by all Nigerians of goodwill.

“We appeal to Nigerians to pray to God to help our nation to get over its current challenges,” the statement concluded.

Nyanya gridlock: DHQ seeks public understanding

By Joy Baba

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ilitary Authorities have appealed to the public to general be tolerant with soldiers in passing through the traffic gridlock on Nyanya-Abuja highway as a result of the ongoing checks on vehicles coming into the city centre from that end.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information (DDI) Major General Chris Olukolade in Abuja.

The statement said that the actions are necessitated by the emerging security threats facing the nation which calls for support and understanding of the populace.

Olukolade further said the security measures will be reviewed as more equipment and additional support are introduced to ease the gridlock.

“Members of the public are requested to please bear with this temporary measure, which is in the overall best interest of the public” the statement added.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

News

AU Commission tasks member states on ratification of Democracy charter From Hassan Haruna Ginsau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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he AU commission (AUC) yesterday called on member states to ratify and implement the African charter on democracy, elections and governance (ACDEG).

Participants at an advocacy workshop holding in Dakar, Senegal to engage civil society, media and member states in the advocacy for the ratification, domestication, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the charter stressed on the need for African states to ratify and subsequently implement the charter.

Speaking on behalf of the African Union Commissioner for Po-

litical Affairs, Dr. Aisha L. Abdullahi, Dr. Mamadu Dia – Head of Democracy, Governance, Human Rights and Elections – noted that AUC is rallying various organs and institutions as well as nonstate actors in ensuring the implementation in member States.

She added that this will help improve and accelerate the ratification, domestication and implementation of the ACDEG. In his remarks, Mr. Mbari Calixte, the senior political officer, political affairs department of the AUC noted that ratifying the charter would prevent coups and political crises that come about when leaders overstep their’ constitutions in a bid try to cling on

to power.

He stressed that most of the charter’s provisions were already contained in AU member state’s constitutions, making it a sufficient enough reason for countries to implement the charter.

Ratification, which according to the AUC is the legal demonstration of a written agreement, indicating a state’s willingness to adhere by the charter is compulsory on the state a year after.

On the other hand, Professor Babacar Kante, an honorary Dean of the faculty of law and political science at the University Gasto Berger pointed out some inefficiencies in the charter relating to the “soft phrases” used in the

text of the charter in attempt not to offend the states that have ratified ends up making them not feel bound by the treaty.

He was also concerned about the non-application of political sanctions imposed on state, suggesting that aside from political sanctions there should also be those of a judicial nature on offenders.

Kante went further to say that since the African continent was one “in crisis, and always working in emergency”, the ratification and implementation of the charter should be considered in that perspective.

The Professor noted that the ACDEG could face problems of

Stop playing politics with insecurity In Nigeria – Senator Walid Jibril

Kwara NASFAT protests against Chibok’s girls abduction From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

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he National Secretary, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, Senator Dr. Walid Jibrin yesterday, called on Nigerians to stop playing politics with the insecurity that has engulfed Nigeria.

In a press statement issued yesterday to journalists, the PDP chieftain said:”May I call all Nigerians to stop playing politics with the insecurity that engulfed Nigeria rather we should rally round the President and the security agencies in order to curb menace.

“The terrorism in Nigeria is a product of the world menace of the ungodly activities and Nigeria is experiencing the activity in a very costly way.

Insurgency, terrorism and Boko Haram are acts of in humanity to man by man. Many innocent Nigerian, both Muslims and Christians, have suffered.

“In this respect therefore, I call on all Nigerians to stop playing politics with death of individuals. We should stop blaming Mr. President the Army and the Police as the situation is too wide and sophisticated for easy management.

The Army and the police are trying their best as they cannot cover the total terrain of Nigeria.

“What Nigerians should do is to complement the effort of the Army and the police as security should be the concerned of every citizen of Nigeria. We should be able to manage the situation especially the gridlock at road blocks and Nigerians searches as there to save the situation”, he stated.

He further called on the opposition party to stop casting blames on the president, and advised that “they should come out and help including the solution to the menace. We need urgent solution and special prayers”.

ratification, organisation, and implementation of the treaty, similar to those encountered by the AUC’s charter on Human Rights.

Despite it coming into force last year, to date, only 23 out of the 54 member states of the AU are party to the charter, while 24 have signed, but not ratified it.

West Africa has the most ratifications, with a total of 12 states including Nigeria

L-R: Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Shehu Abubakar, and Gombe state Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo, during a mass wedding, yesterday in Gombe.

Photo: NAN

Corruption, greatest problem of Nigeria- Awujale of Ijebu-land . . .says creation of Ijebu state is achievable From Akilani Abdullah, Lagos

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he paramount ruler of Ijebu Kingdom, Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona yesterday called on political leaders in the county to shun corruption and impunity, saying it will enhance the development of a better Nigeria.

Oba Adetona, speaking at a world press conference to herald activities marking the eightieth birthday and his 54th year of ascending the throne, said that corruption goes beyond passing money from one person to another saying there is corruption every sphere of the country.

“The greatest problem we are having in this country is corruption. There is corruption at all

level, both at government and at every other level of endeavours.

“Corruption is so endemic and pervasive in this country. We are substantially and enormously blessed with leaders that are corrupt in this country”, he said.

He however assured all Nigerians on possibility of having a better nation if the ruler and the ruled can say no to every corrupt action and transactions.

Speaking earlier, the monarch shared his optimism that the creation of Ijebu state out of the present Ogun state to make it 37 states in Nigeria is achievable saying for justice, fair play, and equity to rain in the land, the Ijebu deserves a state of theirs and he and his subjects are on unanimous on the quest.

He said, “I’m very optimistic that we will achieve it. If you don’t forget that Nigeria during the colonial days are made up of 24 provinces, and Ijebu was one of those 24 provinces then, if by that time the people was group to be in unit, out of that 24 in Nigeria map in those days, we now have Nigeria that have 36 states.

“By the time you look at it, it shows that we can have 37 states and if they are saying Ijebu is not competent and is not fit to be a state that we know it can be, don’t forget that some of those provinces in the colonial era have been broken into either 2 or 3 states.

And in addition to this is the fact that Ijebu is viable state and I’m optimistic we’ll achieve it. He assured.

he Women wing of the Nasrul-lahi of Nigeria (NASFAT) in Ilorin Kwara State, yesterday staged a peaceful protest against the abduction of over 200 female students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno state and other acts of violence by insurgents in parts of the country, saying their hearts bleed.

The women’s wing, led by their leader, Hajiya Ummuani Abdulrahaman said the activities of insurgents, particularly the bomb blast at Nyanya, Abuja and the abduction of the female students called for concern by all stakeholders in the country, irrespective of religious and political differences.

Abdulrahman, who presented a letter of protest to the state Governor, Alhaji AbdulFatah Ahmed for onward transmission to President Goodluck Jonathan, said “Our hearts are bleeding. We are mothers. We know what it takes to lose a pregnancy talk less of a child.

“We want these children to be recovered because they are our future; they are what we depend on as mothers”.

The NASFAT women leader, who said, as mothers, the women felt the agonies of the mothers of the abduction girls, noted that the activities of the insurgents have gone beyond religious affiliations, adding that people of all religious faiths must come together to tackle the slaughter of insurgents, especially the violence against women in different forms.

In his response, Governor Ahmed commended the women for being part of the vanguard to tackle the insurgents’ activities in the country.

Ahmed described the insurgents’ activities as a test of Nigerians’ faith in the country, adding that everybody must be security conscious and promised to deliver the message of the women to President Jonathan with an expectation that the presidency will give Nigerians confidence that the prevailing security challenges would be brought under control.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

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News

Group wants victim of drunken MOPOL compensated From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

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omen Arise group yesterday called on the Nigeria Police Force to ensure that the victim of a drunken Mobile Police (MOPOL) torment must be taken up by the police, properly treated and compensated.

President, Women Arise Group, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin in a statement said that the erring officer, now identified properly as Nasir Muhammed by the L-R: General Alani Akinrinade, Senator Ken Nnamani, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, Chief Olusegun Osoba, and Chief Achike Udenwa, after the committee meeting, yesterday at the National Conference, in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Police, Nyako flex muscle over Ribadu square for Jonathan’s visit From Umar Dankano, Yola

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he Adamawa State police command has advised the state government to allow the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) the use of popular Ribadu Square in the state capital for President Goodluck Jonathan visit next week.

The advice was informed by a complaint by the state chapter of the PDP to the police that the state government has denied it the use of the square for the proposed visit of the President next week.

In a letter sent to Governor Murala Nyako signed by the commissioner of Police, Mr. John Abakasanga and made available to Peoples Daily in Yola, the CP

observed that it is not in dispute that Ribadu Square is a public venue, which is meant for both official and private lawful functions of the government and people of the state provided conditions for such use of the venue are met.

The commissioner of police warned that while the command could contend with any threat posed by the use of the venue, the force may not be able to cope with the threats that may arise from the refusal of the venue.

The release of Ribadu Square to the Adamawa State chapter of the PDP for President Goodluck Jonathan’s one day scheduled visit to Adamawa state on the April 29, 2014 has continued to generate controversy in the state.

However, a visit to the controversial square by our correspondent in Yola revealed that a cleaning and sanitary firm F&R Company limited was seen tiding up the venue yesterday.

When asked on whose order they were cleaning the place, the Manager, Mallam Kabiru Ibatar said the state governor gave him the order in preparation for the President’s visit to the State.

In a related development, PDP in Adamawa on Tuesday inaugurated seven committees for President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit.

Jonathan is scheduled to visit Yola this month for PDP unity rally where he is expected to receive some APC defectors like Buba Marwa and Marcus Gundiri.

Fulani, Tiv embrace peace in Nasarawa From Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia

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ollowing separate meetings held with leaders of Fulani herdsmen and Tiv farmers, the Nasarawa state government has paved the way for the two warring groups to agree to settle their differences and to live in peace with each other.

Convener of the meetings, Governor Umaru Tanko Al-makura, disclosed that his administration’s new approach to conflict resolution, the community based conflict resolution strategy, has seen to it that the herdsmen and Tiv farmers embroiled in a lingering crisis that led to loss of several lives as well as damage to

property, agree to settle their differences and to live in peace with each other.

Briefing newsmen before the commencement of the meeting with the herdsmen at the Lafia Government House yesterday, Al-makura stated that from his last meeting with the Tiv farmers, he was able to impress it on the leaders and representatives of the group that the protection lives and property must not be left alone with the security agencies as communities must actively participate in the process of peace building.

“Issues of security and peace are everybody’s business. We should not leave the issue of peace, security of lives and property at the hands of security operatives alone.

It is the responsibility of every citizen to partake in the activities that will result in the attainment of peace” Al-makura stated.

The governor explained that it was also part of the peace-building process to interface with ethnic nationalities with a view to discussing matters that affects neighbourliness, stressing that with the meeting with the Tiv farmers, he was able to distil information vital to resolving the conflict and to also bring peace not only in the state but across the country.

Al-makura commended the security agencies for their peace effort, extolling the Inspector General of Police for initiating a conflict resolution strategy that is bringing back peace in the state.

Borno women group condemns Chibok school girls abduction

By Evelyn Okakwu

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group known as the Women, Peace and Security network in Borno state have condemned the abduction of female students of GGSS Chibok and other females from Dikwa and parts of the North Eastern States by suspected members of Jama’atu Ahlul Sunnah Lih Da’awati Wal Jihad (JAS).

A statement by the group through its leader Prof. Hauwa Abdu Biu said such acts are inhuman and affect efforts to enhance girl child education and development in the state and the country

at large.

“The abduction of innocent young girls violates their human rights. It is a crime against humanity and is prohibited under international humanitarian law. Women in Borno State condemn in its totality such acts of violence as attacks on schools deny children their rights to learn in a safe environment, thereby jeopardising their future.

We also condemn all other attacks in the form of bomb blasts and serial killings all over the country in its entirety and commiserate with the families of all those that lost their lives during the unfortunate incidences. While calling

on the sect members to please release all those in their custody without harming them and, as a matter of urgency, lay down their arms and embrace dialogue, we wish to assure them of our motherly support towards rehabilitating them when the need arises”. The group stated It commended the efforts of the Federal government and that of Borno as well as other security personnel and Borno youth volunteers towards addressing the current insurgency, but called on the government to provide adequate security for schools to meet current security challenges.

police must be helped with a psychiatric check.

“We need be sure that men recruited into our police force have no traces of mental disorder.”

Okei-Odumakin said the erring police officer must be immediately dismissed, “We must make good example of him to deter other officers who act with impunity, oppress citizens arbitrarily, or have disposition to do so.”

The group said it was grieved by the increasing spate of horrible, terrible and awkward show of muscle by men in police uniform.

Windstorm destroys houses, electric poles in Minna From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

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ouses and electric poles worth millions of naira were destroyed as residents of Minna, on Monday night, were gripped with fear as they witnessed a severe windstorm and heavy rainfall.

The dusty wind and stormy rain, which started exactly 8.25 pm disrupted movements, as commuters hurriedly rushed home for safety.

Our reporter gathered that most of the houses affected were old buildings built with clay and plywood.

The Maikunkele, Dutsen

Kura Gwari and Maitumbi axis of the Minna city were the most affected as the storm removed most roofs leaving the houses bare.

Drivers left the road and parked for fear of head-on-collision as most people resulted to hide for safety for fear of flying objects.

The wind, accompanied by lightening and thunderstorm, roared strongly, instilling more fear on residents who refused to come out to assist those whose roofs and houses were affected.

It took the rain to appease the unending storm described by many as hurricane, to a stop at about 9:10pm.

VACANCIES A newspaper based in Abuja has vacancies for young vibrant, qualified persons seeking to pursue a career in Journalism in its Editorial and Production departments.

A. Reporters (Business, Politics, Features) Eligible candidates must: i.

Be graduates. ii.

Have good command of both oral and written English. iii.

Have a fair knowledge of the business and political environment of the country.

Two or more years working experience would be an added advantage.

B. Production Editor (Weekend Edition) i.

Eligible candidates must have good command of both oral and written English. ii.

S/he should have good knowledge of newspaper production.

C. Graphic Artists Eligible candidates must: i.

Be young, talented, committed and competent. ii.

Have a diploma in computer applications from any reputable institutions. iii.

Be conversant with both oral and written English iv.

Be proficient on Indesign, Photoshop Coreldraw, and are conversant with newspaper production.

Send your application to: pmlnewsdesk@gmail.com or submit to Peoples Media Limited, at Peace Plaza, No. 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

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News

States of Emergency: NUJ urges Jonathan to retain governors

By Evelyn Okakwu

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he national president of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mohammed Garba has charged the Federal government to desist from plans intended towards dissolving the political structure of the states currently under emergency rule in the country.

Speaking during a press briefing at the NUJ press center, Utako, Abuja, Comrade Garba said the union was sure that the dissolution of the political structure in the affected states would further aggravate the problems rather than solve it.

According to the NUJ President, “The issue of security is a collective responsibility. We have to come together, and solve it as patriotic Nigerians.”

He called on the various tiers of government to work with security agencies to ensure synergy in the fight against terrorism.

“We are concerned with what we have heard from both the state government and the security agencies and federal government. Looking closely at the various responses from these arms, you will realize that there is a sort of sharp difference in the rate at which security agencies and the federal government addresses issues,

strategically.

These differences are not supposed to be. If really the leaders of this nation want to address these issues, then there is need for synergy, and the pursuit of common course in the fight against terrorism. When a governor says something and the security agencies disagree, that is not a good sign, so we hope that at the National Security Council meeting that is coming on board, they should have strategies that will address this issue seriously”.

Speaking further, the NUJ President said Nigerian politicians should endeavor to focus on the county’s problem rather than

politics. “We are also worried that instead of giving security the top priority most politicians are busy focusing on political agenda”, he stressed He called on the media to be patriotic in its reportage. “It is very important for the Nigerian media to try as much as possible to be patriotic in its reportage. We should be on the same side with the Nigerian people and report without political affiliation”.

Comrade Garba attributed the insurgency in the North to unemployment, saying that poverty was part of the disturbing trend in the country.

R-L: Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, representative of Chairman, Ministerial Committee on Alleged Practice of Infanticide, Udo Samuel Atang, and Gomo of Kuje, Alhaji Haruna Tanko Jibrin, during the submission of the report of the committee on the alleged practice of infanticide in the Federal Capital Territory to the minister, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Withdrawal of accreditation: Edo nursing students shut down campus

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

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cross session of Students of Edo State School of Nursing, yesterday shut the institution campus indefinitely over withdrawal of accreditation.

The protesting students who brandished placards marked with various inscriptions, also caused traffic gridlock across some parts of Benin metropolis.

They listed shortage of qualified teachers, alleged foisting of a new school principal and non-accreditation of the school which was established over five years ago.

Vice President Students Union Government (SUG) of the school, Marris Osadolor who spoke for the group at the secretariat of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, gave insight on the issues and accused the state government of transferring the principal of the state school of midwifery to head their school and insisted that they wanted a nurse to head their school.

Osadolor accused the State Ministry of Health of being economical with the truth about the status of the school.

“Until the government restores our accreditation and give us a

new principal, the school will not open and that is the reason we are protesting. They (the government) assured us that they are going to do something about our accreditation, we don’t have enough lecturers, no school bus as promised and we are demanding that these be restored. The few lecturers we have are just managing a lecturer to three to four courses, we lecture ourselves too and we don’t want that anymore” “They should send should down somebody neutral to us and not the principal of the school of midwifery becoming the principal of the school

of nursing, we don’t want that.

What we want now is how to get our accreditation and not changing principals from school to school.

The State commissioner for health, Dr (Mrs) Aihanuwa Eregie could not be reached for comment.

However,an official in the Ministry said: “The principal was sent there in acting capacity because their substantive principal retried few days ago and with time, a substantive principal will be appointed. But in any case, what is their interest about who becomes their principal? Their responsibility to go and study in the school”

Nyanya Bomb Blast: Nda-Isaiah condemns attack, tasks FG on security

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iqued by the incessant killings in the country especially the recent bomb blast in Nyanya, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory, All Progressive Congress (APC) presidential aspirant and former Chairman of Leadership Group, Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah has condemned the incident where about 75 Nigerians lost their lives while over 250, were injured.

Nda-Isaiah in a statement however called for immediate review of the country’s security apparatus noting that if something is not done urgently to fix the country’s security system, it should be considered that the country has failed as individuals’ lives and properties can no longer be protected by government.

“Or how can you explain this bloodletting every day, there is no single day in this country without a report of killings here and there and the government is not doing enough to stem the tide” he said.

He said the efforts of the present administration to checkmate the incessant killings has been very poor hence its perpetrators are having a field day.

According to him “it is has been a very serious rumour that this present administration have not been given security agencies their due budgetary allocation hence they are not well equipped to do their job” he also said.

While assuring Nigerians of the need to protect their votes in coming elections to avoid electing wrong leaders, the erudite media entrepreneur said that the 2015 general elections was critical to the survival of the nation.

He added that the only way out of the whole mess Nigeria was the enthronement of credible and responsible leadership at the top wherein a more focused and result oriented leaders would emerge.

Kaduna airport fire: Minister rules out sabotage

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he supervising Minister of Aviation, Mr Samuel Ortom, yesterday ruled out sabotage in the fire incident that gutted the control tower of Kaduna International Airport on Saturday.

Ortom, who is also the Minister of State Trade and Investment, made this known in Kaduna when he visited the airport.

“Issue of sabotage I want to rule

it out, it is purely a technical problem that led to the fire and we will ensure that it does not happen again.

“My technical team is competent and doing an investigation to know the issues that led to the fire that engulfed the control tower, and until a report is given to us we can’t say what caused it.

“I am happy no life was lost in the fire on Saturday,’’ he said.

The minister said normal operations had since resumed, adding that three planes had landed this morning at the airport.

“The technical team was able to restore operations, they were able to use a mobile tower to control the system, in addition, Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) was able to bring a mobile tower on stand by.

“The good thing is that operations have resumed and continued after a few hours.’’

The minister said the ongoing renovation of the airport was part of the administration’s road map to transform the aviation sector.

“Twenty two of the airports are being remodelled, five have been completed and the rest are undergoing work,’’ he said.

He said the initial issues the government had with the contractor had been resolved, adding that adequate provisions have been made in the 2014 budget to ensure its compeletion.

According to him, five new terminals are being constructed in Kano, Port Harcourt, Abuja, Enugu and Lagos, which will be completed in 2015. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

News

From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

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he Kwara state Police Command has arrested four students of Federal Polytechnic Offa and three others for allegedly involvement in armed robbery.

The command also raised an alarm over the involvement of students of tertiary institutions in the state in criminal activities.

While parading seven criminal suspects arrested in the past one week in Ilorin on Tuesday, the commissioner of Police, Ambrose Aisabor, said

PAGE 7

Four Offa Poly students, 3 others arrested for armed robbery in Kwara four of the suspects are students of Federal Polytechnic, Offa.

The Police boss gave the names of the suspects paraded as Olawuyi Babatunde, Osadahin Matthew, Bamikole Emmanuel and Adebisi.

Aisabor, who said one of the suspects was a neighbour to the

victim, added that the students, on interrogation, had confessed to being members of the Eiye Confraternity cult group.

“On April 18, 2014, at about 00.15hrs at Atari area of Offa while on raid of criminal hide out by eagle eyed officers of the command, the suspects

were arrested after successfully robbing one Adeolu Emmanuel ‘m’ of his properties such as laptops, four assorted telephones, one deck with speakers and N30, 000 cash while armed with dangerous weapons like cutlasses, axe and mask.

Police parade 16 robbery suspects, recover arms in Nasarawa From Ali Abare, Lafia

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olice authorities yesterday paraded 16 armed robbery suspects, including one dismissed police corporal accused of throwing a teargas canister into a Church last week.

Parading the suspects before journalists at the headquarters of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Lafia, state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Idris, noted that the parade was a demonstration of the willingness of the Command to reduce crime in the state to the barest minimum.

The CP disclosed that 80 percent of arms recovered from suspects are locally manufactured in the state, stressing that there is every need to fish out the local gun factories with a view to stopping their illegal activities.

While expressing gratitude to members of the public for assisting the police, CP Idris said the relationship should be sustained so that crime rate can be reduced in the state.

Also paraded alongside the robbery suspects are 5 cultists and 4 thieves.

Arms recovered from the suspects include: 4 locally made

pistols, one locally-made AK 47, one Dane gun and one water pressure gun.

Also recovered were three 7.62 mm rounds live ammunition, five 0.9 mm rounds of live ammunition and one round of live cartridge.

Three motorcycles, 30

sheets of zinc roofing and one jack knife were equally recovered from the suspects.

Fielding questions from journalists, the CP explained that one Jonathan Gyanet, a dismissed police corporal, was being paraded for throwing a teargas canister into the

premises of a Church, the Transformation Assembly Church, located in Akwanga.

He explained that the suspect, an indigene of Kaduna state, was dismissed from the force as deserter while serving as a specialists work personnel at Police College, Kaduna.

Benue Police arrests daredevil robbers at Easter From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi Class rooms of the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, destroyed by suspected Boko Haram, recently in Borno.

Photo: NAN

NSCDC arrests 10 pipeline vandals in Edo

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he Edo Command of the Nigeria Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) yesterday said it arrested 10 pipeline vandals between January and March.

The state Commandant, Mr. Chika Ikpeamonwu, said, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin, that eight of the suspects were arrested

at Abudu in Orhionmwon local government area.

He said that the remaining two suspects were nabbed at Agbede in Etsako-West Local Government.

He said three out of those arrested had been taken to court for prosecution.

The commander disclosed that within the period, officials of

the command also confiscated a tanker loaded with crude but that the driver escaped.

Ikpeamonwu, however, said the number of arrest in the first quarter showed a reduction in vandalism cases compared to the same period in 2013.

He attributed the reduction to new strategies adopted by

the Command and effective collaboration with other security agencies, especially the Army.

“We will always beat them in their own game. You even see some of them carrying these products in marked vehicles and sometimes, trucks of ex-servicemen, to deceive unsuspecting security agencies and the public.’’ (NAN)

Police arraign 17 for attacking ex-police officer, others in Ogun ….warns against jungle justice From James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

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he Ogun State Police Command yesterday arraigned 17 persons in connection with the attack on a house belonging to an ex-police officer located at Ijaye area of Abeokuta, the state capital.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi, said in a statement that the suspects were arraigned at Magistrate court 1 Isabo Abeokuta and charged with malicious damage, conspiracy and

“On interrogation, the suspects confessed to be members of Eiye Cult and also confessed to have been responsible for robberies around Offa and its environs in recent times”.

He said that the suspects would be charged to court after investigation was concluded.

The police boss said they also recovered two AK 47 rifles which were dropped by hoodlums in a bush before the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, while being given a hot chase by officers of the command.

The Police boss warned residents of the state to desist from lynching suspected kidnappers, saying, “Madness is not synonymous with criminality”.

The police boss also warned that the Command would not tolerate any mob action on suspected criminals, adding that complainant should report criminal cases to nearest police station.

He said policemen would be justified to use firearms on mob wherever they try to set suspects on fire, adding that, “we are in a lawful society, not a lawless society”.

conduct likely to cause breach of peace, in a case with charge No MA/273C2014.

He said, “The suspects were amongst the angry youths who attacked a house of one retired Deputy Superintendent of Police at Ijaye Abeokuta for alleged ritual purposes.

“They went on rampage to the extent of damaging some items in the house and launched attack on the police, community leaders and other security agents at the scene after series of confirmation that the house was not a ritualist den

and several pleas from prominent people in the area for calm.”

They were however granted bail with N50, 000 each and one surety in like sum, with the case adjourned till June 25, 2014.

In the meantime, the Ogun state Police Command has expressed concerns over the way some members of the public take law into their hands in carrying out jungle justice on suspected individuals alleged to be kidnappers and ritualists.

The command, while making this known in a statement by its

Public Relations Officer, DSP Muyiwa Adejobi, highlighted a recent attempted attack on a house labeled a ritualists’ den in Ijaye area of Abeokuta.

It cautioned the public to rather report any suspicious activities and places to the police for necessary action.

It also urged the public to get across to the police in case such suspected ritualists and kidnappers were seen by calling the following phone numbers: 08081770416, 08081770419 and 08123822910.

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he Benue state Police command, during the Easter celebration arrested two (2) members of a five-man gang robbery team in Daudu, Guma local government area.

Police spokesman, SP Daniel Ezeala, who disclosed this to Peoples Daily on phone, said the robbers were heading to Makurdi from Lafia, Nasarawa state, in a Golf car, to carry out an operation when they were apprehended at a stop-and-search road block.

Ezeala also said that as soon as the robbers were stopped, three of them jumped out of the car and fled into the bush thereby causing panic amongst the residents, who feared that the Fulani herdsmen may have invaded their area again.

The PPRO disclosed that three (3) AK-47 rifles were recovered from the arrested robbers, adding that their men are on the trail of the fleeing robbers.

The incident, an eye witness said, caused traffic gridlock along the Makurdi-Lafia road for several hours.

It would be recalled that Daudu town is one of the many communities in Guma local government area of Benue state that were ravaged by suspected insurgents and is just trying to bounce back to life again when this incident happened.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Youth unemployment bane of insecurity, says Rilwan In this interview with Hassan Haruna Ginsau, youth delegate at the National conference Hassan Rilwan talks on the revolution going on in Nigeria, the North’s woes and how they can be addressed by engaging young Nigerians.

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he conference has now entered the committee phase and many have complained against unfair placement in committees, do you feel the allocation of committees is fair particularly to the youth delegates?

Hassan Rilwan: Well you see the truth of the matter is the issue of fairness is neither here nor there in the sense that, yes the youth would have preferred to be shared, you know we are 18, maybe plus another extra 2 that didn’t come under the umbrella of the youth we’d have been 20. We would have preferred to be shared one by one in each of the committees.

However, what I keep telling people is that in this same floor we had already delegated the right to appoint chair and deputy chair and secretary to the principal officers. We did give them that right on this floor, so having given them that right they should be left to make those choices.

That doesn’t mean that they wouldn’t have made one or two mistakes, and for anybody that feels aggrieved I feel the best thing to do is to channel the grievances to the conference secretariat.

So the issue of whether being fair or not doesn’t really arise in that circumstance. We have our preferences but they have the decisions, and they have that decision because we gave them the power to make those decisions.

The issue of insecurity is one we cannot get away from, with Nigeria’s youth getting agitated, what message would you have for them about insecurity?

The truth about it is that the youth are the most affected when it comes to the issue of insecurity, and it’s quite unfortunate. We’ve deliberated at every level in regards to this issue, you cannot have a youth population that is not engaged, empowered, and educated and you say you want to sleep well.

So you see what is happening across the country is just a revolution which means the status quo cannot hold anymore in this country. So it’s high time our leadership and the followership, because you know leadership are a product of followership, took another look at how we choose our leaders. Because it’s obvious our leaders are incapable of solving our insecurity problem.

However, we must commend the

L-R: Member of National Conference Committee on Land Tenure and National Boundaries, His Royal Majesty Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, Chairman of the Committee, General Abdullahi B. Mamman, Lamido of Adamawa, Dr. Muhammad Barkindo Aliyu Musdapha, and Mrs. Oshinowo-Bashorun Olufunmilayo, during the committee meeting, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa president and the security forces for working hard to address the insecurity problem. They have put up some efforts to rescue the abducted school girls.

However, that is one incident out of many that will continue to happen, it will happen tomorrow, we don’t wish for it but it’s happening. So we need to rake pro-active measures to be able to nip this in the bud, and I think we have to take a holistic look at our value system, at our country, our justice system and try and fix things.

There’s something fundamentally wrong with us from the roots that is causing this. Terrorism is everywhere in the world, but different countries

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are approaching it with more proactive measures to be able to nip it in the bud, so Nigeria should not be an exception.

The majority of Nigerians have high hopes for the conference; they want the best outcome from the gathering. What are the major results you would wish to see emanating from this conference?

For me, I am hoping that we can hold honest discussions, we can look at the system of government we operate and look at how we can make it better, and we can look at the issue of resource control

It’s either you use your population productively to drive production and economy, and prosperity of a nation, or that population will be counterproductive, which will fuel violence and insecurity.

and see how it can be beneficial to everybody, North and South. I’m hoping that we can look at how to come up with a viable youth agenda that can make our youth to be engaged, to be employable, and to be educated. I’m looking at coming up with a robust economy that can really, truly aid the development of small and medium enterprises, because really that’s the largest employer of labour, and if the youth are employed I believe insecurity will be a thing of the past.

I’m looking at Nigeria removing its focus from oil to things like agriculture and mineral exploration. Oil cannot give you the jobs agriculture will give, and the message is very important, especially for our Northern leadership to begin to look at agriculture as a solution to the many messes we are facing in the North like the poverty level.

We have 72% arid land; we should use it, that way the youth would be engaged. When you wake up at 12 o’clock in some cities in Northern Nigeria, you see the youths drinking sugar cane and just whiling away time, when they are supposed to be productively engaged. We have a population in the North and in this country, and we need to use this.

It’s either you use your population productively to drive production and economy, and

prosperity of a nation, or that population will be counterproductive, which will fuel violence and insecurity. So when you look at it Nigeria is using its youth population negatively. We need to sit down and begin to look at how to use it positively.

What would you then suggest be done to engage them positively?

Agriculture, proper education, skills acquisition, are just what are needed to redirect the minds of youth away from non-productive ventures. The truth is that people should have basic education, that’s primary, the next level, and secondary. It’s not everybody that will go to the university, but people should be employable. If you’re not employable through a degree, you should be employable through skills acquisition, it’s very important.

The skill acquisition we’re having in the country is that we have people claiming to be mechanics, bricklayers, tillers etc, and they have no quality, at the end of the day we have to bring people for these things from Ghana, Togo etc. so if I cannot employ a young man to come and fix my tiles, to fix my plaster of Paris (p.o.p) then that money that I’m taking out is depriving that guy of food.

So if we want to engage them we have to develop skills acquisition, education, we have to redirect our value system, and our politicians are guilty of using the youth population to propagate their political activities through thuggery. When you look at it you have different youth organisations of even past governors that have now metamorphosed into serious violent organisations.

So, we have a totally irresponsible, up till today we have politicians that will sit the youth down, stuff them up with weed, gum, and all sorts of chemicals to go and fight for them, at the end of the day can they do that to their children?

So we have to be responsible elites, I think the problem we have in this country is the irresponsibility of our elites. When you see those that even go and antagonise government, some, not all end up using it as a negotiating tool to become part of the discussion of government, and at the end of the day everybody is doing things about self, we are not looking at the nation, and at the end of the day it goes around and hurts us, so it’s really a terrible situation.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Works and Transport, Alhaji Bashir Idris Aliyu Zangon Aya, on behalf of himself, management and the entire staff of the ministry, wish to congratulate His Excellency the Executive Governor of Kaduna state, Alhaji (Dr.) Mukhtar Ramallan Yero FCNA, MNIM, on his Turbanning as Dallatun Zazzau by the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji (Dr.) Shehu Idris.

May Allah continue to guide the governor in all his endeavours at piloting the affairs of the state for purposeful development.

The Commissioner, Alhaji Bashir Idris Aliyu Zangon Aya appeals to the people of the state to continue to co-exist peacefully for meaningful development to be achieved.

LONG LIVE KADUNA STATE LONG LIVE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

Signed: Alhaji Bashir Idris Aliyu Zangon Aya Honourable Commissioner Ministry Of Works And Transport Kaduna State

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

News

Muslim students mark 60-year anniversary From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

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he Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) is celebrating 60 years of its existence with strong condemnation of the abduction of 120 female students of

Government Girls Secondary School Chibok, in Borno state by insurgents and the Nyanya bombing in Abuja.

This was contained in a speech delivered by the President of MSSN, Malam AbdulAzeez Sirajudeen Folayemi at the occasion of the 60th

anniversary of MSSN for NorthWest zone held in Birnin Kebbi with the theme: ‘’MSSN: Impacts, problems and prospects’’.

According to the president, the MSSN strongly condemns any act of terrorism, especially the abduction

of the female students at GGSS Chibok, in Borno.

The act, he said, increased and complicated the suffering of the already traumatised parents, urging all to embark in fasting and prayers in order to seek Allah’s intervention.

Youth minister visits bomb blast victims

Dankwambo pledges support for mass wedding in Gombe

By Albert Akota

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he Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Boni Haruna has visited victims of last Monday’s Nyanya bomb blast at the National Hospital and Asokoro District hospital to sympathize and to wish the victims quick recovery.

Speaking during the visit to the hospitals, the Minister thanked God for sparing the lives of the victims and commended the management, matrons and other nursing staff for their show of responsibility and devotion to duty at such a critical time.

He said, the matrons have demonstrated uncommon display of care and sacrifice for the patients in terms of the time and energy they give to care of them.

Earlier, the Chief Medical Director of Asokoro District, Dr. Ahmadu Abubakar, and representative of Head of Information, Mr. Audu Sumaila respectively thanked the Minister for his visit adding that the victims were responding well to treatment.

From David Hassan, Gombe

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L-R: Vice Chancellor, University of Jos, Professor Hayward Mafuyai, Secretary to Plateau state Government, Professor Shedrack Best, Head of Service, Mr. Ezekiel Dalyop, and ICT Director, University of Jos, Mr. Benjamin Jang, during the opening Information Technology Proficiency Training for the commissioners and top government officials, yesterday in Jos. Photo: NAN

NGO pleads with BASG to pay workers’ salaries From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

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ollowing the non- payment of two months salaries of civil servants in Bauchi state, the Christian- Muslim Peace Movement (CMPM NGO) has appealed to the state Government to pay civil servants to avert hardship for people in the state

It would be recalled that last February, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Bauchi State chapter, asked the state government to pay the February salary of workers without further delay in the interest of industrial harmony.

“The state government recently approached organised

labour with a request that 10 per cent of workers salary should be sacrificed to it and workers vehemently objected to the request”, a top government official in the state who spoke on condition of anonymity said.

According to him, the government could not pay February and March salaries without deducting 10 per cent

from workers salary due to what he called dwindling resources.

But CMPM, in a statement jointly signed and issued by the Chairman Ambassador Sidi Garba Aminu and secretary Ambassador Paul Daniel in Bauchi yesterday stated that salaries for the Month of March has not been paid while April would soon come to an end without visible hope of salaries.

Journalists condemn Nyanya bomb blast From Muhammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

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group under the aegis of Independent Hajj Reporters has condemned the bomb blast that claimed the lives of over 100 Nigerians at Nyanya, Abuja on Monday with a call on politicians to desist from politicisation of such attacks.

This was contained in a statement signed yesterday in Kaduna by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammed and publicity secretary, Abubakar Mahmoud.

It said “we are saddened by yet another horrific mass murder of innocent Nigerians in a bomb blast that occurred in Nyanya in Abuja on Monday. “We condemn this wicked act of barbarism and call

AbdulAzeez, also described the Nyanya bombing as barbaric and worried that the insurgency has taken dangerous dimension.

He called on governments at all levels to do everything possible to secure the release of the abducted girls and also review the state of emergency imposed in Borno and other states in the North-East as, according to him, it is not solving the security challenges.

on security agencies to reconfigure their strategy by proactively preventing such acts of savagery before it is executed”.

The group queried: “Why are we playing politics with the lives of innocent Nigerians who have been drenched in a sea of poverty and suffering caused by the same ruling class? What has happened to the oath of office taken by the executives to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians?”

The group expressed worry over the spread of killings to other part of the country. “Initially it was in the north east states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa where thousands of lives have been lost to the activities of these faceless madmen. Like a raging fire, they have now extended their bloody massacres to the central part of

the north”.

“By committing this atrocities close to the seat of power, the perpetuators of this dastardly act have shown that they can strike anywhere in Nigeria. Like the law of gravity, devil’s advocates operate anywhere and everywhere with the same nefarious mindset.

That is why all Nigerians must rise up and condemn the gradual annihilation of the helpless people of this country by unseen forces”, the statement added.

It further cautioned “political parties’ spokesmen to control their loose tongue and stop playing the ostrich with the blood of innocent Nigerians”.

“We counsel politicians and their megaphones to always cross check their statement before they let it out to the public. We are

highly surprised and stupefied that somebody can be playing politics with the blood of the dead.

“If somebody know or seems to know those who are directly or remotely connected to this devilish act, then why not report same to security agencies for investigation and prosecution? As a spokesman of a ruling party, didn’t he realize that it is an indictment on his party that he knows those who are killing Nigerians and decides to keep mute?

“While we appreciate the power of prayer especially the prayers of those who have no blood in their hands; we urge Nigerians to be vigilant and take personal precautions in view of the porous and slippery security situation we find ourselves”, the statement read.

ombe state governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo has pledged his administration’s continued suport for mass wedding in the state to ensure that women who are yet to marry, have sense of belonging.

The governor who stated this yesterday during the wedding ceremony of the maiden Zawrawa marriage scheme in Gombe, also said since the inception of his administration, the state has made giant stride in the provision of socio- economic infrastructure to enable citizens benefit the dividends of democracy.

According to him, his aim was to reduce the negative implications of failed marriages in order to made their lives meaningful in the society and called on couples to always undergo medical test before getting married in order to safeguard themselves from diseases.

While congratulating the 720 wedded couples, the governor promise that government on its part would assist Zaurawa couples to be self reliant and ensure that their marriages were sustained through training in various vocational skills in the state.

He explained that government have approved a take-off grant of N20,000 to each husband and N10,000 for the brides in order to improve the living condition of the couples.

Speaking further, governor Dankwamb o said the state government has equally approved the sum N151,884,000.00 for the provision of dowry , food items among others which according to him, have already been distributed by the committee.

He noted that no fewer than 720 couples were screened, out of 612 were Muslim Zaurawa(divorcees), 76 Muslim spinsters while 32 nonMuslims were found suitable for the scheme.

Governor Dankwambo called on the Royal Fathers, community and religious leaders to engage themselves in awareness campaign to ensure proper conduct of marriages and reduce rampant cases of divorce in the society.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

PAGE 11

Money Sense

Starting a business for financial turnaround Finding gaps in the market inding gaps in the market is one of the main ways people have changed their financial situation. What is lacking in your community or what is being offered at low standard that you can improve upon? In the western world people have found financial breakthrough from filling a gap in the market.

Opportunities What opportunities are around you? Many take very little money to start. Say to yourself, I must present it differently?”Opportunities are in abundance where there are people. Many times the real challenge people face is not as much a money problem as it is a mind-set problem. Many believe they need money to start a business. Unfortunately money is the least of your worries to begin with. Do not get me wrong money is an

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important part of the equation but it is not the main part and in some cases it turns out to be the very hindrance in setting up a business. You might wonder why I said this, when people have money at their disposal, there tends to be a lot of wastage. Then when they really need the money,it’s all gone.

Be Creative We all have a sense of imagination. And from time to time we encounter some form of inspiration. For your business to stand out you must develop a creative mind. Look through magazines, buy books on successful people, read what they did to build their business.

Be innovative Think outside the box. How can I make this the best product or service out there? Put a twist to your business.

Become a niche Start a business where

people know you are the ‘go to person’ in that field. Niches are becoming the life of any business today. Think of something that will make you unique.

Model a successful person’s beginnings Look for successful people and ask them how they got started. Or get books on

Who manages your family’s finances?

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ack when I was a stay at home mom, my husband and I used to joke that he’s in charge of making money and I’m in charge of spending it. But I’m proud to say that over the last decade, I have proven myself to be a capable investor – and this was NOT an easy decade for investors as we all know!

So, now we say that he’s in charge of making (most) of our money, while I’m in charge of investing it and growing it, and – well, I’m still pretty good at spending some of it too.

The family as a business unit Joking aside, I find that the trust he puts in me, the fact that I can manage our finances on my own and only consult

with him prior to making really big decisions, is priceless. A family is of course all about love, friendship and mutual commitment, but it is also a business unit of sorts. Just as it wouldn’t make sense for the CEO of a company to micromanage the CFO or the CIO, it doesn’t make sense for a couple to micro-manage each other.

Trust Of course, this requires trust.

For many couples, there’s very little trust when it comes to finances. A recent, disturbing study from American Express shows that a growing number of couples reports that they argue about money, and that in order to avoid those arguments, they sneak purchases, sock money away in a secret bank account,

or keep a credit card account hidden from their significant other.

Assuming you agree with me that this is a sad state of affairs, how do you get to a place where you trust each other – where you know that you are in agreement when it comes to finances, and are working together to build your financial future?

Financial compatibility I asked you, a while ago, “Is Financial Compatibility Important When Choosing a Life Partner?” Most of you thought that financial compatibility is important, and that marriages suffer when there are big differences between the partners.

Leigh shared her own experience: “I am now going

through a divorce, and though there were many issues at play, I’d say it boiled down to money.

Significant Other came into the relationship with a monetary philosophy that borrowing against the future is a-okay.

While I worked to whittle down that debt, Significant Other refused to make any sacrifices that may have helped put us back in the black.”

I agree with your responses to that post. I believe that financial compatibility makes it easier to trust each other and to work together to build a financial future. If my husband believed I would take all the earnings from our investments and spend them on jewelry and clothes, would he still be able to trust me to manage our portfolio?

Gender Does it make a difference if it’s the woman or the man who manages the family’s finances?

I would say it doesn’t – it all boils down to the individual and not so much to their gender. In addition, even if we assume that women and men have different investing styles, with women being more risk averse, each style has its pluses and minuses.

I remember reading somewhere that over the long run, portfolios managed by women have better returns, because they trade less often and rack up fewer expenses.

Interestingly, in a 2008 survey by Pew Research Center, 45 percent of women respondents said that they manage the money in the household, while 37 percent of the men said that they do. Perhaps it’s a question of perception, or of

successful people and model their beginnings.

These are a few ways you can start up your own business for a lasting financial turnaround. needing a better definition of what it means to “manage the household finances” (balance the checkbook? Pay the bills?

Make investment decisions?).

Whatever the explanation is, it seems that women and men can’t even agree on who runs the household finances. (I wonder what my husband would have answered)

Money Tip Cut the cost of your fuel bills As the global demand for power threatens to outstrip supply, prices are rising. But that doesn’t mean you need to be ripped off.

The domestic market for fuel is a competitive one and you can change supplier with a few clicks of the mouse. Your new supplier will take care of the formalities - you just pay less every month.

Cut your home phone bills If you must use your phone there are scores of cheaper alternatives from cable companies that package your telephone, television and even broadband internet access to lowcost dial-up services that give you access to cheaper calls using your existing BT line.

Pay your debts first You’re always going to have something due to somebody else and you’re paying interest. Try to pay everything off as early as you can before you’re just paying interest to everybody else. Make sure you pay off your debts – credit cards, school loans, car loans – you don’t want to be in the hole forever!”

Quote “There is something about a well-worded question that often penetrates to the heart of the matter and triggers new ideas and insights.”

- Brian Tracy: Speaker, Author

PAGE 12

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

EDITORIAL

ur security agencies, especially the military, are making heavy work of securing Abuja, the nation’s hinterland capital, and supposedly its residents in the wake of the Nyanya bus station bombing that killed almost 80 people and maimed over a hundred others. It was the highest public transport system bombing fatality level in the country since Boko Haram began an insurgency against the Nigerian state in 2009.

The military authorities have admitted they received no intelligence on the impending April 14 bombing, something not totally surprising, given that the sect is always ahead of the security forces in planning and executing attacks on soft targets with devastating impacts.

However, their reaction to each attack has been predictably massive and counterproductive.

Following the Nyanya attack, the military have moved a fortified check point from the boundary of the FCT and neighbouring Nasarawa state to Kugbo, a high ground close to Abacha barracks. On an ordinary day, each lane of the dual carriage way carries three-to four lines of vehicles. However, since last Thursday, vehicles coming into Abuja from the Keffi-NyanyaMarababa axis have been forced into a snail-paced single line. At the Kugbo check point, manned by soldier armed to the teeth, vehicles are made to pass one at a time, thereby creating a pile-up

behind.

The gridlock on the main highway has also slowed traffic on inner roads accessing the suburbs of Nyanya, Karu, Jikwoyi, Kurudu, Orozo and Karshi. Before now, on a good day, it took 30 minutes to drive from Orozo into Abuja city centre. But not so anymore. “On

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O

The fuss of securing Abuja

The military authorities have not told us what this constricting approach is meant to achieve other than to give the impression that they are “on top of the situation”, which, in fact, they are not. the day they started (Thursday), I left my house in New Nyanya at 8am for work and I did not get to the city centre until 3pm,” Mr. Akin Oladokun complained to a journalist. Some narrated worse stories. The following days many motorists chose to leave their cars at home and to hop on commercial motorcycles that would drop them off at the Kugbo check point where they hoped to board taxis for the rest of the journey into the city. But they soon found out at the other end of the check point that it was a long wait for an empty cab to arrive.

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The military authorities have not told us what this constricting approach is meant to achieve other than to give the impression that they are “on top of the situation”, which, in fact, they are not. Nobody is sure what the soldiers have been told to watch out for as the approaching vehicle is not checked for anything and the driver is waved on. On the flip side, man hours are lost in the slow march as most of those rushing into town are public servants and private sector workers. There are also medical emergencies such as accident cases and pregnancy complications that require fast attention. This is impossible under the present circumstance.

Worse, the concentration of people and vehicles at the check point and beyond presents a perfect target for the terrorists whom the current strategy is supposed to stop in their track.

Should they want to attack, the casualty rate would be high indeed.

Besides, it is not the style of Boko Haram foot soldiers to lurk around an area after an attack, let alone carrying out a second assault in so short a time. This is why we think the huge military presence around Nyanya is misplaced.

Furthermore, the strategy the military are using is old fashioned.

It is not the number of personnel and physical structures that should be thrown into the fight against Boko Haram or any other terror groups. It is a hi-tech war that is being waged in this country.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

PAGE 13

Opinion In Nigeria, terrorism moves south

By Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani

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ate last month, a workman on his way to my house rang to explain that he was running late because of the mayhem caused by a bomb blast in the city. Instantly, I was skeptical. There couldn’t possibly be another bomb in Abuja. Not with all the tedious checkpoints on major streets here, and the thorough checks at the entrance to public buildings.

After a series of terrorist attacks beginning in 2010, security in Nigeria’s capital city was augmented significantly.

Abuja had not experienced any major bombings since 2012. The situation appeared so improved that President Goodluck Jonathan boasted in February that terrorism had been pushed to the fringes of our country. The rest of us were safe; only those in the northeast were not — yet. We sent heartfelt prayers to our compatriots in those remote regions, where the Boko Haram terrorist group has continued to carry out grisly attacks.

It turned out that the workman was not being dishonest that day. There was indeed some mayhem. Only what people had initially taken

for a bomb turned out to be a mere gas explosion.

But April 14 proved that President Jonathan and I had become far too confident. A bomb at a bus park in nearby Nyanya killed at least 71 people and wounded many more. To many Abuja residents, Nyanya is just one of those suburbs where their drivers, cooks and cleaners live some of whom were boarding buses for their morning commutes when they died. It is also less than 15 minutes’ drive from the presidential villa, the World Bank, a number of government offices and embassies. For most of the morning, I could hear ambulances screaming to and from the Asokoro General Hospital, bearing casualties from the rush-hour tragedy.

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Many people have responded to the bombing, and the threat of Boko Haram’s attacks moving south, by calling on President Jonathan to do more to make the country safe. In fact, I think he is probably doing his best. His best is just not good enough. And he needs help.

Last year, in a gesture of nationalism, Nigeria’s minister for information, Labaran Maku, declared that, beyond informationsharing and training, the government would not reach out for any foreign assistance against terrorism. (Though he backtracked a bit earlier this year and indicated that Nigeria would welcome cooperation from the French and Frenchspeaking West Africa.) In

2007, Umaru Yar’Adua, then the president, denied the United States Africa Command permission to open a base in Nigeria, suggesting instead that African countries set up their own commands.

The argument has been that more foreign involvement will trigger more violence by the terrorists, but it is clear that they do not need a trigger.

After the bombing, Nigeria’s former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, called on the government to review its strategies for dealing with terrorism, and to accept foreign assistance. I think he’s right. The sad truth is that foreigners are largely refining Nigeria’s crude oil, powering many of our cellphones and running some of our best

But April 14 proved that President Jonathan and I had become far too confident. A bomb at a bus park in nearby Nyanya killed at least 71 people and wounded many more. To many Abuja residents, Nyanya is just one of those suburbs where their drivers, cooks and cleaners live some of whom were boarding buses for their morning commutes when they died. It is also less than 15 minutes’ drive from the presidential villa, the World Bank, a number of government offices and embassies. For most of the morning, I could hear ambulances screaming to and from the Asokoro General Hospital, bearing casualties from the rush-hour tragedy.

schools. They might as well step up in yet another area where locals are falling short.

Just this month, a Nigerian soldier alleged in a Voice of America interview that some members of the army were assisting Boko Haram. Even if this is false, how effective can the military be when its members do not trust one another?

When it comes to dealing with Nigeria, I imagine that the rest of the world must sometimes feel like the slave boy in the Igbo proverb who was invited to join the meal at his master’s table. If he washed his hands before sitting at table, he was accused of wasting water; if he did not wash his hands, he was accused of being unhygienic.

Foreigners are probably never quite sure whether assistance will be interpreted as interference.

But the attacks go on; Nigerian children are being slaughtered in their schools and parents blasted to oblivion from their places of work.

More than 1,500 lives have been lost this year alone.

Nigerians would welcome any help in dealing with this monster of terrorism.

This article was first published in the New York Times nytimes.com

Why Obama will not visit Nigeria ever

By Dr. Peregrino Brimah

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arrack Hussein Obama is not only the leader of the most powerful nation on earth, but he is the celebrated black president of the United States. Love him or not, he is at a pinnacle for the black race on the earth today. However, the black president of America has thus far refused to visit the biggest black nation in the world and by all projection, will not do so till he completes his second term as U.S. president if things remain the same with Nigeria. Why will Obama not visit Nigeria? Here are some of the reasons: The Nigerian government is a bunch of bandits.

The military leadership of Nigeria lies that it has freed captive girls. Our military chiefs, ministry of defence and heads of state security lead the deliberate massacre of innocent civilians and soldiers.

Abuja, the nation’s capital, is the residence of thieves and hideout of terror sponsors. Bayelsa, the home state of Nigeria’s president, is the most toxic piece of land on planet earth with 40 oil spills recorded every month.

Nigeria pollutes the sea more than any oil producing nation on earth. Nigeria today does not arrest sponsors of terror whose money now finances Al Shabaab and Al Qaeda. There are more

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kidnappings in Nigeria than any nation. The country currently hosts the most dangerous high sea piracy events on the planet.

Nigeria this 2014 has succeeded in scoring the highest number and worst cases of death and violence from terror than any nation on earth. Its youth are the most deprived on the planet, considering the nation’s immense wealth.

Nigeria’s government steals from almajiri (beggars), the youth and unemployed

to give to the government bloated thieves and Cabal.

Nigeria is the only nation on earth that rather than developing is regressing. $20-127 billion dollars, oil revenue has been stolen

by Nigeria’s government officials and their partner, billionaire cabal. Where Is OurMoney? Nigeria’s fourth republic civilian regimes are worse than its military dictator regimes. It has an oil goddess, Diezani Allison-Madueke. The nation has achieved the

Not only is Nigeria’s government clueless, and recklessly hopeless, but so are its people also recognized to be for permitting such a Cabal regime and system to remain in power.

There have been civilians like Gandhi and soldiers like Rawlings who have walked their nations out of the mess, but of its 168 million victims of the treacherous, lootocratic fourth republic, Nigeria does not have a single civilian or soldier, talk less thousands willing and able to deliver its children, elders and most helpless. This is why President Obama does not only not visit, but does not even talk of or remember Nigeria, a nation in a new Dark Age.

highest level of government corruption ever recorded in the history of planet earth.

Not only is Nigeria’s government clueless, and recklessly hopeless, but so are its people also recognized to be for permitting such a Cabal regime and system to remain in power. There have been civilians like Gandhi and soldiers like Rawlings who have walked their nations out of the mess, but of its 168 million victims of the treacherous, lootocratic fourth republic, Nigeria does not have a single civilian or soldier, talk less thousands willing and able to deliver its children, elders and most helpless. This is why President Obama does not only not visit, but does not even talk of or remember Nigeria, a nation in a new Dark Age. Dr. Peregrino Brimah via drbrimah@ends.ng and Twitter: @EveryNigerian

PAGE 14

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Opinion

Boko Haram: Questions Jonathan should ask his security team

By Abiodun Ladepo

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f President Goodluck Jonathan is not afraid of his national security team, he should demand from them answers to the following questions:Where were those soldiers stationed on Giwa Barracks, Maiduguri, on March 14, 2014 when the terrorists’ attack began? How many of the soldiers were in that facility that day? Those who were absent, where were they and what were they doing before and during the attack? Who was the most senior officer on that installation on the day of the attack? What actions did he take to ensure the terrorists were defeated, captured or killed? Why was there only one tank on a military installation located in the heart of an insurgency area? Why did the tank malfunction during the attack as claimed by soldiers?

Was it due to improper maintenance or was it lack of proper training for the operators? Why were there so many private vehicles in the barracks located in an insurgency hotbed? Why were there so many family members – women and children – in a place that is essentially a battlefront? How did the terrorists make their way, in broad daylight, to the perimeter of the installation undetected?

Were there elevated guard posts covering the installations’ 360 degrees perimeter? If so, how come no one saw the terrorists as they approached the installation?

If there were no elevated guard

posts, why not have some on a post that is more or less a camp in the middle of a battlefront?

Were there observation posts/listening posts (OP/LP)?

If not, why not have some in such a volatile area? And if there were, how come they did not see or hear anything?

How in the hell could anybody

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successfully hide 12 Hilux pickup trucks painted in green from security forces?

How on earth did the terrorists move nearly 200 fighters in an area under emergency rule?

Why is the country awash in so many sophisticated weapons in the hands of unauthorized people? After the December 2nd, 2013 attack on Composite Group Air Force base, was there a vulnerability assessment? What were the lessons learned from the assessment? What reforms did the national security team put in place to forestall a recurrence?

Finally, is it true that senior military officers are embezzling funds appropriated for combat?

Jonathan does not owe allegiance to his military chiefs.

His allegiance is to all Nigerians.

It should be clear to him that were the Nigerian military a limited liability company, it

would have folded up by now due to its string of senior leadership failures. Inviting governors to a security meeting like Jonathan did recently sends the signal to the enemy that the federal government is at a quandary and is failing. It will also not yield any fruit as most of the governors know next to nothing about military operations. And even if they did, those of them in the opposition may not readily offer solutions they know would benefit Jonathan politically.

So, Jonathan should stop this government-by-committees or government-by-consensus practice. This is the time for executive action. He should find someone who can engage Boko Haram in discussions about political solutions to their demands (the carrot). But he should also find that truly professional military officer (no

matter his ethnicity) who will embark on a sustained, full-spectrum, intelligencedriven, overwhelming fight designed to break the back of the insurgency.

Jonathan should have led the country in a public expression

of outrage, especially after watching some of the videos released by the terrorists who embarrassed our military on December 2nd 2013 and March 14th 2014. These were the days Boko Haram fighters took the Maiduguribased Composite Group Air Force base and Giwa Barracks respectively. We now know that in its quest to counter the apparent successes of the terrorists’ propaganda, the Nigerian military may have been lying to the Nigerian public all this while. And if it lied to the public, could it have been lying to the National Assembly which has oversight authority on the Defense ministry? Could it also have been lying to President Jonathan? So far, the terrorists have not been caught in a lie. In fact, they have boldly warned us of their dastardly acts and

have followed through on their threats. For example, after the DSS Abuja “jailbreak” attempt (nobody knows the exact story about that incident), they told us they would hit Abuja in revenge for the members they lost. A week ago, they set off bombs at Nyanya bus station, killing over 70 innocent people and maiming scores of others. The terrorists have also been magnanimous enough to provide us with video clips of their very successful operations.

The Giwa barracks attack is the single most humiliating incident for the previously dreaded Nigerian army. I will forever be befuddled by the fact that for 24 whole minutes, the terrorists did not receive in-coming, defensive fire from the army. In this video, you will not see the terrorists scampering for cover in order to avoid in-coming grenades or heavy machine gun fire.

It is as if they are attacking a compound occupied by enfeebled Octogenarians. It is a monumental embarrassment for our army.

Even if Jonathan doesn’t win a second term, he should not bequeath onto his successor such a vibrant insurgency as we currently have in Boko Haram. It should be the goal of any patriotic president to save Nigeria from such horrendous carnage. And it is a goal that is attainable.

Abiodun Ladepo lives in Los Angeles, California, USA (Oluyole2@yahoo.com)

Why we find the Chibok schoolgirls now

By Nze Anizor

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fter some hard thinking, I can now dare to say why I think all the girls abducted by the Boko Haram are kept in one camp.

The primary question here is why the girls were taken.

Once we determine a plausible motive, it will be easy to create a scenario which meets the motive. In my opinion, the girls were abducted for one primary reason and one secondary reason - sex and soldiers (suicide bombers.)

That is why they needed so many girls. It is also an indication that the efforts of the military and the ‘civilian JTF’ are yielding fruits. It is an indication that the insurgents may have started finding it difficult to easily get into town to satiate their sexual desires, and had no option left but to take the huge risk of abducting more than a hundred young girls at the same time. Of course, we must all agree that they did not abduct the girls for ransom or for use as

bargaining chips.

Interestingly, the girls may be their albatross. They are prisoners and not necessarily converts. This means that they may be rebellious and continually seek ways to escape. This may not be so difficult since the camp will not be built up and protected like a prison. Probably they will use chains and ropes to restrain the girls. Because of the huge number, the possibilities of a guard making a mistake are high. The possibilities of a

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guard going soft on one of the girls and aiding her escape by at least looking the other way is also high. The BH made a major mistake in abducting those girls, but whether we are able to effectively utilize that mistake to our advantage is another matter entirely. The girls will be in a camp because the BH will have a major camp from where they operate.

Although they may have a few cells within the towns and villages in the North East, they are not likely to keep those

girls in any of them.

The military should do well to locate that camp, and find the girls. Just imagining the horrors those children will be passing through is enough to send shivers down one’s spine. But all we can do is to imagine it, the girls will be living it. A more chilling thought is that the longer the girls stay in captivity, the more the possibility of some of them being indoctrinated and brainwashed to become suicide bombers. A strict regimen of

The same impunity that drives corruption and treasury looting also drives the competitive arming of alienated and impoverished citizens against one another. For the avoidance of doubt, it does appear as if a sustained war of attrition and annihilation has been launched and is being waged against the poor, exploited, and oppressed subordinate classes and strata of our population by the rich. It does seem that there is an orchestrated campaign of extermination against the 70% of impoverished Nigerians, by the 10% of Nigerians who own and control 40% of National wealth; a status achieved through pillage and brigandage.

extreme punishment to teach fear, anger and hatred, and then using indoctrination to turn that anger against the society can achieve that abominable objective. The strategy may be to use types of sexual activity one may not even imagine to break their spirit.

Having made them feel less than human, they will then use punishment and indoctrination to turn them against the society - as lethal weapons. A 15 year old girl who believes she has nothing to live for, and who may not even want to ever be found because she thinks her shame is too much and unbearable, and who has been psychologically turned to blame the society for not protecting or saving her can be a very lethal weapon indeed, in the wrong hands. They need to be found and rescued today.

The earlier they are found, the less will be the likelihood of their having permanent scars mentally and physically.

Dr. Nze Anizor@Okenze

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

PAGE 15

Comment

Boko Haram isn’t the problem, Jonathanians are

By Paul Adepoju

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ven though I strive daily to look the other way when it comes to news emanating from Nigeria’s political arena, I fight a bigger battle within myself keeping quiet as Jonathanians attempt to defend what shouldn’t be defended. After giving it a deep thought, I’ve come to the conclusion that even though they are attempting to defend the policies, actions and decisions of the Goodluck Jonathan-led administration, they are doing more harm than Boko Haram.

The other night, I saw a pro-GEJ advert on NTA that attempted to put President Goodluck Jonathan in the same circle with President Barack Obama, Martin Luther King Jnr., and Africa’s latest idol – Nelson Mandela. I couldn’t suppress a chuckle. While the sponsors of the daily aired ad may want us all to know that “the president is doing it,” they are leaving out the negative impact their studio works are having on the president himself – the illusion of heroism.

Now don’t get me wrong, I love and respect the president and would be voting for him if he could solve the challenges of

insecurity and power – I’m even willing to cut it some slack over corruption because he didn’t start it and can’t end it either.

But no matter the increase and improvement – statistically, in the nation’s economy especially the rebased GDP; no matter how many new roads and bridges are constructed; and jobs – real and fictitious, that are created; as long as the citizens are dying, no achievement could make insecurity acceptable – at least for me.

The president’s number one job is to keep the citizens safe before any other thing. If that job is not satisfactorily done, I don’t think we should be shouting All Hail the President, and forcing the Jonathan Epistle down the throat of everyone yet. The case is similar to a WASSCE candidate that had A’s in all subjects but failed Mathematics and English Language, the beautiful result would be worthless some years ago before the avalanche of schools that don’t require the subjects for admission.

The president himself once said the political ambition of anyone (including himself) do not worth the blood or life of any citizen. With the recordbreaking number of bomb blasts,

insurgencies and deaths, the focus of Team GEJ should be on making sure no one dies again, no bomb goes off and terrorists are sent packing.

Taking a cue from US president who was placed on the same pedestal with President Goodluck Jonathan, he first addressed insecurity by discretely going after Osama Bin Laden – that is someone that is “doing it”, not Nigeria where we can’t really say how many terrorist groups are killing, kidnapping, slaughtering, maiming, bombing and releasing videos on YouTube.

The impact that Jonathanians’ sheer disregard of ridiculous defense of insecurity in Nigeria has on the president is the feeling he is doing well enough for the African hero status. With that state of mind, he tends to relax and not feel the heat as being felt at the grassroots.

It is not anti-government to blame the government, it is not anti-GEJ to say GEJ is failing on his electoral promises and it is not outrageous to say that the president doesn’t seem to feel the pains of Nigerians yet. He, we, and they - Jonathanians - have to address this anomaly individually and collectively. At the outset of the incumbent administration,

he was underperforming but was hearing the truth about the state of the nation. These days however, his actions suggest he is no longer in tune with the real Nigerians; instead, he seems to be hearing the loud voices of Jonathanians screaming at high decibels that he’s the best ever in Africa. Mr. President maybe agreeing with them and insensitive to the rest of us.

I’m not the only one that was disappointed to see the president show up at a birthday party less than 24 hours when a bus bomb blast killed over 70 people in Abuja. The explosion changed victims’ destinies forever. While they writhe in pain in the hospital in Abuja, the president was in Kano for political campaign and in Ibadan for a centenary birthday party. According to El Dee, Nigeria’s president couldn’t miss the “turnup”. Yet Jonathanians didn’t see anything wrong.

Not seeing anything wrong is a major problem here in Nigeria. We’ve seen how it almost ruined Nigeria during Sani Abacha regime. The same thing is happening in the present day Nigeria. The president is surrounded and being hailed by sycophants, paid praise singers,

jobbers and opportunists who are so blinded by their political affiliations and ambitions to see anything – no matter how big or small – in the administration of the president. Even when they see such, they are dead-silent on such.

How can we progress with such people around us? These days they are everywhere – Facebook, Twitter, Nairaland.

They confront those saying the truth and are screaming GEJ till 2019 even though a lady in Abuja said on NTA, few minutes after the GEJ-is-doing-it-ad that she will never see someone to marry her because her legs were blown off by the latest explosion.

We can’t tackle insecurity if everyone, including PDP members, GEJites and Jonathanians are not on the president’s neck asking him to address insecurity. As long as there are people around the president applauding him in Kano while school girls in Maiduguri are being kidnapped, we will remain where we are – static and dying – even during the Easter period when we ought to be celebrating life.

Paul Adepoju is on linkedIn

“All I want to do is to empower every Tarabian irrespective of his/her religious and political affiliation and provide secure and predictive middle class life style to most families. It may be a tall order but God has blessed me with wealth and knowledge and I will work harder to help and serve the people of Taraba State in any capacity I found myself”.

The politics of Taraba State is not as rude and brutal as other parts of the country, but has different flavor. Tarabians are good voters who reward people of good character, who have labored to provide opportunities for youths, women and elders. I suspect that the people of Taraba are recruiting Chief David Kente for Governor with the strong support of Retired General T.Y Danjuma – an eagle on the Iroko of Taraba politics. Chief Kente is a strong supporter

of People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He has spent millions of Naira helping PDP build strong voters base and financed many politicians in the state from ward councilors to governorship. He has provided needed financial cushion to PDP in the state such that the party in Taraba is immune from the troubles and disarray PDP is suffering in other states.

But today, Taraba State is at a cross road to either salvation or destruction. The state has been in the news lately with reports of citizen killings and massacres in Wukari – one of the major local government areas. The nature’s gift state may be on the verge of communal warfare under the nose of the Acting Governor who is responsible for the security of lives and properties of the people of Taraba. As the next election nears, politicians

may go at any length to cause disunity and even encourage armed massacre in his/ her potential opponent’s political base, to keep him/ her busy resolving communal conflicts. This strategy is not new in Nigerian politics. But the danger is that it always comes back to bit hard on the people who planned it. The Acting Governor as the chief security officer of the state has the responsibility to stop this destruction going on in Wukari and the other parts of the state.

I would have called on General Danjuma and Chief David Sabo Kente to intervene and help to stop this dangerous scourge on Taraba State, but these men are not in government and do not have executive powers to command the police, the military and other state security agencies.

It is not their responsibility to intervene. It’s the responsibility of the acting Governor, whom Tarabians twice voted en masse to lead them and trusted him to protect their lives and properties. If he allows this massacre of innocent people, women and children to continue, he should have no business going to Tarabians – the people he failed to protect - to ask for their vote in 2015.

A rising Taraba state?

By Okechukwu E. Asia

L

ocated in the easternmost juicy part of Nigeria and bordering Cameroun is Taraba State of Nigeria.

This beautiful and tourism attraction state has everything nature has to offer. While in Taraba, take a short trip to places like Mambilla Tourist Center, Gumpti Park and game reserve in Gashaka; and the Nwunyu Fishing festival in Ibi, which is usually held in April of each year. This festival attracts such activities as canoe racing, swimming competition and cultural dances. There are many other cultural attractions in Donga, Takum and Bali, Takum and Ussa, and others. Taraba has many ethnic nationalities including Jenjo, Kuteb, Chamba, Mumuye, Mambila, Wurkum, Fulani, Ichen, Tiv, Kaka, Hausa and Ndoro. No wonder is nicknamed –Nature’s gift to the nation. Taraba State has a huge land mass, more than 21,000 square miles and the third largest state (land mass) in Nigeria. Taraba state derived its name from River Taraba, which shares banks with River Benue and River Donga.

One of the luckiest states in Nigeria is Taraba. A state carved out of the old Gongola State with rich in many natural resources, some of which if harnessed and mined will be

as huge in revenue as crude oil. Taraba has great statesmen as Retired General T.Y. Danjuma and Multi-billionaire business mogul Chief David Sabo Kente. These two great Nigerians have changed the fortunes of Taraba State for better, forever. General Danjuma, arguably is the founder of modern day Taraba State and whose political and philanthropic influence is felt across the state.

The only person matching General Danjuma in this regard is none other than Chief David Kente, Chairman of DSK Group of Companies and DSK Foundation, who has brought quality education and political empowerment to the people of Taraba State especially the youth age grade.

In a chanced meeting with Chief David Kente, I asked him about his vision and mission to the people of Taraba, he said

“

One of the luckiest states in Nigeria is Taraba. A state carved out of the old Gongola State with rich in many natural resources, some of which if harnessed and mined will be as huge in revenue as crude oil. Taraba has great statesmen as Retired General T.Y. Danjuma and Multibillionaire business mogul Chief David Sabo Kente. These two great Nigerians have changed the fortunes of Taraba State for better, forever. General Danjuma, arguably is the founder of modern day Taraba State and whose political and philanthropic influence is felt across the state.

Okechukwu E. Asia is on ifyandokey@yahoo.com

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

FCT records crime-free Easter - Police T he FCT Police Command said yesterday there was no crime recorded in the territory throughout the Easter celebrations.

The command spokesperson, DSP Altine Daniel, confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Daniel attributed this to the commitment of personnel of the command and cooperation of residents of theterritory.

However, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) says it recorded two deaths in five accidents in the territory during the period.

The FCT Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mr Susan Ajenge, told NAN that one of the deaths was recorded aGwarimpa, while the other was at Abaji Area Council.

Ajenge described the accident rate as low, saying that this followed the adequate deployment

of men of the command to the highways.

She said the personnel was mandated to carry out ``traffic calm down’’, explaining that it was done by ``taking positions on the expressways and waving down motorists speeding’’.

Meanwhile, reprieve is yet to come for commuters on the AbujaKeffi expressway as the military continued to mount barricade on the road for stop and search,

leading to heavy traffic.

They began the exercise four days after the explosion that rocked the Nyanya bus terminus, killing more than 70 people with over 120 sustaining various injuries.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that many of the commuters, especially civil servants, anxious to report at work on time resorted to the use commercial motorcycles.

Police arraign hairdresser, 25, for cheating, joint act

Chairman, Senate Committee on Power, Senator Philip Aduda (right), commissioning one of his rural water scheme projects, yesterday at Central Ward, in Abaji Area Council of Abuja.

T

he police yesterday arraigned a 25-yearold female hairdresser, Chioma Eze, in a Grade 1 Area Court in Karu, Abuja, charged with joint act and cheating.

The prosecutor, Silas Nanpan, told the court that one Jacinta Nenge reported the matter at the Nyanya Police Station, Abuja, on April 18.

Nanpan said that Nenge was at the salon of the accused person to make her hair when the accused person engaged her in a discussion.

He added that the accused person claimed to be a soothsayer and deceived the complainant to believe that she could pray for her in order to protect her from future car accident.

According to Nanpan, the accused person’s accomplice, who is currently at large, made away with the complainant’s purse containing her cell phone, cash, a wristwatch and other valuables valued at N28, 650 as the complainant listened to the accused person’s claim.

The prosecutor said that the purse was later recovered from the salon of the accused person, noting that the offences contravened the provisions of sections 79 and 321 of the Penal Code.

However, the accused person pleaded not guilty to the offences.

The presiding judge, Hassan Ishaq, granted bail to the accused person in the sum of N50, 000 with a surety in like sum.

Ishaq said the surety must reside within the jurisdiction of the court and the address must be verified by the registrar of the court.

The judge also ordered that the surety must submit his drivers’ licence or national Identity card to the court’s registrar and adjourned the case till May 14. (NAN)

The operators took them from either Mararaba or Nyanya, up to the AYA round about at Asokoro, charging between N300and N200.

However, the soldiers conducting the check compelled them to discharge their passengers 50 meters to the check-point and push their motorcycles pass the point, up to 50 meters away, before starting off with their passengers. (NAN)

Photo:Justin Imo-Owo

Aduda promises democracy dividends

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

T

he Senator representing FCT, Senator Phillip Aduda has promise more dividends of democracy to the people of Abaji Area council of FCT. Aduda stated this yesterday during the commissioning of various water project , rural electrification projects and speed boats donated by him in several wards and rural Areas

in Abaji Area Council as part of tour of projects .

“Today you people now have water in your domain, and there is common saying that says water is life, what you cannot have before now is here. We will bring more water and goodies to your doorstep”.

I want you people to continue support the president and the FCT administration, remain peaceful and law abiding”, Aduda Said.

He promised the speedy completion of one of his rural electrification project at Abattoir Area of the council, call on the community leaders and youths to ensure proper maintenance of the projects.

The chairman, Abaji Area Council, Hon. Yahaya Garba Gawu, said what the Senator has done has Inspired him.

According to him, the council has done more in areas like roads network, promised to

complement the senator’s gesture with more projects and solicited for better budgetary allocation from National Assembly members for the proper funding of projects in the areas councils Areas in FCT. The women representative in the central ward in the Area, Hayiya Salamatu Sule, full of praises for the senator’s magnanimity towards the poor, pray for God’s blessings for him.

Court sentences wheelbarrow pusher to 2 months for theft

A

n Upper Area Court in Zuba, FCT, yesterday sentenced a wheelbarrow pusher, Babangida Aliyu, 18, to two months in prison for stealing two air condition condensers and one gas cylinder.

Aliyu who resides in Madalla, Niger State is arraigned on one count of theft.

The Presiding Judge, Malam Aminu Sa’ad sentenced Aliyu after he pleaded guilty to the charge.

Sa’ad, however, gave the convict an option to pay a fine of N10, 000, and warned him to away from criminal behaviours. ``You have your whole life ahead of you. Why do you want to waste it in prison?

``The court gave you an option of fine because you are a first time offender, the next time you appear before me or any other court for any crime you will be sent to prison,’’ he warned.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Cpl. Momoh Ibrahim had told the court that on April 17, Mr Arange Adomibo of Hansel filling station

reported the theft at the Zuba Police Station.

Ibrahim said the convict went to the workshop of the complainant and stole the items, which were later recovered from him.

The prosecutor said the offence contravenes the provisions of Section 287 of the Penal Code.

(NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Metro

PAGE 17

People trekking to cross the military check-point, yesterday at Kugbo, in Abuja, following massive checkpoints mounted by security to filter traffic infow to Abuja after Nyanya bombing.

Nigerian musician, Mr. Dapo Oyebanjo (A.K.A. D’banj), with a victim of Nyanya explosion, Mr. Charles Oguike, during his visit to Asokoro District Hospital, yesterday in Abuja.

A vehicle loading passengers travelling for Easter celebration, last Friday at Zuba Park, in Abuja.

Some victims of Nyanya explosion receiving treatment, yesterday at Asokoro District Hospital, in Abuja.

Traffic jam on Zuba-Abuja outer northern expressway, last Friday in Abuja.

Photos: NAN

PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF KEBBI STATE IN THE BIRNIN KEBBI JUDICIAL DIVISION HOLDEN AT BIRNIN KEBBI BEFORE HER LORDSHIP:HON. JUSTICE ASABE KARTU - JUDGE SITTING TODAY THE 17TH DAY OF APRIL 2014 MOTION NO. KB/HC/M.58/2014

BETWEEN:ALHAJI ABBA ALIERO

CLAIMANT/APPLICANT AND

1. DR. YAHAYA MOH’D. AWWAL 2. NABILA MIMI AWWAL 3. YAHAYA AWWAL

-

DEFENDANTS RESPONDENTS

COURT ORDER On Thursday the 17th day of April 2014 upon reading the Motion Ex-parte, the affidavit in support and councel written address learned counsel for the applicant Mr. A. E. Atolagbe.

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED 1. That the application is granted.

2. That application for substituted service on the Defendants Dr. Yahaya Awwal and his two children 2nd and 3rd Defendants is hereby granted and the matter is hereby fixed on the 24/4/2014 for mention.

24/4/

Justice Asabe Karatu

Metro

Church distributes foodstuffs to patients, orphans

By Usman Shuaibu

D

u n a m i s International Gospel Centre Kubwa in Bwari Area Council of the FCT has donated foodstuffs to patients at general hospitals, King’s Care private Hospital, Unity Clinic and Maternity as well as the Ark of refuge Orphanage, Kubwa Divine Orphanage and the inmates at Police Area Command in the Federal Capital Territory.

The Items donated to the beneficiaries as part of activities to mark the Easter celebrations, included cash from the church monthly Devotional-seeds of Destiny contributions, toiletries, beverages, babiesfood items and cartons of Indomie noodle.

Speaking at the occasion during the donation of the food items, the pastor of

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION FOR SUPPLY OF OPERATIONAL VEHICLES IN MINISTRY OF EDUCATION.

The Ministry of Education for and on behalf of the Kebbi State Government invites quotation for the supply of operational vehicles such as.

(1) 1 No. Toyota Corrola GLX 2013 Model (2) 1 No. TOYOTA HILUX 4X4, 2.7.

(3) 1 No. Water Tanker 2000 LITER. The firms/suppliers/manufacturers/Manufacturals Representatives may submit quotation in sealed envelope in response to this advertisement on or before 28-04-2014 at 11:00am local time.

Supply for the operational vehicle to The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Ministry of Education Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.

He admonished the congregation to remain upright stating that Jesus Christ paid with his blood at the Cross of Calvary for the remission of their sins and warned that it would be unfair to ignore the sacrifice and continue to mess up with their lives.

He described Easter as a season of good news symbolizing the seal of the price Jesus paid to redeem humanity from sin.

He prayed for the nation and enjoined Nigerians to renew their faith in God, saying that God is ready to forgive our sins and redirect our destinies to the original purposes for our lives.

On the security, the pastor expressed confidence that Nigeria will overcome the current security, political and economic challenges and become the arsenal of democracy in Africa.

Businessman bags 1 year imprisonment for attempt to burgle AIG’s residence

A

KEBBI STATE OF NIGERIA

the church, Michael Ajogba, said the Easter provided yet another opportunity to share the love of God with fellow compatriots especially the less privileged.

He said the donation represents the Church’s social responsibility to its host community and prayed for the salvation of those in the hospitals as well as persons incarcerated and the restoration of shattered destinies of those in depravity.

He assured the beneficiaries that the Church will always put smiles on their faces, urging them to keep faith with Christ in whatever conditions they may find themselves today.

While delivering his Easter message, Ajogba said that the resurrection of Jesus Christ symbolizes the birth, foundation and the pillar of Christianity.

Wuse Zone 2 Senior Magistrates’ Court, Abuja, yesterday sentenced Stephen Agbaragba, businessman, 26, to one year imprisonment for attempting to break into the home of AIG Ali Ahmadu (Rtd).

The convict who was arraigned with Godwin Musa, 35, and Stephen Omeka, 32, had pleaded guilty to the offence.

The Judge, Mrs Chinyere Nwacheonwu, however, gave him an option of N25, 000 fine.

She also granted bail to the other accused persons, Musa and Omeka both businessmen, who pleaded not guilty.

Their bail is for N200, 000 with two reliable sureties each, who must reside within the court’s

jurisdiction. ``One of the sureties should be a civil servant of not below GL 12 in the Federal Civil Service with a current statement of account and a valid driver’s licence.

“The other surety should be a businessman that deals in fabrics, electronics and furniture who has a shop within Wuse, Garki, and Maitama districts in Abuja,’’ Nwacheonwu said.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Mr College Bob, told the court that on Jan. 23, the convict and the two accused, at Utako waterside, Abuja, conspired to commit an offence.

He said that they had planned to buy a master key to enable them to

break into the home of former AIG, Mohammed Ali (Rtd), with the intention to steal.

The prosecutor alleged that they agreed that Musa would open the door after the master key had been bought.

Bob said that the convict and the accused persons were tried for criminal conspiracy and attempt to commit an offence.

He said that the offence contravened the Penal Code.

He had applied that the court should try Agbaragba summarily under section 157 of the Criminal Procedure Code after he pleaded guilty.

The magistrate adjourned the case until May 19 for further hearing. (NAN)

Man, 21, jailed for fraud in Abuja

A

Wuse Senior Magistrates’ Court in Abuja yesterday sentenced a man, Danie Aondowase, 21, to three months imprisonment for defrauding one MsJoy Favour of N99, 000.

The Magistrate, Mrs Folashade Oyekan, sentenced Aondowase without option of fine after he pleaded guilty to fraud.

Oyekan also ordered that the amount should be

refunded to the nominal complainant immediately.

Aondowase was convicted of criminal breach of trust and cheating.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Cpl. Monday Akor, had told the court that Favour reported the case on April 9 at Wuse Police Station.

Akor said that Aondowase of Piwoyi village, who was the treasurer of a thrift society

(otherwise called ‘esusu’), collected the amount from Favour, a member of the society, but failed to repay her when she demanded for the money.

He said that Aondowase collected the money sometime in January 2013.

The prosecutor said that the offences contravened sections 312 and 322 of the Penal Code.

(NAN)

PAGE 19

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

INSIDE

etuka2012@gmail.com/meetetus@rocketmail.com 08066605655,08182721672

Ex- Minister urges Nigerians not to sacrifice development for politics -Pg 20

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje, Chairman, Mr. Egbert Imomoh, and Company Secretary, Ms. Olutola Omotola, during the bank’s 24thannual General Meeting, recently in Lagos.

PTDF announces breakthrough in local refining of petroleum products

By Etuka Sunday

P

etroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) yesterday announced the successful breakthrough in the local refining of heavy crude for the production of petroleum products using locally sources raw materials.

A statement by the Head, Press and External Relations (PTDF), Kalu Otisi quoted the Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Professor Abdullahi Mustapha to have made the announcement at the 2014 Annual Lecture of the PTDF Professorial Chair in Chemical Engineering.

He said the design and fabrication of the pilot plants for

the production of Zeolite catalyst has reached advanced stage with a view to commissioning a prototype refinery in November this year.

The statement said the breakthrough was the outcome of a 4 year intensive research on the production of Zeolite Catalyst using clay by a team of Researchers led by the Chair holder, Petroleum Technology Development Fund Endowment in Chemical Engineering at the University, Professor Abdulkarim Ahmed.

The Executive Secretary, Petroleum Technology Development Fund, Dr. Oluwole Oluleye commended the PTDF Chair in Chemical Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria,

Professor Abdulkarim Ahmed for his high sense of commitment to actualizing the Research goals for which the university was endowed.

He described the outcome as fundamental to the sourcing of local raw materials like kaolin in producing Zeolite Catalyst, with the economic implication of reducing the huge capital flight on the importation of the raw materials for use in local refineries.

In 2011, NNPC Refineries imported Zeolite Catalyst worth 12 million USD. “The application of novel techniques in Zeolite Catalyst production will not only offer huge opportunities for entrepreneurial development of sustainable refinery and

GDP figures not for the common man-MD Global Analytics

By Clem Khena-Ogbena

T

he Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figure is not for the common man and is of no use to the common man in the country, managing director and chief executive officer, Global Analytics Limited, Mr. Tope Fasua, has said.

Fasua, who said this during an exclusive interview with PEOPLES DAILY, at the weekend, in Abuja, also stated, however, that GDP could only be useful to people running the government and big banks in the country as well as foreigners willing to lend money to Nigeria.

He pointed out that the recent re-basing of the nation’s GDP was, rather belated, saying that for it to have taken the country about 25 years to re-base was a minus and also an indication that wrong figures had, hitherto, been tinkered with.

Fasua, who is both an economist and entrepreneur, further maintained that it was not a big deal that Nigeria had re-based its GDP, because, according to him, it was just a normal thing for a country to re-base its GDP. He stated: “I think there is nothing wrong if the country re-based its GDP. In fact, some other countries have a situation where the GDP constantly re-bases itself and they put parameters in place for the GDP to constantly take the right value of good and sevices , the correct market value of goods and services, and also to incorporate new sectors or changes, marked changes in sectors that need to be incorporated inside the GDP figures.

“So, it is not a big deal; I personally think that for me, the issue of re-basing is just that the National

Bureau of Statistics is doing its job, and I think it is the only organisation fitted properly to do that job.

Therefore, it is difficult if not wrong for any entity or person to criticise that organisation doing its job.

“In fact, what they should be saying is why it had taken the country 25 years or so or 24 years for us to do the right thing. Is it that we were working on wrong figures for 25 years? This takes us also to another issue of what do you do with GDP figure? “At this junction, I probably say GDP figure is not for the common man; it is not useful to the common man. It is of use to people running the government; it is of use to the large banks that want to do deals with foreigners, and it is of use to foreigners who want to lend money to Nigeria.”

Until recently, the last time Nigeria rebased its GDP was 1990.

petrochemical products but would also create job opportunities for Nigerians. PTDF has keen interest on enhancing refinery and petrochemicals operations in Nigeria as seen by the various research programmes we are funding” PTDF Chair holder and lead researcher, Professor Ahmed, said characterization tests conducted abroad on the locally produced Zeolite Catalyst using Kaoline obtained from Kankara in Katsina State indicate a 75% viability in outperforming the commercial catalyst currently being used by NNPC Refineries.

The Intellectual Property Rights and patent on two novel process techniques employed in the production of Zeolite Y and ZSM-5 Zeolite Catalysts have already been approved.

PTDF endows Professorial Chairs to advance indigenous research in petroleum and other related disciplines for the development of the nation’ s oil and gas industry.

World Bank approves $250 million credit for water projects in Nigeria -Pg 22

Exchange Rates CBN as at 22rd APRIL, 2014 Buying

Selling

$

154.7

155.73

€

260.34

226.03

£

213.77

215.15

Riyal

41.25

41.52

YEN

1.50

1.51

CFA

0.30

0.32

MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY Taking over from an incompetent team leader

B

ecoming the leader of an existing team can be challenging, but taking over from an incompetent leader is especially difficult. Even if you find your new team in disarray, you’ll get better results from your team members if you invest the time to appreciate and respond to their needs and concerns before making changes.

By understanding what they

have experienced, you’ll better understand the issues that must be addressed to move forward— and your curiosity will show your interest in your people’s wellbeing, another value that may have been lacking in the previous leader.

Source: Harvard Business Review

PAGE 20

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Concerned Youths Forum

…Working towards democratic survival in Nigeria No. 10 Rigasa GRA, Opposite Nabila Medical Centre, Kaduna State

Why Muhammed Abacha Should Be Languishing In Jail

I

n saner and more civilized climes, instead of seeking for a governorship seat, people like Muhammed Abacha should be hiding their faces from the public, while fighting tooth and nail to avoid being hurled in jail for ruthlessly plundering a rich country, where millions of poor ordinary citizens barely afford a three-square meal.

In the last few days, the Nigerian media was awash with reports about forfeiture of more than $550 million and £95,910 million in 10 accounts and six investment portfolios connected to the Abacha family and associates in France, the Britain Virgin Islands and the United States.

The United States, through its Justice Department has seized the assets which were stashed away in private foreign accounts by late General Sani Abacha, his son Muhammed and other accomplices under the pretext of saving the funds for ‘national security’ purposes.

According to the Civil Forfeiture Complaint unsealed at the US District Court in Washington, Gen. Abacha, his son Muhammed and an associate Abubakar Atiku Bagudu embezzled, misappropriated and extorted billions from the Nigerian government and then laundered their criminal proceeds through purchase of bonds backed by the US in about nine financial institutions.

Also, the late totalitarian dictator Abacha and his finance minister Anthony Ani forced the Nigerian government to buy its own bonds at crazily inflated prices from a company controlled both by Bagudu and Muhammed, thereby generating an illegal windfall of more than $282 million for themselves.

An assistant Attorney General at the US court, Mylith Raman, who commented on the recovery of the stolen funds said it was “the largest civil forfeiture action to recover the proceeds of foreign official corruption ever brought by the Justice Department”.

“General Abacha”, she said “was one of the most notorious Kleptocrats in memory, who embezzled billions from the people of Nigeria while millions lived in poverty”.

This was the reason why the family of the late dictator including his eldest surviving son Muhammed, turned into instant billionaires even though they had never been known to be involved in any legitimate business venture that could earn them the tall fortune fortunes they claim and flaunt.

Muhammed Abacha, who has been desperately trying to seize the governorship seat of Kano state in order to secure his ill-gotten wealth, was believed to have personally participated in laundering a whopping $1.4 billion dollars from government coffers to offshore accounts when his father was ruling Nigeria like a personal fiefdom.

Since his father’s sudden demise, Muhammed Abacha had battled to escape the 123-count criminal charges slammed on him by the federal government relating to the legitimacy of his wealth, arguing that he should not face trial since he had voluntarily forfeited some of the assets said to have been stolen by his father and that the immunity enjoyed by his father also extended to him.

But in a unanimous ruling, the Supreme Court, ordered Muhammed to face trial because there was no way the immunity enjoyed by the late dictator could apply to him and that late Abacha could have also faced trial if he were alive.

The failure of Muhammed to stop his trial was the primary reason he decided to align himself with the corrupt People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) federal government led by President Goodluck Jonathan, who is a sworn enemy of transparency and public accountability.

By joining Jonathan’s corrupt league of supporters and avaricious apologists, Muhammed, is perhaps hoping to extract a presidential pardon similar to the one given to Jonathan’s criminally corrupt former boss Dipreiye Alamiesigha, who stole Bayelsa State’s $10 milllion and is still wanted for money laundering in the United Kingdom.

If Muhammed Abacha, whose kleptocratic father was controversially honored by Jonathan, succeeds in getting pardoned or his charges quashed by the federal government, he would have an opportunity to not only keep his illegitimate wealth, but to rig himself to the government house of Kano, where he could equally plunder state’s wealth.

The implication of an Abacha government in Kano would be a painful reversal of the state’s recent development in almost all aspects, including educational, infrastructural, social, political and economic growth. This is because Muhammed Abacha clearly lacks any leadership quality considering the fact that he grew up within family circles, completely secluded from the rest of the society, which robs him of the chance to have an experience of interacting with the people and knowing their problems.

More dangerously, an Abacha government in Kano, would restore the monstrous culture of corruption, lack of accountability, impunity and nepotism which have since disappeared from governance in the state.

In the wake of the persistent revelations of monumental corruption and theft of public funds by the Abacha family, we urge the federal government to quickly arrest Muhammed Abacha and all his accomplices so they could answer questions on the roles they played in the looting of Nigeria’s money when their master was in power.

The people of Kano state are NOT interested in seeing the family members of the worst Kleptrocats in the country contesting and winning elections in their state, but in seeing them prosecuted and possibly jailed if found guilty for any wrongdoing.

Therefore, we demand the immediate withdrawal of the centenary award given to late General Sani Abacha for his so-called ‘contribution to national unity’ by President Jonathan, because this amounts to an insult on the collective intelligence of Nigerians who would be seen by other serious nations as defenders of corruption.

Simon Uduk President E-mail address: udoksimon2003@yahoo.com

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

PAGE 21

Aviation

Flight operations resume at Kaduna after repairs Stories from Suleiman Idris, Lagos

F

light operations into Kaduna airport was yesterday restored following the successful deployment of air traffic facilities at the airport after having been shut to traffic on Sunday following a fire

incident which razed the tower and completely destroyed air traffic control facilities.

The Engineering staff of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), were said to have worked round the clock to ensure that normal flights resume at the airport with the effective deployment of the Air Traffic Control Mobile

Tower.

An Aero Contractor aircraft operated in and out of the airport without any hitch and several other flights followed the Aero Contractor operations.

A statement by the agency’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Mr. Supo Atobatele told reporters in Lagos.

The NAMA had issued

a NOTAM (Notice To Air Men) to that effect while the Managing Director of NAMA, Engr. Ibrahim Abdulsalam in his reaction is said to have expressed his appreciation for the loyalty and commitment of the Engineering and Operations teams in ensuring that flight operations returned to normalcy in less than 24 hours.

Turkish Airlines wins CAPA Airline of the Year Award

T

urkish Airlines has been named the CAPA Airline of the Year at the 11th annual CAPA Aviation Awards for Excellence in Amsterdam.

The CAPA Airline of the Year is awarded to the carrier that has had the greatest impact on the development of the airline industry, established itself as a leader,

and the benchmark for others to follow.

President and CEO of Airlines Peter Harbison said “Turkish Airlines has established itself as a formidable competitor in a geographic region that boasts many of the world’s leading airlines. Turkish has created the world’s largest international network and

now reaches nearly 200 destinations from its powerful hub in Istanbul.”

He said the airline has forged an industry leading service culture, numerous innovative marketing campaigns and a consistently high quality product offering.

“Turkish has successfully exploited its geographic position with an innovative

fleet deployment strategy and it has successfully leveraged membership in Star Alliance and a wide range of bilateral codeshare relationships to further extend its global reach. All this is generating healthy profitability and we wish Turkish Airlines even greater success in 2014,” Mr. Harbison added.

Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos

NAHCo aviance recognise as Air Cargo Company of 2013

N

igerian Aviation Handling Company plc, NAHCo, a leading ground handling companies in Nigeria, has been honoured as the Air Cargo Company of 2013.

The company received the award at the weekend in Cross Rivers State at the Nigeria Aviation, NIGAV, Conference, Exhibition and Awards.

A statement by the spokesman of the company, Mr. Sanya Onayoade, said nahco aviance has become a two- time back-to- back winner of the NIGAV Awards, having

won the “Handling Company of the Year award” at the 2012 edition.

The annual event is organised by FCI International Limited and seeks to recognise companies, organisations and individuals for best practices and outstanding contributions towards developing the aviation industry and related activities.

Onayoade outlined some of the achievements that qualified the company for the award to include its strong and exceptional corporate governance, broad working

knowledge of the nation’s aviation industry, certification and membership of various international aviation bodies, quality service delivery, impressive clientele base and ownership and operation of the largest warehouse in subSahara Africa.

It would be recalled that NAHCo was recently granted the free-trade-zone, which will further boost business in the country by the Federal Government.

Managing Director of the company, Mr. Kayode

Oluwasegun-Ojo said the approval was given the company in February by the Nigerian Export Promotion Zone, NEPZA. He emphasised that with the approval and the commencement of activities at the zone, which would be sighted at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, MMA, Lagos, it would improve significantly the traffic that come into Nigeria and enhances the status of the country as an aviation cargo hub.

Ex- Minister urges Nigerians not to sacrifice development for politics

F

ormer Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah has charged Nigeria to ensure that it does not sacrifice its development on the altar of politics if it must improve its infrastructure and better the lives of its citizens.

Oduah made this remark at the weekend in Enugu when she received an award from the Ikenga Award for Excellence Foundation for her enviable performance as Minister of Aviation and her transformation of the sector.

The former Minister noted that Nigeria would continue to lag behind if the citizens allow political sentiments to blur their focus on the need to provide necessary infrastructure in all facets of the economy so that the country would maximise its human and material resources for the benefit of all.

She added that that while political interest is ephemeral, development is permanent and opportunity missed may never be regained.

On how the ongoing projects she left behind would be completed, the ex- minister said there is a well-articulated master plan that must be followed and which would guide all the development in the aviation industry, adding that her successor would follow the master plan and remarked that anybody who deviated from that master plan would be doing a disservice to the country.

“I believe he (her successor) would follow the master plan to the letter; and really, anybody that does contrary to that is doing a disservice to the Nigerian people and there must be a continuation to the development of the aviation sector.

It must be mainstreamed.

Mr. President has started mainstreaming and that should continue because we do this for a very well developed aviation sector and if you look at it really, aviation is employment generating, contributes to nation’s GDP, so why would it not been given priority? It should be given priority and Mr. President is doing that,” Oduah said.

PAGE 22

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Business

World Bank approves $250 million credit for water projects in Nigeria

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he World Bank says it has approved a credit of 250 million US dollars to help the Nigerian Government continue its efforts to increase access to water supply services.

A statement in Abuja on Monday by the World Bank’s Communications Associate, Africa Region, Mr Bamidele Oladokun, said the credit facility would also help to improve existing water utilities.

It said the project was important because it seeks to open up time for the poor to pursue education and income-generating activities.

``It will also give the poor the opportunity to help themselves out of poverty, instead of spending endless hours fetching water,’’ the statement said.

It added that the funds would target the poor, urban population living in the state capitals and their surroundings, and will benefit some two million people in Nigeria.

“This credit supports the Third National Urban Water Sector Reform Project and responds to the Government of Nigeria’s goal of developing more effective mechanisms for social service delivery, particularly water

service, as a means to address inequities in income and opportunities. ``The funds will help rehabilitate and build the water delivery infrastructure and institutional systems needed to expand access to water supply services for people in selected cities in Bauchi state, as well as Ekiti and Rivers. ``A portion of the project is performance-based and will include incentives for improving the performance of the water supply institutions in the three states,’’ the statement said.

It stated also that the World Bank plans to provide technical

and financial assistance to State Governments in Kano, Gombe, Benue, Jigawa, Ondo, Abia, Bayelsa, Anambra, and Plateau.

The statement said the assistance to these states was to help prepare them for large water supply investments that could be financed in the future. ``The Federal Ministry of Water Resources, tasked with providing sustainable access to safe and sufficient water to all Nigerians, will also benefit from this.

“The ministry will be strengthened to monitor and benchmark the water sector’s performance,’’ it stated. (NAN)

DHL announces new heads for Africa regions

By Etuka Sunday

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HL Global Forwarding, the air and ocean freight specialist within Deutsche Post DHL has announced the promotion of two African country heads to take regional roles in a continent poised for renewed growth.

Former managing director, South Africa, Lubabalo ‘Twine’ Mtya becomes the new CEO for the Southern Africa region while Pramod Bagalwadi, currently Country Manager DHL Global Forwarding Ghana, has been named Eastern Africa CEO and Kenya head with immediate effect.

Lubabalo ‘Twine’ Mtya, who took over his new post in February after three years with DHL Global Forwarding, will now be responsible for Mozambique, Namibia and Zambia, as well as South Africa. Pramod Bagalwadi takes charge of Uganda, Tanzania, Madagascar and Mauritius in Eastern Africa as well as being Country Manager for Kenya.

Both Twine and Pramod will report to Roger Olsson, CEO, DHL Global Forwarding Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Said Roger: “DHL Global Forwarding has been growing steadily across the Southern African and Eastern African regions, however the untapped market is still huge.

More investments and global customers are coming into Africa every day and we need to be ready to serve them with excellence. That requires a great team, led by great management. Both Twine and Pramod’s operational backgrounds

combined with leadership experience and business acumen are welcome additions to our senior leadership team in Africa, and their promotions to regional roles are well-deserved and ones that both are eminently equipped to fulfill.”

Twine joined DHL Global Forwarding as Chief Operating Officer in March 2011, taking responsibility for the operational performance of the company in South Africa. In that role he streamlined the South African operations, which resulted in the business achieving all its targets. He was promoted to Managing Director

of DHL Global Forwarding South Africa two years ago, and since then South Africa’s profitability and success path has been on the increase, with continuous growth and investments.

Lubabalo ‘Twine’ Mtya, said: “This is an expanded role for me and I welcome the opportunities to develop the freight forwarding opportunities in Mozambique, Namibia and Zambia and work with our teams there as well as in South Africa. Intra-African trade, and especially Southern Africa Development corridors has tremendous potential for growth and

Business activities resume after Easter holidays, yesterday in Lagos.

we will focus on the synergies of these markets and the benefits for our local, regional and global clients.”

Pramod joined DHL Global Forwarding in 2003 as Trade Lane Manager for Africa, and later became Commercial Manager for Nigeria. In 2008, he was promoted to Country Manager for Ghana with the creation of DGF in Ghana. Under Pramod’s leadership, the business grew significantly over five years, and he has been instrumental in shaping and developing the in-country organization, while consistently delivering positive results.

Photo: NAN

ICT skills to form condition for promotion in A’Ibom Civil Service From Mike Etim, Uyo

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ith effort aimed at mandating workers in the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service to acquire ICT skills, the State Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Cecilia Udoessien has charged that henceforth, the acquisition of such skill will now be used as one of the conditions for the promotion of workers in the state civil service.

Udoessien said the decision became imperative following the recent embarrassing delay experienced in the payment of staff salaries in the state in

which she attributed largely to the inability of some staff of the payroll unit to apply Microsoft words format in the preparation of payment voucher of the MDA’s.

The Head of the Civil Service made this known at the recent meeting of the college of the Permanent Secretaries in the state following the presentation of the progress report of the office of the Account General by the state Accountant General Mr. Udo Isobara.

Impressed by the efforts of the state Accountant general in getting the staff of his office to effectively embrace and apply

the ICT in their daily schedule, the Head of the civil service said making the acquisition of efficiency literacy skill as precondition for promotion in the civil service will reinforce greater commitment by all public servants to acquire the skills.

The Head of the civil service lauded the Accountant-General forspiritedly taking up the challenge and putting those who were deficient; in the skills through series of intensive training programmes which has resulted in the near normalization of salary payment in the State.

She was full of appreciation

to the State Governor, Chief Godswil Akabio for approving the construction of a 100 seater computer centre in the state conference hall in the State Treasury Headquarters, saying with the inauguration of the project, more public servants will have opportunity to be trained in ICT. Also speaking, some members of the college also joined in the commending the State Accountant General for his zeal in inculcating ICT culture in his staff, and in the hitch free running of activities of his office and the subsidiaries.

Cement price too high in Nigeria -Producers From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

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ement price in Nigeria is still selling at 300 per cent above what same product is selling in countries like Egypt, China, Taiwan, India, Japan, Norway, Turkey, Indonesian, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq where self sufficiency in cement production has been attained.

In a protest letter addressed to President Goodluck Jonathan, the President, Cement Producers Association of Nigeria (CPAN), who is also a member of Nigeria Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Association (NACCIMA), Mr David Iweta, said the price of cement in countries that has attained sufficiency in cement production, like Nigeria, is N500.00 per 50kg bag, while cement in Nigeria is still selling at 300 per cent above what same product is selling in other countries. He said a local manufacturer has constantly declared Annual Profit After Tax (APAT) in the region of N120billion –N130billion for over three years running.

Iweta said the international best practice for cement manufacturing is for investors to earn IRR (internal rate of return) in region of 25 per cent, but experience has revealed that Nigerian cement investors are earning over 150 per cent IRR in cement investment such that investors recoup their investment within two years of their investment.

“By this token, all such local manufactures claiming large investment have since recovered their investments. It is regrettable that the price of the product is hovering within N1, 800 – N2, 000 per bag.

We strongly recommend that Mr. President should revisit this strategy by allowing unexhausted licenses to be fully utilized and consider granting more licenses and abolish the introduced levy of 20 per cent with 15 per cent duty but retain the five per cent duty and five per cent vat on imported cement.

“This will force the local cement manufacturers that are hiding under the high cost of imported cement which attract 45 per cent extra cost comprising duty, levy, NPA, NIMASA , in addition to cost of freight in region of$50.00 per metric tone. The total extra cost paid on imported cement is in the region of N 900.00. Per bag. Imported cement will sell for N1,000 per 50kg bag if the Federal Government retain duty and vat at five per cent each on imported cement.

“The local manufacturers are still at a better position to make N500.00 profit per bag owing the fact that they make use of free local limestone and could sell cement for N500.00 per 50kg bag,” Iweta said.

Iweta said the housing deficit in Nigeria is estimated at 17million, adding that housing like agriculture is a major provider of labour in many economies.

He said if the Federal Government is committed to filling the gap in the housing sector, this sector alone is capable of providing employment for 34million Nigerian.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Stock Watch

Report as at Tuesday, April 22, 2014

PAGE 23

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

PAGE 24

Special Report

The commissioning of face one of the ongoing 103 kilometre Lapai-GuluMuye road project by Niger state government has attracted the attention of Nigerians from within and outside that State. This is why our correspondent Yakubu Mustapha, from Minna analyses possible fears by the people of the state concerning the road and how to guard against them.

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he road, he says, is the only road linking Lapai, Gulu, Muye to Kogi state and to the southern part of the country. The project which is billed to cost N4 billion, upon completion, is a direct response to the cry by people of the State by the State governor Dr Mua’azu Babangida Aliyu.

Considering the plight of the people of the area who have for long lost their loved ones on that road, it will be sad and very unfortunate if the life span of the road is being threatened in any way.

Therefore, heavy duty vehicles plying the road must be quickly checked by the state government.

The road was constructed for small and medium vehicles and if heavy duty vehicles are allowed to ply it, as is been experienced

PAGE 25

in recent times, the road will soon lose its life span.

The deplorable state of the road which has been like that for several years and has had negative effect on the social and economic development of the people may now be considered a thing of the past.

But a chart with many of the community people revealed lamentations over the durability of the road resulting from heavy duty vehicles that ply the road in large numbers on a daily bases.

Close analyses of the rate of cars plying the road suggests that the road may soon deteriorate if something is not done to curb its use.

Governor Aliyu who insisted on delaying the commissioning of the Gulu Ultra Modern

When roads are overused, they deteriorate early

Addressing the fears of Niger indigenes on road durability Hospital until the road was completed, despite the fact that the construction of the Hospital was done about a year ago, stated that the road had been under construction many years back and was due for completion; long before now.

Explaining the reason for the cost of N4 billion billed for use in the construction of the road, the governor stated that the former administration of Engineer Abdulkadir Abdullahi Kure awarded the contract in 2004 to the tune of N1,641,474,000 to Soject Nig. Ltd and paid substantial amount of money but added that the road was abandoned, thereby forcing his administration to start all over.

He reports that the face one of the road has been completed, from Lapai to Gulu and that the second face consisting of 53 km second face from Gulu to Muye may be completed

by July this year.

Before now the road has been a death trap in which criminals took advantage for several years, armed robbery attack was an order of the day because of the deplorable nature of the road. All these have now been reduced in great measures.

The commissioning of the road marked the improvement of lives of the people of Lapai local government particularly Gulu community as well the people of other parts of the country and beyond.

This however cannot be

said to last if big vehicles ply the road at ease thereby reducing its level of durability.

Governor Aliyu, while commissioning the road

addressed the issues of insecurity, stating that there has been in recent times an alarming rate of migration to the state that has had a direct negative

“

Considering the plight of the people of the area who have for long lost their loved on that road, it will be sad and very unfortunate if the life span of the road is being threatened in any way effect on peace and security in the State. He stressed that the clashes in Benue and Nasarawa states between Fulani/ Tiv people has had its effect on Niger State.

He noted that security challenges are all inclusive as they have ways of affecting people living in areas where they occur.

Analysts have noted the need to check the rate of migration into the state to forestall future clashes.

While some view the migration of Tiv’s into the land as an act of last resort, others say there might be a need to check the problem to redress the issues that may arise from mass migration.

In his remark the state commissioner for works Alhaji Mu’azu Bawa Rijau earlier maintained that the contract of LapaiGulu-Muye road was awarded to Soject Nigeria Ltd in 2004 to the tune

Transport Minister, Idris Umar

of N1,641,474,400 with the scope of work which include stratification of existing bottom surface, earth work, road works, surface dressing and wearing course as well as construction of bridge, culvates and enforce concretes, drainage with cover slaps the contractor was mobilized to site and commenced work.

Mu’azu therefore, said the contract was reviewed upward to the sum of N3,169,720,434 in order to increase the length of the road from Lapai to Gulu with the provision of 150mm closed tall base and 44mm ashfat wearing course to withstand the anticipated heavy lorry.

The Commissioner added that the contract was again reviewed to the total sum of N4,723,120,950 in order to take care of variations that came up as a result of pipe lives

Niger State Governor, Mua’azu Babangida Aliyu

and depreciations of the earlier completed works.

He reiterated that the contractor has completed the 1st face of the work from Lapai-Gulu while presently on the 2nd face of the project which covered the sketch of road linking Gulu-Muye covering a distance f 53 km which would be two course surface dressing expected to be completed

by July 2014.

The commissioner expressed gratefulness to the governor for his focus and confidence in the ministry by his support in executing all road projects since the inception of his administration most especially the Lapai-Gulu-Muye road commissined after many years of its been awarded.

An elder statesman and former minister of finance Alhaji Ahmed Abubakar Muye who responded onbehalf of

the community expressed appreciation over the gesture from the state government describing Gulu as the centre of the communities He assured the state governor of the good use of the hospital but also pleaded with the state government on the construction of major roads in the area.

Also, the Commissioner of Livestock and fisheries Dr Isah Yahaya Vatsa who is the Committee chairman of the project monitoring and evaluation disclosed that the projects were a dual achievements. He noted that with the construction of the road, the two major predicament of the community had found its solution as they witnessed commissioning of a general hospital and the only road that connected the people of the area, adding that the road constructed will

work with the hospital towards making the life of the people better. He expressed the support of the people to the state government at all terms.

Vatsa Lamented in great measures the activities of lories owners and other big vehicles plying the road adding that the activities of this people will bring about a sooner than necessary end to the road. He called on the state government to try its best to bring about the construction of alternate road for big vehicles, or find a lasting solution to the problem.

In the same vein, the commissioning of Kontagora township road and street light as well as 10 km of roads project constructed in the 11 wards of the local government is another achievement by the present administration that requires proper

attention.

The township road covered 110km and street light cost the state government over N1.9 billion as over N710 million was expended on road projects commissioned by the Emir of Kontagora (Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora) Alhaji Saidu Namaska.

The governor named the old Lagos street to Nagwamatse drive while the Federal Collage of Education FCE road was named Mamman Kontagora road in honour of former minister of works General Mamman Tsoho Kontagora.

Namaska called on the leaders of the community and the politicians in general, across the country to always commit themselves to the growth of the community they inhibit and the development of the nation at large.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

PAGE

Property Developer unveils Richmond Gate Estate, Lekki’s show home

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Lagos-based property developer and promoter of lifestyle homes, Haven Homes Limited has opened a new residential estate in Lekki, equipped with ultra-modern facilities.

It is an exquisite four-bedroom home set on three levels in the Richmond Gate Estate located off Meadow Hall Way in a prestige environ of Ikate-Eleguushi in the Lekki corridor.

The event was graced by the Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Bosun Jeje, Timi Dakolo and several other distinguished guests.

Haven Homes Managing Director, Mr. Tayo Sonuga hosted the event.

With its alluring architecture hoisted on the crest of exotic lifestyle brand, Haven Homes Limited, according to its promoter is clearly redefining luxury living in the country. Constructed to conform to modern architecture, the master bedroom has a double height ceilings and ample recreational ground.

Sonuga seized the opportunity offered by the occasion to lament the exorbitant price and scarcity of cement in the country, “The government should do something drastic and urgent about the cement market. In December 2013, a bag of cement sold for N1, 650 but now it is selling for N2, 200 per bag and yet we cannot even find it readily available to buy, this is clearly not acceptable.

“If no positive steps are to be taken towards meeting the housing needs of Nigerians estimated at about 18million units, the easy availability and affordability of a commodity as important as cement cannot be over emphasized.”

Aware of the cliché that has become a familiar pattern with several governments over the years, Sonuga asserted further, “The government at the federal and state levels should be sincere and determined in their resolve to address the housing problems of Nigerians, this is how they can show it by making cement not only cheap and affordable but also easily available.

Sonuga also wanted the government to look into the current monopoly established in the cement market in the country, “At the moment, only Dangote Cement and Lafarge Cement are consistently producing cement in the entire country.

For a population of 160 million, it is not good enough; that sort of monopoly would make the product to be too expensive.

Cement is too important to be left to the vagaries of private or public monopoly”.

Lafarge WAPCO educates cement users on how to stem building collapse Stories from Suleiman Idris, Lagos

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n line with its commitment to continually enlighten and sensitise block makers, bricklayers and end-users of its range of products, Lafarge WAPCO, the second largest cement manufacturer in Nigeria, last week in Lagos organised a one-day enlightenment and sensitisation forum for stakeholders in IbejuLekki and Epe areas in Lagos state.

The forum, which had ‘Requirements of Quality Blocks in Building Construction’ as its theme, dwelt on how to ensure proper materials mix, description for block making, recommended production process and technique as well as competence of artisans.

Justifying the sensitisation programme which is ongoing across the country, Lafarge’s General Manager, Sales and Customers’ Services, Mr. Sam Ndionyema said it is primarily to stem the incidents of collapsed buildings in the country. He pointed out that his company feels uncomfortable whenever there are reports of building collapse in Nigeria.

Ndionyema, who noted that incidents of building collapse have become a national embarrassment to stakeholders in the building industry, added that majority of the cases are traced to the use of substandard materials and unqualified artisans and quacks.

Educating the participants on quality block production process,

Mr. Soji Okesina, who oversees the block making and precast segment of the company’s operations, said materials for making concrete blocks consist of sand, cement and water, adding that to produce high quality blocks, the sand should be free from impurities such as clay, silt, humus soil, organic materials and others.

Okesina pointed out that the cement should be in a sealed bag and not caked, stressing that regulating bodies should specify the use of regular cement. He said water used for block-making should be free from smell, colour and impurities. He stated that shed should be provided to store freshly-moulded blocks to protect them from rainfall or bad weather,

while thick polyethylene sheets can be used to cover freshly moulded blocks, to protect them from rainfall. He said fresh mix for blocks should be prepared on a flat and covered surface or concrete floor to prevent contamination of the mix.

Okesina gave reasons for poor production quality of products by block makers as quest for excessive profits, inadequate understanding of product mix, poor supervision and regulation. Others are wrong selection of materials, poor workmanship and use of nonprofessionals.

Responding on behalf of Association of Block Moulders of Nigeria, the National President of the body, Mr. Rasheed Adebowale commended Lafarge for the forum.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN (left) presenting a key to the winner of the Shitta Scheme, Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme (Lagos HOMS), Mr. Ejiroghene Madedor (right) while his Deputy, Hon. (Mrs.) Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (2nd left) and the Commissioner for Housing,

NIESV laments waning ethical practice, urges standards in surveying

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ollowing discordant tunes in the building industry over unethical practices, the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), has called on its members to engage in education and interaction that would boost their professional practice and the image of the institution in the country.

NIESV’s newly elected president, Mr. James Omeru, made the call recently in Abuja, during the inaugural meeting of the National Executive Council. His

tenure is expected to last for the next two years.

The NIESV’s chief told his members to embrace an ethical practice in line with the institution’s motto to ensure the promotion of its image.

According to him, “In rendering our services to clients in both public and private sector and in dealing with each other, we must demonstrate the motto of our profession, which is honesty and devotion. We must make deliberate effort to improve on the image of

our profession which has been seriously battered by the actions and inactions of our members.”

Omeru lamented, saying it has been observed that some members cut corners, which he said it is a challenge to the institution majorly because NIESV’s image is being eroded.

Though noted that the institution past administration made serious efforts in rebranding and improving the public image of the profession but, however, regretted the conduct and actions of

the its members, which are averse to the rules of engagement, largely due to lack of discipline.

He said the institution would work for the improvement of the standard and quality of estate surveying and valuation education in Nigeria through collaboration with Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON) on accreditation.

Omeru also decried the activities of quacks in agency practice but however, assured of measures to tackle same.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

P A G E

Property Court nullifies Spring Bank sale of Kano landed property

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or wanting in all known principles of law, an order of sale and ejection of the occupants of a property located at No. 540 Bachirawa Quarters, Bachirawa Uugogo Local Government, Kano State, made by the Kano State High Court in favour of a Spring Bank has been set aside.

The justices of the Kaduna Judicial Division of the Court of appeal, were invited to intervene in the case by one Mr. John Ayoade, who appealed against the judgment and ruling of the trial court, which were in favour of defunct Owena Bank Nigeria Plc, now Spring Bank Plc, and one Alhaji Aliyu Musa.

Both Ayoade had entered into a business relationship with the financial institution, used one of his property as a guarantee for the deal. But he later defaulted and in the process of recovering the said indebtedness, the bank made move to dispose the disputed property belonging to Musa. This led to the litigation in the instance case by Ayoade.

He, Ayoade, being the appellant filed an action against the original defendants – Owena Bank Nig. Plc and Ministry of Lands & Regional Planning, Kano, claiming amongst others, a declaration that there was never a valid sale of his landed property covered by the Certificate of Occupancy No. LKB/CON/ RES/88/450 by the first defendant – Spring Bank to the second defendant, Alhaji Aliyu Musa.

He equally claimed a declaration that even if the said property was sold, it was improper, illegal and therefore null and void.

At the conclusion of the hearing, the trial court held in favour of the appellant stating that the sale of the property was null and void.

“That there was never any valid sale of the landed property of the plaintiff covered by the Certificate of Occupancy…any sale of the said house is improper, illegal, fraudulent and therefore null and void. It is hereby set aside.”

It equally held that the second respondent/purchaser should be paid all his expenses/payment for the purchase of the property jointly and severally by the appellant and the bank, which is also the first defendant.

Further, the court held that the appellant was to pay to the bank all his indebtedness fully calculated and audited within three months of being informed of the amount and that the bank would release the certificate of occupancy back to him.

Subsequently, when the appellant failed to settle his indebtedness, the bank applied for issuance of a writ of execution against the immovable property of the appellant. It also sought an order compelling the occupants of the property to vacate the premises immediately. But the appellant opposed the application.

After hearing the application, the same trial Judge decided to grant the orders as prayed, holding that the appellant had no right to remain on the landed property, which had already been sold to the second respondent, when the appellant refused to settle his indebtedness.

In the circumstance, he re-instated and reasserted the previous sale to the second respondent.

National Conference delegates bicker over Abuja land compensation Stories by Aminu Imam

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n the heels of protests by original settlers over inadequate compensation by the Federal authorities, the on-going National Conference has revisited the issue, with two prominent delegates holding divergent views on the matter.

While the former Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Useni (rtd) said that the original inhabitants of the territory, whose land was taken over by the Federal Government, have not been fully settled,

erstwhile chairman, Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Col. Ahmadu Ali (rtd) opined that the issue of compensation has been settled.

Gen Useni, who made submissions at the parley in Abuja last week, explained that the clarification had become necessary in order to put the compensation records strait, especially as he was a principal actor in the whole saga at the time he was Minister in 1993.

According to former FCT Minister, “part payment was made but not directly. In fact,

this was done long time ago when I took over as minister in 1993. But since then no kobo has been released.”

The former FCT Minister used the opportunity lampoon politicians and other Nigerians who served under the military administration, but who, he said are now claiming to be democrats and warned against using the national conference to distort the country’s historical facts.

But Ali, also a delegate had during his presentation on the floor of the parley, claimed that he was part of the cabinet when

Property for sale in Abuja 5 bedroom House for sale in Maitama

the government took the decision to pay full compensation to the aborigine of the territory for the taking over of their land to create room for the FCT. He said there was therefore no basis for the aborigines to continue to make new demands now for compensation from the Federal Government.

Indigenes of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the umbrella of the Original Inhabitants Development Association (OIDA) had last year, 2013 faulted the Federal Government compensation policy for the FCT, stating that the scheme has failed to meet the yearnings of the people.

The group said that the current compensation and resettlement programme is not realistic.

They had sought the intervention of the National Assembly over alleged usurpation of their ancestral homes under the Abuja Land Swap policy initiated by the FCT administration, and threatened to petition the United Nations and other world bodies if 30 percent of the scheme is not ceded to the indigenous communities.

Property Description: Available for quick sale is a quality finished 5-bedroom detached Duplex in a quite location in Maitama; land is measuring

Portland Bathroom launches Jaquar showroom in Lagos

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ortland Bathroom, a division of Portland Paints and Products Nigeria Plc, has launched “Jaquar” brand of sanitary ware and bath fittings in Lagos. The showroom showcases contemporary and unique designs in sanitary ware and bath fittings.

Managing Director/ Chief Executive Office, Portland

Paints and Products Nigeria Plc. Mr. Femi Oguntade, said the showroom launch is in fulfillment of the partnership agreement with Jaquar Pvt Co Ltd, India, which is to offer their customers complete bathing solutions and satisfaction.

Portland Bathroom is renowned for delivering quality sanitary ware and Jaquar is a brand to trust.

“Jaquar, one of the largest manufacturers of quality Bath fittings and Sanitary ware in India with key markets in Europe, Africa, Asia and Middle East, is proud to offer Nigerians (Home owners, Dealers, Architects and Building professionals) who value quality and comfort that come with the Jaquar Experience”, he said.

He noted that Jaquar brings a complete range of bathing solutions that consists of Brass fittings (Faucets, Ceramics, Acrylic Bathtubs and Shower-trays); Wellness (Whirlpools, Spa’s, Shower panels and so on, including enclosures that are available to customers at the Aromire showroom, Ikeja and Lagos.

Saudi Arabia to build world’s tallest tower, reaching one km into the sky

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ubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, could be stripped of its Guinness title if Saudi Arabia succeeds in its plans to construct the even larger Kingdom Tower in Jeddah — a prospect looking more likely as work begins next week, according to Construction Weekly.

Consultants Advanced Construction Technology Services have recently announced testing materials to build the 3,280-feet (1 kilometer) skyscraper (the Burj Khalifa, by comparison, stands at a meeker 2,716 feet, or 827 meters).

The Kingdom Tower, estimated to cost $1.23 billion (N196.8bn), would have 200

floors and overlook the Red Sea. Building it will require about 5.7 million square feet of concrete and 80,000 tons of steel, according to the Saudi Gazette.

Though ambitious, building the Kingdom Tower should be feasible, according to Sang Dae Kim, the director of the Council on Tall Buildings.

“At this point in time we can build a tower that is one kilometer, maybe two kilometers. Any higher than that and we will have to do a lot of homework,” he told Construction Weekly.

It is expected that construction of the tower will require 5.7 million square feet of concrete and 80,000 tons of steel.

PAGE 28

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Hyundai Veloster stands out from conventional rivals W

hat’s New for 2014 For 2014, the Hyundai Veloster lineup expands to include a slightly less expensive Turbo R-Spec model, while last year’s RE:MIX trim level is replaced by the new RE:FLEX Edition (late availability). In addition, the base 2014 Hyundai Veloster gets a rearview camera, LED daytime running lights and a driver side blind spot mirror as standard. All Veloster Turbo models get a brakebased torque-vectoring feature designed to improve handling around tight turns, while automatic climate control is newly optional.

Motoring

Introduction If you want a small, affordable, fuel-efficient car with a dash of personality, there are quite a few options to choose from this year. One offbeat candidate you might consider is the 2014 Hyundai Veloster, a sporty-looking hatchback with an interesting twist: Instead of two or four doors, it has three. Hyundai designed the Veloster with a longer, single door on the driver’s side to let the driver in and out with ease and two shorter doors on the passenger side, to allow easier access to the backseat.

Although the real-world usefulness of this design is debatable, it definitely makes the Veloster stand out from more conventional rivals.

Plus, if you’re comparing the Veloster to smaller two-door hatchbacks and coupes, that third door really does make it easier to get in and out of the backseat, install child safety seats and load groceries.

Along with that extra measure of practicality comes a long warranty and a generous standard equipment list. Even base Velosters come with Bluetooth, a USB input, a rearview camera and a 7-inch touchscreen electronics interface.

However, the engine in the base Hyundai Veloster makes all of 138 horsepower, so if you’re expecting much in the way of velocity (as the car’s name implies), you’ll likely be more interested in the Turbo and Turbo R-Spec models. Both get a more powerful turbocharged engine, but the new-for-2014 R-Spec model is a bit less expensive and gets various performance upgrades like a stiffer suspension, sportier steering and a sport shifter. Both Turbo models also have a new torque-vectoring system that selectively applies the brakes to help the Veloster get the power to the pavement when you’re accelerating out of tight turns.

Although these updates should make the 2014 Hyundai Veloster a bit more fun to drive than earlier versions, Hyundai’s three-door coupe has some catching up to do in this department. Although both of the available engines are fuel-efficient, they’re not especially potent, and the Veloster is significantly slower than most similarly priced rivals. Another issue is ride quality, as this coupe tends to ride harshly around town, while its lack of composure over bumps detracts from its handling abilities. Although the more

aggressively tuned Turbo R-Spec model could prove to be more enjoyable on twisty back roads, buyers who commute on potholed roads will want to a take a thorough test-drive before committing to this version. Finally, from the standpoint of practicality, bear in mind that while this Hyundai is more versatile than most two-door hatchbacks, almost every fourdoor hatch on the market has it beat for maximum cargo space.

Accordingly, you’ll want try a few of the 2014 Veloster’s two- and four-door rivals before making a decision. Among four-door hatchbacks, the 2014 Volkswagen GTI should definitely be on your list, though it will cost you a bit more. The VW offers an excellent blend of speed, comfort and agility and has the nicest (and roomiest) passenger quarters of any car in this price range. Priced slightly below the GTI, the 2014 Ford Fiesta ST and the 2014 Ford Focus ST are also great choices, particularly if sharp handling matters as much to you as fuel economy and ride comfort. If you want a smaller two-door package, we recommend looking at the 2014 Mini Cooper S and 2014 Fiat 500. Both are fun to drive and bursting with personality, and the Mini gained useful interior room in its recent redesign. With so many desirable hatchbacks available for similar money, the 2014 Hyundai Veloster doesn’t rank among our top picks, but it’s still worth considering as an alternative to an everyman’s economy sedan.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2014 Hyundai Veloster is a four-passenger hatchback with three doors (one on the driver side and two on the passenger side) and three trim levels: base, Turbo R-Spec and Turbo.

The base Veloster comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED running lights, heated mirrors, full power accessories, keyless entry, a rearview camera, cruise control, air-conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Blue Link emergency telematics, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a 7-inch touchscreen electronics interface and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack, an RCA audio/video jack, Pandora Internet radio capability and an iPod/USB audio interface.

The optional Style package adds a panoramic sunroof, chrome and piano-black exterior trim, cloth/leatherette premium vinyl upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, aluminum-trimmed pedals, pianoblack interior trim and an eightspeaker LG Dimension premium audio system. To this package the Technology package can be added.

It adds 18-inch alloy wheels with body-matching painted inserts, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, keyless ignition/entry, a 115-volt household power outlet

and a navigation system.

Similar to the Style package, the RE:FLEX Edition (late availability) builds on the base Veloster’s standard equipment list, adding different 18-inch wheels, foglights, LED taillights, chrome exterior trim, leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped wheel and shifter, aluminum-trimmed pedals, piano-black interior trim and the upgraded audio system.

New for 2014 is the Veloster Turbo R-Spec, which is available only with a manual transmission and includes the RE:FLEX Edition equipment (though it has leatherette upholstery rather than leather). It also features a more powerful engine, a lower body kit, sport-tuned suspension and steering, a B&M sport shifter, a torque-vectoring system that selectively applies the brakes to improve handling around tight turns, and an Active Sound Design feature (late availability) that channels exhaust sounds through the stereo speakers to heighten the excitement of driving your Veloster.

Compared to the R-Spec version, the Veloster Turbo features slightly less aggressive tuning for the suspension and steering along with a few additional creature comforts. It adds unique 18-inch alloy wheels, different styling elements, keyless ignition and entry, heated front seats, driver lumbar adjustment and leather upholstery. The Ultimate package adds the rear parking sensors, a panoramic sunroof, automatic headlights, automatic climate control, a 115-volt outlet and a navigation system.

Powertrains andPerformance The front-wheel-drive 2014 Hyundai Veloster comes standard with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 138 hp and 123 pound-feet of torque when equipped with the standard sixspeed manual transmission. It produces 132 hp and 120 lb-ft of torque with the optional six-speed automated manual transmission known as DCT (this transmission is standard on the RE:FLEX Edition).

PAGE 29

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Arts & Culture

Make music compulsory subject in schools, MUSON chairman advises govt

T

he three tiers of government should make the teaching and learning of music compulsory in primary and secondary schools, the chairman of Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON), Kitoye Ibare-Akinsan, has said. .

Ibare-Akinsan told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the training of more music teachers should also be encouraged.

He said that the move would create more employment opportunities for many jobless professionals in the subject.

According to him, If it is included in the school curriculum, it will be as important as other subjects. ``It will be easy for music teachers to go into any school to teach, while the pupils and the students will be willing to learn. ``A lot of people who can teach music will earn a living from it. Presently, many people employ private music teachers to teach them. ``I attended Kings’ College, Lagos, which is a Federal

Government School, and we had a music department then. ``Somebody taught us music there and encouraged us to understand and love it. ``So, if it becomes a part of the school curriculum, students will be interested in learning how to play instruments, even if they can’t sing,” he said.

Ibare-Akinsan noted that for now, almost all private schools had music departments, adding that if government could restore it in public schools, it would be a welcome development. ``Music pays with time, if we can develop it, youths and some other adults who are interested in music can key-in into it. ``It is a tough thing to be a musician; it is time consuming.

You have to practise all the time, so as to perfect the instruments.

Being versatile is very good. ``Music is paying now. The music industry has benefited generally from the explosion in the information technology. ``You can see or have jingles, ringing tones and so many others in music. Music is creating work

and employment for people,” he said.

Ibare-Akinsan, an architect with no fewer than 30 years of cognate experience, emphasised that arts, music, theatre and dance were part of the people’s culture. ``We want our children to have some cultural ideas, to help them understand their society and be responsible citizens. ``In other to encourage the young ones, we have established music schools for them, which will make them become broadminded when they grow up, ” he said NAN reports that MUSON was established in 1983, following some interactions among some friends who love and appreciate classical music.

MUSON’s core activities are: training and inspiring professional musicians and anyone interested in learning how to play any instrument, organising classical concerts and staging annual MUSON festival.

(NAN)

David Bailey’s portrait of Queen to mark birthday

A

portrait of the Queen by British photographer David Bailey has been released in honour of her 88th birthday on Monday.

The black and white photo, which shows the Queen smiling, was taken in March.

She is pictured wearing pearls, and a dress by Angela Kelly, who has served as personal assistant and senior dresser to her since 2002.

Bailey has previously snapped celebrities such as Mick Jagger, and criminals Ronnie and Reggie Kray.

The Queen celebrates her actual birthday on 21 April, and her official birthday on a Saturday in June, which this year falls on 14 June in the UK. ‘Mischievous glint’ The photograph, taken at Buckingham Palace, was commissioned on behalf of the government’s “Great” campaign, which aims to promote trade, tourism, investment and education throughout the UK. Over the course of his career, Bailey - who was appointed a CBE by the Queen in 2001 for services to art - has taken pictures of The Beatles, Diana, Princess of Wales and models Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss.

The photographer, who grew up in the east end of London, made his name working for Vogue magazine in the 1960s and has also photographed actors Jack Nicholson, Sir Michael Caine and Johnny Depp.

Bailey took the portrait at Buckingham Palace The 76-year-old said: “I’ve always been a huge fan of the Queen. She has very kind eyes with a mischievous glint. I’ve always liked strong women, and she is a very strong woman.”

Recently-appointed culture secretary Sajid Javid said the portrait would help to support the aims of the campaign, which he said was to “showcase everything that is great about the UK to an international audience”.

Fellow photographer Andy

Fallon described the portrait as “classic Bailey... it’s right back to the types of stuff he was doing in the 60s.”

The British monarchy is one of the biggest drivers of tourism in the UK, and brings in an estimated £500m a year from overseas tourism, according to Visit Britain.

According to “Great” campaign director Conrad Bird, the campaign has delivered economic returns worth more than £500m to the economy.

FROM THE LIVE STAGE with Patrick-Jude Oteh 0803 700 0496, 0805 953 5215 (SMS only)

The end of the world is here...

I

t is not always that the arts take a pessimistic view of the world but with people like Samuel Beckett, the world will end in the next few days. For us in Nigeria, we have reached that point where the world actually ended a few weeks ago. There is no hope and there are no dreams anymore. Just the basics.

I met Mary many years ago. She was a bright and beautiful girl and we all grew up together in the same neighbourhood. Then we all went our separate ways. She went on to marry thus her education came to an end as her husband promised that the rest of her education will be done in his house. I ran into Mary last week and for her, life has not been a pleasant tale – her education stopped where she left to marry. Today, her fifteen year old daughter is pregnant for someone else and her husband has driven her out of the house. A recycle of poverty and as I saw Mary her eyes were devoid of any dreams just the reality she is now confronted with and the bleak existence she now has to confront.

In reality this is the lot of Nigerians now. There is so much anger and angst in the land. A couple of days ago, we were all trapped in a horrible traffic snarl at Koton Karfe. All was due to impatience at a point where the road becomes one lane for both sides. The question was who gets to the one lane first. In the process, the entire road was blocked for upwards of twelve hours. It took a military captain alongside some hoodlums wielding sticks and logs to open the roads. At a point it was not the snarl that was the challenge. It was the reaction of Nigerians to what they were confronted with – some damaged their cars, some practically ran into marshland, some ran into rocks and others provided entertainment by fighting themselves silly.

It was a demonstration of so much raw anger all directed at the wrong source. And this is the frightening scenario – so much anger and the day it will all burst, I wonder where we will all end up.

After the Nyanya bombing, came the news of the kidnap of some school girls in Chibok. As we speak, the exact number of school girls kidnapped has become hazy. Parents are distraught and some are already psychological wreaks not knowing what to think. Somewhere along the line on the night of Wednesday 16th April came the news on national television that only eight girls were still missing. The others have been rescued. Barely has this ‘relief’ sank in than the school principal promptly shouts that her students are still missing! What exactly is going on? Barely two days later, another set of students are taken captive.

Our politicians are living life as if there is no tomorrow.

We understand but if all that is happening is due to politics, then perhaps it is time we said goodbye to politics. I feel especially pained because presently there is a generation of Nigerians who have not known what peace is all about. All they know and feel and confront has been crisis from the day of their birth to most likely the day of their death. Perhaps if we all agree that this is politics, perhaps we need another new definition of politics to fit our clime. My only hope and prayer at this point is that the victims of the Nyanya bombing will not be forgotten so soon on their hospital beds.

Not too long ago, I echoed Samuel Beckett’s the end of the world theory and I was met with laughter and scorn.

Maybe it is time we revisited all the happenings in our clime.

The arts teaches us that we can be better than this but our society is teaching us that this is us. Perhaps it is time that the policy makers revisit the concept of soft power – that very idea that beauty and grace reside in the hearts of men but at what point have we allowed evil to take over? We are on the threshold of happenings that overwhelm us.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

PAGE 30

Arts & Culture Book Review Title: “Dyed Thoughts: A Conversation In And From My Country” Author: NwachukwuEgbunike Reviewer: Noel Ihebuzor Publisher: Feathers and Ink, Ibadan Year of Publication: 2012 Number of Pages: 388

O

ne of the greatest difficulties in reviewing a book made up of articles written at different points in time is uncovering a common thread that unites all the articles contained in it. I must say that this was not my experience in my review of Dyed Thoughts: A Conversation in and from My Country by NwachukwuEgbunike and I am so happy that I was spared that difficulty. For though the book is a collection of essays, a common thread of love, patriotism, optimism, empathy for Nigerian in all her travails runs through the book uniting the various articles therein. The title also gives away some of the author’s intention.

Conversation is mentioned in the title and so it is indeed, for in all the articles, one meets an author who is listening attentively and also talking to his country – a talk rich in understanding, concern, compassion, humour, occasional sarcasm, sadness but never in pessimism.

The collection of articles is quite impressive and covers themes such as life, death, politics, social conditions, interpersonal relations, the spirit of enterprise, decay of infrastructure, comatose social services, gender and the role of women, the arts, religion... and all of this in a writing that speaks hope even when the subject at hand is sad, and in a style which does not patronise the reader or the subject under treatment. Dyed Thoughts can be likened to a panoramic sketch of the numerous challenges of nationhood in our country as articles in it touch on virtually everything from the problems of the Niger Delta, environmental pollution and the head on clash between a motley collection of discontented militants and local environmentalists on the one hand and the oil companies on the other, to the early beginnings of a religion driven radicalization and terrorism (the Mutallab bumble), to communal conflicts, through to the mess in our banking industry, the challenges of steady electricity generation and distribution, the growing and unsettling materialism, the demise of the arts and culture, election petitions and contested results right up to the fuel subsidy protest. The exemplary lives of successful Nigerians are celebrated in some articles.

The works Governor Chime and Professor Nebo are appreciated and praised. Nwachukwu’s choice of his heroes is also significant as it shows a completely detribalised Nigerian. For instance, Bajah and Sanusi are singled out for well-earned praises whilst his commentary on the activities of one Nigerian politician shows his

Dyed Thoughts: A Conversation In And From My Country”

abhorrence for politics driven by a cult of self, opportunism and expediency.

The articles are well researched and the depth of treatment gives an insight into the mind of the author. Sociological insights and empathy are strong points in these articles, particularly empathy, which is born from a palpable humanist impulse nurtured by Nwachukwu’s Christian faith. It is this interaction of a humanist empathy and Christian faith that produces the general conclusion that emerges at the end of the book - that things could be better in Nigeria if her citizens applied themselves with dedication to crucial tasks of nation building.

The book is divided into nine unequal parts viz- random mulling, factual, in the public square, the humanities humanize, spoofing scripts, chalks and classrooms, accolades and farewells, Q&A and credo. It is impossible in a review of this nature to go into all the articles so I will simply contend myself with randomly picking and providing the flimsiest of commentaries on a few articles in the hope that I would have whetted the appetite of the reader to then grab a copy of the book and savour its richness.

Let me then quickly run through some articles that caught my fancy. “Mama Anambra” is lament for Anambra State, Nwachukwu’s state of origin and of her political travails, whilst “An eye for details” is an essay in praise of hard work. “Justice first, mercy later” is a call for prompt and impartial judicial processes, whilst “Why are we no longer surprised” is an essay on

corruption and a proposal on ways to address and gradually eradicate this plague. “Hope for a troubled land” is a recognition of our national crisis but with an appeal for all to come together and save her. “The more things change, nothing changes” is a lament over the vicissitudes in the anti-corruption c a m p a i g n and forceful condemnation of resistance to change.

Though frustration runs through the article, stubborn hope and faith also surface in it, “I no find kerosene buy” and “Power play” criticize failing social services, unsteady power supply, corruption and other social ills plaguing Nigeria, whilst “Sounding the death knell on the Niger Bridge” is a lament over the flip flop of policies and the politicization of decision making. “PhDs for sale” is a stinging critique of the Nigerian society’s fondness for titles, the underfunding of tertiary institutions and the commercialization of honorary doctorate degrees, whilst “Leeches on our roads” is about the rent seeking and parasitic behaviour of most Nigerians who find themselves in law enforcement or gate keeping functions. “Pornographic science in schools” is essentially a plea for age appropriate curriculum content in schools. “Why African economies are teetering” takes up the issue of governance and corruption and argues that it is mis-governance and corruption that holds us down. A similar theme is treated in “I pledge to Nigeria” which is a critique of the death of values and the progressive erosion of morals in our system and how these show up in corrupt practices. There is even an article, “So you want to write?” which provides invaluable coaching for budding writers.

“Witches, MASSOB, MOPOL and my person of the year” is soaked in a fine blend of bathos and pathos – with very deft sarcasm he exposes the superstition of the average Nigerian, the preaching industry with its new found obsession with demons, witches and wizards, the unending exploitation of travellers by either the agberos or the MOPOL, the everyday drama

one witnesses of east bound buses and the poor condition of our roads. “Sweet-sour adventure to Cameroon” aptly illustrates the challenges facing true regional integration in Africa. Though the experiences on the trip were harsh, it is to the author’s credit that he manages to suppress any bitterness and is thus able to end the story on a positive note. “Is life a terminal illness?” takes us to a closer examination of life, living and death and touches in passing on our attitudes to death, our expensive burial rites and some of our practices at death which are inimical to women.

“AIDS: let’s face fact” is the author’s head on assault on condom promotion as the most promoted method for HIV/AIDS prevention. Invoking facts from molecular biology, Nwachukwu argues that condoms are not as safe as they are presented to be. The central message is that all three methods of prevention:abstinence, fidelity and condom use should be promoted and the final choice left to the human agent. As we say in reproductive health campaigns on safe sex, the choices here are as clear as ABC. In another article, the author looks at the issue of gay rights and how these align or agree with African world views and here one notices for the first time a sign of rigidity in position which contrasts sharply with Nwachukwu’s largely liberal attitude in most of the essays. One is tempted to attribute this rigidity to his Catholic background!

Part IV, which is on the humanities, is a thrill to read and all the more thrilling as Nwachukwu shows in it that, his background in the sciences notwithstanding, he is at home with all the techniques of incisive literary criticism and sociological analysis. This section kicks off with a lament of the dearth of new literary giants in Nigeria since Achebe and then broadens to treat the reader to an excellently executed reviews of a novel, of a book on democracy by Jega, of Munoz’s book, “The past in the present” a book in which Munoz struggles to reconcile the past with the present and to suggest ways in which knowledge from and of the past could be used in the present as Africa struggles to go forward. There is also a review of Mark Nwagwu’s book “Forever chimes”, a novel with very intricate plots and sub-plots and surprising denouement. Each of these reviews is done with great compassion, delicacy, depth and thoroughness. The guided tour of the Oshogbo Sacred Groove is done with style, charm and one almost feels as if one were there in person with the author.

POEM OF THE WEEK A DIRGE

(In memory of a nay-tion)

F

rom a dark hut we emerge with a moribund lamp Yes. We begin our journey with a dark poem by a lost poet As the children dance with decayed breads, tattered Clothes, scars of painful times on their faces.

We emerge with news of gloomy nights Hours when the eagles pluck the eyes of the sky Throwing stones in our midst II We emerge from the remains of a nameless town Where skulls are gourds for thirsty men From a place where broken visions are signs Of a gleaming future; From a place where cowries are names of gods We dance to the lullabies of infants Struggling to know where their mothers Depart to Leaving blood-clothed shawls From a dark room we sing a dirge For those who die with their dreams In a nay-tion where bombs are seeds of unity.

QUOTE When once the itch of literature comes over a man, nothing can cure it but the scratching of a pen. But if you have not a pen, I suppose you must scratch any way you can.”

- Samuel Lover

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

PAGE 31

International ANALYSIS

I

n Eastleigh, a mostly Somali area of Nairobi, residents say they constantly look over their shoulders when entering grocery stores, to make sure no security agents are following them.

Some families have locked themselves up in their homes, and children rush to alert their parents whenever they see a policeman passing by. Some say they would like to leave Kenya, but are worried for their safety.

Over the past three weeks, Somalis living in Kenya have been under attack by a police force often criticised for brutality and corruption. Somali neighbourhoods in Nairobi are on lockdown, and those who have protested, including rights activists, have been labelled as terrorist sympathisers.

Somali-owned businesses in Eastleigh have suffered millions of dollars in losses because of the operation, said Hassan Guled, the chairman of the Eastleigh Business Association.

The Kenyan government has recently announced it is investigating 20 banks on suspicion they are funding the Somali armed group al-Shabab. Somalis call the move an “economic war”.

Operation Usalama (Peace) Watch began in earnest after a blast killed six people on March 31 in a mostly Somali area of eastern Nairobi. Since then, Kenyan security forces have been storming homes in the capital, rounding up thousands of Somali refugees and Somali Kenyans.

Ethnic Somalis have accused security forces of beating people, including children, stealing money and valuables, and raping women and teenage girls.

Last week 17 organisations - including Amnesty International, the state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, Transparency International Kenya and the Kenyan branch of the International Commission of Jurists - said the security operation “constitutes discrimination contrary to the provisions” of the country’s constitution.

The United Nations’ refugee agency said it was “disturbed” by reports of abuses connected with the operation.

Zipporah Mboroki, the spokeswoman for Kenya’s police, told Al Jazeera the operation will continue until Kenya “is safe”. She said the police force has not received any complaints from the public about the operation, adding anyone can take their grievances to the independent policing oversight authority.

Kenya, which is home to about 2.4 million citizens of Somali origin, also hosts hundreds of thousands of Somali refugees. The country’s decision to deploy troops to Somalia in 2011 has triggered retaliatory attacks by alShabab, whose fighters last year stormed an upscale mall in Nairobi and killed 67 people.

Beatings, bribes and rape allegations A three-week investigation by Al Jazeera has revealed that Kenyan security forces have committed abuses against Somalis, and the ongoing operation has not been carried out in a “humane” way, as the country’s police chief, David Kimaiyo, has said.

“The operation was only to target criminal individual persons,” not refugees or other foreigners in Kenya, said Kimaiyo on Citizen TV station. He denied that security forces harassed people during the operation, and said they did not “in any way” subject anyone to torture.

Cracking down on Nairobi’s Somalis

Investigation uncovers allegations of beatings and rape in Kenya’s ongoing anti-terrorism operation.

But interviews with more than three dozen people inside and outside detention camps, jail cells and police stations, told a different story. Most of the victims spoke anonymously for fear of reprisals.

Police have arbitrarily detained large numbers of people, including pregnant women - some of whom later had miscarriages or gave birth at detention centres.

During the investigation, this Somali-Kenyan journalist was arrested for entering a detention camp with a video camera, held incommunicado for three days, and subjected to humiliating searches. His equipment - video camera, phone, tape recorder and notebook - was impounded, and returned after the video was deleted.

“Go to your home and leave us alone,” this journalist heard a policeman yelling at a Somali Kenyan prisoner. He also heard a detective calling a prisoner a “goat” - a derogatory term police officers here sometimes use to refer to Somali refugees.

Many detainees were living in fear and degrading conditions, even after their Kenyan identification cards were verified. Some were forced to urinate and defecate inside their cells.

In camp after camp, detainees spoke of security guards asking them for bribes - or in some cases, for sex - in exchange for their release. Relatives of rape victims, including a pregnant woman and 16- and 17-year-old girls, said they were too afraid to speak out.

Victims of the crackdown told Al Jazeera that female police officers were unusually cruel, claiming that they ridiculed Somali women who suffered miscarriages at detention centres as being “too afraid to return to their country”. Halimo - a Somali refugee who was kicked by a female officer in the abdomen, where she recently had an operation - said she was told to part with her jewellery to ward off arrest.

The harrowing tale of Bisharo Hassan Hussein, a pregnant Somali refugee in Nairobi, is an example of the operation’s excesses.

Hussein was in her room last week when, at around 2am, policemen stormed her apartment and ordered her to board a waiting truck. When she told them that she was unable to do so, they lifted her up and threw her inside.

She landed on top of other detainees in the vehicle.

Hussein said she suddenly went into labour and started crying as the

“

police truck began moving. She was released after passersby bribed a police commander with the equivalent of $14.

She was later taken to a private hospital, where doctors operated on her after more than 10 hours of labour.

Her daughter, whose right side intermittently shakes from the head to the leg, was in an incubator for days.

Hussein’s bladder has been damaged, and she uses a catheter to urinate. She is still in the hospital with a swollen stomach.

Other detainees are being held in overcrowded, makeshift camps and police cells. Medical care is often lacking. The five-month-old son of Ilhan Mohamed Osman, a Somali refugee, had a high fever when Al Jazeera visited him recently at Nairobi’s Kasarani football stadium. There was no doctor around to attend to him.

Zeynab Mohamed Muse “Bulhan”, a refugee who was detained in the security operation, was hospitalised for suffocation and died two days later, according to relatives. And Mohamed Kadiye Robe, a 67-year-old diabetic with high blood pressure, reportedly died of shock after his whole family was arrested.

A new ‘strategy of tension’?

Zeynab Mohamed Muse “Bulhan”, a refugee who was detained in the security operation, was hospitalised for suffocation and died two days later, according to relatives.

Many Somali Kenyans now fear the crackdown could be a prelude to a wider government-led “strategy of tension” that could lead to their denationalisation.

In the 1980s, Kenyan security forces launched a screening process that stripped tens of thousands of Somali Kenyans of their Kenyan nationality.

Last week, political and religious leaders from the Somali community met with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta to discuss the issue. Kenyatta assured them that his government was not targeting any specific religion or community.

But many doubt the veracity of Kenyatta’s pledge. Former Deputy Parliament Speaker Farah Maalim - an ethnic Somali - argued that the government is profiling Somalis “to curry favours” with Western countries.

Residents living in Nairobi’s Somali areas have claimed that security agents are behind recent blasts in the city, with the aim of scapegoating Somalis. In fact, the suspects in custody for the attacks are non-Somalis.

Meanwhile, the operation may be driving a wedge between Kenya’s Christians and Muslims. Most Muslims and rights activists side with the Somalis, while many Christians are cheering the crackdown.

Among Kenya’s Somalis, the operation has increased the fear of inter-communal violence. Many in Somali neighbourhoods said they were worried that any future attack will cause non-Somali Kenyans to turn on them.

In 2012, after a blast killed several people in Eastleigh, mobs shouted, “Somalis must go,” attacking Somaliowned businesses and homes. This was followed by days of skirmishes.

Maina Kiai, a human rights activist and UN special rapporteur on the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, warned about a situation developing in Kenya that could lead to large-scale ethnic violence. “Demonising an entire community is foolish... We don’t want to radicalise even more a community that feels unwanted here,” he wrote in the Daily Nation.

Somalis blame one of the Daily Nation’s senior editors, Mutuma Mathiu, for setting the tone of the operation after he wrote last month that “every little, two-bit Somali has a big dream - to blow us up, knock down our buildings and slaughter our children”.

“We are at war. Let’s start shooting,” he wrote in an commentary headlined: “Are we just going to sit around and wait to be blown to bits by terrorists?”

“Australia holds [immigrants] in horrible camps in Papua New Guinea,” he noted.

The police, ethnic Somalis say, appear to be heeding Mathiu’s words.

“I don’t know why the Kenyan government is treating us like this,” said Osman, the mother of the sick son at Kasarani stadium. “They can be kind and compassionate, but they opted to be cruel and heartless. God help us.”

Courtesy: Aljazeera

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

PAGE 32

International

S Sudan rebel leader rejects massacre claims

Zambia on alert against Ebola

A

viation authorities in Zambia have started screening all passengers for the deadly contact-borne Ebola virus which has broken out in some African countries, the Zambia Daily Mail reported on Tuesday.

There have been reports of the outbreak of the deadly disease in Western Africa and in some countries in central Africa.

National Airports Corporations Limited, a government institution that operates airports in the country, has called on the country’s three international airports to screen all passengers for the deadly disease.

Robinson Misitala, the institution’s managing director, said measures against Ebola have already been put in place to screen passengers passing through the three international airports.

“Working with the Ministry of Health, a team has been put in place and awareness has been conducted with all the medical staff at the airport, airlines, and security staff and immigration department so that they are ready for any eventuality,” he was quoted as saying by the paper.

“Although at present Ebola is in West Africa and has not reached the southern part of Africa, we are very alert,” he added.

All the three airports have established isolation areas for all the communicable diseases such as Ebola, he said.

First discovered in 1976 in two simultaneous outbreaks in Sudan and in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), the Ebola virus was named after the Ebola River where the DR Congo outbreak was found in a nearby village.

There is still no cure for the deadly Ebola virus disease which has an incubation period between two and 21 days and carries a fatality rate of up to 90 percent.

The WHO defines the Ebola virus disease, formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, as “a severe, often fatal illness” and “one of the world’s most virulent diseases.”

S

outh Sudan’s rebel commander Riek Machar has said his forces were not behind the massacre of hundreds of people in the contested town of Bentiu.

The UN has accused them of killing more than 200 people in one mosque alone after driving government forces from the town last week. Video shot by Al Jazeera shows bodies littering the streets of the town and the inside of the mosque.

Machar, who was dismissed as vice president by President Salva Kiir in July 2013, told Al Jazeera on Tuesday that his rebels would not kill their own people.

“I contacted the field military commander in Bentiu who told me that such accusation is false.

First of all we respect our people, and the majority of the forces are from the region and we can’t kill our citizens,” Machar said.

Al Jazeera’s Anna Cavell, who travelled to Bentiu, said the conflict in South Sudan had taken on a new ethnic dimension.

She said many people at a UN base in Bentiu, the capital of oil-producing Unity state, were reluctant to speak to journalists for fear of reprisals.

“Different groups from the Dinka and Nuer of South Sudan as well as Darfuris and Misseriya

Riek Machar

Arabs from Sudan live in Bentiu, so the conflict has now taken on an ethnic dimension, and people are now looking at their neighbours very differently.”

UN investigators said that hundreds of civilians were killed because of their ethnicity after rebel forces seized the town last week. The UN Mission in South

Sudan condemned what it called “the targeted killings of civilians based on their ethnic origins and nationality’’.

Thousands of people in South Sudan have been killed in violence and more than one million people have been forced to leave their homes since December when pro-Kiir troops

and those loyal to Machar began to fight along ethnic lines after Machar was accused by Kiir of a failed coup.

Toby Lanzer, the UN’s representative, told Al Jazeera on Monday that people “associated with the opposition” had used an FM radio station to broadcast hate speech in the town.

vehicle after the killing. Somali security forces arrived in the scene of the incident,” Radio Mogadishu reported.

The killing of the MP comes a day after lawmaker Isaq Mohamed Riino was killed in a car bomb explosion.

Islamist militant group AlShabaab has claimed responsibility for the killing of Riino and the militants vowed to continue targeting Somali government

officials.

The killing of the MP was widely condemned by the Somali government, UN envoy and African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

Somali Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed said the killing was a cowardly act and vowed to bring to justice those behind the deadly bomb blast.

UN Somalia envoy Nicholas Kay described the killing as a

terrorist act and called for a “full investigation” of the assassination of Riino while AMISOM said the assassination was “unacceptable” as representatives of the Somali people, “any attack on MPs is an attack on the people.”

Somali government officials vowed to tackle insecurity in Mogadishu which has lately been witnessing intermittent explosions and targeted killings of both civilians and government officials.

Second Somali MP killed in Mogadishu in two days

U

nknown gunmen shot dead a Somali lawmaker on Tuesday in Mogadishu, capital of Somalia, who was the second Somali member of parliament (MP) killed in 24 hours, Radio Mogadishu reported.

Lawmaker Abdelaziz Isaq Mursal was shot dead as he left his home in the western district of Dherkenlay in Mogadishu, according to the report.

“The attackers escaped in a

Parliament member killed in Somalia attack Armed men have assassinated a Somali parliamentarian, police and witnesses say, the second such killing in 24 hour.

A

bdiaziz Isak was shot on Tuesday “several times and he died instantly”, Mohamed Dalane, a police officer, said.

The killing occurred close to where another legislator was killed the day before in the capital’s Madina district: Isak Mohamed was killed when a bomb concealed in his vehicle exploded in Mogadishu’s Hamarweyne district, near the port and close to the heavily fortified government district.

Mohamed Abdi, another MP, was wounded in that attack.

“All of them are targets of the mujahedeen fighters and

they will be killed, one by one,” Abdulaziz Abu Musab, al-Shabab spokesman, said.

The assailants escaped after the killing on Tuesday, witnesses and police said.

The attacks come as the government holds the third and final day of a security conference hoping to tackle continued attacks by al-Shabab.

Al-Shabab have been driven out of fixed positions in Somalia’s major towns by a UN-mandated African Union force, but still regularly launch attacks that include bombings and guerrilla-style raids.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

PAGE 33

International Drones kill al-Qaeda suspects in Yemen

Y

emen’s interior ministry says 55 members of alQaeda have been killed in what has been described as an “unprecedented” joint aerial campaign with the US that targeted a training camp operated by the group in the country’s south.

A statement from the ministry said three senior members were among those killed in an hours-long series of strikes, without elaborating.

It said the identification process for those killed was continuing.

A Yemeni official told the news agency Agence France-Presse the joint aerial campaign was “unprecedented”.

Security officials said the camp’s infrastructure was destroyed.

The operation, which ran from Sunday into Monday targeted a sprawling al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) training camp in the rugged mountains of Mahfad between Abyan, Shabwa and alBayda provinces.

A Yemeni official said that shortly after midnight on Sunday a drone fired a missile at an off-road

vehicle carrying three men in the southern Shabwa province, seen as an AQAP stronghold.

Witnesses confirmed that the vehicle had been completely destroyed and said they saw the charred remains of three individuals.

Shortly after commandos in an unmarked helicopter arrived to retrieve the bodies, they said.

“The operation seems to indicate that one of the dead could be an important leader of al-Qaeda,” one witness told AFP.

US drones on Sunday killed more than 30 fighters when they fired “several missiles” into the AQAP training camp in the rugged Wadi Ghadina region in the southern province of Abyan, a tribal chief said.

A defence ministry statement confirmed that “several” fighters were killed in an attack on “training camps,” including “foreigners”.

The top official said Yemeni MiG-29 jet fighters took part in the raids.

The interior ministry said 10 people suspected of wanting to join

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al-Qaeda had been arrested at a security roadblock in Shabwa.

On Saturday, a drone strike in the central province of Baida killed 10 alQaeda suspects and three civilians, official Saba news agency reported. It did not say who carried out the attack.

Meanwhile, two gunmen on a motorbike shot dead an intelligence officer on Monday and wounded another in Sanaa, in an attack that “bore the hallmarks of al-Qaeda,” an official said.

The United States considers Yemen’s al-Qaeda branch, AQAP, to be the most active in the world.

Death toll surges to 113 in S.Korean ferry sinking accident

S

o far, 113 people have been confirmed dead, and 189 others were still missing.

The number of the rescued was changed at 174. Seven days into the search, no survivors or survival signals have been reported yet.

Koh Myung-seok, spokesman of the pangovernment response center, said earlier that the number of passengers on board the vessel could be changed in accordance with search and rescue operations, noting the figure would be flexible.

Asked whether it was not a fixed number, he said it was not a final figure, indicating readings for the missing can

be revised.

Koh cited some variables such as the incorrect list of passengers submitted by the ship’s operator and unregistered passengers with a vehicle.

Under local regulations, passengers with a vehicle are allowed to board the ship by registering their plate number.

Touching on the three foreign bodies, which were retrieved on Monday night, the spokesman said the authorities informed the Chinese embassy of the two bodies being Chinese men, but he said that the third body, which was earlier known to be a Russian school girl, had yet to be confirmed.

For further information and bookings, please, contact:

Lawrence 08036236703 Umar 08039409957

Death toll in the South Korean ferry sinking accident surged on Tuesday night to 113 as divers were intensively searching inside the submerged hull.

Asia & Middle East

Pakistan attacks target two police patrols

P

akistani police said the attacks took place on Tuesday morning on the outskirts of Peshawar city and in the neighbouring district of Charsadda.

Fazal Wahid, a police officer, told the Associated Press news agency that armed men ambushed a police patrol near Peshawar, killing five police officers and a civilian. A further 20 police officers were wounded.

Najeeb Ur Rehman, a police official, told the AFP news agency that the ambush was carried out by a group of gunmen, although exact numbers were unknown.

“When policemen tried to move to a safer place another group of attackers opened fire from that side,” she said.

Another officer, Shafiullah Khan, told the AP that two civilians were killed in Charsadda when a bomb rigged to a motorcycle exploded close to a police van.

Another 30 people were reported injured.

Nasir Durrani, provincial police chief, told the agency that the attacks could be retaliation for recent arrests of rebels in the region.

The incident took place days after the Pakistani Taliban refused to extend a one-month ceasefire that began on March 1 to help a long-stalled peace process, complaining of a lack of movement from the government side.

The government of Nawaz Sharif began negotiations with the Pakistan Taliban through intermediaries in February.

More than 6,800 people have been killed in bomb and gun attacks in Pakistan since the group began its armed rebellion in 2007.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

PAGE 34

International Europe and Americas

Russian PM says economy can withstand Western sanctions

W

estern sanctions imposed on Russia over the Ukraine crisis would have only a marginal effect the country’s economy and citizens, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Tuesday.

“We are able to minimize their consequences,” Medvedev told the parliament’s lower house, the State Duma, in his annual address.

Medvedev said the government was prepared for the new conditions, making protection of the economy and citizens from “unfriendly actions” a priority.

The government would not allow common Russians to become hostages of political games, he said.

Whatever difficulties the Russian economy faced due to the international climate, the Russian government would meet all social obligations in full, Medvedev vowed.

He promised the government would support those sectors which might suffer if foreign partners cut cooperation with them.

This was especially true for the defense industry, Medvedev said.

“The state is simply obliged to provide maximum protection for business,” he said, noting a possibility to “put out a claw” in the World Trade Organization (WTO).

“We are ready for unfriendly moves. We will respond to a statement with a statement, to an action with an action,” he warned.

In particular, Medvedev mentioned creation of a national payment system to end dependence on international systems.

The European Union was Russia’s largest trading partner, with turnover amounting to 400 billion U.S. dollars, Medvedev said.

I f R u s s i a ’ s p a r t n e r s cut cooperation, Russia would switch to other markets to compensate for losses, he said.

Moscow hoped the West would behave pragmatically. The exchange of black lists between Moscow and the West would lead to a dead-end, he said.

Kiev asks Russia troops to leave east Ukraine A

rseny Yatseniuk, Y t i k the th interim i t i Ukrainian prime minister, says Russian special forces are operating in eastern Ukraine to undermine a presidential election due on May 25, as he called on Moscow to pull them out.

At a news conference after meeting Joe Biden, the United States vice president, on Tuesday, Yatseniuk also urged Russia to remove its troops from Crimea, annexed by Moscow last month.

He also said he would welcome “the widest possible” cooperation with US and EU companies in the energy sector, which would help Ukraine reduce its dependence on Russian gas.

“We need investments in our energy sector. And the best answer to Ukraine’s energy dependence on Russia will be the presence of European and American investors here in Ukraine,” he said.

“Everything that is now happening in the east and which Russia is supporting is aimed at wrecking the presidential election,” Yatseniuk said, as he called on Russia to fulfill its obligations.

“We don’t ask anything from Russia. We demand only one thing: fulfill international agreements and

ffi i l since i th crisis i i off a US official the erupted in Ukraine, Biden told leaders from various political parties that he was bringing a message of support as they faced a historic opportunity to usher in reforms.

The gathering at a hearing room in the Kiev parliament, or Rada,

iincluded l d d three th did t running i candidates in the presidential election - most notably the billionaire chocolate magnate and front-runner, Petro Poroshenko.

“You face some very daunting problems and some might say humiliating threats are taking place,” Biden told them.

US backs Kiev against ‘humiliating threats’

Y

ou face some very daunting problems and some might say humiliating threats are taking place,” Biden told them.

“The opportunity to generate a united Ukraine and getting it right is within your grasp. We want to be your partner and

friend in the project. We’re ready to assist.”

However, he told the meeting: “You have to fight the cancer of corruption that is endemic in your system.’’

Later on Tuesday, in a news conference, Biden said that Ukraine must remain “one united Ukraine”, and criticised Russia’s takeover of Crimea.

Under the international deal, signed by Ukraine, Russia, the US and the EU, rebels were to disarm and give up buildings they seized in the east of Ukraine.

John Kerry, US secretary of state, and his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, on

Monday each urged the other to put pressure on their allies, after three people were killed in an exchange of fire between rebels and Ukraine loyalists in the eastern town of Slovyansk.

Russia accused the Ukrainian government of “grossly breaching” the Geneva deal. Lavrov meanwhile asked Kerry to “pressure Kiev to stop hotheads from provoking a bloody conflict”.

Lavrov also accused Ukraine’s government of an “inability and unwillingness” to rein in Pravy Sektor - the right-wing ultranationalist group the separatists blamed for the attack Sunday.

Nepal offers relief package to deceased Sherpa guides

F

Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev

d ’t behave b h lik gangsters.” t ” don’t like Earlier on Tuesday, Biden told Ukraine’s new pro-Western leadership that it had the backing of the US against “humiliating threats” and encouraged them to root out corruption as they rebuilt their government.

In the most prominent visit

our days after more than a dozen Sherpas lost their lives in an avalanche in Nepal’s mountaineering area, the Nepal government on Tuesday announced the relief package for the families of the victims.

An avalanche had hit the Khubuche area near Camp 1 of Mount Qomolangma, also known as Everest, early Friday morning, killing 13 local Sherpas who were in the area to make technical preparations for this year’s mountaineering season.

According to Nepal’s Tourism Ministry, each family of the deceased

will be provided with 15,789 U.S. dollars as insurance.

The government had previously set the amount at 1,052 U.S. dollars per person, but it was raised at a meeting of stakeholders hosted by the Tourism Ministry on Tuesday.

“The family of those Sherpas who lost their lives in the recent avalanche will be given the renewed amount as insurance,” Madhusudan Burlakoti, a joint secretary of the ministry told Xinhua by phone.

A task force was formed at an emergency meeting called by the governmentonMondaytorecommend

incentives and compensations to the Sherpa mountaineering guides who threatened to boycott Mount Qomolangma expeditions this season.

They had demanded more insurance money and financial aids for the families of the victims.

Earlier on Sunday, Nepal’s mountaineering entrepreneur and summiteer of 14 mountains above 8,000 meters, Mingma Sherpa, warned that there would be no Sherpa involved in mountaineering support activities in the next 20 years if their social security issues were not addressed.

“It was also agreed at the meeting to manage and provide additional amount to help the injured Sherpas to sustain their livelihoods,” said Burlakoti.

The medical insurance for the injured Sherpas guides was also increased from the existing 3,157 U.S. dollars to 4,157 U.S. dollars.

“In an effort to acknowledge the contribution of Sherpa guides, a ‘summiteer monument’ will be constructed in case any of them lose their lives or go missing in expedition from now onwards,” reads the decision the ministry provided to Xinhua.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

PAGE 35

Strange World

Thriving bottle garden hasn’t been watered in over 40 years

D

avid Latimer is one of the world’s few proud owners of an entirely self-sustaining bottled garden. Looking at pictures of the lush green bottle, you’d think that growing it involved a lot of hard work. But the truth is that David hasn’t even watered it in over 40 years. It’s just been sitting under the hallway stairs in his home and it’s doing extremely well on its own.

The story of his this amazing experiment began in 1960, on Easter Sunday, when David decided that it would be fun to start a bottle garden.

Since they were a bit of a craze back then, he wanted to see for himself what the fuss was all about. So out of idle curiosity, he got himself a 10-gallon globular bottle, poured some compost at the bottom and used a piece of wire to carefully lower a seedling in. Then he put in just

about a quarter of a pint of water, and believe it or not, he only watered the plant once more in 1972. Never again after that. It has been alive and kicking for the past 54 years.

The plant that David placed in the bottle is an indoor variety of perennial spiderworts that also go by the Latin name of Tradescantia.

The bottle itself is tightly sealed; David only needs to rotate it around often so it grows evenly towards the light. “Otherwise, it’s the definition of low-maintenance,” he said. “I’ve never pruned it, it just seems to have grown to the limits of the bottle.”

So what makes the spiderwort so special that it can grow with almost no outside help? The secret is really pretty simple – the plant has been extremely successful at creating its own mini ecosystem. Using the little water that David gave the plant 42 years ago, it has managed to get a water cycle going inside the

bottle. The water is taken up by the roots, released into the air through transpiration, condenses down into the potting mixture and the cycle repeats itself.

Through the glass, the leaves are able absorb as much light as they need to photosynthesize into energy that helps the plant grow. The oxygen created during photosynthesis also puts enough moisture in the air for it to ‘rain’ back down on the plant.

As the leaves age, they drop to the bottom and rot, helping to create carbon dioxide (also needed for photosynthesis) and nutrients that are absorbed by the roots. At night, when there is no sunlight, the plant breaks down nutrients and uses cellular respiration to stay alive.

The bottle has lived for 27 years in the same spot in David’s retirement home in Cranleigh, Surrey. He took a photograph of it to a BBC radio show called ‘Gardener’s Question Time’, to check with the experts if the plant was of any horticultural interest. And that’s when it gained the media’s attention. According to garden designer and television presenter Chris Beardshaw, “It’s a great example of the way in which a plant is able to recycle, it’s the perfect cycle of life.”

Beardshaw pointed out that this process was one of the reasons for NASA’s interest in taking plants into space. “Plants operate as very good scrubbers, taking out pollutants in the air, so that a space station can effectively become self-sustaining.

This is a great example of just how pioneering plants are and how they

David Latimer

will persist given the opportunity,” he said.

But not everyone is enthusiastic about bottle gardens. Like organic gardener Bob Flowerdew, who said: “It’s wonderful but not for me, thanks. I can’t see the point. I can’t smell it, I can’t eat it.” David has no choice but to agree with Bob. David did say that the bottle is incredibly dull and doesn’t really do anything, but he’s still excited to see just how long it will last. He hopes to pass it on to his future generations, and if they aren’t interested, to the Royal Horticultural Society.

David’s bottle garden is

essentially one of the best examples of nature’s recycling process. And the wonderful part is that it should work with almost any plant, not just spiderworts. All you need to create your own is a large glass container with a wide neck and some good quality potting compost, deep enough for the plant to sink in its roots. Introduce very few tiny specimens of the plant of your choice, move them into position with kitchen tongs, water them ever-solightly, seal the jar, and place it in a well-lit spot. That’s about it – you’ve got yourself a beautiful bottle garden that will thrive for years to come.

Jet black char coal cheddar cheese is made with real Charcoal

M

anor Farm Shop in Leasingham, England, is currently selling one of the weirdest cheeses in the world – Char Coal Cheese. And true to its name, it’s actually made with real charcoal. These jet-black blocks might not look (or sound) very appetizing, but they seem to be a huge hit with cheese lovers.

In fact, the shop’s staff say that people have been coming back for more ever since they introduced the bizarre delicacy “It’s a mature cheddar but it’s completely black inside where it’s mixed with the charcoal but it tastes really creamy,” said Dan Mansfield, assistant manager at Manor Farm. “The company we get some of our cheese supplies from said they had got this new cheese in stock and it was made from charcoal so we thought we’d give it a try. I’d never heard of it before and it doesn’t look very appetizing, but it is very nice.

We’ve had a sample block cut up in the shop for customers to try and so far everyone who has tried it has bought a whole block.”

The idea of combining charcoal

and cheese is so unusual that I wonder how anyone thought of it in the first place. Amy Birkin from Michael Lee Fine Cheeses (the creators of charcoal cheese), said: “We toyed with the idea of making a black cheese and how we could make this look appealing.” And when they came to know of the various mining communities around them that needed support, they found their ‘black ingredient’.

The company then created what they claim is the first and only all-black charcoal cheddar cheese, made with mature cheddar and blended with activated charcoal. For their outstanding innovation, Michael Lee Fine Cheeses were awarded the ‘Best New Idea’ at the Farm Shop and Deli show, 2014. “Our customers who are a mix of delis, retailers, wholesalers, marketers, restaurants, caterers, hotels, sports stadiums, top end chefs, etc., are using it on their cheeseboards, canapés, deli fridge and various recipes,” said Amy. Although its makers and shop owners insist that charcoal cheese

is very real and actually tastes great, not everyone is buying the idea. When Manor Farm posted pictures on their Facebook page,

one user commented: “Get lost, April Fool’s was last week.”

Black foods seem to be getting really popular these days. Just a

Charcoal

couple of weeks ago we posted an article on Indigo Rose, a variety of black tomatoes touted as the latest food craze.

PAGE 36

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Digest

Trying to be perfect could be ruining your health

P

erfectionism - setting yourself high standards at home or work - is seen as laudable. But research suggests it has a dark flipside, causing not just psychological stress as perfectionists feels the weight of pressure to be perfect, but physical harm - irritable bowel disease (IBS), insomnia, heart disease and even early death.

Experts such as Dr Danielle Molnar, a psychologist at Brock University, Canada, are suggesting perfectionism should be considered as a risk factor for disease in the same way as obesity and smoking.

‘We’re always promoting perfectionism and its benefits of academic and professional achievement, but it’s such a strong factor for so many illnesses, including increased infection and early death, that I think it should be considered by doctors as part of a patient’s long-term health,’ says Dr Molnar.

It’s estimated that two in five of us display perfectionist tendencies.

And thanks to social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, increasing

Self-oriented perfectionists focus on their high personal standards of perfection

numbers are concerned about being - or appearing to be - perfect, says Gordon Flett, professor of health psychology at York University in Canada, who has studied the link between perfectionism and health for 20 years.

‘It’s natural to want to be a perfectionist in one area of your life, such as your job,’ he says. But when it becomes an obsessive need for the perfect job, child, relationship, bank balance and body, it causes extreme stress and can affect not only relationships, but your health.

What type are you?

Professor Flett and his team have identified three types of perfectionist.

Self-oriented perfectionists, who focus on their high personal standards of perfection; otheroriented perfectionists, who have exacting standards for those around them - ‘the chef Gordon Ramsay comes to mind,’ says Professor Flett; and socially prescribed perfectionists, who believe other people, such as their parents, bosses or colleagues, demand perfection from them. He cites the

Perfectionism should be considered as a risk factor for disease in the same way as obesity and smoking

example of tennis star Andre Agassi, whose father ‘was a demanding otheroriented perfectionist. He’d send 1,000 balls to his son in the hot Florida climate, no matter how Andre was ffeeling’.

‘Those demands to be perfect d drove all the enjoyment out of Agassi to tthe point he opened his autobiography m many years later with the words: “I h hate tennis,”‘ says Professor Flett.

‘I don’t know if he would attribute iit to perfectionism, but Agassi suffered ffrom chronic back pain, which I b believe could have roots in overttraining and over-striving as a child.’

Certainly research by Dr M Molnar suggests socially prescribed p perfectionists suffer more physically.

H Her study involved 500 adults aged 24 tto 35 who took a questionnaire called tthe Multi-Dimensional Perfectionism S Scale, which determines if you’re a p perfectionist and, if so, which type.

The research, published in 2 2006, suggested socially prescribed p perfectionists had worse physical h health, made more visits to the doctor a and took more sick days.

Alarmingly, another study found cconstantly striving for perfection could rraise the risk of premature death. In a ssix-year study, researchers at Trinity W Western University, Canada, studied 4 450 adults - non-perfectionists and p perfectionists - aged 65 and older. The p perfectionists had a 51 per cent greater rrisk of dying early.

So, what is going on? Part of the p problem is that perfectionists rarely a ask for help, says Dr Molnar.

‘Even when they are getting social ssupport from other people, they will o often interpret it as interfering and b being judged as not being able to take ccare of themselves.

‘Social support and community h has been found in numerous studies to b be a leading contributor to health and iincreased lifespan - perfectionists are o often deprived of that.’

The stress response Perfectionism is also about being

under continuous pressure to perform and this has unhealthy consequences, says Professor Flett.

When the body is under stress, the adrenal glands - above each kidney release two brain neurotransmitters, adrenaline and noradrenaline.

This prepares the body for fight or flight by increasing the heart rate, blood pressure, dilating the airways and coronary arteries and increasing metabolic rate.

A study in 2011 at Tehran University, Iran, looked at what happened in the bodies of perfectionists in a stressful situation - where they had to complete an intelligence test in a set time - compared with ‘hardy’ individuals, i.e., people who were more controlled and resilient.

The perfectionists found the situation more stressful, their blood pressure and heart rate increased and there were changes in their breathing.

Hardy candidates stayed calmer.

This is known as the stress response, where activity in areas of the body not needed for fight or flight is reduced, for instance in the immune system and the skin.

But this response is designed to be over quickly so our bodies can recover and rest, says Stephen Palmer, visiting professor of psychology at Middlesex University.

‘If the stress response is prolonged, the body is always in threat mode, which means the immune, digestive, cardio- vascular and other systems suffer,’ he says.

It doesn’t help that perfectionists - who often become doctors, lawyers, editors, engineers and other occupations requiring exacting standards - are at increased risk of workaholism.

A study last August from the University of Kent looked at 131 employees and found self-oriented perfectionists were highly likely to be driven workaholics.

‘That leads to exhaustion and when you’re depleted you’re a sitting duck in terms of risk of

illness, especially when exposed to viruses, because the chronic stress they’re under compromises the immune system to such a degree,’ says Professor Flett.

And perfectionists are also more likely to be insomniacs.

A study in 2010 by the University of Coimbra, Portugal, found socially prescribed perfectionists had more difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep than other students.

‘Such people equate their selfworth with their ability to meet the goals. If they fail, even in a small way, their resulting emotions include “awfulisation” - labelling themselves as failures,’ says Professor Palmer. As a result, they worry - no wonder they can’t sleep!’

And when they fall ill, perfectionists can face another major problem.

‘They are not big on self-care,’ says Professor Flett.

‘They often think “Why do I feel this way?” seeing their illness as a failure and pushing themselves through it, not taking time to get better and putting off seeking help.

This slows recovery and can lead to further illness.’

Last year, Professor Flett looked at 100 heart attack patients and found the perfectionists recovered more slowly and were at higher risk of further cardiac problems.

‘We identified three factors in the lives of perfectionists that slowed down their recovery: stress from the pressure they put on themselves; chronic negative emotions from never feeling joy in their achievements; and lack of social support,’ he says.

This is backed up by a Dutch study published in the journal Circulation in 2010, involving more than 6,000 heart disease patients. Perfectionists with a negative outlook were three times more likely to experience more heart problems than those with positive personalities.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

PAGE 37

Confab: CNPP urges delegates to dwell on security

T

L-R: Ekiti state Deputy Governor, Professor Modupe Adelabu, All Progressives Congress Governorship Aspirant/Ekiti state Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, and Interim Vice-Chairman, APC Ekiti state chapter, Chief Dele Falusi, during the party’s governorship primaries, recently in Ado Ekiti.

2015: Niger governor under pressure to contest Senate From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

N

iger state governor, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, has been placed under intense pressure to declare his plan ahead of 2015 general elections even as the turbaned chiefs in Minna Emirate assured him of their support.

Responding to the request, Aliyu said “I have been consulted to run for the Senate, but have not

agreed yet. I don’t plan for it but God plans for me, you all know how I emerged in 2007 as well as a member House of Representative during Shagari.”

When requested to elevate his deputy, Hon. Ahmed Musa Ibeto, to succeed him for his loyalty, governor Aliyu stated that “I confirmed him as a very loyal deputy. I have been praying for somebody in the cabinet, who knows what is going on to take over

from me. I can not elevate anybody, its God who can elevate somebody.

I pray one of the two aspiring candidates to scale through who will give us the best in Niger state.”

He urged people to be security conscious and informed security agencies at appropriate time before it could get out of hands even as he urged them to judge people based on character not by tribe or other sentiment.

Earlier the chairman and

leader of the delegation, Chief Pampas Ngozi Wahiwe, said the rate of killing in the country is alarming especially the activity of Boko Haram in the North East as he commended Niger state government for being proactive on security matters.

Pampas stated “ where do you go in 2015, there is no need to hide anything anymore, we are ready to support you at any given time” he said.

Lawyer advises Confab delegates to tackle corruption

M

rs Florence Itamunoala, a ort Harcourt lawyer yesterday advised the National Conference to tackle the menace of corruption setting the country backward.

She told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt that corruption must be fought to a standstill in the country, as it had hindered the nation’s progress.

Itamunola, however, said that the fight against corruption must start from the citizenry. ‘’We must deal with corruption because no matter how good a plan is, once element of corruption comes in, it will flop.

“We (Nigerians) have been static in growth and development and I think that whatever we are doing let us address how to deal with the issue of corruption.’’

According to her, the nation has been ‘’the giant of Africa’’ without attaining the expected economic growth and development expected of a giant.

Itamunoala said members of the national conference should be serious with their assignment, as so much (money) had gone into the conference. ‘’So much has gone into this national conference; so much

that would have gone into other things.

“It will be very unfortunate if at the end of the day we are not able to make out something good from this national conference that will move the nation forward.’’

She urged the delegates to consider their assignment as a sacrifice for the growth and development of the country.

(NAN)

he Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) yesterday urged delegates to the ongoing National Conference to dwell on issues bordering on the nation’s security.

The National Chairman of the group, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. ``With the deteriorating state of affairs in the country, particularly insecurity, there is the need for the conference to suggest measures that could assist the Federal Government in tackling insurgency. ``The most immediate measure toward tackling insurgency in the country is to ensure that there is dialogue between the Federal Government and the various insurgents particularly those that have almost taken over in the North. ``As the dialogue develops, the government should also take care of the root cause of the insurgency,” he said.

He said that the greatest root cause of the insurgency was the high level of poverty, hunger and unemployment.

Musa noted that the priority of the government was to do something concrete and immediate about the level of poverty, hunger and unemployment to check the ``negative state of the nation.”

He also called on the government to ensure free, fair and transparent elections in 2015 which should lead to a legitimate government. ``These are the country’s immediate goals that should be realised within the next nine months. ``They are certainly achievable within this time frame because government has a lot of financial resources that can be managed to bring about high level of employment in the country, provided that the government is capable,” he said.

The chairman also decried the leading role of the private sector in the economy as opposed to the leading role of the public sector.

(NAN)

Kaduna Assembly calls for re-introduction of sanitary inspectors

T

he Kaduna State House of Assembly yesterday advised the state government to reintroduce sanitary inspectors to instil hygiene consciousness and good health practice among residents.

The House took the decision after deliberating on a motion by

the member representing Kaura Constituency, Mr Bitiyong Nkom.

Nkom had noted the challenges facing various communities in the state as a result of dirty environment, saying the reintroduction of local sanitary inspectors would

help to compel residents to keep their environment clean.

According to him, recent outbreak of communicable diseases in the state has resulted in deaths and over-stretching of available health facilities.

Nkom therefore urged the assembly to advise the state

government to ``as a matter of necessity’’ also enforce compliance with the monthly environmental sanitation programme across the state. ‘’ But there is the compelling need to engage the inspectors meaningful so that their activities would be felt

regularly.’’

After contributions by some of the members, the assembly, presided by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Peter Adamu, adopted the motion and directed its Clerk to communicate the decision to the executive arm of government.

(NAN)

PAGE 38

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Politics

Alleged electoral material theft: Court discharges 3 men T A

n Oredo Magistrates’ Court in Benin yesterday discharged three men Shaka Momodu,34, Yusuf Inusa,29, and Garba Sekwan, 53, charged with theft of electoral materials.

The Magistrate, Mr Peter Edo-Asemota, ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the case.

He said that the court could not try the men based on the fact that the alleged offences were committed within Auchi Magisterial District.

Edo-Asemota said that only Auchi Magistrates’ Court or High Court with jurisdiction for Etsako South could try the case. ``Section 138(a) of Edo State Local Government Electoral Independent Commission Election Law 2012, is very clear on this. ``An offence committed under this law shall be tried in a Magistrates’ Court or High Court located within the Local Government Area where the offence is committed. ``In the circumstance, these

PDP in Kebbi boasts of victory in 2015

charges are accordingly hereby struck out for want of jurisdiction and the accused are hereby discharged,’’ Edo-Asemota said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the electoral materials belonging to the Edo Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) were alleged to have been stolen in Auchi.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Mr Wole Ehinmowo, told the court that the accused on Oct. 22, 2013 at ward 3, unit 4, and 5, Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, organised

a group of persons to act in a disorderly manner.

Ehinmowo said the accused committed the offence at the venue of Edo State Independent Electoral Commission.

The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 74, 64(2) (g), 72(1) of the Edo Electoral law.

Mr Rahman Mohammed, counsel to the accused, had earlier appealed to the court to strike out the case, saying the court had no jurisdiction over the matter. (NAN)

Kwara Assembly calls for measures to curb flooding

T

he Kwara House of Assembly yesterday urged the state government to embark on measures that would curb the annual occurrence of flooding in many parts of the state.

The assembly made the call in its resolution, after adopting a report on the recent flooding at Atikeke area, along Jaseipo Road, llorin, which claimed some lives and property.

The issue was raised during plenary by Alhaji Saadu Tanke (APC) representing llorin South Constituency under a matter of urgent public importance.

In its resolution, the assembly sympathised with the families of three people who died in the flood and urged the state government to immediately embark on measures to stop the perennial flooding.

The legislature urged the state Ministry of Works and Town Planning Development Authority to be alive to its responsibility by providing proper drainage along water ways, to check flooding.

The house called for the provision of drainage along Atikeke area to check the flooding being experience by residents in the area.

The legislature advised residents of the state to desist dumping refuse in drains.

In a similar development, the house also urged the government to provide relief materials to over 100 residents rendered homeless by rainstorm in Baruten Local Government area of the state.

This followed a report on the plight of the victims by Suleiman Sunaboro (APC), representing llesha Gwanara constituency under matter of urgent public importance.

He said the rainstorm which occurred on Sunday, affected Shinau, Alafiaru and Sinau, where victims were currently taking refuge in mosques, churches and other areas. (NAN)

L-R: Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ekiti state chapter, Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe, Ekiti state PDP Gubernatorial Candidate, Mr. Ayo Fayose, a former Ekiti state Gubernatorial Aspirant, Chief Abiodun Aluko, and Director-General, Ekiti state PDP Gubernatorial Campaign Group, Chief Dipo Anisulowo, during a rally by Fayose, on Monday in Ikere-Ekiti.

Photo: NAN

Adamawa PDP inaugurates committees for President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa yesterday inaugurated seven committees for President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit to the state.

The President is scheduled to visit Yola on April 29 for the PDP unity rally where he is expected

to receive some APC defectors including Alhaji Buba Marwa and Marcus Gundiri.

Addressing members of the committee at the ceremony, the state chairman of PDP, Chief Joel Madaki, urged party members to cooperate with the committees to

ensure the success of the visit.

He also urged the committee members to justify the confidence reposed in them.

The committees inaugurated are Publicity, Protocol, Security, Field, Entertainment, Finance and Transport. (NAN)

APC holds local government congress tomorrow in Bauchi

T

he All Progressives Congress (APC) said yesterday that it would conduct local government congress on in Bauchi state tomorrow.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bauchi, Alhaji Bappa Tafida, the spokesman of the party, said arrangements had been concluded to hold the congress.

He said that materials for the exercise were available, adding that the party has been sensitising party members through the state-owned

media.

According to him, the congress will take place in all the 20 local government areas of the state. ``The local government congress will commence tomorrow (Wednesday) and arrangements have already been made. ``The exercise will commence in all the local government areas of the state and we have been publicising the date on state media for people to know,” he said.

Tafida added that the congress

would be supervised by Dr Almajiri Geidam, who was sent from the party headquarters in Abuja to oversee the ward congress that took place earlier.

He assured that complaints arising from the conduct of the ward congress would be resolved and urged aggrieved members to remain law abiding.

NAN reports that the party is facing some internal challenges in the state, which recently led to the burning of one of its offices in Bauchi.

(NAN)

he Kebbi chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says the party will win all elective positions in the state come 2015 general elections.

The Chairman of the party in the state, Alhaji Mansur Shehu, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Birnin Kebbi yesterday.

Shehu said that the party had fine tuned strategies on how to achieve the electoral feat next year.

He expressed optimism that PDP would be re-elected in the state “owing to the glaring and beneficial democratic dividends provided by the party at both the national, state and the local government levels”.

He said the party had in the past seven years constructed 5,000 kms of roads, 250 additional schools and 25 general hospitals in rural communities.

“The PDP in the state had empowered farmers with implements, seedlings and seed capital for mass production of rice in commercial quantity,” Shehu said.

He said that Gov. Saidu Dakingari PDP-led was not indebted to any external or internal organisation and individuals, adding that the reelection of the party in 2015 would witness more dividend of democracy.

Shehu, therefore, called on members of the party to support the PDP- led administration in the state, adding that the party would ensure discipline among its ranks irrespective of position, tribe or religion. (NAN)

Zamfara APC Chieftain warns members over disunity

T

he Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Gusau Local Government of Zamfara State, Alhaji Shehu Muhammad yesterday urged the party members in the state to ensure unity among themselves.

Muhammad, who made the call in Gusau while briefing newsmen, said this was necessary to ensure success in coming elections in the country.

He noted that it was only unity, support and cooperation by the members that would make the party to achieve its aims and objectives and called on them to avoid disunity.

The chairman commended members in the state, most especially during the last wards and local government congresses and urged them to continue. ‘’As party leaders, we will continue to support the government’s programmes that are aimed at improving socio-economic transformation of the state. ‘’Our leadership will also support youth and women empowerment, through the provision of employment as well as training them in various trades for them to be self reliant’’. he stressed (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

PAGE 39

News Extra

5m people die of stroke yearly – Neurologist

From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

A

consultant neurosurgeon at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Dr. K. W. Wahab, has disclosed that about 15 million people worldwide suffer from stroke annually.

The neurologist also disclosed that out of the figure, five million die, 5 million are living with the ailment while the remaining five million are successfully treated.

Wahab, who disclosed this during the health talk programme organised by the Islamic Welfare Foundation (IWF) in Ilorin, disclosed that in 2005 alone, 5.7 million people died as a result of stroke-related ailments in the world.

He said that stroke occurs when blood circulation to the brain fails.

Wahab, in his lecture, entitled, “Stroke and its Prevention”, the neurologist said that 80 percent cases of stroke will be recorded in the low income and middle income nations of the world by the year 2030.

The guest speaker, who is also a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Medicine, University of Ilorin, stated that the two major causes of stroke include blockage of blood flow and blood seeping into the brain, adding that hypertension accounts for 65 to 85 percent of stroke cases in Nigeria.

The don said that indiscriminate intake of alcoholic drinks increases the risk of both Ischaemic and haemorrhagic type of stroke, stressing that “having a risk factor doesn’t mean one will suffer stroke and not having a risk factor doesn’t mean you will avoid a stroke”.

He advised that people should always engage in daily body exercise, quit smoking, check their BP regularly, take their drug regularly if hypertension patients, and always watch their weigh.

The Consultant urged Nigerians to avoid junk foods, keeping blood pressures normal, reducing salt consumption, avoiding deeply fried foods, eating vegetables and fruits regularly and taking balanced diet if they must prevent stroke.

Chibok abduction: Muslim group urges clerics to pray for release From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

T

he Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria (MMWG) has urged Islamic clerics across Nigeria to immediately commence special prayers for peaceful release of school girls abducted in Chibok by insurgents.

The group, in a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Alh Ibrahim Abdullahi and made available to Journalists in Ilorin, Kwara state, noted that the situation

has become more worrisome as the Borno state government has put the number of the abducted school girls at 230.

“This situation has put the whole nation in serious agony, fear and sorrow as nobody knows what has happened to the innocent girls.

“Apart from the missing Malaysian plane over a month ago, this appears to be the worst crime perpetrated in Nigeria in particular and the World at large,” the group noted.

The group appealed to the dominant political parties in the country to suspend all their political activities” so that we can all dedicate ourselves to spiritual devotion for the innocent children to be freed unarmed”.

“Security apparatus in Nigeria should know that this is a test on their ability to withstand and contain terror and terrorism in the country.

“They should therefore redouble their efforts to locate the whereabouts of the helpless

Clergywomen condemn Nyanya attack

By Evelyn Okakwu

T

Disengaged workers of defunct Rivers State Oil Palm Plantation (RISONPALM) Ltd, protesting over the nonpayment of their outstanding pension and gratuity, yesterday in Port Harcourt.

Photo: NAN

Kutigi changes National Confab committees’ venue

T

he National Conference Chairman, Justice Idris Kutigi (rtd.), has announced a change of venue for some of the confab’s standing committees, as deliberations at the committee level began yesterday.

This is contained in a statement by the conference’s Assistant Secretary on Media and Communications, Mr. Akpandem James in Abuja.

It said committees 11 to 20, hitherto scheduled to sit at the Sheraton Hotels and Towers,

would now hold their sessions at the NICON Luxury Hotel. ``The change in venue for the second set of committees became necessary because Sheraton will not be available for the number of days envisaged,’’ the statement said.

It, however, said committees one to 10 would hold their sessions at the National Judicial Institute (NJI), the official venue of the conference, as earlier announced.

Kutigi, in the statement, while

apologising for the sudden change in venue, enjoined delegates to go straight to their respective venues as they resumed from the Easter break on Tuesday.

The confab chairman had stated last week that two venues had to be created for the committees to sit because of inadequate Committee Rooms at NJI. The Work Plan indicated that the conference would produce and sign the final report between June 16 and June 19. (NAN)

Boko Haram members urged to embrace dialogue, sheathe sword From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

N

ational president of Muslim Youths for Grassroot Reorientation (MUFYFGO) Amir Nuradeen Hashimu has appealed to Boko Haram insurgents to embrace dialogue and sheath their sword in the interest of the country.

Hashimu who made the

and innocent children without further delay.

“We appeal to those responsible for this act to free the abducted children and come to the negotiating table with the federal government, bearing in mind that God that created us does not support evil deeds, even if it is done to avenge any perceived wrongdoings earlier done to them, as He is capable of avenging correctly any wrongdoing if those affected truly believes in Him.”

disclosure yesterday in Minna in an interview with our reporter, said that the nations interest overrides any other other as killing of innocent souls does no good to anyone.

He urged politicians not to overheat the polity ahead of 2015 general elections in order to have a peaceful and acceptable elections while urging youths to resist being used to create chaos

during campaign and elections as 2015 draws nearer.

The National president commended the Niger state government on the ban on street begging and urged the involvement of all stakeholders especially the clerics, in the success of the programme.

He said doing so would create an enabling environment for those responsible for the programme to

carry out their job effectively and efficiently without difficulties.

He called on the youths in the state to take advantage of Niger state SURE-P engagement and empowerment programme most especially the green guard, community traffic vanguard, environmental sanitation vanguard and a host of others that have created job opportunities for the teaming youths in the state.

he Association of Women in Clergy (AWIC), have condemned the Nyanya bombing and kidnap of female students in Borno state by the Boko Haram sect.

A statement issued by the Nigerian Christians Pilgrims Commission (NCPC)’s head of media and communication, said the group made this known during a courtesy visit to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

The leader of the group, Prophetess Nonnie Roberson, expressed concern over the killings perpetrated by members of the Boko Haram sect, describing the attack as one too many.

Roberson said that the women had decided to break their silence and `cry out to the heavens’ for God’s intervention in the crisis rocking the nation. ``We have observed with dismay the deterioration which has characterized our beloved country in almost every facet of our polity. Indeed, death is no longer experienced through the normal cause but has begun to occur from everywhere possible. The spate of wanton shedding of innocent blood is unprecedented. ``Our women and girls are raped indiscriminately, kidnapping of children in Nigeria has taken a notorious international dimension,’’ she stated.

She said that the group was out to speak for the vulnerable group in the society, especially in areas devastated by crisis and oppression of the poor.

Roberson stated that the group was committed to the spiritual growth of women in Nigeria and the world at large. ``We engage and operate in spiritual warfare and advocacy, having been mandated to raise our voice for the voiceless woman; we are advancing against wickedness in the land like Deborah, rebuilding walls like Nehemiah and displacing the ungodly like Esther’’, she said.

PAGE 40

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Photo Splash

A man helping residents of Ijegun and Isheri-Oshun to cross a wooden bridge on Isolo Road, on Monday in Lagos.

Cars parked by workers on resumption after Easter holiday at Edo Government Secretariat, yesterday in Benin.

Photo: NAN

A drama group from Government Secondary School, Obu-Ama performing at the opening of Port Harcourt World Book Capital, yesterday in Port Harcourt.

Photo: NAN

Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu (middle), cutting a cake to mark his 52nd birthday, yesterday in Abuja. With him are Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Ado Muhammad (left), Permanent Secretary, Ministry OF Health, Mr. Linus Awute (2nd left), minister’s wife, Mrs Osinachi BuchiChukwu (2nd right,) and Executive Secretary, National Health Insurance Scheme, Dr Femi Thomas (right).

Photo: NAN

Photo: NAN

Founder, Sir David Osunde Foundation, Mr. David Osunde, acknowledging cheers from beneficiaries, during the foundation’s 22nd edition of Easter Monday national celebration in honour of people with disabilities, on Monday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

PAGE 40

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Photo Splash

A man helping residents of Ijegun and Isheri-Oshun to cross a wooden bridge on Isolo Road, on Monday in Lagos.

Cars parked by workers on resumption after Easter holiday at Edo Government Secretariat, yesterday in Benin.

Photo: NAN

A drama group from Government Secondary School, Obu-Ama performing at the opening of Port Harcourt World Book Capital, yesterday in Port Harcourt.

Photo: NAN

Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu (middle), cutting a cake to mark his 52nd birthday, yesterday in Abuja. With him are Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Ado Muhammad (left), Permanent Secretary, Ministry OF Health, Mr. Linus Awute (2nd left), minister’s wife, Mrs Osinachi BuchiChukwu (2nd right,) and Executive Secretary, National Health Insurance Scheme, Dr Femi Thomas (right).

Photo: NAN

Photo: NAN

Founder, Sir David Osunde Foundation, Mr. David Osunde, acknowledging cheers from beneficiaries, during the foundation’s 22nd edition of Easter Monday national celebration in honour of people with disabilities, on Monday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

SPORT 41 PAGE

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESSDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

SMS- 08036258222, albertakota@yahoo.com

Women’s World Cup: NFF sets semi-finals target for Falconets T he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) expects a semi-finals appearance from the under-20 women team, the Falconets, at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Canada this August.

Mrs Dilichukwu Onyedimma, an NFF board member in Abuja that the team had since been working to surpass its previous World Cup record.

“The Falconets will come into camp in the next one or two months but we want to start preparing them with friendly matches.

“All expectations are that the team should go beyond the stage it reached before and, if not, the semi-finals. But I am looking at the team playing in the final this year.

“The under-17 team which went to Costa Rica in March did not start playing friendly matches on time when they were preparing for the World Cup, but they later did when they embarked on a training tour.

“They played a good number of matches which really helped them get to the quarter-finals stage.

“So, we also want to do the same for the Falconets. We will start with friendly matches and from there we will get them into camp,’’ Onyedimma said.

She said the programme of early camping and friendly matches would ensure that the team had the coherence it needed for the World Cup. The 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Canada is scheduled to hold between Aug. 5 and Aug. 24.

Nigeria is in Group C with England, Mexico and Korea Republic.

Falconets

Brazil 2014 ticket certificates ready

T

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced that certificates for those who purchased their FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 match tickets through the NFF are now ready for collection.

Speaking at the NFF Secretariat in Abuja yesterday, NFF’s Director of Marketing, Adama Idris stated that the certificates will enable those supporters to apply for their entry visa into the Federal Republic of Brazil for the finals, slated for 12th June - 13th July this year.

“We want to use this opportunity to call on all Nigerian supporters who purchased their match tickets through the NFF to come to our office in Abuja, in person, to collect their certificates.

“These certificates will facilitate their process of securing entry visa into Brazil for the championship.”

Adama also called on concerned persons to contact himself, Tolulope Abe or Alizor Chuks for more details about the certificates.

Give us our subvention to develop basketball, NBBF president tells NSC Stories by Albert Akota

T

he President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Tijani Umar has urged the National Sports Commission (NSC) to make funds available to the federation in order to carry out its 2014 programme effectively.

Umar described the NSC attitude towards the federation as retrogressive. According to him, this is responsible for the continuous challenges which various sporting federations face in its day to day activities due to lack of adequate manpower and non-availability of facilities as well as funds.

Speaking with newsmen in Abuja, Alhaji Umar who was visibly disturbed by the inability of the federation to access funds to execute its programmes and activities in line with its mandate stated that the current NBBF board have dipped hands into their pockets to get things done.

Tijani Umar lamented that apart from the paucity of funds affecting the federation, they do not have enough personnel to manage a modern day basket ball Federation.

According to the NBBF Boss “We have three NSC officials in the basketball federation and three persons only cannot run a federation. We are under-staffed, under-equipped and under-funded. And because of these three reasons, no matter how much effort a President or secretariat will put, it will just be a drop of water in the ocean.

“You will only begin real progress when

every considerable duty has someone is there to take care of it. If we have people we carry out what we should do and submit regular reports during our meetings, the board will simply face its job and does it well.

“Again, if we are to run the federation the way it is in other climes, board members are supposed to be fully engaged and paid. They will be given money which they require to execute many responsibilities. But this is not what is obtainable rather we run the federation by taking money from our personal resources or pockets. There is no way we can achieve because we are constraint.

Talking about plans to get a befitting structure for the federation Alhaji Umar said “At the moment, we are beginning to take steps that will enable us to have our permanent office here in the national stadium and our plan is to get the building ready by 2016 so that we can commission it by the time we come back from Olympics. We at the NBBF are under pressure to do things correctly.

“Most importantly, we will build a youth and women development department to enable us to begin a development programme that will make those coming after us to work in a more conducive environment.

Let me also say this; the system is shortchanging us and is unfair. There must be budget for national teams. The National Sports Commission has not been fair to us. As I’m talking to you, we still owe millions of naira from the last Afrobasket as well Afrobasket in 2011. We can’t move forward like this.

DTigers in action against Team-France ahead of 2012 London Olympic games

PAGE 42

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Sports

NFF mourns Onyeawuna, Lato, amateur players

T

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) yesterday expressed sorrow and sadness over the deaths of a former captain of the Senior National Team, Albert Onyeawuna, Kaduna United FC Head Coach Saleh Lato and five players of Nigeria Nationwide League side Bakoji FC of Kaduna, all over the festive period.

NFF’s Assistant Director (Communications), Ademola Olajire, lamented the deaths in Abuja, saying the entire Nigeria football family was grieving over the departures of the great Onyeawuna, Coach Lato and the young players.

“Words are inadequate to express the sadness of the NFF and the entire Nigeria Football family over the deaths of these persons. We love them dearly but God loves them much more.

“Our prayer is that the Alnighty God will give the families they have left behind, as well as Nigeria football family the fortitude to bear the huge losses and also to grant the departed eternal rest.”

Albert Onyeawuna played for the Senior National Team, then known as Red Devils, between 1955 and 1964, scoring six goals in 26 international appearances,

including one in a 6-3 defeat

by Egypt in Nigeria’s first-ever match at the Africa Cup of Nations, on 24th November 1963 in Kumasi, Ghana.

He died in Lagos on Monday evening, barely one hour after going into coma, after prolonged illness.

Albert Onyeawuna played alongside the likes of Sam Ibiam, Dan Anyiam, Asuquo Ekpe, Godwin Achebe, Dejo Fayemi, Patrick Noquaqor, Paul Hamilton, Fabian Duru, Teslim Balogun and Elkana Onyeali.

His last game for Nigeria was an Olympic Games qualifying match against the Atlas Lions of Morocco in March 1964, which the Devils lost 2-1.

Saleh Lato, promoted to Head Coach of Nigeria Professional Football League side, Kaduna United FC only last week, following the departure of Ben Duamlong, fell ill suddenly and died on Sunday morning in Kaduna.

Five players of Nigeria Nationwide League club, Bakoji FC of Kaduna died in a road crash on their way to a league match against JZ United of Kafanchan in Kafanchan. A number of other players and officials were injured in the accident.

African teams to 2014 FIFA World Cup shun CAF offer

Flying Eagles face Abuja Football College in tune-up match

Kelechi Iheanacho

By Albert Akota

T

he Flying Eagles will today take on the Abuja Football College in another tune-up match in continuation of preparations for next month’s 2015 African Youth Championship (AYC) qualifiers.

A statement by the national under-20 men team’s Media Officer, Samm Audu, said the match would be played at the FIFA Goal Project in Abuja

from 7.30 a.m.

The statement also quoted Flying Eagles’ head coach Manu Garba as saying the match against Abuja Football College would be another good test for his team.

“I hope the football academy, now famous for producing the likes of Dele Alampasu and Abdullahi Alfa, will give my team a good test as we build up for next month’s 2015 AYC qualifiers,’’ he said.

The Flying Eagles’

opponents in the second round of the 2015 AYC Qualifiers would be either Kenya or Tanzania.

The opponents will emerge this weekend following the second leg game, after both teams had played out a goalless draw in the first leg match in Kenya two weeks earlier.

The Flying Eagles, who did not break camp for the Easter holidays, trained on Monday morning at the Abuja National Stadium practice pitch.

Cross Rivers state honours Ikpeme

By Albert Akota

Issa Hayatou, CAF president

W

ith less than two months to the kick off of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, none of the African teams to the tournament has accepted the offer by CAF to train for free at its Centre of Excellence in Cameroon.

PANA reports that in February, CAF announced it will cover the costs of training at the CAF Centre of Excellence in Mbankomo, Cameroon.

Africa’s five flag bearers to Brazil are: Algeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria.

CAF also called on the entire African continent to support the five teams so they can make Africa proud.

Based on the preparation programmes so far released by the teams, indications are that none of them will be training anywhere in Africa for the World Cup, which kicks off on June 12 and runs through July 13.

All the teams have lined up foreign playing tours and training, from where they will head to Brazil for the global tournament. (PANA/NAN)

T

he Government of Cross River State has honoured NFF’s Director of Technical, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme, for his excellent contributions to the development of football, nay sports, in the State.

At the ceremony held in Calabar, the State capital on Wednesday, the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, CON eulogised Ikpeme, saying without mincing words that the award was “in recognition of your outstanding achievements and contribution to the development

of sport in our State and the Nation.”

Ikpeme, a former senior lecturer in the University of Calabar, who also served as Sole Administrator of Cross River State Sports Council, assumed duties as Deputy Secretary General (Technical) at the Nigeria Football Federation early 2007, before becoming the Director of Technical three years ago.

He is credited with convincing the Government of Cross River State to adopt the U-17 National Team, Golden Eaglets, for the team’s preparations and qualification matches for the 2013 African U-17 Championship and

the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where the team won a record fourth world title for the country.

He also played a huge role in convincing the Government of Cross River State in hosting the home matches of the Senior National Team, Super Eagles in the team’s quest to qualify for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (which it won in South Africa) and the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals.

In recognition of Ikpeme’s efforts, the President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Aminu Maigari presented him with a letter of commendation in November 2012.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

PAGE 43

Sports

T

he Flying Eagles Coach, Garba Manu and his Golden Eaglets counterpart, Emmanuel Amuneke, are to attend two football tournaments taking place in Croatia between May 26 and June 8, 2014.

The invitation to attend the global tournaments was extended to them by Mr Didi Ndiomu on behalf of the management of Football College, Abuja, which is funded by Orlean Investment West Africa, an oil and gas giant.

The gesture is in furtherance of the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the president of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Aminu Maigari, and Captain Damir Miscovic on behalf of the chairman of Orlean Investment, Mr Gabrielle Volpi.

The Football College Abuja is expected to participate in the tournaments slated for two Croatian cities of Rijeka and Zagreb.

Countries that would participate

Orlean oil to sponsor Golden Eaglets, Flying Eagles to Croatia for tournament in the Rijeka tournament include Nigeria, Bosnia, Italy, Croatia, Macedonia, and Montenegro, while the tournament in Zagreb would have countries like Nigeria, Croatia, Spain, Britian, Denmark and Switzerland and some that yet to confirm their participation.

The tournaments will afford the two Nigerian gaffers the opportunity to watch young Nigerian soccer lads featuring in the Croatian First and Second Division Leagues and scout for materials as they prepare their teams for the African qualifiers for the U-17 and U-20 championships coming up later in the year.

Already, the Football College,

Abuja, has seven players in the U-17 camp and three in the U-20 squad, including the first choice goalkeeper, Dele Alamapasu, who graduated from the U-17 that won the 2013 FIFA World Cup at the United Arab Emirates.

It would be recalled that in the MoU signed by the NFF and Orlean Investment, which will run for a period of four years, the federation is to provide among other things a site plan for the construction of three football training pitches at its Goal Project Technical Centre located at the Package B of the National Stadium Abuja as well as two natural and one artificial stateof-the-art turf by the oil firm.

Today’s clash: Ronaldo sets to face Bayern Munich

M

anchester United confirmed yesterday that David Moyes has been dismissed as manager.

Ryan Giggs will be interim coach, the club announced.

Manchester United has already made the first steps toward bringing in Louis van Gaal, Old Trafford sources said.

Moyes replaced Sir Alex Ferguson last summer on a six-year contract, but he has been relieved of his duties after Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to former club Everton, which left the club unable to qualify for the Champions League.

A statement on the club’s official website read: “Manchester United has announced that David Moyes has left the club.

Former United defender Laurent Blanc, currently in charge of Paris Saint-Germain, has also been linked with the role along with Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone, although the Argentine does not speak

C

David Moyes English.

United will finish the campaign with their lowest-ever Premier League point total, having lost 11 of their 34 games so far.

They have also lost 10 of their 22 games in all competitions in 2014 and are certain to finish outside the top three for the first time since

Ryan Giggs

R

yan Giggs will be in charge of Manchester United as they look for a new manager after David Moyes was sacked yesterday.

Moyes, who was Sir Alex Ferguson’s replacement, formally took over in July and was dismissed less than 10

Aminu Maigari (r) and Orlean Investement official signing the agreement

months later. Giggs, who had joined the Scot’s backroom staff last summer, will now take the reins.

A club statement read: “Following the departure of David Moyes as manager, Manchester United has announced that Ryan Giggs, the

1990.

Moyes took United to the Champions League quarterfinals, but his reign also included a Capital One Cup semifinal defeat to Sunderland, when United missed four of their penalties in the shootout, and an FA Cup third-round exit to Swansea at Old Trafford.

club’s most decorated player, will assume responsibility for the first team until a permanent appointment can be made.

“The club will make no further comment on this process until it is concluded.”

The 40-year-old, who is studying for his Pro-Licence, has made a record 962 appearances for the club. He has won 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League titles since making his debut in 1991.

According to reports, he will be assisted by his former teammate Nicky Butt, who had been working with United’s reserve team.

United are yet to announce whether they will keep the rest of Moyes’ coaching staff, including assistant manager Steve Round, first-team coaches Phil Neville and Jimmy Lumsden and goalkeeping coach Chris Woods.

ristiano Ronaldo should be fit to face Bayern Munich today, according to Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, but a final decision on whether he will play in the Champions League semifinal first leg will be made on the day of the game.

The Fifa World Player of the Year has not played since the beginning of this month due to knee and hamstring strains but is back in training and will now undergo a more vigorous session on Wednesday morning including sprints which will determine whether he does start.

“He has been fine in training and we will have another test but it is obvious he will play if everyone is sure that he doesn’t have any problems.

“We are confident that he will start but a decision will be made tomorrow,” Ancelotti told a news conference.

Gareth Bale came to the fore in the cup with a fine winning goal and he is also fit to play having overcome a heavy cold.

“He is in good spirits. He had a small problem yesterday but now he is looking forward to playing. With the game he had against Barca it is logical that it will have given him more confidence,” said Ancelotti.

“At the start of the season he was not ready but gradually he has found his form through training. He has been playing well and scoring goals and I think that he will continue to progress next season.

Real are now aiming for their first Champions League final since they won the competition 12 years ago against Bayer Leverkusen in Glasgow and the pressure has been growing on the team to win their tenth crown.

Cristiano Ronaldo

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THIS SPACE IS FOR SALE

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Leisure

Some Interesting Facts

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he MK guerrilla wars waged against the apartheid regime resulted in numerous civilian casualties.

• Mandela admitted that the ANC, in its struggle against apartheid, also violated human rights.

• Nelson Mandela was arrested and convicted of sabotage and other charges in 1962.

• He was imprisoned for 27 years and was released in 1990, 18 years of which were spent in the Robben Island – that eventually came to be so-called “Mandela University”.

• In prison, Mandela never compromised his political principles and was always a source of strength for the other prisoners.

• Mandela was as a D-group prisoner, the lowest classification, where he was allowed one visitor and one letter (often made unreadable by the prison censors) every six months.

• Mandela was offered his freedom in 1985 by President Botha but turned it down and released a statement saying “What freedom am I being offered while the organization of the people remains banned? Only free men can negotiate. A prisoner cannot enter into contracts.”

• It was President De Klerk who announced Mandela’s release in February 1990. This historic event was broadcast live all over the world.

• He was the very first South African president to be elected

in a fully democratic election.

• Prior to his election as president, he was an antiapartheid activist.

• Nelson was also the leader of Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the armed wing of the African National Congress or ANC.

• After assuming the presidency, one of Mandela’s trademarks was his use of Batik shirts, known as “Madiba shirts”, even on formal occasions.

• Nelson Mandela is the oldest elected President of South Africa. He was 75 years old when he was elected.

• One of Mandela’s major failure as South Africa’s President, was his government’s ineffectiveness in stemming the AIDS crisis.

Say what?

SUDOKU SUDOKU EASY 75

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

QUOTABLE QUOTE I emphasise, as a minister, I earn N2 million annually, not monthly. Everything put together, with other allowances, is N4 million annually. I don’t travel every day. So, you cannot talk about my travel allowances.

–Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro

SPORTS Why the Senate must go LATEST

NFF shelves Eagles’ World Cup provisional list

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By Albert Akota

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he Nigeria Football federation (NFF) has shelved the most anticipated World Cup list of the Super Eagles for next week according to source.

The spokesman of the technical committee of the NFF Paul Bassey who disclosed this to sports writers at the football house in Abuja, said the authentic list would be released next week.

He said the postponement of the list was as a result of some players who are nursing injuries in their various clubs, noted that the period would enable the technical committee and the Eagles’ crew led by coach Stephen Keshi to monitor them.

Peoples Daily Sports gathered that the NFF and the Super Eagles Chief Coach, Stephen Keshi could not reach an agreement on the players to be included in the provisional list of the FIFA World cup in Brazil.

Keshi and the NFF Technical Committee after the meeting which took place at the NFF secretariat refused to make public the name of the players that have been invited with Keshi saying that he has done his part by submitting a list of thirty seven players to the technical committee. He stressed that the list is expected to be pruned down to thirty.

The NFF technical committee member, Paul Bassey who spoke to news men said they have agreed to withhold the list till next week, explaining that they want to allow both the committee and Keshi to consult more widely before coming out with the list.

“It is important that we do a thorough job and ensure that the players that would make the list actually deserve to be there.

It will do no good to include a player in the list only to find out that he is injured or not fit,” he said.

Bassey revealed that they had even planned to make the list public at the close of the various leagues in Europe stating that it would have given them ample opportunity to have a clearer picture of the players who are fit and injury free. But he stressed that they have to make the list public by next week to avoid further speculation.

ADVERT: BUSINESS: NEWS: LAGOS:

beyond regime protection

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hat David Mark’s Senate has given this country something that is very important: it is a Senate imbued with reassuring maturity that has ensured stability for the country’s young democracy. It is a gift that will not escape the interest of contemporary historians.

Their fixation with the legacy of democratic stability and often conciliatory tone in dealing with Jonathan’s executive arm of the government gives, on the other hand, a sense of evasiveness if not irresponsibility. Mark himself as said in a previous article is a true model for this country’s historically restless and ambitious armed forces personnel who resorted to coups-d’ etat to achieve their ambition of power.

Senator Mark as I said at that time has proven by his success in the army and later politics that it is indeed possible for any ambitious military personnel to shred their uniform, fight it out in the political turf and achieve leadership positions through democratic means. While it is no shame to rise from undemocratic origins as he did, this by itself doesn’t guarantee the broad vision needed to run a chaos called Nigeria.

The problem most people see with this Senate is that it is mellow and evasive on critical issues affecting the nation. In the name of stability and democratic well-being of the nation, they seem to think that a blind support for the President means the same thing as support for democracy.

Based on this wrong notion, they continue to give an uncritical support and, if you like, free pass to government on almost every issue including, but not limited to non-observance of the rule of law, and a chronic inability to implement budget appropriation

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Wednesday Column Garba Shehu garshehu@yahoo.co.in

Senate President David Mark beyond 30-35 percent. The Senate sits pretty as the civil society, media and political parties speak with one voice day-in-day-out in a trite against an inept government that thinks that doling out national wealth through outright bribes and myriad of waivers and subsidies and entitlement programmes as the way to keep power. We have corruption in a monstrous scale though it must be said that inefficiency, corruption, chicanery, cheating and venality among other ills have been with the country for a long time. The difference this time is that we are in a boom period. The question on the lips on many is for how long the Senate will continue to cozy itself

to the administration, behaving like dynastic Maharajas. Nobody has a divine right to rule us.

This is an attitude that cannot be justified even where there is a sense among some of them that they bought their seats and are therefore entitled to reap where they sowed.

While the House of Representatives appears ready, at all times to do business with Nigerians on all matters, notably on the issue of national security, the Senate is yet to wake up to its duty as the nation reaps deaths as its daily wages. We need radical defence and national security reforms to stem the slide into permanent insecurity that has put Nigeria in an infamous club that groups Nigeria with Syria, Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Somalia. They all know what is needed of them and say it: this beautiful country is heading toward destruction. Is our Senate going to be a catalyst for change?

This will require them to hold the government accountable and force its hands to carry out meaningful physical action, not just empty words which mean nothing as life becomes a cheap commodity throughout the land.

It is very clear by now that the stand point of government is to hold on to power. Beyond this, nothing matters at all.

Senators on their own have one

The problem most people see with this Senate is that it is mellow and evasive on critical issues affecting the nation. In the name of stability and democratic well-being of the nation, they seem to think that a blind support for the President means the same thing as support for democracy.

pre-occupation, which is that nothing must upset the apple cart. There is suspicion that they are being paid money to give the government a lee-way. But for how long, and at what cost to humanity shall we continue to wait on the government to brace itself to challenges of lawlessness and terrorism?

There was a recent statement by the Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, that some ministers were more powerful than the federal government that appointed them. The drama playing out between the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Up-stream) and the Minister, Diezani AllisonMadueke is nothing short of an affirmation of this statement.

However, the Senate as a whole seems to be at a loss as to how to deal with a recalcitrant minister who has willfully refused to respond to its summons. The Senate’s response is now in the court of public opinion but by this yardstick alone, the upper chamber of the parliament doesn’t just look pretty.

Political maturity does not mean that the Senate, as an important arm of the federal parliament should continue to play deaf and dumb to the yearnings of Nigerians who wish to have their government sit up.

No man has ever earned anyone’s respect by being too courteous.

The only way to earn respect is by standing equal or superior to somebody. This is inherent in the concept of separation of powers in the Presidential system we practice. If the Senate does not show the guts needed to call this government to order, there is no way the willingness to do so by the House can fetch us anything. It is a bi-cameral parliament.

My view here is more of a call for a paradigm change of Nigeria’s anti-terrorism policy and the need for good governance – which the parliament can force the executive arm to do rather than a call for outright impeachment which, though warranted, is unattainable given the fractiousness of parties, factions and of the political space. The Senate as the senior arm of the bi-cameral legislature has a leadership role beyond regime protection, which lies in putting the country in a more stable condition and peace for our people but to do this, no one should dream of eating omelet without breaking eggs.

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